New Earth September 2018

New September 2018 | Vol. 39 | No. 8

Earth

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Fargo

Two cultures, one faith Texas teens travel to Turtle Mountains for mission retreaat with Belcourt teens

PLUS

A challenging moment for the Church

Crookston and Fargo Dioceses team together to help parishes evangelize

St. John Church in Lansford officially becomes part of Bismarck Diocese NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

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NEW

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EARTH

September 2018 Vol. 39 | No. 8

ON THE COVER 18 Texas teens travel to Turtle Mountains for

mission retreat with Belcourt teens

From south Texas to the Turtle Mountains, Texas teens come to North Dakota on a mission of hope for Native America teens in Belcourt.

FROM BISHOP FOLDA

4

A challenging moment for the Church

FOCUS ON FAITH

6

Pope Francis’ September prayer intentions

7

Ask a priest:

When I catch my children in a sin, should I force them to go to confession?

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FDA approval of Shingrix® vaccine and the culture of life

AROUND THE DIOCESE

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Schmitz family takes leap of faith serving abroad

11

Crookston and Fargo Dioceses team together to help parishes evangelize

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12 St. Francis Outreach of Fargo/Moorhead

offers immediate help to those in need 14 St. John Church in Lansford officially

becomes part of Bismarck Diocese 15 Diaconate Congress marks 50 years

of restoration of deacons in the US

NEXT GEN

23 St. Paul’s Newman Center invites you

to support the faith of college students

FAITH AND CULTURE

24 Stories of Faith

Nursing home employee inspires family for years to come

25 Catholic Culture in the Home

Inspiring children to pray in turn inspires us

26 Tattered Pages

Forgiveness, redemption, and amazing grace

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NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

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27 Sister’s Perspective

Consecrated life points to eternal life with the Father

28 Seminarian Life

The collar and the cowl

29 Catholic Action

No slowing down for summer

30 Stewardship

Straight talk about wills

31 The Catholic Difference

WYD-1993: The turning point

32 Catholic Charities Corner

Catholic Charities Sunday: Forever grateful since 1923

ON THE COVER: St. Jose Sanchez Del Rio and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

NEW

EARTH

(ISSN# 10676406) Our mission is to serve Catholic parishes in Eastern N.D. as the official monthly publication of the Diocese of Fargo.

Publisher

Most Rev. John T. Folda Bishop of Fargo

Editor

Paul Braun

Assistant editor Kristina Lahr

Designer

Stephanie Drietz - Drietz Designs

Subscriptions

Parish contributions make it possible for each registered Catholic household in the diocese to receive 11 issues per year. For those living outside the Diocese wanting a subscription, an annual $9/year rate is requested.

Postmaster

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

33 Life’s milestones 34 Events across the diocese 35 A glimpse of the past 36 Connect with parishes at fall festivals 37 Father Tad Pacholczyk to speak at two Fargo events

U.S. AND WORLD NEWS

38 Pittsburgh priest: Catholics angered

by abuse reports deserve a hearing

SIDEWALK STORIES 39 A new-school-year surprise that can’t be beat

Send address changes or subscription requests to: New Earth 5201 Bishops Blvd S., Suite A Fargo, ND 58104

Contact Information

Use the following contact information to contact the New Earth staff: news@fargodiocese.org (701) 356-7900 Deadline to submit articles, story ideas, advertisements and announcements for the October issue is Sept. 19, 2018.

All submissions are subject to editing and placement.

New Earth is published by the Catholic Diocese of Fargo, a nonprofit North Dakota corporation, 5201 Bishops Blvd. S, Suite A Fargo, ND 58104.

(701) 356-7900.

Periodical Postage Paid at Fargo, ND and at additional mailing offices.

Member of the Catholic Press Association NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

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FROM BISHOP FOLDA

A challenging moment for the Church

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n recent weeks we have heard the disturbing news of abuse by leaders of the Church, including a former cardinal and those in Pennsylvania and other places who have served the Church as clergy, religious, and lay employees. And, as you know, we have had cases of abuse in our own diocesan history as well.

I first must acknowledge the suffering of many who have been victims of abuse by clergy and Church personnel. I can only express my sorrow for their suffering and pray for their healing. I am edified by their courage in coming forward to tell their painful stories.

I must express my sadness and revulsion at the sinful acts committed by clergy, Church personnel and volunteers against the faithful – men, women, and children. There is no excuse for such acts, and they bring shame upon us all. No one – including a bishop – should be allowed to abuse the trust placed in them by the faithful.

As you may have heard from my letter read at all Masses several weeks ago, I wish to reiterate my commitment to respond to any allegation of abuse committed by Church personnel. If you have been the victim of abuse, I urge you to contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator of the Diocese of Fargo. As we have done before, the Diocese will continue to report such allegations to civil authorities in accord with the law and respond to the needs of victims in any way we can.

In 2002, new measures were put in place throughout the United States to respond to these incidents, and they have been applied rigorously in our diocese. I commit myself to continued vigilance in assuring the safety of all who are ministered to by the Catholic Church. I will continue to insist on background checks for Church personnel and volunteers, safe environment training for young people and adults, and cooperation with the regular independent audits conducted in every diocese. I will also continue to rely on our diocesan review board of lay experts, who have worked with great integrity to assist me and serve the faithful of our diocese. As outside investigators have noted, these measures have been very effective in preventing abuse and responding to abuses that are reported to us. Even the report from Pennsylvania acknowledges the progress made in protection efforts, and that most of those cases recounted are from many decades ago.

Some have raised questions about the credibility of the Church and its leaders in light of these recent reports, and others have 4

NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

disparaged clergy, religious sisters, and the Catholic faithful in general. While not surprising, such comments are unfortunate and unjust. Despite the failings of some Church leaders and personnel, the Catholic faithful and the vast majority of her clergy have lived their faith with integrity and devotion. We are just as sickened by these misdeeds as everyone else.

“As disciples of Jesus Christ, and members of his Church, we need to continue the life of prayer and penance that he has called us to…. we should never doubt that Jesus himself is still with us, offering his grace and guiding his followers through the most challenging of times.” – Bishop John Folda

We have learned over the past decades that abuse does not occur only within one social class, or in one profession, or in one vocational state. In other words, abuse is not merely a “Catholic” problem. Abuse is a societal problem that afflicts us on all fronts.

But this is not a time to point fingers at others, and this is not to excuse the sins and crimes that have been reported. It is merely to put the latest reports in context, and to affirm that our entire society must grapple with the issue. There is no such thing as an acceptable or tolerable rate of abuse; even one act of abuse is absolutely unacceptable, especially among the shepherds of the Church. As a Church, we must live up to an even higher standard, the standard of holiness set by Christ for all his people.

And nowhere is this more urgent than among those called to lead and serve God’s people.

The incidents reported show the devastation that comes from sexual abuse, whether that abuse is inflicted on children, women, or men, and we must be ready to confront all aspects of this problem. For instance, the statistics make clear that most of these acts of abuse were homosexual in nature, and we must be willing to admit the disorder and sinfulness of homosexual behavior. But any sexual activity outside of marriage is contrary to God’s law, and all these incidents of abuse are a sign of our need to return to the full moral teaching of the Gospel.

There is an axiom attributed to St. Augustine that says Ecclesia semper reformanda, i.e., “the Church must always be reformed.”

In this moment of history, we can see the truth of that statement.

The Church does need purification, and always has. The Church is the Body of Christ, and is holy by that very fact. But the Church, including her shepherds, is made up of sinners who constantly need repentance and mercy. So, in spite of the sins that have

been uncovered at this time, we move forward, confident in the power of God to bring grace even into the most painful experiences.

In the face of these sad stories, we must not become discouraged or disheartened. We should not allow these stories, horrific as they are, to undermine the way we live our faith. As disciples of Jesus Christ, and members of his Church, we need to continue the life of prayer and penance that he has called us to. We must continue the hard work of conversion that is always necessary in our own lives and in the life of the Church. And we should never doubt that Jesus himself is still with us, offering his grace and guiding his followers through the most challenging of times. To quote Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “The more she is buffeted by storms, the more I am reminded that the Church’s firm foundation is Jesus Christ. The failures of men cannot diminish the light of the Gospel. Lord, by the help of your mercy, show us the way to salvation.”

With all my fellow clergy and those who work on behalf of the Church, I renew my commitment to the well-being of all our people, and my determination to protect the flock of our Lord from those who would do them harm. We will continue our work of worship and prayer, evangelization, education of the young, service to the poor, the sick, and the elderly, and advocacy for the common good. The tragedy of abuse may place obstacles in our path, but we will not allow these wrongdoers to deter us from carrying out the mission given to us by Christ.

And we will certainly continue to pray and work for healing in the Church and in our society.

BISHOP FOLDA’S CALENDAR Sept. 20–22

5th National Encuentro. Ft. Worth, Texas

Sept. 22–24

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre Annual Meeting, Kansas City, Kan.

Sept. 26

|

noon

St. JPII Schools Council and Board Retreat, Pastoral Center, Fargo

Sept. 28

Region 6 Cursillo, Hankinson

Sept. 29

|

10 a.m.

Mass, St. Michael Church, Grand Forks

Sept. 30–Oct. 3

Presbyterate Days, Jamestown

Oct. 7

|

noon

Oct. 8

|

7 p.m.

Diocese of Fargo Official Appointments/ Announcements

Mass followed by Walk with Christ for Life, Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo

September 2018

FirstChoice Clinic Banquet, Holiday Inn, Fargo

Most Rev. John T. Folda, Bishop of Fargo, has made the following appointments, announcements and/or decrees.

On June 27, Emmanuel Mary Okonmah was dismissed from the clerical state after a penal process. Mr. Okonmah was formerly incardinated as a priest in the Diocese of Fargo.

Rev. William Ovsak is appointed as Parochial Vicar of St. Alphonsus Church, Langdon; St. Edward’s Church, Nekoma; and St. Michael’s Church,Wales.This appointment is effective July 7, and continues ad nutum episcopi.

Rev. Philip K. Chacko is appointed as Pastor of Our Lady of Peace Church, Mayville and St. Agnes Church, Hunter for a term of six-years, beginning August 14.

Oct. 12

|

9 a.m.

Oct. 13

|

5 p.m.

Oct. 14

|

11 a.m.

Natural Family Planning Instructors Continuing Ed Day, Sts. Anne & Joachim, Fargo Mass for High School Extravaganza, Napoleon Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Cando

Oct. 15–18

2018 Mission Bishops Conference, Chicago

Rev. Peter J. Anderl is appointed as Administrator of St. Boniface Church, Lidgerwood; St. Martin’s Church, Geneseo; and Sts. Peter and Paul’s Church, Cayuga, beginning August 14, and continuing ad nutum episcopi.

NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

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Brother Christopher Damien Johnson, O.P. professes solemn vows

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rother Christopher Damien Johnson, O.P. (Christopher Alan Johnson) professed solemn vows as a Dominican of the Province of St Albert the Great on Aug. 8, at the Chapel of the Rosary at Dominican University in River Forest, Ill. Brother Christopher taught at Shanley High School in Fargo from 2009–13. He also coached cross-country and track and field and completed a Master of Science in Education Leadership from Minnesota State University-Moorhead in 2013.

While residing in Fargo, Brother Christopher was a parishioner of Sts. Anne and Joachim Church. He credits his years of attending and working in Catholic education for instilling a deep faith life within him, which allowed him to hear the call to religious life and the priesthood.

Prayer Intention of Pope Francis September

Young People in Africa: That young

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NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

FOCUS ON FAITH

S

When I catch my children in a sin, should I force them to go to confession? Should I tell them not to go to communion if they haven’t been to confession?

chool has started, and college is back in session. You might be wondering how summer passed so quickly. Any parent will tell you, however, that mischief has no season! Indeed, all of us may fall into sin on any given day, at any time or place.

To answer this question let’s begin with a question: do you honestly view the sacrament of reconciliation as an opportunity to receive God’s infinite mercy and forgiveness? Unfortunately, many Catholics do not look at the sacrament this way, seeing it instead as unnecessary and burdensome. The YOUCAT (Youth Catechism) reminds us, “God is merciful, and he desires nothing more earnestly than for us, too, to lay claim to his mercy…

Someone who has gone to confession turns a clean, new page in the book of his life” (226).

Starting a new day with a clean slate after confession is truly refreshing. How can we inscribe this positive understanding of the sacrament upon the pages of our children’s lives? The sacrament of reconciliation should never be perceived as a form of punishment. Young children may have difficulty distinguishing between punishment for doing wrong and confessing their sins in the sacrament. Parents ought to make sure that consequences for misbehavior are separate from going to confession. Teachable moments may arise when mischievous actions require some form of punishment and confession of sins. The surest way to make confession seem like punishment is to go to confession only when a major misbehavior has occurred.

On the other hand, families who make going to confession together a regular priority teach their children the true meaning of the sacrament. The importance of modeling behavior for children applies to the sacrament of reconciliation. It is significant for children to see their parents go into the confessional too. They will begin to understand that all of us need God’s healing and mercy.

Whether or not a child should be forced to go to confession depends on several factors, such as the age of the person and the nature of the sin committed. Parents must embrace the sometimes-unpleasant task of correcting and disciplining their children. Before heading to the local church, have you explained why their actions have consequences? It is also important to know the conditions for mortal sin (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1855, 1857) before assuming that one was committed. When a parent catches a child committing a sin, their own emotions and feelings are most likely heightened. Therefore, the parent should not overreact in a moment of anger.

Again, if the family practices regular confession together, forcing them to go to confession may not be required. Hopefully too, as children mature, they will learn to go to confession on their own when needed. Another valuable element of confession for parents is to understand what the Church teaches about the effects of sin. The Catechism defines sin as an “offense against God” which also “wounds man’s nature and injures human solidarity” (1849, 1850).

Today’s culture tends to forget that sin affects the whole body of Christ. The sacrament of recAsk a Priest onciliation also requires the penitent Father Jason Asselin, to have contrition.

JCL If someone is forced to go to confession, they may not have true contrition for their sins. The Catechism defines contrition as, “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again” (1451). Therefore, parents ought to know these essential ingredients of the sacrament when teaching their children about confession.

Should parents tell their child not to go to communion if they haven’t been to confession? Many of the principles already mentioned apply here. Presumably, the concerned parent is referring to an older child who is now away from home.

Before leaving home, children should be taught that confession of serious sins is required at least once per year. Also, anyone aware of having committed a mortal sin must go to confession before receiving Holy Communion (Catechism 1457).

Consider the analogy of an Olympic athlete: top performers earn the gold, silver, and bronze medals only after many hours of practice, repetition, and determination. The same components apply to our spiritual lives. Parents should not be afraid to require college-aged children to abide by “house rules” when home.

If parents are aware that a child has drifted from the practice of their faith, gently calling them back to God’s love is a work of mercy.

A faithful, family-oriented approach to the sacrament of reconciliation will foster the fruitful reception of God’s mercy and forgiveness. In his letter to parents of second grade students, Bishop Folda states, “you are co-creators with God and therefore have the right and privilege to be the primary educators of your children in the faith…. Your participation and example will therefore be especially important as your child prepares for the great gift of the sacrament of Reconciliation.”

Children will learn behaviors from their parents, good or bad. When children realize that their parents also sin, need forgiveness and mercy, they will recognize their own need for the same gift of God’s love.

Father Asselin serves as the pastor of St. Helena’s Church in Ellendale and St. Patrick’s Church in Fullerton.

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

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FOCUS ON FAITH

FDA approval of Shingrix® vaccine and the culture of life

By Rachelle Sauvageau, director of Respect Life Office

on the availability of morally derived vaccines. Because of the responsibility of parents to protect the life and health of their children and those around them, they are free however, to use any vaccine regardless of its past association with an elective abortion. The reason being that the benefits of immunization for individuals and to public health outweigh the legitimate concern about the origins of the vaccine.

We do however, have an obligation to make our values known to researchers and producers of vaccines. In 2005, the Pontifical Academy for Life issued guidelines for doctors and fathers of families stating that they “have the duty to take recourse to alternative vaccines (if they exist), putting pressure on the political authorities and health systems so that other vaccines without moral problems become available.” The 2008 Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith document Dignitas Personae taught that “everyone has the duty to make known their disagreement and to ask that their health care system make other types of vaccinations available.”

50 YEARS LATER

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(Stock photo from Pexels)

n October 2017, the FDA approved the use of Shingrix® for the prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) and related complications. In addition, it gave recommendations for its use over the only other alternative, Merck’s Zostavax, which was produced using a cell line taken from one or more fetuses aborted over 40 years ago. Shingrix®, made by Glaxo SmithKline (GSK) pharmaceutical company, is produced using Chinese hamster cells.

Why is this new vaccine of significance to the world of Catholic bioethics?

Researchers from the Wistar Institute on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania began developing vaccines using human diploid cell strains (HDCSs) taken from electively aborted fetuses in the early 1960s. Among the first of the vaccines developed was poliovirus vaccine in 1962. At present, the most commonly used vaccine around the world, rubella vaccine (RA27/3), was derived from clinical tissue samples taken from an aborted fetus that had been infected with rubella. Other HDCSs used to produce vaccines include MRC-5, which used pulmonary tissue from a fetus aborted in the 14 week of pregnancy; and WI-38 used pulmonary tissue from an embryo that had been aborted in the third month of pregnancy because his parents thought they had enough children.

The use of these cell lines to vaccinate children from contagious and even life threatening diseases creates a moral dilemma for many parents and physicians. We have on the one hand the vast benefits immunization provides not only to the individual, but to the universal community. A global smallpox vaccination program literally eradicated the smallpox virus from the world by 1980. Currently there are 22 infectious diseases that are preventable in the United States because of vaccines.

How do parents and individuals weigh the importance of immunization with benefitting, or appearing to benefit from an elective abortion?

First of all, there are some alternative products that were developed through moral means, such as the mumps vaccine, that can be used. Parents should consult with their physician 8

NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

How can we effectively move toward changes in a culture that would promote elective abortion as necessary to medical research?

Here are some suggestions for how you can make your values known: 1. Ask your physician about alternative vaccines. Additional information on morally derived vaccines can be found at www.cogforlife.org (Children of God for Life). The National Catholic Bioethics Center also has information on the use of vaccines at www.ncbcenter.org/resources/frequently-askedquestions/use-vaccines 2. Send a letter to GlaxoSmithKline, the producer of Shingrix®, thanking them for this welcome development and encouraging them to develop additional vaccines not linked to elective abortion.

Information used in this article on the origins of human diploid cell strains was taken from “The National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly,” Autumn 2006, Vol. 6 No. 3.

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

Schmitz family takes leap of faith serving abroad

By Kristina Lahr

Brad and Rachel Schmitz with their children. The Schmitz family recently began training with Family Missions Company, which equips families to be missionaries around the world. (submitted photo)

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rad and Rachael Schmitz have been married since 2006 and have six kids: Zach, Elizabeth, Aaron, Benedict, Luke, and newborn Kateri born in July. Until recently, they were entrepreneurs, homeschoolers, homeowners, and parishioners at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo. Feeling unsettled and out of place for years, they felt a strong desire to serve God more deeply as a family, but had no idea what that looked like.

Their answer came when they found Family Missions Company online.

“I wouldn’t have thought it was possible if we hadn’t seen it in action,” Rachel said. “When we saw the website, read their blog, and saw that families could be missionaries, we took a come-and-see trip to Haiti. There were two families there living this out.”

Family Missions Company is an apostolate of over 200 lay Catholic missionaries serving in 11 countries. Committed to the great commission of Jesus, they proclaim the Gospel and serve the poor. They focus on training, sending out, and sustaining families and singles as full-time missionaries who evangelize and provide aid in some of the poorest communities around the world.

The Schmitz family is currently training in Louisiana and will do hands-on training in Mexico in November. There they will be given their assignment for their two-year mission.

“What I love about this company is its first goal is proclaiming the gospel,” Rachel said. “We’re immersing ourselves in the culture, we’re learning the language, we’re making friends.

We’re showing them the love of God first. We are creating this

life among them, living in solidarity with the poor. And then we serve alongside them.”

“That’s why it’s a two-year commitment,” Brad said. “Because that first year you’re in formation, learning the language and the culture. You go to language school, but when you’re immersed in it, you just kind of learn. In Haiti, some missionaries were fluent in Creole in four months. The kids are obviously better at that.”

While the kids are sad to leave family and friends, whenever they sit down and talk about what they’ll be doing and why, they’re excited to go.

“They say the kids make the best missionaries,” Rachel said.

“We saw that in Haiti. They make everything more approachable.

Just being a family is a witness.”

“We want to teach our kids to live the gospel and serve,” Brad said. “It’s one reason why we want to do this. We weren’t finding the right avenues locally. Nothing was really working for us here, but we felt this call to do something radical as a family. We’ve been feeling this way for a couple of years. We’re thinking, well why us? We kept on praying and discerning and finally we had to decide to do this or not.”

“It felt like if we didn’t answer this call that we’d be saying no to God,” Rachel said. “That’s how strong it felt.”

Answering the call wasn’t easy, but it didn’t all happen at once. Four years will have passed from the moment they learned about Family Mission Company to when they’ll begin the mission. During that time, they took baby steps, discerning and trusting God’s call along the way even though they were unsure where the path led.

“We were doing what everyone does,” Brad said. “We bought the house and had kids. We were living in St. Paul, Minn. when our business went through a rough patch. That was our first wake-up call, realizing that nothing is truly ours.”

The family went on a mission trip to Haiti in March 2017, and returned a few months later to a come-and-see experience.

Despite the challenges, they knew they needed to apply.

“It was a short-term trip, so it was easy to jump in and jump out,” Brad said, “but at the same time, we felt like ‘yes, we can do this.’ We could see it, touch it, and experience it.”

“There’s more than one way to live out God’s calling,” Rachel said. “It can take years to get there, but as long as you remain open, God can do anything with anyone. It doesn’t always fit into what you think it would be. Seeing families doing this was very powerful. God can use whoever. He can use whatever weakness you have. You don’t have to have any qualifications or be equipped with anything. He can do it all through your weakness.”

To learn more or to support the Schmitz family in their mission, go to www.schmitzfamily.familymissionscompany.com.

NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

On June 30, Sister Suzanne Stahl was appointed to serve as Regional Superior and Sister Elaine Lange was appointed to serve as Regional Assistant for the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation. Their profound action of saying “yes� to God and to their Religious Community, accepted with the certainty of help by the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Virgin Mary, was pronounced in a ceremony in the Maryvale Chapel, Valley City. They will serve for a term of four years, beginning Aug. 1 and continuing until July 2022.

Previously, Sister Suzanne served as Provincial Superior and Sister Elaine served as Assistant Provincial. From l to right: Sister Elaine Lange, Sister Suzanne Stahl, and Sister Jacqueline Josse, Superior General. (submitted photo)

Golfers from Dickinson, Williston, Minot, Bismarck, Mandan, Fargo, West Fargo, Jamestown, Grand Forks, and many smaller towns in between, took part in the 16th annual North Dakota Knights of Columbus Golf Tournament, held at the Cross Roads Golf Course in Carrington on Aug. 10. The 36 teams raised thousands of dollars for the Knights of Columbus Foundation to support seminarians in the Fargo and Bismarck Dioceses.

Pictured here is the winning team. From l to r: Brian Duchscherer, Les Gjerdivig, and Duane Zwinger. Not pictured: Arick Scherr.

(Paul Braun | New Earth)

On May 2, Father John Cavanaugh, pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Reynolds, departed Fargo for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, with stops in Jordan and Israel. On May 14, Father Cavanaugh and 17 pilgrims traveled to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where the body of the Lord Jesus Christ was entombed after his crucifixion. The group was told that the early morning Mass would be offered in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is located in a chapel very close to the tomb. But on arrival, the group entered the tomb itself. The area was so small that the pilgrims had to listen via earphones to the words of the Mass in an anteroom to the tomb, as Father Cavanaugh celebrated Mass in the tomb. It was a religious experience the group never thought would happen. Each pilgrim entered through the small three-foot entrance to receive Christ in the place of his burial. (submitted photo)

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NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Convocation of Parish Leaders

Crookston and Fargo Dioceses team together to help parishes evangelize

By Paul Braun

P

ope Paul VI once said that the Church exists to evangelize.

Pope Francis has spoken often of how we as Catholics are called to be missionary disciples. We are called to share our faith with others. That call will be discussed on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 in Fargo during the Convocation of Parish Leaders, sponsored jointly by the Diocese of Fargo and the Diocese of Crookston.

In July of 2017, the United States bishops, along with Catholic leaders from around the country, gathered in a historic meeting called the Convocation of Catholic Leaders, attended by representatives from both the Fargo and Crookston Dioceses.

Speakers delved into the social and religious “landscape” of our nation. Breakout sessions highlighted the peripheries and how to identify and reach them. Finally, each delegation had the opportunity to discuss and to ask the question, “What could missionary discipleship look like within our parishes and diocese?”

The upcoming Convocation of Parish Leaders in Fargo will more fully explore that question. Bishop John Folda of Fargo and Bishop Michael Hoeppner of Crookston have invited pastors and their delegates to delve into the Church’s teachings on evangelization, missionary discipleship, and how to be a missionoriented parish that seeks the lost and strives to be Jesus’ mercy and love in a world marred by wounds.

“There will be a lot of similarities between our convocation and what we did in Orlando last year on a national level,” said Ashley Grunhovd, Director of Evangelization and Young Disciples for the Diocese of Fargo. “One of the things we really appreciated from the Orlando event is that it started looking at the landscape and where we are at as a Church.”

The convocation will touch on several subjects, including current trends and statistics, what is providing hope in the Church today, and the challenges that the Church is facing.

“We also want to look at who is being served in our parishes and who maybe aren’t being served as they should be,” said Grunhovd. “For example, we’ll have breakout sessions to examine how we work with young adults who are not practicing their faith anymore or have left the Church, how we should evangelize to family or friends who have left the Church, and what does it look like to evangelize in a rural parish versus in larger cities.”

The convocation is by invitation only, and was organized after a meeting between Bishop Folda and Bishop Hoeppner.

Local parish priests have formed teams representing their parish communities, who will in turn bring back what they’ve learned to their local parishes.

“I hope delegates receive a sense of awe, wonder, and praise of God from the worship and study of a gathering of faith filled disciples of Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Hoeppner. “I hope it is a faith experience for all who attend, and that they receive a deeper understanding of our call to the New Evangelization and a passion for engaging in it, along with a commitment to be engaged in their parish life and to foster the New Evangelization in their parish.”

Members of local parishes are invited to contact their pastors with ideas on issues that they feel could be discussed at the convocation.

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www.catholicunitedfinancial.org NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

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St. Francis Outreach of Fargo/Moorhead offers immediate help to those in need

By Paul Braun

t’s a typical mid-afternoon at the St. Francis Thrift Store in Fargo. Several people sit in an outside waiting room, filling out paperwork as they seek financial assistance to help keep their lights on at home, a roof over their head, or maybe get help paying for public transportation to a job they can’t afford to lose.

The St. Francis Outreach Program served the Fargo/Moorhead area since 2009. In that time, they have given over $1.7 million in immediate financial assistance, food, clothing, and furniture items.

“We provide bus transportation, help with past due rent, medication, temporary housing, and we provide food, clothing and sometimes furniture from the thrift store,” said St. Francis board member George Lacher. “The biggest need we see is utilities.

We can always try to work with them and the utility companies to get them at least caught up.”

In order to qualify for assistance, a potential client must show they are either threatened with eviction or with a disconnection of services for past due rent or bills, and the outreach program tries to at least provide some of the financial assistance needed.

“We work with several other organizations and churches in the area,” said Lacher. “We can’t provide all the help, but

St. Francis board member George Lacher works out the details in order to assist a local Fargo woman with her utility bills.

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we can promise some help as long as they do the leg work and go to these other organizations to see what help they can give.

We never give cash. We write out checks directly to the service providers or we do promissory vouchers.”

To break down the assistance given by the outreach program since 2009, it averages out to just under $16,000 per month over a 108-month period. The program has helped just over 39,000 people in that time, at an average of $43.87 per person helped.

“We start out at $100,” said Lacher. “However, I’ve had some come in, like the mother with four kids, and I was able to make exceptions to help with the current month’s rent. You have to be able to evaluate the situation. This mother had no food, no clothes, rent was past due, and not a dime to her name. We helped with rent and gave her some clothes and food we had at the thrift store for no charge.”

Lacher says they rely somewhat on financial donations and a few benefactors, but their main source of income for the program is the thrift shop, located at 1425 1st Ave. S, Fargo. Lacher says if anyone wants to help the needy that the outreach program serves, donate their unwanted items, no matter the condition, to the thrift store.

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NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

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Bishops Folda (center) left and Kagen (center right) celebrate Mass at St. John’s Church in Lansford to celebrate the transfer of the parish from the Fargo Diocese to the Bismarck Diocese. (Dakota Catholic Action)

St. John’s Church in Lansford officially becomes part of Bismarck Diocese

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By Sonia Mullally – Dakota Catholic Action editor | Special to New Earth

t began with what you might call a “gentlemen’s agreement” and is now official. The St. John Parish in Lansford is part of the Diocese of Bismarck—altering the diocesan borders for the first time since it was established over 100 years ago.

In 1949, the pastor of St. Andrew’s Church in Westhope (in the Fargo Diocese) informed his superior, Bishop Leo Dworshak, that he had celebrated his last Mass at St. John’s Church in Lansford.

He was aging and the travel was just too much, especially during the long North Dakota winters. Bishop Dworshak then contacted Bismarck Diocese’s Bishop Vincent Ryan to ask for his assistance. The pair agreed that Bismarck Diocese priests would take over providing for the pastoral and sacramental needs of the parishioners of St. John in Lansford. Nothing more official than a simple agreement.

Over the years, little was thought of this arrangement; it’s just how things were done. At the time, Monsignor John Hogan, at St. Leo’s Church in Minot, was tasked with finding priests to cover the small town about 30 miles north of Minot. For more than 60 years, priests from Minot and the surrounding areas made sure that Mass and the sacraments were celebrated in Lansford. More recently, the parish has been covered by the priest in residence at St. Jerome in Mohall (currently Father Adam Maus) and is part of a cluster with St. James in Sherwood.

Reevaluating the arrangement

In 2012, during Bishop Kagan’s time as the apostolic administrator of the Fargo Diocese in the interim period between bishops, he began to take a closer look at the situation in Lansford. He mentioned it to the new Bishop John Folda in 2013. A few years later, a more formal conversation began and got the ball rolling to make St. John an official parish of the Diocese of Bismarck.

The process took about 18 months before paperwork was submitted last year to the Holy See in Rome. It’s here that the Congregation for Bishops officially and canonically placed St. John of Lansford, by approving the request of Bishops Kagan and Folda, within the boundary and care of the Bismarck Diocese.

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Bishop Kagan and Bishop Folda celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving On Aug. 19 at St. John Church to mark the change and celebrate with the parishioners.

In truth, not much changes for the parishioners of St. John’s.

As usual, they will see Father Adam Maus at the altar each week.

Many of them possibly didn’t even realize that they were a Fargo Diocese parish being served by their neighboring diocese. Now, the gentlemen’s agreement between two bishops is official in the eyes of Rome.

History of St. John in Lansford

Before St. John’s Church in Lansford was built, missionary priests tended to the needs of the Catholic families. Lansford became a station in 1902 with Masses held in homes. The church was built in the summer of 1906 at a cost of approximately $5,000.

It had a seating capacity of 125 and was dedicated on Sept. 20, 1907. At that time, there were about 100 members. Father C. M. Turcotte was the first pastor.

In 1914, the church was almost destroyed by lightning and had to be remodeled. A new church was built in 1963 at a cost of $65,000 and was dedicated on July 11, 1964, by Bishop Leo Dworshak of Fargo. Father Edwin Volk was pastor at that time and membership consisted of 50 families.

St. John’s Church in Lansford (Paul Braun | New Earth)

Diaconate Congress marks 50 years of restoration of deacons in the US

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ifty years ago, with the help of Pope Paul VI and the Second Vatican Council, the diaconate was restored as a permanent order. In celebration of this great occasion, the National Association of Diaconate Directors (NADD) held the 2018 Diaconate Congress in New Orleans July 22–26. The Diocese of Fargo had four representatives that attended the Congress: Deacon Ken Severinson and his wife Vicki from St. Joseph’s Church in Devils Lake, along with myself and my wife Denise from St. Therese the Little Flower Church in Rugby.

Among the speakers and Mass celebrants were Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States; Joseph Cardinal Tobin, Archbishop of Newark; and the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Archbishop Daniel Cardinal DiNardo of Galveston- Houston.

When the NADD first started organizing the Diaconate Congress, they were anticipating an attendance of 800 to 1,000 attendees. Instead, over 2,700 deacons and their wives attended the event. There were deacons from Europe, Australia, Mexico, Canada, and other places around the world. Each day was filled with Laud’s (Morning Prayer), Mass, and outstanding keynote speakers, and breakout sessions. The theme “Yesterday, Today, Forever,” guided the theme of the talks, moving from where the Diaconate has been, to where we are today, and to where could it go from here.

When asked about her experience of the conference, Denise Lagasse responded, “We were surrounded by incredible people for the week of the conference. Being together with so many servants’ hearts was edifying and quite humbling.”

There are over 44,000 Catholic deacons in the world, up from only 309 in 1970. In the United States, there are over 18,000 deacons, up from only 111 in 1970. As the diaconate has grown around the world, so have the opportunities for ministries in which the deacon serves. Christ continues to serve his people through his deacons. In the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, we hear Jesus say, “the son of man came not to be served but to serve.” This is the essence of the deacon, for the word “deacon” is derived from the Greek word diaconos, meaning “servant” or “to serve.”

By Deacon Rick Lagasse

As the Catholic community and culture become more diverse and challenged by secular culture, deacons are called to meet the challenge. The deacon is called upon to observe and listen to the concerns of the community, to analyze the various situations, and then to act according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The deacon, therefore, makes a practical response to Jesus’s command, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

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Job Opening

Part-time Music Director Position

Position includes organizing and maintaining the music program for All Saints and at St. Thomas Catholic Churches. The director fosters the active participation of the assembly in singing, coordinates the music for the liturgical celebrations, and promotes the ministries of choirs, cantors, and instrumentalists. The director plansa the music, schedules the music ministers, recruits new members, trains and rehearses with the music ministers. Qualifications include ability to play keyboard and accompany choir and cantors, as well as organizational, leadership, and planning skills. Interested parties should send resume and cover letter to: Ellen Cherne, Business Manager, 411 N. 10th St., Brainerd, MN 56401 or email to etcherne@blccnorth.org. Questions, call 218-822-4040.

NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

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Sister M. Alverna Goldade OSF, defender of the unborn, passes away July 26

ister M. Alverna Goldade OSF, (Christina Goldade) died July 26 at St. Francis Convent, Hankinson.

Sister Alverna was born Dec. 15, 1926, to John and Maria Eva (Sander) Goldade, on the family farm near Selz. She entered the novitiate in July 1945, and on July 31, 1946, she consecrated her life to Christ.

Sister Alverna’s first 22 years as a Franciscan were spent as a domestic at missions in North Dakota, Chicago, and South Dakota. From 196877, she served as a surgical technician in hospitals in Drayton, Oakes, Hankinson, and Gettysburg, S.D. In 1977, she trained to take on X-ray duties at St. Gerard’s Hospital in Hankinson, which she did until 1991 when she was called to St. Francis Convent.

She was faithful in her service to the pro-life movement.

Sister Sylvia Jordan, PBVM, storyteller and educator, passes away Aug. 11

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ister Sylvia Jordan died Aug. 11 at Villa Maria Nursing Home in Fargo. She was born in Galway, Ireland to Stephen and Elsie (Haverty) Jordan on Aug. 24, 1927, one of 11 children. At the age of 20, she traveled to the United States and entered the religious congregation of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fargo. She professed vows in 1950 and served the community for over 68 years.

While her ministry was primarily education with young children whom she loved dearly, another great love was storytelling. Her teaching included assignments at St. Mary’s, St. Anthony’s, Holy Spirit and Nativity Catholic schools in Fargo as well as St. James Academy in New Rockford and St. Alphonsus in Langdon.

She also taught music at Sacred Heart Convent and managed the fleet of cars used by the sisters.

Her parents and nine of her siblings preceded her in death. Sister Sylvia is survived by her sister, Anne Walsh in Galway, Ireland, nieces and nephews, and her sisters in religious life.

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She was a dedicated member of Hankinson Chapter Right to Life and North Dakota Right to Life Association. No matter the weather, she drove an hour almost every Wednesday for nearly 25 years to pray in front of the abortion facility in Fargo.

Sister Alverna was what some affectionately called a “ball of fire.” Small of stature, she moved mountains when needed. May the Lord give her the fullness of eternal life now for her long life of loving service to him, to the Church and to the Sisters of her Franciscan community.

Sister Alverna is survived by her Franciscan Sisters; her siblings: Magdalen Sanders, Jacksonville, Fla.; Cecilia Lauinger, Bismarck; Peter (Karen) Goldade, Fountain Valley, Calif.; James (JoAnn) Goldade, Bismarck, and many nieces and nephews.

Sister Justina Maloney, PBVM, educator, passes away May 1

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ister Justina Maloney, a member of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Fargo, died May 1.

Sister Justina was born July 1, 1921 in Cavalier, the first of two children born to Tom and Luella (Bechtel) Maloney.

She attended grade school in Stillwater, B.C., three years of high school at Seton Academy in Vancouver, B.C., and graduated from Cavalier High School.

Esther, as she was known, attended the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn., for two years before entering the convent in Fargo in 1942. She celebrated her Golden Jubilee of Profession in 1995.

Sister Justina graduated from St. Scholastica in 1947 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics and minors in Science and Art. She later graduated from NDSU with a Master’s in Education and a minor in Biology.

Sister Justina taught art in Catholic grade schools for four years and various subjects at high schools in New Rockford, Langdon, and Fargo for 23 years. After teaching, she ministered at Villa Nazareth, Fargo; City Hospital, New Rockford; and St. Mary’s Church in Park River.

Sister Justina is survived by the members of her religious community, her brother Dr. Walter Maloney of Colorado Springs, Colo. and five nieces. She was preceded in death by her father and mother.

A Marriage Lifeline With the pressures and demands of modern life and too little time, personal relationships are often taken for granted. With all the distractions, it is easy to forget that strong relationships take work: before we realize it, we have drifted apart and the gulf between us seems insurmountable.

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The Red River Retrouvaille program will take place in Fargo October 26-28, 2018 Visit www.retrouvaille.org for details.

For more information: Phone: (701) 356-7962 redriverretrouvaille@fargodiocese.org www.retrouvaille.org

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A LIFELINE FOR MARRIED COUPLES NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

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Two cultures, one faith Texas teens travel to Turtle Mountains for mission retreat with Belcourt teens

By Paul Braun

W

hen they stepped off the bus at St. Ann’s Mission Church in Belcourt after three days of travel, the 43 teens and adult leaders from Del Rio, Texas could hardly get over the shock.

“I was overwhelmed by the beauty of creation here,” said Father Clay Hunt, Spiritual Director for the mission team from Texas. “We left 110 degrees and got off the bus and it was 68 degrees, and fresh and green. Where we came from it’s brown and burnt, so to have the experience to travel literally border to border and experience God’s beautiful creation up here, it’s fun for us.”

Del Rio, Texas, population 41,000, is a border town on the

Rio Grande River, about a three-hour drive west of San Antonio.

The teams come from St. Joseph’s Church in Del Rio, and their patron saint for their youth ministry is St. Jose Sanchez Del Rio, who died at age 14 at the hands of Mexican authorities for refusing to renounce his faith.

Belcourt teens can look to their own patron saint, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, an Algonquin-Mohawk woman who is North America’s first Native American saint. Two saints; two different cultures worlds away from each other and physically separated by an entire country. The distance and the cultural differences were among many reasons why the team from Texas wanted to make the trip.

David Garza, Mission Assistant Director (left) and Father Clay Hunt, Mission Spiritual Director. (Paul Braun | New Earth)

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Teens and adults from Del Rio, Texas and Belcourt gather along the shores of Fathers Lake near St. Ann’s Church for praise and worship.

(Paul Braun | New Earth)

“My friend Father Clay has 400 children in his youth ministry,” said Father Dennis Mary Dugan, Pastor of St. Ann’s in Belcourt. “He asked his youth members to see who wanted to come up to the reservation and put on a retreat for the Native teens on the reservation in North Dakota. Three hundred of his kids wanted to come here. So he and his adult leaders chose 30 kids and brought 13 adult chaperones with them.”

Twenty-three teens from the Belcourt area attended the retreat July 26–29, which organizers say is based on evangelization and allowing teens to experience a closer relationship with God. “We came here to spread a message of faith, and to deliver the message of Christ,” said David Guzman, an adult leader with the Texas retreat team. “The biggest thing we want to let them know is to let go and let God. What stands out to us about the Belcourt teens is we’ve seen the Light of Christ within them, they all have it in them, and it was just waiting to be released and to be shared with their friends, with their peers, and their families. When we see the Holy Spirit move among these young people, it encourages us to continue, to keep on spreading God’s Word, to spread the faith, to reach out to those who haven’t been sought after, to help tap someone on the shoulder and introduce the Holy Spirit to them.”

So why come to Belcourt? According to Father Dugan, who extended the invitation, life on the reservation can be hard, and he knew that if teens from another part of the country, inspired by the Spirit, were willing to make the trip, then his flock could benefit.

“It is true that many of our people suffer poverty, but many also suffer from a poverty of the spiritual life,” said Father Dugan. “We at St. Ann’s, have much work to accomplish to assist our brothers and sisters in Christ to grow in faith. Our children’s faith is of prime concern for us, so this retreat was provided for them to assist them in their need of faith. Now, it is our responsibility in our youth ministry program at St. Ann’s to continue to foster their growth in faith.”

“These are tough kids up here,” said Father Hunt. “It’s not an easy life on the reservation. There’s a lot of suffering they go through even though they are young, they see a lot of things 20

NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

that aren’t good, and to be able to offer them the opportunity to experience a retreat is our pleasure.”

A typical day during the three-day retreat involves prayer, silent reflection, adoration, praise and worship, and encounters with the Holy Spirit. On Saturday evening, the group assembled to sing and reflect along the shores of Fathers Lake. Then, each participant was asked to pick an envelope from a basket. The envelopes contained a personal message to whomever received it. None of the letters were addressed to any of the teens personally. The retreat team relied on the Holy Spirit to guide each teen into taking an envelope with a message that pertained to them.

“We let the Spirit take over,” said Diane Garcia, Team Leader for the Texas retreat team. “Many of the kids were moved to tears on the spot by the messages they received, but not all. We tell those teens to take the messages with them and read them every so often, and one day it will mean something to them, and to let the Holy Spirit work through the messages.”

“We’re evangelists,” said Father Hunt. “We are committed to the work of evangelization. I know your Bishop John Folda is pushing for the young people here in the Diocese of Fargo, in this Holy Year of Grace, so we are trying to help our bishops in that way, and it’s a joy for us. We have to be authentic in the living of our Catholic faith because it’s not acceptable to the Lord just to be only Catholic in name. We have to be on fire, and we have to be zealots for the Lord.”

Father Dugan called the retreat a success, and he wants to organize a trip for Belcourt teens to go down to Del Rio and assist the Texas team in putting on a retreat there, in hopes of learning how to put on their own retreats on the reservation.

“I was hoping that our children from St. Ann’s would benefit by listening to the sharing of faith of the Texas teens,” said Father Dugan. “They found in their new Texas friends kindred brothers and sisters, who struggle with the same crosses in their lives. Our children from St. Ann’s received the gifts of faith that were given to them from their Texas friends. Certainly their faith sharing was animated by the Holy Spirit. Moreover, our St. Ann’s children were able to grow in friendship and in faith.

That made the whole experience worth the time and effort.”

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NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

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NEXT GEN

The Theotokos Retreat, held by St. Philip’s Church in Hankinson, introduced a new and deeper love of the Mother of God to the youth of the parish. Elementary students spent Aug. 6-8 learning about Mary and were given opportunities for prayer. One activity, taught by one of our local sisters, Sister Jean Louise, OSF, was learning how to make a rosary. Father Sautner and Jessica Peterson, St. Philip’s director of religious education, and several volunteers helped facilitate the retreat. (submitted photo)

Fifth-graders at Nativity Catholic School in Fargo dig in to another school year.

(Paul Braun | New Earth)

School is in session! Catholic schools across the Fargo Diocese opened their doors for the 2018-19 school year on Aug. 21.

Enrollment overall is steady, with some schools gaining students this school year. Why Catholic schools? According to research sponsored by the Alliance for Catholic Education: • The Catholic school climate, mission, and purpose positively impact student achievement and attendance.

• In Catholic schools, the student achievement gap is smaller than in public schools.

• In Catholic schools, overall academic achievement is higher.

• In Catholic schools, student math scores improve between sophomore and senior years.

If you have a Catholic school at your parish, please continue to give your support, pray for our students and teachers, and consider Catholic school as an education option.

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St. Paul’s Newman Center invites you to support the faith of college students

t. Paul’s Newman Center provides a vibrant center of faith for the students of North Dakota State University. Since 1928, the Newman Center has been a place of worship, formation, and community for young adults. Countless lives have been transformed by an encounter with Jesus Christ.

With the success of the ministry, two needs arose: a greater need for funding and addressing the issue that many people in North Dakota still had no idea what the Newman Center did.

Therefore, in 2014, director Father James Cheney started the first annual bisonCatholic fall banquet.

Curtis Martin speaks to banquet attendees at the 2016 fall banquet.

The first year brought in numerous alumni of St. Paul’s Newman (submitted photo) Center. Thanks to students, alumni, friends of the Newman Center, Father Cheney, and keynote Tom Peterson from Catholics Come events throughout the region, including Bismarck, Williston, and Home, it was a successful event. Inspirational speakers such as Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. On Oct. 4, the Newman Center will Father Mike Schmitz and the founder of FOCUS (Fellowship of host their Bismarck bisonCatholic banquet at the University of Catholic University Students), Curtis Martin, have headlined Mary, featuring Raymond de Souza. A banquet in Fargo will past evenings. The turnout has steadily increased, and for a feature Sister Jane Dominic from the Dominican Sisters of St. primarily student parish, community support is absolutely Cecilia on Nov. 1 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott. critical. Thank you for supporting these students, the face of Join us in supporting the face of our future! You can RSVP to our future as a Church. either banquet by calling the Newman Center at (701) 235-0142 Now the annual bisonCatholic fall banquet has spread to four or by registering at www.bisoncatholic.org.

Saturday, September 22

Thank you to our sponsors:

at the Bismarck Event Center 7:30 a.m. doors open • 8:30 a.m. Conference begins 4 p.m. concluding Vigil Mass

This event is FREE to attend!

Get more information and register online at

www.bismarckdiocese.com/thirst2018 Teens of high school age welcome with their mom or accompanying adult.

Keynote speakers: Shannon Deitz is the founder Hopeful Hearts Ministry, an advocacy organization giving a voice to survivors of abuse. Having endured incest and date rape, Shannon addresses the realities and effects of abuse in our culture and the graces faith provides for one’s healing journey. She lives in Kingwood, Texas with her husband and two sons.

Judy Hehr has triumphed over homelessness and drug addiction to become a seminary graduate, author, speaker and radio host. The energetic, inspirational speaker motivates others to rekindle our faith and live out our calling to be Christ to all. Judy and her husband and four children reside in Wisconsin.

7:45 a.m. Check-In Adoration and Confessions begin Free continental breakfast available until 9:30 a.m.

8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Praise Music by “One Dei” 9:20 a.m. Welcome & Opening Prayer 9:30 a.m. Keynote I: Shannon Deitz 10:15 a.m. Break 10:30 a.m. Breakout Session I: Judy Hehr, Dr. James Link, Women’s Panel 11:15 a.m. Free Time/Lunch Break (Taco bar buffet available with prepurchased ticket) 1:15 p.m. Praise Music by “One Dei” 1:30 p.m. Testimony: Karie Kinzler 2:00 p.m. Keynote II: Shannon Deitz 2:45 p.m. Break 3:00 p.m. Breakout Session II: Dr. James Link, Shannon Deitz, Judy Hehr 3:40 p.m. Break 3:55 p.m. Eucharistic Benediction Reposition 4:00 p.m. Sunday Vigil Mass with Most Rev. David Kagan

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Nursing home employee inspires

By Father Bert Miller

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ana has worked at a nursing home for the better part of 60 years. She was the table setter and clean-up person before and after every meal.

She seemed to work every day, her family said. “Three times a day she would make the trip up the hill to the nursing home,” Nana’s daughter Diane said. “She seemed to be the only person assigned to this job.”

Every day Nana was in her best white apron pushing a cart of everything needed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Place mats, silverware, water glass, coffee cup, napkins, straws, and a decorative centerpiece.

During the meal, Nana visited with residents. “She would have a joke or two to tell every day,” Diane said. “The people would laugh. I think they really enjoyed Nana and my mother enjoyed them.”

After everyone rolled or strolled back to their rooms, Nana brought another cart laden with dirty dishes, soaking silverware, and garbage. She gracefully went from table to table, picking up after the residents. “Everything would have a place on her cart,” Diane said.

“In the early years, mom journeyed to the nursing home to work breakfast and lunch, then took an afternoon break before returning for supper set-up and clean-up,” Diane said. “However, when she got older, she would go home for a little rest between each of the meals. I don’t know how or why she did this in winter. She never drove the car. My nine siblings and I had watched her do this for 60 years.”

Finally, at age 80, the nursing home administrator said Nana would have to give up her job. Nana went home for a year, but she longed for her daily walks to the nursing home.

Nana started going back once a week to visit residents. “She never lifted another dish or fork in the dining room,” Diane said. “but she loved to visit the residents.”

Time passed and at age 94, Nana had a stroke. She was in the hospital for a long time, and then, moved into the nursing home. She was not able to go to the dining room. The little she ate was brought to her room. She was failing quickly.

“I called my nine siblings home,” Diane said. They came quickly from all over the country. “We rejoiced to be home with Mom.” The siblings took turns sitting with Nana in her last days.

“We were there day and night,” said Diane. “Mom was alert and would talk to each of us every day.”

“One afternoon, we were all there, and Nana was asleep,” said Diane. “Something caught my eye down the hallway. I went to look. It had been a flash of light where the sun met a fork being placed on a table in the dining room. There was a lone woman setting the tables for the next meal.”

Right away, Diane – almost running – made her way to the dining room to help the lone worker. She remembered Nana 24

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STORIES OF FAITH doing this work so often by herself. The aide was most delighted to see a helper.

“Soon,” Diane said, “all my siblings were there in the dining room to help. In the smiles on my siblings’ faces, I could see the joy Nana must have felt every time she set and cleaned these tables.”

Afterwards, each of the siblings streamed back to Nana’s room.

When they gathered around the bed, they saw that Nana had passed to the Lord. She was wearing a big smile of satisfaction.

“All the time we were in the dining room, we had that feeling we were helping Nana, and not the worker assigned for the day,” Diane said. “Nana either wanted us to work with her or she wanted to be alone when the Lord came to take her hand.”

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

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

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

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Inspiring children to pray in turn inspires us

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By Connie Dulany

atholic culture in the home can be fashioned in many ways. In my childhood, it was the hallway rosary holder that held a minimum of nine rosaries needed for our family of seven children and our parents.

We each took our own and knelt around our parent’s bed to pray the rosary. Sometimes we knelt around a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary my mother hand-painted when she was a young girl. I hoped it Connie’s “proxy” grandchildren. The would someday be mine. praying hands paperweight is placed The tradition of putting beside the photo to remind her to pray your name on a slip of for them. (submitted photo) tape on the bottom of a cherished item assured you of getting it someday.

Now, many years later, Mary stands atop my dresser alongside framed photos of my adult sons. The most indelible memory for me growing up is the image of my mother sitting at the dining room table every afternoon with her prayer book (another possession I somehow managed to obtain). This was her quiet time for prayer amidst the busy household between morning chores and preparation of the evening meal.

I’m the religious education coordinator at Sts. Anne and Joachim Church in Fargo and each week before catechists begin their lessons, they are encouraged to do as my mother did – give the children some quiet time to settle in. The catechist might read a scripture passage a few times for the children to meditate on in hopes that their harried little spirits can settle and be ready to learn. The catechist may create a prayer corner using the bible, a rosary, a candle, holy water, a statue, holy card, etc.

Sometime during the year, the children might be encouraged to create a prayer corner in their bedroom. One child went to great lengths to share with me all the items her mom has in her bedroom prayer corner, with the remark, “that’s where she goes when she wants it quiet.”

I don’t have my own grandchildren, but I am blessed to be a proxy grandma to four precious children. This role started simply as a kind gesture to a co-worker needing someone to watch her baby boy. Now, four children later, two boys and two girls, I’ve been repaid to the fullest.

Sleepovers are the most fun for us because they assure us plenty of time to play after dinner. I also get the opportunity to enforce their parents’ routine to pray before eating. If one of them doesn’t pray properly the others are quick to tell me that at home they would start over until they all prayed right.

It doesn’t take more than a second attempt to get it right.

During my years as coordinator of religious education, I have received several religious-themed gifts that fit this and that nook in my home. My little friends know they are welcome to look at and carefully hold them... after all, what good are they if I put them up when little ones are around? We’ve had many enjoyable conversations about who or what they are. Willow Tree angels are a big hit.

On an end table in my family room is their picture, a set of coasters, my wooden rosary, and a praying hands paperweight.

The oldest, Caelum, was quietly checking out these items a few years ago, pondering each one for a while. I told him the praying hands by their picture reminded me to pray for them when I walked through the room. I didn’t think anything more about it until later that day when I was tidying up.

I noticed that he had created a bit of a shrine, stacking the coasters with the praying hands on the top and moving their picture closer. I stopped in my tracks when I saw his creation!

Guess he wanted to be sure I remembered to say my prayers for them. Such a simple innocent exchange struck me how once again children have a greater capacity to understand then we give them credit for.

Connie Dulany is the religious education coordinator at Sts. Anne and Joachim Church in Fargo.

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FAITH AND CULTURE

Forgiveness, redemption, and amazing grace

By Suellen Dusek

TATTERED PAGES

A review of Catholic books, movies, music

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return. It’s a miracle you survived.”

Louis: “Miracles didn’t save my tail feathers, Padre, a couple of atomic bombs did that.”

Father Cardarelli: “Don’t discount God’s role in your journey.”

Louis: “Don’t worry, Padre, I give Him all the blame.”

This exchange highlights what is at the heart of Zamperini’s private battle. His bitterness toward God leaves him vulnerable and unable to deal with the fearful memories that assail him.

On the verge of divorcing him, his wife tries one more time to appeal to him. His obedient response – “Yes, dear” – changes everything.

Director Harold Cronk draws one in immediately. His depictions of PTSD episodes are terrifyingly real. Samuel Hunt, cast as Louis Zamperini, offers a compelling portrait of a wounded man who is alternately courageous and desperate. His wife, played

by Merritt Patterson, is unprepared to deal with her husband’s PTSD and drinking. The film is accurate in its depictions of the problems experienced by couples dealing with PTSD and substance abuse.

Louis Zamperini eventually returns to Tokyo, with unfinished business, to visit the prisoner of war camp where he was held for two years. What he says and does there will astound you.

Unbroken: Path to Redemption explores the mystery of human suffering within the context of Louis Zamperini’s real-life story.

It seeks to answer the question, “Why is God silent when good men suffer?”

Unbroken: Path to Redemption opens in select theaters on Sept. 14.

hy is God silent when good men suffer?”—Billy Graham, Greater Los Angeles Revival, 1949.

This is the question director Harold Cronk brings to the fore in Unbroken: Path to Redemption. The film is based on a bestselling book by Laura Hillenbrand and sequel to Unbroken, the 2014 film covering Zamperini’s service during WWII and imprisonment in a Japanese prisoner of war labor camp. Together, the two films provide a compelling account of one man’s heroic suffering, his return home after war, and his quest for grace, healing, and redemption.

Louis Zamperini, a contender in the 5,000-meter race at the 1936 Olympics, is a favorite son and local celebrity. The movie opens with a flurry of news articles chronicling Zamperini’s service with the US Army Air Corps, his plane crash and presumed death in the South Pacific, and the discovery that he is alive at the end of the war. However, beneath the celebratory air of Zamperini’s homecoming lie dark and sinister memories, which threaten to upend his hopes of returning to a normal life.

Throughout the film, Cronk does a fantastic job recounting Suellen resides in West Fargo with Steve, her husband of 29 years. They the trials and downward spiral Zamperini suffers as he tries to have four adult children and one sweet grandbaby, whom Suellen cares for reacclimate to everyday life. Zamperini struggles to maintain in their home. Suellen’s passion is Marian spirituality. relationships with family and friends, adapt to the joys and responsibilities of marriage and fatherhood, and gain employment.

He faces these challenges while dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition poorly understood at the time. He experiences recurrent flashbacks of torture, vivid nightmares and sleepless nights. Ignoring his doctor’s advice, ABOUT THE MOVIE: Zamperini attempts to mute the symptoms of the disorder with “Unbroken: Path to alcohol. The downhill slide threatens his marriage and his ability Redemption” directed to function. However, PTSD and alcohol are only part of his problem. Zamperini is also angry with God.

by Harold Cronk, One of the most interesting insights into the heart and starring Samuel Hunt. mind of Zamperini is revealed early in the film when, upon his 1 hour, 38 minutes, return, his family throws him a welcome home celebration. His rated PG-13. parish priest, Father Cardarelli, is in attendance, and a private conversation ensues: Father Cardarelli: “All of Torrence was praying for your safe

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

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Consecrated life points to eternal life with the Father

s summer ends and school begins, our thoughts may turn to the end of the year. At the same time, the Church will slowly begin turning our minds toward the end of the world. This topic is called eschatology from the Greek eschaton, or “last.”

Interestingly, consecrated life has always been seen by the Church as also being intimately tied to the last things, to the end of the world reaching into eternity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) describes the connection in this way: “In the consecrated life, Christ’s faithful, moved by the Holy Spirit, propose to follow Christ more nearly… to signify and proclaim in the Church the glory of the world to come” (916). In other words, consecrated life is meant to be a sign to the world of what all shall share in at the end of their lives.

This signification is primarily gifted to us through our living of the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, which the Church calls “evangelical counsels,” or “counsels from the Gospel.”

“What we consecrated persons are called to live radically by vows, every Christian is called to live radically according to their discerned state in life, as virtues and lasting values of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Let us not be afraid to ask Jesus how.”

– Sister Mary Rachel, SOLT

First, how does the vow of chastity signify the world to come?

Jesus himself, when speaking to the Pharisees about marriage, said that every soul will have an exclusive union with God in the next life: “For in the resurrection they shall neither marry nor be married; but shall be as the angels of God in heaven” (Matt.

22:30). And so it is the humble privilege of those called to the consecrated vocation to begin this intimacy with God in this life.

In my community, Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, and for most in the West, this is attained specifically through celibacy. Why does marriage on earth last only “till death do you part?” Because in heaven, each soul will enjoy what we were each created for: oneness with God individually and also collectively as members of the Body who is the Bride of Christ, the Church.

Then, I also have the beautiful vow of poverty. How is poverty a sign of the world to come? It is not because we’ll lack anything in heaven, for Christ promises the poor in spirit a kingdom! Nor is my vow of poverty a lacking of anything of lasting value. It is giving up everything that means nothing for the one thing that means everything. In my community, we give up the right to private ownership of goods and instead share everything in common as did the early Church of Jerusalem. This points to the next life because there, each of us will no longer have to provide for ourselves or for those we love anymore. We will not have to labor for what we need, but instead, everything good

will be freely and provided for us by our Father. And so we wish to remind Sister’s a materialistic world, Perspective so mired in passing things, of this great Sister Mary truth even now. I Rachel, SOLT think a beautiful analogy of poverty is the “Treasury of the Church,” a term meaning the collection of all the merits of Christ, Mary, and the saints. Those already enjoying heaven freely combine all their gifts together in common and then offer them to anyone in need through the Church.

Lastly, how does the vow of obedience show a promise of the world to come? It points to the truth that in heaven, everyone will be perfectly in tune with the divine will. No more discerning, no more self-will, no more sin. A great analogy for this is an orchestra, where all instruments are perfectly in time with the conductor’s baton, and the music dances together perfectly. This is true heaven, and by my vow of obedience, I lay down my will now, in reciprocal exchange for the will of God, through human superiors. Jesus himself did this in the main part of his earthly life, receiving the will of his Father through his earthly parents, as we are told: “And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them” (Luke 2:51). And so again, those called to consecrated life show to an over-individualistic world a different view-point, trust and confidence in someone else having control of my life: our good, good, Father!

The Catechism tells us, “Christ proposes the evangelical counsels, in their great variety, to every disciple” (915). Surprise! But this should not be surprising. What we consecrated persons are called to live radically by vows, every Christian is called to live radically according to their discerned state in life, as virtues and lasting values of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Let us not be afraid to ask Jesus how.

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

The collar and the cowl

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ver since it was decided I should enter seminary Seminarian and pursue the Life priesthood, I’ve Brother Francis received countless questions. Many Reineke, FMI demonstrate a missing distinction between my role as a religious brother and the role of the other seminarians of the Fargo Diocese. I am asked where I shall be assigned after I’m ordained. When I reply I will have no parish but will return to my community in Warsaw, I often receive a quizzical look.

You see, when most Catholics hear the word “priest,” they think of a man dressed in black. What sets him apart is a little square of white at his throat – a Roman collar. Yet, not all priests wear this collar. Over the centuries, a vast number of Catholic priests have worn a different garb at their throat; rather than a collar they wore a cowl, that is, a hood.

“Priests are the officers of God’s armies: the diocesan to lead the laity in daily living and the religious to perform particular and unique functions required by the Mystical Body of Christ, the Catholic Church. Each is essential, different, yet equal.”

– Brother Francis Reineke, FMI There is one ministerial priesthood of Jesus Christ, but there are many roles and missions that these priests must fulfill. Most priests we encounter are diocesan or “secular” priests. These are distinguished by their Roman collar. Any other priest is a religious priest. In many religious communities, there is one uniform habit, while in others, priests are distinguished from their non-ordained brothers by some difference in their habit.

This distinction in dress signifies a difference in role, a witness of Christ in the world.

Most diocesan priests serve in a parish, tending the daily needs of their flock, especially by administering the sacraments.

A smaller number work in the diocesan Pastoral Center, helping the bishop administer his diocese or work as teachers and principals in schools and seminaries. The primary duties of all priests are to confect the Eucharist and to forgive sins.

The priests of a religious community work out their priestly office according to the charism and apostolates of their order.

In a contemplative order, such as Carthusians and Trappists, this would be to administer the sacraments as needed to their non-ordained brothers, but otherwise living much the same life as they. In active orders, such as the Benedictines or Jesuits, there is much greater variety. Active orders work in every field from

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running hospitals and teaching to preaching parish missions and giving retreats. In my own community, the Franciscans of Mary Immaculate, this includes JMI summer camps and ministering to the St. Gianna Maternity Home.

Neither type of priest is greater or lesser; both are essential to the life of the Church. Just as each branch of the military or a business must perform different duties in order to be successful, so must the priests. Priests are the officers of God’s armies: the diocesan to lead the laity in daily living and the religious to perform particular and unique functions required by the Mystical Body of Christ, the Catholic Church. Each is essential, different, yet equal.

Even as seminarians, there are many differences between the religious and diocesan. My diocesan classmates come to seminary in order to detach themselves from the world, to learn a new way of life, and to discern if they are called to that life.

When they leave for the summer, they strive to retain this new way of life.

I have already spent a couple of years of formation in learning the prayer life and spirituality of my community. When I go to the seminary, I try to preserve as best I can this life I learned in the friary. When I return home for the summer, I return to what will be the rest of my life.

Brother Francis renewed his temporal vows on Aug. 15 and is studying as a college II seminarian at Saint Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Nebraska.

Editor’s Note: Seminarian Life is a monthly column written by current Diocese of Fargo seminarians. It gives New Earth readers a glimpse of what these discerning young men are experiencing. Please continue to pray for them.

Grand Forks, ND | normanfuneral.com | 701.746.4337

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

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No slowing down for summer he news did not slow down during the summer. Here is a round-up.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recently Family planning funds launched two relatCatholic Last month, I wrote about regulations proposed by the Trump ed efforts. The first Action Administration that would change how grantees use federal family to educate people on what “Roe” really planning funds. Those changes would allow North Dakota to enforce its law against using funds for abortion referrals. Thanks means. The second Christoper Dodson to your calls and emails, Governor Doug Burgum submitted urges U.S. senators comments to the administration in support of those rules. We to not apply a prodo not know at this time when the new rules will be finalized. Roe litmus test to any nominee. Find our more at www.bit.ly/2w3yR5x Immigration Some people have claimed that North Dakota would On July 4, Bishop David Kagan and Bishop John Folda automatically ban abortion if Kavanaugh is confirmed. It is not issued a joint statement on immigration, mentioning that simple. In 2007, the legislature enacted a law prohibiting important principles for an immigration policy based on church physicians from performing most abortions. The law would only doctrine and Scripture. While there is room within Catholic go into effect if and when the attorney general submitted an teaching for different opinions on some aspects of immigration opinion to the Legislative Council that the law is “enforceable.” policy, there are basic principles that always apply and cannot Note that it does not require that Roe v. Wade be overturned. be violated. They are: For that to happen, the right case raising the right issues at • People have a right to migrate to seek safety, basic needs, the right time would have to come before the Supreme Court. work, and opportunities essential to their life and dignity.

Then, of course, the Court would have rule to allow a prohibition.

• Justice requires that countries receive immigrants, provided All those conditions could happen, but it could take years. it is without actual detriment to the welfare of their citizens.

Death penalty clarification • Nations should provide immediate protection to refugees On Aug. 2, Pope Francis issued a change to the Catechism of the and asylum seekers who flee wars and persecution.

Catholic Church stating that the death penalty is inadmissible in • Sovereign nations have the right to secure their borders, light of a developing understanding of the dignity of the human but this must be accomplished only for legitimate reasons for the person. Some Catholics in the United States think that Pope sake of the common good and never in a manner that Francis is mistaken and that capital punishment is acceptable. violates the basic rights and dignity of immigrants.

They are mistaken on two fronts. First, the change is now part • Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the country of Church doctrine, not a mere opinion of a pope. Second, the that receives them, obey its laws, and carry civic burdens. death penalty was already unacceptable in the U.S. • The rights and dignity of all immigrants must always be respected. In 1995, St. John Paul II stated that it was morally wrong to These principles flow from society’s obligation to put families use the death penalty “except in cases of absolute necessity: first. Regarding the practice of family separation, the bishops in other words, when it would not be possible otherwise to stated: “The family is so vitally important, not only to a child’s life, defend society.” He added that in today’s society, “such cases but also to society as a whole, that children should be removed are very rare, if not practically non-existent.” The United States from their family caregiver only when, through due process, it is one of the wealthiest and strongest nations in the world. No is established that removal is necessary to protect the child from other country, is more capable of defending society without use harm. Merely crossing the border without authorization does of the death penalty. In short, the death penalty was morally not meet this threshold.” unacceptable in the United States before and after Aug. 2.

The statement is at www.ndcatholic.org/immigrationstmt/ Your faith, your vote

Roe v. Wade and North Dakota’s trigger ban

The nomination of Brett Kavanaugh has brought new attention to Roe v. Wade and what would happen if the Supreme Court overturned the infamous case creating a right to abortion.

The space for this column does not allow an explanation of what that case really did, how the “right” to abortion has changed through the years, and the likelihood that Roe would be “overturned.” However, here are some factors to consider.

Roe, with its companion case, was a radical decision that declared a near absolute right to abortion for any reason through all nine months of pregnancy. The “right” has changed since then, but when abortion lobbyists talk about “Roe,” that is what they want.

An election is approaching. The North Dakota Catholic Conference has a resource to help you fulfill your Christian obligations as an educated voter with an informed conscience. Christians should set aside ideologies like “conservative” or “progressive,” party identification, and self-interest, to vote for human life and dignity, and the common good. Visit yourfaithyourvote.org.

Catholic parishes in the state are not allowed to have any voter education material that mentions a candidate or political party in any way. If there are any questions about what parishes and priests are allowed and not allowed to do, see the Your Faith, Your Vote website or contact the North Dakota Catholic Conference office.

NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

Straight talk about wills

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f you die without a will or other such document, the Stewardship state will decide how to disburse Steve Schons your estate. And if you have minor children, the state will decide who will raise and care for them. If you want to leave certain assets to specific persons or make charitable gifts to various causes, then you must have a will. If you die without a will, the state will follow its own agenda.

Each state has its own written policies for the distribution of your estate. So much will go here and so much there – places and persons you may not want to provide for. The state will assign someone to oversee the administration of your estate.

It will all be done “by the book.” No special gifts to your parish or other causes you would want to honor. No special gifts to people outside your family. No concern for your thoughts on the size of any bequests.

Just imagine the difficulties this may cause for your family and friends. Imagine the added expense for this additional layer of oversight. Imagine people you never knew making decisions on your behalf.

There are many reasons people never prepare a will: fear of death, uncertainty about estate distribution, family conflicts, difficulty doing an estate inventory, inconvenience, expense, procrastination, no lawyer, and so forth. However, the plain fact is, every excuse is empty if it causes you to die without a will.

You don’t need all the answers to get a will started. You can start with what you know and make changes and additions later.

It’s better to have something workable in place than nothing at all. To help you create a valid will, we have put together a will kit that includes brochures and suggestions to prepare you for a conference with your attorney. This kit is interesting and informative, and it is free for the asking.

Do you have an estate-planning attorney who can assist you?

If not, there are many to choose from, or you can talk to trusted friends and see who they use.

Another possibility is to contact a local bank or a financial advisor for their recommendations. In any case, I urge you to get legal assistance so you can have peace of mind, knowing your will has been done right.

If you would like a complimentary will kit, please send a request to Steve Schons, Diocese of Fargo, 5201 Bishops Blvd S., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104 or email steve.schons@fargodiocese.org.

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

Did you know?

Abraham Lincoln was shot on April 14, 1865. He died the next morning without a will despite being a skilled and successful attorney. He left an estate of $110,296.80 (the equivalent of several million dollars today). Supreme Court Justice David Davis, a close family friend, administered the estate.

Give a Gift to Help Keep the TV Mass on the Air

The best gift for those you love who are nursing home residents, shut-ins, or non-practicing CatholicsWDAY, Channel 6, Fargo – WDAZ, Channel 8, Grand Forks 10:30 a.m. Sunday Name_________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________ City/State/Zip_________________________________________ Phone_________________________________________________ A GIFT FOR: Name_________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________ City/State/Zip_________________________________________

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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

OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

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WYD-1993: The turning point

n this 25th anniversary of World Youth Day in Denver, I can’t help sharing one of my favorite personal memories of John Paul II. It was December 15, 2004, and as had become our custom during the years when I was preparing Witness to Hope, I was having a pre-Christmas dinner with John Paul, who loved the Christmas season — and believed in opening his Christmas presents when he got them. That year, I had brought him a very large photo album, National Parks of the United States, which the Pope proceeded to unwrap as soon as I gave it to him, with some help from then-Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko. The 263rd successor of St. Peter then looked at the table of contents — and immediately turned to Rocky Mountain National Park.

of a church in years found themselves giving water and candy to young pilThe Catholic grims as they walked 15 miles through Difference and out of the city they’d transformed, George Weigel to the closing Vigil and Mass at Cherry Creek State Park.

And during that Mass, the Pope brought it all to a fine, dramatic conclusion with this challenge: “Do not be afraid to go out on the streets and “Do not be afraid to go out on the streets into public places, like the first apostles who preached Christ and the good news of salvation in the squares of cities, towns, and into public places, like the first apostles and villages. This is no time to be ashamed of the Gospel… It who preached Christ and the good news is the time to preach it from the rooftops.”

WYD 1993 was not just a triumph for John Paul II, and for of salvation in the squares of cities, towns, now-Cardinal Stafford and his team; it was a turning point in and villages. This is no time to be ashamed the history of the Catholic Church in the United States, and its of the Gospel… It is the time to preach effects are still being felt on this silver jubilee. Before WYD 1993, too much of Catholicism in America was in a defensive crouch, it from the rooftops.” – Pope John Paul II like too much of the Church in western Europe today. After WYD 1993, the New Evangelization in the United States got going in After a few minutes of quietly browsing through the pictures, earnest, as Catholics who had participated in it brought home John Paul got that look in his eye, and said across the table, “Hmm. the word that the Gospel was still the most transformative Rocky Mountain National Park. Hmm. Denver. World Youth force in the world. Before WYD 1993, U.S. Catholicism was Day. 1993. Hmm. Bishops of America said it couldn’t be done. I… largely an institutional-maintenance Church. With WYD 1993, proved… them… wrong!” The last sentence was spoken through Catholicism in America discovered the adventure of the New a big smile, with as much force as the Parkinson’s-ridden pope Evangelization, and the living parts of the Church in the U.S. could muster, and he punctuated it by stabbing his finger down today are the parts that have embraced that evangelical way of on the page with each dramatically drawn-out word. being Catholic.

The memory of those remarkable days in August 1993 obviously That crucial turning point on the road to a Catholicism of meant a lot to him, and he wasn’t exaggerating the opposition missionary disciples should be remembered with gratitude. he faced in bringing World Youth Day to the Mile High City.

Despite its successes elsewhere, a lot of American bishops George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public thought that a Catholic youth festival just wouldn’t work in Policy Center in Washington, D.C. Weigel’s column is distributed the United States. But the Pope insisted that he wanted a World by the Denver Catholic Register, the official newspaper of the ArchYouth Day in America; Archbishop J. Francis Stafford wanted diocese of Denver.

World Youth Day as a kick-start to the re-evangelization of the Denver archdiocese; and after some efforts were made to hold the event in Buffalo (where it was thought it might attract Canadian pilgrims) or Chicago, Denver got the nod and Archbishop Stafford and his team set to work preparing WYD 1993.

It was a colossal undertaking that exhausted everyone involved in it (except, perhaps, for the ebullient John Paul II), and it succeeded far beyond anyone’s expectations (except, again, for the Pope).

The event itself was a marvel. The helicopter pilot who flew John Paul into the old Mile High Stadium said the noise from the cheering crowd created air turbulence the likes of which he hadn’t experienced since being under fire when flying in Vietnam.

The chief of police later noted that there hadn’t been a single felony arrest in the city during the entire time World Youth day was underway — right after Denver had been experiencing a serious crime wave. Skeptical people who hadn’t seen the inside NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

Catholic Charities Sunday: Forever grateful since 1923

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magine yourself back in time 95 years ago – radio was the next big thing and cars were Catholic just becoming more Charities common. Airmail was brand new, but Corner commercial avia Chad Prososki tion would not arise for another 25 years.

It was 50 years before the personal first computers were introduced, and 75 years before cell phones became popular. North Dakota was even more rural and had about twice as many farms then it does now. Imagine our cities, like Bismarck and Fargo, and how they would have looked 95 years ago.

Back in 1923, Monsignor Vincent Ryan and others wanted to do something to help the vulnerable. They started a small group called the Catholic Welfare Bureau and focused on unmarried mothers, dependent children, and the poor and suffering. After about three years, they incorporated in 1926, formed a board of directors, and hired their first official employee. Later Father Anthony Peschel would lead the organization for many years.

He was known for his generosity. His work was continued by Father James Walsh and a number of others since then.

“Catholic Charities North Dakota Sunday is a celebration each year bringing awareness and support to the services we offer. Hosted the last weekend in September in Catholic churches across North Dakota, we share materials and a video about our services which help increase interest and support for our agency’s programs such as adoption, pregnancy and parenting support, and counseling services.” – Chad Prososki Now we have reached the 95th anniversary of Catholic Charities North Dakota. To celebrate this milestone we have chosen the theme “Forever Grateful.” We are grateful for our wonderful staff and board of directors, and for the many clients we have been privileged to help throughout the years. We are especially grateful for you – all of the people who have partnered with us in the dioceses, parishes, and communities that have been part of this ministry to those in need. You are the supporters who make our services to others possible.

Catholic Charities North Dakota Sunday is celebrated each

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year, bringing awareness and support to the services we offer.

Hosted the last weekend in September in Catholic churches across North Dakota, we share materials and a video about our services, which help increase interest and support for our agency’s programs such as adoption, pregnancy and parenting support, and counseling services.

During this 95th anniversary, we reflect on how a small group of clergy and volunteers has grown into a nonprofit with over 50 employees. This sounds like a lot, but it is just enough to cover the state, with guardianship workers alone driving more than 87,974 miles last year from offices in Fargo, Bismarck, Minot, and Grand Forks.

Our pregnancy, parenting, and adoption services staff and counselors put on many miles as they strive to offer counseling services at different locations within North Dakota. They travel to visit pregnant clients wherever they are, as our pregnancy and parenting support is available free to anyone who has questions or is facing challenges in their pregnancy.

Thus, the Catholic Charities Sunday event is both a celebration and an opportunity for those near and far to share in our work at Catholic Charities North Dakota. Everyone is invited to join in our mission serving those in need. Thankfully, many of you give what you can, and donations of $10, $20 and $100 or more add up. Together with a few larger donations, your generosity allows us to continue helping those in need.

Catholic Charities Sunday is also a wonderful opportunity to reach more people in need. This can happen directly when someone learns about us and the Lord touches their heart to seek counseling or to consider opening up their lives and homes to adoption. You can also help by telling others who may be interested about us – and by joining us in your own parishes on Sept. 29-30.

Chad Prososki is the Director of Development and Community Relations for Catholic Charities North Dakota.

Diocesan policy: Reporting child abuse

The Diocese of Fargo is committed to the protection of youth.

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

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

Life’s milestones Clare and Richard Elless, parishioners of Holy Cross Church in West Fargo, celebrated their 67th anniversary Aug. 20. They were married at St. Joseph’s Church in Crosby, Minn. They have been blessed with six children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Tony and Alvera (Reis) Leier celebrated their 60th anniversary Sept. 3. St. Philip Neri in Napoleon, where they are now parishioners. They have nine children, 13 grandchildren, (one deceased), three step-grandchildren, and five step-great-grandchildren.

They are retired farmers who spend winters in Arizona and summers on their farm in Kintyre.

Richard and Rita Stigen are celebrating 50 years of marriage. They were married at St Cecilia’s Church in Towner on Aug. 16, 1968. They have four children and eight grandchildren. They are parishioners of Notre Dame des Victoires in Willow City.

Evelyn Ackerman will celebrate her 96th birthday on Sept 18. She has three sons (one deceased), five grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. She is a parishioner of St Michael’s Church in Grand Forks.

Julia Herrick Sorlien, parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fargo, celebrated her 90th birthday Sept. 4. Julia has four children, six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

Agnes (Sehann) Lucy, a parishioner of St. Cecilia’s Church in Harvey, will celebrate her 90th birthday on Sept. 18. She has eight children, 22 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. With Dan, her late husband of 36 years, she enjoyed working and raising their family on a farm near Powers Lake.

Irene C. Vandrovec celebrated her 104th birthday on Sept.

2. She is a parishioner of St. Catherine’s Church in Valley City. She was married to Anton (Tony) Vandrovec, who passed away Oct. 10, 1973. Irene raised eight children and has 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Jane Zidon, parishioner of St. Luke’s Church in Veseleyville, celebrated her 90th birthday on July 14. She was married to Anton A. Zidon for 53 years until his passing in 2005. Jane resides on the family farm in Pisek. She has eight surviving children, 15 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Share life’s milestones

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

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

www.fargodiocese.org

NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2018

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Events across the diocese Youth called to March for Life – registration open

Join Bishop Folda for the Walk with Christ for Life on Oct. 7

Youth in grades 9-12 from the Bishop Folda invites the faithful Diocese of Fargo are invited to a of the diocese to join him in the pilgrimage to the annual March annual Eucharistic procession, for Life in Washington D.C. on Walk with Christ for Life, on Jan. 18, 2019. The pilgrimage Oct. 7, Respect Life Sunday. The will begin in Fargo on Jan. 14 day’s events will begin with and return Jan. 20. Father Greg Mass at noon at the Cathedral of Haman will be the spiritual director. In addition to participating St. Mary in Fargo. This will be followed by a prayerful, peaceful in the March for Life and Vigil Mass for Life at the Basilica of procession to the state’s only abortion facility. A short prayer the Immaculate Conception, youth will travel to Emmittsburg, service will be held outside the abortion facility, and then those Md. to visit the Mother Seton Shrine, Gettysburg, Pa, and tour gathered will return to the Cathedral for Benediction. A lunch the sights of Washington, D.C. The cost for the 7-day pilgrim- will be served in the church social hall afterwards. The walk age is $850 and includes air and ground travel, lodging, meals is sponsored by the Diocese of Fargo Respect Life Office. For and tour fees. Registration closes Oct. 15, space is limited. To more information, call Rachelle at (701) 356-7910. obtain a registration form, contact Rachelle at (701) 356-7910 or rachelle.sauvageau@fargodiocese.org or go to www.fargodiocese. org/respectlife.

High School Extravaganza to feature Paul. J. Kim

Youth in high school are invited to attend the High School Extravaganza Mark your calendars for the start of the National 40 Days for at Napoleon Public School on Oct. Life campaign Sept. 26 – Nov. 4! You are called to be part of this 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. This important prayer effort to bring an end to abortion across our day will include top speaker and nation and world. The North Dakota 40 Days for Life effort will performer, Paul J. Kim, one of the be begin at 8 a.m. on Sept. 26, in front of the abortion facility at most sought-after Catholic speakers 512 1st Ave. No., Fargo. Our campaign will provide a peaceful, in America. Paul communicates the prayerful presence in front of the abortion facility from 6 a.m.

Gospel message in a way that is ento 10 p.m. every day of the campaign. Sign up for an hour of gaging, entertaining, and altogether prayer by visiting www.40daysforlifend.com or by contacting life-changing. Paul is also a talented the Pregnancy Help Center at (701) 284-6601, or in Fargo at (701) beat-boxer and is sure to entertain.

356-7979. Email phc@polarcomm.com.

Paul J Kim has a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville, a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University, religious formation with the Community of the Franciscans of the Renewal, The Presentation Sisters invite you to celebrate and life experiences working as a therapist, missionary, and 300 years of the birth of their foundress, Nano youth minister. He currently lives in California with his wife Nagle. Bishop Folda will celebrate Mass and and two children. commemorate the 137 years the sisters have Bishop John Folda will also answer questions from the crowd ministered in the Fargo Diocese. and lead a Eucharistic Procession to St. Philip Neri’s Church where Nano became known as the “Lady with the he will celebrante Mass.

Lantern” as she walked the streets of Cork, Ire- Cost is $35 per student, $15 per chaperone, and priests and reland at night to care for the sick and homeless. ligious are free. Registration forms will be available at all churches In honoring our foundress, Churches United for in the Diocese of Fargo. Please get the registrations to your pastor, the Homeless donated $3,000, and Dakota Medical Foundation DRE, or youth minister no later than Sept. 26. Parishes need to have donated $10,000. their parish registration to Kathy Loney at the Diocesan Youth De All are welcome to an open house on Sept. 29 from 2 to 4 partment no later than Oct. 1. Contact your local parish or Kathy at p.m. at Sacred Heart Convent, 1101 32nd Ave, Fargo. For more (701) 356-7902. information, call (701) 412-7499.

40 Days for Life ND begins Sept. 26

All are welcome to celebrate 300th birthday of Nano Nagle

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Jamestown Area Grief Support Team hosting widow’s retreat

The Jamestown Area Grief Support Team is hosting a Widow’s Retreat Oct. 19–21 at Maryvale Retreat Center in Valley City. This retreat is an opportunity for widows to immerse themselves in healing in a relaxing, supportive, and positively charged atmosphere with others who have experienced the loss of a husband. The weekend includes a panel of Jamestown Area Grief Support Team members who are widows; time for personal sharing and discussion; a service of remembrance and workshops on journaling, self-nurturing, and understanding the grief journey.

The Jamestown Area Grief Support Team is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering support to those who have experienced loss. Cost is $150 and includes two nights lodging in a private room, five meals, and all supplies. Contact Eileen at (701) 269-4521 or drlisko@csicable.net. Register by Sept. 17.

Three-hour retreat offered at Maryvale, Valley City

Three-hour retreats assist those desiring spiritual growth. These retreats allow for small group gatherings, enabling participants to converse on their prayer experiences and encounters with God. The three-hour retreat is Oct. 27 (register by Oct. 20) and the theme is Embracing Change as a Time of Grace. Suggested donation is $18. For more information, contact Sister Dorothy Bunce, SMP, at (701) 845-2864 or dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

Mass for God’s Children set for Nov. 6 in Rugby

Bishop John Folda will offer a Mass for God’s Children on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at St. Therese Church in Rugby. This Memorial Mass for children who have died before baptism is offered for families as a way to remember and celebrate the lives of children who have been lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant or young child death. A memorial rose and naming card will be provided for families who have lost a child. If you would like to reserve a rose, contact Rachelle by Nov. 1 at (701) 356-7910 or rachelle.sauvageau@fargodiocese.org, or go to www.fargodiocese. org/respectlife. All are welcome. A reception will follow.

A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST 100 years ago... 1918

The Sisters of St. Joseph, of St. Paul Province, purchased what was formerly St. Bernard’s Academy in Grand Forks. After a full remodel, The Academy of Saint James opened its doors on September 16 to girls from elementary to high school. The building, with all its modern updates encased in its charming colonial style architecture, was situated in the suburbs on six acres of woodland and open countryside near the University of North Dakota.

50 years ago... 1968

Three new bells were up and ringing at St. Helena’s Church in Ellendale. The church bells were a gift from the children of Mr. and Mrs. John Callan, former Ellendale residents. The bells

Sisters of Mary of the Presentation celebrate 65th jubilees

From l to r: Sisters Therese Celine Craven, SMP; Jacqueline Josse, SMP, General Superior; Marlyss Dionne, SMP. (submitted photo)

O

n July 1, Sister Therese Celine Craven and Sister Marlyss Dionne celebrated their 65th Jubilee with their religious community with Mass in the Maryvale Chapel, Valley City. Sister Therese Celine and Sister Marlyss pronounced their first vows at St. Margaret’s Chapel, Spring Valley, Ill. in 1953. Five years later, they professed their perpetual vows at the motherhouse in Broons, France.

Sister Therese Celine ministered for many years in both North Dakota and Illinois, teaching in Catholic schools, organizing adult education, bible study programs, and religious education in parishes, and doing pastoral care in hospitals.

Sister Therese Celine retired to Maryvale Convent in 2010.

Sister Marlyss ministered for many years in Catholic education, both teaching and administration, in North Dakota and Illinois. She worked in parish ministry in Wisconsin and North Dakota and in the pastoral care department at St. Aloisius Medical Center in Harvey. She was selected to serve in leadership for her religious community as assistant provincial from 1984-92 and provincial from 1996-2005. She continues to minister at Maryvale Convent as director of hospitality and local leader of the Sisters living at Maryvale.

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

were cast in Holland and made of solid bronze. The largest bell weighs approximately 1,500 pounds. All three together weigh 3,000 pounds.

20 years ago... 1998

Winnifred Pratt was appointed the first principal of the newly named Sullivan Middle School on 32nd Avenue South. The building was home to Interstate Business College and is now Oak Grove Elementary. It replaced St. Anthony of Padua Middle School, which could no longer accommodate the growing enrollment of the area’s Catholic youth. The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Cardinal Muench Assembly, sponsored construction of a decorative brick wall on the north end of the parking lot which provided a place to showcase a statue and relevant flags.

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

Horace: St. Benedict’s Church will hold its annual fall dinner Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menu includes ham, cherry sauce, mashed potatoes, and homemade pumpkin and apple desserts. There will be a silent auction, bake sale, country store, and activities for kids.

Grand Forks: St. Mary’s Church in Grand Forks will host their annual fall dinner Sept. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Ellendale: St. Helena’s Church will host their annual fall dinner Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They will serve a turkey dinner, trimmings, salad bar, and pie.

Jessie: St. Lawrence Church will host its annual fall supper Sept. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. Menu includes roast beef, homemade mashed potatoes, homemade buns, and homemade pies.

Medina: St. Mary’s Church will host a chicken dinner Sept.

23 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Country store with baked and craft items for sale.

handcrafted quilt. Gift baskets, pumpkins, and gourds for sale.

Milnor: St. Arnold’s Church will hold their annual chili and pie supper Oct. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. Takeout meals available.

Quilt raffle tickets for sale.

Fingal: Holy Trinity Church will host their annual fall turkey dinner on Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

McHenry: Sts. Peter and Paul Church will hold a soup and sandwich supper on Oct. 14 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Fargo: Holy Spirit Church will hold their annual fall festival Oct. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. featuring a turkey dinner, raffle, kids’ games, Bingo, silent auction, bake sale, and more.

Takeout meals available.

Hunter: St. Agnes Church will host its annual turkey dinner Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menu includes turkey, mashed potatoes, and apple and pumpkin dessert.

Langdon: St. Alphonsus Church will hold a dinner with turkey, ham, and all the trimmings on Oct. 14 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Fargo: St. Anthony of Padua Church will hold a fall bazaar and dinner on Sept. 30. The bazaar, featuring bingo, a pie wheel, crafts, bake sales, and kids’ games, runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A turkey dinner will be served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Rugby: Little Flower Church’s fall supper will be held Sept.

30 from 4 to 7 p.m. The meal features a full turkey dinner.

Hope: St. Agatha’s Church will host its annual fall supper Sept. 30 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall. Menu includes turkey, meatballs, mashed potatoes, dressing, squash, rolls, and pies.

Park River: St Mary’s Church in Park River will host its annual fall dinner Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menu includes pork chops, potatoes, dressing, and dessert bar.

Grand Forks: The St. Michaels Church Altar Society is sponsoring a fall bazaar and dinner on Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menu includes meatballs and ham. Baked goods, crafts, and produce for sale.

Lakota: St. Mary of the Assumption Church will hold their fall harvest brunch on Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Omelets to order with toppings, muffins, rolls, and fruit.

Argusville: St. William’s Church will host a turkey dinner on Oct. 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Argusville Community Center. Takeout meals available.

Dazey: St. Mary’s Church will host its annual fall supper Oct. 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. Menu includes turkey dinner and their famous homemade German sauerkraut. Tickets for sale on a

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Father Tad Pacholczyk to speak at two Fargo events

By Rachelle Sauvageau

A

familiar name to New Earth readers, Father Tad Pacholczyk, Director of Education for the National Catholic Bioethics Center, will present on beginning and end-of-life topics Oct. 11 and 12 in Fargo.

Father Tad’s popular columns Making Sense out of Bioethics offers readers a Catholic understanding on bioethical concerns through his storytelling approach.

The Diocese of Fargo conducted a Life Issues Survey last fall to provide the faithful with educational opportunities on issues that are of importance to them. The survey results showed that people desire to learn more about the Church’s teaching on some beginning and end-of life topics, especially as they affect their lived experiences.

One area that can sometimes be a source of confusion in the decision process is the provision of nutrition and hydration.

Here, properly understanding the differences between medical terminology and practice, and those of ethical principles, can help people more easily make informed decisions about whether or not to begin or withdraw nutrition and hydration. With the proper application of Catholic health care principles, a person can be confident they are making decisions that are respectful of each person’s dignity in their particular circumstances. Father

Tad will share these basic principles of Catholic teaching and how they can help persons who face medical issues or would like to plan for future health care needs.

On Oct. 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Sts. Anne and Joachim Church in Fargo, Father Tad will address how we can make good health care decisions in times of sickness, or if we or a family member is in a compromised state. Oftentimes persons are faced with making decisions about such medical treatments or procedures as discontinuing dialysis or signing a DNR order, and feel they don’t know the necessary principles to make good ethical choices, or don’t know where to readily find good Catholic resources on them. This event is sponsored by the Respect Life Office and is free and open to the public.

Another area of interest expressed by survey participants was the topic of Artificial Reproductive Technology, (ART), and in particular, the use of in-vitro fertilization and artificial insemination as a means to achieving pregnancy. Father Tad will speak to these widely used medical procedures in a one-day seminar on Oct. 12 at Sts. Anne and Joachim Church in Fargo.

The seminar will also feature a presentation by Bishop Folda on Humane Vitae, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of its publication. The day begins with Mass at 8:30 a.m. and finishes at 4 p.m. Cost to attend is $25 and includes lunch. Deadline to register is Oct. 8. Visit www.fargodiocese.org/hv.

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US & WORLD NEWS

Pittsburgh priest: Catholics angered by abuse reports deserve a hearing

By Kevin J. Jones | Catholic News Agency/EWTN News

C

atholics who are demoralized, angered, or scandalized by revelations about sex abuse must feel free to talk to clergy and other Catholics, and other Catholics must reach out to them, a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh has said.

“I would invite those who are wavering to be open about their concerns – their anger, their frustration, their questions – so that someone can respond to them,” Father Nicholas Vaskov, executive director of communications for the Pittsburgh diocese, told CNA. “I would also encourage them to stay close to God in prayer so that he can hear their calls to him and respond with his compassion and love.”

Father Vaskov, who is also administrator St. Mary of Mercy parish in downtown Pittsburgh, reflected on the tendency of some people scandalized by abuse allegations to stop going to Mass. He encouraged Catholic clergy and laity to “be patient with those who are scandalized by the reports.”

“Listen attentively as they share what is on their heart,” he said. “I would also suggest that clergy and laity reach out to those who they know are particularly troubled by what they have learned. Thoughtful conversation can be such an effective way to process what is troubling us.”

On Aug. 14 a Pennsylvania grand jury released its report claiming to have identified more than 1,000 victims of 300 credibly accused priests from 1947 to 2017 across six Pennsylvania dioceses. It presented a portrait of efforts by Church authorities to ignore, obscure, or cover up allegations, either to protect accused priests or to spare the Church scandal.

Approximately two-thirds of the accused priests have died.

Due to laws regarding the statute of limitations, nearly every abuse allegation cannot be criminally prosecuted, although two indictments have been filed. One priest named in the report was convicted of sexually assaulting a student in the early 1990s.

Before the report’s release, Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh confirmed that some of the priests named in the Pennsylvania grand jury report into sexual abuse remain in active ministry, but stressed that none faced substantiated allegations of child

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sexual abuse.

Responding to the report, Zubik emphasized that “the Diocese of Pittsburgh today is not the Church that is described in the grand jury report,” and that “it has not been for a long time.” Data from the diocese showed that more than 90 percent of abuse incidents took place before 1990.

The bishop apologized to victims of clergy sex abuse and to “any person or family whose trust, faith and well-being has been devastated by men who were ordained to be the image of Christ.”

Father Vaskov cited his experiences with churchgoers who went to Mass in the wake of the latest news. He thought there was an upturn in attendance for the Aug. 15 feast of the Assumption, a holy day of obligation which came a day after the release of the Pennsylvania grand jury report.

He also reflected on what churchgoers told him, such as one woman at Mass last Sunday.

“She said that while it was difficult for her to go, she knew that she couldn’t be anywhere else because it is only in the Eucharist that we can be renewed,” the priest said. “Another conversation with a recent convert to the Catholic faith revealed the depth of his love for Christ and His Church and his desire to stay close to the sacraments when he felt his frustration was getting the better of him.”

Father Vaskov said that in response to the abuse scandals, many parishes had organized holy hours, days of Eucharistic adoration, discussion groups, and listening sessions. He said he has had “beautiful moments” praying with people for “strength in their lives and in the lives of those who have been harmed by abuse.”

“I have also had some very fruitful conversations with parishioners, friends and strangers over the past weeks because they were willing to open up about their concerns,” the priest said. “That doesn’t mean that every issue is resolved or every suffering is healed, but it is the beginning of an important discussion that needs to happen.”

Sidewalk Stories

By Roxane B. Salonen

A new-school-year surprise that can’t be beat devastated and demoralized.

I began pouring out my thoughts to God, asking him to help his flock, begging healing for the victims. “Please, help me find hope, too,” I said aloud.

A few minutes later, I saw the familiar advance of red and white shirts moving from Shanley High and Sullivan Middle schools toward the church. Several cars had to stop at the entrance to let the long line pass.

At the doors, older students greeted us, smiling and welcoming us to the first-day Mass. I found my spot in the pew near a familiar face and breathed deeply. It felt good to be back in this school community, surrounded by hundreds of young people – our future.

And yet, I was still struggling. Every word of every song, while sweet, seemed to bring me back to the news. I held back tears. Everything has changed, I thought. It will never be the same – and the victims have been living this more deeply and for longer.

We cannot separate ourselves from Christ’s body, the Church.

We are all part of her. When she shines, we shine; when she n recent years, I’ve spent the first hour of the first day back hurts, we all hurt. to school in the “parent section” of Sts. Anne and Joachim As the Mass came to a close, our school chaplain, Father Church, sharing in the opening Mass for the St. John Paul Charles LaCroix, asked us to hold tight so we could receive a II Catholic Schools Network. special treat. What could it possibly be, I thought, unable to This year, my heart was heavy. In the previous days, our imagine anything that would suffice right now.

Catholic world had been shattered with news of wayward But then, after highlighting the strong pro-life teens in our shepherds who’d betrayed our trust and left some of the most school community, he introduced some guests – sidewalk advocate vulnerable of the Body of Christ permanently damaged.

Lila Harmsen and a young lady – along with her baby – whom I was struggling mightily, like so many. As much as I wanted Lila had helped save from abortion several months ago. to somehow just gracefully leap over all the ugly, my heart As the trio went up to the front to be acknowledged, witremained torn and grieved. nessing, in the best way imaginable, what is possible when we A heaviness hung in the very air as I drove southward from choose life over death, the clapping of young people resounded, my home to Mass. How can we convince our young people unexpected joy overwhelmed my soul. the Church is true and good when we’ve all been let down so I realized God had amply answered my prayer. He’d taken horribly, I wondered? my request for hope and poured it into a large church filled with Because of the way these stories have been clustered, the young people. He took the smile of a mother, the giggle of a situation seems much more concentrated than it is. But in truth, four-month-old baby, the beaming of a faithful prayer warrior, it couldn’t be any worse. and through them, reminded me – just as Father LaCroix had As our priest, Father Paul Duchschere, had mentioned in mentioned in his homily – that nothing is impossible with God. his homily the previous weekend, learning the very pastors Roxane B. Salonen, a wife and mother of five, is a local writer, and who’d been consuming the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of a speaker and radio host for Real Presence Radio. Roxane writes our Lord, sometimes several times a day, could be living a life for The Forum newspaper and for CatholicMom.com. Reach her at so horrendously counter to Jesus Christ’s ways, leaves us all roxanebsalonen@gmail.com.

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NEW

EARTH

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

Do you know where we are?

The answer will be revealed in the October New Earth.

Where in the diocese are we?

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Last month’s photo is from St. Mary’s Church in Lakota.