The Catholic Spirit - September 13, 2018

September 13, 2018 • Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

Karen students join St. Jerome Nearly 50 children of refugees from Myanmar enroll at Maplewood school, creating both excitement and challenges.

— Pages 12-13

Abuse pain acknowledged Archbishop Bernard Hebda expresses sorrow for the hurt felt by victims, announces Holy Hour of reparation and prayers for healing Sept. 15.

— Page 5

Philanthropist honored Aim Higher Foundation chooses Karen Rauenhorst to receive its Night of Light award Sept. 28 for her efforts to provide Catholic elementary school students scholarships.

— Page 7

Seal of confession Member of Vatican court explains why priests can’t reveal what they hear from penitents.

Grandparents encouraged

— Page 15

Crystal Crocker of the Office of Evangelization speaks at Iowa conference about passing on the faith to grandchildren.

— Page 16

Seminary: A safe place?

Church scandals have turned scrutiny on seminary culture and formation, but local leaders say SPS, SJV safe and flourishing

By Maria Wiering The Catholic Spirit

“H

ow do I know my son is safe in the seminary?”

A parent of a seminarian recently posed that question to Bishop Andrew Cozzens, the interim rector of the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity in St. Paul. It was the first time he’d been asked that in 15 years of involvement in seminary formation, and it was a “very painful” question to hear, he said.

But he understands why it was asked.

Nationally, seminary formation has come under scrutiny following allegations that former-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick sexually harassed seminarians, and that sexual misconduct has been tolerated in some seminaries. Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston canceled a trip to the World Meeting of Families in Dublin last month to address allegations of sexual misconduct in his archdiocesan seminary, and allegations of sexual misconduct have surfaced against a now-deceased former vocations director of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania grand jury report detailing clergy sexual abuse in that state over 70 years includes accounts that the behavior of some priests later named as abuse perpetrators was red-flagged during

DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Seminarian Jake Epstein, second from right, of the Diocese of Des Moines, Iowa, prays during the opening Mass at the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity Sept. 4. At right is Kaleb Quast from the Diocese of Duluth. seminary preparation, but they were allowed to be ordained.

In the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, seminary leaders are confident that the overall culture and formation process are healthy, and they are shaping future priests in a way that helps them form appropriate and authentic relationships with each other and their some-day parishioners.

“As soon as the stories around former Cardinal McCarrick were breaking, we realized that we needed to address this very directly with the seminarians, because that story highlighted the fact that seminarians find themselves in a vulnerable position. That is, they need the approval of their superiors in order to move towards ordination,” Bishop Cozzens said. “We wanted to make sure that they knew that we would never

tolerate anyone who would abuse that vulnerability in any way.”

To parents and seminarians, Bishop Cozzens has been making it clear that seminarians are indeed safe at the St. Paul Seminary, and that they can trust the seminary’s leaders.

“The key is that the formation we’re trying to do in the seminary requires trust,” he told The Catholic Spirit. “That has to be mutual trust. They have to trust us. We have to trust them. The seminarians have to trust the faculty, and the faculty have to trust the seminarians. That’s the only way that the kind of human growth that is needed in the seminary can happen, ... so we needed to establish right away that this is a safe environment.”

PLEASE TURN TO SEMINARY ON PAGE 8

Bishop Cozzens: Archbishop Nienstedt investigation ‘doomed to fail’ Controversy illustrates need for independent review board for allegations against bishops

By Maria Wiering The Catholic Spirit Bishop Andrew Cozzens said the Catholic Church “desperately needs an independent structure, led by experienced lay personnel, to investigate and review allegations made against bishops, archbishops and cardinals” in an Aug. 31 statement.

“I am acutely aware of this, because I was personally involved, along with Bishop Lee Piché, in guiding the investigation of Archbishop John Nienstedt in 2014,” he said. “In retrospect, it was doomed to fail.”

In January 2014, Archbishop Nienstedt, then the leader of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, directed his subordinates to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct that had been made against him. The investigation — and

especially, how it ended — has received renewed international interest after retired U.S. nuncio Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò denied Aug. 26 that he had instructed Bishop Piché and Bishop Cozzens to end it.

Speaking of the investigation’s weakness from its start, Bishop Cozzens, the auxiliary bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, said, “We did not have enough objectivity or experience with such investigations. Nor did we have authority to act. Throughout our efforts, we did not know where we could turn for assistance, because there was no meaningful structure to address allegations against bishops.”

When the probe yielded “affidavits containing serious allegations of misconduct by Archbishop Nienstedt with adults,” Bishop Cozzens said he and Bishop Piché “tried our best to bring them to the attention of people who might have the authority to act and guide the investigation.”

That included an April 12, 2014, meeting in Washington with Archbishop Viganò, then the U.S. nuncio, a Vatican diplomat who also serves as a liaison between the Vatican and U.S. bishops.

“When Bishop Piché and I believed that we were being told by the nuncio to close the investigation, we strenuously objected.

When the nuncio clarified that we should focus the investigation and complete it, we did so,” he said.

“Although there were internal disagreements about how to complete it, Bishop Piché thought it best to hire a second firm to complete the review, because Archbishop Nienstedt contended the first firm had been unfair to him.

Father Daniel Griffith [then the archdiocese’s safe environment delegate] strongly disagreed with that decision.

During this long period, on more than one occasion, I counseled Archbishop Nienstedt to resign for the good of the archdiocese.”

He continued: “Throughout this process, there was confusion about who was ultimately in charge and what should be done to ensure a fair outcome. I think that Bishop Piché believes that the investigation was completed to the best of his ability. I understand the strong frustrations expressed by Father Griffith, PLEASE TURN TO INVESTIGATION ON PAGE 6

2 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

PAGETWO

“

The Catholic Church is looking — full of dismay — at its own 9/11.”

Archbishop Georg Ganswein, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s personal secretary and prefect of the papal household, said Sept. 11 during a book presentation in Rome. He added: “The news coming from America that recently informed us about how many souls have been irreparably and mortally wounded by priests of the Catholic Church, gives us a message [that is] even more terrible than if there had been news that all the churches in Pennsylvania had suddenly collapsed together with the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.”

NEWS notes

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GANG MINISTRY Jesuit Father Greg Boyle talks to a packed church at St. Thomas More in St. Paul Sept. 5 about his efforts to help gang members in Los Angeles. He is an L.A. native and has served there as a priest since the 1980s. His presentation was a sold-out fundraiser for the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, which connects adults with service opportunities. He founded the nonprofit Homeboy Industries, a gang rehabilitation program that has drawn attention nationwide and helps 15,000 men and women every year, according to its website. He also is the author of the 2010 New York Times bestseller, “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion.” “We had eight gangs that were at war with each other,” Father Boyle said during his talk, highlighting the gang problem that has existed throughout his 30-plus years of ministry. “If L.A. is the gang capital of the U.S., my parish is the gang capital of L.A.”

The year William Worrall Mayo settled his family in Rochester and opened a clinic that would later become the renowned Mayo Clinic. It will be featured in a two-hour Ken Burns documentary that airs on PBS 8 p.m. Sept. 25. Called “The Mayo Clinic: Faith Hope - Science,” it will include interviews with patients, including deceased U.S. Sen. John McCain and the Dalai Lama. It tells the story of how Mayo came to Rochester and began practicing medicine with his sons, Will and Charlie. Following a deadly tornado in the area in 1883, the Mayos led recovery efforts with the Sisters of St. Francis caring for patients. The community’s leader, Mother Alfred Moes, said she had a vision from God for building a hospital with Mayo as director. Today, the Mayo Clinic employs more than 4,500 physicians and scientists and 58,400 administrative and allied health staff.

100

The years since Archbishop John Ireland’s Sept. 25, 1918, death. The University of St. Thomas is commemorating the archbishop with its Founder’s Day picnic and program, and a series of four lectures on Archbishop Ireland, beginning with Russell Hittinger, the Warren Chair of Catholic Studies and Research Professor of Law at the University of Tulsa, speaking on “Archbishop Ireland, Education and the Social Question: Implications for Today” Nov. 8. Other speakers include Irene Whelan, Al Lathrop and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the latter of whom will speak Sept. 26, 2019, on “The Influence of Archbishop Ireland.” Meanwhile, the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, which Archbishop Ireland commissioned, will mark the anniversary Sept. 25 at its 5:15 p.m. Mass with the Cathedral Children’s Choir. Refreshments will follow.

2

The number of new principals at Risen Christ Catholic School in Minneapolis. After the retirement of longtime principal Liz Ramsey in June, the school promoted two of its educators to co-principal. Melissa Eichstaedt will serve as co-principal for curriculum and instruction, and Kathy Yates will serve as co-principal for student affairs.

$110,000 DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

JUSTICE PRAYER From left, Genevieve Jogwuia and Nicoline Chomilo of St. Peter Claver in St. Paul sing at the beginning of a prayer service Sept. 6 at St. Peter Claver for a Day of Prayer for Racial Justice, Peace and Healing. Father Erich Rutten, pastor of St. Peter Claver, opened the ecumenical vigil, and Archbishop Bernard Hebda delivered a homily after the Gospel reading.

MILESTONE St. Peter Claver Sisters celebrate 80 years The Missionary Sisters of St. Peter Claver in St. Paul commemorated their 80th anniversary in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Sept. 8. Archbishop Bernard Hebda celebrated an anniversary Mass for the sisters and guests. With the help of a legacy gift left by Father Stephen Louis Theobald of St. Peter Claver parish in St. Paul, the sisters arrived in 1938 and printed periodicals for missions around the world, including the “Echo from Africa” mission magazine the community’s foundress, Blessed Mary Theresa Ledochówska, launched in 1891. The magazine, which goes to 20,000 benefactors worldwide, recounts the ongoing projects and needs of African missions. The St. Paul sisters also have a museum, opened in 2009, displaying missions artifacts at their convent, which is open to visitors. Seven sisters and seven novices currently live in the archdiocese. The order works to help the poor and the mission work of the Church. The sisters in St. Paul are one of 46 St. Peter Claver Sisters communities around the world.

The Catholic Spirit is published semi-monthly for The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Vol. 23 — No. 17 MOST REVEREND BERNARD A. HEBDA, Publisher TOM HALDEN, Associate Publisher MARIA C. WIERING, Editor

The cost of a new playground at Ascension Catholic School in Minneapolis, which Archbishop Bernard Hebda blessed Aug. 31. It’s the 120-year-old school’s first playground; previously, students used a parking lot and sometimes visited a nearby public school playground. A family from Holy Name of Jesus in Medina anonymously donated about two-thirds of the cost and helped to build the playground with friends July 26. The school raised the remaining funds in about two weeks. “The first day after the build was the last day of our summer school program, and the kids got off the bus and just ran to it, amazed,” said Judy Romanowich Smith, the school’s communications manager. “It has been life-changing for our school.”

CORRECTIONS The story “Former delegates to Kitui send condolences after school bus crash” in the Aug. 23 issue incorrectly stated that the next delegation for Kitui visits the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 2019. It is 2018. The same edition incorrectly named in “News Notes” the parish of Tom and Joyce Heither, parents of Sister Felicity Heither, who recently professed first vows with the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville.

They are parishioners of St. Michael in Prior Lake. The Catholic Spirit apologizes for the errors.

Materials credited to CNS copy­righted by Catholic News Service.

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SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 3

FROMTHEBISHOP ONLY JESUS | BISHOP ANDREW COZZENS

Bringing light to darkness “T

ake no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light”

(Eph 5:12-14).

All of us have felt the pain of the “works of darkness” which have once again come to light in our Church. Just when it seemed like locally the clouds were beginning to part as the archdiocese’s bankruptcy was coming to an end, the clouds descended again. We were horrified by the terrible stories of abuse in Pennsylvania and the widespread corruption that seems to surround the life of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. Now the accusations of cover-up have enveloped the Holy Father himself. I know many of you, like me, have felt shaken and overwhelmed.

Although the feelings of anger, hurt and discouragement are justified and need to be acknowledged, we also need to remember how God works. God always brings good out of evil. The truth is that the clouds always seem darkest when the light shines on them, and the only way the healing of this cancer of sexual immorality in our Church can ever come is through the light shining on it. For too long the shame of sexual abuse in our Church has been carried in the dark and alone by victims/survivors.

Now it is time for all of us in the Church to carry it, perhaps especially her clergy and, most especially, her bishops. I willingly stand in the darkness of this

Llevando la luz a los oscuros

“

N

o tomes parte en las obras infructuosas de la oscuridad; más bien, exponlos, porque es vergonzoso incluso mencionar las cosas hechas por ellos en secreto; pero todo lo expuesto por la luz se vuelve visible, porque todo lo que se hace visible es luz” (Efesios 5:12-14).

Todos nosotros hemos sentido el dolor de las “obras de oscuridad” que una vez más han salido a la luz en nuestra Iglesia. Justo cuando parecía que las nubes comenzaban a separarse a medida que la bancarrota de la arquidiócesis llegaba a su fin, las nubes volvieron a descender.

Nos horrorizaron las terribles historias de abuso en Pennsylvania y la corrupción generalizada que parece rodear la vida del ex cardenal McCarrick. Ahora mismo las acusaciones de encubrimiento han envuelto al mismo Santo Padre. Sé que muchos de ustedes, como yo, se han sentido conmocionados y abrumados.

Aunque los sentimientos de enojo, dolor y desaliento están justificados y deben ser reconocidos, también debemos recordar cómo funciona Dios. Dios siempre saca lo bueno del mal. La verdad es que las nubes siempre parecen más oscuras cuando la luz brilla sobre ellas, y la única forma en que la curación de este cáncer de inmoralidad sexual en nuestra Iglesia puede llegar es a través de la luz que brilla sobre ella. Durante demasiado tiempo la vergüenza de

shame because I want the healing of victims and the purification of the Church. I believe that this shame coming into the light is a great good, because I want the Church to face her own darkness so that she can heal.

Of course we need practical reform in the Church, especially to create structures of accountability for bishops, whether for allegations of their own sexual immorality or their failure to act appropriately in response to allegations against others. As I have stated elsewhere, I think that there needs to be independent lay-led means developed to investigate these issues and review them. But we also need holiness, which always comes through repentance and spiritual purification. Only when we repent for our sins, and do the penance necessary to heal the wounds, can new life come.

We need to learn to see the wisdom of the cross.

The cross was a great evil. When the Son of God came to earth to reveal the love of the Eternal Father, we human beings hung him up on a tree to die. Yet he turned this great act of evil into the greatest gift for us. Through the suffering love of Christ, through his self-gift, the cross became a source of love and redemption for us. The cross teaches us that God’s greatest power is the ability to bring good out of evil.

If we learn to receive God’s love in our darkness, even darkness can become a source of life. As St. Paul said so clearly in Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

All things? Even our own sins? Even the sins of bishops? This is the profound truth Jesus teaches us through his death and resurrection: There is nothing

los abusos sexuales en nuestra Iglesia ha sido llevada en la oscuridad y solo por las víctimas/sobrevivientes. Ahora es el momento para todos nosotros en la Iglesia para llevarlo a cabo, tal vez especialmente para su clero y, especialmente, sus obispos. De buena gana me paro en la oscuridad de esta vergüenza porque quiero la curación de las víctimas y la purificación de la Iglesia. Creo que esta vergüenza que sale a la luz es un gran bien, porque quiero que la Iglesia enfrente su propia oscuridad para que pueda sanar.

Como dije en otra parte, creo que es necesario que haya medios independientes de líderes laicos para investigar estos problemas y revisarlos. Pero también necesitamos la santidad que siempre viene a través del arrepentimiento y la purificación espiritual. Solo cuando nos arrepentimos por nuestros pecados y hacemos la penitencia necesaria para sanar las heridas, puede venir una nueva vida.

La cruz nos enseña que el mayor poder de Dios es la capacidad de sacar lo bueno del mal. Si aprendemos a recibir el amor de Dios en nuestra oscuridad, incluso la oscuridad puede convertirse en una fuente de vida. Como dijo san Pablo tan claramente en Romanos 8:28, “sabemos que todas las cosas funcionan para bien de los que aman a Dios, los cuales son llamados según su propósito”. ¿Todas las cosas? ¿Incluso nuestros propios pecados? Incluso los pecados de los obispos? Esta es la verdad profunda que Jesús nos enseña a través de su muerte y resurrección: No hay

nada tan malo que Dios no pueda tomarlo y convertirlo en un bien potencial. Todo mal traído a la luz del amor misericordioso de Dios puede convertirse en un bien. Esta es la verdad de la curación, la curación de las víctimas/sobrevivientes, la curación de nuestra Iglesia. La curación comienza a suceder cuando no tenemos miedo de traer las sombras a la luz y tratar de ver con los ojos misericordiosos de Dios. ¿Qué debemos hacer cuando llevamos esta vergüenza? Debemos reconocer lo que sentimos. Como nos enseñan los salmos, no debemos temer reconocer nuestros sentimientos profundos hacia Dios en oración. Reconocer nuestros sentimientos es el primer paso para llevarlos a la luz de Dios, para que podamos comenzar a ver con sus ojos. Mientras seguimos orando, comenzaremos a ver cómo Dios está trayendo el bien. Recibiremos de Dios su manera de ver.

Si hay más sombras que exponer, pueden estar expuestas. Preferiría vivir en una Iglesia humilde y purificada que una que esté feliz y entumecida.

Creo que Dios sacará un gran bien de este mal, como lo profetizó Zacarías, el Padre de San Juan Bautista: “En la tierna compasión de nuestro Dios, el alba de lo alto vendrá sobre nosotros para alumbrar a los que habitan”. En la oscuridad y en la sombra de la muerte y para guiar nuestros pies por el camino de la paz” (Lc 1:78-79).

Lea una versión más larga de esta columna en español en TheCatholicSpirit.com

so evil that it cannot be taken up by God and turned into a potential good. All evil brought into the light of the merciful love of God can become a good. This is the truth of healing, healing for victims/survivors, healing for our Church. The healing begins to happen when we are not afraid to bring the shadows into the light and try to see with God’s merciful eyes.

What must we do as we carry this shame? We must acknowledge what we feel. As the psalms teach us, we should not be afraid to acknowledge our deep feelings to God in prayer. Acknowledging our feelings is the first step to bringing them into the light of God, so we can begin to see with his eyes. As we keep praying, we will begin to see how God is bringing good. We will receive from God his way of seeing.

One good I already see is the 90 men for whom I am privileged to serve for four months as interim rector of the St. Paul Seminary. They continue to pursue priesthood in the face of this shadow over the Church because they desire to live holiness and give an authentic witness to the truth of Christ’s love.

They inspire me to do the same. I see this same inspiration in the holy lives of many of our lay people. In fact, in the history of the Church some of the greatest saints have come from her darkest times.

If there are more shadows to be exposed, may they be exposed. I would rather live in a Church that is humbled and purified than one that is happy and numb. I believe that God will bring great good out of this evil, as Zechariah, the father of St. John the Baptist prophesied, “In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Lk 1:78-79).

OFFICIAL Archbishop Bernard Hebda has announced the following appointments in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis:

Effective September 1, 2018 Deacon Gordon Bird, appointed to Catholic Watchmen for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. This is in addition to his current assignment at the Church of Saint Joseph in Rosemount.

Deacon John Cleveland, appointed to Corrections Ministry for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. This is in addition to his current assignment at the Church of the Guardian Angels in Chaska.

Deacon Alan Nicklaus, appointed to Corrections Ministry for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. This is in addition to his current assignment at the Church of All Saints in Lakeville.

Deacon James Reinhardt, appointed Coordinator of Marriage in Christ for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

This is in addition to his current assignment at the Church of the Risen Savior in Burnsville.

Deacon Ronald Schmitz, appointed to the Institute of Diaconate Formation for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. This is in addition to his current assignment at the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Saint Paul.

Deacon Donald Tienter, appointed to Corrections Ministry for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. This is in addition to his current assignment at the Church of the Nativity of Our Lord in Saint Paul.

Effective September 4, 2018 Deacon John Vomastek, appointed Associate Director of the Institute of Diaconate Formation for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

This is a transfer from his current assignment as chaplain to Woodbury Senior Living in Woodbury and is in addition to his current assignment at the Church of Saint Patrick in Inver Grove Heights.

Effective September 5, 2018 Deacon Patrick Hirl, appointed to the University of St. Thomas Center for Catholic Studies Institute for Catholic Leadership.

This is in addition to his current assignment at the Church of Saint Hubert in Chanhassen.

Retirements Effective September 1, 2018 Reverend Dennis Thompson, currently serving as parochial vicar of the Church of Saint John Neumann in Eagan, has been granted the status of a retired priest. Father Thompson was ordained in 1989 and has served the Archdiocese as a priest since his arrival in 1991. Father Thompson was incardinated in 2003.

‘Angel’ among us

SLICEof LIFE

4 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

LOCAL

St. Joseph of Carondelet Sister Avis Allmaras, center, talks with Rose Carter, left, and Irene Eiden at Peace House in south Minneapolis Feb. 27. Sister Avis goes to the center weekly and visits frequent guests like Carter. Eiden, of St. William in Fridley, is a lay consociate of the Carondelet Sisters. Peace House is a day shelter for the poor and homeless.

“It’s a real privilege to know these people and hear their stories,” Sister Avis said. “I could not survive on the streets like they do. There are so many gifted people here.” Said Carter of Sister Avis: “She’s an angel. She hides her wings under that sweatshirt. She truly is an angel.”

Students at St. Jude of the Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit Lake Catholic School in Mahtomedi gather around Cupid, an African penguin from the Como Zoo in National Catholic Sisters Week is St. Paul, during a visit March 8-14.Sept.

An official component 5. “The penguin isofour Women’s History andand our schoolMonth mascot, headquartered at St. Catherine University theme this year is we are a in St. Paul, the week women family of celebrates ‘pengwinners,’” religious andsaid their contributions Principal Carrieto the Church andHackman. society. View local events, “So, I thought, including two art exhibitions, at ‘Hey, what better than to www.nationalcatholicsistersweek .orgZoo . partner with the Como and see if we can get a real penguin out here?’ The kids were really excited to have him in the building.” Taking a closer look at the penguin are, from left, kindergartners Sam Cochoran, Leah Ciresi, Anita Fercello and Chase DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT Carter.

Penguin on parade

Celebrating sisters

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SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

LOCAL

Archbishop: Strong local child protection measures in place, but U.S. bishop accountability must improve Archbishop calls for independent review of Archbishop Viganò’s claims, announces Sept. 15 Holy Hour

By Maria Wiering The Catholic Spirit As calls have come from across the United States for Church officials to demonstrate actions, not just words or prayers, to end clergy sexual abuse and cover-ups, Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis reiterated in an Aug. 31 statement what his archdiocese is doing to protect children and hold perpetrators responsible.

He began, however, with a recognition of the hurt that recent revelations may have caused for sexual abuse survivors. “In the aftermath of the demoralizing Pennsylvania grand jury report and the troubling claims made by our former nuncio, Archbishop [Carlo Maria] Viganò, much has been said about the scandals in our Church — worldwide and here in Minnesota,” he said. “I can only imagine how jarring those reports must be for those who have survived abuse and for their families. I am sorry for the harm inflicted and the ongoing pain caused to so many.”

He said that he has heard from “many concerned people: young parents worried about the safety of their children, seasoned parishioners wondering when this crisis may end, priests asking how they can serve their parishioners when they themselves no longer know who is trustworthy, and bishops regretting that we were so slow to seek the help of lay experts — and act with fuller transparency.”

He continued: “In the midst of this darkness, it is the Lord’s promise that he will be with us always (Mt 28:20), that he will never abandon his Church, that gives me hope. As the darkness of the past is brought to light, I am trusting in St. Paul’s insight that what is illuminated will itself be light (Eph 5:13).”

He announced that the archdiocese will host a Holy Hour of reparation and prayers for healing at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul at 11 a.m. Sept. 15, the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Archbishop Viganò controversy Archbishop Hebda briefly addressed recent allegations leveled by retired U.S. nuncio Archbishop Viganò that high-level Church officials, including Pope Francis, were aware of former-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s sexual misconduct, but turned a blind eye. In a lengthy statement released Aug. 25, Archbishop Viganò called for Pope Francis and other prelates who covered up Archbishop McCarrick’s behavior to resign. Archbishop Hebda said an independent outside review would be required to resolve the questions raised by the former nuncio.

“Having had good reasons to place my trust in both Pope Francis and Archbishop Viganò, I am personally at a loss as to how to evaluate the claims that have been made by the archbishop,” he said. “Based on my experience in this archdiocese, I believe that some form of an independent review led by credible outsiders is the only way to resolve such situations and restore trust.”

Archbishop Viganò’s letter prompted his critics to revive accusations that he acted to end the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ 2014 investigation of sexual misconduct allegations against Archbishop John Nienstedt. Archbishop Hebda did not address that controversy, but Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens, who was involved in the investigation, shared his perspective in a separate statement, also released Aug. 31. (See story on page 9.)

In his statement, Archbishop Hebda said that he aimed to locally contextualize the recent clergy sexual abuse scandals and “reaffirm publicly both our commitment to justice and healing for those who have been harmed and our conviction that abuse can never be tolerated” but that he “[knows] full well that mere words and apologies ring hollow unless accompanied by actions.”

“Working with the lay volunteers on our archdiocesan Ministerial Review Board, corporate board of directors and finance council, along with many other volunteers, employees and clergy throughout the archdiocese, we have constructively and openly confronted our failures — the failures that led to criminal and civil charges, bankruptcy, a loss of trust and a weakening of our moral voice.”

He continued, “Although we have more to do, we have come a long way. In 2015, we entered into a far-reaching settlement agreement with the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office that requires us to take verifiable actions to prevent future abuses. The agreement has improved the way we respond to victim/survivors; the way we hold priests accountable; the way we accept, prepare and promote seminarians; the way we train our priests, employees and volunteers; and how we educate our children and youth in every parish and school in the archdiocese. It has helped to improve our culture. We have not only abided by that agreement, but have done more than it requires. This has been verified in court every six months.

“More recently, we worked with victim/survivors to file a joint plan in the bankruptcy court that financially compensates those who have been harmed in our archdiocese. We have also changed our governance within the archdiocese, embracing greater involvement and collaboration between the corporate board and finance council, which assures greater oversight by lay leaders.”

Hope to benefit broader Church Archbishop Hebda said that the archdiocese “cannot rest on these actions alone.”

“There will be challenges in the future, but we now draw on the expertise of a broad range of individuals, primarily laity, to address those issues with integrity, objectivity and transparency,” he said. “It is my hope that what has been learned here can serve the broader Church nationally and internationally.”

On bishop accountability, Archbishop Hebda said that the archdiocese’s 2015 settlement agreement with the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office requires that if an allegation of misconduct is brought against an archbishop or auxiliary bishop, the director of the office of ministerial standards — currently Tim O’Malley — is required to notify the archdiocesan board of directors, which includes lay leaders.

Archbishop Hebda said that he also supports engaging lay leadership for bishop accountability worldwide. “Church leaders must be judged by outsiders who have the independence, objectivity, and expertise to be fair and credible. We need the assurance that any cleric — whether a newly ordained priest or a pope — who abused minors or knowingly protected or enabled such abusers, will be held accountable. The same is true for those who abuse their position to take advantage of vulnerable adults, persons receiving spiritual care or seminarians.”

He suggested that, on a national scale, an “oversight board similar in make-up, independence and authority to our archdiocesan Ministerial Review Board should be empaneled to address accusations of misconduct by bishops and archbishops.” He also suggested “the appointment of a number of trusted outsiders who can assist those who have grievances,” pointing to the example of former Hennepin County Attorney Tom Johnson, an independent ombudsman who assists clergy abuse survivors in the archdiocese, “giving those aggrieved a safe avenue for pursuing claims without fear of repercussions.”

He said he is “fully committed to the course we are on to correct our failings, advance accountability, assist those harmed and prevent future abuse.”

“I realize that I am far from perfect, but I always try to act to the best of my ability and with integrity, collaborating with the many hardworking and committed individuals in this archdiocese who contribute every day to making our Church a better place through their steadfast dedication to safe environments and the Gospel,” he said.

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in BRIEF Attorney calls for grand jury probe, archdiocese says it would cooperate ST. PAUL — The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said that it would cooperate with any new investigation into clergy sex abuse Aug. 23, following a St. Paul attorney’s call for Minnesota’s governor to commission a grand jury to investigate the situation statewide. Jeff Anderson, whose law practice focuses on sexual abuse survivors, announced during an Aug. 23 press conference that he had asked Gov. Mark Dayton to authorize an investigation similar to the one of six Pennsylvania dioceses. Its report was released Aug. 14 and included child sex abuse allegations against more than 300 clergy from more than 1,000 survivors during a period of 70 years. Anderson said that a Minnesota grand jury commission could reveal similar situations among the state’s six dioceses. He made little distinction between the archdiocese and the other dioceses, despite varying levels of disclosure of abuserelated documents and names of accused priests. As a result of litigation, the archdiocese has already disclosed its files of priests credibly accused of abuse to Anderson’s office, and they are available in redacted form on Anderson’s website. A spokeswoman from Dayton’s office said Aug. 23 that the governor is researching and analyzing his authority regarding the request.

CDH faces lawsuit over expelling student due to safety threat ST. PAUL — Six months after Cretin-Derham Hall addressed a rumored gun-related safety threat, the St. Paul Catholic high school faces a lawsuit from the expelled student tied to the rumor. Recent CDH graduate David Deaver filed the civil lawsuit in Ramsey County District Court Aug. 20, alleging that the school “took illegal disciplinary action against him” according to the petition. Deaver claims the school violated its educational contract with him, defamed him and didn’t offer him due process in the investigation of the rumors. CDH considered canceling classes for a day during the week of Feb. 18 when a rumor of a planned shooting circulated among the students the week following the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. While the CDH administration decided to keep the school open since the threat wasn’t proven credible, the St. Paul Police positioned officers in the building that day as a precaution.

Deaver, who had been linked to the rumors, was expelled Feb. 21. A CDH spokesperson said the school can’t comment on pending litigation. In addition, the school wishes to protect the student’s confidentiality. The court will hear the case Sept. 24.

Court rules against Pro-Life Action Ministries in fetal tissue case MINNEAPOLIS — Pro-life advocates’ case against the University of Minnesota Medical School regarding its alleged illegal use of aborted fetal tissue for research was dismissed by the Minnesota Court of Appeals Aug. 20. The Thomas More Society, a Chicago-based law firm, filed the petition in 2016, representing a University of Minnesota graduate student and St. Paulbased nonprofit Pro-Life Action Ministries. They cited a Minnesota law that prohibits the use of fetal remains, whether from abortion or natural death, for medical research. They brought the case before the appellate court after the lawsuit had been dismissed in trial court. The appellate court also dismissed it, using the basis of 2017 legislation on fetal tissue research.

The court ruled that the new law allows for fetal research, which “prevails over the other” statute, according to the court’s decision. A court can use new legislation for an existing case. Pro-Life Action Ministries took interest in the issue in 2015 following the Center for Medical Progress’ discovery that the University of Minnesota had been obtaining fetal tissue from Advanced Bioscience Resources in Alameda, California.

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Local Catholics turn to parish, grassroots efforts to speak about national scandal

By Matthew Davis and Susan Klemond The Catholic Spirit What can be done to hold bishops accountable? Will we ever hear the end of clergy sexual abuse?

Will my children and grandchildren remain committed to the faith in light of the recent scandals?

These were among the questions and concerns about 50 Catholics brought to a Sept. 5 listening session at St. Joseph the Worker in Maple Grove. The event was among recent local opportunities for Catholics to talk and pray following the Pennsylvania grand jury report, which exposed clergy sexual abuse during 70 years in six dioceses in Pennsylvania, and a former U.S. nuncio’s claim that high-ranking Vatican prelates ignored allegations of sexual misconduct against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick.

Father Mike Sullivan, pastor of St. Joseph, said he wanted to give parishioners an opportunity to share ideas for solutions, which he planned to pass on to local Church leaders.

“They recognize what they think is a disparity between what the Church does and what their place of employment has to do,” he said of his parishioners, in terms of reporting and handling claims of misconduct. “That’s why they’re pushing back and saying, ‘Why is this happening in the Church yet?’”

A week earlier, Catholic young adults were asking the same thing at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. Organizer Chris Damian, 27, told The Catholic Spirit that the event aimed to broaden ongoing discussions among young adult Catholics about recent sexual abuse

revelations and to get a sense of where his age demographic is at in processing the crisis. He led the event, outlining a detailed history of clergy sexual abuse in the U.S. and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, which entered bankruptcy in 2015 to address claims of clergy sexual abuse.

“A lot of young adults have different positions, different views and different approaches to these problems,” Damian said. “I think one of the things holding us back from really resolving them is that we tend to stick with our own little camps.”

The discussion was broad and emotional, with attendees expressing frustration, disgust, and emotional and spiritual exhaustion from the crisis. Many called for complete transparency from Church leaders.

“I think there is a remaining, profound ignorance about sexual abuse, and I think because the abusers that we’re discussing are priests, they’re able to hide behind a collar,” said attendee Rosa Edholm, 27, a parishioner of St. Patrick in Oak Grove. “‘Abuse’ is an easy word to say.

‘Rape’ is a harder word to say, and the graphic description of the rapes and molestations that happened, which were detailed in the [Pennsylvania] grand jury report are much harder to go into and much less pleasant [than ‘abuse’].”

Following the issuing of the Pennsylvania grand jury report, Damian, a parishioner of St. Thomas More in St. Paul, met with several friends to discuss the scandal, and they found their discussions insightful and continued to meet. Their study of the John Jay report — findings of a research study conducted by the

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Chapter 11 Reorganization Proceeding (Case No. 15-30125) NOTICE OF (I) JOINT PLAN OBJECTION DEADLINE AND (II) JOINT PLAN CONFIRMATION HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on June 28, 2018 The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis (the “Archdiocese”), the Debtor and Debtor-inPossession in the captioned bankruptcy proceeding and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “UCC”) filed a joint chapter 11 plan of reorganization dated June 28, 2018 [Docket No. 1198], (as amended, the “Joint Plan”) and a disclosure statement with respect to the Joint Plan dated June 28, 2018 [Docket No. 1199] (the “Disclosure Statement”) under Section 1125 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”). On August 13, 2018 the Bankruptcy Court approved the Disclosure Statement [Docket No. 1226]. Terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Joint Plan.

The Joint Plan provides the means for settling and paying all Claims asserted against the Archdiocese, including Tort Claims related to sexual abuse or misconduct. Under the Joint Plan a Trust will be established for the benefit of Tort Claimants. The Trust will be funded by contributions made by the Archdiocese, Protected Parties and Settling Insurers. The Protected Parties are defined in the Joint Plan to include the Catholic Entities (including all past and present Parishes in the Archdiocese), the Catholic Annual Appeal Foundation, the Catholic Youth Camp, the Catholic Youth Center, Benilde-St. Margaret School, DeLaSalle High School, Grace High School d/b/a Totino-Grace

John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York following the Boston clerical sexual abuse scandal in 2002 — prompted interest in a large-scale discussion among their peers, as well as an evening vigil at the Cathedral of St. Paul Aug. 20.

At the Basilica, Damian identified four aspects to consider in facing the clergy sexual abuse crisis: prayer, education, dialogue and action. Ideas shared included increasing dedication to safe environment training, supporting faithful priests, requiring clergy to undergo regular mental health evaluations, improving checks and balances within the hierarchy, offering pastoral opportunities for reconciliation between victims/ survivors and their abusers, ensuring financial accountability on all Church levels and committing to prayer.

On Aug. 26, a group of Catholics participated in a prayer service at the Cathedral prompted by the newly formed nationwide group #CatholicsForAction. “It’s ultimately a group of Catholics who realize that the promises of transparency and accountability that we keep hearing go unfulfilled,” said Jessica Nickrand, 31, a parishioner of St. Peter Claver in St. Paul and a local organizer.

Nickrand and Katharine Gordon, a former Jesuit Volunteer Corps member who recently moved to the Twin Cities, organized a Facebook group to advertise the local event.

“I hope that [the Church] can be better, and I hope that the Church can be one, as Christ has promised us, and that we’ll continue to meet, and that we’ll continue to hopefully work toward changes in our Church,” Nickrand said.

High School, Saint Paul Seminary, St. John Vianney Seminary and all insureds under insurance policies issued or allegedly issued to the Archdiocese, the Catholic Entities, and the Seminaries by the Settling Insurer Entities. The Settling Insurers are defined in the Joint Plan to include substantially all of the insurance companies issuing or allegedly issuing insurance policies to the Archdiocese, the Catholic Entities and Seminaries. Complete lists of Protected Parties and Settling Insurers are included in the Joint Plan. IF YOU HOLD CLAIMS AGAINST THE ARCHDIOCESE, SETTLING INSURERS OR PROTECTED PARTIES, YOUR RIGHTS MAY BE AFFECTED. THE JOINT PLAN PROVIDES THAT ALL TORT CLAIMS RELATED TO SEXUAL ABUSE OR MISCONDUCT AGAINST THE ARCHDIOCESE, THE PROTECTED PARTIES, THE SETTLING INSURERS, AND CERTAIN RELATED ENTITIES (THE “SETTLING INSURER ENTITIES,” AS SPECIFICALLY DEFINED IN THE JOINT PLAN) WILL BE CHANNELED TO THE TRUST, MEANING THAT THE TRUST WILL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE SOURCE OF PAYMENT FOR ANY SUCH CLAIMS AGAINST THE ARCHDIOCESE, SETTLING INSURER ENTITIES, AND PROTECTED PARTIES. AS PART OF THE JOINT PLAN, THE ARCHDIOCESE AND UCC WILL SEEK THE ENTRY OF AN ORDER PERMANENTLY ENJOINING AND BARRING ALL PERSONS AND ENTITIES FROM ASSERTING OR PURSUING TORT CLAIMS OR CLAIMS OTHERWISE COVERED BY THE INSURANCE POLICIES BUT FOR THE INSURANCE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS, OR ANY OTHER CLAIM RELATED TO SEXUAL ABUSE OR MISCONDUCT AND INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR SUCH CLAIMS AGAINST THE ARCHDIOCESE, PROTECTED PARTIES AND THE SETTLING INSURER ENTITIES, AND RELEASING THE ARCHDIOCESE, THE PROTECTED PARTIES, AND THE SETTLING INSURER ENTITIES FROM ANY FURTHER LIABILITY RELATING TO TORT CLAIMS, INSURANCE COVERAGE, AND ANY CLAIMS OTHERWISE INSURED

BY SUCH INSURANCE POLICIES. IN ADDITION, THE ARCHDIOCESE AND UCC WILL SEEK THE ENTRY OF AN ORDER PERMANENTLY

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

INVESTIGATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 whom I believe acted in good faith and with sincerity and integrity. We all did the best we could in a difficult situation.”

Archbishop Viganò’s role in the investigation was recently called into question after he issued an 11-page letter Aug. 25 accusing high-level Church officials, including Pope Francis, of turning a blind eye to formerCardinal Theodore McCarrick’s sexual misconduct. (See story on page 9.) Critics accused Archbishop Viganò of raising questions about certain Vatican officials, but overlooking his own role in ending the Archbishop Nienstedt investigation.

In a separate statement Aug. 26, Archbishop Viganò called allegations he had ended the Archbishop Nienstedt investigation “false” and denied asking Bishop Piché to destroy a letter that indicated he had.

Both allegations originated from a memo Father Daniel Griffith, a law professor and now pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Minneapolis, wrote to Bishop Piché in July 2014. It was made public in July 2016 as part of a separate investigation by law enforcement At the time he wrote the memo, Father Griffith was the archdiocese’s delegate for safe environment and had served as the liaison between the archdiocese and the lawyers hired to conduct the investigation.

Father Griffith told The Catholic Spirit in an Aug. 28 statement that he stands by his 2014 memo. “I welcome a thorough accounting of the matter,” he said.

The entire situation illustrates the need for a new structure in the Church for investigating bishops, Bishop Cozzens said in his Aug. 31 statement.

“As a practical matter, bishop-led investigations have mixed credibility in the public domain: Some inevitably believe the accused bishop is being treated unfairly, others believe he is receiving preferential treatment. A fair resolution becomes unachievable. The accuser deserves better. We all deserve better,” he said.

To address the types of challenges encountered in the investigation of Archbishop Nienstedt, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has subsequently created protocols to address a similar situation, Bishop Cozzens said.

“When there is an allegation against a bishop or archbishop in our archdiocese, it is reported to the board of directors, lay people. They play a vital role in making certain that all allegations are investigated and addressed,” he said.

“I believe that a similar approach utilizing lay expertise is necessary on the national level,” Bishop Cozzens continued. “An independent national review board would result in a more fair process for holding the hierarchy accountable. In this way, there will be more confidence in our Church leaders in the future.”

BARRING ALL CLAIMS BY ANY PERSON OR ENTITY AGAINST THE SETTLING INSURER ENTITIES RELATING TO (A) ALL INSURANCE POLICIES ISSUED OR ALLEGEDLY ISSUED TO THE ARCHDIOCESE OR PROTECTED PARTIES, OR (B) TORT CLAIMS RESULTING IN WHOLE OR IN PART FROM SEXUAL ABUSE OR MISCONDUCT. Copies of the Joint Plan and Disclosure Statement are on file with the Court, 200 Warren E. Burger Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 316 North Robert Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. Copies of the Joint Plan and Disclosure Statement may be obtained by (a) contacting J. Zahler at the Archdiocese at 777 Forest Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106, email: zahler@archspm.org, phone: (651) 291-4486, fax: (651) 290-1629 during normal business hours; (b) visiting the Archdiocese’s website at: http://information.archspm.org/; or (c) visiting the website of United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota at http://www. mnb.uscourts.gov/. A PACER login and password are required to access documents on the Bankruptcy Court’s website and these can be obtained through the PACER Service Center at www.pacer.psc. uscourts.gov.

Objections to the Joint Plan must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota and served under the Minnesota Local Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure by no later than September 18, 2018.

If objections are timely filed, they will be considered at the hearing on confirmation of the Joint Plan and approval of the Insurance Settlement Agreements to be held on September 25, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. before the Honorable Robert J. Kressel, United States Bankruptcy Judge, Courtroom 15 East, United States Courthouse, 300 South Fourth Street, Minneapolis, MN. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF SAINT PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 7

Evangelization effort mobilizes Latino Catholics As V Encuentro national conference nears, leaders reflect on what they’ve learned

By Matthew Davis The Catholic Spirit Ricky Gonzalez was initially hesitant to embrace his parish’s new evangelization efforts aimed at the Latino community. He described the prospect of sharing his Catholic faith with strangers as “scary.”

“It was because as a Catholic Church, we’re not used to going out, like with me standing outside the stores waiting for people to come out, so we can talk about our faith,” said Gonzalez, 34. “We prayed to Jesus Christ, and we know that this is our mission to do, so that gave us more strength to do it outside the store.”

Gonzalez ultimately joined 19 fellow parishioners of St. Alphonsus in Brooklyn Center in a sidewalk evangelization effort as part of V Encuentro, a nationwide faithbuilding process for Latino Catholics.

Spanish for “fifth encounter,” V Encuentro was designed to equip Latino Catholics to live as missionary disciples, accompany fellow Latinos on a path of conversion, and “respond with more fidelity and enthusiasm to the Hispanic/Latino presence in parishes and dioceses,” according to its website. In the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, 16 of the 24 parishes that offer Mass in Spanish have participated in the process, with 160 Latino Catholics formally involved.

Initiated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs, V Encuentro began in 2017 and includes a national conference Sept. 20-23 in Grapevine, Texas. Twenty-two delegates from the archdiocese, including Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens, plan to be among the anticipated 3,000 attendees.

Inspiring new leaders Estela Villagrán Manancero, director of the archdiocesan Office of Latino Ministry, said V Encuentro has helped Latino ministry leaders identify priorities for evangelization and responding to Latinos’ needs.

She said she hopes the national delegates will leave the conference “energized.”

“They are going to have this opportunity to network with the rest of the country,” she said.

“People all over are trying to do this ministry.”

The first U.S. Encuentro was held in 1972 to engage Latino Catholics in the U.S. to live as disciples and respond to the needs of Latinos outside the Church. Four Encuentros have occurred since.

Deacon Ramon Garcia of St. Stephen in Anoka, who participated in the last Encuentro in 2000, has been working with Catholics at his parish to reach

DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

A Latino couple talk and pray during “Encuentro Familiar,” or Family Encounter: The Family in the Plan of God, Aug. 4 at St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights. beyond the church walls. The process, he said, has brought forward eight new leaders who visit with people at trailer parks, laundromats and retail stores to share the Gospel and introduce them to St. Stephen.

South of Anoka in Brooklyn Center, Gonzalez’s outreach has meant going with a fellow parishioner 6 p.m. every Tuesday to a Latino supermarket in Crystal to visit with passersby, sharing about their faith and parish.

“A lot of people didn’t know that it was a Catholic building,” Gonzalez said of St. Alphonsus.

“They thought it was a government building. When they knew that this was a Catholic church, they were surprised, and some people, they commented that they would come to this church.”

Meanwhile, Gonzalez sees the need to help Latino Catholics grow in knowledge of their faith. Since starting the V Encuentro process, he started taking theology courses at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. He said there’s a tendency in Latino communities to focus on belief and good works, but not really learn the Church’s teachings.

“I think mainly as a Hispanic community, we need to have more theology …. and education,” Gonzalez said.

Luz Zagal, St. Alphonsus’ director of Latino ministry, said she’s seen an increase of 30 families in faith formation, higher than any recent year. She attributes the spike to her parish’s participation in V Encuentro, especially through Masses held in Latino parishioners’ homes as a way to reach people in the neighborhoods.

Volunteer boost In Hopkins, Hispanic ministry coordinator Teresa Mendez said V Encuentro revitalized the Latino community at St. Gabriel the Archangel. She had considered it a “dying” community before V Encuentro, with low Latino participation at Mass and in parish programs. V Encuentro changed that, she said, with the growth of leadership and “strong missionary activity.” There’s been particular interest around growing the parish’s youth group.

“I can say now they are really maturing in faith, and they are

prepared for the future,” Mendez said of the youths. “Now, they know they are the future of the Church in our country.”

V Encuentro’s initial five parish sessions helped parishioners get to know each other through sharing testimonies and learning about each other’s gifts. Then parishes held parish-wide events to build on the five sessions. Next, almost 300 Latino Catholics met for an archdiocesan V Encuentro gathering in August 2017. In April 2018, more than 190 people from around the region attended a V Encuentro gathering in Alexandria.

Dora Mata, the Latino first Communion coordinator and faith formation facilitator at Divine Mercy in Faribault, said V Encuentro has boosted volunteer involvement at her parish. Nine Divine Mercy parishioners participated in V Encuentro outreach training.

“I think it’s really going to help us to see where we need to do the evangelization with our families,” Mata said.

Deacon Garcia also sees that benefit at St. Stephen through his work with parishioners who have done evangelization outreach. He said there’s a large number of younger Latino couples and families in the Anoka area with children who haven’t received the sacraments and don’t know about St. Stephen.

Meanwhile, St. Stephen’s Latino community has also made an effort to strengthen the relationship between its Latino and non-Latino members with bilingual liturgies and the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration in December.

Effort to continue In Minneapolis, Viviana Sotro of St. Stephen sees V Encuentro as building on parish efforts already underway, including forming missionary disciples to reach the broader community.

The executive director of the Sagrada Familia Apostolate at St. Stephen, Sotro said one V Encuentro catechesis participant reached out to a co-worker after learning of the person’s family struggles. The catechesis participant invited the person to join the catechesis sessions and attend Mass.

Soon, the whole family got involved in the parish.

As the national conference approaches, Deacon Garcia said that there’s more that can be done to support Latino Catholics in the archdiocese. He hopes the conference will inspire local leaders to continue to try to reach fellow Latinos where they are at.

That’s what Gonzalez hopes he accomplished on those Tuesday evenings outside the supermercado.

“My hopes [is that] we become more aware of proclaiming the name of Jesus in ... the family, and the whole household and in the streets — that [it’s] not only when we come to church, but also when we go out and do our jobs in the community,” he said.

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Karen Rauenhorst is the president of the board of the Aim Higher Foundation, which grants scholarships to local Catholic elementary students. She will be the organization’s first recipient of its Night of Light award.

Catholic education supporter to receive first Aim Higher award

By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit Local philanthropist Karen Rauenhorst channels her lifelong passion for Catholic schools into helping children have the same educational opportunities she did.

After leading the board of the Aim Higher Foundation since its inception five years ago, she will be honored by the organization during its annual Night of Light celebration Sept. 28 at the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America.

Rauenhorst, 65, was co-chair of the Catholic Schools Commission in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 2011 that sought to bolster local Catholic schools. That contributed to the establishment of the Aim Higher Foundation, with Rauenhorst taking the helm as founding chairwoman of the board of directors. A member of Holy Name of Jesus in Medina with her husband, Mark, she said Catholic education has greatly shaped her life.

“I went to Catholic grade school, high school and college,” said Rauenhorst, who grew up in Waterloo, Iowa, and attended Creighton University, a Jesuit university in Omaha, Nebraska. “I think what I learned there and how I was formed as a woman, as a leader and as a Christian was critical to where I am today.”

She strongly supports the Aim Higher Foundation because it helps to make Catholic education affordable by offering $1,000 scholarships to students in need at the 83 schools in the archdiocese that have any of the grades kindergarten to eight.

Once a child is selected to receive a scholarship, it remains in effect through the eighth grade, even if the child transfers to another Catholic school. Since 2012, the foundation has given more than $5.1 million in scholarships to more than 6,600 Catholic school children, according to its website.

“My focus is to give kids access,” said Rauenhorst, who sent her four children to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School in Medina and Benilde-St. Margaret’s School in St. Louis Park. “We hear all the time, ‘Well, I could go to a Catholic school, but I don’t have enough resources.’ The bottom line always comes to the financial. That’s where it starts.”

She said Aim Higher will give about 1,200 scholarships this year, and the organization will continue its fundraising efforts to ensure that tuition assistance flows into the hands of families in need who are committed to Catholic education.

Rauenhorst, who also is a member of the archdiocese’s board of trustees, will receive the inaugural Night of Light award from Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Carolyn Woo, former president of Baltimore-based Catholic Relief Services.

The Aim Higher Foundation’s annual Night of Light is 6–9 p.m. Sept. 28. Learn more about the event, which supports scholarships for Catholic school students at aimhigherfoundation.org.

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SEMINARY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Bishop Cozzens said he discussed the Church’s current scandals with seminarians during class meals and said he wanted them to know they could talk about it. He said that seminarians have told him that they do feel safe at SPS and SJV, and that the descriptions they’ve read in the media of untoward behavior, including an active homosexual subculture tolerated or even encouraged by superiors, “were very foreign to them,” he said.

Still, it’s something that’s on their minds. Bishop Cozzens said one seminarian told him that every conversation he’d had over the prior three weeks had included the Church’s current scandal, because the other person always brought it up.

Bishop Cozzens said it’s been a priority for seminary faculty to make sure seminarians feel supported right now. “We know they feel the heaviness of this, and we want them not to be alone in that heaviness but to feel supported in it,” he said.

Both St. Paul Seminary and St. John Vianney College Seminary held Sept. 5 meetings with seminarians, faculty and staff. At the St. Paul Seminary meeting, “I made clear the sort of culture of transparency and moral accountability that we expect in the seminary, the fact that we expect everyone in the community to live the Church’s teaching on chastity ... [and] if they see a violation of chastity in any way, they should not be afraid to bring that forward.”

Those meetings included outside resources available to the seminarians, including the University of St. Thomas’ Title IX coordinator; the archdiocese’s director of ministerial standards and safe environment, Tim O’Malley; and Tom Johnson, an independent ombudsman for abuse claims in the archdiocese.

“We wanted them to know ... if they had a problem, they could bring it to one of the [seminary] faculty or staff, but they should feel free to go to whatever resources they need in order to feel safe,” Bishop Cozzens said.

At St. John Vianney, which, like SPS, is located on the St. Thomas campus in St. Paul, rector Father Michael Becker said he’s had similar conversations and meetings with the undergraduate-level seminarians. He’s confident in how it approaches human formation, including chastity and sexuality.

“When I got here [in 2010], we were already on top of helping the guys be chaste and trying to guide the men into healing and be honest with those we think may not be best suited for the priesthood,” he said. “The experience of [Archbishop] McCarrick and Pennsylvania and all that has been heavy in the Church at large. But my seminarians in a large majority say, ‘Father, it just makes me want to show the people all the more what a holy priest can be like.’”

Emphasis on human formation The sex abuse scandals that broke in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 2013 caused the seminary then “to take another good look at the formation process,” said Bishop Cozzens, who was an instructor at SPS at the time. That included contracting auditors in 2014 to review their formation process from admission to ordination. The assessment was positive, he said, but the seminary continues to evaluate how it can improve.

The archdiocese’s Tim O’Malley is among those assisting seminary leadership in that goal. He and Janell Rasmussen, the archdiocese’s deputy director of ministerial standards and safe environment, teach at the St. Paul Seminary several times a year, and they’ve also met with staff twice in the past six months.

From his direct involvement and review of prior seminary assessments, O’Malley said he thinks “it’s in very good shape.”

“Because of the policies in place, it is safe,” he said, “but to all of them [the seminarians] out there, I told them ... if it is a very safe environment, then we have a responsibility to affirm that we keep it that way. And if there are any individual problems, we have a responsibility to deal with those. ... I don’t have any reason to doubt that it’s a very good place right now.”

O’Malley and Rasmussen are currently examining the seminary’s processes from a potential seminarian’s first contact with the seminary to ordination.

“We are in the process now of deciding what else our office can do, and what other roles lay leadership could

DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Bishop Andrew Cozzens delivers the homily during the opening Mass of the Archbishop Harry J. Flynn Catechetical Institute Sept. 10 at the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity in St. Paul. play in making sure that this is as thorough and effective a process as can be in place,” he said.

Formation across the country has been reshaped in the past 25 years by “Pastores Dabo Vobis” (“I Will Give You Shepherds”), a 1992 apostolic exhortation from St. John Paul II that articulated the four “dimensions” of priestly formation: human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral.

While “human formation” has long been an aspect of seminary foundation, it only recently has been identified as a distinct category, said Franciscan Sister Katarina Schuth, St. Paul Seminary professor emerita of its Endowed Chair for Social Scientific Study of Religion.

She has studied seminary formation since 1984 and joined the St. Paul Seminary faculty in 1993.

In “Pastores Dabo Vobis,” St. John Paul II described human formation as the cultivation “of a series of human qualities” for the “proper and due growth and realization of self ... with a view to ministry.” He called it “the basis of all priestly formation.”

In the U.S., the document prompted seminaries to begin to put greater focus on human formation, Sister Schuth said, but that need was especially underscored a decade later, with the sexual abuse crisis following the Boston Globe’s investigation of clerical sexual abuse in that archdiocese and an outpouring of allegations that followed elsewhere.

Prior to the mid-1980s, many people thought clergy sexual abuse was an extremely rare occurrence, Sister Schuth said. Few crimes were reported. By the late 1980s, some seminaries had begun to respond to an increase in number of allegations. After 2002, seminaries took significant steps to improve the formation process, including the screening for admittance and emphasis on human formation.

Quality ‘never been better’ Bishop Cozzens has been serving as the seminary’s interim rector since June, when rector emeritus Msgr.

Aloysius Callaghan transitioned to a new role. The seminary’s new rector, Omaha priest Father Joseph Taphorn, will take the helm in January.

“In my opinion, the quality of formation overall has never been better than what it is right now,” Bishop Cozzens said, and he expects it only to improve with every generation.

He said the credit is due to the quality of the seminary’s formators — faculty members who mentor men in the formation process — and the presence of a full-time staff psychologist, Paul Ruff.

When Ruff joined the SPS staff in 2014 as its first in-house psychologist, he had already been working with the seminary as a therapist on a referral basis and as an administrator of applicants’ extensive psychological evaluations. His own personal wrestling with the local sexual abuse crisis compelled him to want to do what he could to ensure strong seminary formation, he said.

Ruff’s work is threefold: to counsel seminarians, teach on human formation, and foster a cohesive approach to formation among seminary faculty, including reflection on what “formation” means.

“Formation is not information, and it’s not just conformity,” he said. “It’s really about engaging the

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

man in the process that God is calling him into, and growth. And he’s going to be blind to some aspects of that” — which, he said, is what a seminarian’s formators help him to “see.”

However, seminaries can err in the direction of “mostly monitoring men,” Ruff said, but that’s not what he promotes at SPS. “If you’re mainly looking for what’s problematic in a man and focusing on that, then bringing that to the man’s attention when you see problematic things, the dilemma you create is that you’re going to start to train a sort of culture where you keep your head down,” he said.

Instead, St. Paul Seminary formators focus on identifying and supporting a seminarian’s “positive growth” in the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions, Ruff said, “helping the man hear his own internal voice about his call to growth and invite more and more transparency.”

Father Allen Kuss is SPS’ director of pastoral formation, but he also serves as a formator for individual seminarians. (Seminarians are also assigned an academic advisor and spiritual director.) He said that the formators truly have a sense of who a man is, and his standard is, “Would I want him serving my family members?”

“From my part, it is about making sure that the man is well-rounded, that he has the basic skills needed for leadership, the capacity for it, the tools [he needs] so he can continue to develop,” Father Kuss said. “In ministry, as in medicine and many other professions, it’s a lifelong development. It’s not just four years and you’re done, and that’s it.”

St. Paul Seminary has made the importance of lifelong formation explicit with the Institute for Ongoing Clergy Formation, which it launched for priests and deacons in 2015. Among the IOCF’s upcoming events is a clergy study day on “fruitful chastity.” Like seminary formation, the IOCF revolves around the four dimensions of formation.

The program is also unique to the archdiocese. Its director, Deacon Dan Gannon, doesn’t know of anything like it elsewhere.

Father Chad VanHoose, associate pastor of All Saints in Lakeville, was among recently ordained priests who attended an IOCF retreat in late August. Ordained in 2017, he said he “felt very well prepared” by the St. Paul Seminary for ministry and life as a priest.

“I thought it was a very well thought-out and improving process,” he said. “A good thing happening at the seminary is that they’re not locked in to one particular thing. They’re willing to continue to evolve for the needs of our current situation and times, and to get healthier and healthier. ... It’s no surprise that if you have a healthy seminary, your priests are going to be healthier.”

Encouraged about Church’s future While he’s temporarily leading the St. Paul Seminary, Bishop Cozzens is also helping to shape seminaries nationwide. He’s joined with other seminary leaders to create a national program for training seminary formators. The program was inspired by both necessity — nothing of its kind existed — and a document published in 2016 by the Congregation for the Clergy under Pope Francis, which emphasized “personal accompaniment as the main means of formation” for seminarians, Bishop Cozzens said. The first cohort will complete its two-year program in February.

Ultimately, he said, formation for the priesthood is a lengthy and intense process. For most men, it’s six to eight years of rigorous, personal formation.

“It’s hard to think about any other group of professionals who are getting more intense formation than what we’re giving the young men who are becoming priests. I think that’s a very positive thing,” he said. “You can see how seriously the Church takes formation, because we dedicate so many resources to it.”

Bishop Cozzens said that he wants all Catholics to know that the St. Paul Seminary is “a joyful place,” and that its seminarians “come with hearts deeply in love with Jesus Christ and a deep desire to share that love by making a gift of themselves.”

“If you could spend time with them every day like I get to right now, you would be deeply encouraged about the future of the Church,” he added, “because there are many good men here who could do a lot of things with their lives, and they’re choosing to dedicate their lives to the priesthood of Jesus Christ.”

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 9

NATION+WORLD

Former nuncio alleges broad cover-up of McCarrick’s misdeeds

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service A former apostolic nuncio to the United States accused Church officials, including Pope Francis, of failing to act on accusations of abuse of conscience and power by now-Archbishop Theodore McCarrick.

In an open letter first published by Lifesite News and the National Catholic Register Aug. 26, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, who served as nuncio to the United States from 2011-2016, wrote that he was compelled to write his knowledge of Archbishop McCarrick’s misdeeds because “corruption has reached the very top of the Church’s hierarchy.” He called on Pope Francis to resign, along with cardinals who knew of Archbishop McCarrick’s abuses.

Throughout the 11-page testimony, which was translated by a Lifesite News correspondent, the former nuncio made several claims and accusations against prominent Church officials, alleging they belong to “a homosexual current” that subverted Church teaching on homosexuality.

Citing the rights of the faithful to “know who knew and who covered up [Archbishop McCarrick’s] grave misdeeds,” Archbishop Viganò named nearly a dozen former and current Vatican officials whom he claimed were aware of the accusations.

Archbishop Viganò criticized Pope Francis for not taking action against Cardinal McCarrick after he claimed he told the pope of the allegations in 2013. However, he did not make any criticism of St. John Paul II, who appointed Archbishop McCarrick to lead the Archdiocese of Washington and made him a cardinal in 2001.

In late June, then-Cardinal McCarrick, the 88-year-old retired archbishop of Washington, said he would no longer exercise any public ministry “in obedience” to the Vatican after an allegation he abused a teenager 47 years ago in the Archdiocese of New York was found credible. The then-cardinal has said he is innocent.

Since then, several former seminarians have claimed that the then-cardinal would invite groups of them to a beach house and insist individual members of the group share a bed with him. Pope Francis publicly imposed sanctions on him and accepted his resignation from the College of Cardinals July 27.

Ordained a priest and later auxiliary bishop of New York, Archbishop McCarrick served as the founding bishop of Metuchen, New Jersey, from 1981-1986, and then as archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, from 19862000, when he was appointed archbishop of Washington. He retired in 2006.

According to the former nuncio’s testimony, the Vatican was informed in 2000 of allegations that Archbishop McCarrick “shared his bed with seminarians” by two former U.S. nuncios — Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo and Archbishop Pietro Sambi. This corresponds to remarks by Father Boniface Ramsey, a New York City priest, who told Catholic News Service earlier in August he had written a letter “and it didn’t seem to go anywhere.” Father Ramsey later corroborated his claim with a 2006 letter from then-Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, a top official from the Vatican Secretariat of State, that alludes to his correspondence to Archbishop Montalvo.

Imposed sanctions Archbishop Viganò said that in 2006, as the official in the Secretariat of State who coordinated relations with nunciatures around the world, he sent two memos recommending that the Holy See “intervene as soon as possible by removing the cardinal’s hat from Cardinal McCarrick and that he should be subjected to the sanctions established by the Code of Canon Law.” “I was greatly dismayed at my superiors for the inconceivable absence of any measure against the cardinal, and for the continuing lack of any communication with me since my first memo in December 2006,” he said.

The former nuncio claimed that Pope Benedict XVI later “imposed on Cardinal McCarrick sanctions similar to those now imposed on him by Pope Francis.”

“I do not know when Pope Benedict took these measures against McCarrick, whether in 2009 or 2010,

LETTER AFTERMATH In the days following the publication of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò’s letter, clergy, journalists and others have responded to its claims, stirring up questions around Archbishop Viganò’s integrity with allegations that he quashed the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Archbishop John Nienstedt. (See story on page 1.)

Also disputed has been Archbishop Viganò’s role in inviting Kim Daniels, the county clerk from Kentucky who was jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage, to meet with Pope Francis in Washington in 2015. According to Catholic News Service, the meeting “in the minds of many, changed the overall narrative of Pope Francis’ visit to the United States in 2015.”

CNS | BOB ROLLER

Pope Francis in 2015 waves alongside Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, then the apostolic nuncio to the United States, right, outside St. Patrick in the City Church in Washington. because in the meantime I had been transferred to the Governorate of Vatican City State, just as I do not know who was responsible for this incredible delay,” he said.

Then-Cardinal McCarrick, he said, “was to leave the seminary where he was living” which, at the time, was the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Washington.

Archbishop McCarrick, he added, was also “forbidden to celebrate Mass in public, to participate in public meetings, to give lectures, to travel, with the obligation of dedicating himself to a life of prayer and penance.”

However, no such sanctions, which normally are made public, were announced by the Vatican at the time. Archbishop Viganò said in an Aug. 31 news story that Pope Benedict XVI made the sanctions private, perhaps “due to the fact that he [Archbishop McCarrick] was already retired, maybe due to the fact that he [Pope Benedict XVI] was thinking he was ready to obey.”

The alleged sanctions, he said, continued to be in effect when Archbishop Viganò became apostolic nuncio to the United States in 2011 and were relayed to then-Cardinal McCarrick.

“I repeated them to Cardinal McCarrick at my first meeting with him at the nunciature. The cardinal, muttering in a barely comprehensible way, admitted that he had perhaps made the mistake of sleeping in the same bed with some seminarians at his beach house, but he said this as if it had no importance,” Archbishop Viganò wrote.

Archbishop Viganò also said that Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington was the first prelate informed of the sanctions against McCarrick. He said he spoke directly to Cardinal Wuerl on several occasions and that Cardinal Wuerl “failed to acknowledge receipt of my two letters, contrary to what he customarily did.”

“His recent statements that he knew nothing about it, even though at first he cunningly referred to compensation for the two victims, are absolutely laughable. The cardinal lies shamelessly and prevails upon his chancellor, Msgr. Antonicelli, to lie as well,” the archbishop wrote.

He apparently was referring to Msgr. Charles Antonicelli, vicar general and moderator of the curia.

The Archdiocese of Washington said Aug. 27, “Cardinal Wuerl has categorically denied that any of this information was communicated to him.”

In the letter, Archbishop Viganò also alleged that several U.S. prelates were aware or should have known about then-Cardinal McCarrick’s behavior, including retired Bishop Paul Bootkoski of Metuchen; retired Archbishop John Myers of Newark; Cardinal Kevin Farrell, head of the Vatican office for laity and family and former auxiliary bishop of Washington, D.C.; and

The letter and related events have prompted U.S. bishops, including Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Bishop Andrew Cozzens, to call for a national structure for investigating bishops accused of wrongdoing. In an Aug. 31 statement, Archbishop Hebda also joined U.S. bishops calling for an independent review of Archbishop Viganò’s claims. (See story on page 5.) Other bishops have called for Pope Francis to announce a synod of bishops on the abuse crisis or on the life of bishops. Some bishops, including some in Latin America and Europe, have stated that they stand in support of Pope Francis in the face of Archbishop Viganò’s allegations.

Pope Francis was to meet Sept. 13 with Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and with Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, the Vatican press office announced Sept. 11.

— The Catholic Spirit Catholic News Service contributed to this story.

Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.

Cardinal Farrell told Catholic News Service July 24: “I was shocked, overwhelmed; I never heard any of this before in the six years I was there with him.”

In a June 20 statement, Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark said: “The Archdiocese of Newark has never received an accusation that Cardinal McCarrick abused a minor. In the past, there have been allegations that he engaged in sexual behavior with adults. This archdiocese and the Diocese of Metuchen received three allegations of sexual misconduct with adults decades ago; two of these allegations resulted in settlements.”

Cardinal O’Malley has apologized for what he described as an administrative communication failure in which his secretary did not relay to him a 2015 letter from Father Ramsey about allegations against Archbishop McCarrick.

Pope Francis’ reaction While returning to Rome following the World Meeting of Families in Dublin, Pope Francis told reporters that Archbishop Viganò’s document is written in a way that people should be able to draw their own conclusions.

“I read the statement this morning and, sincerely, I must say this to you and anyone interested: Read that statement attentively and make your own judgment,” he told reporters Aug. 26. “I think the statement speaks for itself, and you have a sufficient journalistic ability to make a conclusion.”

The pope said his lack of comment was “an act of faith” in people reading the document. “Maybe when a bit of time has passed, I’ll talk about it.”

A statement from the Archdiocese of Washington said Cardinal Wuerl — who himself is facing calls to resign over his actions as bishop of Pittsburgh, which was scrutinized in a Pennsylvania grand jury report covering 70 years of abuse in six dioceses in the state — “has indicated that during his entire tenure as Archbishop of Washington no one has come forward to say to him, ‘Cardinal McCarrick abused me’ or made any other like claim.”

NATION+WORLD

10 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

Despite hearing’s drama, some say Kavanaugh won’t make major changes

By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service The four days of Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh were as heated as the unusually high temperatures in Washington during the first week of September.

A lot of the passion against the federal judge centered on concern that if Kavanaugh gets a seat on the Supreme Court, he could vote to overturn the court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion.

Richard Garnett, professor of law and political science at the University of Notre Dame, said he has watched confirmation hearings for at least 32 years, but he described this particular hearing as “the worst I’ve ever seen,” not only for the interruptions and protests, but also for the “grandstanding and misrepresenting” a judge with a long paper trial of decisions — over 440,000 public pages of records.

Garnett said he was impressed with how “very calm and patient” Kavanaugh was during the long hours of ofteninterrupted questioning.

He said it’s important to remember

that Kavanaugh, 53, is a young man, and if he gets the Senate votes to become the 114th justice, he will “be there for a long time and will write clear opinions.” He also pointed out that half of the Supreme Court cases are not the 5-4 decisions, or cases about hot button issues.

Similarly, Michael Moreland, professor of law and religion at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, said he thinks there is “a tendency to overstate how much change” Kavanaugh will make to the court. He described Kavanaugh as a well-regarded judge and smart lawyer who performed well under the pressure of the Senate hearings, which he describes as good civic lessons.

Both Moreland and Garnett stressed Kavanaugh’s record as pointing to a desire to limit Congress’ ability to support administrative agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission to function independently of the executive branch.

On abortion, Moreland said the Roe decision wouldn’t change quickly and that laws were already changing for this to become more of a state legislative

CNS

U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh smiles as he addresses the committee at the start of his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing Sept. 4 on Capitol Hill in Washington. President Donald Trump named Kavanaugh, a Catholic, July 9 to succeed 81-year-old Justice Anthony Kennedy, who retired July 31. issue. Garnett said he felt confident Kavanaugh would take seriously religious freedom rights and would respect the right of states to pass abortion legislation.

In the hearings themselves, Kavanaugh

affirmed that Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey are “an important precedent of the Supreme Court.”

In response to a question about abortion from Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, Kavanaugh said the Roe decision “is settled as a precedent of the Supreme Court.”

He also said Sept. 5 that being able to “participate in the public square with religious speech” is a part of American tradition.

The judge, who is Catholic, also spoke about putting his faith in action. He said he regularly serves meals with Catholic Charities’ St. Maria’s Meals program in Washington and that talking to the people there helps him to understand the situation they are in.

“We are all God’s children. We are all equal,” he said. “People have gotten there because maybe they have a mental illness; maybe they had a terrible family situation; maybe they lost a job and had no family. But every person you serve a meal to is just as good as me or better.”

The committee could vote on Kavanaugh’s nomination Sept. 13, but it could also be delayed, making the final committee vote Sept. 20 followed by a full Senate vote the next week.

Another legal fight likely looms over child immigration detention

By Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service In what is likely to result in another legal showdown over immigration, the Trump administration is seeking to set down new rules that would allow government officials to detain children in immigration detention facilities — this time accompanied by their undocumented parents — for longer periods of time than currently allowed.

After the outcry that resulted over images this summer of children in detention deliberately separated from their parents, the administration has been moving toward detaining undocumented families, children and adults, in the same detention space.

On Sept. 7, the Trump administration proposed “to amend regulations relating to the apprehension, processing, care, custody and release” of children in immigration detention. The proposed changes would mean that government officials could detain a parent and child together for long spans of time, even though a previous legal agreement said a child in an immigration detention center could not be held for

longer than 20 days.

The proposal would essentially nix a long-standing legal agreement put in place in 1997 to ensure the safety and care of children in immigration detention settings.

Known as the Flores Settlement Agreement, it not only spells out the time period children can be kept in detention, but it also mandates the type of conditions facilities must provide, including sanitary, temperaturecontrolled conditions, as well as access to water, food, medical assistance, ventilation, adequate supervision and contact with family members.

The Trump administration said it could provide “similar” protections and standards and make sure “all juveniles in the government’s custody are treated with dignity, respect and special concern for their particular vulnerability as minors,” and therefore terminate the agreement.

Those who work with and support migrants and their plight fear that the administration’s move to do away with the Flores agreement is setting up a move into large-scale detention of migrant families.

Depending on the number of families detained, that

could mean detaining them at military bases or in tent cities.

“I don’t know where they’re going to detain them,” said Kevin Appleby, senior director of international migration policy for the New York-based Center for Migration Studies.

Where families could be detained is a key concern.

Detention facilities that keep children have to be licensed under the current agreement. Presently, there are only three family immigration detention facilities in the U.S.: in Karnes City, Texas; Dilley, Texas; and Leesport, Pennsylvania. Together they have 3,335 beds, according to background information provided by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services.

The administration’s proposal says its new rule “would create an alternative to the existing licensed program requirement for family residential centers, so that [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] may use appropriate facilities to detain family units together during their immigration proceedings, consistent with applicable law.”

Blogs and commentary: CatholicHotdish.com

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

HEADLINES uJesuit-run Marquette University removes its past president’s name from building. The dorm formerly named “Wild Commons,” after Jesuit Father Robert Wild, was renamed simply to “The Commons” Sept. 4, just weeks after opening in August bearing the name of Marquette’s president from 1996-2011 and 2013-2014. In a letter, Father Wild asked that his name be removed after reflecting on his role in handling past sex abuse claims under his purview. uBurlington bishop pledges to cooperate with officials investigating reports of alleged abuse of former residents of Catholic orphanage. Vermont state and Burlington city officials announced Sept. 10 that they would form a task force to investigate allegations of abuse and possible criminal activities, including homicides, throughout the history of the now-closed St. Joseph Orphanage. Bishop Christopher Coyne said he learned of the details of the alleged abuse of orphaned children in an Aug. 27 report by the online media portal BuzzFeed. The report supplemented findings of a 1990s investigation

by The Burlington Free Press. uCardinal Wuerl set to open ‘Season of Healing’ in response to abuse. The period is designed to counter what Cardinal Donald Wuerl called “confusion, disappointment and disunity” and to help bring about healing in the wake of recent sex abuse scandals that have rocked the U.S. Catholic Church. The proposed observance will begin Sept. 14, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. It was described by the cardinal as “a first step in the necessary healing process for our Church” in a Sept. 6 letter to priests of the archdiocese.

Cardinal Wuerl’s invitation comes as he has

NATION+WORLD been both supported and criticized for his handling of clergy sexual abuse cases while he was bishop of Pittsburgh. It also follows the resignation of Archbishop Theodore McCarrick, retired archbishop of Washington, from the College of Cardinals, after he had been credibly accused of abusing a minor nearly 50 years ago when he was a priest of the Archdiocese of New York. uOfficials in multiple states investigating clergy sexual abuse. The New York State Office of the Attorney General is the latest to announce that it is launching an investigation of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic Church clergy, sending out subpoenas Sept. 6 seeking documents from the state’s eight dioceses. A day before New York announced its probe, the Attorney General of Nebraska asked the state’s three dioceses for sex abuse records going back 40 years. New Jersey officials also announced Sept. 6 the creation of a task force with subpoena power through a grand jury to investigate allegations in the state’s Catholic dioceses. uIndian Church displeased with ruling legalizing same-sex relationships. India’s Supreme Court ruled in a landmark judgment that homosexual acts between consenting adults are no longer a crime, but Church officials said that legal validity does not make such practices morally acceptable. The court Sept. 6 struck down a section of the Indian Penal Code that said homosexual acts in public or private were a crime punishable with a jail term of up to 10 years, ucanews.com reported. In a statement, a Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India representative said that although homosexual acts are now legalized, they are not morally acceptable or justified. uSuspect arrested in connection with murder of Jesuit priest in Peru. The Sept. 4 arrest

came nearly a month after a cook found Jesuit Father Carlos Riudavets’ body Aug. 10 at the Jesuit residence on the grounds of Valentin Salegui School, part of the Jesuits’ Faith and Joy school network. Father Riudavets, a native of San Luca de Guadiana, Spain, had worked in Peru’s Amazon region since 1980, serving as a teacher and later principal of the school.

Although retired, he continued to live and assist there. Since the murder, the Peruvian province of the Society of Jesus initiated steps to protect other Jesuits who also had been threatened prior to Father Riudavets’ murder.

According to The Jesuit Post website, the Jesuit community “was effectively closed” and the school’s administration was entrusted to the 68-school Faith and Joy network. uInternational religious freedom report cites 28 nations falling short. The U.S. International Commission on Religious Freedom singled out 28 countries for their repression of religious liberty in its annual report, issued Aug. 29.

Sixteen countries were designated in the 228-page report as Tier 1 — the harshest level of repression: Myanmar, Central African Republic, China, Eritrea, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The commission’s report focused on three themes: advocacy for the release of specific prisoners, the use of blasphemy laws, and women and religious freedom. uSan Juan Archdiocese files for bankruptcy over teacher pensions. Puerto Rico civil officials embargoed $4.7 million from various archdiocesan accounts after retired teachers from the archdiocese’s school filed a lawsuit seeking their pensions. Two years ago, the archdiocese had notified several hundred teachers that their pensions were being eliminated because payouts exceeded contributions, which led to the lawsuit. Earlier

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 11 this year, a judge had ordered the archdiocese to pay $4.7 million to both retired and active teachers. Enrollment at the archdiocese’s schools has dropped sharply due to a recession on the island territory for the past 12 years. Many families fled to the U.S. mainland last year after the devastation wrought by, and slow recovery from, Hurricane Maria.

CNS

uYoung pilgrims welcome World Youth Day Cross, Marian icon to U.S. cities. The cross and the icon were on a nine-day tour across the U.S. Aug. 19-27. On the Palm Sunday immediately following each World Youth Day, the cross is transferred from the youth of that year’s host country to the youth of the country hosting the next celebration. Because Panama is such a small country, the current tour was expanded to include Central America, the Caribbean, and five U.S. cities: Chicago, Miami, Houston, Washington and Los Angeles.

In Washington, Aug. 25, a procession with the cross began at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where Panama Archbishop Jose Domingo Ulloa Mendieta welcomed pilgrims to the country for January’s celebration.

12 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

FROM MYANMAR TO ST. JEROME

Maplewood school welcomes 46 children of former refugees

By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit

I

t seems like a typical morning school scene: dozens of students pouring out of a bus, backpacks over shoulders, chatting with friends before the 9:30 a.m. bell.

But at St. Jerome School in Maplewood, the sight is nothing short of a miracle, said Principal Anne Gattman.

It also is the answer to prayers fervently offered by the students’ parents, in a language unfamiliar to teachers and staff at the school.

Most of the students are Karen, members of an ethnic community with origins in Myanmar, also known as Burma, in southeast Asia. The families were displaced by civil unrest and lived in refugee camps in neighboring Thailand.

Forty-six Karen children in kindergarten through eighth grade are enrolled at St. Jerome this year.

In the past decade, Karen families — some of them Catholic — have immigrated to the United States. In 2011, Karen Catholics began to arrive in St. Paul, where they started looking for both a Catholic parish and school for their children.

Enter Brother — now Deacon — Seraphim Wirth of the Franciscan Brothers of Peace. He is the reason these students now comprise onethird of St. Jerome’s student population.

It began with a phone call in 2011 while he was serving the community’s St. Paul friary as a porter, which involves answering the phone and the front door. Late one afternoon, he picked up the phone and tried to understand the caller’s words. All he could decipher was “want to go to Catholic.”

Not wanting any further struggle for understanding, he suggested that the caller come to the friary the next day.

That the man did, with his wife and daughter.

What Deacon Seraphim didn’t know was the man, Pah Chi, had received a rosary that originally came from the brothers, which is why he called the friary. What Pah Chi didn’t know was that, after hanging up the phone, Deacon Seraphim started thinking almost immediately that “there was something” to this encounter.

“I thought, if they come in tomorrow, well then, maybe it’s something I’m supposed to do,” Deacon Seraphim said.

So began an apostolate in which the brothers have been engaged ever since. Shortly after the brothers started working with them, the Karen (pronounced “kah-REN”) families pushed for their children to go to Catholic schools. A few families were able to afford it, but most earned too little money to pay tuition.

Deacon Seraphim tried unsuccessfully for several years to find affordable Catholic education for the families, then started to lose steam in his efforts. The financial obstacles were twofold. First, the former refugees needed tuition assistance beyond what a school could provide. Second, there was the need for busing.

All of the families live on St. Paul’s east side and attend St. Casimir, which is 2 miles from the nearest Catholic school. Thus, a bus would need to be chartered for the entire school year.

Kindergartners December Hai, right, Johnson Htoo, second from right, both members of the Karen community, and Robyn Odhiambo stand in line Sept. 6 as they wait to go to the computer lab.

The cost: $30,000.

It was extra money neither the brothers nor any school they had contacted possessed. By summer 2017, Deacon Seraphim was running out of ideas — and hope.

Finding a home at St. Jerome A chance visit to St. Jerome while running a vacation Bible camp with the Missionary Sisters of Charity eventually provided the answer.

Because many of the Karen children play soccer, Deacon Seraphim wanted to organize a field trip involving the sport. He chose St. Jerome because of its large athletic field. In August 2017, he brought the children there to play soccer for part of a day.

Gattman, just weeks into her job as principal of the school, was looking out the window and saw the students. She wondered what school they were attending. About a week later, after learning that the brothers were involved in the camp, she called the friary and left a message for Deacon Seraphim asking where the children were going to school.

“I ignored it for a month and a half,” he said, figuring this would be yet another school that would turn down the Karen children for financial reasons.

Finally, after leaving in September for studies

at St. Pope John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, he called Gattman back. They talked several times. Her excitement grew over the prospect of 46 new students, nearly half the school’s total K-8 enrollment last year.

“The more that I visited with Brother Seraphim and got to know some of the people in the community, the more I felt that it was really a beautiful situation for St. Jerome to grow enrollment and to provide Catholic education to parents that were desperately wanting their children to be in Catholic schools,” Gattman said. “And so, it just seemed like a partnership that was logical at the moment. As we continued to work together, it’s become a project that is more than just logical, but it just feels very God driven.”

Divine intervention may have come in the form of a $90,000 grant from an anonymous donor. It will cover both busing for the year and tuition assistance. The families’ contribution will be determined on a sliding scale based on what they can afford. Gattman noted that no family was turned down by the school for financial reasons.

A year ago, five children from two families were able to attend St. Jerome. It was an important warm-up for this year, when some of

the grades will have up t and every grade will hav significant proportion w size is 16.

An immediate challen the Karen culture, peopl last names. Names are a words. Each family mem parents, has a unique na of words in his or her na Then, there’s the langu know English and are m their American-born clas parents don’t speak Engl must navigate between t at school and the langua There is also a language personnel and parents.

The school sought to a with the hiring of Dah P who will serve as a liaiso and Karen community.

“It is great” that Karen St. Jerome, said Dah Po, happy. They believe the St. Jerome School ... will everything — with beha with religion.”

Her sentiment was ech

to eight Karen students, ve at least three — a when the average class

nge is learning names. In le do not use first and series of two to four mber, including both ame and unique number ame. uage barrier. Children mostly caught up with ssmates. But, their lish, and the children the language they speak age they speak at home. barrier between school

address that challenge Po, who is Karen and on between the school

n children are attending 29. The parents “are so kids who are sent to l be improved with avior, with education,

hoed by one of the

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 • 13

Dah Po, a Karen employee at St. Jerome School, goes over material for parents Sept. 6.

She serves as a liaison between the school staff and Karen families.

Fifth-grader Moo Moo Shi listens to her teacher during class.

Third-graders Paw Law Eh Htoo, right, and Gloria Barclay work in the computer lab.

PHOTOS BY DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

parents of children who attended last year. Naw Mu has three children, all girls, at St. Jerome this year, in kindergarten, third and sixth grades. With Dah Po interpreting, she said that one of her daughters improved her grades at St. Jerome last year, and all of her children are thriving at the school.

“When she came here, every subject, she got [an] A,” Naw Mu said. “I love it because the teachers teach very well.”

Teachers get ready for challenges Teachers prepared for the new school year, which began Sept. 4, with training to help overcome language barriers and address emotional issues that some students may experience.

More resources, however, have been made available. The Minneapolis-based GHR Foundation has provided a grant that will allow the school to hire an English language teacher.

The school also has paraprofessionals, tutors and two young adults from Teach for Christ, an organization that sends men and women to serve at Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

“We’re trying to kind of front-load enough support so that, academically, teachers are ready, [and] the emotional, social issues of the

From left, fourth-grader Saw Blu Moo and Paw Law Eh Htoo walk down the hallway together. students can be addressed and understood,” Gattman said. “They [teachers] are just so fired up and positive and anxious and eager, and I’m really, really excited for the group of people that is going to be working with our kids. Lots of good energy, lots of faithful people.”

The teachers are hoping to create an environment in their classrooms that allows the Karen students to thrive. And, hopefully, it will offset some of the hardships they’ve faced coming from refugee families.

“I’m excited to give them a second home so that they can feel loved,” said second-grade teacher Shelly Berthiaume, who is entering her 13th year at St. Jerome and has five Karen students in her class of 16. “I think it will be great. It’s a safe, loving environment.”

She also expects it to be beneficial for her

non-Karen students because they’ll learn about another culture. The school plans to weave aspects of Karen culture into the school year, and Gattman hopes the parents will be able to visit.

With 75 Karen families at St. Casimir, Gattman and Deacon Seraphim expect similar Karen enrollment next year, perhaps even increasing in the future. But, with the grant only covering this year, they know more funds will be needed.

“It’s always a lot of trust,” Deacon Seraphim said. “God asked us to do that, and that’s the key. You don’t really always know what’s in front of just the first step you take. ... I wouldn’t have started it if I wasn’t convinced that God’s hand was with it and it was going to keep going.”

14 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 15

FAITH+CULTURE

Why Church law forbids violating the seal of confession

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

QUESTIONING CONFESSION SEAL

T

he seal of confession is so important and sacred that a priest would be automatically excommunicated under canon law for directly revealing the contents of a confession.

The sacramental seal is absolutely inviolable and “admits no exceptions” — even if the intention was to prevent an imminent evil or serious crime, said Msgr.

Krzysztof Nykiel, regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican court dealing with matters of conscience.

Not even the death of the penitent can release the confessor from the obligation to maintain the seal, he added.

The Catholic Church has always given special importance to the confidential nature of administering the sacrament of penance, the monsignor wrote in an essay, published in Italian, in the Polish journal, Teka Komisji Prawniczej, in 2014. The penitentiary sponsored a conference at the Vatican the same year on “the confessional seal and pastoral privacy.”

Since the seal has its origin and foundation “in the truth and transcendence of God,” he wrote, “only God can open and reveal the secret that the seal encloses.”

The “secret” nature of the sacrament of penance reflects and respects the intimate, personal encounter between God and the individual. Confession is to be a “holy place of this communication of love and friendship” where God can come and dwell, the monsignor wrote. The priest who hears confession is present “exclusively in the name and place of God,” not of himself, he added.

“Opening his heart, the penitent confesses his sins, therefore, to God himself, and only God, through the ministry of the priest, absolves his sins,” Msgr. Nykiel wrote. That is why, as written in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. 1467), the confessor can make no use of what the penitent has said, which “remains ‘sealed’ by the sacrament.”

The seal and secret of confession must be preserved by the confessor, an interpreter and anyone who in any way, even casually, comes to know of the sins confessed.

Any Catholic who makes a recording of a sacramental confession or divulges it through the media can be subject to automatic excommunication.

The sacrament differs completely from other forms of professional secrecy such as doctor-patient confidentiality or lawyer-client privilege in which a patient or client can waive confidentiality. With confession, not even the penitent has authority to exonerate the confessor from the sacramental seal. The penitent also cannot compel him to testify in court about what he heard.

Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, told participants at the 2014 conference that it is important “to dispel any suspicion” that the Church’s commitment to the confessional seal “is designed to cover intrigues, plots or mysteries as people sometimes naively believe or, more easily, are led to believe.”

Australia’s Catholic bishops and religious orders, responding to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, accepted 98 percent of its suggestions, but said they could not accept recommendations that would violate the seal of confession.

“We are committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people while maintaining the seal. We do not see safeguarding and the seal as mutually exclusive,” said the preamble to a 57-page response to dozens of recommendations concerning child safety, formation of priests and religious workers, ongoing training in child safety and out-of-home care service providers.

CNS

Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez hears confession Aug. 4, 2017, during the third annual City of Saints youth conference on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles.

The existence of the seal of confession does not mean bishops or others are exempt from acknowledging and reporting crimes, including sexual abuse, to relevant authorities, Msgr. Nykiel said.

“The lack of vigilance, failure to report and the coverup of cases of abuse cannot be considered in any way a ‘noted’ characteristic of the Catholic Church nor a consequence of the sacramental seal tied to confession,” he told Catholic News Service Aug. 31. They are “a distortion, a criminal and perverse practice against Gospel principles conducted by individual members of the same Church.”

While a confessor cannot reveal what was said during confession, penitents can speak about what they know.

Confessors may try to encourage, but never coerce, penitents to bring allegations or concerns forward.

A similar pastoral practice is involved when, during a sacramental confession, a penitent reveals she or he is the victim of domestic violence; in those cases, confessors should clearly condemn abuse and encourage the victim to consider what can be done in terms of preventing further harm to the victim or others.

Confessors cannot force penitents — whether victim or perpetrator — to inform outside authorities, and they must “resist the temptation to tell the victim what she must do or to insist that she act in a way she may not choose or before she is ready. This may be interpreted as another form of control,” according to the article, “Addressing Domestic Violence in the Sacrament of Reconciliation,” by U.S. Father Stephen Dohner of the Diocese of Cleveland.

If a person confesses to having committed abuse, the priest in the confessional — who is acting as a channel of God’s mercy at that moment — cannot order the person to incriminate himself or herself, but he should

The response, published Aug. 31, came eight-and-a-half months after the Royal Commission released its 17-volume report on child sexual abuse. The report was based on five years of hearings, nearly 26,000 emails, and more than 42,000 phone calls from concerned Australians. In February 2017, Australian Church leaders spent three weeks testifying before the commission.

The Royal Commission recommended that the bishops consult with the Holy See to clarify whether “information received from a child during the sacrament of reconciliation that they have been sexually abused is covered by the seal of confession” and whether “if a person confesses during the sacrament of reconciliation to perpetrating child sexual abuse, absolution can and should be withheld until they report themselves to civil authorities.”

— Catholic News Service advise the penitent to seek appropriate help and to truly understand the consequences of his actions, Msgr.

Nykiel told CNS. In the case of hearing an allegation from a victim, he said the confessor can strongly urge the person to report the abuse to the police or others, and provide the penitent with specific information about who to turn to.

“Confessors are not the masters of the sacrament of reconciliation, but ministers of mercy; therefore, they cannot act according to their will, but must help the penitent in light of Church teaching,” he said.

Confessors are expected to be Christ-like and “love the freedom of the penitent, to respect it” even when his or her choices are questionable, Cardinal Piacenza said.

Maintaining strict secrecy safeguards the sacrament itself, which Christ established as a “sure gateway of salvation for sinners,” Msgr. Nykiel said.

If the faithful, especially those most in need, who have recognized the gravity of their sins, could no longer be sure they were confiding only in God and no one else, they might no longer turn to the sacrament of penance, he said. It is precisely because of this concern for the salvation of souls that the Church imposes the severest canonical punishment on breaking the seal of confession, he said.

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16 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

CATHOLICFAMILYLIFE Grandparents have special role in families: evangelizing

By Dan Russo Catholic News Service

N

ow more than ever, grandparents have an essential role in their families, particularly when it comes to passing on the faith to future generations.

“We have to realize that while society doesn’t value grandparents, God does,” said Crystal Crocker, to a group of about 120 people at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly, Iowa. “You’re needed. You still have a job to do.”

Crocker, director of the Office of Evangelization for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, was the keynote speaker at a daylong conference Aug. 25 called “Grandparenting: Leaving a Legacy of Faith,” the first event of its kind in the Archdiocese of Dubuque.

Crocker is known for spearheading one of the first diocesan ministries in the nation focused on grandparents.

She realized it was necessary to reach out to the elder members of the Church because of the unique wisdom they can provide their families.

“You have to be a spiritual

grandparent,” urged Crocker. “Our goal is to get our children and grandchildren to heaven.”

She spoke to the conference participants in the morning and afternoon on God’s call to grandparents and on passing on a legacy of faith. The day also featured Mass with Dubuque Archbishop Michael Jackels and three breakout sessions that focused on tough questions facing grandparents, such as: What do you do if your adult children have stopped practicing their faith?

Deacon Gary and Kay Aitchison, two pioneers in grandparenting ministry in the archdiocese, were joined by other archdiocesan church leaders, Mary Pedersen, director of adult faith formation, and Matt Selby, director of the Office of Marriage and Family Life, in leading breakout sessions. The Aitchisons have written a six-session small group program for grandparents called “The Grand Adventure: A New Call to Grandparenting,” based on their experience with the Christian Family Movement.

“Fifty-four percent of Americans over 50 are grandparents,” said Deacon Aitchison.

“We like to think that grandparents are blessings and anchors to our grandchildren,” Kay added.

In his homily, Archbishop Jackels shared some of his own experiences with family members who are not practicing the faith, saying that he could identify with many at the conference as one of six children who

DAN RUSSO | CNS

Crystal Crocker, director of the Office of Evangelization for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, speaks during an Aug. 25 conference called “Grandparenting: Leaving a Legacy of Faith,” at St. Mary Church in Waverly, Iowa. were raised Catholic.

“I’m the only one who still goes to church,” he said.

He encouraged people to show people the truth and power of Jesus’ love by their own actions.

“The wagging finger doesn’t work so

well with adult children,” said the archbishop. “The most effective thing is the example, the imitation of Christ.”

Some of the attendees, like Jill and Dean Rowell of St. Isidore in Springville, were brand new grandparents.

“We have a 3-month-old grandson,” said Jill. “Our son did have his baby baptized, but they aren’t actively attending Mass, so we’re hoping to hear some ideas on how to encourage him and our grandson in faith and knowing God.” During his session, Selby, a convert to Catholicism from evangelical Protestantism, offered guidance on reaching out to adult children and other family members.

“Don’t blame yourself,” said Selby.

“There’s free will involved. You’ve got to recognize their free will and don’t beat yourself up.”

He and Crocker offered several practical “do’s and don’ts” when reaching out to adult children and other family members who are not practicing their faith.

Both speakers emphasized the importance of prayer, fasting, and sacrificing for children and grandchildren. They also offered this tip: Let parents be parents.

“Let the parents discipline and you can come in and be the consoler,” said Crocker. “Understand that it’s tough to be a parent. You can continue to influence, but you no longer have control. We can’t change people. God can change them.”

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

CATHOLICFAMILYLIFE

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 17

Stronger families Cana Family Institute refreshing materials to better meet mission

“

By Susan Klemond For The Catholic Spirit

C

hris and Gina Rickert focused more on themselves than their marriage for almost a decade, until the parishioners of Mary, Queen of Peace in Rogers began attending marriage and family programs through the Cana Family Institute five years ago.

Through the “mini-conversions” they experienced while studying and discussing Church teaching in men’s and women’s groups at a nearby parish, God transformed their marriage.

“It’s been such a beautiful journey,” said Gina, 39, who graduated from the Institute’s four-year Mothers of Young Children program in June. “For us, it’s been really transformative in our love for the sacraments, in the way we view our marriage and the purpose of marriage, and the way we view our role as part of our parish family and larger community.”

Six years after purchasing the marriage and family program formerly called “Familia,” the Crystal-based ministry is revamping the 25-year-old curriculum and defining its mission of accompanying families. Meanwhile, Cana Family Institute’s leaders are encouraging participants to become parish leaders as it collaborates with more parishes, schools and ministries.

“What we offer is a way for parents to understand their own Catholic faith and be catechized, which gives them a natural confidence to be able to give it to others,” said Jeannine Backstrom, 60, Cana Family Institute’s executive director and a parishioner of St. Albert in Albertville. “Building on 25 years of experience, we seek to become the most trusted partner for innovative, collaborative, integrated, and transformative marriage and family life ministry in the country.”

About 90 Catholics participate in Cana Family Institute programs at five parishes and two schools in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Programs also are offered in the dioceses of Covington, Kentucky; Galveston-

DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Chris and Gina Rickert discuss the daily Scripture readings Aug. 31 in the dining room of their home in Rogers. They say it is a way for them to connect and deepen their relationship.

Houston, Texas; and Cincinnati.

In 2012, Backstrom and her husband, Gregg, together with three other Minneapolis couples, purchased rights and ownership of the Familia program from Regnum Christi, when that international Catholic movement lacked resources to continue managing it, Backstrom said. In forming the nonprofit institute as a separate entity, Cana Family Institute leaders are retiring the Familia name but are building on the Familia experience as they update and rebrand the program, she said.

At twice-monthly meetings during the school year, Cana Family Institute participants review and share materials based on papal encyclicals, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Scripture. Topics include men’s and women’s roles, the sacraments and parenting.

The Cana Family Institute offers a shorter introductory program on the four temperaments that is less focused on Church encyclicals, and it also plans to offer a couple’s program, Backstrom said.

Institute leaders want to partner with more parishes, diocesan leaders and schools, and four are considering it, Backstrom said. They also seek to work with ministries, such as the Marriage In Christ seminar, to provide parishes with cohesive ministry, she said.

Backstrom said that one of the program’s natural outcomes is that participants strengthen their engagement in parish life.

Families thriving in friendship, faith, and community in your parish and school.

“People will lead when they know why,” she said. “Leadership is about service, and service is about Christ’s love for you. When you discover that, and you see that his Church is in need, you naturally want to serve with the gifts and talents that you have.”

Bishop Andrew Cozzens, the Institute’s ecclesial advisor who is helping the organization become canonically established, asked Father Joe Bambenek, pastor of St. Pius X in White Bear Lake, to serve on its board.

“By strengthening people in their knowledge of the faith, in good parenting skills and in forming communities of faithful parents, [Cana Family Institute] is helping to create the leaders of tomorrow in our parishes,” Father Bambenek said. “Having people in parish volunteer and leadership roles, having people who deeply understand the faith ... and live that out in their life, that’s important for parishes to thrive.”

Over the past two years, Father John Gallas witnessed women who attended a Cana Family Institute women’s group at St. Thomas the Apostle in Corcoran grow in their faith and volunteering.

“I’ve seen a deepening of prayer, friendships and understanding of what God is calling them to in their marriage,” said Father Gallas, who served as the parish’s pastor before recently joining the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity faculty.

Since participating in the Institute’s groups, the Rickerts are more active in

For us, it’s been really transformative in our love for the sacraments, in the way we view our marriage and the purpose of marriage, and the way we view our role as part of our parish family and larger community.

Gina Rickert

their parish, said Gina, who is now also an Institute facilitator and trainer. She noticed the women in her group at St. Michael in St. Michael benefited from personal sharing.

“The beauty that I’ve seen unfold is in the women that I’ve had the honor to journey with and how they have gotten so involved and opened up their hearts and homes in the way that God might be calling them,” she said. “It’s different for everyone, and that’s the beauty of it.”

That also plays out in the men’s groups. When Ed Ricklick, 52, started in a men’s group 20 years ago, he realized he didn’t know how to spiritually lead his family, but he gained concrete ideas at each meeting.

“I know how to lead in many spaces,” said Ricklick, an Institute board member and parishioner of St. Nicholas in Elko New Market. “I knew [leading spiritually in the family] was important, but I didn’t know how important until I started taking the programs. They made it easier for me to make a decision as a husband, and as a father to prioritize.”

Cana Family Institute reaches other Catholics who share similar hopes, Backstrom said.

“They come because they’re looking for belonging, for friends, a community and maybe they don’t even know that,” she said. “When they’re invited to join a group, that opens the door to us being able to accompany them in that discovery of who they’re made to be, and then the Holy Spirit does the work.”

CATHOLICFAMILYLIFE

18 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Pope advises teachers that they need parents’ trust, appreciation

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

Remarriage preparation Basilica seminar addresses issues particular to second marriages, blended families

to the many topics covered in the book so they can read about topics that are not covered in the seminar because of time restraints, or because some topics are more important to only some of the couples. The annulment process is one of those topics in the book.

Interview by Maria Wiering The Catholic Spirit What’s the difference between a first marriage and second marriage?

More than one might think, said Nancy Keller, the director of marriage ministries at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis and a facilitator, along with her husband, Ron Keller, of the Basilica’s Remarriage/Blended Family Seminar. The Kellers launched the ministry more than 15 years ago to help people who are entering or in second marriages, with or without children, reflect on their feelings and common remarriage issues, and gain tools for addressing them. The informal, three-hour seminar is offered once or twice a year, with the next one scheduled Sept. 26.

Nancy Keller, a professional marriage counselor for more than 40 years, answered The Catholic Spirit’s questions by email. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q. What are some of the biggest challenges remarried couples or blended families face?

A. So many challenges:

How to grow a strong marriage with a ready-made family that demands attention, time and energy right from the start; how to be a good step-parent and build a relationship with someone else’s children that did not ask for you in their lives; how to deal with complicated custody issues and former spouses who often are hostile; where to live that does not feel like “her house” or “his house,” [ut] “our” house — and so many more.

Q. How did you identify

the need for a seminar specifically for remarriage?

A. Because of the high

divorce rate and the even higher number of divorced people who marry again after a divorce, statistics tell us that there are many couples in our churches who are planning or are already in a remarriage.

While churches have traditionally offered marriage preparation for engaged couples, not many offer any help for couples planning to remarry. This is what this seminar is designed to do.

Q. What topics does the seminar cover?

Q. Does the seminar also URF ONS ORS CK | iSTO

Without respectfully collaborating with teachers and schools, parents will risk being on their own when it comes to educating their children and be at a greater disadvantage for facing the challenges emerging from today’s culture, mass media and technology, Pope Francis said.

Speaking to hundreds of parents, the pope told them that “teachers are like you — dedicated each day in the educational service of your children.”

His comments came to some 1,400 members and guests of the Italian Parents’ Association during an audience at the Vatican’s Paul VI hall Sept. 7. Praising the group’s efforts promoting the family and education as guided by Christian principles, the pope invited them to always foster and build trust with teachers and schools.

If it is all right to “complain about limitations” or defects when it comes to schools and teachers, it is also “imperative to treasure them as the most invaluable allies in the task of education, which you together carry forward,” said the pope, who taught high school students as a young Jesuit in Argentina.

Today, “families no longer appreciate like before the job teachers have and [teachers] — who are often badly paid — feel the parents’ presence in the school as being an uncomfortable intrusion,” which all ends in a situation, he said, where the parents are kept at bay or considered “adversaries.”

“To change this situation, someone has to take the first step, overcoming any fear of the other and generously holding out one’s hand,” he said.

“That is why I invite you to always cultivate and foster trust toward schools and teachers; without them, you risk remaining on your own in your educational efforts and being increasingly unable to confront new educational challenges that emerge from today’s culture, society, mass media and new technologies,” the pope said.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

address remarriage for people who have been widowed? If so, are their remarriage needs different from those of people who have been divorced?

A. It does include them.

They have some different issues and some the same.

“

We have a God of second chances, and with God’s help and some good education and support, a remarriage or blended family can be a wonderful adventure and a great joy.

A. The seminar covers topics

such as healing and closure from a past relationship or marriage; how to make your new relationship the priority; and dealing with finances, former spouses, custody issues, step-parenting, housing decisions and loyalty struggles. Most important, [the seminar addresses] making God the center of the new relationship, and the encouragement, direction and support that this can make.

Q. Why is it important for the Basilica to offer this seminar?

A. The couples who attend

find a room of people who share their situation, struggles, fears and feelings.

Many of the issues couples face in a blended family are never considered by others, and therefore there is very little understanding and support for these families.

This seminar gives them a place to belong with others who experience what they do. [Attendees make] nearinstant connections.

Q. Many Catholics who

are divorced say they have felt unwelcome in the Church, and some mistakenly think divorce means they’re excommunicated, or cut off from Church life. Does this seminar address that?

A. We certainly try to make

all feel welcome and part of the Church. We do talk about the Church’s teaching on marriage and divorce, dispel some myths and offer follow-up help to anyone who needs it.

Q. In his 2016 apostolic

exhortation “Amoris Laetitia,” Pope Francis called divorce an “evil,” but he also called for more compassion and “accompaniment” in the Church for divorced and remarried Catholics and blended families, including those that are “participat[ing] in the Church’s life in an imperfect manner,” meaning that they are civilly remarried without an annulment. How does this seminar reflect the pope’s instructions?

A. All are accepted in this

seminar, and we hope that through sharing appropriate Scripture and prayer that we weave in throughout, that no one feels judged, but rather [attendees recognize] that we are all imperfect yet loved by God. Our goal is always to draw the participants closer to our loving God, who shows mercy to all, and to make even those who have drifted from the Church feel that this is a safe and supportive place to return.

Q. What role does

annulment play in the seminar?

A. We inform participants

that we have staff who work with the annulment process, educating those who may want to learn more about it.

We can help someone begin that process if they choose, but we don’t take much time within the seminar to talk in detail about it.

Participants also receive and work together with a workbook. We alert couples

Q. What feedback do you

receive from participants?

A. Participants are always

more than positive about their experience at the seminar. Again, spending time with other couples in similar situations, with similar issues, concerns and challenges makes all feel comfortable, understood and accepted.

Q. Why would you

encourage a remarried couple to attend the seminar?

A. A remarriage or blended

family has many more challenges than most couples anticipate, and it is completely different than a first marriage in so many ways. When you have found new love, it is easy to expect it will “all work out.” The divorce rates for remarriages are, unfortunately, higher than for first marriages. We think the main reason for this is being unprepared for the unique issues, feelings and situations couples will face. Knowing what to expect and having strategies for dealing with what comes along keeps couples from feeling like there must be something wrong with them, or that they must have made a mistake in trying marriage again. We have a God of second chances, and with God’s help and some good education and support, a remarriage or blended family can be a wonderful adventure and a great joy.

The Basilica of St. Mary’s next Remarriage/Blended Family Seminar will be 6–9 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Basilica’s Reardon Rectory, 88 17th St. N., Minneapolis.

Cost is $25 per couple.

Attendees need not be Basilica parishioners. For more information or to register, visit mary.org.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 19

FOCUSONFAITH SUNDAY SCRIPTURES | FATHER NATHANIEL MEYERS

The road to salvation can’t circumvent the cross

As a college student, I worked at Byerlys’ restaurant in Roseville as a greeter. My job was fairly simple: Welcome people into the restaurant, get them seated and send them off with a friendly gesture as they left.

Well, that was the theory anyway.

The reality is that the job could prove rather complicated — because it involved working with people. Customers and the servers both had many ideas of how they wanted the seating to go. People had “their” booth and some servers had “their” customers.

For the most part, I managed these peculiarities well, but occasionally I couldn’t quite get all the ingredients to mix and, thus, the job was no longer simple.

The lesson I gained from that job is one that really applies to all of life: It would be easy were it not for all the people. As people, each of us just simply has a way of making things complicated. The Church is a hallmark to this reality as the Lord’s commands are actually quite simple; namely, to love God

ASK FATHER MIKE | FATHER MICHAEL SCHMITZ

What to make of the crisis in the Church?

Q. Father, what do you make of what is in the news about the Church and scandal?

A. First, it cannot go without saying that the

grand jury report that came out of Pennsylvania is the most horrific and vile thing I have ever read. What priests did to innocent children is beyond shocking. It is absolutely incomprehensible. The further cover-ups and compromises are without excuse. This news is literally the most evil I have ever heard of. Full stop. There is nothing more to be said on that, except that there is a need for the Church to do everything possible to care for victims and to be purged of all forms of evil.

But when there is any kind of issue happening, my initial thought is often to try and make sense of it. Or to try and find the cause for it and then to provide some way an individual or a group might be able to move forward.

I don’t think that I will do that here.

This is a massive turning point in the history of the Church. The insane levels of pure evil, along with the foolish, cowardly and weak response to this evil by members of our leadership, are simply staggering. Even with the reforms of 2002, it sounds like there hasn’t been the thorough cleansing the Church has needed. I have no idea where this crisis will lead us, but it is almost entirely unprecedented.

Almost. But not entirely.

We have to note that the Catholic Church in the United States has implemented more rules and regulations to cut down on possible abuse than any other organization. If you have volunteered in your parish, you know that you are to never ever be alone with a minor. This is true for every member of the clergy all the way to a one-time volunteer. I believe that this has helped keep our children safe.

But rules and regulations are not what God has called for. He has been calling for a revolution of sorts. He has been calling for repentance. A top to bottom, front to back, inside-out revolution of the heart, mind and action. And we have not responded.

Therefore, God has done what he consistently does with his faithless people: He has allowed their enemies to defeat them.

Remember the story of the chosen people of God, the Jewish people. Even though God had brought them into covenant relationship with him, they would go through periods where they were unfaithful to that relationship. God would send them prophets, God would give them time, God would provide opportunity for repentance. But if they didn’t truly turn back to

with all our heart and our neighbor as ourselves. Yet, we all know that living these commands is challenging.

As Sunday’s Gospel reading from Mark describes, even at the height of his insight into the true identity of Christ, St. Peter quickly complicates things by immediately trying to impose his own ideas on the Lord’s plans. Fearing the idea of Christ being rejected and suffering being a part of the plan of salvation, Peter rebukes Jesus and tries to offer a different path. “Get behind me, Satan,” the Lord tells him in stark terms.

Each of us is chosen by God and our life’s purpose is fairly straightforward: to know, love, and serve God in this life and to be happy with him in the next. When we follow God’s perfect plan as revealed to us in the Scriptures and the Church’s teachings, life will proceed along fairly simply.

However, this simplicity will require hard work and, in our fallen nature, we will try to avoid this and create an alternative path. Fortunately, when we make the mistake St. Peter does in offering a new approach to life, God patiently corrects us and offers us the way back to himself — namely, the cross.

The cross of Christ is at the heart of discipleship. We only truly come to know ourselves and our place in God’s plan by carrying the cross we are given. Perhaps the cross shows itself in a medical condition, a difficult relationship or a habitual sin. Whatever our cross may be, the key is not to despair but to realize that faithfully bearing it will secure us on the path to heaven.

Like Isaiah’s suffering servant in the first reading, our steadfast perseverance in God’s path will not lead us to shame or being disgraced. Instead, it will bring us into the land of the living.

Father Meyers is pastor of St. Francis Xavier in Buffalo.

him, in his mercy, God would provide a more difficult “opportunity for repentance”: He would allow their enemies to defeat them. This happened with the Assyrians. It happened with the Babylonians. It happened with the Greeks. And this defeat would reveal their need for God and their betrayal of him.

God did this to win them back.

I wonder if God is doing this now, as well. The call to belong fully to Christ has never been more clear. God has sent us prophets and has given us ample time to “clean house,” but we have merely arranged and re-arranged the furniture. So God has allowed our “enemies” to defeat us.

Now, obviously, the media and the government are not our “enemies,” but they are not our friends. More accurately, they are not “with us.” They are not “among our number.” And they have done what we were unwilling or unable to do: They have exposed the sickness that has been allowed to reside in Christ’s Church. I have nothing but gratitude for those who have exposed this evil.

They have done the work that God had called us to do. And now it is no longer hidden. And now there is a moment of truth.

What will you do? God has done this to win back your heart and my heart. He has done this so that his people might be protected and purified. What will we do?

We must either fully repent or be lost forever. I am not merely referring to the clergy, although we are no doubt included. The prophet Ezekiel wrote, “Woe to the shepherds who do not pasture my sheep. ... Therefore ... I swear I am coming against these shepherds. I will claim my sheep from them and put a stop to their shepherding my sheep so that they may no longer pasture themselves. I will save my sheep …” (Ez 34:10). Priests and bishops, as shepherds, must be the first to be stripped and purified. We (and I mean myself as well) must pick up the tools of penance, fasting, mortifications, prayer and a life renewed in Christ.

But this is going to be the work of your life as well. Your life, for the rest of your lives and your children’s lives, will have to be marked with the same spirit of conversion and repentance.

Of course, none of us want this. We would rather be able to be “normal” Catholics in “normal” times. But this is not our choice to make. You and I have been created individually by God himself for this time and for this place. He has created your children for this work: the work of renewing the Body of Christ through conversion and repentance.

You likely did little (if anything) to contribute to this crisis. But we also did little to stop it through our own prayers, penances, and actions of justice and courage. Therefore, now is the time. This is the place. And repentance is the work. Brothers and sisters, I am asking you to be bold and courageous in turning to the Lord with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength. The Lord has allowed the evil to be seen. Now is the time for the evil to be purged in the hierarchy, the clergy, the family, and in your life and mine.

Father Schmitz is director of youth and young adult ministry for the Diocese of Duluth and chaplain of the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Reach him at fathermikeschmitz@gmail.com.

DAILY Scriptures Sunday, Sept. 16 Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 50:5-9a Jas 2:14-18 Mk 8:27-35 Monday, Sept. 17 1 Cor 11:17-26, 33 Lk 7:1-10 Tuesday, Sept. 18 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27-31a Lk 7:11-17 Wednesday, Sept. 19 1 Cor 12:31–13:13 Lk 7:31-35 Thursday, Sept. 20 Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gon, priest, and Paul Chong Ha-sang and companions, martyrs 1 Cor 15:1-11 Lk 7:36-50 Friday, Sept. 21 Saint Matthew, apostle and evangelist Eph 4:1-7, 11-13 Mt 9: 9-13 Saturday, Sept. 22 1 Cor 15:35-37, 42-49 Lk 8:4-15 Sunday, Sept. 23 Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Wis 2:12, 17-20 Jas 3:16–4:3 Mk 9:30-37 Monday, Sept. 24 Prv 3:27-34 Lk 8:16-18 Tuesday, Sept. 25 Prv 21:1-6, 10-13 Lk 8:19-21 Wednesday, Sept. 26 Prv 30:5-9 Lk 9:1-6 Thursday, Sept. 27 St. Vincent de Paul, priest Eccl 1:2-11 Lk 9:7-9 Friday, Sept. 28 Eccl 3:1-11 Lk 9:18-22 Saturday, Sept. 29 Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 Jn 1:47-51 Sunday, Sept. 30 Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Nm 11:25-29 Jas 5:1-6 Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

20 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

COMMENTARY

TWENTY SOMETHING | CHRISTINA CAPECCHI

Breaking up with your phone

I’ve been emailing my friend Becky, a newspaper editor in South Dakota, about our growing desire to unplug. We used to compare notes on “Dancing With the Stars,” but lately we’re both watching less TV. “My eyes have started to reject going from screen to screen,” she emailed me. Instead, she said, she’s been reading, cooking and walking her dog, which led to the discovery of downtown trails and encounters with bison, deer and bighorn sheep.

“I notice a difference,” she wrote. “It has gotten to the point where my phone is strictly for texting and calling people on Sundays. I can’t keep up with it all, and I’m not sure it’s worth trying.”

I told her about my week-long hiatus from social media, which retrained my thumb from tapping on Instagram feeds. I used that free time online to enjoy personality profiles and read substantive articles on mental illness, gender identity and child development. I found myself looking up the definition of words such as “ersatz,” which means artificial or synthetic, an inferior substitute used to replace something natural or genuine.

Just as soon as I had landed on this snazzy new

SIMPLE HOLINESS | KATE SOUCHERAY

In each ‘season,’ marriage can be ‘a silent homily’ If you ask a couple in a longterm marriage if they have experienced “seasons” of love, they will assure you that they have. Just as a year has seasons, so does marriage. According to author Gary Chapman, these must be strategically managed for marriage to be successful.

Chapman is widely known from his 1995 book “The Five Love Languages,” which encourages husbands and wives to learn their partner’s “love language” and use of it as often as possible. In his 2012 book “The Four Seasons of Marriage,” Chapman again proposes strategies to help enhance the strength of one’s marriage.

These strategies include dealing with past failures, choosing a winning attitude, learning to speak your spouse’s love language, developing the power of empathic listening, discovering the joy of helping your spouse succeed, maximizing your differences and implementing positive influence.

“

Social media apps purport to connect us with others but actually impair and isolate us, turning us into the kind of people who don’t answer a phone call but text the caller shortly later, only to enter into a rapid-fire exchange that feels urgent but not fulfilling.

word — a word that says so much in six letters and has that novel “z” ending — I uncovered an application for it, one that got to the root of my iPhone addiction. Our screen time provides stimulation that is ersatz to real human connection.

Social media apps purport to connect us with others but actually impair and isolate us, turning us into the kind of people who don’t answer a phone call but text the caller shortly later, only to enter into a rapid-fire exchange that feels urgent but not fulfilling.

It was time to turn to Catherine Price’s 2018 bestseller “How to Break Up with your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back your Life.” Reading this book was like eating broccoli: I knew I was doing something good for myself. It offers an eye-opening assessment of the mental, social and physical effects of extended phone use — the way it fractures our

In several ways, Chapman’s strategies for successfully managing the seasons of marriage align with the teachings of the Second Vatican Council on marriage.

The Council Fathers proposed that marriage is to be an experience of friendship. The writers of “Gaudium et Spes” (1965) explain that “authentic married love will be held in high esteem ... if Christian spouses give outstanding witness to faithfulness and harmony in their love” as they “retain this character of love throughout their whole manner and communion of life.”

In order to provide such a witness in modern marriage, we often have the misconception, that we will always be happy with our spouse. We may believe this other person is going to fulfill our every dream, and we are allowed to hold our partner responsible if we experience dissatisfaction or discontentment in life.

Even though we may realize this is foolish and untrue, we may still hold our spouse accountable for unhappiness in our lives.

Chapman’s strategies are also supported by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which states married couples will be given a special grace to fulfill their commitment to the sacrament of matrimony.

It states this grace “is intended to perfect the couple’s love and to strengthen their indissoluble unity,” helping each partner attain holiness in married life.

In doing so, the couple sees that “Christ dwells within them, giving them the strength to take up their crosses and follow him, to rise again after they have fallen, to forgive one another, to bear one another’s burdens ... and to love one another with supernatural, tender and fruitful love.”

In order to love one another supernaturally, tenderly

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

attention spans, hinders our ability to form new memories and undercuts our sleep.

The biggest takeaway, for me, was the fact that we do not think critically about the impact of our phones. How do certain apps make us feel? Why is it hard to put down our phones? What are they doing to our brains? Who benefits from our addiction? I was disappointed in myself for being lulled, like an unblinking toddler, into all the scrolling and swiping.

Heeding Price’s advice and cutting back on phone time has made me feel more in control, more engaged with my life. It empowers me to tackle other offbalance areas as I head into fall, which will be a season of change. I’m setting better sleep habits and healthier snacking, replacing Dove milk chocolates with peanuts and pecans. One positive change begets another.

I recently read in The Catholic Spirit about Father John Floeder, a local priest who hits the gym several times a week and weight-lifts 350 pounds. “It gets you used to doing hard things,” he said. “And when you’re doing hard things in this controlled environment, it’s way easier to do hard things elsewhere in your life.”

When praying is hard, I focus on the simple prayers that ground me, beginning and ending my day.

But I’m also realizing that being disciplined can turn the day into one continuous prayer: an act of appreciation for life, for God’s gifts, a love for something greater than self. And that’s a good reason to set aside the phone.

Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights.

Action challenge As we move into the season of fall, take time to reflect with your spouse about the seasons of marriage you have already experienced. Share what you have gained from facing the joys and hardships of your commitment and friendship.

and fruitfully, a couple must realize that the day of their wedding was the first day of saying “yes” to the seasons of marriage that await them.

As the seasons unfold, they must remember they will be given special graces to manage the difficulties that arise, helping them maintain friendship and camaraderie throughout these struggles.

If they remember that Christ dwells within each of them individually, as well as between them collectively, they will realize the strength he gives them to maintain the union they have created through their “yes,” assisting each other to attain greater holiness in marriage and in life.

“Man and woman are created in God’s image and likeness; and for this reason, marriage likewise becomes an image of God,” Pope Francis said. “This makes marriage very beautiful. Matrimony is a silent homily for everyone else, a daily homily.”

Soucheray is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a member of Guardian Angels in Oakdale. She holds a master’s degree in theology from the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity in St. Paul.

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COMMENTARY

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

FAITH AT HOME | LAURA KELLY FANUCCI

When hard conversations have to happen

“I wish we didn’t have to talk about this.”

What parent hasn’t thought or uttered these words, taking a deep breath before jumping into a hard conversation with their child?

Whether a crisis at home, a conflict at school or an atrocity in the news, tough subjects are unavoidable in families.

The recent sex abuse scandals that are rocking our Church are no exception.

Much as we may wish to shield our children entirely, we cannot. The world is broken in more ways than we can count. As youth grow, they will come to know these hard and horrible truths, too.

So how can we broach this topic faithfully at home? Here are three ways to start the hard conversations about what’s happening in our Church.

First, talk with your spouse.

Today most of our news comes straight to the phones in our pockets. Instead of sharing the morning newspaper, couples are now more likely to scroll through news headlines on their own computers or devices. We can quickly become isolated in our echo chambers of social media — even in our outrage.

But if you make a point to connect with your

FAITH IN THE PUBLIC ARENA | JASON ADKINS

Countering infidelity with holiness

The latest round of revelations related to clerical corruption, abuse and sin are yet another inexcusable abomination that soils the garments of the Church. They severely compromise the integrity of our Gospel witness as heralds of Jesus Christ and his kingdom. Even more, they undermine our moral witness in the public arena, and our ability to serve as a voice of conscience in political life.

Confronted with this grim reality, we can despair at the potential for a generation of lost souls and lament the continued, unchecked disintegration of a social order that needs the Church more than ever.

Or, we can remember that the best argument for the Good News and claims of the Church is not her clergy, but her saints. In times of great crisis, the Lord in his faithfulness raises up a new generation of saints for his name’s sake. Infidelity must always be countered by deeper fidelity.

Truly, we have all the means of holiness available to us. As St. Paul reminds us, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Rom 8:39).

The infidelity of today In 1873, upon the opening of a new seminary in Birmingham, England, Blessed John Henry Newman delivered an eerily prescient address entitled “The Infidelity of the Future,” cautioning that even one instance of clerical infidelity would have tremendously harmful effects on the witness of the Church.

An increasingly widespread dissemination of the news would make the examples of clerical infidelity known to the masses. And modern, secular persons,

“

Everything awful in the news can call us forth in faith — not to hide but to act.

iSTOCK | SASIISTOCK

spouse regularly about your reactions to the news, you can talk together about how to respond.

This may be the time to commit ourselves to deeper prayer as couples, too. In marriage, asking how God calls us to act in the world involves the spouse to whom we have committed our lives.

St. Teresa of Avila wrote to her sisters with words that exhort us in our own callings: “This is your vocation; this must be your business; these must be your desires; these your tears; these your petitions. ...

The world is on fire.”

If the world is burning, let the love of our marriages burn even stronger.

Second, talk with your children.

Tackling sensitive, scary subjects like sexual abuse must be done in age-appropriate ways. But we can start when children are small and continue as they grow, circling back to the most important topics over and over, in a thousand ordinary conversations.

he says, nurtured in a mode of thought in which faith is understood to be both inherently irrational and corrupting of the work of reason, would be looking, quite naturally, for more reasons to disbelieve or to push religion further into the private sphere.

With that coupled with an immense store of malicious curiosity directed at Catholics, Newman asserts that “[i]f there ever was a time when one priest will be a spectacle to men and angels it is in the age now open upon us.”

This reality is inescapably more evident today in the age of social media and fake news, filled as it is with curiosity, pride and gossip. That’s not to say that the news or those reporting it are bad. They are not. In general, we should be grateful to the media, bloggers and law enforcement when they put a spotlight on corruption and crime from which bishops have failed to protect the faithful.

But Newman’s caution speaks to the reality that the Church makes bold truth claims and has the audacity to proclaim Christ crucified and risen. Unfaithful clergy undermine the credibility of the proposition — the Good News — and in fact make more reasonable to the masses the often-spurious claims of the Church’s opponents, particularly in the public arena.

As Pope Benedict XVI noted on his voyage to Fatima, “The greatest persecution of the Church comes not from her enemies but arises from sin within the Church.”

No excuses As Christians today, the abuse, scandals and sins of others can make trying to live out the countercultural Good News seem like an impossible calling, precisely for the reasons Newman identified. We can look like fools in the eyes of the world.

Unfortunately, some will find the failures of clergy to be their excuse not to sacrifice this life for the sake of the kingdom. They ask themselves: If bishops won’t engage the spiritual combat, master themselves, and wage constant war against sin in the clergy and among their flock, then why should the people in the pew take up their own cross?

On his Fatima voyage, Pope Benedict offered this

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 21 When the daunting becomes daily, we grow into the truth that nothing lies beyond the scope of our concern as families and as followers of Christ.

Everything awful in the news can call us forth in faith — not to hide but to act.

“We’ve had enough of exhortations to be silent! Cry out with a hundred thousand tongues. I see that the world is rotten because of silence,” wrote St. Catherine of Siena.

She refused to relent in calling the Church to reform in her day. Her witness reminds us that part of our vocation as parents is to teach our children to speak up and not remain silent in the face of evil and injustice.

Third, keep talking.

Today’s 24/7 news cycle will soon forget and lunge after the next scandal. We who are left behind must continue to live with the aftermath.

But if we refuse to forget, if we keep praying for healing, if we keep fighting for justice, then our conversations at home can become part of wider conversations in the Church for conversion and change.

“The power of evil men lives on in the cowardice of the good,” said St. John Bosco, who dedicated his life to caring for vulnerable children.

For children’s sake, for our Church’s sake, for the sake of our own souls, we cannot choose the easy way out and avoid what is difficult to say or do.

Let us pray for the strength to speak with compassion and courage, at home and at church, today and always.

Fanucci, a parishioner of St. Joseph the Worker in Maple Grove, is a mother, writer and director of a project on vocations at the Collegeville Institute in Collegeville.

She is the author of several books, including “Everyday Sacrament: The Messy Grace of Parenting,” and blogs at motheringspirit.com.

Abortion is not health care You can still join Catholics across the United States in the novena of prayer, fasting and education for the legal protection of life. Underway through Sept. 28, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ “Call to Prayer” initiative leads up to the start of the next U.S. Supreme Court session, which begins the first Monday in October. The focus is on prayer and fasting for an end to abortion while educating the public about how the Roe v. Wade decision is not health care, is bad law and fails women.

You can register today by visiting usccb.org/pray to receive a weekly email or text reminder to pray and fast, along with a fact about the Roe decision to share with others, including your two U.S. senators.

response: “The Church ... has a deep need to relearn penance, to accept purification, to learn forgiveness on the one hand, but also the need for justice.

Forgiveness does not replace justice. In a word, we need to relearn precisely this essential: conversion, prayer, penance and the theological virtues. This is our response, we are realists in expecting that evil always attacks, attacks from within and without, yet that the forces of good are also ever present and that, in the end, the Lord is more powerful than evil, and Our Lady is for us the visible, motherly guarantee of God’s goodness, which is always the last word in history.”

The times are challenging, but we know that when sin abounds, grace abounds even more. We must counter infidelity with greater fidelity, and be credible witnesses of the Gospel, especially when others fail.

Adkins is executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference.

22 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

THE LOCAL CHURCH | CRYSTAL CROCKER

The Church needs missionary disciples The recent announcements involving new scandal in our Church sadden me to the core of my being. Just when there seems to be light and hope, another tidal wave of scandal comes to take it away. The evil one is at the gate, and it seems the battle won’t end.

People are angry. I am angry too, but I also love my Church. People are asking, “Where is God? Why does this keep happening? Maybe it is time to leave.” In prayer, I also ask, “Lord, where are you in all of this?

Why are you not doing something?” But Jesus asks me, “Where are you? Do you also want to leave?”

I am struck by this question. It is familiar. In the Gospel reading on a recent Sunday, Jesus asks his Apostles, “Do you also want to leave?”

This question comes in the Bread of Life discourse in John 6, in which Jesus proclaims that he is the Living Bread from heaven, and whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread he gives is his flesh for the life of the world. But the next verse reveals that this

COMMENTARY was too hard for many of his disciples, and they “returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.”

Of course, I answer Jesus, “No Lord, I cannot leave you.” And I repeat Peter’s words, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” Find your Bible and read these words, because in the next verse Jesus says, “Did I not choose you Twelve? Yet is not one of you a devil?” The Gospel goes on to say, “He was referring to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot; it was he who would betray him, one of the Twelve.”

Did Jesus also say this in order to point to a time such as this? He said there would be wolves in sheep’s clothing; he pointed to them again and again. Even Peter fell prey to trying to tempt our Lord to avoid his passion, and then later he denied him. And yet, Peter became the rock on which Jesus built his Church.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

Missionary Discipleship Series Catholics are invited to participate in a new initiative to gain the tools needed to be missionary disciples. The Missionary Discipleship Series includes three, four-week sessions, beginning Oct. 4 at St. Peter in Mendota and Oct. 9 at St. Hubert in Chanhassen. Each evening session includes speakers, reflection, prayer, Q&A and discussion. Speakers include Archbishop Bernard Hebda, Father Steven Borello, Michael Naughton, Molly Schorr and Patrick Conley, plus video presentations by Bishop Andrew Cozzens and Father Francis Hoffman (“Father Rocky”) of Relevant Radio. Cost is $150.

Childcare is available at St. Hubert. For more information, contact Susanna Parent at 651-291-4411 or parents@archspm.org, or register at archspm.org/missionarydiscipleship.

Many Catholics have been asking what they can do to change the Church for the better. My response has been to look to Jesus who transformed fishermen into disciples and how they responded by transforming others and established his Church, even as they were struck by unimaginable hardship and difficulties. The Church gathers us in, even in our inadequacies, weakness and sinfulness, and she asks us to become disciples and share the Good News.

in the mission field that is right in our own Church, parish and family.

Christ promised he would be with us until the end of time, and that the “gates of hell shall not prevail.”

However, Jesus needs us, and the Church needs us.

“I am the way, the truth and the life.” This is his invitation to follow him as a disciple, to rise up in our Church, become our Church and breathe life into our Church. The Church has a body and it is us. The head of the Church is a person, Jesus Christ. And he is asking, “Where are you? Come and follow me.”

Many may say this is too great a risk. But now more than ever, we need missionary disciples of all ages to be

Crocker is director of the Office of Evangelization for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

protections and coddling are infuriating. Many are afraid of being ostracized by their friends and community. But we need to talk about this more. And we will.

committed to civil actions against the guilty. He refused to acknowledge, condemn or reverse the centuries-old “code of silence” prevalent in the Church, where any knowledge of the slightest issue that would bring shame upon the Church must not be brought forth. This code of silence is the root cause of decade upon decade of perversions and violations of the innocent. If this code did not exist, the unlawful actions would have been revealed, prosecuted and curtailed many decades ago. But, sadly, it still exists and remains condoned. What a huge embarrassment the pope’s letter was.

LETTERS Justice should matter most I’m so sick about reading more reports on clergy sex abuse. I have my faith, but it’s no wonder the Church is falling apart and membership is down in some areas. Fortunately I was never abused there, but anyone abused (in any form) anywhere can empathize with victims. There’s not enough accountability being taken or itemization of funds being spent on legal fees. If this were government, it would be a more pressing issue. And the statute of limitations might no longer exist for victims. Yet the silent membership are afraid of repercussions. Social capital matters more to some people than justice. And it’s sickening. Make your “right to life” just as much about publicly denouncing such conduct instead of saying you’ll just pray for them. Your apathy, priest

Your byline here.

The Catholic Spirit is seeking experienced, professional freelance journalists to report on Catholic life in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Interested?

Email

CatholicSpirit@ archspm.org

Greg Lucid St. Odilia, Shoreview

Speak about the silence I just carefully and thoroughly read the pope’s letter to the people and came to the conclusion it was pure and simple “word salad.” He never sincerely demonstrated remorse for the decades of unlawful and perverted actions by those he and his predecessors directed, guided and supervised, much less the orchestrated cover-ups. He never fully

Tom Mader Circle Pines

Sidewalk counseling saves lives All is quiet on the abortion front. Even though more than 10,000 unborn children were killed by chemical and surgical abortion in Minnesota in 2017.

Deaths by abortion are silent because no one can hear the babies cry. It is also quiet on the front lines of the abortion clinics where Christians are largely absent.

This should not be, because showing up at the abortion clinics saves lives. I have seen hundreds of women change their minds on the very day their child was to be aborted. Last fall, a clergyman who is also a sidewalk counselor convinced a fellow pastor to join him on the sidewalk outside a late-term abortion clinic. Within a few minutes, his friend was conversing with an abortion-minded woman whose boyfriend was pleading with her to spare their child’s life. After a few more minutes, they agreed to go to a pregnancy help center. While at the center, the young mother received an ultrasound, emotional support and a plan to proceed with the pregnancy with confidence. Their daughter was born last February.

This is what happens when the Church shows up.

Sidewalk counseling is constitutionally protected, a mandate for Christians and very effective. What’s holding you back? Call Pro-life Action Ministries at 651-771-1500 for more information.

Ann Redding Minneapolis Share your perspective by emailing CatholicSpirit@ Please limit your letter to the editor to 150 words and include your parish and phone number. The Commentary page does not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Catholic Spirit. Letters may be edited for length or clarity. archspm.org.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 23

CALENDAR FEATURED EVENTS Holy Hour of Reparation and Prayers for Healing — Sept. 15: 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul. Mindful of Pope Francis’ recent call for prayer and fasting, Archbishop Bernard Hebda invites priests and all others to join him for a eucharistic holy hour of reparation and prayers for healing. Sept. 15 is the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. archspm.org.

St. Maron Annual Lebanese Festival — Sept.

15-16: 1–8 p.m. Sept. 15, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sept. 16 at St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church, 602 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis. Authentic Lebanese cuisine, beer and wine, raffle, silent auction, country store, gift shop, games, Cedars Dabke dance group and live music. stmaron.com.

Mass for persons with disabilities — Sept. 16: 3 p.m. at St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity, St. Mary’s Chapel, 2260 Summit Ave., St. Paul.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda will celebrate the Mass, which includes confirmation for persons with disabilities. Sing-a-long begins at 2:30 p.m.

Refreshments following. archspm.org/events.

Parish events

Conferences/workshops

St. Patrick’s garage sale — Sept. 12-15: 5–9 p.m. Sept. 12; 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Sept. 13; 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Sept. 14; 8:30–noon Sept. 15 at 6820 St. Patrick’s Lane, Edina. stpatrick-edina.org.

Marriage Tool-Time Tune-Up — Sept. 30: 6 p.m. at Guardian Angels, 8260 Fourth St. N., Oakdale. Register by Sept. 24.

651-738-2223 or guardian-angels.org.

Deacon Discernment Day — Sept. 22: 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity, 2260 Summit Ave., St. Paul.

For single or married men, and wives if applicable, between ages 25 and 59. stthomas.edu/spssod/centers/diaconate.

Fiesta dinner and dance — Sept. 16: 12–3 p.m. at St. Mary, 261 E. Eighth St., St. Paul. stmarystpaul.org.

Huge sale of used children’s items — Sept. 22-23: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker, 7180 Hemlock Lane N., Maple Grove. sjtw.net/childrens-clothing-and-toy-sale.

Mary’s Meals fundraiser dinner — Sept. 27: 6 p.m. at St. Joseph of the Lakes, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes. Hosted by Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary. Keynote speaker Mary’s Meals CEO Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow. cathedralsaintpaul.org.

St. Mark’s rummage sale — Sept. 28-30: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Sept. 28 and 29; 9 a.m.–noon Sept. 30 at 2001 Dayton Ave., St. Paul. saintmark-mn.org.

St. John the Baptist Fall Fest Fun Run — Sept. 29: 9 a.m. at 835 Second Ave. NW, New Brighton. raceroster.com/events/2018.

Sesquicentennial Mass Celebration — Sept. 30: 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at Basilica of St. Mary, 88 N. 17th St., Minneapolis. Celebrant Archbishop Bernard Hebda. mary.org.

“Restorative Justice as a Path to Healing” — Sept. 20: 6:30–9 p.m. at Basilica of St. Mary, Teresa of Calcutta Hall, 88 N. 17th St., Minneapolis.

Presenters include Jeanne Bishop, Janine Geske and Mark Umbreit on what restorative justice is, and how it can be a part of healing for abuse survivors and the community at large. mary.org.

Prayer/worship

Blue Mass for first responders — Sept. 29: 5:15 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul. Mass honors members of law enforcement and first responders, and their families. Special seating for attendees in uniform.

Celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Hebda, the Mass commemorates the feast of St. Michael, patron saint of first responders. archspm.org/events.

Unveiled Marriage Retreat — Sept. 13-15 at Holy Family, 5900 W. Lake St., St. Louis Park. A marriage retreat for engaged and married couples, and Catholics discerning marriage. hfcmn.org.

Healing Mass with Father Jim Livingston — Sept. 18: 7 p.m. at St. Nicholas, 412 W. Fourth St., Carver. Rosary at 6:30 p.m. stnicholascarver.org.

Retreats

Silent retreat — Sept. 20-23 at 16385 St. Francis Lane, Prior Lake. 952-447-2182 or franciscanretreats.net.

Men’s silent weekend retreat — Sept. 21-23 at Christ the King Retreat Center, 621 First Ave. S., Buffalo. kingshouse.com.

Speakers Pro-life gathering — Sept. 13: 7–8 p.m. at Holy Trinity, 211 Fourth St., Goodhue. Education on pro-life issues from Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life. mccl.org/falltour.

“Being Muslim in America” — Sept. 16: 11 a.m. at Basilica of St. Mary, 88 N. 17th St., St. Ambrose Room, Minneapolis. mary.org/news-events/events.

“Ending Poverty by 2020: How Are We Doing?” — Sept. 17: 7–8:30 p.m. at St. John Neumann, 4030 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan. Speakers Anne Krisnik and Katie Powell of the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition. canweendpovertyby2020.eventbrite.com.

Harvest of Hope Gala with speaker Ryan Bomberger — Sept. 22: 5:30–11 p.m. Minneapolis Marriott Northwest, 7025 Northland Drive N., Brooklyn Park. Supports Options for Women/Cornerstone, a pro-life pregnancy center in St. Michael. cornerstoneoptions.org.

Minneapolis Council of Catholic Women meeting — Sept. 24: 9 a.m. at St. Alphonsus, 7025 Halifax Ave. N., Brooklyn Center. Speakers: Dianne Johnson and Teresa Tawil, cofounders of Curatio, an apostolate for health care professionals.

Register at 763-424-2304.

Pro-life gathering — Sept. 25: 7–8 p.m. at St. Hubert, 8201 Main St., Chanhassen. Education on pro-life issues from Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life. mccl.org/falltour.

Other events “Finding a Balance in the Midst of Grief” with Sue Vento — Sept. 18: 6:30–9 p.m. at Risen Savior, 1501 E. County Road 42, Burnsville. Sponsored by Interdenominational Coalition of South Suburban Churches. Barb Korman at 651-452-8261 or growingthroughloss@gmail.com.

CALENDAR submissions DEADLINE: Noon Thursday, 14 days before the anticipated Thursday date of publication. We cannot guarantee a submitted event will appear in the calendar. Priority is given to events occurring before the next issue date.

LISTINGS: Accepted are brief no­tices of upcoming events hosted by Catholic parishes and organizations. If the Catholic connection is not clear, please emphasize it in your submission. Included in our listings are local events submitted by public sources that could be of interest to the larger Catholic community.

ITEMS MUST INCLUDE the following to be considered for publication: uTime and date of event uFull street address of event uDescription of event u Contact information in case of questions ONLINE: thecatholicspirit.com/calendarsubmissions MAIL: “Calendar,” The Catholic Spirit 777 Forest St., St. Paul, MN 55106

The Shepherd’s Classic Golf Tournament — Sept. 24: 11:30 a.m. at Refuge Golf Course, 21250 Yellow Pine St. NW, Oak Grove. Supports The Way of the Shepherd Catholic Montessori School in Blaine. wayoftheshepherd.org/golfregistration. 763-424-2304.

Writing from the Center — Sept. 24, Oct. 29, Nov. 26 and Dec. 17: 7–9 p.m. at St. Paul’s Monastery, 2675 Benet Road, Maplewood. benedictinecenter.org.

Women with Spirit Bible study — Tuesdays, Sept. 25April 9: 9:30–11:30 a.m. at Pax Christi Community, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie. Register at paxchristi.com/eventregistration.

Blood drive — Sept. 26: 1–7 p.m. at St. Richard, 7540 Penn Ave. S., Richfield. Pre-register at redcrossblood.org using sponsor code StRich or 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Marketplace • Message Center Classified Ads

Email: classifiedads@archspm.org • Phone: 651-290-1631 • Fax: 651-291-4460 Next issue: 9-27-18 • Deadline: 3 p.m. 9-20-18 • Rates: $8 per line (35-40 characters per line) • Add a photo/logo for $25 ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTIONS

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ATTORNEYS Edward F. Gross • Wills, Trusts, Probate, Estate Planning, Real Estate. Office at 35E & Roselawn Ave., St. Paul (651) 631-0616.

Brian Flakne Criminal, Family & Business Law 1701 Madison St. NE #101, Mpls (952) 888-9304 bflakne@flaknelaw.com

CABINETRY CABINETS, TV stands, bookcases – large and small, vanities, kitchen cabinets: White Bear Lake (651) 429-0426.

CATHOLIC COACHING/TRAINING Live with passion and purpose: in your work, ministry, marriage, and all of life. Redivive Coaching equipping the Catholic community.

Call Rick Erisman at (651) 410-7051 or email: rickerisman@redivivecoaching.com.

CEMETERY LOTS FOR SALE Resurrection Cemetery, 1 Duo. Lot #17, Section #13, Block #51 $1,200 – call (952) 891-2936.

CEILING TEXTURE Michaels Painting. Popcorn Removal & Knock Down Texture: TextureCeilings.com (763) 757-3187.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Associate Editor of THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT Newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis: the “right hand” of the Editor/Publications Manager and assumes the role in the absence of the Editor/Publications Manager. This person assists the editor in creating and executing an editorial plan for the newspaper. This includes, but is not limited to, news and feature writing, photography and editing the work of editorial staff members, columnists, freelancers and wire services.

Other responsibilities include assigning stories and photo shoots to staff and freelancers, proofreading, editing TheCatholicSpirit.com, and assisting in page design and layout. For more information and to apply see: careers. archspm.org/jobs/associate-editor.

Christ Our Light Catholic Parish, Princeton and Zimmerman: Parish Administrator.

Responsible for the care and management of the temporal affairs of the parish. As a staff member of Christ Our Light, this position will supervise, coordinate, and perform the administrative functions of finance and accounting, management of facility and property, management of human resources, and office services. Competitive salary and benefits offered. Competency in human resources, accounting, finance and computer literacy required. The job description and application form are available at www. christourlightmn.org. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and application to christourlightmn.HR@gmail.com or send to the Human Resources Committee; Christ Our Light; 804 7th Ave. S.; Princeton, MN, 55371.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

PAINTING

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DO YOU HAVE SALES EXPERIENCE? ARE YOU WELL NETWORKED IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY? J.S. PALUCH COMPANY NATIONAL PUBLISHER OF CHURCH BULLETINS • Full & Part Time Positions Available with Excellent Earning Potential!

• Medical Benefits, 401K, Life & AD&D Insurance Available • Excellent Commission Compensation Program Interested? Call Kay Leane 1.800.621.5197 x2823 or Email Resume to RECRUITING@JSPALUCH.COM www.jspaluch.com Pastoral Care Director: The Glenn Minnetonka, a Senior Housing Campus, is seeking a compassionate, practicing Catholic to lead and direct our Pastoral Care Department. Must be a Priest, Deacon or Nun. This is a full-time, salaried position, with an excellent benefit package! Our ideal candidate will have: Strong desire to help elderly people in need of spiritual services and ministry.

Understanding of the aging process.

Plan liturgies, sacraments and memorial services. Assist with Saturday Mass Lead weekly Scripture Class and bi-weekly Grief Support Group. Evaluate Pastoral Care programming for additional opportunities.

Qualifications: • Experience and delivery of Services of Word and Communion • Strong desire to work with elderly people • Musical/Singing ability is a plus Please send resumes/inquiries to: sswanson@greatlakesmc.com

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IN-HOME CAREGIVER Honest, compassionate senior caregiver seeking a job, Minneapolis live-in preferred. Margaret (952) 201-1288.

For painting & all related services. View our website: PAINTINGBYJERRYWIND.COM or call (651) 699-6140.

Merriam Park Painting. Professional Int./ Ext. Painting. WP Hanging. Moderate Prices, Free Estimates. Call Ed (651) 224-3660.

Michaels Painting. Texture and Repair.

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(612) 819-2438

PRAYERS NOTICE: Prayers must be submitted in advance. Payment of $8 per line must be received before publication.

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HARDWOOD FLOORS

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Pax Enterprises shirts, religious items.

Call for brochure: Kaye (651) 330-9744.

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Mention this ad for a discount!

WANTED TO BUY Estate & Downsizing: I buy Van Loads and Bicycles. Steve (651) 778-0571.

Buying Pre-1980 Sportscards & Non-Sportscards singles and collections.

Also, any other vintage sports memorabilia.

Ask for Jim (651) 356-1741.

24 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

THELASTWORD

Lino’s still at large ‘The Catholic Guy’ brings radio family home to Twin Cities

By Jonathan Liedl For The Catholic Spirit

L

ino Rulli doesn’t have any children of his own.

Married two years ago, the 46-year-old and his wife, Jill, are hoping that changes soon.

But the Minnesota native and Catholic media personality is already the pater familias of his own unique brood: a devoted community of listeners to “The Catholic Guy,” a weekday afternoon drive program on Sirius XM Radio’s Catholic Channel, which Rulli has hosted since its conception in 2006.

About 200 members of this tight-knit crew came to the Twin Cities Aug. 17-18 for Catholic Guy Con. The main event consisted of a recorded show and presentations from Rulli and his co-hosts. That was preceded the night before by a meet-up at Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery in Minneapolis. Mass celebrated by co-host Father Jim Chern, dinner catered by the St. Paul Italian eatery Cossetta Alimentari, and a tour of Hill-Murray High School in Maplewood — Rulli’s alma mater — closed out the two-day fan fest.

“My biggest takeaway from this experience is just a feeling of gratitude,” said Rulli, who admits he had no idea the event would be such a success when it was being planned. “I’ve found myself thanking God over and over again for this career, and for our audience, and how lucky I am to be able to be in people’s lives.”

A sense of family While the event was the first official Catholic Guy Con, for many fans it was not the first time they had gathered with each other and Rulli, who hosts several pilgrimages for Catholic Guy devotees every year. One Catholic Guy Con attendee had been on five.

But for listeners like Chuck Fanelli, who went to the Holy Land with Rulli in 2017, Catholic Guy Con was something special, a unique opportunity to be together with all four current members of the show and hundreds of Catholic Guy fans.

“I said there’s no way I’m missing this,” recalled the 33-year-old native of the Newark, New Jersey, area, who has listened to every episode of “The Catholic Guy” show since he first came across the program two years ago. Fanelli was the first to buy a ticket for Catholic Guy Con, which sold out in 24 hours. And when he found out his wife was due to deliver their third child only days after the fan fest, he still made the decision to come. “[The Catholic Guy community] energizes me, renews my faith, and really helps me get back to being a better husband and father,” said Fanelli, who made it home in time for the birth of his son, Michael Paul.

“We all feel like family. A big, weird family.”

Like most families, “The Catholic Guy” show’s listeners speak their own language, replete with inside jokes and good-natured ribbing. Even those passing by downtown Minneapolis’ Brave New Comedy Workshop, which hosted the radio show portion of Catholic Guy Con, could get a sense of this simply by reading the venue’s marquee: “Welcome Nasty Listeners #ReadingMarqueeIsHard #BearsAreFast.”

Inside the doors, attendees wore shirts with additional Catholic Guy catch-phrases, tweeted from Twitter accounts named after on-air gags, and called on Rulli to play favorite sound bytes from the show.

“Wow, I feel like I’m the leader of my own cult,” joked Tyler Veghte, the show’s quirky but beloved atheist producer, after attendees sang along by heart to the musical introduction of the popular “What’s on Tyler’s Mind?” segment.

Catholic Guy origins But while Veghte and co-hosts Father Chern and Mark Hart have their own unique following among fans, make no mistake about it: “The Catholic Guy” show begins and ends with the Catholic Guy himself

Radio host Lino Rulli, center, talks with Rob Hedrick, left, of Louisburg, Kansas, and Chuck Fanelli of Bergenfield, New Jersey, at Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery in downtown Minneapolis Aug. 17, the opening night of Catholic Guy Con. DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— Lino Rulli.

The show is infused with Rulli’s personality, from the sarcastic, self-deprecating sense of humor that targets his big nose and his co-hosts alike, to the soundtrack provided by the Foo Fighters, his favorite band.

“The Catholic Guy” show’s approach to Catholicism is also Rulli’s own. He believes being Catholic shouldn’t be “compartmentalized,” and mixes faith freely on air with humor and discussions on everything from sports to what he’s watching on Netflix. It’s this playful and occasionally irreverent style that makes “The Catholic Guy” show “your home for pure Catholic pleasure,” as its tagline states.

But the show isn’t all laughs. For Rulli, who’s won three Emmy awards for his previous media work as a television host and producer, it’s also a craft he takes seriously. As his co-hosts noted at Catholic Guy Con, Rulli’s goal is first and foremost to make a great radio show, one that normal people will want to listen to.

“The bottom line is I host a funny Catholic radio show,” said Rulli. “That’s what I get paid to do and people seem to enjoy it.”

Rulli began honing the skills he’d use on “The Catholic Guy” show during his upbringing and early adult years in Minnesota, from his days in theater at Hill-Murray, to the campus radio program he hosted at St. John’s University in Collegeville, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s in theology.

Rulli also got his professional media start in the Twin Cities, working for WCCO-TV and KMSP-TV before launching Generation Cross, a Catholic television show that combined fun and faith, and even included an episode of rock climbing with the future Bishop Andrew Cozzens. He later hosted “Lino at Large,” a radio show sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Though Rulli now resides in New York City, where he also serves as media advisor to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, he still considers himself a Midwesterner, and says his Minnesota upbringing shapes the way he sees the world and the Church. As he put it, “If it wasn’t for my time on TV here [in Minnesota], there wouldn’t be ‘The Catholic Guy’ show anywhere.”

So when a listener called in last year and joked that the show should sponsor a “Lino pilgrimage,” it only made sense to host what would become Catholic Guy Con in Rulli’s home state. The location also allowed for the appearance of two guests especially loved by Rulli’s radio family: his real-life parents.

Authentic and relatable It was Rulli’s mother, Gina, who bemusedly asked Catholic Guy Con attendees, many of whom had paid several hundred dollars in travel expenses to come, a simple question on the event’s opening night: “Why are you here?”

But to ask that question is really to ask why “The Catholic Guy” show has been so successful at creating a family-like devotion among its listeners, a group that includes both men and women, the middle-aged and millennials, liberals and conservatives, and even Protestants and non-Christians.

“I don’t think we have a secret recipe or a master plan,” said Father Chern, a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark who serves as chaplain at Montclair State University. “It’s just that what listeners are finding on the show is that people are authentic. We’re not pretending to be someone we’re not.”

Attendees echoed Father Chern’s sentiments. Many said they appreciated Rulli’s example of a Catholic who is aware of and forthright about his sins and struggles, but is still committed to his faith. Rulli has even served as confirmation sponsor for several listeners.

Denise Bourque, 49, said she was falling away from the Church before she encountered “The Catholic Guy” show six years ago.

“Lino’s not flawless and neither am I,” said Bourque, who traveled from Nova Scotia to attend the fan fest.

“It makes me realize that it’s OK that I’m not perfect.

I’m going to mess up, but at the end of the day, Christ still loves me.”

Many also agreed with Hart, show co-host and executive vice president of LifeTeen, who said during his presentation that most Catholic media caters to the “1 percent” of Catholics, not the normal people in the pews. Others described typical Catholic media as “boring” or difficult to relate to.

Melissa Phinney, 36, a Catholic Guy fan who is a catechist and parishioner of Transfiguration in Oakdale, watches and appreciates Catholic TV network EWTN, but sometimes finds the programming to be “too serious” and difficult to follow.

“I like ‘The Catholic Guy’ show because they use humor and make it easy to understand what they’re talking about,” she said.

For many Catholic Guy followers, the show provides the type of community they don’t find at their parish, where some don’t feel welcome, or in their normal daily circles, where it can be difficult to talk about faith. When they listen to “The Catholic Guy” show, they’re plugged into a relatable community of Catholics and are encouraged in their Catholic faith.

Rulli acknowledged that this might be especially important now, in the midst of the unfolding crisis of cover-ups of clerical sex abuse. He briefly addressed the controversy on-air recently, but also recognizes that his program has a different role to play than news analysis.

“I think people need a respite from the bad news,” he said. “So, without saying it explicitly, every day I go on the air and say — in as entertaining a way as possible — ‘Here’s why I’m Catholic. Here’s why I love it. In spite of it all, here’s what’s beautiful and true about the faith.’”