New Earth November 2018

New November 2018 | Vol. 39 | No. 10

Earth

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Fargo

Reclaiming the beauty of Advent This season, reflect on Christ’s infinite love and mercy for you

PLUS

From Bishop Folda: Go, make disciples

Prayer, the enrichment of faith in your home

Pope Francis at canonization Mass: “Jesus is radical”

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

1

NEW

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EARTH

November 2018 Vol. 39 | No. 10

ON THE COVER 12 Reclaiming the beauty of Advent: This season,

reflect on Christ’s infinite love and mercy for you

Don’t worry, Advent isn’t here just yet. This year Advent

begins on Dec. 2, which gives us a few weeks to consider how to best live out the season. In the words of Pope Francis, Advent is a time “to welcome the Lord who comes to meet us, to verify our desire for God, to look ahead, and to prepare ourselves for the return of Christ.”

FROM BISHOP FOLDA

4

Go, make disciples

FOCUS ON FAITH

5

Pope Francis’ November prayer intentions

7

Ask a priest:

12

Why does the Church require several months of preparation before marriage? Why should I go to a celibate priest for help with my marriage?

AROUND THE DIOCESE

8

Walk with Christ for Life, defending the unborn since 1992

10 Natural Family Planning and contraception…

they are not the same

8

11 Beginning Experience, a healing peer ministry

19 Stories of Faith

FAITH AND CULTURE

14 Tattered Pages

True leisure and why should we strive for it

15 Prayer, the enrichment of faith in your home

NEXT GEN

16 Past Young Disciples reflect on missionary experience 17 Catholic Health Ethics Association launches at NDSU

Rising above distraction

21 Sister’s Perspective

Women Religious, missionary disciples

22 Seminarian Life

The priest and the poor

23 Catholic Action

Access to contraceptives does not prevent abortions

24 Stewardship

Another smart use of your IRA

25 Word On Fire

2

OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

10

Tintoretto and the reform of the Church

16

2018

ns

NEW

ON THE COVER: Photo from iStock.

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

16

17

WHAT’S HAPPENING

26 Events across the diocese 27 Life’s milestones 28 A glimpse of the past 28 Connect with parishes at fall festivals 29 In Memoriam

U.S. AND WORLD NEWS

38 Pope Francis at canonization Mass: “Jesus is radical”

SIDEWALK STORIES 39 Gray carpet forms line between heaven, hell

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 December issue is Nov. 21, 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 NOVEMBER 2018

3

FROM BISHOP FOLDA

Go, make disciples

I

n the summer of 2017, Catholic bishops, priests, and lay leaders from around the country gathered for a convocation, called “The Joy of the Gospel in America,” an event that centered on the Church’s mission of evangelization.

Afterwards, Bishop Michael Hoeppner of Crookston and I decided to bring some of what we experienced back to our home dioceses, and to hold our own “Convocation of Parish Leaders” for the Dioceses of Fargo and Crookston. This Convocation will take place on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 in Fargo, and will involve priests and people from all of our parishes.

One of our priests recently reminded me of something I said at a public gathering: “If we aren’t evangelizing, we’re dead.”

That might sound a little extreme, but I believe it is absolutely true. Jesus gave the Church explicit marching orders: “Go, make disciples of all nations.” If we refuse to accept this mission, how can we be the Church that Jesus calls us to be? The newly canonized Pope St. Paul VI wrote, “Evangelizing is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity. She exists in order to evangelize.” And besides, we can no longer assume that the faith is being passed along through family tradition as it once was. People no longer automatically accept the faith of their parents and grandparents, and we as baptized Catholics must therefore step up and offer to others the gift we have received, not with imposition and aggression but with friendship, prayer, and invitation.

Some of our fellow Catholics might feel that evangelizing and witnessing to the faith are outside their comfort zone. The prospect of ringing doorbells and waving a bible in a stranger’s face isn’t very appealing to many of us. But that’s just a caricature of what we are and what we should be doing. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes evangelization as “The proclamation of Christ and his Gospel by word and the testimony of life, in fulfillment of Christ’s command.” It’s true that we take a risk when we give witness to our faith in Christ, but the fact is that every follower of Christ is called to be an evangelist, in one way or another. Early in his pontificate, Pope Francis called upon all Catholics to be “missionary disciples,” believers who are ready and willing to be sent by Jesus into the world as his active followers and witnesses.

In the current time of scandal and crisis, when the credibility of the Church has been undermined by the sins of some of her leaders, the role of the laity is more important than ever. The baptized faithful must embrace their own role in the life and 4

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

mission of the Church, which is to live fully as disciples of Jesus Christ, and to witness that faith to others in word and action.

Each one of us, by virtue of our baptism, has a share in this mission and has the capacity to give the kind of witness that our world needs. One does not need a doctorate in theology to openly live the Catholic faith and to welcome others to share it. The Holy Spirit equips all of us for this mission with the outpouring of his gifts.

“People no longer automatically accept the faith of their parents and grandparents, and we as baptized Catholics must therefore step up and offer to others the gift we have received, not with imposition and aggression but with friendship, prayer, and invitation.”

– Bishop John Folda One of the most compelling marks of a vibrant Church is a spirit of joy. By this I don’t mean the passing enjoyment of earthly comfort. I mean the joy that emerges from our life in Christ. Faith that is joyfully lived has the capacity to attract and convince others of the truth, goodness, and beauty of Christ and his Gospel. Where the faith is lived joyfully, souls will come to know something of the joy that our Lord wants us to have, a joy that looks forward and already experiences a hint of the glory of heaven. A faith that is dour and pessimistic, on the other hand, will attract no one. It’s true that we all have daily trials and even sufferings to get through, but Christian joy is not diminished by such things. It endures because it is founded on the person of Jesus, who saves us from all evil. Convinced of his grace, we can joyfully and confidently invite others to share in it.

As George Weigel has written: “Institutional maintenance Catholicism is finished. Purified, mission-driven Catholicism is the Church with a vital future.” I believe he means that we cannot just keep things as they are, but we must launch more fully into the mission that Christ gave to his Church. Of course, no one would assume that a single event will turn everything around, but this Convocation aims to raise awareness among our leaders of the need for evangelization in their own parishes, as well as the fact that everyone has a part to play in the Church’s mission. Hopefully, the participants will come away with a few concrete pointers and some strategies that they can use and share with others to build a culture of missionary discipleship

in thei leaders for a m our di The especi priests diocesa missio Lord c those y who h God w his lov And le to lead

f Jesus action. n this ss that ogy to share th the

urch is ent of life in ct and st and ome to e, a joy lory of hand, d even nished person ce, we

nance licism hat we more course, ything ng our hes, as urch’s h a few e and leship

in their own parishes. My hope and prayer is that those leaders who attend this Convocation will become a catalyst for a more vigorous sense of mission in all the parishes of our diocese.

The mission of the Church will always depend on prayer, especially the prayer of the Eucharist. Please pray for your priests and those from your parish who will attend this diocesan convocation. Without the prayer of the faithful, the mission of the Church will limp, but with your prayers, our Lord can accomplish great things among us. Pray also for those you know who are distant from the Church, or those who have no relationship with the living God. Pray that God will send you to the person who needs to experience his love, to the person who is open to receiving his Gospel.

And let us ask Mary, the Star of the New Evangelization, to lead all of us into the grace of Jesus, her Son.

BISHOP FOLDA’S CALENDAR Nov. 12–15

USCCB Meeting, Baltimore. Md.

Nov. 22–25

Thanksgiving Holiday, Pastoral Center closed

Nov. 27

|

6 p.m.

Theology on Tap, Blarney Stone, West Fargo

Nov. 30–Dec. 1

Convocation of Parish Leaders prayer

Convocation of Parish Leaders, Avalon Events Center, Fargo

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? –Romans 10: 13-15

ND Catholic Conference, Jamestown

Heavenly Father, Pour forth your Holy Spirit to inspire us with these words from Holy Scripture, so that we might be strengthened to go forth and witness to the Gospel in our daily lives through our words and actions.

Give us the grace that we might hear the call of the New Evangelization to deepen our faith, grow in confidence to proclaim the Gospel and boldly witness to the saving grace of your Son, Jesus Christ.

In moments of hesitation, remind us: If not me, then who will proclaim the Gospel? If not now, then when will the Gospel be proclaimed? If not the truth of the Gospel, then what shall I proclaim?

O Mary, our Immaculate Mother, pray for us. May the Convocation of Parish Leaders, inspire us to imitate your example as the first disciple of your son, Jesus, who is Lord for ever and ever.

Amen.

Mary, Star of the New Evangelization, pray for us. St. Joseph, pray for us. St. Thérèse of Lisieux, pray for us. St. John Paul II, pray for us.

Adapted from the USCCB “Prayer for the New Evangelization”

Dec. 4 6 p.m.

Catholic Man Night, Nativity, Fargo

Dec. 6

|

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 8

| 12:00 p.m.

Miryam Dinner, Bishop’s Residence, Fargo Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Mass, Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo

Dec. 11

|

11 a.m.

Catholic Development Board, Pastoral Center, Fargo

3 p.m

Diocesan Finance Council, Pastoral Center, Fargo

Prayer Intention of Pope Francis NOVEMBER

Universal – In Service of Peace

That the language of love and dialogue may always prevail over the language of conflict.

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

5

U N I V E R S I T Y

O F

M A R Y

PRAYER DAY Register at www.umary.edu/PrayerDay

NOVEMBER 14, 10 AM McDowell Activity Center, University of Mary, Bismarck, ND

THE POWER OF ONE: How One Attitude, One Action and One Person Can Change the World

keynote speaker:

John O’Leary

Expected to die, John O’Leary now teaches others how to truly live. John was burned on 100% of his body when he was nine years old. His unlikely recovery is a luminous example of thriving through adversity. With emotional storytelling and unexpected humor, John reminds audiences of the significance of daily attitudes, the power of gratitude, and the impact of serving others with courage.

Event is open to the public. Tickets are $5 per person and include complimentary lunch at the Crow’s Nest.

Register at umary.edu/PrayerDay or at the event.

6

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

I

hea are pre howev planne to be e somet their r Prep that ar with a herent the wi The pr comm severa can lea couple has be to help But spent will be one w ensure the sk them v bigges fully i In m practic are no to get is alre would couple need t are no is at a Mike S mento a feeli us thin for the reality Wh Loving other p be the an arg

FOCUS ON FAITH

I

Why does the Church require several months of preparation before marriage? Why should I go to a celibate priest for help with my marriage?

hear questions like these from time to time. Sometimes couples are so enthusiastic to get married that the normal six-month preparation period seems far too long to wait. Most couples, however, don’t have a problem with it because they had already planned a much longer engagement. It’s not rare for couples to be engaged for a year or more before their wedding, which sometimes works fine but often brings its own problems into their relationship (which would be a subject for another article).

Preparation for a Catholic wedding includes several components that are standard practices in most dioceses. Couples will meet with a priest for several sessions to discuss the spirituality inherent in healthy marriages and how their relationship fits into the wider marriage between Christ and his bride, the Church.

The process also includes a weekend seminar that addresses common questions and experiences in marriage, as well as several classes in Natural Family Planning so that the couple can learn the art of becoming one flesh with each other. Lastly, a couple’s preparation may include meetings with a couple who has been married for several years and acts as a mentor of sorts to help the younger couple get married with solid expectations.

But all of this returns us to the question: why so much time spent meeting with a celibate priest, who never has and never will be married? The priest (or perhaps a deacon) will be the one who officially witnesses your wedding, and it’s his task to ensure that the necessary parts have been completed. Naturally, the skills and the personality of the priest will make some of them very good at preparing couples and some less so, but the biggest benefit always comes when the couple themselves are fully invested in the process.

In my experience with couples, most are not looking for best practices from someone who’s done the same things. Their needs are not about balancing budgets or figuring out the best way to get their children from one activity to another (if the couple is already married). If they came to me with those questions, I would tell them they’re asking the wrong person. What most couples are looking for when they’re struggling is hope. They need to learn how to be honest and bring up the things they are not dealing with. They want to understand where God is at a moment when their marriage feels so difficult. Father Mike Schmitz — who through YouTube has become a Catholic mentor for thousands — says (quoting a movie), “Love is not a feeling, it’s an ability.” The passion of young love can make us think that we will automatically love each other well, even for the rest of our lives. No problem! But then we get into the reality, and problems arise.

What does Father Schmitz say will make us better at love?

Loving is choosing the good — that is, what is best — for the other person. What would be best for the other person needs to be the guiding question for any relationship. What is best during an argument? To understand. What is best when sharing expens-

es? To spend them carefully and openly with one’s spouse.

What is best when showing affection?

Ask a Priest Seeking to love Father Gregory in the way one’s Haman spouse needs it.

Those things might seem obvious but in real life, they can easily get lost and it is helpful to have someone to sit with and talk it out.

What makes Father Schmitz so insightful? Pope John Paul II said those who spread the Gospel must be “experts in humanity.” Those who spread the Gospel take up a wide swath of the church, but priests are central in that swath because they have the official responsibility and their whole lives are called to be a proclamation of the Gospel. All of that is not to say that a couple should only seek a priest’s help. I would never recommend that. Professional counselors are equipped with tools and experience that many priests are not.

Still, do you know your priest to be a prayerful? Is he humble and gracious when interacting with parishioners? Does he seem to speak with wisdom cultivated by the life he lives? If you see these qualities in your priest (and I wish we were all that way!), I’m sure he would be a very capable help for your marriage.

Father Haman serves as pastor of Holy Rosary Church in LaMoure, Assumption Church in Dickey, and St. Raphael’s Church in Verona.

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.

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

To Know God...

To Love God...

To Serve God...

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

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

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

7

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Walk with Christ for Life, defending the unborn since 1992

By Kristina Lahr

Bishop Folda carries the Blessed Sacrament to North Dakota’s only abortion facility during the Walk with Christ for Life on Oct. 7. (Kristina Lahr | New Earth)

O

n Oct. 7, following a noon Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo, approximately 500 faithful gathered for a Eucharistic procession to the Red River Women’s Clinic, North Dakota’s only abortion provider. Bishop John Folda carried Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to the place where approximately 20 unborn babies are aborted each week.

The Walk with Christ for Life began as a grassroots initiative in 1992 and was first known as the Marian Day of Prayer for Life. A group of people decided on the idea of a prayer march

8

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

against the evils of abortion in our country, and in particular, the local area. They brought the idea to Bishop James Sullivan, then Bishop of the Fargo Diocese, for approval. Not only did he approve but requested to be involved. On Aug. 16, 1992, approximately 1,100 pro-life advocates marched from St. Mary’s Cathedral to the Fargo Women’s Health Organization located at 11 14th St. S., Fargo.

“When we look at pro-life activism that was taking place not only in Fargo, but across our nation in the 1990s, much of it focused on ‘rescue’ activity,” said Rachelle Savageau, director of the Respect Life office for the Diocese of Fargo. “But Bishop Sullivan wanted to emphasize the need for prayer as our means of bringing an end to abortion in our city and in our state. The central focus of the walk is not so much the issue of abortion, but that it is in Jesus Christ, the only one who can conquer sin and death, that we place our trust. And so, it is a joyful occasion to be present before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and to offer him praise, adoration, and thanksgiving for the gift of human life and the graces he offers us each day to collaborate with him in the transformation of our culture.”

Today, that witness continues annually on Respect Life Sunday, the first Sunday in October.

“As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be apostles of life, those he sends out into the world to proclaim the beauty and the sacredness of every human life,” said Bishop Folda in his homily. “And this is not merely a matter of words, of saying with my lips that I am pro-life. It requires prayer and witness and action as well. This is why we are here today… We will bring our Eucharistic Lord to the place where his littlest ones are most threatened, where his love and mercy are most needed.”

Sacre of the paris asbes a hom the fi paris use t

ticular, llivan, ly did , 1992, Mary’s ocated

place uch of rector Bishop means e. The ortion, uer sin casion and to gift of borate

Sacred Heart Church in Cando purchases new rectory

Sacred Heart parish in Cando had reason to celebrate on Oct. 14. Bishop John Folda presided over the blessing of the parish’s new rectory. Sacred Heart parishioners purchased the structure when it became clear the old parish house was beyond repair. The old rectory had numerous roof leaks, poor insulation, bad windows, asbestos, mold issues in the basement, and damage from a fire that had occurred several years ago. When a home became available across the street from the church, the parish bought it. Father Dan Musgrave is the first pastor to live in the new rectory. He says he’s grateful for his new home and prays it will serve the parish and its future pastors for generations to come. Plans are for the demolition of the old rectory and to use the space for much-needed additional parking. (Paul Braun | New Earth)

unday,

of life, y and in his saying itness We will nes are eded.”

We are SMP Health System •Presentation Medical Center •St. Andrew’s Health Center

Rolla, ND

Bottineau, ND

•SMP Health System •Rosewood on Broadway •Villa Maria Fargo, ND

•St. Aloisius Medical Center Harvey, ND

•Ave Maria Village Jamestown, ND

•Maryvale •Sheyenne Care Center Valley City, ND

•Maryhill Manor

•St. Margaret’s Health •Praireland Home Care Spring Valley, IL

Enderlin, ND

SMP Health System Sponsored by the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation

Caring for You! NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

9

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Natural Family Planning and contraception… they are not the same

By Paul Braun

“Contraception is a lie,” said Father Pacholczyk. “It’s a false language. It’s a false way of speaking to a fellow human being, especially a spouse. You may be thinking that you’re saying ‘I love you, I want to show you that I love you,’ but what you are actually saying is ‘I don’t want to have all of you. There’s part of you I want to cordon off and keep that part of you separate, at a distance, and I’m going to partially do the same with myself and just give you a little piece of me, even though I’m pretending to give you all of me.’”

For many couples, having children is the primary goal of their marriage, but some couples have fertility issues that may result in the inability to conceive. For these couples, the allure of advances in medical science — such as in-vitro fertilization or artificial insemination — are an attractive option, but an option the Church forbids.

“Anytime you have a third party taking over the function of the mother or the father, it involves a violation of the exclusivity Father Tad Pacholczyk, Director of Education for the National that’s supposed to be just between that man and that woman,” Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia and a frequent New Earth contributor, speaks about life issues and the moral concerns said Father Pacholczyk. “We recognize as humans we are entitled around using medical technology to create new life at a gathering to come into the world through the embrace of our parents at Sts. Anne and Joachim Church in Fargo on Oct. 12. (Paul and not through a mechanization from others who have been Braun | New Earth) designated to mix and match our cells. It doesn’t respect who we are or our human dignity. If we respect each other through ast fall, the Diocese of Fargo conducted a Life Issues Sur- our human dignity, we will also respect each other through our vey to help determine what life issues were important origins, and we don’t treat others differently by bringing them to parishioners. One area that sparked interest of those into the world in glassware, laboratories, and clinics, and other surveyed was the topic of Artificial Reproductive Technology settings apart from the marital intimacy.”

(ART), including artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilization So what can Catholic couples due if they as having issues as a way to achieve pregnancy. with fertility? Father Pacholczyk used the seminar to talk about Father Tad Pacholczyk, one of the nation’s leading experts on Natural Procreative Technology, or NaPro, which was pioneered bioethics and the moral dangers of artificial means of fertility, at the Pope Paul VI Institute. According to its website, “NaPro was in Fargo on Oct. 12 hosting a seminar to help clear up any identifies the problems and cooperates with a woman’s menstrual confusion Catholics might have about the use of ART. Father and fertility cycles that correct the condition, maintain the human Pacholczyk is the Director of Education at the National Catholic ecology, and sustain the procreative potential. It has many appliBioethics Center in Philadelphia and is a frequent contributor cations, including family planning, the evaluation and treatment to New Earth. Father Pacholczyk says that Church teachings are of infertility and other reproductive disorders, abnormal bleeding, clear on artificial means of birth control and contraception. abnormal hormone conditions of the menstrual cycle including “My focus is largely on the question of the moral propriety premenstrual syndrome and recurrent ovarian cysts, the dating of Natural Family Planning (NFP) versus the impropriety of and beginning of pregnancy, and postpartum depression.” the use of contraception in marriage,” said Father Pacholczyk. “NaPro is a technique that is an amalgamation of different “When you use contraception, you are taking a whole other series techniques that look to assist the marital act and to determine of measures into account. You’re saying ‘we’re going to have the underlying causes of infertility of the couple,” said Father sex… but,’ and there’s that big ‘but’ if we’re going to step in Pacholczyk. “The practice identifies the appropriate treatments here and take that spermicide and the condoms, all these other to remediate whatever those problems are. Many times these things and drag it all in, so we’re not really going to have sex, treatments and techniques are able to help couples that previously and that’s the big difference between contraception and NFP.” appear infertile to surmount whatever the barrier was and be Sex in marriage is all about a language of totality, according able to have a child through the intimacy of the marital act.” to Father Pacholczyk. He says it’s one of the rare elements of Father Pacholczyk invites anyone seeking more information humanity where two people give their all to each other within on the subjects of ART, Natural Family Planning, or NaPro to the bonds of matrimony, but using artificial means of contraception go the National Catholic Bioethics Center’s website at ncbcenter.org. is disruptive.

L

10

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

T

being nifica up on the br Rec the D (BE) w and R that g BE exper perien a stru reflect their r partic guilt, as unf Thi recon those may i the co self. A door live ag allow and d the do Resur In 1 Catho friend the in the co Encou that h Sister Sister seling Ms. L Exper In t attend S.D. A

a false being, ying ‘I ou are part of e, at a lf and nding

oal of t may allure ion or option

ion of usivity man,” ntitled arents e been t who rough gh our them other

ssues about neered NaPro nstrual uman applitment eding, uding dating n.” fferent rmine Father ments these iously nd be act.” mation Pro to ter.org.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Beginning Experience, a healing peer ministry

T

he loss of a spouse, whether by death or by divorce, is a traumatic experience. The trauma of death is self-evident.

In divorce, the trauma may come from the experience of being “dumped” or rejected by one who has long been a significant other. The person who “dumps” the spouse by giving up on the marriage experiences the trauma of guilt for causing the breakup of a marriage.

Recognizing the suffering of many, Catholic dioceses, including the Diocese of Fargo, began to sponsor Beginning Experience (BE) weekends. BE is built on the Catholic theology of the death and Resurrection of Christ and the psychological understanding that grief is a process.

BE is a peer ministry. The leadership team, who have each experienced a grave loss in their lives, willingly offer their experiences and time to help others experience healing. Through a structured process, participants are led through a series of reflections and sharing of their experiences. After looking at self, their relationships with others, and their relationship with God, participants are encouraged to distinguish between realistic guilt, which can be forgiven, and unrealistic guilt experienced as unforgivable shame.

This all leads to the experience of reconciliation. True reconciliation is two-way forgiveness. Participants may forgive those from whom they have experienced hurt in their lives. This may include friends who do not understand the pain of loss, the community, the Church, the former spouse, and even one’s self. After reconciliation comes the chance to gently close the door on the relationship so that the participant can be free to live again. The day leading up to and including reconciliation allows one to identify one’s own sufferings with the suffering and death of Christ. Letting go of the pain of loss and closing the door on the relationship becomes an identification with the Resurrection of Christ.

In 1973, Sister Josephine Stewart, a family counselor at the Catholic Renewal Center in Fort Worth, Texas and a divorced friend, Jo Lamia, attended a Marriage Encounter weekend with the intention of developing a program for engaged couples. In the course of the weekend, Ms. Lamia adapted the Marriage Encounter process to face issues and concerns in her own life that had never been addressed. At the close of the weekend, Sister Josephine saw a profound change occur in her friend.

Sister Josephine and other professionals in grief resolution, counseling, psychology, education, and spiritual renewal, adapted Ms. Lamia’s writings to outline the process for the Beginning Experience weekend.

In the fall of 1978, three different groups totaling 13 people attended a BE weekend at the Benedictine Convent in Watertown, S.D. After several challenging sessions of learning to trust one

By Monsignor Daniel J. Pilon, JCL

another, 12 of these people (three priests, one sister, and eight laypersons) sponsored the first weekend for the Diocese of Fargo at Maryvale in Valley City in April of 1979. Since then, the Fargo Diocese has sponsored over 100 weekend events.

In addition to the weekend, BE has developed other support programs such as Coping with Life Alone for grieving adults who are still in the early stages of their loss. This is a weekly series of 6 to 10 evening meetings dealing with topics related to the loss of a spouse.

Upcoming weekends are Nov. 16–18 at Maryvale, Valley City and June 21–23, 2019 in Hankinson. For more information about Beginning Experience weekends and programs in the area, contact Frank Svezia at (218) 790-4202 or fsuas@aol.com or go to www.beginningexperience-easternnd.org.

Monsignor Daniel Pilon is a retired priest of the Diocese of Fargo He lives in Grand Forks.

BE A PART OF THE DEACON TRADITION

Providing exceptional faith-based education while inspiring excellence.

3 yr old Little Deacons - 12th Grade Call 701-893-3271 jp2schools.org HOLY SPIRIT ELEMENTARY

NATIVITY ELEMENTARY

SULLIVAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

TRINITY ELEMENTARY

SHANLEY HIGH SCHOOL

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

11

1. Pr

To from Mass the W hear t or ph insigh pause be use share are a f • L • J • P • C

2. G

Reclaiming the beauty of Advent This season, reflect on Christ’s infinite love and mercy for you

By Kristina Lahr

D

on’t worry, Advent isn’t here just yet.

This year Advent begins on Dec. 2, which gives us a few weeks to consider how to best live out the season. In the words of Pope Francis, Advent is a time “to welcome the Lord who comes to meet us, to verify our desire for God, to look ahead, and to prepare ourselves for the return of Christ.”

Often times however, that time of prayer needed to prepare our hearts to receive Christ is drowned out by the noise of the season — a never-ending barrage of shopping lists, decorating plans, and over-booked schedules.

While these activities can help us to be generous and thankful for the ways God has provided for us, it’s easy to forget the gift of Advent, a season of watchful, intentional waiting for our savior. Advent reminds us to slow down but not to the point of passivity. Watching and waiting is something we must be mindful about if it is to bear fruit in our lives.

“Advent it is a season to know that God has a plan to reassure us of the love God has for humanity,” said Father Chad Wilhelm, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Devils Lake. “We are not forgotten. He is reminding us of renewal. From Genesis to St. John the Baptist, God was preparing humanity for a visit that would change the direction of mankind forever. The God/Man will come to redeem humanity. This is the constant reminder of Advent.”

“It is essential to remember that the primary emphasis of 12

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

Advent is the second coming of Christ,” said Father Jason Lefor, pastor of St. John’s, Pisek; Sts. Peter and Paul, Bechyne; and St. Joseph’s, Lankin. “It is a great time to recall that if I have been living my life without reference to Christ’s coming again, then I am probably not living an intentional Christian life.”

While there is the temptation to fear for Christ’s second coming, it is crucial to note that Christ can never be outdone in his love and mercy for us. Christ comes to each of us every time we are disposed to receive him.

“The whole call of the Word at this time is ‘repentance!’” said Father Lefor. “Our Holy Father is so good at proclaiming mercy, but the efficaciousness of mercy can only be felt with repentance to prepare for the reception of mercy. It is a great time — through the eyes of a child who trusts his father — to make a general confession.”

“People are to prepare with a beginning anew... a rebirth in the Holy Faith,” said Father Wilhelm. “As Jesus comes as a baby, people are to be reminded that Jesus/God became vulnerable for us. God cares, protects, and heals us in our vulnerability.”

Advent is a time of renewal. If you’re out of the habit of praying every day or feel like your faith has become lukewarm or indifferent, consider the following suggestions to turn your heart back to Christ:

“Th restor mate Anyti impor our h allow ment resurr of the with G

3. S

Jus friend Chris Sacra minut

4. A

The week Consi Take t a fam symb

5. A

For Christ verse

6. S

For part o somet “straw the m they w for Jes

Lefor, and St. e been , then

econd tdone every

ance!’” iming t with great — to

rth in a baby, erable ility.” bit of warm n your

1. Pray with Scripture – Lectio Divina

To use Lectio Divina as a form of prayer, choose a passage from scripture. As a general practice, find the Gospel for the Mass of the day. Recall that you are about to read or listen to the Word of God. Then read the passage aloud to let yourself hear the words. When finished, pause and recall if some word or phrase stood out to you. If so, take a moment to bring that insight to prayer. Then read the passage a second time, and pause again, allowing God to speak with you. Lectio Divina can be used individually or as a group, which allows all involved to share the word or phrase that is most pertinent to them. These are a few key Bible passages to get you started.

• Luke 2:1-40 • John 1:1-18 • Philippians 2:5-12 • Colossians 1:15-23

2. Go to confession

“The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God’s grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship” (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC] 1468).

Anytime is a good time to go to confession, and it is especially important during this time of preparation. Confession clears our hearts and minds of the sins and burdens of our past and allows us to live freely and fully for Christ. “Indeed the sacrament of Reconciliation with God brings about a true ‘spiritual resurrection,’ restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children of God, of which the most precious is friendship with God” (CCC 1468).

3. Schedule time for silence

Just as we schedule time on our calendars for family and friends, schedule some extra time during Advent to reflect on Christ’s incarnation. Set aside an hour to be with the Blessed Sacrament in Adoration, or commit to arriving to Mass 20 minutes earlier each Sunday.

4. Advent wreath

The three purple candles and one rose candle represent each week of Advent and are lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas.

Consider placing a wreath in a prominent place in your home.

Take time to light the candles each Sunday, pray together as a family, and reflect on how the growing light of the candles symbolizes the coming of Christ.

7. Reach out

Share the light of your faith with someone who doesn’t know Christ. Ask God if there is someone in your life you can invite to Mass and breakfast afterwards. Be open about your faith and why you find joy in Christ’s love and mercy this Advent. Ask if you can pray with them and for them.

5. Advent calendar

For children, it is exciting to see the countdown of days until Christmas. In each door, representing each day, place a scripture verse or a concrete act to try that day.

6. Sacrifice manger

For young children, consider setting up a sacrifice manger as part of your Nativity set. Each time a child is “caught” doing something extra thoughtful, invite him or her to place a string or “straw” in the manger. On Christmas Eve, place the baby Jesus in the manger. When your children wake up Christmas morning, they will see how their good deeds made a comfortable place for Jesus to sleep.

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

13

FAITH AND CULTURE

True leisure and why should we strive for it

By Joshua Gow

act), and the person leaves this experience feeling rejuvenated and rested. This experience is leisure.

As Pieper expounds on this idea of leisure, the consequences of this development become explicitly Catholic, and the impact on culture becomes clear. This state of receptivity, of leisure, is nothing other than a state of contemplation, a state described ad nauseum in the writings of Church mystics for centuries. And the highest form of this contemplation occurs in worship, or the cultus. Why is leisure the basis of culture? Because all culture A review of Catholic books, movies, music is founded on this state of receptivity, of contemplation and he year was 1948. Three years prior, the United States worship, of the cult. Without the cult, there is no culture. of America shocked the world with the dropping of two Pieper’s brief work is very approachable and hits hard. His nuclear weapons, causing the near elimination of the cities trademark integration and explication of Thomistic and Aristotelian of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In the west, much of Europe was philosophy is prevalent, but the uninitiated will find he speaks in ruins following years of endless bombings, artillery proces- clearly and makes these concepts understandable. Pieper utilizes sions, and heavy combat. The United States itself was slowly the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas and Aristotle not to flex recovering from being attacked seven years prior. Much of the intellectual muscle, but to show how these two great thinkers world lay in ruins. It was now a time to labor in order to rebuild teach us how to live better lives. Consequently, readers will western civilization as we know it. find that after working through just a few pages, they will be It was in this year, 1948, that the German philosopher Josef challenged to amend their lives.

Pieper published a work entitled Leisure the Basis of Culture. It In truth, this work was timely when it was initially published, seems odd that Pieper would offer to the world a piece that and the world did not heed the voice of Josef Pieper. Rather than emphasized the need for leisure when the world was, justifiably, listening to a loving philosopher seeking to restore the central hard at work. In many ways however, the timing of Pieper’s piece to culture as it was rebuilt following the war, the world classic was nothing short of providential, providing a message at large continued in ceaseless work and ignored the need for the world needed to hear at a time when the culture itself was leisure and worship. Because the initial warning was unheeded, being rebuilt. If only the world would heed. and we have persisted in mindless labor without the necessary At the heart of this work is an answer to the fundamental elements of leisure in our culture, our world today is in a worse question: What is leisure? Pieper devotes much time to carefully place than the conclusion of World War II over 70 years ago. I defining this word and bringing it to life. Pieper essentially defines offer this work to you all once again, in the hopes the voice of leisure as a state of total receptivity. This state of receptivity leaves truth present herein may resound in your ears and inspire change. one open to encounter and be renewed by creation around us. It only takes one person living leisurely to impact the world.

The receptive person is open to the present moment, is not If we fail to listen this time, will there be much of a culture left busied with other tasks, and is able to receive the beauty and for the next generation? goodness surrounding them.

Joshua Gow lives in Fargo with his wife and three sons.

In my own reading of this, my heart immediately moved to various experiences of beauty in my life: Seeing the sunset reflected in a calm lake, looking through the oaken shelves of a vast library for the perfect book, sitting outside on a cool summer evening visiting with my wife, seeing the first smile of each of our children.

While these memories flooded my vision as I read Pieper’s description of receptivity, other readers may find different memories or experiences awakening their own imaginations.

Regardless of the events that come to mind, what becomes universal is the experience shared in this receptivity. In each case, the recipient enters a state where time seems to stop, all worries and work cease, the person is struck by a profound sense of wonder (what Pieper and others call the philosophical

TATTERED PAGES

T

“Leisure the Basis of Culture”

by Josef Pieper 1948

14

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

Catholic Culture e m o H e in th

enated

uences mpact ure, is cribed s. And or the ulture n and . d. His otelian peaks utilizes to flex inkers rs will will be

lished, r than entral world ed for eeded, essary worse ago. I oice of hange. world. re left

Prayer, the enrichment of faith in your home

By Jacinta Splonskowski

In the depths of his heart, the law of God is his guide.

He will never lose his way, the law of God is his guide.

T

would then get a turn to have their part of the prayer to read.

Now that our seven children are ages 8 to 17, each of them has his own part, either praying with the group, leading an antiphon or response during Morning Praying, or reading a passage of Scripture. We follow the Morning Prayer and Lectio Scripture readings with set times of silence to allow for meditation, reception of what the Lord may be saying to us, as well as our response to him. This is followed by journaling or sharing of what struck us in the reading, ways God has answered our prayers, or how he has spoken to us.

Sometimes this goes well, and we are inspired and filled with consolation. Other times we get distracted, bogged down by routine, or struggle with the anxieties of the day such that the prayer seems empty. Despite the ebbs and flows of prayer, we are convinced of its value and the need for perseverance. We are so often reminded that blessed is the one who meditates, for “the law of the LORD is his joy; ... He is like a tree planted near streams of water, that yields its fruit in season; Its leaves never wither; whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3).

his antiphon from a recent morning prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours resonated with me as an expression of what we as parents desire on behalf of our children. We desire that they develop a deep knowledge and intimacy with the Lord and the Church as an unfailing guide and to never lose their way along life’s journey, both as they grow and as they go forth from our homes. Thus, I think of the practices to enrich the faith in our home as an effort to set the stage for an encounter with Christ as well as foster this lifelong relationship, one in which they seek the law and the voice of the Lord in all aspects of their lives.

In reflecting over the ways our family has worked to foster Catholic culture within our home the past 17 years, the first theme that emerges is the priority of establishing a regular time for prayer to enrich the faith and to encourage a relationship with God. We know that any relationship or good habit requires regular attention and consistent patterns. Our goal is to set that foundation, so that our children grow up with the backdrop of Jacinta Splonskowski and her husband Steve have been married for 18 daily prayer as a constant in their lives. In order for the law of years and live with their 7 children in rural Hawley, Minn. the Lord to sink into the “depths” of our heart, we need this.

In our family, one way in which we have made efforts to instill “the law of the Lord” within “the depths of hearts” is with a pattern of praying Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, as well as Lectio Divina with the Mass readings of the day. Since Liturgy of the Hours is based on psalms and Scripture readings, and Lectio Divina is a meditative, prayerful reading of Scripture, we talk to our children about prayer as a relationship with God to emphasize that we can come to know him, hear him speak, and respond to him through our prayer.

To do this, we established a pattern to each day with morning chores, and then a gathering for prayer at 7 a.m. five days a week. When our children were young, we did this as a couple while the children were elsewhere. Since then, we have moved to prayer time with all the children, adapting as their age allows.

At the infant and toddler stage, they were simply present with 17765 78TH ST. S.E., WAHPETON, ND 58075 us. As they grew older, our non-readers would look at images or 701-642-2360 CARMELOFMARY@GMAIL.COM draw a picture of the Gospel they heard. Our emerging readers

“The Fruits Of Carmel Are Out Of This World!”

Carmel Of Mary Monastery

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

15

NEXT GEN

Past Young Disciples reflect on missionary experience

By Kristina Lahr

Young Disciples from 2018’s teams celebrate their mission with an end-of-summer camping trip July 30 at Crow Wing River, Minn. (submitted photo)

Y

oung Disciples is an apostolate of Catholic young adults that travel from town to town to evangelize and catechize in local rural communities through summer vacation Bible schools and teen retreats. The Young Disciples Teams seek to challenge youth to love Jesus Christ and to embrace the life of his Church. The teams also proclaim the Gospel through small groups, prayer, music, drama, games, and crafts.

While the retreats are a fun way for children and teens to see their faith in action, the missionaries that serve them also benefit from the summer experience. For many, this time of living and serving on a team with faithful Catholics their age lead them to a deeper appreciation of their faith and love for Jesus.

Two past Young Disciples missionaries, Meghan Meidinger and Father Paul Kuhn, shared their experience with New Earth.

Two years after converting to Catholicism, Meidinger searched for missionary opportunities online where she discovered Young Disciples. She served during the summers of 2006, 2007, and 2011.

“I fell in love with the faith in RCIA, but a lot of what I learned about the faith I learned during Young Disciples training. I knew I had to teach these things to kids. Young Disciples gave me the opportunity to put what I was learning into practice. It really was the foundation for my catechesis.”

After her summers serving with Young Disciples, she worked as a director of religious education in Louisiana. There, Meghan saw the skills she learned in Young Disciples developing further.

“I found myself putting as much time into teaching as we

16

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

did in spiritual exercises, praying the rosary, and learning about holiness and virtue. We did more small community events, things to serve the parish. Every month we learned about a saint and how we could become more like them.”

Meidinger is now a stay-at-home mom with two toddlers and directs a children’s choir in her parish in Louisiana. She and her husband Nathan met on Young Disciple as well.

“Living on team is a lot like a marriage,” she said. “My husband and I use a lot of the tools we learned from team. The way we solve issues we learned during Young Disciples. On team, you learn how to both live and work together. You’re dependent on each other and quickly learn a lot of skills you don’t learn anywhere else.”

Father Paul Kuhn, parochial vicar at Holy Family Church in Grand Forks, served with Young Disciples in 2007, 2009, and 2010.

“This was my first experience living on a team type mission for eight to ten weeks,” he said. “That was a big challenge for me, learning to be patient with myself and also to be patient with other people. I also realized during training and with the kids, that I really could learn other people’s names. I realized the importance of that as an act of charity.”

Before their travels and mission, Young Disciples go through a week of training, learning basic teaching and teambuilding skills as well as everything they need to teach about prayer, the sacraments, and the Mass. It was during training that Fr. Kuhn especially learned the importance of prayer.

“Before that summer I never thought to set time aside for our Lord. Whether it’s being in silence or reading scripture or praying the rosary, regardless of the form of prayer, it was there I learned to be intentional about making time for prayer.”

Fr. Kuhn said Young Disciples also helped him in his discernment to the priesthood.

“It gave me a new groundwork for the faith and learning things about the faith that I either didn’t encounter or understand growing up. It let me see people my age taking an active interest in their faith. I remember once being in the van and we were having a philosophical conversation. It was starting to get a little heated in some differences of opinion and suddenly we decided to pray a rosary. They introduced me to the power and gift of the rosary from some new angles.”

Several priests in the Fargo Diocese served on Young Disciples before or during seminary including Fathers Greg Haman, Robert Keller, Matthew Kraemer, Christopher Markman, Jayson Miller, Sean Mulligan, Peter Sharpe, Troy Simonsen, Reese Weber, and Steven Wirth.

Young Disciples is looking for young adults ages 18 to 30 to serve as missionaries next summer. For more information, go to www.fargodiocese.org/youngdisciples or contact Ashley Grunhovd at (701) 356-7908.

about things nt and

ddlers a. She . sband ay we m, you ndent learn

rch in d 2010. ission ge for atient th the alized

rough ilding er, the Kuhn

de for ure or there .” nment

rning rstand nterest were get a ly we er and

ciples Robert Miller, r, and

o 30 to on, go Ashley

NEXT GEN

Catholic Health Ethics Association launches at NDSU

T

By Emma Hergenroeder | St. Paul Newman Center Campus Minister

his semester marks the launch of a new initiative at St. Paul’s Newman Center in Fargo.

On Sept. 20, Emily Zikmund, a Junior Nursing major, gathered a group of her fellow students in the Newman Center’s student lounge for the inaugural social of the Catholic Health Emily Zikmund, president of the new Catholic Health Ethics Ethics Association (CHEA).

Association at North Dakota State Zikmund is the first presUniversity. (submitted photo) ident of this new student organization at North Dakota State University, which gained official status at the school in September.

It’s been a long road. Emily and her sister Abby, who graduated from NDSU in May, spent the better part of the 2017–18 academic year laying the groundwork to launch CHEA this semester. The idea of this student organization was a dream of the Newman Center for several years before that.

“It’s Father Cheney’s brainchild,” said Emily. “We were presented with the opportunity to take this from an idea or a hope and concretely make it into something. Abby and I started on the nitty-gritty… to bring it out to the student body of the campus.”

CHEA falls under the bisonCatholic Wellness Program, which is housed in the Parish Nurse office at St. Paul’s Newman. The Wellness Program promotes the health and well-being of the NDSU student community and upholds principles of holistic health: body, mind, and spirit, integrating faith and reason. The Catholic Health Ethics Association will be the active agent on behalf of the Wellness Program in building community, providing educational opportunities, and facilitating collaboration between students and medical professionals in the area. CHEA will support students in the health sciences and related majors as they grow in virtue and integrate their chosen fields with the practice of their faith.

These students will also have access to resources in order to become educated on hot-button issues in the medical world. As an organization, CHEA will inform students on the campus of NDSU about recent developments in health-related fields and provide education about ethics, medicine, and healthcare in relation to the teachings of the Church. Over time, Zikmund plans for CHEA to sponsor a variety of events at St. Paul’s Newman Center and on campus at NDSU, ranging from guest speakers to blood drives.

Dr. Paul Carson, the faculty advisor for CHEA, understands the clear need for an organization like this in today’s world.

“Health care is frequently on the front-line of challenging ethical issues being debated in our country today,” he said. “It is likely that most of our health professionals at one point or

another will face patients who are struggling with beginning and end of life issues, or issues around human sexuality. Our faith has much to say on how the human person can best flourish through these issues and how human dignity must always be upheld. This often puts the healthcare provider at odds with current cultural trends, and often leads to faithful Catholic providers feeling a bit lost or alone and sometimes even in fear for their jobs. Having this association, where these issues can be discussed and explored in light of solid Catholic teaching, is a great way for these young professionals to learn from others who have gone before them, and realize they are not alone and that they have resources and colleagues to fall back upon.”

Zikmund is looking forward to the future growth of CHEA. “This is the Lord’s work,” she said. “We have a really good foundation, and if we continue to build on that I feel like our future will be very prosperous. To be able to give back to the community in a way that medically benefits others one day would be fantastic.”

millions

Giving back to our Catholic communities in grants, support & scholarships each year.

A real Catholic United family from Brainerd, Minn.

owned directed www.catholicunitedfinancial.org MEMBER

MEMBER

WE’RE A COMMUNITY OF CATHOLICS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING EVERY GENERATION THE OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE AND GROW.

1-800-568-6670 info@catholicunited.org

www.catholicunitedfinancial.org NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

17

NEXT GEN

Bishop John Folda takes questions about his life and priestly vocation, and the Catholic faith in general, from High School students from all across the diocese at the High School Extravaganza, held in Napoleon on Oct. 13. The theme for the day was “Keep Calm and Stay Firm,” based on Exodus 14: 13-14. Over 140 students and 40 adult volunteers took part in the all-day event, which included a presentation from speaker and entertainer Paul J. Kim, who shared stories on how his life changed during his teen years by just listening to God. There was also a period of adoration and Mass at St. Philip Neri Church, followed by dinner and a dance. (Paul Braun | New Earth)

Grandparents are cherished members of our family. They bring wisdom, experience, and love and share with us their life of faith. The students at Holy Family–St. Mary’s School in Grand Forks hosted a celebration in honor of their grandparents on Sept. 21. The Church was filled with people at the opening Mass. Afterwards, school parents provided muffins and drinks in the social hall. Children then ushered their “very important people” back to their classrooms where they read books, played Farkle or other card games, and spent time visiting. We thank God for the example our grandparents have set for us and ask God to bless them with happiness and good health. (submitted photo)

“Our body has this defect that, the more it is provided care and comforts, the more needs and desires it finds.” – St. Teresa of Avila 18

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

I

ns se In least f know arrivi On tools dig an slicke cycles If th was a The your p in a go to the story. one o I to the th would stretc see al aroun The critics to sho than w The My

Rising above distraction

STORIES OF FAITH

I

By Father Bert Miller

n seminary, there was course work and classes to attend that seemed to be out of this world.

In my first-year fall semester, there was a course with at least four instructors. On any given day, the students did not know who the instructor was or what the activity might be until arriving at class. It was loosely structured and seldom a lecture.

One day, the men of the class were supplied with digging tools and tulip bulbs. They were told where on campus to dig and plant. For the country boys, this was fun. For the city slickers — who for the most part did not know about growing cycles or where food came from — this was drudgery.

If this was not enough in the first year, in the second year, there was a similar course. This one included extemporaneous speaking.

The first assignment of the semester was to tell a story before your peers. The storyteller would share a story on an empty stage in a good-sized theater where he couldn’t see the audience due to the spotlight. Your peers then critiqued your delivery of the story. When it was your turn, this was pure horror. In my class, one of the students was an accomplished stage actor.

I told a story about a frog going on a trip. He enjoyed seeing the things he saw, but he wanted to know if the road ahead would reveal different things or more of the same. So, the frog stretched up on his hind legs and thrust his head high, only to see all the things he had already seen. Disheartened, he turned around and returned home.

The story was a fable; no one had ever heard it before. The critics thought I had stretched out enough with my head back to show that the frog could only see where he had been rather than where he was going. I passed.

The second assignment was to tell a story from the Bible.

My friend across the dormitory hall had told a dramatic story

about a blind beggar that Jesus came upon outside Jericho. His classmates said he told the story superbly, but they did not know the story.

The instructor was rather surprised. The story comes from the Gospel of Mark. The instructor referred the students to Mark 10:46-52 with the story about Jesus and blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus.

When the classmates got home, they were teasing my dorm mate about his delivering of the story and how he had “stumped” them. They often referred to him as “Bartimaeus” after that day!

Was the goal of these classes to make the students great speakers?

Well, maybe.

More likely, the goal was to give the students experiences where laughter, chatter, or disaster might distract us from the work at hand, such as when preaching or reading during Mass.

When the babies cry louder than the priest can project his voice, the priest continues on. When someone passes out in the back of the assembly and doctors and nurses are working frantically to save a life, the priest continues the homily because those at the front of the church have no idea something is amiss at the back.

Through these classes, the students (future priests) had hilarious and embarrassing experiences that made the current liturgy experience pale in comparison. Thus, priests soldier on when babies cry, when winds howl, and even when sirens sound and paramedics arrive with a stretcher.

Father Bert Miller serves as pastor at St. Mary’s Church in Park River and St. Luke’s Church in Veseleyville.

Editor’s note: Stories of Faith is a recurring feature in New Earth.

If you have a faith story to tell, contact Father Bert Miller at bert.miller@fargodiocese.org.

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 NOVEMBER 2018

19

Get connected To The Largest Catholic Brotherhood

KOF C.OR G/ J OIN US j oi n us o n lin e to d ay

Pat Dolan, FICF General Agent

Fargo 701-298-9922

Steve Bill Fargo

Wayne Cherney,

Joel Herman, FIC

Scott Lynch

Devils Lake

Wahpeton 701-219-5847

Jamestown 701-269-4394

701-371-3377

FIC, LUTCF

701-662-4420/ 1-800-906-6780

Adam Jordan, FIC Sean Osowski, FIC Grand Forks 701-367-4222

Grafton 701-360-0770

LI FE I NS U R A NC E • D I SA B IL IT Y I NC O M E I N S U R A N C E • L O N G - T E R M C A R E IN S U R A N C E • R ETI REM EN T A N NU ITIES

20

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

d

owski, FIC

afton 60-0770

TIES

OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

P

Women Religious, missionary disciples

ope Francis, in his address on the 54th World Day of Prayer We are an Aposfor Vocations in 2017, put the emphasis on the missionary tolic Congregation, aspect of our Christian calling as he addressed men and and the Holy Spirit women who are living the consecrated life. continues to burn Sister’s “Commitment to mission is not something added on to the within us. We pro- Perspective Christian life as a kind of decoration,” he said, “but is instead claim the gospel an essential element of faith in and of itself. A relationship with through our lives Sister Anne the Lord entails being sent out into the world as prophets of with the people in Germaine Picard our ministries and His Word and witnesses of His Love.”

SMP When I reflect on the origins and history of our congregation, through our lay the spirit moves me to be a missionary disciple like those that associates. Vatican formed us as Sisters of Mary of the Presentation. Let me briefly Council II called us to empower the laity, and it is with this spirit we recognize our share the development of our history. mission to work with the laity who have the knowledge and Between 1790 and 1800, France was in the turmoil of a revolution, faith to direct our health care ministries. Together we ensure which included the Reign of Terror (1793–94). Most of the priests, that all of our health care services remain Catholic and in accord who would not take the oath of accepting the new government, with the teachings of the Church. The spirit of Jesus is lived and were put to death or sent into exile. Father Joachim Fleury, our felt by all who come to us for care. founder, chose to go into exile for eight years. Afterwards, he

I met our sisters as a child when I attended Notre Dame returned to France and was assigned as pastor of Broons, which Academy in Willow City. We were a rather poor farm family became the birthplace of our Congregation. and our education was often paid by garden produce, meat, and

working for our room and board. Our sisters again found ways “Commitment to mission is not something to live out their call as missionary disciples, and no one was added on to the Christian life as a kind turned away. The witness of their dedicated lives ignited in me the call to Religious Life. As a Sister of Mary of the Presentation, of decoration, but is instead an essential I am called to live my vocation as a “missionary disciple” in element of faith in and of itself. A today’s world.

I conclude with a statement taken from Pope Francis’ book relationship with the Lord entails being The Joy of the Gospel. “In virtue of their Baptism, all the members sent out into the world as prophets of His of the people of God have become missionary disciples” (Matt.

28:19). Every Christian is a missionary to the extent that he or Word and witnesses of His Love.” she has encountered the Love of God in Christ Jesus: we no – Pope Francis longer say that we are “disciples” and “missionaries” but rather “missionary disciples.”

His missionary zeal opened the door to the needs of the people of rural France. He prayed fervently and had a parish mission with several priests who came to evangelize the people. Father Fleury continued to pray and sought ways to keep this restored faith in God alive. Inspired by God and moved with compassion for his people, he called upon the devote Lemarchard family within his parish for the two eldest daughters to help meet the needs of the sick and the children. Both Louise and Laurence desired to become Religious, and Father Fleury, open to God’s guidance, gave birth to our Congregation in 1828, the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation.

Our Sisters in France went through great religious persecution and suffered under government decrees, but their missionary spirit led them to other countries, including the United States, in the early 1900s. The Sisters did domestic work in seminaries until invited to several French-speaking areas in North Dakota where they developed schools, worked in parishes, and started hospitals.

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

21

OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

The priest and the poor

“W

h y d o you need to travel to Seminarian work with the Life poor? We have poverty here!” This Riley Durkin was a question I received a lot when I first started speaking about traveling to Peru this past summer. And to be quite honest, it was a question I had often asked myself. Yet, I still had a desire to experience what it was like to live among the poorest of the poor.

This was only part of the reason I decided to request spending my Spanish immersion summer in Chimbote, Peru. While the rest of my seminary classmates were learning Spanish in Mexico, I traveled alone to one of the poorest cities in this South American country. Growing up, I had always heard of Chimbote. I knew of Father Jack Davis, a priest from Devils Lake who started the Chimbote mission, and I had family and friends who traveled to Chimbote come home on fire to help “the least of these.” I heard the stories of the lack of running water and poor infrastructure.

I knew of the crime and terrorism Chimbote faced in the 1980s and the lack of work. But despite all this, nothing could have prepared me for what I would experience over my seven weeks there.

The charity I worked with is called Asociación Civil Apoyo Familiar (ACAF). They work closely with the poverty stricken people of the region by — among many other things — hosting American missionary groups, building homes, running soup kitchens, and educating the people in trades such as baking or sewing. During my time with them, I fed over 600 people, built five houses, and built countless relationships with the locals.

Not bad for being a gringo with mediocre Spanish!

I met a woman who needed to carry her 18-year-old wheelchair bound daughter up and down a hill every time they needed to leave their house. I met a family who recently rebuilt their house after a fire only to have it burn down again three months later. I met teenagers who dropped out of school to take care of their little siblings while their single parent was at work. I met fathers who would work day and night only to bring home $15 per week to take care of their family. I met a woman who cut meat out of her diet so she could send her son to school, hoping that he would break the cycle of poverty in her family.

This was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to hearing the experiences, and often horror, that intense poverty can bring.

But it was the faith of the people that was most inspiring to me. No matter what trauma the people faced, they would always smile and say, “Dios nos protégé.” God protects us. In the seminary, we live comfortably. We get three hot meals per day served to us. We are safe, warm, and loved by the people of the diocese we are studying for. Yet negativity and cynicism is a plague we often fall into. I once heard someone say, “You can tell how good someone has it by listening to what they 22

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

complain about.” In my time in Chimbote, I never heard one complaint from the poor.

It is true that we have poverty in the United States, but nothing like I witnessed over the summer. We have a different type of poverty. St. Teresa of Calcutta, upon leaving a visit to the United States many years ago, was asked by a reporter to reflect on her time here. Expecting to receive an answer referring to our beautiful cities, plentiful amenities, or government assistance to the poor, the reporter was shocked when she said, “The United States is the poorest country I have ever been to.” What the reporter didn’t know is that she was referring to spiritual poverty rather than physical.

I have thought about this story frequently since I’ve returned from Peru. While it’s not often a priest from the Diocese of Fargo is building houses or feeding hundreds of people every day in a soup kitchen, he does spend a lot of time ministering to the spiritually poor. He catechizes, counsels, and spiritually feeds his flock. Just like the biological fathers I met in Chimbote, the priest is the father who works tirelessly day and night to provide for his children.

My time in Peru reaffirmed my vocation to the priesthood and changed the way I look at my everyday life. I have found that I am more patient, loving, and appreciative for the graces the Lord has given me. I pray that the people and experiences of Chimbote will always stay with me and will make me – God willing – a better priest to serve the Diocese of Fargo. I hope to one day return to Chimbote, because, as I was told on my last day, “No es adios. Solamente hasta luego.”

There is no goodbye. Only see you later.

Durkin is a Theology III seminarian studying at St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.

Editor’s Note: Seminarian Life is a column written by current Diocese of Fargo seminarians. Please continue to pray for them.

Riley Durkin during his seven-week mission trip to Chimbote, Peru last summer. (submitted photo)

rd one

othing ype of United ect on to our stance “The What iritual

urned Fargo day in to the feeds te, the rovide

thood found graces iences – God ope to my last

minary,

Diocese

OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

Access to contraceptives does not prevent abortions

I

t is the “go to” argument for abortion advocates who want to evade talking about the humanity of the unborn child. It usually goes something like this: “If pro-life people really wanted to reduce abortions they would support greater access to contraceptives.”

It is a diversion ploy. The statement says nothing about abortion itself. It only says something about the position some people have about contraception policies. It is also a logical fallacy. A person’s position on one issue does not determine the correctness or wrongness of the person’s position on another issue.

Nevertheless, it sounds like a reasonable argument to many people. After all, they think, abortion means that the woman was pregnant and contraception prevents pregnancies. Preventing pregnancies, they think, prevents abortions.

Before addressing the flaws in this thinking, we should set some parameters.

First, the Catholic Church teaches that contraception is morally wrong. She also teaches that a person cannot do a moral wrong to achieve what the person believes is a greater good.

The morality of contraception, however, is not the subject of this column. Very few people who assert the pro-contraception argument are going to be persuaded by Catholic teaching or moral principles.

Second, when people say that pro-lifers should support more contraception, what they really mean is that we should support government funding of contraception or forced funding of someone else’s contraception. There are no laws prohibiting the use of contraception, and it is widely available in the United States.

This is about funding. Contraception proponents apparently believe that nothing short of free and immediate availability of contraception to one hundred percent of the public is enough.

The argument for more contraception as the solution to abortion is so appealing on its face that many pro-lifers do not challenge it and attempts to do so often fall-back to a weak “we can’t fund everything” argument. Here is a better argument: It does not work.

The easiest way to demonstrate the flaws in the argument is to look at the states. States that spend more tax money on contraception, impose contraceptive coverage mandates on insurers, and aggressively make contraception available in schools and public facilities have higher abortion rates than states that do not. North Dakota does not spend any state tax money for family planning, but it has one of the lowest abortion rates in the country.

The same is true at the international level. Researchers have shown that nations that devote money and laws to achieve greater access to contraception have higher abortion rates than countries that have less access to contraception.

The trend bears true on the individual level. According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute, a pro-abortion research organization, most women who have abortions used contraception when they

got pregnant. This fact is supported by other research finding that most women Catholic facing unexpected pregnancies used Action contraception at the time they became Christoper Dodson pregnant.

There exist a few studies showing otherwise, but they looked only at the use of long-lasting implanted contraceptives on a small population group. In other words, the studies did not look at the impacts of wide use of government -funded contraception.

Why does greater access to contraception not lead to fewer abortions? Researchers are not sure but they suggest several hypotheses. One is that more contraception leads to more sexual behavior and, of course, most forms of contraception have failure rates. Increasing the number of times the contraception is “used” increases the number of times it “fails,” leading to more pregnancies, not less. Those additional pregnancies, of course, were unplanned. A second hypothesis is that greater access to contraceptives eventually leads to more sexual behavior outside of marriage, including activities without contraception. Finally, there is the possibility that greater promotion and coverage of contraception by the government leads to greater public acceptance of sexual activities outside of marriage, with or without contraception.

There may come a time when greater access to free contraception might lead to an overall reduction in abortion numbers, though the evidence so far indicates that is not likely. Even if it occurred, however, it would not justify forcing others to pay for someone’s contraception and not just because doing so would make people violate their conscience.

A final problem with the pro-contraception argument is that it focuses on the wrong subject. Ultimately, the pro-life community is concerned about the pregnant woman. The lack of contraception does not cause a woman to consider an abortion. It is too late for that. The absence of a family, church, community, and even government to provide her with the means to bring the unborn child to birth is what forces her to turn against the child.

This is why we should look at the rate of abortions per pregnant women, not just the rate of abortions per fertile women. The latter can provide useful information but the causes can be confused by fertility rates and other factors. The former tells us how well we are doing to help pregnant women choose life and that tells us how well we are doing in building the culture of life.

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

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

23

“Do and who of sa and of th it fro

OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

Another smart use of your IRA

W

hile you may initially appreciate the income, Stewardship as time goes on, the higher withdrawal Steve Schons requirements can sometimes push you into a higher tax bracket, increasing your taxes.

A few years ago, Congress made the IRA charitable rollover permanent. The rollover law allows taxpayers who are required to withdraw money from their IRAs to give directly to charity.

Because the rollover counts against your required minimum distribution (RMD), making an IRA rollover gift to an organization like the church could reduce your income and taxes The IRA rollover is a great way for you to help support your

Catholic parish, diocese, or other ministry. While you won’t receive an income tax deduction for a rollover gift, you also won’t pay any income tax on the transfer.

The transfer only works for IRAs and not with other retirement accounts. An important feature to remember, any gifts to charity that come from an IRA need to come from the IRA itself. So to realize the tax advantage, the charitable gift should originate and be dispersed by the IRA custodian. For your own unique situation, check with your tax advisor or the custodian of your own IRA account for advice.

Here are some of the requirements for making an IRA rollover charitable gift this year: • You must be age 70½ or older.

• You must transfer money directly from your IRA to a qualified charity.

• You can give annually up to $100,000 from your IRA.

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

Call today an d take adva ntage of our fall move-in specials.*

We celebrate community at Riverview.

Join us for daily and Sunday Mass as well as weekly Ecumenical/ Protestant services.

We all appreciate the comforting things in life…a warm bed, great food, beautiful gardens, mass. 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.

At Riverview you have everything you need… and everything you love. * Call us at 701.237.4700 for details. Limited time offer.

Independent Living Assisted Living 5300 12th Street South Fargo, North Dakota 58104 701.237.4700

homeishere.org Riverview

24

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

I

am the the time. the N stude At t drawn the en up at color s it was fact w The boat, b tentat Lord w contem first ad in the percep Wh boat, t is sho across under age ha of Chr The Lord, watch taking failed them aroun from m

OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

Tintoretto and the reform of the Church

won’t u also

ement harity So to ginate nique f your

llover

A to a

A.

or the

I

their disciples, do consistently portray Jesus’ inner circle as deeply flawed. Peter Word on Fire denied the Lord at the moment of truth; Bishop James and John Robert Barron succumbed to petty ambition; Thomas refused to believe the report of the Resurrection; Judas betrayed his master; all of them, with the exception of John, abandoned him on the cross, protecting their own hides. And yet, Tintoretto shows Peter tentatively placing his foot upon the sea, commencing to walk toward Jesus. The great spiritual lesson—shopworn perhaps to the point of being a cliché, but still worth repeating—is that as long as the Church keeps its eyes fixed on Christ, it can survive even the worst of storms. It can walk on the water.

The Catholic Church is once more enduring a moment of extreme trial concerning sexual abuse. This time, the focus is on the failure of some bishops to protect the vulnerable, and in at least one terrible case, the active abuse perpetrated by a cardinal archbishop. The whole world is rightly outraged by these sins, and the Church appropriately feels ashamed. Many wonder, understandably, how those specially devoted to Christ could fall into such depravity. But then, we recall that every bishop today is a successor of the Apostles—which is to say, of that band that both sat in easy familiarity with Jesus and denied, betrayed, and ran from their Master. In stormy times, the first Apostles cowered, and their successors, we have to admit, often do the same.

But there are grounds for hope. They are found, however, not in institutional reform (as important as that is), not in psychological analysis (as indispensable as that might be), not in new programs and protocols (as helpful as they might prove), but rather in a return to Jesus Christ. Eyes fixed on him, hearts attuned to him, minds beguiled by him, action determined by him, the leaders of the Church can even now walk on the water.

Tintoretto sheds considerable light on this issue of Apostolic weakness and strength in the very manner in which he has arranged the figures in his composition. The painting is foreshortened in such a way that the disciples appear very small, almost dolllike, whereas Jesus, looming in the extreme foreground, looks gigantic. As John the Baptist put the principle: “He must increase and I must decrease.” When our anxieties and egos are placed in the foreground, Christ necessarily recedes. Crucial to the reformation of the Church is the reversal of that perspective.

am in Washington, DC in mid September for meetings of the USCCB. Since formal proceedings didn’t begin until the evening, one morning I found myself with a little free time. I made my way to one of my favorite places in the city, the National Gallery of Art, which I frequented when I was a student at Catholic University many years ago.

At the close of a long session of walking and musing, I was drawn by an empty and comfortable-looking couch situated at the end of one of the galleries. Plopping down to rest, I looked up at the picture right in front of me. At first glance, given the color scheme and the peculiar modeling of the figures, I thought it was an El Greco, but closer examination revealed that it in fact was Tintoretto’s depiction of Christ at the Sea of Galilee.

The drama at the center of the composition is the Apostles’ boat, buffeted by choppy waves, and St. Peter taking a gingerly, tentative step onto the bounding main at the invitation of the Lord who beckons to him. My seated posture conduced toward contemplation, and I spent a good deal of time with this painting, first admiring the obvious technical skill of the painter, especially in the rendering of the water, but eventually moving to a deeper perception of its spiritual theme, of particular resonance today.

Whenever the Gospels present the disciples of Jesus in a boat, they are symbolically representing the Church. Tintoretto is showing the Church in its practically permanent condition across the ages: at sea, rocked by waves, in danger of going under. Indeed, with a handful of remarkable exceptions, every age has been, in some way, a perilous one for the Mystical Body of Christ.

The boat is filled with the specially-chosen Apostles of the Lord, those who spent years with the Master, learning his mind, watching his moves, witnessing his miracles with their own eyes, taking in his spirit. One would think that even if everyone else failed to follow the Lord, these men would hold steady. Yet, we see them cowering, timorous, obviously at a loss as the storm rages Bishop Barron is a theologian and evangelist, known for his Word on around them. And the Gospels, in a manner that sets them apart Fire ministry. He serves as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of from most other literature dealing with religious founders and Los Angeles.

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

25

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Events across the diocese Memorial Mass in Jamestown remembers those who have passed away

St. James Basilica in Jamestown will celebrate its annual Memorial Mass on Nov. 12. This Mass will remember those who have died in the past year who were parishioners of the Basilica, St. Margaret Mary, Buchanan; St. Michaels, Pingree; and St. Mathias, Windsor. The evening will begin with a rosary at 6:30 p.m. The names of the deceased will be mentioned and a candle lit as each decade of the rosary is said. All are welcome.

Festival of Trees Kicks off Christmas season

opportunity, through God, for turning your pain of loss into an experience of growth. Upcoming weekends are Nov. 16–18 at Maryvale, Valley City and June 21–23, 2019 in Hankinson. For more information visit www.beginningexperience-easternnd. org or contact Father Bernie Schneider at (701) 213-1618.

Annual Holiday Collections craft/vendor show

Holy Cross Church in West Fargo will host a craft/vendor show on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Over 75 artisans will be available for your holiday shopping needs. This is the largest church-held craft/vendor show in the region. Admission is $1.

All proceeds go to the Daily Bread Program. For more information, call (701) 282-7217.

Start the holiday season with beauty and fun with the Festival of Trees Nov. 17 at the ND State Fair Center in Minot. The public tree viewing will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the social and auction starting at 5 p.m. The day will include a free photo booth, refreshments, and a live nativity. Proceeds benefit Dakota Hope Clinic, the only life-affirming pregnancy help center in north central and northwest North Dakota. Tickets for the social and Local professor and author of Christian Social Justice and the WWII auction are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Visit http://bit.ly/ Japanese American Incarceration, Anne Blankenship, will discuss FOTREG. how Christian groups did, or did not, confront the unconstitutional incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. She reveals how the injustice transformed Asian American Christianity and challenged religious and racial boundaries.

Blankenship will point out parallels that apply to recent cases Head to Maryvale in Valley City to experience an Ignatian retreat. of discrimination in the United States. Her presentation is Nov. These silent retreats are steeped in the Gospels and are based on 29 at Presentation Prayer Center in Fargo. Suggested fee is $10. the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Upcoming retreats are: RSVP to Scott at presentationprayercenter@gmail.com.

Dec. 14–16 (register by Dec. 7), Feb. 8–10, 2019 (register by Feb. 1), and May 3–5, 2019 (register by April 26). Suggested donation is $85. For more information, contact Sister Dorothy Bunce, SMP, Come attend a Life in the Spirit weekend Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. through at (701) 845-2864 or dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

Jan.13 at 3 p.m. at St. Cecilia’s Church in Harvey. The seminar serves as an introduction or renewal to a life in the power of the Holy Spirit leading to a deeper relationship with the Lord.

The weekend includes praise and worship, talks and testimony, All men are invited to Catholic Man Night in the Fargo area. The discussion groups, healing of memories, and more. Father Neil evening begins with adoration and confession at 6 p.m. followed Pfeifer will be the spiritual director for the weekend. Register by by a presenter, dinner, and discussion. On Dec. 4, Bishop Folda Jan 8. Meals provided. Free will offering. For more information will present at Nativity Church in Fargo; and on Jan. 8, Father and to register, contact Rosalie at raxtman@gondtc.com or (701) Metzger will present at Blessed Sacrament Church in West Fargo. 324-2706. Housing available in St. Cecilia’s Social Center or in For more information, contact Willie Gartner at (701) 799-0601. private homes.

Christian Social Justice and the WWII Japanese American Incarceration

Ignatian retreat offered at Maryvale, Valley City

Life in the Spirit weekend in Harvey

Calling all men in the Fargo area to Catholic Man Night

One weekend, all the difference for those divorced, widowed, or separated

Are you widowed, separated, or divorced and sometimes feel like life is broken and can never be fixed? Beginning Experience helps you through the natural grief process and offers an

26

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

Get Connected Find more stories and information about the diocese at:

www.fargodiocese.org

nto an 6–18 at on. For ernnd. .

vendor will be largest n is $1. mation,

II

e WWII discuss onstituld War merican daries. t cases is Nov. is $10.

hrough eminar wer of e Lord. imony, er Neil ster by mation or (701) r or in

e at:

Life’s milestones Share life’s milestones

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

George and Erma Bishoff, parishioners at St. Mary’s Church in Forman, will be celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary Nov. 28.

They were married at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Cogswell. They have five children, 10 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

William (Bill) and Linda Lage, parishioners at St. Brigid’s in Cavalier, celebrated their 50th anniversary on Nov. 23. They were married at St. Patrick’s Church in Enderlin by Father Schmirler. Bill and Linda have two children and six grandchildren.

Ovide and Verna Marcotte, parishioners of St. Michael’s Church in Grand Forks, will celebrate 70 years of marriage on Nov. 16. They were married in St. Alphonsus Church in Langdon. They have 11 children and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Bill and Judy Rivard will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on Nov. 25.

They were married at St. Joseph’s Church in Oslo, Minn.

They have eight children (one deceased), 16 grandchildren and four great-granddaughters. They are parishioners at Holy Family Church in Grand Forks.

Jim and Yvonne Szarkowski, parishioners of St. Boniface Church in Wimbledon, celebrated their 65th anniversary on Nov. 5. They were married at St. Boniface by Father Patrick Healy. They have three sons, four granddaughters, and one great-grandson.

Ronald and Marie Timpe celebrated their 50th anniversary on Oct. 26. Ron and Marie were married at St. Mary’s Church in Bismarck and have been parishioners of St. Michael’s Church in Grand Forks since 1983. They have been blessed with five children and 17 grandchildren.

great grandchildren.

John and Lucille Wolfe, parishioners of St. Cecilia’s Church in Harvey, celebrated their 70th anniversary on Oct. 12. They have four daughters, four sons-in-law, eight grandchildren, and 11

Angela Jacobs celebrated her 90th birthday Oct. 28. Angie and Willard, her deceased husband of 62 years, were married at St. Anthony of Padua in Fargo, and their seven children were also baptized and attended grade school there. Angie has eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

27

Special collections at Mass

All Masses Nov. 17–18 will gather a special collection for Black and Indian Missions. The Black and Indian Mission Collection exists to help local African American and Native American Diocesan Communities throughout the United States spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and respond to real and pressing needs. Last year, the Black and Indian Mission Office provided Native American parishes in the Fargo diocese with $119,000 in operating support, and $1,500 for ministry to African American students in Catholic schools. In addition, $96,520 and $150,000 were provided for the Belcourt facilities/Year of Mercy projects in December 2016 and September 2018, respectively.

All Masses Dec. 8–9 will gather a special collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. Across the United States, hundreds of religious communities lack financial resources sufficient to meet the retirement and health-care needs of aging members. This fund helps religious communities care for senior members—today and tomorrow.

A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST

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

75 years ago — 1943

During WWII, Catholic Action News published monthly updates of the number of Catholic men and women in the service from the Diocese of Fargo. In January, there were 1,949 men and 11 women.

By December, there were 3,105 men and 44 women. The faithful that remained behind took up their own battle stations with daily Mass, Holy Communion, and the family rosary in support of their loved ones and the whole diocesan family. November is a month of remembrance, and the 36 souls who gave their lives in defense of their country that year were given a fitting memorial on the front page.

Connect with parishes at fall festivals Fall festivals are great opportunities to connect with parish communities. The following is a list of fall dinners and festivals submitted to New Earth.

Tolna: St. Joseph Church will hold a harvest breakfast on Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pancakes, sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs, juice, and coffee. Bake sale and a raffle.

Fargo: Sts. Anne and Joachim Church will hold a fall festival on Nov. 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. Pork roast meal, silent auction, farmers market, kids’ games, bingo, cake walk, raffle, photo booth, and free hot apple cider.

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) 3567965 or VictimAssistance@fargodiocese.org.

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

50 years ago — 1968

On Nov. 3, Holy Trinity parish in Fingal celebrated a double anniversary. It was the 80th anniversary of the first Mass and the 50th anniversary of the erection of the present church building. Opening the anniversary celebration was the dedication of a new Fatima Shrine which was blessed by Monsignor Allan F. Nilles, Vicar General. The shrine was donated by Mr. and Mrs. John J. Gruman. It is still part of the church grounds today.

Grand Forks, ND | normanfuneral.com | 701.746.4337

20 years ago — 1998

A Grafton Eagle Scout spearheaded a pro-life project to install a memorial stone in the Grafton City Cemetery dedicated to the 40 million children lost to abortion from 1973 to 1998. James Kerian, 16, desired to create a place where the community could come together to share their sorrow over the ramifications of abortion. A memorial service was held November 8 and brought together more than 50 members of the local community including the mayor and the Knights of Columbus.

28

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

WANT TO ADVERTISE IN NEW EARTH? Contact Kristina Lahr (701) 356-7900 newearthads@fargodiocese.org

Velva (Paul Braun | New Earth)

es

We Remember A call to pray for those who have gone before us

Please remember in prayer the faithful departed from our parishes, our diocese and throughout the world.

Included are those who passed away between Oct. 15, 2017 and Oct. 15, 2018. If your loved one was not included in this list, we will include them in the Dec. 2018 New Earth.

DIOCESE OF FARGO

Clergy: Rev. Daniel M. Mrnarevic–Sept. 23, 2018.

Deacons: Deacon George Ethier–Feb. 19, 2018; Deacon Leonard Buresh–Aug. 23, 2018.

Religious: Sr. Celine Marie Morth, SMP–Dec. 29, 2017; Sr. Winifred “Una” Murphy, PBVM–Feb. 4, 2018; Sr. Ann Louise Kolhoff, SMP–Mar. 21, 2018; Sr. Mary Therese Fenton, PBVM–Apr. 7, 2018; Sr. Justina Maloney, PBVM–May 1, 2018; Sr. Carmelita Sauer, OSF–May 20, 2018; Sr. Alverna Goldade, OSF–July 26, 2018; Sr. Sylvia Jordan, PBVM–Aug 11, 2018; Sr. Agnes Marie Zimny, SMP–Sept. 28, 2018.

ALCIDE – St. Anthony’s Church: Sharon A. Poitra-Bercier–Oct. 20, 2017; Douglas Malo–Oct. 23, 2017; Dale M. Nadeau–Oct. 30, 2017; Vivian Poitra–Nov. 7, 2017; Franklin Trottier–Nov. 9, 2017; Derrick C. Allery– Nov. 16, 2017; Hannah M. Azure–May 30, 2018; Carla J. Allery–Aug. 5, 2018; Donald Z. Poitra–Aug. 7, 2018; Wayne “Tigerman” J. Nadeau–Oct. 9, 2018.

ANAMOOSE – St. Francis Xavier’s Church: Marvin Stotz–Feb. 3, 2018; Arnold Putz–Feb. 19, 2018.

ARGUSVILLE – St. William’s Church: Irene Stirling–Nov. 28, 2017.

ASHLEY – St. David’s Church: Reuben Elshaug–Jan. 7, 2018.

BALTA – Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church: Duane A. Schall–Mar. 14, 2018.

BECHYNE – Sts. Peter and Paul’s Church: Keith O. Knudson–May 27, 2018; Mary C. Hodny–Aug. 21, 2018.

BELCOURT – St. Ann’s Church: Joseph B. Laducer–Oct. 17, 2017; Erik F. Delonais–Nov. 4, 2017; Harold J. Poitra–Nov. 13, 2017; Elizabeth “Betty” LaVallie–Nov. 17, 2017; Marilyn Dionne–Nov. 19, 2017; Sylvester J.Charette–Nov. 20, 2017; Dale Laverdure–Nov. 21, 2017; Marie A. Peltier–Nov. 26, 2017; Victor J. DeLong–Dec. 3, 2017; Easten D. LaFountaine–Dec. 9, 2017; Ida J. Belgarde–Dec. 13, 2017; Bobbie A. Lobato–Dec. 18, 2017; Antone Gourneau–Dec. 18, 2017; Ruth “Tiny” A. Lund–Dec. 18, 2017; Troy DeCoteau–Dec. 21, 2017; Alma M. Charette–Dec. 24, 2017; Eleanor M. Jeanotte–Jan. 8, 2018; Oscar J. Wilkie III–Jan. 10, 2018; James D. Chase–Jan. 11, 2018; Marilyn A. Gourneau–Jan. 12, 2018; William E. McCloud –Jan. 16, 2018; Louise H. Martell–Jan. 26, 2018; Austin A. Laducer–Feb. 2, 2018; Laura A. Peltier–Feb. 4, 2018; Mary “Betty Lou” Chidester–Feb. 11, 2018; Jerry Azure–Feb. 18, 2018; Janice K. Jeanotte–Feb. 23, 2018; Vern R. Enno–Mar. 1, 2018; Hedwig “Susie” Poitra–Mar. 2, 2018; Frances Jetty–Mar. 18, 2018; Aurora S. Karnopp–Mar. 19, 2018; Kyle L. Delonais–Mar. 23, 2018; Linus A. Davis–Mar. 24, 2018; Frank L. Davis–Apr. 2, 2018; Preston J. Demery –Apr. 6, 2018; Clyde M. Houle– Apr. 7, 2018; Rick D. Jeanotte–Apr. 10, 2018; Oscar J. Wilkie, Jr.–Apr. 14, 2018; Louis S. Nicholas–Apr. 20, 2018; John Crissler–Apr. 25, 2018; Diane M. McCloud–Apr. 28, 2018; NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

29

Raymond Charette–May 1, 2018; Renae Geyer–May 2, 2018; John Amyotte–May 3, 2018; Jennifer Amyotte–May 5, 2018; Christopher T. Martell–May 14, 2018; Marlene Laducer–June 20, 2018; Doris “Dolly” Wallette–June 23, 2018; Lisa Sharpfish–June 24, 2018; Judy LaFountain–June 28, 2018; Loyalty K. Abrahamson–July 19, 2018; Ina M. Mikkelson– Aug. 8, 2018; Richard L. McCloud, Sr.–Aug. 10, 2018; Geraldine Dauphinais–Aug. 20, 2018; Davey DeCoteau–Sept. 19, 2018.

BELCOURT – St. Benedict’s Church: Elisha Bercier–Nov. 2, 2017; Naomi R. Zaste–Nov. 9, 2017; Jerimiah Azure–May 31, 2018; Martha Keplin–June 14, 2018; Wilmar J. Azure–June 18, 2018; Theodore P. DeCoteau–Aug. 13, 2018.

Pembina (Kristina Lahr | New Earth)

CARRINGTON – Sacred Heart Church: Vernon J. Richter–Jan. 2, 2018; Lorraine Carr–Jan. 14, 2018; Caroline Wolf–Jan. 15, 2018; Judson Mackrill–Jan. 30, 2018; Rebecca Ann Hollingsworth–Feb. 26, 2018; Edith Schmit–Mar. 4, 2018; Kelly Waliser–Mar. 17, 2018; Kenneth Kracht–July 16, 2018; Francie Schwalbe–July 30, 2018; Thomas A. Huss–Sept.

30, 2018.

CASSELTON – St. Leo’s Church: Kenneth J. Christl–Oct. 16, 2017; Donald Mergner–Oct. 20, 2017; Joseph E. Marek–Nov. 13, 2017; Raymond Hersch–Dec. 12, 2017; Regina “Jeannie” Weber–Sept. 19, 2018.

CAVALIER – St. Brigid’s Church: Lyle Ault–Nov. 11, 2017; Joann Hardy–Dec. 27, 2017; Oliver Gregory–Feb. 11, 2018; Sue A. Burrell–Mar. 13, 2018; Duane “Butch” R. Indridson–Sept. 15, 2018.

CAYUGA – Sts. Peter and Paul’s Church: James “J.R.” R. Breker–Jan. 28, 2018.

CRYSTAL – St. Patrick’s Church: Roger Guderjahn–Mar. 20, 2018.

DAZEY – St. Mary’s Church: Conrad Huber–Mar. 4, 2018; Henry Amann–Mar. 28, 2018; Delores Amann–Sept. 25, 2018; Margaret Wieland–Sept. 26, 2018.

DEVILS LAKE – St. Joseph’s Church: Donald V. Ripplinger–Oct. 21, 2017; Irene P. Steffan–Oct. 23, 2017; Madissen F. Paulsen–Dec. 2, 2017; Gary H. Bachmeier– Dec. 12, 2017; Fredrick “Fred” D. Neis–Dec. 17, 2017; Barbara Gefroh–Dec. 31, 2017; Kenneth J. Gratton–Jan. 3, 2018; Earl H. Hanson–Jan. 4, 2018; Susan M. Gefroh–Jan. 11, 2018; Luella M. Schafer–Jan. 19, 2018; Gertrude “Lindy” J. Lange–Jan. 31, 2018; Harold J. Berg–Mar. 26, 2018; Patricia A. Morell–Mar. 31, 2018; Wendall W. Uthke–Apr. 7, 2018; Dennis L. Wentz– May 18, 2018; Vernon H. Gilbert–May 22, 2018; Mildred P. Solga–May 26, 2018; Kerry J. Streifel–June 8, 2018; Catherine “Cathy” P. Young–July 3, 2018; Louise A.Burkhardsmeier –July 4, 2018; John Brinster–Aug. 22, 2018; Mieciu “Matt” Kostecki–Aug. 26, 2018; Edward C. Lauinger–Aug. 30, 2018; Margaret M. Braaten–Sept. 6, 2018; David A. Walford–Sept.

10, 2018; Rebecca “Becky” K. Bachmeier–Sept. 20, 2018; Wilma M. Evans–Sept. 23, 2018; Patrick J. Dion–Sept. 23, 2018.

Virginia M. Volk–Sept. 24, 2018; MaryAnn “Marie” Kurtz– Sept. 27, 2018.

DRAKE – St. Margaret Mary’s Church: Dan Bruner–Jan. 29, 2018; Liz Keller–Feb. 19, 2018; Lillian Schmidt–Feb. 23, 2018.

BOTTINEAU – St. Mark’s Church: Joseph W. Houle–Oct. 21, 2017; Albert Pugh–Oct. 31, 2017; Arvid R. Anderson–Nov. 16, 2017; Gregory Beyer–Nov. 17, 2017; Everett Lahr–Nov. 21, 2017.

CANDO – Sacred Heart Church: Delores Krick–Oct. 28, 2017; Joseph A. Eisenzimmer–Apr. 30, 2018; Dorothy C. Marr–June 7, 2018; Betty Lou Farbo–Aug. 24, 2018; Elizabeth “Betty” L. Rinas–Sept. 29, 2018; LeRoy L. Hoffert–Sept. 29, 2018.

30

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

DRAYTON – St. Edward’s Church: Alice R. Vollmers–Jan. 2, 2018.

DUNSEITH – St. Michael’s Church: Francis Dumont–Oct. 19, 2017; Joseph L. Bradford–Dec. 25, 2017; Terry J. Nadeau–Jan. 10, 2018; Betty M. Peltier–Feb. 16, 2018; Thomas J. Parisien–Mar. 17, 2018; Virginia Poitra–Mar. 22, 2018; Karen L. Gagnon-Davis–Mar. 26, 2018; William D. James–Apr. 3, 2018; Melvin Schroeder–Apr. 20, 2018; Alan L. Charbonneau–July 11, 2018; Margaret V. Chase–July 12, 2018; Stella DeCoteau–July 30, 2018; James J. Pochant–July 31, 2018; Amari L. Lilley–Sept. 9, 2018; Donna L. Houle–Sept. 22, 2018; Donzold Delorme–Oct. 3, 2018.

EDGE Rose M

ELLE John R Joan G Ruby

ENDE Yvonn 2018; 18, 20

ESMO Corne Denni

FARG Andre Helen John P Kathle Maria Bruce Georg Helen Betty Agnes Raym

FARG Donn Betty LaVon Feb. 1 –Feb. McGe Gertru 29, 20 son–A Sornsi Wilma Emily Tinh H

FARG Roald Rober Collet Floren Marga Feb. 1 Smith Sween S. Gilb Klier– inary– “Gene Sept. 2

FARG Helen Wend

18; 18; –Mar. ly 16, Sept.

20, Dec.

ver ane

18; , 2018.

. 23, eier– rbara arl H. ella n. 31, ar. tz– P. rine r ” 018; ept.

, 2018. z–

n

25, b. 16, Mar. D. an L. 2018; 2018; 2018;

EDGELEY – Transfiguration Church: Rose Mitzel–Feb. 16, 2018; Matthew Bosch–Sept. 15, 2018.

ELLENDALE – St. Helena: John R. Beringer–Nov. 15, 2017; Aloys Mastel–Dec. 5, 2017; Joan Grueneich–Dec. 27, 2017; Thomas H. Kelly–Jan. 30, 2018; Ruby E. Johnson–Feb. 23, 2018.

ENDERLIN – St. Patrick’s Church: Yvonne A. Wawers–Jan. 1, 2018; Mildred N. Stenson–Mar. 12, 2018; Marion E. Hartl–July 20, 2018; Patrick M. Boyle–Sept.

18, 2018.

2017; Edward A. Skroch–Dec. 16, 2017; Allan D. Sturm–Jan. 6, 2018; Zane McFarlane–Jan. 8, 2018; Teresa A. Martin–Jan. 28, 2018; Paulette Lacher–Jan. 30, 2018; James R. Gatzke–Jan. 31, 2018; Richard Urich, Jr.–Mar. 10, 2018; Mary K. Marty–Mar. 21, 2018; Vincent C. McCord–Apr. 20, 2018; Ruth M. Flaherty– May 21, 2018; Sophia Van Hook–May 28, 2018; Frances H. Fjeld–June 3, 2018; Shirley Hoggarth –June 19, 2018; Huberta “Bertie” Olson–July 16, 2018; Thomas Bossoletti–Sept. 20, 2018.

ESMOND – St. Boniface Church: Cornelius Keller–Oct. 21, 2017; Marie Hager–Jan. 13, 2018; Dennis Goetz–Aug. 22, 2018; Richard Wack–Sept. 21, 2018.

FARGO – Sts. Anne and Joachim Church: Andrew Jaden–Oct. 5, 2017; Irene M. Link–Oct. 13, 2017; Helen M. Steffen–Oct. 23, 2017; Denise E. Mullen–Nov. 10, 2017; John P. Schmitz–Nov. 16, 2017; Louis Daniels–Dec. 7, 2017; Kathleen Skalicky–Dec. 10, 2017; Frank W. Bojarski–Dec. 15, 2017; Maria Stasch–Jan. 3, 2018; Raymond Schaffer–Feb. 4, 2018; Bruce M. Carlisle–Feb. 26, 2018; Derek Bubach–May 19, 2018; George Kachel–June 2, 2018; Timothy I. Murphy–June 30, 2018; Helen Bittner–July 1, 2018; Arnold R. Schnell, Sr.–July 2, 2018; Betty Sullivan–July 26, 2018; Daniel J. Bellemare–Aug. 9, 2018; Agnes Lipetzky–Aug. 25, 2018; Rita R. Nelson–Aug. 28, 2018; Raymond F. Minette–Sept. 28, 2018.

FARGO – St. Anthony’s Church: Donna Bachmeier–Oct. 30, 2017; Wencil Dusek–Nov. 9, 2017; Betty Jilek–Nov. 29, 2017; Wayne D. Thomas–Jan. 3, 2018; LaVon B. Ness–Jan. 11, 2018; Edward “Tom” T. Conmy III– Feb. 1, 2018; Barbara Sornsin–Feb. 9, 2018; William “Bill” Gruber –Feb. 10, 2018; Terry Steinhouse, Sr.–Mar. 8, 2018; Thomas McGeehan–Mar. 12, 2018; Victor “Bob” Wolter–Mar. 15, 2018; Gertrude P. Neubauer–Mar. 21, 2018; Dylan Roberts–Mar. 29, 2018; James Van Raden, Sr.–Apr. 3, 2018; Dericci Peterson–Apr. 12, 2018; Josephine Bach–May 16, 2018; John “Jack” Sornsin–May 21, 2018; Donald “Duck” V. Rohrich–June 30, 2018; Wilma Kappel–July 19, 2018; Daniel W. Sornsin–Aug. 12, 2018; Emily Martin-Suda–Aug. 20, 2018; Alice Hill–Sept. 11, 2018; Tinh Hoang–Sept. 12, 2018; Orville Buckhouse–Sept. 20, 2018.

FARGO – Holy Spirit Church: Roald Satherhagen–Oct. 13, 2017; James Berg–Oct. 20, 2017; Robert Artz–Oct. 23, 2017; William “Bill” Tubbs–Nov. 7, 2017; Colletta Stoup–Nov. 15, 2017; James Weninger–Jan. 2, 2018; Florence Shanley–Jan. 26, 2018; Joy O’Hearn–Feb. 1, 2018; Margaret “Jo” J. Schwengler–Feb. 11, 2018; Margaret Wasche– Feb. 13, 2018; Marjorie G. Gerlach–Feb. 22, 2018; Gertrude Smith–Mar 27, 2018; James D. Kertz–Apr. 8, 2018; Carol Sweeney–Apr. 15, 2018; Joseph Wilke–Apr. 20, 2018; Penelope S. Gilbert–Apr. 27, 2018; Doris Bower–May 15, 2018; Dolores Klier–June 29, 2018; Marie Coryell–Aug. 7, 2018; Arlene Seminary–Aug. 11, 2018; Jerome Spaeth–Aug. 22, 2018; Eugene “Gene” Hoepfner–Sept. 26, 2018; Delano G. Paczkowski– Sept. 27, 2018; Janice Wehage–Oct. 14, 2018.

FARGO – Cathedral of St. Mary: Helen M. Schott–Oct. 17, 2017; Mark Miller–Dec. 4, 2017; Ann Wendt–Dec. 7, 2017; Elizabeth “Betty” McKelvey–Dec. 14,

Wild Rice (Paul Braun | New Earth)

FARGO – Nativity Church: Gordon Grinaker–Oct. 27, 2017; Jeannette Partlow–Nov. 24, 2017; James Olsbo–Dec. 6, 2017; Charles “Chuck” Hanson– Dec. 8, 2017; Virginia “Ginny” Lynch–Dec. 10, 2017; Jeanne Vasichek–Dec. 21, 2017; David Kramer, Sr.–Jan. 1, 2018; Jon Peterson–Feb. 3, 2018; Mary Masseth–Feb. 16, 2018; Walter Rodlund–Feb. 19, 2018; George Sinner–Mar. 9, 2018; Thomas “Tom” Youngerman–Mar. 14, 2018; Lillian Cossette –Apr. 4, 2018; Anthony “Tony” Appel–Apr. 6, 2018; John “Tom” Hurley–Apr. 21, 2018; Alyssa Anderson–June 4, 2018; Rosemary Parker–June 26, 2018; Annette Sauer–July 22, 2018; Dana Bishoff–July 24, 2018; Mary Monson–Aug. 2, 2018; Doris Bau– Aug. 18, 2018; Dorothy Renner–Aug. 19, 2018; Mary Narum– Aug. 22, 2018.

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

31

FINGAL – Holy Trinity Church: Alice Puhr–Aug. 9, 2018.

FORMAN – St. Mary’s Church: Ethel Klinkhammer–Aug. 26, 2018; Mitchell “Mitch” R. Litchfields, Sr.–Aug. 28, 2018.

FORT TOTTEN – Seven Dolors Mission: Lula Mae Hindersheit–Mar. 24, 2018.

Christina “Chrissy” M. Molfino–May 19, 2018; Francis H. Babinski–June 30, 2018; Florence D. Belgarde–July 7, 2018; Thomas P. Sherwood–July 15, 2018; Raphael “Ray” J. Tandeski –July 17, 2018; Ronald J. Bruski–July 20, 2018; Milan “Red” Anderson–Sept. 10, 2018; Robert L. Reis–Sept. 26, 2018; Theresa B. Holkesvig–Oct. 6, 2018.

FULLERTON – St. Patrick: Adeline Peterson–Nov. 16, 2017; Laura L. Hay–Jan. 14, 2018.

GENESEO – St. Martin’s Church: Tim C. Lock–Feb. 19, 2018; Phyllis Bauch–May 22, 2018.

GRAND FORKS – Holy Family Church: Cicely Latraille–Oct. 7, 2017; Christopher P. Jacobs–Oct. 8, 2017; Audrey A. Schefter–Oct. 15, 2017; Ella Fortin–Oct. 20, 2017; Kenneth Hall–Oct. 27, 2017; Jerome Dufault–Oct. 30, 2017; William “Bill” Fruhwirth–Nov. 11, 2017; JoAnn “Jo” Gowan– Dec. 17, 2017; Ashly L. Nupdal–Jan. 13, 2018; Roberta Lowe– Feb. 25, 2018; Ronald Geatz–Feb. 26, 2018; Lynn Roberts–Feb. 27, 2018; Dale Jarombek–Mar. 16, 2018; James “Jim” Meisel– Mar. 18, 2018; Doloria Dusek–July 10, 2018; James Hanley– July 13, 2018; Colleen R. Bohm–Aug. 2, 2018.

GRAND FORKS – St. Michael’s Church: Laura L. Goulet–Oct. 23, 2017; Janet K. Pearson–Oct. 27, 2017; Judy Ann Schmitz–Nov. 1, 2017; Delores Jacobson–Nov. 1, 2017; Florene A. Rowley–Nov. 3, 2017; Francis “Fran” Kryzsko –Nov. 4, 2017; Ronald Murphy–Nov. 12, 2017; Lucille W. Votava–Nov. 21, 2017; William “Bill” O’Toole–Dec. 1, 2017; Brian Green–Dec. 3, 2017; Richard “Diddy” Quesnell–Dec. 4, 2017; Cindy Goulet–Dec. 16, 2017; Margaret Ngoran–Dec. 17, 2017; Roger Enge–Dec. 27, 2017; William “Bill” B. Ekren, Jr.– Dec. 28, 2017; Frances Dahl–Jan. 15, 2018; Emil J. Votava–Jan. 22, 2018; Olga M. Fetsch–Feb. 6, 2018; Michael J. Bendele– Feb. 17, 2018; R. William “Bill” Hill–Mar. 9, 2018; Donald E. Bass–Mar. 10, 2018; Sandra C. Garceau–Mar. 12, 2018; Gerald “Turk” A. Devine–Mar. 15, 2018; Francis J. Norman–Mar. 24, 2018; Robert “Butch” Skari–Apr. 8, 2018; Marlene Spicer– Apr. 11, 2018; Gerald “Jerry” F. Hamerlik–Apr. 11, 2018; Geralyn Lunski–Apr. 26, 2018; Ronald L. Fuller–May 4, 2018; Frederick “Fred” D. Peterson–May 7, 2018; Arden Haley–May 8, 2018; Raymond A. Savage–May 14, 2018; Gerald “Jerry” F. Litzinger–May 16, 2018; Patricia E. Graveline–May 19, 2018; Drew J. Grzadzieleski–June 3, 2018; George J. Deraney–June 8, 2018; Cornelius “Con” J. Whalen–June 12, 2018; Francis M. Snider–June 16, 2018; Edith Salwei–June 29, 2018; Andrew S. Torrey–July 1, 2018; Faye Thompson–July 5, 2018; Richard “Rick” Bohlman–July 21, 2018; Nicholas Gerszewski–July 24, 2018; Kevin M. Lee–Aug. 4, 2018; D. Marlene Logan–Aug. 12, 2018; Daryl Bjelde–Aug. 17, 2018; Eleanor M. Ginter–Aug. 20, 2018; Ronald “Ron” D. Maszk, Sr.–Aug. 24, 2018; Roland R. Nasinec–Aug. 29, 2018; David N. Gosselin–Sept.

12, 2018; Thomas R. Norman–Sept. 24, 2018; Barbara C. Norman-Maddock–Sept. 24, 2018; Daniel “Dan” Hill–Sept. 27, 2018; Melody Cariveau–Oct. 10, 2018.

GRAND FORKS – St. Mary’s Church: Russell “Russ” R. LaDouceur–Oct. 3, 2017; William “Bill” B. Ekren Sr.–Oct. 20, 2017; Janelle M. Mulroy–Nov. 15, 2017; Gloria R. Serna–Apr. 5, 2018; Kenneth N. Norlin–Apr. 24, 2018;

32

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

Pembina (Kristina Lahr | New Earth)

GRAFTON – St. John’s Church: Allen G. Johnson–Oct. 4, 2017; Donald Osowski–Nov. 21, 2017; Patricia Stengrim–Dec. 4, 2017; Richard Munoz–Dec. 25, 2017; Muriel Goulet–Dec. 26, 2017; Cole Bouldin–Jan. 3, 2018; Mary Ann Heder–Jan. 4, 2018;Richard Ganyo–Jan. 25, 2018; Shirley Tisdale–Jan. 27, 2018; Ida E. Feltman–Jan. 27, 2018; Olivine L. Houdek–Feb. 6, 2018; Maurice B. Collette–Feb. 28, 2018; Britani R. Senti–Mar. 2, 2018; Eugene P. Keeley–Mar. 30, 2018; Helen F. Osowski–Apr. 11, 2018; Carmen “Conchita” S. Contreras–Apr. 25, 2018; Harold O. Hanevold–Apr. 26, 2018; Dorothy A. Shereck–May 4, 2018; Patrick V. Koehmstedt–May 31, 2018; John J. Glanner–June 2, 2018; Joshua L. Bruce –June 13, 2018; Sandra J. Kasprick–July 16, 2018; Janice Aakre –July 23, 2018; Frances Riskey–Aug. 8, 2018; Rosanna Credit –Sept. 4, 2018; Lynn M. Stoltman–Sept. 20, 2018; Alma G. Collette– Sept. 28, 2018.

HANKINSON – St. Philip’s Church: Barbara Higgins–Dec. 17, 2017; Raymond Birchem–Feb. 2, 2018;

H. 8; deski d”

, ec. 25, 2018; 18; 8; b. 28, r. 30, a” S. 018; –May June –July t. 4, –

2018;

Kurt Steinwehr–Mar. 9, 2018; Herbert Reiland–Mar. 9, 2018; Dorothy Hermes–Aug. 17, 2018; Nick Lingen–Oct. 6, 2018.

KNOX – St. Mary’s Church: Darlene M. Pierson–Apr. 9, 2018; LaVerne Mitzel–July 29, 2018.

HARVEY – St. Cecilia’s Church: Joe P. Keller–Oct. 6, 2017; Wendelin Hager–Oct. 18, 2017; Dorothy A. Miller–Nov. 2, 2017; Joseph Holzer–Nov. 13, 2017; Raymond E. Henne–Jan. 31, 2018; Annemarie Ripplinger– May 6, 2018; Claude Ripplinger–May 16, 2018; Jerome Held– June 10, 2018; Douglas Olschlager–July 7, 2018; Troy Schimke –July 31, 2018; Lorraine Mack Schaefer–Sept. 12, 2018.

LAKOTA – St. Mary’s Catholic Church: Dorothy R. Shereck–Nov. 7, 2017.

HILLSBORO – St. Rose Catholic Church: Jill Kritzberger–Oct. 21, 2017; Roger Thompson–Oct. 21, 2017; Allura Sortland–Oct. 29, 2017.

HUNTER – St. Agnes Church: Morris Melander–Aug. 13, 2018; Ray Frost–Sept. 28, 2018.

JAMESTOWN – St. James Basilica: Janet Kubenski–Oct. 3, 2017; Karen DeVillers–Oct. 14, 2017; Donald Anderson–Oct. 20, 2017; Louise Evenson–Oct. 25, 2017; Robert W. Weber–Oct. 27, 2017; Christopher Freeh–Nov. 11, 2017; Marie Drake–Nov. 16, 2017; Mark Koble–Nov. 24, 2017; Virginia Kudrna–Nov. 25, 2017; Linda M. Hansted–Dec. 7, 2017; Mark A. Wanzek–Jan. 21, 2018; Joseph Ebertz–Jan. 26, 2018; Evelyn “Bonnie” Spitzer–Mar. 3, 2018; Lois A. Wetnz– Mar. 10, 2018; Geraldine B. Krebsbach–Mar. 22, 2018; Richard Freeh–Mar. 28, 2018; Patricia F. Neva–Mar. 31, 2018; Douglas Mitchell–Apr. 12, 2018; Adeline Mitchell–Apr. 16, 2018; Melford “Gene” Andersen–Apr. 18, 2018; Donelle C. Graven–Apr. 25, 2018; Ann Marie Hess–Apr. 27, 2018; Delores Wagner –May 19, 2018; Charles Kourajian–May 19, 2018; Robert “Bob” Sarbaum–May 28, 2018; Arnold “Arnie” Schafer–June 4, 2018; Marcella Jawaski–July 9, 2018; Christopher Paolini–July 13, 2018; Elaine Dobitz–Aug. 24, 2018; Mary “Louella” Ortberg–Oct. 4, 2018.

LAMOURE – Holy Rosary Church: Margaret Warcken–Nov. 28, 2017; Bill Mangin–Dec. 4, 2017; Mary J. Meisch–June 23, 2018.

LANGDON – St. Alphonsus Church: Charles Platz–Nov. 2, 2017; Lyle Schneider–Nov. 11, 2017; Isabelle Metzger–Nov. 14, 2017; Anna Mae Hansel–Nov. 21, 2017; Roman Michels–Dec. 27, 2017; Carmen Hiltner–Jan. 3, 2018; Mike Sauer–Jan. 5, 2018; Paul Kram–Jan. 18, 2018; Dorothy Jakoubek–Jan. 30, 2018; Gary Gross–Feb. 19, 2018; John R. Delebo–Mar. 9, 2018; Svanfridur “Lola” Lorenz–Mar. 26, 2018; Joseph S. Koehmstedt–Apr. 6, 2018; Oscar Beauchamp–May 18, 2018; Dennis A. Lyons–May 19, 2018; Marjorie Domres–June 5, 2018; Terry Moser–June 23, 2018; Keith Ballweg–June 24, 2018; Dennis W. Howatt–June 29, 2018; Ethel Lill–July 9, 2018; Leona Mondor–July 24, 2018; Lawrence Kartes–Aug. 3, 2018; Marjorie Mikkelsen–Sept. 16, 2018; EmilyLorenz–Sept. 29, 2018.

LANKIN – St. Joseph’s Church: Harriet M. Omlie–Mar. 24, 2018; Leslie J. Swartz–May 29, 2018; Dorothy M. Karas–Oct. 6, 2018.

LARIMORE – St. Stephen’s Church: Robert W. Fairbridge–Nov. 8, 2017; Ardella Fuglestad–Jan. 7, 2018; Joann Opdahl–Jan. 9, 2018; Greg Holmes–Jan. 13, 2018; Marjorie A. McMahon–Jan. 19, 2018; Harvey Hell, Jr.–Feb. 23, 2018; Robert “Bob” A. Kaminski, Sr.–Apr. 21, 2018; Florence Larsgaard –Aug. 12, 2018; Daniel G. Schneider–Aug. 27, 2018.

LEEDS – St. Vincent de Paul Church: Henry Violett–Feb. 2, 2018; Susan C. Malchose–May 28, 2018.

LIDGERWOOD – St. Boniface Church: Doris “Dody” Bohnenstingl–Dec. 5, 2017; James “Jim” W. Duerr –Feb. 11, 2018; LuVerne B. Illies–May 16, 2018.

MADDOCK – St. William’s Church: Helen Garman–May 11, 2018; Michael Hoffner–Aug. 18, 2018.

MANVEL – St. Timothy’s Church: Diane R. Cooper–Dec. 24, 2017; Leslie “Les” J. Hutton–Jan. 15, 2018; Margaret H. Nagle-Bachmeier–Feb. 13, 2018; Rodney C. Devine–Aug. 3, 2018.

Wild Rice (Paul Braun | New Earth)

KARLSRUHE – Sts. Peter and Paul Church Bennie Frank Walter–Oct. 27, 2017; Anton “Tony” Lauinger– Nov. 19, 2017; Gerald Duchsherer–May 7, 2018; Gary Boehm– June 17, 2018.

KENSAL – St. John’s Church: Jim DeVillers–Nov. 7, 2017.

KINDRED – St. Maurice Church: Donald Kub–May 20, 2018.

MAYVILLE – Our Lady of Peace Church: Jesse D. Scallon–Jan. 15, 2018; Elizabeth J. Bradner–Jan. 16, 2018; Angie Gaspers–Feb. 12, 2018.

MCHENRY – Sts. Peter and Paul’s Church: Marvin Miska–Oct. 15, 2017; Gary Ryan–Nov. 26, 2017.

MICHIGAN – St. Lawrence’s Church: Ethel Bosh–May 23, 2018; Leslie Hendrickson–Sept. 11, 2018.

MILNOR – St. Arnold’s Church: Dorothy A. Arnold–Dec. 18, 2017; Marion Schonhoff–Mar. 25, 2018; Marvel Betting–Apr. 28, 2018; Wren M. Heinert–May 27, 2018; Regina B. Nunn–Aug. 5, 2018.

MINTO – Sacred Heart Church:

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

33

Gianna Nice–Nov. 22, 2017; Richard “Rick” Mahar–Nov. 26, 2017; Elizabeth “Betty” A. Erickson–Nov. 27, 2017; Brian A. Misialek– Dec. 21, 2017; Margie Kilichowski–Dec. 29, 2017; Arlene Mondry–Feb. 1, 2018; Phoebe M. Riske–Mar. 5, 2018; Ronald R. Langowski–Apr. 22, 2018; Juan “Pete” Contreras–June 18, 2018; Fred J. Mondry–July 6, 2018; James Lobsinger–July 31, 2018; James R. Walski–Oct. 1, 2018.

NAPOLEON – St. Philip’s Church: Timothy Gross–Jan. 29, 2018; Geraldine “Geri” Kuntz–Mar. 1, 2018; Agnes Holmes–July 14, 2018; Kenneth “Kenny” Fettig– July 17, 2018; Leona Regner–Sept. 4, 2018; Veronica “Frona” Schmidt–Oct. 5, 2018.

NEW ROCKFORD – St. John’s Church: David W. Irmen–Oct. 5, 2017; Sylvia Spreen–Nov. 28, 2017; Phyllis “Eileen” Bush–Jan. 15, 2018; Daniel Hager–Jan. 26, 2018; Margaret Arntson–Feb. 15, 2018; Joan M. Brocker–Apr. 1, 2018; Theodore Gathman–Apr. 2, 2018; Vincent Nicolai–May 18, 2018; James VanLith–June 4, 2018; DeVon M. Allmaras– June 25, 2018; Terrance “Terry” P. VanLith–July 9, 2018; Roger P. Wick–Sept. 11, 2018; Margaret “Peggy” Irmen–Sept. 16, 2018.

Rose A. Hager–Mar. 26, 2018; Thomas P. Burgard–Apr. 6, 2018; Elna M. Mack–Apr. 29, 2018; Ann B. Mack–May 15, 2018; Barbara Jundt–May 18, 2018; Frank Kraft–June 1, 2018; Geri Schoeberl –June 14, 2018; Lillian Massine–June 21, 2018; David P. Wangler –Sept. 11, 2018; Leo Hoffert–Oct. 11, 2018.

SELZ – St. Anthony’s Church: Ruth Dosch–May 14, 2018; Victor Thomas–July 16, 2018; Kari Deck–Aug. 12, 2018.

SHELDON – Our Lady of the Scapular Church: David H. Kaspari–Mar. 23, 2018; Sarah “Sally” Kaspari– Mar. 26, 2018; Joseph E. Bartholomay–May 27, 2018; Virgil E. Boeder–June 24, 2018.

STEELE – St. Francis Church:

OAKES – St. Charles Church: Warren C. Peterson–Nov. 22, 2017; Bernice “Bea” Kennedy– Dec. 12, 2017; Lucille Hill–Jan. 8, 2018; Charlotte “Charlie” Roney–Feb. 23, 2018.

OAKWOOD – Sacred Heart Church: David Collette–Dec. 9, 2017; Mary Jane Sevigny–July 2, 2018.

PARK RIVER – St. Mary’s Church: Darlene M. Carlson–Oct. 30, 2017; Emil Kulas–Nov. 23, 2017; Sharon “Shari” K. Thompson–Jan. 17, 2018; Angeline A. Kachena–Jan. 19, 2018; Darren N. Vold–Feb. 8, 2018; Ronald J. Novak–Feb. 18, 2018; Stanley S. Novak–Mar. 3, 2018; Rose J. Bartuska–May 11, 2018; Edith R. Flint–June 8, 2018; Mildred M. Jallo–June 24, 2018; John T. Kosobud–July 27, 2018.

PEMBINA – Assumption Church: Irene Fritz–May 3, 2018; Jeri L. Monette–May 18, 2018.

PISEK – St. John’s Church: William “Billy” J. Houska–Jan. 22, 2018; Donald F. Dusek– July 23, 2018; Lawrence J. Novak–Aug. 5, 2018.

ROCK LAKE – Immaculate Heart of Mary Church: Ricardo C. Keim–Nov. 18, 2017.

ROLLA – St. Joachim’s Church: Alma M. Gilbert–Nov. 18, 2017; Vivian L. Krech–Feb. 19, 2018; Susan J. Manson–Mar. 19, 2018; David W. Keegan–Mar. 26, 2018; Jarvis A. Bonn–Apr. 9, 2018; LeRoy G. Gustafson–Oct. 8, 2018.

RUGBY – St. Therese Church: Rose Weigel–Oct. 22, 2017; Allen Graner–Oct. 24, 2017; Hilda A. Buckmeier–Nov. 3, 2017; Elizabeth “Betty” Angstadt –Dec. 1, 2017; David E. Wurgler–Dec. 5, 2017; August J. Bachmeier–Dec. 16, 2017; Edward M. Kirchofner–Jan. 2, 2018; Dolores Pfeifer–Jan. 11, 2018; Fred J. Selensky, Sr.–Jan. 17, 2018; Elizabeth “Liz” Duchscher–Feb. 1, 2018; Helen Hoffert–Feb. 4, 2018; George Sattler–Feb. 5, 2018; Bertha Barbot–Feb. 7, 2018; Lois Kuhn–Feb. 28, 2018; Elizabeth “Betty” Hoffert–Mar. 4, 2018; Eusabius Burgard–Mar. 8, 2018; John P. Axtman, Jr.– Mar. 11, 2018; Dwight L. Liming–Mar. 23, 2018; 34

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

Velva (Paul Braun | New Earth)

Shirley Christmann–Dec. 31, 2017; Yvonne Kuntz–Sept. 28, 2018.

SAINT JOHN – St. John’s Church: Renne Rain Allery–Oct. 1, 2017; James St. Germaine–Oct. 5, 2017; Darlene Armbruster–Mar. 29, 2018; Amelia Haas–Apr. 17, 2018; Bernice Thibert–May 28, 2018; Philomene Kom–Aug. 15, 2018; Joseph C. Mayer–Aug. 25,2018.

SAINT MICHAEL – St. Michael’s Mission: Claudia J. Kraft–Apr. 3, 2018; Shirley Y. McCloud–June 14, 2018.

SYKESTON – St. Elizabeth’s Church: Edward Suckut–Oct. 16, 2017; Wilfred Anton–July 17, 2018.

TOWNER – St. Cecilia’s Church: Peter Miller–Nov. 25, 2017; Martin F. Deibert–Jan. 10, 2018; Amelia Schmitt–Jan. 28, 2018; Larry O. Anderson–Feb. 22, 2018; Frances Volk–Sep. 30, 2018.

VALLEY CITY – St. Catherine’s Church: Catherine Blake–Oct. 1, 2017; Barbara A. Peterson–Oct. 10, 2017; Gloria Nielsen–Oct. 17, 2017; Jean Dyrness–Oct. 26, 2017; William Werner–Nov. 19, 2017; Lowell McCarthy–Nov. 27, 2017; Gladys L. Brovold–Nov. 29, 2017; Stella Mueller–Dec. 7, 2017; Shane Callahan–Jan. 3, 2018; Linus Decoteau–Mar. 4, 2018; Edward R. McGough–Mar. 19, 2018; Monte Wendel–Mar. 21, 2018; Vernon J. Loendorf–Apr. 5, 2018; Travis Robinson–June 8, 2018; Jeanette R. Ertelt–July 6, 2018; Benora Cruff–Sept. 6, 2018; Edwin Spitzer–Sept. 15, 2018.

VELVA – St. Cecilia’s Church: Regina Klein–Oct. 7, 2017; Terrence O’Shea–Jan. 23, 2018;

Franc 2018; Linda

VERO Rober

VESE Cecil Danie

WAH Ryan Irene 7, 201 Dec. 2 Kozio Holtz Wawe Keller Zimm 2018; 2018; 6, 201 2018; 22, 20 –July –July Mohr Hipp– Kloste 2018; son–O

WALE Jacob

WALH Rosan 3, 201 mont– “Jake” 2018; Lorett

WARS Richa

, 5, 018; 018; 18.

2018.

, pr. 17, ug. 15,

2018.

018.

18; 2018;

2017; 7; 2017; 2017; 18; r. 21, June t. 6,

8;

Frances E. Thomas–Apr. 15, 2018; Daniel M. Thomas–Apr. 23, 2018; Joseph Wiest–May 22, 2018; Aaron Klein–May 30, 2018; Linda F. Dinga–Aug. 19, 2018.

Dec. 4, 2017; Gertrude “Trudy” Gerszewski–Dec. 24, 2017; Evelyn F. Plutowski–Mar. 15, 2018; Marie Lizakowski–Sept.

16, 2018.

VERONA – St. Raphael’s Church: Robert “Bob” Mairose–Aug. 2, 2018.

WESTHOPE – St. Andrew’s Church: Eva Bauer–Feb. 4, 2018.

VESELEYVILLE – St. Luke’s Church: Cecil A. Novak–Nov. 4, 2017; Victor S. Sobolik–May 26, 2018; Daniel J. Houdek–July 25, 2018.

WEST FARGO – Blessed Sacrament Church: Christian Albano–Dec. 8, 2017; Lloyd O. Anderson–Dec. 10, 2017; Joe Zdeb–Dec. 13, 2017; Judith “Judy” Mortenson–Mar. 28, 2018; R. Gene Nygaard–Apr. 5, 2018; Shirley A. Johnson–Apr. 18, 2018; Alicia Bernier–Apr. 25, 2018; Palmer G. Madson–May 4, 2018; Lucille VanSlyke–Aug. 17, 2018; Philip A. Teresi–Sept. 28, 2018.

WAHPETON – St. John’s Church: Ryan R. Breuer–Oct. 29, 2017; Albert Materi–Nov. 2, 2017; Irene Manikowski–Nov. 3, 2017; Raymond M. Schmit–Dec. 7, 2017; Richard Matthys–Dec. 17, 2017; Louise E. Erickson– Dec. 20, 2017; Bernice “Bunny” Rieber–Dec. 25, 2017; Cindy J. Koziol–Dec. 27, 2017; Roman J. Berg–Jan. 7, 2018; Everett M. Holtz–Jan. 25, 2018; Richard Leshovsky–Jan. 28, 2018; Paul L. Wawers–Feb. 6, 2018; Donna L. Wahl–Feb. 12, 2018; Dennis Keller–Feb. 28, 2018; Angela Stange–Mar. 2, 2018; Amelia T. Zimmerman–Mar. 10, 2018; Lonnie S. Singelman–Mar. 16, 2018; Thomas E. Nolden–Apr. 2, 2018; Ila M. Leinen–Apr. 16, 2018; Leone Medenwaldt–May 2, 2018; Elroy G. Meyer–May 6, 2018; Rita J. Yaggie–May 14, 2018; Francis J. Gilles–May 26, 2018; Jane Gilles–June 6, 2018; Frank J. Siemieniewski–June 22, 2018; Richard H. Link–June 26, 2018; Barbara Pfister-Shannon –July 14, 2018; Mary Hipp–July 17, 2018; Marjorie H. Seifert –July 18, 2018; Patricia A. Prchal–July 24, 2018; Francis T. Mohr–July 25, 2018; Daniel A. Diederich–July 26, 2018; Jerry Hipp–Aug. 2, 2018; Glenn J. Waldera–Aug. 7, 2018; Kenneth J. Klosterman–Aug. 20, 2018; Robert “Bob” Friederichs –Aug. 23, 2018; Margaret R. Boelke–Aug. 24, 2018; Aliana “Ali” Roberson–Oct. 2, 2018; Grace A. Littke–Oct. 6, 2018.

WALES – St. Michael’s Church: Jacob “Jake” Kram–Oct. 26, 2017; Lawrence Kempel–Apr. 5, 2018.

WALHALLA – St. Boniface Church: Rosanna D. Carignan–Nov. 21, 2017; Robert Beauchamp–Dec. 3, 2017; Daniel Schweitzer–Dec. 4, 2017; Donald “Bud” Clairmont–Jan. 9, 2018; Francis “Dick” Lafferty–Jan. 9, 2018; Gerald “Jake” Lafferty–Mar. 31, 2018; Muriel “Molly” Nelson–Apr. 13, 2018; Leo Verville–Apr. 16, 2018; Richard White–Apr. 18, 2018; Loretta Chaput–July 13, 2018; Robert Hornung–Oct. 1, 2018.

WEST FARGO – Holy Cross Church: Evelyn Ruscheinsky–Dec. 9, 2017; Donna Olson–Dec. 10, 2017; Luella Emmil–Dec. 13, 2017; Dan Pergande–Jan. 22, 2018; Andres Casarez–Jan. 26, 2018; Charlotte Metz–Feb. 4, 2018; Magdalen McGarry–Feb. 28, 2018; Marlys Kosir–Mar. 4, 2018; Keith Murphy–Apr. 1, 2018; Roger Smart–Apr. 11, 2018; Ervin Schmidt–Apr. 24, 2018; Carmen Freehauf–May 18, 2018; Jesse Simon–May 27, 2018; Madelyn Stringer–June 7, 2018; Keith Dumdai–June 8, 2018; Joseph Banish–June 18, 2018; William Fahnlander–July 5, 2018; James Schaefer–July 7, 2018; Barbara “Barb” Moser–July 8, 2018; Anita Mihulka–Sept. 3, 2018.

WILD RICE – St. Benedict’s Church: Robert Zimny–Oct. 19, 2017; Angela Cossette–Nov. 14, 2017; Roger Richards–Nov. 29, 2017; Renee Bernier–Dec. 2, 2017; Erlin Lee–Dec. 12, 2017; Roger Halvorson–Dec. 16, 2017; Arcade Duval–Feb. 27, 2018; Jeannette Savageau–Apr. 18, 2018; Ivan “Bud” Cossette–June 1, 2018; Larraine Schnellbach–Aug. 4, 2018; Annette Hager–Aug. 19, 2018; Marly M. Hillman–Aug. 30, 2018; Yvonne J. Brunelle–Sept. 19, 2018.

WILLOW CITY – Notre Dame Church: Bonnie Kraft–Oct. 21, 2017.

WYNDMERE – St. John’s Church: Jacqueline Staber–Nov. 7, 2017; James Shorma–Jan. 7, 2018; Robert “Bob” Quam–Feb. 17, 2018; James “Jessy” Habermann, III– Feb. 19, 2018; Lavern Peplinski–Aug. 18, 2018.

ZEELAND – St. Andrew’s Church: Rose I. Nolz–Dec. 23, 2017; Katherine “Katie” Rohrich–Mar. 1, 2018.

WARSAW – St. Stanislaus Church: Richard Stanislawski–Oct. 19, 2017; Ronald J. Pokrzywinski–

Christian burial of the dead

S

ince the beginning of the Church, special liturgical rites Wis., Raymond Cardinal Burke wrote an essay on Christian have accompanied the burial of the dead. They express burial, the importance of a hallowed grave, and why we the faith both of the deceased member of the faithful and believe what we do as Catholics regarding the dead. In his of the Christian community entrusted with the responsibility essay, Cardinal Burke state that “the care with which we bury of reverently burying her members who have died. Central the dead expresses our faith in the victory over everlasting to the liturgical rites is the place of the final disposition of death which Our Lord Jesus Christ has won in our human the body: the grave or tomb. nature by His own Death and Resurrection. We bury the dead in the sure hope of the resurrection of the body, when The diocese of Fargo has 160 Catholic cemeteries, all of their mortal bodies will share fully in the glory of the Risen which are maintained by local parishes. Even if a parish has Christ.” closed, chances are there is still a Catholic cemetery left behind.

These cemeteries are hallowed ground and are maintained The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us about respect for the body of the dead: by other parishes nearby.

“The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect Back in the year 2000, when he was still Bishop of La Crosse, NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018 35

and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy; it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 2300).

According to Cardinal Burke, “the place of burial is sacred, for it receives the human body which has been a temple of the Holy Spirit, the instrument by which the Christian soul expressed itself in the world. What is more, the body received by the grave or tomb in burial is destined for resurrection on the Last Day. After the celebration of the Funeral Mass or Funeral Liturgy with the body of the deceased present, the body is interred or entombed in expectation of its resurrection on the Last Day. Burial of the body of the deceased is done in imitation of the burial of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the sure hope of sharing in His Resurrection.”

The gravesite of a deceased loved one, who has been buried in accordance with the Order of Christian Funerals, is a hallowed place and should be visited often by family and friends. It should be lovingly maintained as a place of honor for the dead. But it is also a reminder to the living that, even though we are but dust and unto dust we shall return, our bodies in life are a temple for the Holy Spirit, and the grave is a symbol of hope in God and his promise of the Resurrection.

For Cardinal Burke’s complete essay, go to the Catholic Culture website at www.catholicculture.org/culture/ library/view.cfm?recnum=3448

Hurley’s Religious Goods Inc

Serving our faith community Since 1951

1417 S University Dr - Fargo ND 58103 1-800-437-4338 - info@hurleysrg.com

Going on

VOCATION a vocational discernment retreat for men & women

December 14-16, 2018

Join Father Jimmy Tiu and Deacon Jim Hunt on a pilgrimage to Poland and Prague April 29–May 9, 2019 Please call for brochure/details: Dcn Jim Hunt at (701) 371-4943 or Colleen at JeriCo Christian Journeys at 1 (877) 453-7426

36

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

Hankinson Retreat Center

Ages 18-35

Use the QR Code to register or go to bisoncatholic.org

Marriage Religious Life

Priesthood

Single Life Sponsored by St. Paul’s Newman Center

T

said O “Th earth choos reigns “Jes to ser In h

s

US & WORLD NEWS

Christ’s throne is the cross, Pope Francis says

By Hannah Brockhaus | CNA/EWTN News

1951

N

men

18

Pope Francis meets with Italian youth in St. Peter’s Square on Aug. 12. (Catholic News Agency)

T

he throne of Jesus Christ is the cross upon which he gave his life for the world, and those who wish to follow him must be prepared to sacrifice everything, Pope Francis said Oct. 21.

“The message of the Teacher is clear: while the great of the earth build themselves ‘thrones’ for their own power, God chooses an uncomfortable throne, the cross, from which he reigns giving his life,” the pope said.

“Jesus says, ‘the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”

In his mediation before the Angelus, Pope Francis reflected

on the day’s Gospel, in which James and John ask Jesus to grant that they may sit one on his left and one on his right in the Kingdom of God. “Jesus knows that James and John are animated by great enthusiasm for him and for the cause of the Kingdom, but he also knows that their expectations and their zeal are polluted by the spirit of the world,” he said.

So, Jesus tells them: “You do not know what you are asking.

Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”

They must learn that to follow Christ requires sacrifice, the pope said, because “the way of love is always ‘at a loss.’”

This lesson, he continued, is not only for James and John, but for all the Apostles, and for Christians of all time, who are infected with the same worldly mentality. As Jesus said: “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.”

“It is the rule of the Christian,” Francis said. “The way of service is the most effective antidote against the disease” of searching to be first, “which infects so many human contexts and does not spare even Christians, the people of God, even the ecclesiastical hierarchy.”

“Therefore, as disciples of Christ, we welcome this Gospel as a call to conversion, to witness to, with courage and generosity, a Church that bows at the feet of the least, to serve them with love and simplicity,” he stated.

Hurricane Michael spurs Catholics to action

T

-35

c.org

Pensacola-Tallahassee Bishop Willam Wack with a chalice salvaged from the wreckage of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Mexico Beach, Fla. (National Catholic Register)

By The National Catholic Register

he Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee was hit hard by Hurricane Michael, the fourth-strongest hurricane to make landfall in the United States. In addition to the devastating property loss suffered by parishioners, seven parishes and a school sustained severe damage.

At least 35 people are known to have died as a result of the Category-4 hurricane, with 25 of the lives lost in Florida. Ten more people died in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. The storm exacted a massive economic cost, as well, with analysts assessing the total economic cost at between $30 and $40 billion.

Mexico Beach was one of the hardest-hit communities, with many of its homes completely demolished by the windstorm.

One church, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico Beach, was destroyed. As locals try to pick up the pieces, the Catholic community is mobilizing to provide relief. Just days after Hurricane Michael, Pensacola-Tallahassee Bishop William Wack traveled to the affected areas, including Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Editor’s note: For those who wish to donate to help the churches and parishioners of the areas affected by Hurricane Michael, go to www. ptdiocese.org/hurricanemichael NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

37

“J

Pope Francis at canonization Mass: “Jesus is radical”

By Courtney Grogan | Catholic News Agency

esus is radical,” Pope Francis said in his homily at the canonization of Pope Paul VI, Oscar Romero, and five other new saints.

“He gives all and he asks all: he gives a love that is total and asks for an undivided heart,” the pope told the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 14. Christ “gives himself to us as the living bread; can we give him crumbs in exchange?”

Francis officially recognized Pope Paul VI, Oscar Romero, Vincent Romano, Francesco Spinelli, Nunzio Sulprizio, Nazaria Ignacia March Mesa, and Maria Katharina Kasper as saints at the Mass.

“All these saints, in different contexts, put today’s word into practice in their lives, without lukewarmness, without calculation, with the passion to risk everything and to leave it all behind.

May the Lord help us to imitate their example,” Pope Francis said at their canonization.

Oscar Romero, who was beatified by Pope Francis in El Salvador in 2015, was the archbishop of the nation’s capital city of San Salvador. He was shot while celebrating Mass March 24, 1980, during the birth of a civil war between leftist guerrilla forces and the dictatorial government of the right.

An outspoken critic of the violence and injustices being committed at the time, Romero was declared a martyr who was killed in hatred of the faith for his vocal defense of human rights.

Saint Oscar Romero “left the security of the world, even his own safety, in order to give his life according to the Gospel, close to the poor and to his people, with a heart drawn to Jesus and his brothers and sisters,” Pope Francis said in his homily.

“Let us ask ourselves where we are in our story of love with God. Do we content ourselves with a few commandments or do we follow Jesus as lovers, really prepared to leave behind something for him?” the pope asked.

Pope Saint Paul VI, like St. Paul, his namesake, “spent his life for Christ’s Gospel, crossing new boundaries and becoming its witness in proclamation and in dialogue, a prophet of a Church turned outwards, looking to those far away and taking care of

38

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

the poor,” Francis said.

As pope, Paul VI oversaw much of the Second Vatican Council, which had been opened by Pope St. John XXIII, and in 1969 promulgated a new Roman Missal. He died in 1978, and was beatified by Pope Francis Oct. 19, 2014.

Apart from his role in the Council, Paul VI is most widely known for his landmark encyclical Humanae Vitae, which was published in 1968 and reaffirmed the Church’s teaching against contraception in wake of the sexual revolution. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the encyclical.

“Pope Saint Paul VI wrote: ‘It is indeed in the midst of their distress that our fellow men need to know joy, to hear its song,’” Pope Francis said.

“Today Jesus invites us to return to the source of joy, which is the encounter with him, the courageous choice to risk everything to follow him, the satisfaction of leaving something behind in order to embrace his way. The saints have traveled this path,” he continued.

The pope encouraged Catholics to imitate the saints’ detachment, “Is Jesus enough for us or do we look for many worldly securities?”

“Let us ask for the grace always to leave things behind for love of the Lord: to leave behind wealth, the yearning for status and power, structures that are no longer adequate for proclaiming the Gospel, those weights that slow down our mission, the strings that tie us to the world,” he said.

“Without a leap forward in love, our life and our Church become sick from ‘complacency and self-indulgence,’” he continued.

“The problem is on our part: our having too much, our wanting too much suffocates our hearts and makes us incapable of loving,” the pope said.

At the Sunday Angelus following the Mass, Pope Francis greeted Queen Sofia of Spain and the presidents of Chile, El Salvador, Panama, and Italy, who attended the canonization Mass.

The canonizations took place midway through the 2018 Synod of Bishops on the topic of young people, the faith and vocational discernment from Oct. 3–28.

I

tu ho fac hue o Sign should onto t promp For that g and r shown Wh on the her be nervo Som a wom lured young been s aborti Of c Aft wet-sn Texas locatio right i all to Thi aborti she’s “I can horrib canno Just that n

Council, n 1969 nd was

widely ch was against marks

of their song,’”

which is rything hind in s path,”

chment, urities?” ind for r status oclaimon, the

become ed. wanting oving,”

Francis hile, El n Mass.

Synod ational

Sidewalk Stories

By Roxane B. Salonen

I

Gray carpet forms line between heaven, hell

t used to be green, a color signifying life. After recent renovations, however, the “carpet” in front of our state’s only abortion facility was replaced with one bearing a more appropriate hue of gray, an ashen, non-color of death.

Signs at the front door of this facility warn that the gray carpet should be avoided if you have no official business there. Stepping onto the gray carpet purposefully — or even by accident — can prompt a visit from local police.

For those who volunteer their time there as abortion escorts, that gray landing patch can provide shelter in inclement weather, and recently, it proved to do so for the three escorts who’d shown up on a slushy, sloppy afternoon.

When we prayer advocates first arrived, only one escort stood on the gray carpet. She was new. Not only had we never seen her before, but we could tell by the way she looked around, nervously and out of place, that it was not part of her normal routine.

Sometimes, we’ve been told, they come as the result of taking a women’s studies class at a local university and have been lured with the offer of extra credit. No matter what brings these young, naïve women — and men — to the sidewalk, they’ve been swayed into believing that by escorting women to their abortion appointment, they will come away heroes.

Of course, they’ve been misled.

After spending time there that day, I shared photos of the wet-snow-splattered sidewalk on Facebook, and a friend from Texas noted how struck she was by them. “I suppose it’s the location,” she wrote. “To think that killing is happening there right in the middle of a busy street, among other businesses, for all to see. Yet they don’t ‘see.’”

This friend used to work for a contraception-dispensing and abortion-referral Planned Parenthood facility. Now, whenever she’s near an abortion center, she can sense death, she said.

“I can feel the killing, the pain and the evil around me. It’s a horrible feeling. It amazes me how others do not, will not, or cannot sense this.”

Just hours before, I’d shared with a fellow prayer advocate that no one who drives by, walks past, or stands on that side-

walk for any reason goes unaffected. Somehow, the soul just knows. It is why people react in different ways — with violent gestures and words, averting the eyes, or, in good moments, offering encouragement.

Seeing that young escort with the beautiful face and darting eyes, I knew that her soul recognized it was wrong to be there, and I prayed it would be her last visit. We all have free will.

Sadly, though, the more settled your feet become on that gray carpet, it seems, the harder it is to leave. It becomes like a magnet, or as I’ve described before, a portal. “Once you step foot on a certain side of the gray carpet,” I told my Texas friend, “it’s as if you’ve entered hell.”

We don’t like to think about hell, and some will say it’s cruel to mention it. But based on testimonies of post-abortive women, it seems fair to say that the gray carpet, off limits to the prayer advocates, marks the entry point of an eternal separation from God. Many souls that land on the gray carpet end up lost.

I wouldn’t return each week if I didn’t believe in hell, and that souls are at risk there. Nor would I come if I didn’t know, for a fact, that heaven is just as real and reachable. The repentant sinner can stand in God’s merciful grace.

Without a prayer presence on the sidewalk, those who are not aware will likely slip past, onto the gray carpet, and ever-closer to eternal unrest. For without grace, that day will become to them, forever, the beginning of a perpetual lie and cause for self-hatred, playing well into the evil one’s hands.

Some days, it feels like hell is freezing over on the sidewalk.

I pray it will someday — that abortion will be unthinkable, and those who’ve pledged their souls to this industry will have an awakening. Until then, we will stand in the gap to love and remind them that even though hell is real, so, too, is heaven, and we don’t have to wait for the afterlife to bask in its healing rays.

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

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

39

NEW

EARTH

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

Do you know where we are?

The answer will be revealed in the December New Earth.

Where in the diocese are we?

40

NEW EARTH NOVEMBER 2018

Last month’s photo is from Holy Rosary Church in Bisbee.