Our Catholic Journey Sept-Oct 12 by Forum Communications Printing

Official Publication of Catholic United Financial

Our Journey Catholic September/October 2012 Vol. 117 Issue 5

Gathering Goodness Members team up for service

A hop, step and a jump to London Amanda Smock shares her Olympic experience

+ Convention Recap

New Column: Coins of your Life

From the President

Well, it has finally come to pass. This will be my last Journey column as President and Chairman of the Board of Catholic United. Fifteen years of writing, some great, some good, and some that maybe could have used a little more work. By rough estimate, it looks like I wrote about150 columns. Not bad for a guy whose fourth-grade English teacher was concerned if he would ever be able to put together a written sentence. (By the way, that teacher happened to be my mother.) At the time she was probably right. To quote Father Robert Barron’s new book, Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith, “It has been suggested that the heart of sin is taking oneself too seriously.” Over the years I have had the opportunity to confess many sins; however, “taking myself too seriously” has not been one of them. I have enjoyed every day of my 15 years as president, some more than others, but they were all better than anything else I could have been doing. My greatest joys came from helping others reach their potential and my most frustrating moments came when I could not create opportunities for some to succeed. In one of the first months I was in office, several of us attended a Priest golf outing and dinner in the St. Cloud Diocese. I still remember the dinner took place at the Blue Heron in Cold Spring, and I felt like I was the youngest person there by about 25 years. I was 50 at the time. As I visited with one of the more mature gentlemen, Father Leo, he asked me what I thought my biggest challenges would be as the leader of this fine German organization. I am sure he wanted me to know the heritage of Stearns county and my obligation not to forget it. I told him membership growth and sustaining the viability of our councils were my biggest concerns. Father Leo leaned over and whispered into my ear that I should not worry. “Catholic Aid [as we were called then] is well-over 100 years old. As long as you stuck to the principles of our Faith, Catholic Aid will survive and thrive,” he said. After all, the Catholic Church was 2,000 years old and was still relevant and growing, so should Catholic Aid. “Besides,” he said, “that’s why we hired you. So keep the Faith and we’ll all do just fine.” Of course these wise words were, and still are, so true. I realized then, that I was not given this opportunity to lead because of anything I could do, but because the Lord had placed me here to be the caretaker as He worked His plan. It was a humbling thought, one that I have kept at the front of my mind these 15 years. If I could sum up my time here in one thought, it would

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have to be Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Thank you to everyone who has touched me and this wonderful Fraternal Society over these many years. Thanks to those who have listened to my direction and to those who had better ideas and listened to them instead. To the many who put up with my management style and my humor — my children tell me the only reason you all laugh is that you don’t want me to feel bad, or because you work here. To all the Council members I have gotten to know, the Board of Directors I have worked with, the employees who have touched my life, and all the 84,000 members who have trusted me as the leader of Catholic United Financial. Thank you. When Ann and I attended Father Jack Brunner’s 50th anniversary of Ordination, there were actually two priests celebrating that day. The other was Father Dick Gross. These two men, although they have similar career paths, are distinctly different individuals in many ways. But one thing they mentioned as having in common, however, was their mother’s major influence on their lives. Well, as the old saying goes, “If my parents were here today my dad would say he was proud of me, but my mother would have believed every kind word that was said.” And she would have been crying with joy. She was and still is, from afar, my strength. Few men get a chance to publicly thank their mothers for all the sacrifices they make for us. Hopefully, I will join my mother again someday and thank her personally for all she did. Next on my list would have to be Ann, the strength of my life. The woman who put up with me and all my foibles; who raised our five children. A special project as the first four were very quiet little boys. Ann did get rewarded with a daughter at the tail end, who I think was a lot easier to handle. Finally I would like to thank all who have influenced my Faith in any way. I thank you all from the depths of my heart. What’s in store for me in the years to come? The best answer I could give is I am waiting for direction from the Lord. He brought me to this spot, I am sure He has future plans for me as well. I’ll just have to listen and wait. A few weeks back I was at the American Fraternal Alliance Conference and was listening to a wonderful motivational speaker. He finished his presentation with a quote from the famous business leader, Peter Drucker. The speaker said when he asked Mr. Drucker how he should plan the rest of his life, Drucker paused and then spoke in his slow gravelly voice, “Do something useful.” As soon as I heard those words I knew I had a start on my next journey. I would like to close with a quote from a marvelous Irish poet, William Butler Yeats: “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends.” May God bless you all in every way,

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Contents 5

Features

8 10 10

Annual Convention

Delegates made the 129th meeting memorable, electing a new president and two new board members. Read the resolutions on p. 11.

Hop, Step & a Jump

To the Olympic Games in London. Hear one member’s experience competing at the highest level of sport.

Gather4Good

Members got together to help the homeless at events in Albertville and New Prague, Minn. See the results!

Departments

6 16

Leadership

A final thank you to Mike McGovern, as well as introductions to those who will follow.

Coins of your Life

Charitable Giving advice and information from our Foundation’s Executive Director Bob Heuermann.

Sections

4 12 On the Cover Photo by Becky Miller www.gophertrackshots.com

Catholic United Member and Olympian Amanda Smock (Thieschafer), of Melrose, Minn., on the podium after winning the Triple Jump and her Olympic berth at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Ore., June 26, 2012.

Official Publication of Catholic United Financial

Our Journey Catholic September/October 2012

Read news tidbits and see member photos.

Member Business Spotlight

Memorials

An Orchard and a Bed & Breakfast for our Members. Anniversaries will return in the January/February issue.

Fraternal

Meet our new Fraternal Liaison and learn a bit about the editor’s favorite fraternal program, MinisTREE.

Vol. 117 Issue 5

Note: November/December Our Catholic Journey

will be a special edition. Regular issues return in 2013.

Gathering Goodness Members team up for service

A hop, step and jump to London Amanda Smock shares her Olympic experience

+ Convention Recap

New Column: Coins of your Life

SFI-00574

news@catholicunited.org

Scrapbook

Catholic United Financial President/Chairman Michael F. McGovern, Northfield Senior Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer Harald Borrmann, St. Paul Board of Directors Lead Director Frances M. Barten, Union Hill; George Gmach, Rogers; Joseph F. Kueppers, Mendota Heights; John W. Maile, Cold Spring; Deborah M. Pauly, Jordan; Robert Krattenmaker, New London; Michael Schmitz, Mankato Magazine Staff: Publisher Michael F. McGovern Editor Jared Roddy Staff Susan Detlefsen, Michelle Clark Director of Marketing Steve Wendorf Office of Publication: Catholic United Financial, 3499 Lexington Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 551268098; 651-490-0170 or 1-800-568-6670. Postmaster: Send change of address notice to above. Periodicals postage paid at St. Paul, MN and other locations. Subscription price is 50 cents a year. Official Publication of Catholic United Financial. Published bimonthly. Publication No. 093500

September/October 2012

Scrapbook

Fair Deal in Fairmont, Minn.

Sales Representative Sara Bartosh (at right in photo) reports that Principal Joan Schaffer was excited to receive her school’s quarterly check from the R.E.New Program for Catholic Religious Education. The $50 check to St. John Vianney School of Fairmont, Minn., is the donation made by Catholic United, after a new member selected the school to receive the donation. Every new member who buys life insurance can select a school to receive this donation through the R.E.New Program.

Outreach Project Fills Schools with Supplies Catholic United Financial’s Fraternal aspect was on full display at the 129th Annual Convention this year, with dozens of councils participating in the official Outreach Project. “Our goal was to facilitate a project that every council could participate in, that would also benefit many schools across our region,” Director of Fraternal Kathleen Moriarty said. The supplies collected — more than $3,000 worth — were distributed to several schools: St. Michael’s in Mahnomen, Minn.; St. Mary’s in Worthington, Minn.; Transfiguration in Oakdale, Minn.; Holy Family Academy in St. Louis Park, Minn.; and St. Philip’s in Bemidji, Minn. “What a wonderful gift from our faithful friends at Catholic United,” Holy Family Principal Ann Coone said.

Taken out to the Ball Game!

Rich and Sharon Beach wrote to Sales Representative Dean Demarais of Cold Spring, Minn., to thank Catholic United for a night at the ball game. The Beaches and their 12 grandchildren (above) attended a St. Cloud Rox game with Catholic United on July 16, 2012. Below, St. Paul members Rob and Marie Claire Dr0gonowski enjoy refreshments before the July 10 St. Paul Saints game. Catholic United hosted more than 1,200 guests at games throughout the summer. Contact your Sales Rep to get involved and get your invite for 2013!

Above, a roomful of supplies at St. Mary’s in Worthington, Minn. Left, students at St. Michael’s in Mahnomen, Minn., express their gratitude.

Scholarship Applications open Oct. 15! Don’t miss out on up to $500! Visit www.catholicunitedfinancial.org to download and submit your application today!

September/October 2012

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How to Contact your Sales Representative: Look on the back cover of this magazine. Your Sales Representative’s name and contact information should be listed with yours. If not, visit www.catholicunitedfinancial.org, or call 1-800-568-6670.

Dedicated Decorator Harriet Rauch received the Catholic United Community Service Award from the Holy Family Council of Big Stone City, S.D., during a church social Sunday, Sept. 9. Rauch, pictured with Sales Rep Candee Cloos, was recognized for her dedicated decoration of St. Charles Borromeo Church for the past 30 years.

Putting a Good Grant to Great Purpose Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Young Rosie Bielejeski wrote to Catholic United Financial to thank the Association for a $100 grant given to support her on a mission trip to Costa Rica. While abroad, she worked with Tronos de Dios (Throne of God) to provide day care and ministry for the poor neighborhoods of San Jose. Her team also spent days helping to rebuild a house in Cartago, one

of the poorest cities in Costa Rica. “The Trip was truly life changing,” Rosie said. “Christ has truly blessed and multiplied your generosity!” Here Rosie poses with two girls from Cartago.

App up! The Beginner’s Bible App

Is the old children’s bible getting dusty on the shelf while your young ones entertain themselves with apps on iPods and tablets? Not anymore! All your favorite children’s bible stories are now available from Zonderkidz with their new Beginner’s Bible App. The first “Story Pack” containing six stories, coloring pages, puzzles and a game is currently available free from app.beginnersbible.com. Introduce your kids to characters they can touch and activities that are fun and engaging for ages 2-6.

Buy your next car with us! Rates as low as 2.99% for new and used autos! 1-877-871-8313

info@catholicunitedcu.org news@catholicunited.org

September/October 2012

One last Friday night... A sincere thank-you to Michael F. McGovern The countdown of President Michael F. McGovern’s final days in office officially began at this year’s Annual Convention. After 15 years of dedicated and visionary leadership, Mr. McGovern is retiring to Northfield, Minn., to enjoy the company of his family and the pleasure of no longer making a daily 116-mile commute. Mike and his wife Ann look forward to spending time with their children and grandchildren, traveling and pursuing their hobbies. One of Mike’s has become horseradish cultivation, which he practices at “McGovern’s Acres” —a 20’ x 20’ garden plot (pictured at right inside picket fence) entirely within his daughter Molly and son-in-law Aaron’s berry farm. Mike began his career with Catholic Aid in 1997, after he was elected at the 114th Annual Convention to succeed Flip Spanier. He transitioned into office through the autumn of 1997 and took the gavel on January 1, 1998. Flip Spanier had been president for 24 years, so there were some large shoes to fill. Mike began his term at the edge of a new era. The Internet was just barely a presence in daily life in 1998, and few people carried cellular phones. Looking back just 15 years, it’s hard to appreicate how different everyday life really was. Almost every aspect of the world’s communication infrastructure was about to be stressed, expanded and exploded just a decade later. Despite the uncertainty surrounding new technologies and how to integrate them into a traditional business model, McGovern shepherded the Association through its first computer and communication revolution, keeping Catholic United with or ahead of its peers.

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Mike weathered not one but two major economic downturns while at the helm. The first in 2001 with the dot-com bust, and the most recent housing bubble contraction. Throughout both recessions, Catholic United continued to thrive and grow. Mike inherited a company with $304 million in assets and 73,000 members, which took in $18.8 million of premium per year and paid out $16.1 million in benefits. Catholic United now has $736 million in assets, and more than 84,000 members. Our premium income has more than tripled to $56.3 million, while our benefits paid has almost doubled to $30.7 million. Perhaps most importantly to Mike, the amount spent on Fraternal activities in that span has increased from $1.1 million to $2.1 million annually. Ann McGovern says that she is greatly looking forward to having Mike at home. “I am sure there will be at least six months of doing things on my ‘honey-do’ list,” Ann said. As for the Association, it’s fair to say he’s done quite a bit as it is. It’s with supreme gratitude that we wish Mike all the Lord’s Blessings in his well-earned retirement. Thank you for the dedication you’ve shown to your office, and the devotion you’ve shown to our members. Above: Mike McGovern at his horseradish patch north of Northfield, Minn. Below left: Mike at his first coaching job in Morristown, Minn., circa 1970. McGovern always said his years coaching football and teaching gave him great insight into his career at Catholic United. Below right, years later, Mike with his wife and family as his own boys pose in uniform for Northfield, Minn. Back row from left: Cameron, Grady, Mike. Front row: Casey, Ann, Molly and Ryan.

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Catholic United Welcomes New Officers President and Chairman of the Board Harald Borrmann, Catholic United Financial’s most-recent Senior VicePresident and Secretary/Treasurer, was elected by the delegates of the 129th Annual Convention to the office of President and Chairman of the Harald E. Borrmann Board on Saturday, August 4, 2012. As the tenth president of the Association since 1878, Mr. Borrmann’s threeyear term will begin on January 1, 2013. Prior to his nomination, Borrmann was unanimously selected as the Board of Directors’ candidate to replace Michael McGovern as President and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Borrmann ran unopposed for the position, and was elected by voice vote with no opposition. Mr. Borrmann has been with Catholic United since September of 2008, and officially took his position on January 1, 2009. His years with Catholic United have been some of the most financially successful in the company’s history. Mr. Borrmann has more than 30 years of experience in the reinsurance industry, and a degree from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Business in Marketing and Finance. He said he’s been fortunate with the talent of the people around him, and will continue to lead Catholic

United to success following its Catholic values. “When I joined Catholic United in 2008, I joined an exceptional group of people who have demonstrated that you can run a successful business that incorporates one’s faith into everyday decisions as well as long-term strategies,” Borrmann said. “I have been truly blessed by working with such a talented team of professionals, and I look forward to continuing to serve our members and our employees to the best of my abilities.” Borrmann has been Chair and Vice chair of the Parish council at St. Frances Cabrini Church in St. Paul, Minn. He is currently a member of the Finance Committee and a Parish Trustee. He and his wife, Mary, were members of the Founder’s Circle at Cretin Derham Hall, which his three children attended and graduated from. Mr. Borrmann is a graduate of Frank B. Kellogg High School in Roseville, Minn. “Harald has met every challenge we’ve placed before him and has proved to be an exceptional leader within Catholic United,” President McGovern said. “It’s clear he has a genuine concern for the best interests of our members, and I know that as president, he’ll continue the tradition of putting their interests first.”

President-Elect Harald Borrmann makes his acceptance speech at the 129th Annual Convention.

Interim Senior Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer

Catholic United Financial is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael M. Ahles as Interim Senior Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer effective Michael Ahles September 10, 2012. Mr. Ahles will serve in this position until December 31, 2013. Mr. Ahles comes to Catholic United with an exceptionally strong background having served as the Vice President of Insurance Operations for The Independent Order of Foresters, a multinational, fraternal insurance enterprise with assets of more than $8 billion and membership exceeding 950,000. While with the Foresters, Mr. Ahles led all strategic planning and execution aspects of U.S. and Canadian insurance administration. In addition to his experience in the Fraternal industry, Mr. Ahles held a number of positions with Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America including Vice President, Controller of the Variable Products Division and finally as Sr. Vice President, news@catholicunited.org

Senior Financial Officer of Distribution. While at Allianz, Mr. Ahles directed numerous aspects of financial administration, as well as leading design, implementation and evaluation of enterprise-wide internal control and risk management activities. His experience developing strategic plans and collaborative management style matches perfectly with the needs of today’s Catholic United Financial. Mr. Ahles is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. He and his wife Sharon have three sons, and make their home in Andover, Minn., where he is involved in his parish, Church of the Epiphany, and in his community. “I’m excited to join Catholic United and proud to be able to serve our valued members,” Mr. Ahles said. “I look forward to expanding our Association’s membership, adding to our financial strength and supporting our Catholic communities in the years ahead.”

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l a u n n A 129th ion t n e v n o C

Ou r

Catholic United Financial members met for the Association’s 129th Annual Convention August 4, on the sparkling new grounds and facilities of the University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul, Minn. Delegates had the rare privilege of electing a new president and board members to succeed Michael McGovern, Lead Director Deborah Pauly and Director Frances Barten, who are all retiring after many years of dedicated service. Three hundred forty-six delegates celebrated Mass, shared a meal, worked together for the future of the organization, and were treated to a post-convention reception before departing from the eventful and productive summit. Committee members, the Board and some delegates began arriving at St. Thomas Friday, August 3. The Business of the convenion was already gearing up with the Board holding its August meeting as well as the Resolutions Committee meeting. The official proceedings began Saturday morning. Registration took place at the Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex Field House. The airplane hangarsized room provided registration space, a breakfast hall and room to run the Fraternal Outreach Program. The 2012 Fraternal Outreach Program collected school supplies from councils to deliver to Catholic Schools throughout our territory. St. Michael’s School, in Mahnomen, Minn.; St. Mary’s School in Worthington, Minn.; Transfiguration School in Oakdale, Minn.; Holy Family Academy in St. Louis Park, Minn.; and St. Phillip’s School in Bemidji, Minn.: all received hundreds of items from our generous members. (Some photos of these deliveries can be seen in the Scrapbook section, p. 4.) During breakfast, the Constitution, Nominating, Credentials, Appeals, Election and Good of the Association Committees met. Director of Fraternal

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Kathleen Moriarty also conducted a first-time delegate session to prepare newcomers for the day’s proceedings. Members prayed the Rosary at St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel before Mass, which was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese Lee A. Piché. Following the service, the assembly crossed campus to begin the work of the day. Meeting in Woulfe Hall in the Anderson Student Center, the meeting was called to order at 10:15 a.m. Spiritual Director James Habiger gave his invocation and remarks. The Monsignor will retire this year. In recognition of the great service he has performed and the great love for him felt by all those at the Association, McGovern and the Board expressed our gratitutde, and presented him with a donation to his foundation. President McGovern’s official report followed. He discussed the fundamental direction of the Association, but also summed up his time as president and his pleasure in having served the society. He received a standing ovation after his report’s end. “The future of Catholic United is in good hands,” he concluded. “The board and the new officers will do a wonderful job. If they’re lucky like I was, it will move from a career to a way of life for them. May the Lord guide and bless them along the way.” Senior Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer Harald Borrmann followed with his report on the financial growth of 2011. To illustrate McGovern’s influence on the Association, Borrmann compared the year 2011 to the financial year of 1998, when president McGovern’s first term began. The growth over the past 15 years was dramatic, more than doubling assets and premium income. After Mr. Borrmann’s report concluded, nominations were opened for the position of President and Chairman of the Board. The Nominating committee presented Mr. Borrmann as their candidate. After www.catholicunitedfinancial.org

Resolutions of the 129th Annual Convention I: ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, HOLY FATHER, BISHOPS AND REVEREND CLERGY That all members of Catholic United Financial continue to support our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, our Bishops, Clergy and Religious with prayer and action through all the good works and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. II: VOCATIONS That Catholic United Financial, its members and local councils continue to work for the promotion of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, religious, married and single life by prayer and support of special activities and programs, personal invitations and with financial support to the Msgr. Richard J. Schuler Endowment Fund for Seminarians. III: CATHOLIC EDUCATION That all of us continue to seek new ideas and ways ofstrengthening and supporting Catholic education and parish religious education programs for children, adults, including Catholic United Financial members and families. That we also continue to provide financial assistance and/or technology grants to Catholic schools and parish religious education programs. We also need to support chastity and abstinence programs. IV: HUMAN DIGNITY AND PRO-LIFE That we treat every human being with dignity and respect regardless of color, race or religious beliefs, and continue to support programs and legislative action in peaceful ways that support all human life from conception until natural death. V: OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL, OUR GOVERNING OFFICIALS AND WORLD PEACE That all members of Catholic United Financial pray daily for the safety of all our military personnel and peace of mind for their families, for those who have given their lives or suffered physically or

mentally for our freedom, and for peace in the world. We also want to pray daily for all governing officials throughout the world that they seek the help of God to find peaceful ways to end conflicts. VI: SUPPORT OF YOUTH ACTIVITY That Catholic United Financial, its members and local councils continue to seek out ways to provide fraternal programs and insurance benefits for our youth and offer financial aid and/or leadership support in parish activities. VII: FRATERNALISM That Catholic United Financial will continue to provide financial and volunteer assistance to Catholic parishes, schools and religious education programs, and that its members will continue to be active in their parishes and communities helping their fellow Catholic United Financial members, Catholics and neighbors. VIII: SUPPORT OF THE FOUNDATION That Catholic United Financial, its members and councils, support the Catholic United Financial Foundation with prayer and/or financial donations to build the Foundation’s funds. The Foundation will be prepared to offer financial assistance and physical help to members who are struck with natural disasters. IX: NEW MEMBERS That there be an appropriate number of Sales Representatives and that all the present members of Catholic United Financial become more informed and actively involved in the promotion of our organization and its products and services in an effort to expand our membership. X: MAJOR DISASTERS That all members of Catholic United Financial remember in their prayers everyone affected by natural and economic disasters,

especially those affected by the drought. XI: HISPANIC AND OTHER FOREIGN SPEAKING CATHOLICS Since we have so many foreign speaking Catholics immigrating to our areas, as members of Catholic United Financial we should reach out to them by inviting them into our parishes, by providing Sales Representatives familiar with their culture and language, and help them become active in our Local Councils. XII: THANK YOU TO REV. MSGR. JAMES D. HABIGER That the Catholic United Financial Officers, Board of Directors, and all its members thank Rev. Msgr. James D. Habiger for his 12 years of spiritual guidance, dedication, devotion, service and sense of humor to Catholic United Financial and that we all wish him God’s Blessings in his retirement. XIII: THANK YOU TO FRANCES M. BARTEN AND DEBORAH M. PAULY That the Catholic United Financial Officers, Board of Directors and all its members thank Frances M. Barten for her 15 years and Deborah M. Pauly for her 12 years of service on the Board of Directors and also thank them for their devotion and dedication to Catholic United Financial, and that we all wish them well in their retirement. XIV: THANK YOU TO MICHAEL F. MCGOVERN That the officers, Board of Directors and all the members of Catholic United Financial thank Mr. McGovern for his 15 years of dedicated service and devotion as President and Chairman of the Board to the Catholic Aid Association, now known as Catholic United Financial. We all thank him also for his insight and changes that he made while serving as President and Chairman of the Board, and that we all wish him a healthy and happy retirement on his farm.

The Convention Proceedings can be found on the Catholic United Financial website, www.catholicunitedfinancial.org, beginning Oct. 15. no further nominations were presented, he was elected by voice vote. His three-year term will begin on January 1, 2013. President-Elect Borrmann and his family were invited to the stage for his acceptance speech. Next on the agenda were nominations for the two open Board positions: Renee Brod of New Prague, Minn.; Patricia Kasella, of Royalton, Minn.; and Judy Kimmes, of New Trier, Minn., were nominated. After a break for lunch, the Constitution Committee’s news@catholicunited.org

recommended reduction of convention committees from 9 members to 5 was passed. Ballots for the Board positions were then cast. Delegates heard the reports of the Director of Fraternal as well as the various committees of the convention. The Election Committee reported that Ms. Brod and Ms. Kasella had been elected to the Board. Retiring Lead Director Deb Pauly and Director Fran Barten were then recognized for their service and presented with gifts. The convention wrapped up with

the announcement that the 2013 Convention would be held at the Marriott Hotel in Brooklyn Park, Minn., on August 2 and 3, 2013. After all official business was completed, the closing prayer was said by Jennifer Guild of All Saints Council, Madison Lake, Minn. The delegates had one last chance to relax afterward, during a reception held in honor of McGovern, Pauly and Barten in the adjacent hall. It was on that happy note and in good spirits that the 129th Convention came to a close.

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9 9

Hop Step &a Jump to

Amanda Smock (on right) with Olympic Javelin Thrower Rachel Yurkovich at the closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Summer Games.

ost of the world watched in awed wonder from afar, as the 2012 Summer Games in London kicked off during a spectacle of sparkle and sound. But one member of Catholic United was not only present, but participating. Amanda Smock (Thieschafer), of Melrose, Minn., competed in the Triple Jump on the world’s largest stage this summer. She didn’t bring back the gold, but came home instead with the pride of counting herself among the world’s elite in her sport, and the one-of-a-kind memories only few are privileged to earn. She spoke with Our Catholic Journey, to share hers. The Opening Ceremonies of the 30th Olympiad, held in London, July 27, were an exhausting night of emotional high after high, Smock says. “As we entered the stadium and they called out the U.S., there were just chills up and down my spine,” Smock says. Such an overwhelming event was it, that she neglected to mention that it was also her 30th birthday. “It was such a significant moment to be able to say ‘We’re here! We did it!’ and share it with the other athletes…you have to pinch yourself.” Smock’s journey to London began in Melrose, Minn., as the daughter of Beth and Glenn Thieschafer. Her father coached her in gymnastics through her school years. She ran

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track to stay in shape for her sport of choice. “In my younger days, I definitely dreamed of being an Olympic gymnast,” Smock says. But as she got older, she says track seemed to choose her. She graduated from North Dakota State University in 2004, a 13-time All-American and national champion in the Triple Jump. She figured she hadn’t peaked yet, so she kept training, moving with her current husband, Greg (a fellow track runner), to Minneapolis. She failed to qualify for the Olympics in 2008, and in 2009, her beloved father passed away. It had been their shared goal to make the Olympic team, so Smock says she was determined to give the summer games another try in 2012. www.catholicunitedfinancial.org

Headed to the Olympics! Victorious in Eugene, Ore.

Smock in London.

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“I put all my eggs in that Olympic basket, and it was really stressful,” Smock says. “But I relied so heavily on my faith that year, prayed so hard to trust God’s plan for me, whether I made the team or not was not in my power. Whatever His will was I had to deal with it.” Smock had to finish in the top 3 at the national trials in June and hit an Olympic benchmark. For many athletes, overcast skies and rain kept them from performing at their peak. But Smock was on that day. “There was a cool moment during the trials,” Smock says. “It started raining pretty heavy about an hour before the triple jump. Right as I stepped on the runway — I usually say a short little prayer — it was like, freaky: literally, the clouds parted and it was sunny. For that brief moment the rain stopped and the sun came out and it just took my breath away. I thought ‘my dad had something to do with this.’” Smock jumped well, winning first place and hitting an Olympic mark — from that moment on, she was an Olympian. The Games began a month later. After a training camp in Birmingham, England, the U.S. team moved en masse to the Olympic Village in London. Smock says she oscillated between being star struck, and totally comfortable with her fellow athletes — including superstar NBA players

gophertrackshots.com

Competing in U.S. Trials in Eugene, Ore.

Autograph signing in London “It’s humbling,” Smock says.

and media darlings like Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps. “It was this constant mental back and forth surreal experience between being in total awe, realizing you’re at the village with the most elite athletes in the world, and then, catching yourself in a state of mind where it’s very normal,” Smock says. “It’s just life – you have to remind yourself how special those days are.” The most star-struck she ever got, she says, was meeting track legend Carl Lewis. “I got caught in a conversation with him, and he found out I was a track athlete and he said ‘Yeah, I used to run track.’ I was like, ‘I know!’” Smock says. After the emotional and exhausting Opening Ceremonies, Smock had several days before her event. “I knew I basically had to jump out of my shorts to medal,” she says. “I’d probably have to have my best day just to make the finals.” She felt good on the day, had a good warm-up, and was then stunned to enter the enormous stadium to find it packed at 10 a.m. Her first jump felt “really good,” but she was frustrated to find that she had fouled (meaning, she stepped past the takeoff board on her first attempt). Her next two jumps were better, but she was disappointed in the results. Only four of the 35 competitors advanced

Landing in Eugene.

to the finals, Smock finished 27th. “I gave myself a few minutes to let myself be disappointed,” Smock says. “But then I just acknowledged the blessing in front of me: spending the next two weeks with my family in London, being an Olympian, being able to carry that forever with me.” She spent the next few days sightseeing with her mother, brother and husband, and participated in the Closing Ceremonies. “It sets in a little bit more every day now,” she says. “How cool of an experience it was, how unique and rare. But at some point it just hit me how humbling it has been too, the huge amount of outreach and support and interest from all areas of my life.” Smock says she hasn’t made any far-reaching decisions about her athletic career yet. The next Olympics are in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 — a long way out. But she says she knows that it isn’t quite over yet. “I hadn’t thought about it until literally landing in the sand on my last jump,” Smock says. “I was disappointed and it seemed like a really long walk back to the runway and I remember thinking, ‘That’s not it. I can’t be done on that.’” Competing in the Olympics.

news@catholicunited.org gophertrackshots.com

September/October 2012

Volunteer event helps Story and photos by Susan F. Detlefsen Hygiene kit assembly involves both young and mature at the Sept. 16 Gather4Good event.

Volunteers write messages of hope and support to leave inside the bags. “I want them to know that God loves them and we do too,” said Maureen Daehn, of Brooklyn Park, Minn.

Gina Dehmer, a Catholic United member from Hanover, Minn., came to Gather4Good on Sept. 16 with a specific purpose: to teach her daughter about community service. “We’re so distant from some of it that it feels like you can’t help,” Dehmer said of the problems of homelessness caused by poverty and natural disasters. “Being able to come to something like this, it feels like we’re closer to it.” Bright white tents, fresh buttered popcorn, and live music made for a friendly atmosphere at Albertville’s Central Park on Sept. 16, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. However, the more than 350 people who attended

the event sponsored by Catholic United weren’t there just for the treats and picnic lunch. Their goal was to help assemble hygiene kits for people who were forced from their homes by tragedy or violence. “We saw in the magazine that the Gather4Good event was going on and we wanted to help and be part of it,” Maureen Daehn, a member from Brooklyn Park, Minn., told us as she wrote out a personal message to place in a hygiene kit. The kits contain soap, toothbrushes and other toiletries that can give displaced people a feeling of home and dignity. “When people lose everything, they are in such a desperate state that

Fraternal Youth Liaison Nate Lamusga passes on instructions to the youth volunteers from the local parishes of St. Michael and St. Albert.

even to provide a few necessities for them is really important,” Daehn said. Black-bagged kits are given to organizations that serve homeless families. Kits in green bags are distributed through Catholic United Response, a project of the Catholic United Financial Foundation. Bob Heuermann, executive director of the Foundation, has connections to a network of disaster relief organizations; many share resources and warehouse space. “We’re guaranteed [the kits] will go out through appropriate organizations based on appropriate need, like the Red Cross and Salvation Army.

How does it work? Follow the hygiene kit assembly process on page 14 >>> September/October 2012

www.catholicunitedfinancial.org

parents teach kids the value of service Those that aren’t distributed come back to us to wait for identifiable need,” Heuermann said. The 350 volunteers who attended that Sunday (our largest crowd so far at a Gather4Good events) did a terrific job of assembling more than 1,600 kits in a little less than two hours. They worked so fast that, by the time everyone lined up for the picnic lunch, most of the kits had already been assembled. By 1:30 p.m., Catholic United staff and volunteers were breaking down boxes and starting the clean-up process. Like Gina Dehmer, many families came to Gather4Good for the specific purpose of introducing children and teens to volunteer work. Shanna and Randy Kuehn from Otsego, Minn., brought their three children to the event. Randy Kuehn summed up his Gather4Good experience: “We helped build up

a community and helped others at maybe one of the worst times of their life.” He and Shanna wanted to show their kids that “you can make a difference and that it’s not too much effort to help others. When everybody pitches in, big tasks get solved.” Peter Ryan, Catholic United Sales Representative for Albertville and the surrounding area, described the event as “spectacular.” “I really enjoyed seeing complete families coming and working together for a wonderful cause,” Ryan said. As one of the organizers of the event, Ryan wanted to thank the leadership of the local councils in the area for their support of Gather4Good: St. Albert Council, St. Michael Council and SS Peter and Paul Council. Cassandra Olson from St. Albert’s Parish took the lead in coordinating the teen volunteers who helped fill and load boxes of finished hygiene kits. With the conclusion

of the Sept. 16 event, the Fraternal Department announced that they had met their goal of assembling 3,000 kits this year. The June and September events also brought in monetary donations of more than $10,000, and $1,500 through in-kind donations. Gather4Good in Albertville also left a local impact. More than 50 pounds of food donated by volunteers that day was delivered to the food shelf in Hanover, Minn., along with 146 hygiene kits. “I believe that this type of event is a huge part of Catholic United’s story,” Ryan said. “Part of the reason I work for Catholic United is the fraternal aspect of the job. I get to meet so many wonderful people along the way.”

Free activities for volunteers at Gather4Good included massages, face painting, live music, picnic lunch, bounce castle, popcorn, lemonade and more. More than 350 people attended the event on Sept. 16 in Albertville, Minn. Volunteers assembled 1,600 kits for the homeless and victims of natural disasters in just a couple of hours.

View photos of Gather4Good events at www.facebook.com/catholicunited news@catholicunited.org

September/October 2012

A meaningful service project for everyone

A hygiene kit starts as an empty bag and, through the care of volunteers like the Walsh family, becomes something much more. Sean and Alicia Walsh brought their three children to Central Park in Albertville, Minn. on Sept. 16, to assemble care kits at Gather4Good. Alicia said, “To me it was a good opportunity to help provide things for people who need them that maybe aren’t able to get them themselves.”

Assembly started under the white tents with an empty drawstring bag. Sean and Alicia walked along the tables, putting items such as combs, shampoo and toothbrushes into the bags. Even little Madison assembled a hygiene kit.

The next step was to write a personal message of hope to place inside the bag, including colored pictures and prayers.

Sean placed the kits his family assembled into the boxing area.

Teen volunteers then boxed up the kits and loaded them up for transport. Next? Sean and family headed back to the tent to start the process again. “It takes just a few minutes to put a bag together and help out families in need,” Sean said.

September/October 2012

Kits were assembled, messages written, and the Walshes were off to the boxing area. All done! The hygiene kit project is simple enough to include children and families, but still has a meaningful impact. Some of the organizations that have received kits are: Belle Plaine Food Shelf; Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women; St. Stephen’s Human Services of Minneapolis; Hope Street Emergency Shelter for Teens in Minneapolis; and Sharing and Caring Hands of Minneapolis. www.catholicunitedfinancial.org

Member Business

Spotlight Lady of the Lake Bed & Breakfast 16604 94th St. SE Hankinson, ND 58041

Hebda Family Produce 30661 444th Avenue Mission Hill, SD 57046

605 665-2806

www.hebdaproduce.com

About two miles west of Mission Hill, S.D., a family of nine Catholic United members work together to bring the fruits (and vegetables) of the season to their visitors. Hebda Family Produce is a 55-acre apple orchard and farm that offers tree- and vineripened produce, as well as jams, jellies and other made-from-scratch items in a festive atmosphere. “The thing that really sets us apart is that we do a whole array of other fruits and veggies,” said Rena Hebda, 48, who with her husband Dale, 52, own and operate Hebda Family Produce. “Also because of our large family, we’ve tried very hard to make it a very family-friendly environment.” Right now, Hebda’s is harvesting apples and making the value-added products like cider, pastries and preserves. Doing that, and running the store that sells the products falls on the whole family. Along with Dale and Rena, children Rebecca, Laura, Joseph, Rachel, Zachary, Benjamin and Nathan pitch in. Only the oldest, Steven, who lives in Denver, Col., isn’t currently a part of the family business. For the fall, a hay maze and pumpkin patch, and all the sights and smells of an apple orchard in autumn are available every day of the week. Bring the family for an afternoon in the crisp air and mention this article when you make your purchase. Hebda’s has agreed to offer 10% off your purchase if you mention this article.

701-242-7520

www.ladyonthelakebb.com

Looking for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city, or even just the cooking? Spend the night in the historic mansion of the founder of Hankinson, N.D., Col. R.H. Hankinson. Enjoy views of the splendid Lake Elsie and let owner Sandy Meyer cook you breakfast! The 5,000-square-foot mansion is owned by Sandy, 59, and Marshall Meyer, 61, and has four rooms with lake views. Nightly rates range from $160 - $200 on the weekends. The historic home is more than 126 years old, and features many of the Colonel’s original decorative flourishes, including a parquet floor and spectacular woodwork. The BnB, as they are called, is one of the few places in the area to offer the quiet, romantic getaway experience, Sandy says. “Leave the kids with grandma and grandpa and come relax on the lake,” she said. “Bring what you want to drink and we’ll take care of the rest.” The Inn can’t sell alcohol, but you can bring your own libation and drink socially. You’ll have the run of the Inn’s five acres, private dock, 463 feet of shoreline and numerous fire pits along the shore. And if you mention this article or Our Catholic Journey, you’ll receive 15% off your stay!

Mention this article and receive a discount at these businesses! news@catholicunited.org

September/October 2012

Coins Life

of your

By Bob Heuermann

“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.” - Carl Sandburg

How are you spending the “Coins of your life?” own Coin of Life piggy banks and helping fill your bank faster. Through life insurance policies and Annuities, you can invest a smaller amount today and watch it grow into a much larger gift in the future. By using these Catholic United Financial tools to plan for your future charitable giving, you can make a few coins a day result in a huge gift later for your church, school or other religious or secular charitable organization. Recently in Mankato, Minn., a member purchased a charitable life insurance policy for $30 a month — a single dollar a day. But she doesn’t have to wait to accumulate a significant sum. Her gift will provide $100,000 when she passes away. Bequeathed the local university’s Newman Center, and a local pro-life clinic, the coins of her life will support the strengthening of young people’s Faith. Her one “coin” per day will provide a $50,000 gift to each of the two charities in the future no matter how long her life and how many, or few, of the coins she can put in the bank before she goes to God. She also receives a charitable tax deduction for every coin she invests today in this life insurance policy. As Sandburg wrote, only you can determine how your coins will be spent, but the Catholic United Financial Foundation can help you once you’ve made the choice. By using life insurance and charitable annuities, you can compound the coins of your life into a lasting legacy. If you are interested in discussing how to create your own “Coin of Life” piggy bank to ensure your future charitable gifts through life insurance or an annuity, call or email me today. Or you can just contact your Catholic United Financial Representative; and he or she can help you see how to make a few coins a day grow into a full bank to support your charitable giving in the future. The foundation is here to help you, so give me a call at 651-765-4118 or e-mail me at rheuermann@ catholicunited.org. Thank you for living our faith as a member of Catholic United Bob Heuermann Is the Executive Director of the Catholic United Financial FoundaFinancial.

My mother-in-law recently celebrated her seventieth birthday. She is my ideal of someone who has led a long, full life. She has celebrated much, notably the multiplying of her family; and suffered, most often from the reduction of it. After good days and bad, what she carries with her always are the memories of time. And, as Carl Sandburg said, time is the “coin of your life.” This caused me to reflect how we all spend our coins of life. Do we reflect at the end of each day and tally each coin we’ve spent? Do we budget coins for the memories that we hold so dear and which make up the story of our lives? I wanted my mother-in-law to have the chance to thank God each day for providing her another coin to spend and reflect on how it had been spent. I gave her a pink piggy bank and suggested she drop a penny in every night before bed to allow her to thank God for that day’s coin of life and attach a memory of that day to be banked along with the coin. Consider this as you spend the coins of your life; are you filling a piggy bank of your own to provide for others in the future? Does your piggy bank include charitable gifts that you want to leave to organizations that you support? If my motherin-law had been dropping a single penny every day in her “life” piggy bank from the day she was born until her seventieth birthday, she would have dropped in more than twenty-five thousand coins — about $256. If the coin were a quarter, it would equal $6,391. A single dollar a day would have put $25,000 in the bank by her seventieth birthday. The Catholic United Financial Foundation assists members like you every day in creating their

tion. If you have inquiries about charitable giving, our priority funds or Catholic United Response, contact him:

1-877-275-7145 rheuermann@catholicunited.org

September/October 2012

www.catholicunitedfinancial.org

July 2012

In loving memory of our deceased members

Elmer Arnold, 89 Eden Valley, MN Ss. Joseph & Mary

Sharon Knapp, 63 Rogers, MN Mary Queen of Peace

Catherine Schoenberg, 83 Raymond Cioffi, 64 Cold Spring, MN Green Bay, WI St. Boniface St. Mary Parish

William Korte, 51 St. Cloud, MN St. Anthony

Richard Neu, 77 St. Cloud, MN St. Anthony

Claire Steck, 81 Glencoe, MN Holy Family

Dorothy Bahor, 92 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Mary Koss, 88 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Agnes Schwanz, 97 Perham, MN Holy Family

James Clise, 80 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Margaret Kortze, 84 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Natalie Niewind, 86 Eden Valley, MN Ss. Joseph & Mary

Leon Steffens, 80 St. Michael, MN St. Michael

Alice Barker, 79 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Evelyn Kronk, 92 Minneapolis, MN St. Ann’s

Arlene Sohl, 69 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Lillie Collins, 86 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Nancy Kruger, 62 Theilman, MN Holy Family

Donald Orth, 84 Sauk Centre, MN St. Paul

Marcella Stepan, 84 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Bernard Barthel, 58 St. Michael, MN St. Michael

James Kunza, 83 Minneapolis, MN St. Boniface

Bradley Sporny, 56 Minneapolis, MN St. Boniface

Agnes DeVille, 100 Marystown, MN St. Anthony

Rev. Francis Kunz, 87 Mankato, MN Holy Family

John Oxborough, Jr., 87 Bloomington, MN Ss. Ann & Wendelinus

James Stueve, 57 Albany, MN St. Joseph

Rose Bodvake, 68 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Karen Larson, 61 Rogers, MN Mary Queen of Peace

Theresa Spors, 60 Rosen, MN Ss. Anthony/Monica

Duane Dingmann, 58 Litchfield, MN St. Philip

David Lange, 75 St. Francis, MN St. Francis

James Palmer, 72 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Mary Kay Tauer, 59 Morgan, MN St. Michael

Alvin Braegelmann, 90 Richmond, MN Ss. Catherine/Joseph

Celine Leyendecker, 88 Sykeston, ND Ss. Joseph/Elizabeth

Barbara Staton, 62 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Georgia Edgell, 85 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Ida Ledford, 82 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Douglas Playle, 65 Rogers, MN Mary Queen of Peace

Marvin Theisen, 79 St. Cloud, MN St. Anthony

Emma Buhl, 88 Long Prairie, MN St. Mary of Mt. Carmel

Geneva Linn, 83 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Gerald Tacheny, 84 Mankato, MN Holy Family

William Erzen, 93 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

John Leischner, 85 Parkston, SD Holy Cross/St. Mary

Stanley Pogacnik, 94 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Allen Thell, 79 St. Cloud, MN St. Anthony

Harvey Dahlheimer, 84 Alice Lueck, 85 Alexandria, MN Winsted, MN Our Lady of the Runestone Holy Family

Rose Traen, 84 St. Leo, MN St. Leo

Kenneth Eull, 88 St. Michael, MN St. Michael

Jeanne Lemler, 88 Hoven, SD St. Anthony of Padua

Donald Potocnik, 81 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Gerald Thill, 79 Dimock, SD St. John the Baptist

Helen Dahlke, 81 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Theodore Luetmer, 42 Meire Grove, MN St. John

Mathilda Wachmann, 98 Armella Fagerness, 88 Adrian, MN St. Martin, MN St. Joseph St. Martin

Richard Libbesmeier, 81 Watkins, MN Holy Family

Robert Prosen, 92 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Cecilia Trnka, 88 Mahnomen, MN Ss. Michael & Joseph

Florence Dorn, 73 Millerville, MN St. Catherine

Audrey Makowske, 79 St. Paul, MN St. Anthony-Maria Hilf

Frank Wikenheiser, 90 Strasburg, ND St. Mary

Clifford Link, 75 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Craig Rhode, 59 Hastings, MN St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Othmar Vos, 76 Cold Spring, MN St. Boniface

Helen Locke, 83 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Rita Rosenberger, 85 St. Cloud, MN St. Augustine

Gerald Weber, 73 Morgan, MN St. Michael

Anna Fillinger, 73 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Cyril Duray, 80 Ira Mayle, 86 Alexandria, MN Green Bay, WI Our Lady of the Runestone St. Mary Parish

Lawrence Willenbring, 91 Randall Fischer, 58 Cold Spring, MN Cold Spring, MN St. Boniface St. Boniface

Linda Elswick, 67 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Spencer McCombs, 89 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Edith Wittrock, 100 Mankato, MN Holy Family

Susan Fischer, 75 Wabasso, MN St. Anne

LeRoy Mahowald, 80 Faribault, MN Ss. Lawrence & Anna

Allen Rudnik, 77 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Melvin Weber, 86 Rogers, MN Mary Queen of Peace

Mary Evans-Lopez, 53 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Mildred McGlothlin, 73 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Joyce Worm, 78 Waconia, MN St. Joseph

Betty Jean Harens, 83 Glencoe, MN Holy Family

Eugene March, 95 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Darlene Sabo, 67 Mankato, MN Holy Family

Marie Weigold, 69 Strasburg, ND St. Mary

Judith Frank, 70 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Gary Messerich, 59 St. Paul, MN Ss. Peter & Clemens

John Yagesh, 64 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

William Harens, 92 Glencoe, MN Holy Family

Wallace Mattock, 87 Little Falls, MN Tri Parish

Elizabeth Schaefer, 92 New Ulm, MN St. Elizabeth

Leon Welle, 63 Freeport, MN Sacred Heart

Beulah Frazier, 86 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

William Mootz, 84 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Henry Zandlo, 90 Minneapolis, MN St. Boniface

Norbert Haus, 85 St. Paul, MN St. Bernard’s

Albert Meyer, 75 Meire Grove, MN St. John

Robyn Schmidt, 55 Mankato, MN Holy Family

Clarence Wills, 92 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Lorraine Goeden, 83 Wadena, MN St. Joseph

Julia Nikolai, 93 Madison, MN St. Michael

August

LeRoy Hauth, 63 Springfield, MN St. Boniface

Helen Middendorf, 97 Freeport, MN Sacred Heart

Alice Schmitz, 87 Union Hill, MN St. John

Lillian Wolf, 91 Strasburg, ND St. Mary

Angeline Haala, 86 Searles, MN St. John the Baptist

Mildred Pepin, 76 Delano, MN Ss. Anthony & Ann

Paul Bertrand, 75 Sleepy Eye, MN St. Mary

Cyril Hoppe, 88 Aitkin, MN St. James

Rose Miklavcic, 95 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Jerome Schommer, 91 Sauk Centre, MN St. Paul

Jennie Zabukovec, 83 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Janet Hance, 64 Buffalo, MN St. Francis Xavier

Anne Prokop, 74 St. Paul, MN Ss. Peter & Clemens

Leo Beste, 72 Bloomington, MN Ss. Ann & Wendelinus

Lillian Hoppe, 89 St. Francis, MN St. Francis

David Miller, 61 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Natalie Schommer, 87 Chaska, MN Guardian Angels

Ann Zagar, 82 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Glenn Harrison, 77 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Richard Reif, 88 St. Paul, MN St. Anthony-Maria Hilf

Loretta Blazing, 90 Searles, MN St. John the Baptist

Anthony Imdieke, 91 Meire Grove, MN St. John

Donald Miller, 83 Pine City, MN Immaculate Conception

Alvira Schwinghammer, 86 Leo Zehrer, 87 Sauk Centre, MN St. Augusta, MN St. Paul St. Mary

Annette Hartig, 69 St. Cloud, MN St. Anthony

Dorothy Ruhr, 81 Sartell, MN St. Francis Xavier

Lois Boomgaarden, 77 Bemidji, MN Our Lady of the Snow

Rose Jasper, 91 Shakopee, MN St. John the Baptist

Una Miller, 84 Pine City, MN Immaculate Conception

Wendelin Sellner, 80 Sleepy Eye, MN St. Mary

Elmer Zirbes, 85 Rockville, MN Mary Immaculate Conception

Dorothy Hess, 73 La Crosse, WI St. James the Less

Donald Ruprecht, 85 Cold Spring, MN St. Boniface

Henry Borish, 83 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Annie Jiron, 78 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Lawrence Mistic, 80 Nebish, MN St. John

Eugene Serie, 79 Minneapolis, MN St. Boniface

Dee Ann Zolen, 61 St. Paul, MN St. Bernard’s

Beatrice Julie, 97 Minneapolis, MN St. Ann’s

Edith Sanders, 87 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

James Brand, 87 New Ulm, MN St. Joseph

Clarice Jordan, 88 Melrose, MN Ss. Bernard/Elizabeth

Charlotte Moore, 90 Mankato, MN Holy Family

Patricia Schubert, 54 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Dorothy Kahle, 86 New Ulm, MN St. Mary

Rev. Roman Schaefer, 96 Albert Breznick, 87 Fairfax, MN Green Bay, WI Ss. Mary & Joseph St. Mary Parish

Richard Keilen, 74 Northfield, MN St. Dominic

Mitchell Moschner, 55 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Dianne Smith, 67 Wabeno, WI St. Ambrose

Richard Keilen, 81 Northfield, MN St. Dominic

Eldred Schlangen, 64 Richmond, MN Ss. Catherine/Joseph

Dorothy Bromenshenkel, 79 Nicholas Kirchner, 76 St. Cloud, MN Sauk Centre, MN St. Anthony St. Paul

Gertrude Mozet, 91 Aberdeen, SD Ss. Joseph & Ann

Henry Smude, 86 Minneapolis, MN St. Boniface

Sharon Kerfeld, 58 St. Rosa, MN St. Rose

Adrian Schmit, 80 Cold Spring , MN St. Boniface

Mildred Brown, 62 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Albert Nagoda, 72 Green Bay, WI St. Mary Parish

Joseph Stang, 81 Cold Spring, MN St. Boniface

news@catholicunited.org news@catholicunited.org news@catholicunited.org

Annabelle Kons, 89 St. Michael, MN St. Michael

Due to limitations of space, we were unable to wish Sheldon and Grace Heimer; Erland and Dorothy Smith; and Vic and Jean Ruhland happy 50th anniversaries. We hope to include anniversaries in the January/February issue.

19 1717

March/April May/June 20112011 September/October 2012

Minutes of the

Board of Directors August 3, 2012 The meeting was held at the University of St. Thomas in connection with the 2012 Annual Delegate Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota. The meeting started at 3:30 pm with Director John Maile leading the Directors in the Opening Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. All members were present. The June Minutes were reviewed; some minor corrections were made and the thusly revised Minutes were moved for approval by Director Fran Barten, seconded by Ms. Pauly and approved. Chairman Mike McGovern and Secretary Harald Borrmann reviewed the Investment Activities Reports for June and July. Yields have stabilized at low levels. No investments are outside the guidelines established by the Board. Director Joe Kueppers moved, Director Bob Krattenmaker seconded and the Board approved the Investment Reports. With regard to Church Loans, Mr. McGovern and Mr. Borrmann advised that management was recommending the lowering of existing church loan rates to meet current market conditions. It is felt that such an action is fair to the parish borrowers and also represents sound investment of member funds. Mr. Kueppers moved, Ms. Pauly seconded and the Board approved this change. As respects the Securities Lending matter, Mr. McGovern and Mr. Borrmann reviewed the current status of the litigation. A further update will be provided at the September Board meeting. With regard to Policy Governance, the following should be noted: Board-CEO Linkage: revised wording was discussed with the Board and agreed language was moved for acceptance by Mr. Kueppers, seconded by Ms. Pauly and approved. Governing Style Policy: it was noted by the Board that special attention

Front row from left: Deborah Pauly, President & Chairman Michael McGovern, Senior Vice President & Secretary/Treasurer Harald Borrmann and Lead Director Fran Barten. Back row from left: George Gmach, Robert Krattenmaker, Michael Schmitz, Joseph Kueppers and John Maile.

should be paid to correct process and actions taken by ad-hoc committees and other sub-committees of the Board. Governance Accountability: It was suggested that the Board authorize funds for a survey to be coordinated by the Marketing Department. Mr. Kueppers moved for this action, Mr. Schmitz seconded and the Board approved. Ms. Pauly led a review of the Board Self-Evaluation Questionnaire. Visibility of the Board was discussed; it was agreed that visibility at Association functions is very important. It was agreed that this important topic will be reviewed at the Board retreat in early January for further clarity and definition. Mr. Borrmann presented the preliminary June 30, 2012, financial report. A final report will be presented at the September Board Meeting. However, a summary shows that: Assets, reserves and insurance in force continue to grow Surplus is down due to: Realized capital losses on foreclosed real estate loans. Some of these will be recovered as the properties are sold the next few years; Timing of major expenses such as pension funding. Full year amortizations will smooth out such expense payments and balance against prior charges to surplus; Continuing increasing volumes of life business and modest increases in annuity premium result in current year statutory losses. As this business stays on the books, profits will emerge and strengthen future surplus. Management is developing strategies for coping with the ongoing low interest rates. Mr. McGovern updated the Board on the 2012 Annual Delegate Convention. Attendance will be up from 2011. The newer venue should meet our members’ needs very nicely. Staff

is helpful, as always. Bishop Piché will say the opening Mass and Monsignor Habiger will be honored for his years as Spiritual Director. Mr. McGovern brought up an issue requested for consideration by a member. The issue is the support of the Marriage Amendment to be brought before voters in Minnesota in November, 2012. The Board discussed this issue fully. Mr. Kueppers moved, and Ms. Pauly seconded, that the Board pass a resolution supporting the Archdiocese’s position that the definition of marriage is the union of one man and one woman in an exclusive lifelong relationship. The Board approved this motion, and it was agreed that this action would be fully reflected in the Minutes of the Board Meeting and reported in the official publication of the Association. The President’s Remarks are as follows: The Gather 4 Good event in New Prague was a big success. Mr. Borrmann reported that he mentioned these events in his visits with Members of Congress in Washington, and received a very warm reception. The Credit Union continues to grow and improve profitability. Life and annuity sales are up. Membership is up 8.5%. The second prize Catholic Schools Raffle winner is a Native American woman from South Dakota. Coincidentally, the first Native American canonization is taking place in Rome this fall, and the Association will allow her to use her raffle prize to attend the canonization. The closing prayer was led by Mr. Gmach and the meeting was adjourned at 5:25 pm. Respectfully submitted, Harald E. Borrmann Senior Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer

Board Minutes are abridged. Complete minutes are available at no charge by contacting the Home Office at 1-800-568-6670 or by visiting our website.

September/October 2012

www.catholicunitedfinancial.org

Annual Legal Disclosures Catholic United Financial Privacy Policy At Catholic United Financial (the Association), we are committed to safeguarding your privacy. While the information we collect about you is critical to providing superior products and services, be assured that we are dedicated to maintaining the confidentiality of the personal information we have. We do not sell or rent to anyone the information you have entrusted to us. To help you understand how we protect your personal information, this notice summarizes the privacy policy of Catholic United Financial and its affiliates, Catholic United Financial Foundation and the Catholic United Financial General Agency, LLC. Another member of the Catholic United Family, Catholic United Financial Credit Union, will provide its own privacy notice. During the continuation of your relationship with The Association, we will advise you of our privacy policy and practices at least once annually, as required by law. Confidentiality & Security Procedures Catholic United Financial understands the importance of protecting and securing your non-public personal information and using it appropriately. We have and maintain strict policies and procedures to protect the confidentiality of your information during all stages of your relationship with The Association. In addition, we maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your non-public personal information. Access to non-public personal information about you is restricted to those employees who need to know that information to provide products and services to you. All employees are trained and required to safeguard such information. Information We May Collect & Use We collect personal information about you in order to provide, administer and service financial products and services, including insurance and annuities. The type of information we collect about you depends on the products, services or benefits you request and may include: • Information we receive from you on applications or other forms, such as your name, address, social security number, birth date, assets and income. • Information you authorize us to obtain, such as medical and hospital records. We want to assure you that medical information Catholic United receives about you will not be disclosed without your authorization, except as required by law. • Information about your transactions with us, such as your contract coverage,

certificate values and payment history. • Information we receive from consumer reporting agencies, such as your credit worthiness and credit history. This type of information will be shared in appropriate situations and only to the extent required for necessary business purposes. Sharing Information Within the Association Family Catholic United regards all of your nonpublic personal information as confidential. However, in the course of conducting our business, there are circumstances in which we may disclose to other parties information we have about you. These disclosures are only made as permitted or required by law. For example, we may disclose the above categories of non-public personal information about you to the Association’s affiliates. We may share your identifying information (such as name, address, telephone number, age and years of membership) and your fraternal relationship information (such as council name) with council officers in order to facilitate fraternal activities. Sharing Information Outside the Association Family We may also disclose the above non-public personal information with nonaffiliated organizations that perform services for us or on our behalf such as reinsurance, fraternal benefits, printing and mailing. We are also permitted to disclose the above categories of information to help us underwrite insurance, process transactions and administer claims

that you request or authorize. In addition, we are required to disclose information about you in certain instances, such as to detect fraud or to comply with an inquiry by a government agency or regulator. Whenever we hire other parties to help us conduct our business, we expect them to maintain the confidentiality of your personal information and abide by all applicable privacy laws. Further, we do not authorize them to use or disclose your personal information for any purpose other than the work they are performing on our behalf or as required by law. Former Customers Should your relationship with Catholic United end, we will continue to limit disclosures of your personal information in accordance with our stated privacy policy and practices just as we do for those with a continuing relationship with us. Accuracy of Your Information Our goal is to keep your information accurate and up-to-date. If you find any inaccuracies in the statements or account information we send to you, we urge you to contact our Member Services Department by calling or writing us at our address below. Catholic United reserves the right to change our privacy policy at any time, but if we do, we will provide a written notice to you. Catholic United Financial • 3499 Lexington Ave. N. • St. Paul, MN 55126 (651) 490-0170 • 1-800-568-6670 • www.catholicunitedfinancial.org

Our Catholic Journey Statement of Ownership

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September/October 2012

Fraternal

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! t ligh

MinisTREE

Can Help your Catholic Community Thrive and Grow Do you have a never-ending “Honey Do” list at home? Now imagine for a moment your church, your church hall, your Catholic school or religious education program, and picture all of the chores that might end up on a “parish– do” list. It can be daunting to think of identifying all those tasks, let alone finding people to complete them. Catholic United Financial started the MinisTREE program more than 10 years ago to bring volunteers and unmet needs in parish communities and Catholic schools together. The program’s success is in large part due to its simplicity. Bev Wiehoff, MinisTREE Coordinator from St. Francis Xavier Council in Sartell, Minn., recently shared her success with several other Catholic United members. “It’s been a great way to get our youth involved in volunteering,” she said, “We make sure some of our tasks are ones kids can do like helping out with hospitality.” A coordinator helps organize a team to identify unmet needs of the parish. This can include members of the parish council, maintenance crew, parish and school staff members, or Catholic United members. Signs and MinisTREE cards resembling leaves are provided by the Fraternal Department. Volunteer opportunities are written on postcardsized “leaves” and placed on a tree located somewhere in the parish or school that is easy to access. The tree can be anything the parish decides from a fake tree to a simple felt tree cutout and posted on a bulletin board. The MinisTREE tree becomes a destination that parishioners and families visit to select volunteer opportunities. MinisTREE helps parishes and schools cross items off their “Honey Do” lists in a fun and interactive way.

September/October 2012

MinisTREE A message from your new Fraternal Liaison at Catholic United Financial First off, thank you for the warm welcome that I have received in my first two months here at Catholic United Financial. It has been a real gift to be working for a company that has such a strong Catholic mission and message. These first months I Stacie Suedkamp have focused on getting to know Fraternal Liaison the programs and a few of the members involved in running them at the council level, in addition to being a part of our Gather4Good service project in Albertville, Minn. It was great fun being a part of the Gather4Good team. It was a delight to see the park full of families and kids enjoying a gorgeous Sunday afternoon while giving their time and talent to a really great cause. I am definitely looking forward to meeting more members at our events. I have been working quite a bit with the MinisTREE program lately, It’s been rewarding to see this program in action in parishes and schools. I have been able to meet with MinisTREE coordinators and local council officers with their Catholic United Financial Representatives to talk about training and new opportunities to see this program grow. It’s one thing to hear about the success of a program but it sure is a lot more fun to witness a fraternal program in action at your parishes and schools firsthand. We are blessed to have so many talented members who are doing great work volunteering in your Catholic communities. I’m thrilled to have found a job where I can be a part of that story. I am a bit of a social media buff, so check out our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/catholicunited and you’ll find me posting there. I am looking forward to meeting many more of you in the months to come. You can reach me by phone at 651-490-0170 ext 163 or send an e-mail to ssuedkamp@catholicunited.org. If you think your parish could benefit from the MinisTREE program, contact the Fraternal Department for more information. Call 1-800-5686670, or, e-mail fraternal@catholicunited.org. If you have a MinisTREE in your parish or school, we’d love to see it! Send a photo of you and your tree to: fraternal@catholicunited.org. www.catholicunitedfinancial.org

Catholic United Kids Cool Kid

Name: Faith Kaslow Age: 8 Hometown: Hudson, Wis. School: Willow River Elementary The FYI on Faith: Say hello to this month’s Catholic United Cool Kid, Faith Kaslow. Faith lives in Hudson, Wis., and is the youngest in her family. She has two older brothers and an older sister. Faith loves amusement parks, and couldn’t wait for her trip to Valleyfair this summer. When she’s not riding roller coasters or going to school at Willow River Elementary, she likes to draw and to play with her American Girl Doll, Lanie. Congratulations, Faith! Be the January/February 2013 Cool Kid! Fill out the puzzles on

this page as best you can and submit them to Our Catholic Journey. One winner will get a Catholic United prize pack! Include your information, as seen above, a photo (can be returned) and a phone number. Send to: Catholic United Kids, 3499 Lexington Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55126.

Catholic United Kids

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smeptember/october 2012

Drum up support...

The 2013 Catholic Schools Raffle is coming to a Catholic school near you this January! The prizes are bigger and better and more numerous. The goal is higher: $750,000 to raise for schools in Minnesota and North and South Dakota. The school list has gotten longer: more than 80 schools are participating. And the anticipation is growing! The 4th Annual Catholic Schools Raffle will kickoff officially on January 22, 2013. We raised more than $600,000 for Catholic schools in 2012 and we want to break that record and reach new heights in 2013. Everything about the Raffle in 2013 will be bigger and better, and we’re inviting you to help it be a huge success. Support the local Catholic school in your area by buying a $5 ticket in January and February of next year. Every penny of this fundraiser goes straight to the schools. Keep reading future issues of Our Catholic Journey magazine for more Raffle news, and “like” our Facebook page to receive future updates in your Facebook newsfeed.

Catholic Schools Raffle!

September / October Catholic Crossword

Across 1 Writer of “The Canterbury Tales” 5 Catholic actress, Faye ____ who starred in “Chinatown” 9 Togetherness 11 Supreme Court Justice who is

a Catholic, ____ Thomas 14 Eager 15 Essential 16 Author of The Hunger Games, who is a Catholic, Suzanne _____ 18 ____ Wednesday

20 Place of worship 23 Catholic actor who portrayed Pope John Paul II in CBS miniseries, Jon ____ 26 Spanish for one 28 Papal representatives 30 One of three- see 45 across (2 words) 31 “___ the season ...” 33 “Thy __ and thy staff, they comfort me....” 34 Alongside 35 Comedian who was a Catholic, Bing _____ 36 Spanish for my 37 What? 39 Writer who became a Catholic, Ernest ____ 42 Ruth’s mother-in-law in the Bible 44 Organization working for world peace, for short 45 The three who brought gifts to the baby Jesus 46 He was a priest and a great playwright of Spain’s Golden Age (3 words)

Down 1 Place of worship 2 Friend in French 3 Shout 4 Different peoples

September/October 2012

5 Suspense writer who is a Catholic, ____ Koontz 6 Necessities 7 The cord in a candle 8 “Why are you fearful, O __ of little faith” 10 ___ death do us part.... 12 French the 13 Ever, old word 14 On bended ___ 17 Scale note 18 In the past 19 Martyr under Henry VIII, St. _____ (2 words) 21 Catholic TV host who participated in “Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Servant of All,” Regis ______ 22 One of the Seven Deadly Sins 23 Every priest takes them 24 Protection against loss 25 Radio talk show host who is a Catholic, Laura _____ 27 Another deadly sin 29 Silent signal 32 Think tank product 36 Smaller version 38 London park 40 Coffee holder 41 Try to gain the support of someone 43 Savings account Solution posted at www.catholicunitedfinancial.org/ links/games www.catholicunitedfinancial.org

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