October New Earth 2013

Where is this mystery Beauty and mystery in stained steeple? glassPage — Page 6 4

New Earth CATHOLIC DIOCESE

OF

FARGO

September 2011 October 2013 Vol. 34 No. 32 No. 98 Vol.

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

www.FargoDiocese.org www.FargoDiocese.org

OCTOBER IS RESPECT LIFE MONTH Bishop John Folda leads the Walk with Christ for Life Eucharistic procession through the streets of downtown Fargo. The annual procession passed in front of North Dakota’s only abortion facility, Red River Womens Clinic.

Photo by Doreen Kennelly

Persevere and be patient

O

n Oct. 6, Bishop John Folda led his first Walk with Christ for Life Eucharistic procession through the streets of downtown Fargo. The annual procession passed in front of North Dakota’s only abortion facility, Red River Womens Clinic, bringing Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to the site of death by abortion for approximately 20 unborn babies each week.

In his homily during the Mass celebrated before the procession, Bishop Folda said, “We might be tempted to fall into frustration or de-

spondency at the attacks on life that continue all around us. Abortion continues, despite our constant efforts to banish it, or at least to limit it.

“Even our hard-won laws in defense of life are undone by the decision of a solitary judge,” he said.

“Acts of terrorism occur, like the bombing at the Boston Marathon, or the shootings at a school in Connecticut, or at a theater in Denver.

Like the prophet Habbakuk, we cry out ‘How long, O Lord?’

“But frustration and discouragement accom-

plish nothing,” Bishop Folda added. “Left to themselves, they can lead us into a spirit of futility and a willingness to give up, but this is not the Christian spirit.

“There is always reason for hope, not just optimism but hope, Christian hope. And the source of our hope is Jesus himself, who in the unlikeliest turn of events showed that he himself can conquer death and restore life. Although we might be impatient for immediate change and instant results, God urges us to persevere and to be patient.”

Maternity home marks 10th anniversary this year An Opening Mass and Anniversary Celebration were held Aug. 17 to mark the 10th anniversary of the founding of St. Gianna’s Maternity Home in Warsaw.

The home serves pregnant women and their children, offering support during and after pregnancy and providing women with a foundation in faith to empower them to live out their call to motherhood.

The anniversary celebration continues throughout the year. On Sept. 9, a fundraising banquet was held in Grand Forks. The pro-life film, “Crescendo,” is being shown in various locations, and a spring banquet will be held on St. Gianna’s feast day, April 28, in Fargo with Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver as the speaker.

For more information about the maternity home, the movie or the banquet, please call (701) 248-3077 or email saintgiannahome@hotmail. com. The home’s website is saintgiannahome.org.

Photo by Haney’s Photography

Members of the Polish National Alliance Dancers perform at the St. Gianna’s Maternity Home celebration on Aug. 17.

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Pope Francis and the Gospel of Life

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ne of the privileges of being a universality of the Church as we lisnew bishop is the opportunity tened to the Holy Father’s exhortation. to travel to Rome for a conferWe also had the opportunity to celence of all the new bishops appointed ebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and over the course of made a private visit to the the past year. tomb of St. Peter. I have There were over been to St. Peter’s many 100 bishops from times before, but this first around the world, invisit as a bishop to the cluding seven from tomb of the Apostle Peter the United States. was a beautiful reminder The Vatican Congrethat the Church is indeed gation for Bishops one, holy, catholic and arranged a variety of apostolic. speakers to address About the us on various topics and to give us a sort pope’s interview of orientation to our The very day of our new ministry in the visit with Pope Francis, a Church. well-publicized interview My first few days, with the Holy Father was however, were spent Bishop John Folda released in various jourat the Pontifical nals around the world.

North American ColAs we have come to expect, Pope Franlege, the American seminary in Rome. cis had some challenging and provocThere I was able to spend time with ative things to say, and I am certain Father Michael Hickin, a Fargo priest his words will be re-read and analyzed who is currently serving as a spiritual for quite some time. The spin of his director at the PNAC. I also visited with remarks, however, was a bit troubling.

William Slattery, a Fargo seminarian who is beginning his third year at the Some secular reports of the pope’s PNAC. It was delightful to see them and interview gave the impression that he even to have some good Italian meals was departing from long-held Catholic together. beliefs and moral teachings, even on issues of life and sexuality. One abortion Certainly the highlight of my visit supporter at the Red River Women’s to Rome was the opportunity to meet Clinic in Fargo was even seen holding Pope Francis. The Holy Father ada sign that said “Your pope is against dressed all the assembled bishops and you!” then each of us had an opportunity to greet him personally.

Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.

I introduced myself as the Bishop of Fargo, and also assured him of our Without question, Pope Francis is prayers and our thanks for his service as bringing his own approach to his ofpope. It was an extraordinary moment, fice and to his teaching ministry. But and I felt a strong sense of the unity and it would be grossly incorrect to assume

Bishop’s Message

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.”

Revelation 21:1

NewEarth (ISSN # 10676406)

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“Be witnesses and

diffusers of the culture of life.

”

Pope Francis

that he is discarding the Church’s key moral teachings on issues like abortion and the right to life.

He is saying, however, that the Church’s teachings on life and family and sexuality flow from and are rooted in the fundamental Gospel of Christ.

Rather than standing apart on their own, they emanate from the saving mercy of Jesus.

What the media didn’t tell us was that the pope spoke on the very same day to a group of physicians, and in no uncertain terms he reaffirmed the Church’s constant teaching in defense of the dignity of all human life, especially the most defenseless.

In the face of a culture that wants to eliminate some lives, especially those that are physically or socially less desirable, Pope Francis says that our response “is a decisive and unreserved ‘yes’ to life”.

Some have asserted that the Holy Father is backing away from the language of the “culture of life” and the “gospel of life,” but he explicitly uses this language to emphasize the sacredness of all human life. So despite what you might have read in the papers, Pope Francis is as pro-life as anyone in the Church!

Life is sacred On the subject of abortion and the unborn, Pope Francis declared to the physicians gathered with him, “Every child who, rather than being born, is

All Saints Day a holy day of obligation Nov. 1 marks All Saints Day, a holy day of obligation for Catholics.

All Saints Day arose from the Christian tradition of celebrating the martyrdom of saints on the anniversary of their martyrdom. When martyrdoms increased during the persecutions of the late Roman Empire, local dioceses instituted a common feast day to ensure that all martyrs were properly honored.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “on Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s Day, the performance of the works of mercy and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body.”

Bishop Folda’s Calendar Oct. 15

11:30 a.m.

Catholic Charities Annual Luncheon, Holiday Inn, Fargo

Oct. 17 Senior High Youth Celebration, St. John’s Church and School, Wahpeton Oct. 23 2 p.m.

Blessed John Paul II Catholic Schools Board of Directors meeting Oct. 25 Vespers with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, University of Mary, Bismarck Oct. 26

THIRST Conference, Bismarck Civic Center, Bismarck

Oct. 26-27

Mass at Blessed Sacrament, West Fargo

Nov. 1

All Saints Day, Pastoral Center closed

Nov. 4 7 p.m.

Shanley Teens for Life Cupcakes for Life Banquet, Sts. Anne and Joachim, Fargo Nov. 5

10:45 a.m.

Apostolate Mass, Sts. Anne and Joachim, Fargo

Nov. 7

Installation of Most Reverend Donald J. Kettler, Bishop of St. Cloud, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud, Minn.

Nov. 8

Hangin’ with the Saints, Sts. Anne and Joachim, Fargo

7 p.m.

Nov. 10-14

USCCB Conference, Baltimore, Md.

Nov. 15

Confirmation Mass, St. Ann’s, Belcourt

5 p.m.

condemned unjustly to being aborted, bears the face of Jesus Christ, bears the face of the Lord, who even before he was born, and then just after birth, experienced the world’s rejection”.

And he reminds us that there are others who share in this sacred dignity. “And every elderly person,” he says, “even if he is ill or at the end of his days, bears the face of Christ.”

Life, he says, is “sacred — at each phase and at every age”. He adds that “The first right of the human person is his life. . . . That is why concern for human life in its totality has become in recent years a real priority for the Church’s Magisterium, especially for the most defenseless. . . .”

So, far from diminishing the Church’s teaching on the sacredness of life, the Holy Father is reaffirming and elevating it, and he helps us to see this teaching within the totality of the whole Gospel, as a part of the Good News that Jesus Christ died for all of us, and his image can be found in every person, especially the most helpless, those most in need of our care.

Pope Francis gives each of us a mandate: “Be witnesses and diffusers of the culture of life.”

All of us, but especially members of the Church, must recognize “the transcendent dimension of human life, the imprint of God’s creative work, from the first moment of its conception. This is a task of the new evangelization that often requires going against the tide and paying for it personally.”

The Holy Father reminded those present that the Lord is “counting on you to spread the gospel of life.” Indeed, the Lord is counting on all of us to spread the gospel of life.

In his final words to the gathered physicians, Pope Francis said “Never fail to ask the Lord and the Virgin Mary for the strength to accomplish your work well and to bear witness courageously — courageously! Today courage is needed — to bear witness courageously to the gospel of life.”

No backtracking there!

In fact, the Pope is fulfilling his own particular mission, which is to strengthen the faithful for their own witness to Christ. Furthermore, he is telling everyone who will listen that life is sacred and inviolable.

Let us pray that the world will hear his words and that all will be convinced of their truth.

For the full text of Pope Francis’ Sept. 20 address to participants at the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations meeting, go to www.vatican. v a / h o l y_ f a t h e r f r a n c e s c o / i n d e x . htm and lookunder “Speeches” in September 2013.

Cupcakes for Life fundraiser Nov. 4 On Monday, Nov. 4, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the Shanley High School Teens for Life will host their 4th annual “Cupcakes for Life” event at Sts. Anne and Joachim Church, Fargo. Bishop John Folda will be the speaker for the evening.

All proceeds help support the students’ January 2013 March for Life pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. For more information, please contact Susan Noah at (701) 282-9344 or email susan.noah@pobox.com.

NewEarth

October 2013 n 3 1

Pope exhorts new bishops — including Bishop Folda — to be welcoming pastors From wire service reports

L’Osservatore Romano Photo

Bishop John Folda attended the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishop’s Conference for New Bishops Sept. 10 through 19 in Rome. While there, he met Pope Francis.

Pope Francis encouraged new bishops from across the globe — including the Fargo Diocese’s Bishop John Folda — to tend their flocks, to welcome people, to journey with and to remain with the members of their dioceses.

The conference, which was held this year Sept. 10-19, is designed to provide formation and orientation for men who have been elevated to the episcopate during the past year.

The new bishops present participated in a private audience Sept. 19 with Pope Francis that marked the end of the conference.

Quoting the Vatican II document “Lumen Gentium,” the pope reminded them that “the bishop is a man of communion and unity, the ‘visible principle and foundation of unity.’ ” The pontiff pressed the bishops to ask themselves during their daily work “how to live the spirit of collegiality and collaboration in the episcopate” and how “to be builders of communion and unity in the Church the Lord has entrusted” to them.

Pope Francis then offered some reflections on the first letter of St. Peter, in which the apostle encourages the early Christians to tend the flock of God in their care willingly and eagerly, saying that the words of St. Peter “are carved

on the heart!”

“They call you and establish you as pastors not from yourselves, but from the Lord; and not to serve yourselves, but to serve the flock entrusted to you, to serve it even to the point of giving your life, like Christ, the Good Shepherd.”

The Holy Father also imparted to the new bishops the necessity to journey with one’s flock, a journey which cannot be completed without affection for his priests and his presence among his people.

Bishop Folda, who was appointed April 8 at the beginning of Pope Francis’ pontificate, said that one of the things he’s enjoyed the most since his appointment has been “the opportunity to get around the state and to visit the different parishes, especially to get to know the priests of the diocese.”

The priests of the diocese are “my closest collaborators,” Bishop Folda said, “so I’ve really made a point to try to get to know them as much as possible.”

In attendance at the conference were new bishops from around the world who have been appointed since September of last year, including bishops from Canada, Ireland, Germany, England, the United States, South America and the Middle East.

Twin steeples on the Prairie: St. Benedict’s celebrates centennial

By Barb Witteman

A little log church, Holy Cross Mission, was recorded in surveying notes of the Red River Valley on Oct. 13, 1870. It was located at the confluence of the Red and Wild (as it was then known) Rivers.

Father J.B. Genin, an Oblate priest, founded the mission in 1870. In the spring of 1871, the little church burned.

This humble mission was the start of the third oldest Catholic parish in North Dakota — St. Benedict of Wild Rice.

Before 1870 missionary priests traveled through this area. One of them was Father Louis-Francois LaFleche who was in this area between the years of 1844 and 1856.

In Bishop John Shanley’s history of the Fargo Diocese, the bishop noted, “Father LaFleche in 1856 celebrated Photo courtesy St. Benedict parish Mass at Wild Rice with hunting parties Photo captures St. Benedict Church in Wild Rice during the past century.

It was built in 1913. who made that place a rendezvous.”

It was also noted that Father LaFleche ter Flore Martel, a Gray Nun in St. Bonlog church stood in what is now the jokingly remarked that he was the first iface, Manitoba. Ulphi’s brother, Pierre, Forest River subdivision. There were pastor of the parish. and half-brother, Delphis, and his son, now 40 Catholic families living in the Father LaFleche became bishop of the Adolphe, moved here, too, in 1870 area.

Diocese of Trois Rivieres (Three Rivers) along with Pierre Toupin. Soon after In 1881 the first resident priest, Father in Quebec, Canada, on Feb. 25, 1867. that, the Joseph and Charles Savageau Athanase Bernier, came to serve the Local farmers wished to emigrate to the families arrived.

French community.

The following year United States for better farming opporIn the late 1870s, branches of these the parish was moved to its present site tunities. Although opposed to emigrafamilies arrived in approximately this and a new church building was erecttion, the bishop told them of the fertile order: Morin, Dorval, Hebert, Denis, ed. It is believed the church was named land in the Red River Valley where the DuBord, Richard, Trottier, Pronovost, for Bishop Martin Marty, a Benedictine.

Red and Wild Rivers met.

Burnette, Fugere, Rheault, Tessier, Marty was the first Vicariate Apostolic Brunelle, Duval, Bellemare, Lajoie, Berof Dakota Territory. He was appointed Catholic homesteaders nier, Montplaisir and Bailly. Many of in 1879. these families are still represented withUlphi Cossette homesteaded in this A much larger church which held in the parish. area in 1870. He and his wife, Zoe, were 300 people was built in 1888 at a cost of the parents of the first white child born The second church building’s con$6,000. It was replaced in 1913 by the in Cass County, Marie Flore. struction began in 1872 and was finpresent white, twin-steepled church After growing up, Marie became Sisished three years later. The 20 x 30-foot building.

This Prairie French Gothic style building cost $12,000 to build. This building was dedicated 100 years ago on Oct. 15, 1913. A new rectory — also still in use today — was built in 1923, replacing an older structure.

Many vocations Twenty-nine parishioners became members of religious orders from St. Benedict’s. Priests included Father Antonio Richard and Father Daniel Richard. Alphonse Tessier and Maxime Bellemare became religious brothers.

The 25 women who became religious sisters include: Flore Martel Cossette, Mary Maxime Bellemare, Francis Xavier Bellemare, Mary Albertine Bellemare, Mary Maxima Bellemare, Augusta Bernier, Loretta Bernier, Frances Ann Bellemare, Cecilia of the Cross Morin, Anthony of Padua Morin, Mary Gertrude Morin, St. Peter Morin, Mary Clement Morin, Joseph of the Sacred Heart Tessier, Alphonse Marie Rheault, St. Charles Savageau, Mary Ferdinand Duval, Mary Onesime Cossette, Helen Marie Richard, Emile Joseph Richard, Henrietta Rivard, Elmire Richard, St. John d’Avila Bellemare and Eugenia Tessier.

To mark the beginning of St. Benedict parish’s upcoming year of celebration, a centarion Mass will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. to honor the 100 years the present church building has been in use.

Throughout the year, the parish’s heritage, the role of the parish in faith, vocations and education, as well as parish contributions — past, present and future — will be recognized. Following Mass, ice cream will be served in the church’s reception hall.

4 1 n October 2013

HOPE Dinner and Auction raises funds for St. John’s Academy A sold-out crowd of 300 attended the 23rd annual HOPE (Help Offer Private Education) Dinner and Auction Oct. 5 at the Zebedee Center to benefit the students of St. John’s Academy in Jamestown. This year’s theme was “Diamonds Are Forever.”

The theme was carried out through the decorating, menu and entertainment. The second grade students provided the entertainment as they sang “Skyfall” and “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

“We had 45 live auction items and 188 silent auction items,” said Mark Wiest, principal. “We also raffled a ladies’ 14-carat white gold, round brilliant 1-carat diamond ring.”

The HOPE Dinner and Auction is the school’s largest annual fundraiser, Wiest said. It “consists of many, many hours of year-long preparation by nearly 100 volunteers and is culminated in an evening of socializing, fine dining, exquisite decorating and high quality auction items.”

The first HOPE Dinner and Auction, an idea originated by then-principal Sister Dorothy Zeller, was a spaghetti supper and auction held Jan. 19, 1992, at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

More than $120,000 was raised for the school during the past two years. The amount raised from this year’s event was not yet available at the time of publication for New Earth.

Money raised benefits the 260 students at St. John’s Academy which currently has its highest enrollment since the 1999-2000 school year, and is used to purchase technology products, teacher supplies and other school items.

NewEarth

Plans for 2014 Tekakwitha Conference progress In October 2012, tens of thousands of people from around the world gathered in Rome to witness an event that raised the names of seven people to the altar as saints of the Roman Catholic Church. Of these, two had American connections: St. Marianne Cope and St. Kateri Tekakwitha. St Kateri was the first native born indigenous North American to be canonized by the Catholic Church.

The lines of suffering, even the pockmarks, disappeared and the touch of a smile came upon her lips. It is purported that her final words were “Jesus, I love you.”

Gathering now a national conference

Caring for lepers St. Marianne, formerly Barbara Koob (1838-1918), was born in Germany and grew up in Utica, N.Y. She joined the Sisters of St. Francis in Syracuse in 1862 where she was given the name Sister Marianne. In 1869, she became a founding leader of St. Joseph’s Hospital, the first hospital opened to the public in Syracuse. The hospital had a unique charter for its time — open to caring for the sick without distinction as to a person’s nationality, religion or color.

In 1883, St. Marianne received a letter from the faraway Hawaii Islands with a request for a capable leader to take charge of “our hospitals and even our schools.” She gave her complete affirmation to the request when she learned that the main work was to minister to people with Hansen’s disease (leprosy).

She spent many years caring for lepers on the island of Molokai. She met and would later work with and help St. Damian of Molokai who contracted the disease and became a leper.

Despite direct contact with the patients over many years, St. Marianne was not afflicted by the disease, considered by some faithful to be miraculous, but some believe it was her insistence in washing and cleansing oneself when working with patients that saved her, and other sisters from her order, from contracting the disease.

Lily of the Mohawks St. Kateri Tekakwitha also comes from New York State, but her journey in the faith was far different from St. Marianne. She was an Algonquin-Mohawk

1417 South University Drive, Fargo, ND 58103

This relic of St. Kateri is available for display at parishes.

and has been called the “Lily of the Mohawks”. Born in 1656 in Auriesville (now part of New York), she survived smallpox and was orphaned as a child, then baptized as a Roman Catholic and settled at the Jesuit mission village of Kahnawake, south of Montreal, Canada.

Tekakwitha professed a vow of virginity until her death at the age of 24.

The process for her canonization was initiated at the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore in 1884. On Jan. 3, 1943, Pope Pius XII declared her venerable and, almost 40 years later, she was beatified on June 22, 1980, by Pope John Paul II. Her feast days are July 14 in the United States and April 17 in Canada.

On Dec. 19, 2011, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints certified a second miracle through her intercession, signed by Pope Benedict XVI. On Feb. 18, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI decreed that Tekakwitha be canonized. Her canonization took place Oct. 21, 2012.

St. Kateri died on April 17, 1680, in Kahnawake, Canada. Living a relatively short life of 24 years, she faced many problems and shortcomings when she pursued her calling to follow Christ.

It is quoted that Kateri said: “I am not my own; I have given myself to Jesus.

He must be my only love. The state of helpless poverty that may befall me if I do not marry does not frighten me. All I need is a little food and a few pieces of clothing. With the work of my hands I shall always earn what is necessary and what is left over I’ll give to my relatives and to the poor. If I should become sick and unable to work, then I shall be like the Lord on the cross. He will have mercy on me and help me, I am sure.”

She died the afternoon before Holy Thursday. Witnesses said that her face, emaciated by smallpox, changed color and became like that of a healthy child.

For 74 years priests and religious have gathered under the patronage of St. Kateri to share their journey while working on reservations in the Dakotas. This gathering was instituted by Bishop Aloisius Muench of Fargo in 1939. From these humble beginnings the present day conference has evolved into a national conference for ongoing evangelization and dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Initially one of the primary goals was the canonization of Kateri Tekakwitha. Now that that goal has been achieved, the conference will continue to focus on sharing the faith celebrated by its saint.

In July 2014 the Tekakwitha Conference returns to Fargo, where it began, for its 75th anniversary. More importantly it is returning to its goal of sharing the gospel, especially with the native peoples of the upper Midwest. That is not to say that only these people will be attending. People from throughout the United States will be journeying for this celebration. Receiving permission from the bishop, the conference has been invited to have the celebration in Fargo and plans are progressing. Father John Cavanaugh is the on-site director for the conference and has been working for the last four years in fundraising and planning events. Father Cavanaugh was ordained as a transitional deacon when the conference returned to Fargo in 1989 for its 50th anniversary.

Relics available to parishes A venerable tradition within the Catholic Church has been the issue of relics. Relics that are considered firstclass are usually fragments of bone or some other physical presence of the actual person. Relics that are second-class are usually considered items that the saint used in his or her daily life. Currently, Father Cavanaugh has two firstclass relics of St. Kateri. One belongs to the Tekakwitha Conference and the other was presented to him as a Christmas gift from Father William Sherman in 1991. Of the many gifts that have been given to Father Cavanaugh, this is one of his most precious. Additionally Father Cavanaugh also has a traveling shrine made out of wood with the image of St. Kateri etched into the wood.

This shrine has traveled extensively to each of the conferences, including the canonization Mass in Rome.

In this Year of Faith called by Pope Benedict XVI, we are reminded of our call to evangelize. This traveling shrine, relic and a statue are available to be used for catechesis and evangelization throughout the upper Midwest.

If parishes request to have these items present in their parishes for a period of time, they will be available on a firstcome first-served basis. This will continue until July 2014. Individuals who will make presentations regarding saints are also available.

As the ongoing effort to raise funds for the 2014 Conference continues, please consider making a contribution by sending your donation to: 2014 Tekakwitha Conference, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, P.O. Box 67, Reynolds, ND 58275.

NewEarth

Reflecting on Catholic social teachings Solidarity Care for God’s creation We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that “if you want peace, work for justice.” Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict. We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation.

This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.

Questions to consider: n Do I live out my responsibility to care for God’s creation? n Do I see my care for creation as connected to my concern for poor persons, who are most at risk from environmental problems? n Do I litter? Live wastefully? Use energy too freely? Are there ways I could reduce consumption in my life? n Are there ways I could change my daily practices and those of my family, school, workplace, or community to better conserve the earth’s resources for future generations?

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

Faith through the Ages series concludes in November The Faith through the Ages series concludes with Msgr. James Shea, president of the University of Mary, Bismarck, leading the third leg of the journey to understand the gift of faith as it unfolds over the history of Christian people.

In the first leg, participants learned that Sacred Scripture and early church fathers saw faith as conviction, content, cooperation and fidelity. In the second leg, Bishop John Folda looked at faith through the lives of the saints from the Middle Ages through the Reformation.

The third leg asks, “What impact did events such as the industrial revolution, world wars, Vatican II and World Youth Day have on faith? Did growth in the sciences have an effect on faith? What are the challenges to faith in our lives and in our children’s future?”

Msgr. Shea wraps up this series by

looking at faith from the Reformation to contemporary times.

He will speak at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fargo and again at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at St. Joseph’s Church in Devils Lake. Each presentation will be followed by a question and answer session and fellowship with refreshments.

Faith through the Ages is a project of thanksgiving and “giving back” from the graduates of the diocese’s Education for Parish Service (EPS) program.

Talks are open to everyone and the events are free thanks to the generosity of the underwriters: Blessed Sacrament Church in West Fargo and Knights of Columbus councils of St Joseph’s in Devils Lake, St. James in Jamestown and St. Anthony of Padua in Fargo. Visit www.fargodiocese.org/faiththrough ages for more information.

A glimpse of the past These news items, compiled by Dorothy Duchschere, were found in issues of the Diocese of Fargo newspaper, New Earth, and its predecessor, Catholic Action News.

October 50 years ago — 1963 The fathers of the Ecumenical Council, during the second week of its second session, passed amendments to the schema — or draft constitution — on the liturgy that will eventually introduce the vernacular into parts of the Mass. This history-making decision was taken as the fathers passed all 19 amendments to the second chapter of the liturgy schema, by a large majority, between Oct. 8 and 10. The liturgy amendments on the vernacular make it possible to use modern languages in the parts of the Mass “pertaining to the people”. However, “parts pertaining to the people” could include all the chants of the Ordinary (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus and Agnus Dei) and of the Proper (Introit, Gradual, Offertory and Communion).

20 years ago — 1993 The Diocese of Fargo has embarked upon the most ambitious fund drive in

its 104-year history: raising a minimum of $6 million to assist sick and elderly priests in the diocese. The campaign is off to a good start, with $1.7 million pledged during clergy and major gift phases. Bishop James Sullivan and pastors throughout the diocese kicked off the parish phase of “The Shepherd’s Care, a campaign to assist the sick and elderly priests of the Fargo Diocese.”

Each parish has been asked to conduct its own campaign, asking every household to participate.

10 years ago — 2003 If Father James Ermer ever needed a second job, he might check the classified ads for concrete work. He has the experience, after the hours he has dedicated to the renovation project at St. Anthony of Padua, Fargo. “I have poured walls, I have poured elevator shafts. I have done the underpinnings of buildings,” said Father Ermer. Under the direction of Deacon Math Prom, former owner of a concrete company, Father Ermer is learning the ins and outs of working with concrete. The project involves renovating the former St. Anthony School, adding a gathering space to the existing church and building a rectory.

October 2013 n 5 1

High school chastity education program available for parishes This school year’s Chastity Education speakers are now traveling to diocesan parishes each Wednesday.

Jason Eilers is the newly appointed Chastity Education Coordinator. He is a father of three. Originally from Freeport, Ill., he spent the last seven years working on college campuses as a Fellowship of Catholic University Students missionary.

Mary Rose DeCock will speak alongside Eilers as the newly appointed Chastity Education speaker. A mother of two, she is originally from St. Louis and was a middle school English teacher.

The theme of their talk is “Sex and Babies: Life and Love.” Time with students will include separate 30-minute talks for men and women and 20minute guided meditation during a parent talk. Purity resources will be available for students, parents and friends.

Jason Eilers

Mary Rose DeCock

Eilers and DeCock look forward to traveling to churches across the diocese. If you, your director of religious education, or parish priest are interested in booking them for high school students, please contact Eilers at (701) 356-7903 or email him at jason.eilers@ fargodiocese.org.

October is the Month of the Holy Rosary HOLY FAMILY BOOKSTORE Catholic Books and Gifts for All Ages

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6 1 n October 2013

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, in­­ cluding sexual abuse, to civil authorities.

ocesan offices or other Catholic entity with­in the diocese, we ask that you also report the incident or suspected incident to Msgr. Joseph P. Goering at (701) 356-7945 or Larry Bernhardt at (701) 356-7965 or VictimAssistance@ fargodiocese.org.

If the situation involves a member of the clergy or a religious order, a seminarian, or an employee of a Cath­olic school, parish, the di-

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

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Act of August 12, 1970: Section 3685) Title 39, United States Code

1. Title of Publication: New Earth.

2. Publication No. 0009526.

3. Date of Filing: October, 2013.

4. Frequency of Issue: Monthly, except August.

5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 11.

6. Annual Subscription Price: $9.00.

7. Complete Address of Known Office of Publication: 244 Dayton Ave. St. Paul, Ramsey Co., MN 55102 8. Complete Mailing Address of the Headquarters of General Business Offices of the Publisher: The Diocese of Fargo, 5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104 9. Names and Address of the Publisher, Editor, Managing Editor: Publisher: Bishop John T. Fulda, 5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104. Editor: Tanya Watterud, 5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104. Managing Editor: Robert Zyskowski, 244 Dayton Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102.

10. Owner: The Diocese of Fargo, 5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104.

11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None.

12. For completion by Nonprofit Organizations Authorized to mail at special rates (Section 132.122 Postal Service Manual): The purpose, function and non-profit status of this organization and the exempt status for Federal Income Tax purposes have not changed during the preceding 12 months.

13. Publication Name: New Earth 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: October 2013.

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Ave. No. Copies Actual No. Copies

Each Issue

of Single Issue

During Preceding

Published Nearest

12 Months

to Filing Date

A. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,449. . . . . . . . . . . . 25,170

B. Paid and/or Requested Circulation

1. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors and counter sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 2. Paid or Requested Mail Subscriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,355. . . . . . . . . . . . 25,131

C. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,355. . . . . . . . . . . . 25,131

D. Free Distribution by Mail (Samples,

Complimentary, and Other Free Copies). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

E. Distribution Outside the Mail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

F. Total Free Distribution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

G. Total Distribution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,370. . . . . . . . . . . . 25,140

H. Copies Not Distributed

1. Office Use, Leftovers, Spoiled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 2. Return from News Agents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 I. Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,449. . . . . . . . . . . . 25,170 16. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the October 2013 issue of this publication.

17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publishers, Business Manager, or Owner.

Tanya Watterud, Editor

NewEarth

Beauty and mystery of the Catholic faith depicted in restored stained glass

By Tanya Watterud

windows were restored, including 1,270 total square feet of stained glass which involves 19,050 individual pieces of glass. Approximately 15,240 feet, or about three miles or 5,000 pounds, of lead was used, and approximately 63 pounds of solder.

The autumn sun is shining brighter this year through the stained glass windows of St. James Basilica in Jamestown thanks to completion of the window restoration project. Dedication of the restored stained glass windows took place July 28, a day Father Al Bitz, pasWindows’ story on video tor, described as “a wonderful and magnificent day.”

Sister Michaeleen Jantzer, pastoral Pierce Blewett donated the original minister of St. James Basilica for the windows in 1918. Over time, cracks depast 26 years, explains the biblical sigveloped in the windows and the outer nificance of the stories told through protective covering became clouded, the stained glass winmuting the sun bedows in a moving vidfore it could strike eotape presentation and bring to life the produced by Gary beautiful glass panels Baune of Fargo. The of these historic winvideotape, which is a dows. treasure chest of hisFather Bitz and Fatory and beauty, is ther Bernard Pfau, a available for $10 from previous pastor, had the Basilica by calling gotten a few different (701) 252-0119. proposals over the The videotape not years to see what it only tells about the would require to rewindows, but is a lesstore the windows, but son in the Catholic the project seemed faith. out of reach. Then, The windows on in 2012, a benefactor the south side of the came forward. Funds Basilica, which was for the restoration the first cathedral in work were donated by North Dakota before Jon and Lori Wanzek the See City for the To see a photo page of the of Fargo in memory diocese was moved to restored stained glass windows of Vincent and Agat St. James Basilica in Fargo by Bishop John nes Wanzek and Leo Jamestown, please turn Shanley, depict the Wanzek. to page 16.

Joyful Mysteries of the When Tracy WalRosary. lach, formerly of The north windows Jamestown and presidepict the Glorious Mysteries. Also redent of Classic Glass Ltd. in Fargo, first stored was a window featuring St. Cesaw the Basilica’s windows, he “was cilia, patroness of music, which had simply amazed by the quality . . . namebeen hidden from inner view for some ly in the detail of the figures and factime by a large organ, and other wines,” he wrote in a letter printed in the dows. dedication ceremony program. He and others from Classic Glass spent a year The restoration of the windows working on the windows, taking them “builds the legacy of St. James being apart, cleaning them, replacing broken the first Cathedral of North Dakota, glass pieces, and releading them “in the first Basilica in North Dakota and order to preserve the windows for yet a great place to visit for people on pilanother hundred years.” grimage,” Father Bitz noted in the dediThrough the project, 46 stained glass cation ceremony program.

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

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

— Helen Bye, Fargo

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

NewEarth

October 2013 n 7 1

A new series

PatiO and the last snow of 2013

By Father Bert Miller

As we approach the coming season of winter cold and snow, I have vivid memories of the last snow of April 2013.

It was about 8:30 a.m. on April 11.

As I walked through the Blue Room of Blessed Sacrament Church in West Fargo to open the church doors for daily liturgy, a lone snowflake outside the window caught my eye.

When I had progressed to the middle of the three windows, the snowflake had not yet fallen to the ground. It was bouncing up and down like it was dancing. Usually snowflakes fall from the sky to the earth. And it was reflecting light like it was winking at me.

At the third window, the snowflake winked and danced and suddenly the wind caught it and it flew up into the sky and was gone!

I opened the church doors and went to my office to read email.

At 8:35 a.m., my private phone rang.

It was Ellen, the niece and caregiver of my friend Patricia O’Connor (I called her “PatiO”) informing me that my friend had died about five minutes ago and asking if I would come and pray with the family.

I said I would be right there. I got in my car and drove the few blocks to the home of PatiO. It was snowing much more now. I greeted Ellen and another family member. We prayed the Prayers of the Dead. They cried.

I told them how I had seen this snow-

Father Wilhelm to lead November pilgrimage to Italy and France Father Chad Wilhelm, along with the Knights of Columbus, is leading a pilgrimage Nov. 17 through 26 to Rome, Lourdes, Paris and Nevers.

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

For more information, please contact George Lacher at (701) 793-5566 or georgelacher@msn.com, or Father Wilhelm at chad.wilhelm@fargodiocese. org. You may also call Catholic Tour at 1-888-465-9868.

Space is limited, so calling early is encouraged.

FOR SALE Part-time business. Nets $47K. Christian themed magazine.

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flake outside the Blue Room windows. I said, “I think PatiO stopped by Blessed Sacrament on her journey from earth to heaven to dance a little, smile a little, sparkle a little, and say ‘see you soon’.”

“I said, ‘I think PatiO

stopped by Blessed Sacrament on her journey from earth to heaven to dance a little, smile a little, sparkle a little, and say “see you soon.” ‘

The snow kept coming When I got back to the car, the snow was pouring out of the heavens like rain. I concluded that my friend, PatiO, had made it to the heavenly banquet and the (river) dancing of the Irish faithful in heaven had begun.

The snow was falling in great abundance, as if the crowds of heaven were pounding their shoes on the tops of the clouds. The snow was so thick I could hardly drive back to the parish for morning liturgy.

And it continued to snow and snow and snow. By the time of the funeral on April 15, there was so much snow it was difficult for mourners to get to the church, and the family could not take PatiO to New Rockford for burial.

In December 2012, PatiO had been diagnosed with multiple organ cancer.

She came from the doctor’s office directly to the church to tell her friends of the diagnosis and prognosis: eight to 14 weeks.

She went to St. Louis for Christmas to see her only surviving sibling, Dr. Bob O’Connor.

When she returned home, we did

Father Bert Miller

”

Before succumbing to cancer, Patricia O’Connor was a long-time member of Blessed Sacrament parish in West Fargo.

not see her daily as we had before the diagnosis, but when we did, she was always upbeat and party-like. If one asked to visit her at home, she would entertain with conversation, chocolate and “green” food, and occasionally play the grand piano that dominated her living room.

PatiO was the life of the party until the end of her earthly journey.

When her hospital bed arrived in her living room, the grand piano was moved to Blessed Sacrament. This was

Good Friday 2013.

We cherish the gift of life PatiO shared with the faith community of Blessed Sacrament and also the gift of her life-long passion: music.

(Note: If you have a faith story to tell, let me know at bert.miller@fargo diocese.org, and I will read it or come for a visit to your parish or home and help you to tell your story.)

Father Miller is pastor of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in West Fargo.

Respect

8 n NewEarth

OCTOBER IS RESPECT LIFE MONTH

Standing up for the unbo

Demonstrating respect for all human life The month of October is known as Respect Life Month in the Catholic Church in the United States. The faithful participate in numerous events throughout the diocese to demonstrate the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death.

Although the most visible challenge in society today is the assault on life at its very beginning, through abortion, acceptance of the killing of unborn children leads to acceptance of the false idea that the lives of any people who are limited in what they can do are less important than the lives of those who can live independently.

Pope John Paul II, in his encyclical “Evangelium Vitae” (“The Gospel of Life”), encourages the faithful to affirm the truth of the dignity of life and persevere in hope that all people will come to understand this truth.

He wrote, “Even in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties, every person sincerely open to truth and goodness can, by the light of reason and the hidden action of grace, come to recognize in the natural law written in the heart the sacred value of human life from its very beginning until its end, and can affirm the right of every human being to have this primary good respected to the highest degree. Upon the recognition of this right, every human community and the political community itself are founded.”

Pink for girls, blue for boys — Flags help us remember babies lost through abortion

Pro-life prayer volunteers and pro-abortion prot for the 2013 40 Days for Life North Dakota cam

Lives are being sa

On Tuesday, Oct 9, 14 days after the in campaign website, 40DaysForLife.com, re from abortion as a result of the prayer, f prayer volunteers outside of abortion faci to volunteers. There have likely been ma The campaign is taking place simulta Sept. 25 and continues through Nov. 3. the first campaign in 2004, 575,000 peo total of 2,480 campaigns have been hel have learned through reports of those w have been saved. In addition, 83 aborti clinics have closed.

In North Dakota, abortions are usuall Fargo on Wednesdays, however the day the week during the 40 Days for Life Nor are present on the sidewalk outside the ab are killed by abortion in Fargo, totaling North Dakota.

Although the campaign ends Nov. 3, tinues throughout the year. To voluntee prayer requests on the days abortions ar the North Dakota campaign’s site at ww (701) 284-6601.

Walk with Christ for life

There have been 66,000 babies killed by abortion in North Dakota since 1973 when abortion became legal in all 50 states. Eric and Maria Wanchic of Bismarck want to help people realize what that statistic means and to help lead those affected by abortion toward healing. They came up with the idea of putting 66,000 flags, pink for girls and blue for boys, onto lawns. Their project began at the State Capitol in Bismarck. The Wanchics then took the flags to other communities in the state. In this picture, the flags appear on the lawn of St. Michael’s Church in Grand Forks. For more information or to make a donation toward this effort, contact the Wanchics at (701) 255-3161 or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/66ksinceroevwade.

Bishop John Folda carries the Eucharist in pro event in Fargo.

t for Life

October 2013 n 9

In the News

orn

National Catholic youth ministry program to expand by 50 percent

Submitted photo

testers filled the sidewalk in front of the abortion facility in Fargo during the Sept. 25 opening prayer service mpaign.

aved

nternational 40 Days for Life campaign began, the eported that the lives of 148 babies had been saved fasting, educational outreach and peaceful vigil of ilities. And that is only the number that is reported any more babies who have been saved. aneously in 306 cities across the world. It began Statistics included on the website note that, since ople and 16,000 churches have participated and a ld in 501 cities and 19 countries. From what they who decided against abortion, 7,536 babies’ lives ion workers have quit their jobs and 41 abortion

ly performed at the Red River Women’s Clinic in of the week sometimes changes or is cancelled for rth Dakota campaign when more prayer volunteers bortion clinic. Many weeks, over 20 unborn babies more than 1,000 deaths by abortion each year in

prayer outside the abortion facility in Fargo coner to pray, to sign up to receive email or telephone re being performed, or for more information, visit ww.40DaysForLifeND.com or call (701) 356-7979 or

40 Days for Life closing celebration to be held Nov. 3 The 2013 40 Days for Life North Dakota campaign will end on Sunday, Nov. 3. All are invited to a Power Hour for Life to offer God praise and thanksgiving for the blessings and successes of the campaign.

The Power Hour for Life will be held outside the Red River Women’s Clinic at 512 First Ave. N., Fargo from 5 to 6 p.m. Nov. 3.

For more information call (701) 3567979, or contact the Pregnancy Help Center at (701) 284-6601 or phc@ polarcomm.com.

Youth called to March for Life

Doreen Kennelly photo

ocession during the Walk with Christ for Life

Youth in grades 9 through 12 from across the Diocese of Fargo are invited to participate in the 41st annual March for Life in Washington D.C., on Jan. 22. The pilgrimage will begin in Fargo on Jan. 18 and return Jan. 23.

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

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

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

Deadline to register is Oct. 18. For more information, contact Rachelle at (701) 356-7910, or email rachelle.sauvageau@fargodiocese.org.

NET Ministries, a nationwide youth retreat and outreach program geared toward awakening Catholic faith in young people, is in the midst of kicking off a five-year strategic plan called “Igniting Faith.”

The organization currently impacts 60,000 junior high and high school youth across the country annually. By 2017, the goal is to make that number 90,000 per year, a 50% inPhoto courtesy NET Ministries crease over the next few years.

The NET team that will be in the Fargo Diocese in DeIn order to reach this imcember includes, pictured left to right: back row, Kelly pressive goal, NET will add a Butler, Breige Doone, Chloe Coronado and Jose Gamez; new team of eight to 12 young second row, Josh Schmitz, Bre Benavidez, Amanda adults each year for the next Sahagun and Kevin Davis; front row, Elizabeth Melgar, five years. This will bring the Chris Wuenscher, Stephanie Kopacek and Paul Slugocki. total number of NET teams to 16 by the fall of 2017, and inwith less travel for the teams, as well as crease the number of NET team memprovide additional recruiting and debers from 125 to 175. velopment opportunities.

NET’s Founder and Executive DiKathy Loney, director of youth and rector, Mark Berchem, says, “We’re young adult ministry for the Diocese of all familiar with Blessed John Paul II Fargo, said, “NET Ministries has been and Pope Benedict, and their call for coming to the Diocese of Fargo to mina new evangelization. The church sees ister to our youth for over 30 years. This it is critical right now to present the organization of well-trained young Gospel message to people who maybe adults brings a powerful message of have heard it once before but have fallChrist’s love to our teens during their en away. We need to awaken faith; we retreats. need to ignite faith. We need to go back “The team has a fun, inspiring and into our parishes, into our schools, and extremely spiritual approach that is present the Gospel message in all of its very appealing to junior and senior beauty, and the best person to do that high students. The NET team’s personis a young person who’s on fire. And al message of faith resonate with our that’s what the NET teams are.” students, encouraging students to pray In addition to adding a new team more often and to go deeper, connect every year, the organization plans to with their parishes and families in a open two regional offices in addition to Christian way and live a more Christheir St. Paul, Minn., headquarters. The tian life in their schools and commufirst of these regional offices will be in nity.”

Cincinnati, Ohio, and the second office The NET Ministries acronym stands will be in California. Establishment of for National Evangelization Teams. these regional offices and the addition of the new teams will enable the orgaTo learn more about NET Ministries, call nization to provide more youth retreats (651) 450-6833 or visit www.netusa.org.

Pro-life film available for showings St. Gianna’s Maternity Home has purchased a license for the viewing of “Crescendo,” a short film by the producers of “Bella” that has been globally heralded and has won over 11 international awards.

Showings are scheduled for Oct. 20 in Valley City, Nov. 6 in Langdon and Nov. 10 in Crookston. Parishes and groups are encouraged to schedule showings in their communities by calling St. Gianna’s at (701) 248-3077.

THIRST Eucharistic Conference Oct. 25-27 in Bismarck Are you thirsting for something more? THIRST is an Oct. 25 through 27 conference for people of all ages and backgrounds who want to find meaning in their lives and answers to the desires of their hearts.

Events of the weekend include presentations by internationally renowned speakers, time for prayer, Mass, the sacrament of reconciliation, a concert by a rock band and more. The speakers include Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Dr. Scott Hahn, Peter and Debbie Herbeck, Chris Stefanick, Cat.Chat and others.

The THIRST 2013 Eucharistic Conference will be held at the Bismarck Civic Center. Visit www.bismarckdiocese.com for the schedule and more information

Conference on New Evangelization set for Nov. 2 The Diocese of Crookston will host its 2013 Credo Conference — “New Saints for a New Evangelization” — Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bluestem Center for the Arts, Moorhead, Minn.

Conferences for the day will be given by Dr. Ralph Martin, consultor for the Pontifical College of the New Evangelization. Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner, Bishop of Crookston, will celebrate the closing Mass.

Admission is $15 and space is limited.To register, visit www.crookston.org/yof/ or contact Anna Kliner in the Office of the New Evangelization at (218) 281-4533, ext. 432.

Quotable “Self-absorption “If today the in all Church its forms proposes kills empathy, a new Year letof alone Faith compassion. and a new When evangelization, we focus on it is ourselves, not to honor our world an anniversary, contracts as our problems but and because preoccupations there is more loom need large. of it, Buteven when more we than focus there on others, was 50 ouryears worldago!” expands.” ― Pope DanielBenedict Goleman XVI

Editorial

1 nnOO ctober ctober2013 2013

10

NewEarth

Your life is not about you

T

ime Magazine’s recent cover story “The Childfree Life” has generat­ ed a good deal of controversy and commentary. The photo that graces the cover of the edition pretty much sums up the argument: a young, fit couple lounge languidly on a beach and gaze up at the cam­ era with blissful smiles —and no child any­ where in sight.

What the editors want us to accept is that this scenario is not just in­ creasingly a fact in our country, but that it is morally acceptable as well, a lifestyle choice that some people legiti­ mately make.

Whereas in one phase

of the feminist movement, “having it all” meant that a woman should be able to both pursue a career and raise a fam­ ily, now it apparently means a relation­ ship and a career without the crushing encumbrance of annoy­ ing, expensive and de­ manding children.

Guest Editorial Father Barron

There is no question that childlessness is on the rise in the United States. Our birthrate is the lowest in recorded history, surpassing even the crash in reproduc­ tion that followed the economic crash of the 1930s.

We have not yet reached the drastic lev­ els found in Europe (in Italy, for example, one

PhotoEditorial

in four women never give birth), but childlessness has risen in our country across all ethnic and racial groups, even those that have t r a d it io n a l l y put a particu­ lar premium on large fam­ ilies.

What is behind this phenome­ non?

The ar­ ticle’s author spoke to a variety of women who had decid­ ed not to have children and found a number of different reasons for their decision.

Some said that they simply never experienced the desire for children; others said that their careers were so satisfying to them that they couldn’t imagine taking on the responsibility of raising children; still others argued that in an era when bringing up a child costs upward of $250,000, they simply couldn’t afford to have even one baby; and the comedian Margaret Cho ad­ mitted, bluntly enough, “Babies scare me more than anything.”

A researcher at the London School of Economics weighed in to say that there is a tight correlation between intelli­ gence and childlessness: the smarter you are, it appears, the less likely you are to have children!

It’s about them

people like baseball and others prefer football.

No childless couple would insist that ev­ ery couple re­ main childless, and they would expect the same tolerance to be accorded to them from the other side. But never, in these discussions, was reference made to values that pres­ ent themselves in their sheer objectivity to the subject, values that make a demand on freedom. Rather, the in­ dividual will was consis­ tently construed as sover­ eign and self-disposing.

And this represents a sea change in cultural orientation.

Up until very recent times, the deci­ sion whether or not to have children would never have been simply “up to the individual.” Rather, the individual choice would have been situated in the context of a whole series of values that properly condition and shape the will: family, neighborhood, society, culture, the human race, nature, and ultimately, God. We can see this so clearly in the ini­ tiation rituals of primal peoples and in the formation of young people in prac­ tically every culture on the planet until the modern period.

Having children was about carrying on the family name and tradition; it was about contributing to the strength and integrity of one’s society; it was about perpetuating the great adventure of the human race; it was a participation in the dynamisms of nature itself. And finally, it was about cooperating with God’s desire that life flourish: “And you, be fruitful and multiply, teem on the earth and multiply in it” (Gen. 9:7).

None of this is meant to be crushing to the will, but liberating. When these great values present themselves to our freedom, we are drawn out beyond our­ selves and integrated into great realities that expand us and make us more alive.

It is finally with relief and a burst of joy that we realize that our lives are not about us.

Traditionally, having children was one of the primary means by which this shift in consciousness took place.

That increasingly this liberation is forestalled and that people are finding themselves locked in the cold space of what they sovereignly choose, I find rather sad.

What particularly struck me in this article was that none of the people in­ terviewed ever moved outside of the ambit of his or her private desire.

Some people, it seems, are into chil­ dren, and others aren’t, just as some

Father Robert Barron is the founder of the global ministry, Word on Fire, and the rector/ president of Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Ill. He is the creator of the award winning documentary series, “Catholicism.”

Learn more at www.WordonFire.org.

Feeling oppressed In accord with the tenor of our time, those who have opted out of the chil­ dren game paint themselves, of course, as victims.

They are persecuted, they say, by a culture that is relentlessly baby-ob­ sessed and, in the words of one of the interviewees, “oppressively family-cen­ tric.”

Patricia O’Laughlin, a Los Ange­ les-based psychotherapist, specializes in helping women cope with the crushing expectations of a society that expects them to reproduce.

As an act of resistance, many childless couples have banded together for mu­ tual support. One such group in Nash­ ville comes together for activities such as “zip-lining, canoeing and a monthly dinner the foodie couple in the group organizes.” One of their members, An­ drea Reynolds, was quoted as saying, “We can do anything we want, so why wouldn’t we?”

CNS photo / Tyler Orsburn

A nun places a prayer card on a relic of Blessed Pope John Paul II at the Washington shrine dedicated to the Polish pontiff. The relic, a piece of the pope’s cassock that was blood stained during an assassination attempt in 1981, was on display in the chapel at the Blessed John Paul II Shrine. Pope Francis recently announced that he will canonize both Blessed Pope John Paul and Blessed Pope John XXIII April 27.

Commentary

NewEarth

October 2013 n 11

Many of the gems of Pope Francis’ interview were missed

E

veryone’s talking about the lengthy Nor do they always coincide, the interview Pope Francis did for Jepope says, with what is “clear and safe.” suit magazines. The pope stated in Upon reading this I was reminded of a an 11,000-word interview that “[W]e passage from C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the cannot insist only on issues related to Witch and the Wardrobe,” concerning abortion, gay marriage and contracepthe lion Aslan, the Christ-figure of the tive methods,” and then the press went book. on to write only about what the Pope “Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy. said about abortion, gay “Safe?” said Mr. Beamarriage and contracepver. “Don’t you hear tive methods. what Mrs. Beaver tells Every state Catholic you? Who said anything conference director is faabout safe? Course he miliar with the media’s isn’t safe. But he’s good. obsession with those He’s the King, I tell you.” issues. Only a portion The pope was warning of our work concerns against seeking clarity abortion, marriage and and safety by retreating contraception, and the into a form of legalism in work of a state Catholic church matters, where conference comprises the rule overshadows only a very, very small the spirit. Doing so, the fraction of the Catholic pope warns, risks havChurch’s activities. ing the faith become an From news reports, “ideology among ideolohowever, a person could gies.”

Christopher Dodson easily conclude that the church is a massive politLabels are too easy ical machine fixated on abortion, marA similar temptation occurs in polriage and contraception. itics, though the risk is the reverse: Missed in Pope Francis’ interview are ideology becoming faith. gems like this: “The wisdom of discernIdeological, philosophical and parment redeems the necessary ambiguity tisan identities can seem like a refuge of life and helps us find the most apfrom the “ambiguity of life.” propriate means, which do not always coincide with what looks great and Identifying as a “conservative,” “libstrong.” eral,” “libertarian,” “socialist,” Demo-

Catholic Action

“The pope was

warning against seeking clarity and safety by retreating into a form of legalism in church matters, where the rule overshadows the spirit.

”

Christopher Dodson crat, Republican, Tea Partier or something else provides a sense of purpose, a sense of belonging, and guidance on how to act.

Ultimately, however, the clarity and security that comes from such labels is illusory. All ideologies and political parties are man-made and, due to our fallen nature, necessarily ambiguous. They all fall short of the fullness of the truth about who we are, how we should live together, and how we should govern.

Another way we seek safety and clarity, according to the pope, is by living a “lab faith” rather than a “journey faith.” He notes, for example, that those who want to help the poor — which should include all of us — should not just study poverty, but discern it direct-

ly, through the people who experience it.

For Pope Francis this is the “frontier” to which we are called to carry the gospel.

Policymakers face the same temptation. Very few are or ever were poor, pregnant and unmarried, jobless, struggling with addiction, mentally ill or dying alone. Yet they engage in making laws that directly impact those who are.

If they seek advice at all, they typically turn to the ideologically motivated think-tanks and government bureaucrats who live in their “laboratories.”

Here is where Christians, and especially those involved in church ministries, can make a difference.

The Catholic Church brings not just her social doctrine to bear on issues, but also the experiences gained from those who heal the sick, feed the poor, hold the hand of the girl facing a crisis pregnancy, stay awake with those suffering from addiction or mental illness and pray with those approaching death.

If lawmakers cannot go to the frontier, then we have an obligation to bring our experiences from the frontier to them.

If you have not read the interview, take the time to do so. It is at americamagazine.org/pope-interview.

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

Tax advantages for charitable giving Gifts of crops, IRAs and the ND tax credit are available if you are considering a donation

T

he end of the year is fast approaching and this is a good time to remember some generous tax incentives regarding charitable giving.

Here is an update on three popular ways of giving, especially when it comes to supporting your local parish or diocesan program.

Retirement Account) to your parish, diocese or other qualified charity without increasing your taxable income or paying any additional tax. These tax-free rollover gifts could be $1000, $10,000 or any amount up to $100,000 this year. The gift satisfies your RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) for this year.

1. Gifts of Crops.

Tax laws allow farmers 3. ND Tax Credit. A to gift part of their crop few years ago, ND legisproduction (grain, corn, latures passed a bill that beans, etc.) to charity allowed a very generous (e.g. parish, diocese). tax credit to those who There are significant tax make a charitable gift benefits to giving crops to a ND qualified eninstead of cash. dowment. If you are a It’s a very simple proNorth Dakota resident cess and many farmers and make a gift to a ND in our diocese take adqualified endowment of Steve Schons vantage of it. For exam$5,000 or more, you are ple, when a farmer takes eligible for a 40% tax credit on your ND a load of grain to the elevator, the farmtaxes. er first notifies the church, the church Tax credits are much different than notifies the elevator to sell and send the a tax deduction because they reduce check to the church. The farmer cannot your tax liability dollar for dollar. The sell the grain or instruct the elevator to maximum tax credit is $20,000 for insell the grain – this must be done by the dividuals or $40,000 for married filing church. In this case, the farmer does jointly. However, credits can be carried not count the value of the grain sold over for up to three years. Each Cathoby the church as income, thus avoiding lic parish in the Diocese of Fargo has an all income and self-employment taxes, established endowment in the Catholic and is further allowed to deduct the exDevelopment Foundation. For more inpenses related to the production of that formation, visit www.cdfnd.org or call grain on Schedule F in the year paid. the Development office.

This is a wonderful way to provide If you have any questions or would first fruits to God’s service without like further information about the topics bearing the burden of Caesar’s Tax. covered in this article or any other types of giving, please contact Steve at (701) 3562. IRA Charitable Rollover. If you 7926 or steve.schons@fargodiocese.org. are over age 70 1/2, the Federal government permits you to rollover up to Schons is director of stewardship and $100,000 from your IRA (Individual development for the Diocese of Fargo.

Stewardship

“Tax laws allow farmers to gift part of their crop production (grain, corn, beans, etc.) to charity (e.g. parish, diocese). There are significant tax benefits to giving crops instead of cash.

Steve Schons

“

File photo

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NewEarth

Inspiration behind pro-life billboards to speak on Oct. 27 Mary Ann Kuharski, the founder of Pro-Life Across America, “The Billboard People”, will speak in Moorhead Sunday, Oct. 27, at a meet and greet event from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. as part of a nationwide celebration of the organization’s 25 years of saving babies’ lives. The event is free and open to the public.

Kuharski will share some of the stories and miracles from Pro-Life Across America’s life-saving billboard outreach.

Pro-Life Across America presents a positive and persuasive educational outreach. Each billboard features a toll-free telephone hotline which connects callers to the assistance they need. They offer information, alternatives to abortion, and post-abortion assistance. This outreach is costly, but lifesaving. So ofKuharski ten, the tender and touching ads may be the only visible Submitted photo sign offering hope and help to someMary Ann Kuharski says Pro-Life Across America’s billboards are a “tender” response to what she calls a terrible injustice. one on the brink of an abortion decision.

Kuharski was an infant in a St. Paul In 2012, they sponsored over 1,000 You’re invited to a meet and greet in Moorhead orphanage when she was adopted at radio ads and 6,500 billboards in 44 nine months of age and raised by a You’ve seen the billboards, now you can meet the inspiration behind Pro-Life states across America and have a goal of family in Minneapolis. She is a wife Across America! Mary Ann Kuharski, founder of the nationally known billboard 7,000 billboards in 2013. They are dedand mother of 13 children, six of campaign, will share stories and miracles from the pro-life billboard outreach at icated to “changing hearts and saving whom are adopted and of mixed races a meet and greet event on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at St. Francis de babies’ lives.” As Pope Francis has urged, with special needs.

Sales Church, 601 15th Ave. N., Moorhead, Minn.

“It’s time to take back the culture.”

She is also the grandmother of 23 The event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Moorhead Right alongside the highway, you’ll grandchildren. She is a monthly colKnights of Columbus. For more information, please contact Lisa McDonald at (218) find a billboard with the jumbo-sized umnist for The Catholic Servant and 233-4780 or lisa@stfrancismhd.org. image of a cute baby’s face and a simis the author of four books. Kuharski ple line of text: “Heartbeat 18 days and her husband, John, are members lem pregnancies. She previously served radio and television, including EWTN from conception”, or “Fingerprints at 9 of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in MinLive with Father Mitch Pacwa and as an Advisory Board Member on the weeks” or “I could dream before I was neapolis and are active members of the Johnette Benkovic’s Abundant Life.

National Council for Adoption, and born!”

Knights of Columbus. the Minnesota Governor’s Task Force Baby faces laughing, smiling, sleeping Kuharski has been president of ProKuharski said the billboards are a regarding children with handicaps and or wearing funny hats are seen across Life Across America since 1989. She has “tender” response to what she calls a special needs. She has testified twice the country telling drivers to “cherish served in various aspects of the pro-life terrible injustice. “We each are called to in Congress on adoption-related issues life born and unborn” and that “a new movement and as a volunteer counselor do something,” she said. “I believe God human life begins at conception.” offering support to women with proband has appeared on local and national called me to do this.”

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

Oct. 6-18 (Sunday-Friday): The Fargo Division of the World Apostolate of Fatima (Blue Army) is sponsoring the tour of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue in the Fargo Diocese. Visit www.waffargo. org.

Oct 13 (Sunday): The Holy Rosary will be prayed at 3 p.m. on the 96th anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun, St. Therese the Little Flower, Rugby.

Oct. 13 (Sunday): St. John the Evangelist is celebrating its 50th anniversary of the new church, Mass at 9:30 a.m., Grafton. Fall dinner will follow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 13 (Sunday): St. Alphonsus Altar Society supper, 4 to 7 p.m., Langdon.

Oct. 15 (Tuesday): St. Benedict’s will offer Mass to commemorate the 100th year of their present church building, 7 p.m., Wild Rice. See page 3.

Oct. 17 (Thursday): 28th annual Presentation Prayer Center fundraiser luncheon, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Holiday Inn,

Fargo. Please call Sister Andrea at (701) 237-4857 for tickets. Cost is $30.

Oct. 19 (Saturday): Faith through the Ages, 7 p.m., St. Anthony of Padua, Fargo. Visit www.fargodiocese.org/ faiththroughages.

Oct. 19 (Saturday): Presentation Prayer Center “Meet the author” event with Nancy Thurston, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, 1101 32nd Ave. S., Fargo. Register with Sister Andrea at (701) 237-4857.

Oct. 20 (Sunday): Sacred Heart fall dinner, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Minto.

Oct. 25-27 (Friday-Sunday): THIRST conference, Bismarck Civic Center. See page 9.

Oct. 26 (Saturday): Soup and sandwich luncheon, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Anne’s Guest Home, Grand Forks.

Oct. 27 (Sunday): Holy Spirit fall festival, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Fargo.

co-founder of the Catherine of Sienna Institute and author of Forming Intentional Disciples, will speak at St. Catherine’s, 7 to 9 p.m., Valley City.

See page 14.

Oct. 30 (Wednesday): Michael James Mette concert, 7 p.m., St. William’s, Argusville.

Nov. 1-3 (Friday-Sunday): Ignatian retreat at Maryvale, Valley City. Register

by Oct. 18. Suggested donation is $60.

Contact Sister Dorothy Bunce at dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org or call (701) 845-2865.

Nov. 2 (Saturday): St. Michael’s Fall Fun(d) Fest. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., dinner 6 to 7:30 p.m., Sacred Heart social hall, East Grand Forks. Must be 21 or older. Cost is $25/person. For tickets, call (701) 772-2624.

Nov. 3 (Sunday): Nativity fall festival, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fargo.

Oct. 27 (Sunday): Blessed Sacrament fall dinner, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., West Fargo.

Nov. 3 (Sunday): Faith through the Ages, 2 p.m., St. Joseph’s, Devils Lake. Visit www.fargodiocese.org/ faiththroughages.

Oct. 28 (Monday): Sherry Weddell,

Nov. 3 (Sunday): Holy Rosary fall din-

ner, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., LaMoure.

Nov. 4 (Monday): The Shanley High School Teens for Life will host their 4th Annual “Cupcakes for Life” event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Sts. Anne & Joachim, Fargo. See page 2.

Nov. 5 (Tuesday): Serra Club dinner, an opportunity to visit and pray with others who support vocations in the area, 6 p.m., St. Anthony of Padua, Fargo.

Nov. 8 (Friday): St. Bernard’s, Oriska, “Hunter’s Breakfast”, 7 to 10 a.m., Tower City Community Center.

Nov. 9-10 (Saturday-Sunday): ABC Craft and Cookie Fair, St. Francis Convent and Retreat Center, Hankinson.

Nov. 9 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 10 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nov. 14-17 (Thursday-Sunday): All craft retreat, St. Francis Convent and Retreat Center, Hankinson. Contact Karen at (701) 242-7195.

To submit events for New Earth and the diocesan website, mail them to New Earth, 5201 Bishops Blvd. S., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104-7605 or email news@fargodiocese. org. The deadline for the November New Earth is Oct. 23.

NewEarth

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Children gathered with Father Bill McDermott around the new grotto which shelters a statue of Mary, Our Lady of Grace, along the rosary path on the grounds of St. Alphonsus parish in Langdon.

Photos by Marian Hoffarth

Marian grotto blessed in Langdon New addition to rosary path in the park on the grounds of St. Alphonsus parish

By Tracy Spenst

St. Alphonsus parish and school came together Sept. 25 to celebrate the blessing of a new Marian grotto on the parish grounds in Langdon.

The grotto is the most recent addition to a small park south of the church which the Knights of Columbus purchased from the Langdon Park Board in 2005. The grotto was built as an addition to a rosary path constructed in 2011.

The rosary path was the idea of Dennis and Holly Lyons after visiting the Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea in Key West, Fla. Holly said the grounds were beautiful, with a chapel for 24-hour Adoration, outdoor Stations of the Cross, a Lourdes grotto and a rosary path, as well as all the beautiful flowers one expects in Florida.

“It was so beautiful and peaceful,” she said, they decided they wanted to give something like it to St. Alphonsus parish.

After talking over the idea with friends, Ron and Rita Beneda and Bill and Sandie Mack, the couples decided to make a rosary path in the park.

Once the rosary path was finished, Father Bill McDermott mentioned he

had an outdoor statue of Mary, Our Lady of Grace, which could be used. The couples discussed the idea and decided they wanted to add a grotto. They contacted Nolan Spenst to do the design and construction.

He designed the grotto to mimic the shape of the windows of St. Alphonsus Church and built it of brick and limestone. Holly and Rita said they plan to add a planter next year so there will always be flowers for Mary in the summer.

The rosary path is often used by parishioners and, with the addition of the grotto, Father McDermott hopes to see it used even more.

One way it is already being used is as the focal point for prayer during the 40 Days for Life campaign.

During the campaign, which ends Nov. 3, there will be a daily rosary at 12:05 p.m. Father McDermott suggested the idea for the daily rosary since Langdon is located 190 miles from North Dakota’s only abortion facility in Fargo.

Few parishioners are able to participate in the 24-hour vigils there during the campaign.

Father McDermott intends the rosary to take place rain, shine or snow, just as those praying outside the abortion mill are doing, no matter the weather.

All are invited to pray now during the 40 Days for Life Rosary and anytime, and to spend time in the quiet beauty of Mary’s presence at the new grotto.

Life in the Spirit seminar to be held in Valley City A Life in the Spirit seminar will be held at St. Catherine’s in Valley City beginning Friday, Nov. 15, at 6:30 p.m. and closing Sunday afternoon, Nov. 17.

This is an opportunity to experience an inner renewal through scripture, sacraments, inspiring talks, discussions, prayer and song. Take advantage of this opportunity to deepen your personal re-

lationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and fellow members of the Body of Christ.

Everyone is welcome. There is no cost for the weekend, although a free-will donation will be accepted. For more information or to pre-register, contact Doran Chandler at (701) 840-1257 or Deacon Joe and Deb Leitner at (701) 845-0817.

Confidential help If you are struggling with same-sex attraction and want confidential Catholic help, call Courage at (701) 356-7960 or email fargomoorheadcourage@gmail.com.

For more information, visit www.fargodiocese.org/courage.

14 n October 2013

NewEarth

Anniversaries

Photo courtesy Shanley High School

The Shanley High School homecoming court was nominated based on a three-part criteria: Who best represents Shanley High School and its tradition of excellence, who are true Deacons in their mindset of service and self-giving and who treats others with kindness, compassion and respect?

Service the focus of Shanley homecoming events It’s not your typical high school homecoming theme, but this year at Shanley High School in Fargo the senior class theme was “To Serve is to Reign” and they felt it was a perfect pairing with the homecoming theme of Deacon Dynasty.

This theme carried through to their homecoming court where students were asked to nominate the court based on a three-part criteria: who best represents Shanley High School and its tradition of excellence, who are true Deacons in their mindset of service and

self-giving and who treats others with kindness, compassion and respect?

Homecoming queen was Julia Jordan, daughter of Mona and Andrew Jordan of Cathedral of St. Mary parish, Fargo. Homecoming king was Brandon Schott, son of Mary Kay and Don Schott of Nativity parish, Fargo.

The court consisted of Theresa Carson, daughter of Jan and Paul Carson; Grace Kidder, daughter of Anne and Kevin Kidder; Rachel Nistler, daughter of Brenda and Patrick Nistler; Anna Reinholz, daughter of Teresa and Aaron

‘Forming Intentional Disciples’ author to speak in two locations Sherry Weddell, co-founder of the Catherine of Siena Institute, which is dedicated to equipping parishes for the formation of lay Catholics for their mission in the world, will be the speaker at two events in the Diocese of Fargo. Weddell is the author of the book “Forming Intentional Disciples”.

The first event is Sunday, Oct. 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Philip Neri Church in Napoleon. The evening, designed for adults, begins with refreshments, with the opening prayer at 7 p.m., followed by Weddell’s presentation which will help attendees recognize their God-given gifts.

There will be time for questions be-

ginning around 8:15 p.m. The event is sponsored by Ministry of Mothers Sharing and a free will offering will be accepted.

The second engagement is Monday, Oct. 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Catherine’s Church, Valley City. A free will offering will be accepted, and the presentation is designed for adults. Attendees will learn about what it means to be a disciple, how you can be intentional about discipleship, how to know and follow Jesus, and much more.

For more information, contact Katie Dubas, diocesan director of evangelization and catechesis, at (701) 356-7900 or katie.dubas@fargodiocese.org.

Reinholz; Sean Montgomery, son of Lisa and Mike Montgomery; Kyle Nesler, son of Bev and Karl Nesler; Ben Noah, son of Sue and Matt Noah, and Jacob Wolf, son of Brenda and Kevin Wolf.

Shanley High School’s annual Deacon Day of service is one of the many ways that the Blessed John Paul II Schools reflect the mission “to inspire exceptional student achievement by teaching the total person and fostering the following of Christ in an environment guided by the Gospel Spirit, as taught by the Catholic Church.”

For 14 years Shanley students and staff members have followed Christ more closely by spending a school day serving God and neighbor. Service sites have included parishes and the diocesan Pastoral Center, pro-life witness, crisis pregnancy centers, preschools and grade schools, nursing homes, food pantries and food banks, homeless shelters and other non-profits in the community.

The Shanley nickname, Deacons, is derived from the Greek and means “servants.” Jesus, the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us, “made himself ‘deacon’ or servant of all” (CCC 1570).

Homecoming week rounded out with a parade, the Sept. 13 football game, multiple class reunions, Mass, the rededication of the refurbished Sacred Heart of Jesus statue (a fixture of Shanley High School since its beginnings) and the Deacon Hall of Fame Banquet.

Beauchamps celebrate 60 years of marriage Leo and Lenore (Benoit) Beauchamp were honored on their 60th wedding anniversary with a potluck dinner Oct. 12, followed by Mass celebrated by Father Tom Feltman, assisted by Deacon James Carpenter, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Chapel in Olga.

The celebration was hosted at the farm home of Kevin and Anita Beauchamp of Olga. All six of their children were present along with inlaws and 11 grandchildren, many friends and neighbors. Leo and Lenore were married at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church by Father Sylvester Schummer on Oct. 21, 1953.

Zimprichs to celebrate 70th anniversary Bernard and Gen (Boisjolie) Zimprich of Cooperstown were married at St. Lawrence in Jessie on Oct. 26, 1943.

Bernard was baptized, had first Communion, was confirmed and married at St. Lawrence. They are lifelong members of St. Lawrence.

They have seven children, 22 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

They are retired from farming and living in Cooperstown.

Grand Forks couple to celebrate 60 years George and Mary Joyce Hastings of Grand Forks are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married Oct. 17, 1953.

They have five children: Bob (Lori) Hastings, Milaca, Minn.; Deb (Galen) Tronnes, Cross Plains, Tenn.; Don (Denise) Hastings, Fargo; MaryAnn (Terry) Hayward, Grand Forks; and Joan Karpenko, Grand Forks, along with their grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

The Hastings are members of Holy Family parish in Grand Forks and will be celebrating with family and friends during an open house at the church on Oct. 19.

NewEarth

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FirstChoice Life Walk peppered with animals, umbrellas

By Roxane B. Salonen

As walkers for this year’s FirstChoice Clinic’s Life Walk in Fargo began to file out from the Red River Zoo, where they’d gathered to pray, salute the flag and plot their course, a pack of gray wolves stood alert and curious, peering at the lineup from within their tall, chain-link cage.

And as the 150 participants returned from their two-mile jaunt over an interstate bridge, to the YMCA and back, the wolves howled in what seemed a welcoming chorus of sorts.

Certainly, the assembly would have been cause for wonder for any passerby, not only due to numbers but the eye-catching array of umbrellas and galoshes that colored the rainy-day parade.

Mona Franck, outreach director, said she was pleasantly surprised by the turnout given the somber weather Sept.

28. “There were so many young people this year — students from Shanley and other schools, the Collegians for Life, plus moms and dads with little ones.

The turnout was great.”

Youth was a striking presence at this year’s event, including when 14-yearold Marie Bitzen stepped up to a microphone near the merry-go-round to sing the National Anthem.

“Everyone was so focused on her and all hands were on their hearts. You didn’t hear even a baby crying — it put a chill down my back,” Franck said.

Julia Jordan, a Shanley High School student, said it was important for her and her friends to show the young presence of the pro-life cause here. “If people don’t see that youth is involved, they’ll think it’s just an older genera-

tion’s ideals,” she said.

Kayla Keller, also from Shanley, said coming out despite rain proves their commitment to the cause.

Youthful energy “Young people like a challenge,” added Shanley chaplain, Father Charles LaCroix. “The more rain, the more difficult it is, the more it entices. They have a lot of energy and enthusiasm and we should tap into that.”

Most participants chose to go on the walk over staying dry inside, including Sabrina Boe, who pushed her young daughter in a stroller despite the sprinkling. Boe said she’s eager to give back since FirstChoice Clinic has helped her with so much, including with several months’ worth of diapers and other supplies and education that ended up being a life-saver when her daughter was born.

The Fargo event wasn’t the only one to take place in the state recently.

“Our mission extends throughout the diocese,” said Tom Frei, executive director, adding that Life Walks at Bismarck and Devils Lake the same day involved 200 and 65 walkers respectively.

“Also, this year six additional communities — Fessenden, Harvey, Bowman, Rhame, Hettinger and Mott — organized their own mini-walks on different dates to raise funds for First Choice Clinic.”

FirstChoice Clinic, with its three sites in Fargo, Bismarck and Devils Lake, provides education and health services to empower individuals to make informed, life-affirming choices. The fall walk comprises one of several annual fundraisers to support those objectives.

Photo by Roxane B. Salonen

Despite the rain, more than 100 people walked Sept. 28 to raise money for FirstChoice Clinic’s efforts to assist those who are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy.

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16 n October 2013

NewEarth

Beauty and mystery of the Catholic faith depicted in restored

stained glass Photos by Gary Baune

St. James Basilica in Jamestown is “a great place to visit for people on pilgrimage,” Father Al Bitz, pastor, said.

This window shows Pentecost on the right panels, and how it is lived out on the left. The first three panels record historic occasions for St. James Basilica: from left, Albert Monek, Sr., a pioneer church founder, is shown during the ground breaking for the church. In the next panel, Anton Klaus is handing over the deed to the property, and the third is a bishop and priest during the church’s dedication.

The windows on the Basilica’s north side show the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, including the Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Perfect for the confessional where it’s located, this window shows the rich man who came to Jesus and asked what he must do to enter the kingdom of heaven.

The south side windows show the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, including the Finding of Jesus in the Temple. In the video, Sister Michaeleen explains how Jesus disappeared and Mary and Joseph “retraced their steps and they found him in the temple.”

Please see the story on page 6