New Earth June 2019

New June 2019 | Vol. 40 | No. 6

Earth The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Fargo

Obeying God’s call How seminarians look to God on their road to priestly vocation

PLUS

From Bishop Folda: The day of the Lord

St. John’s Academy in Jamestown breaks ground for addition, renovation

Catholic Culture in the Home: Engaging the senses helps NEW EARTH JUNE 2019 1 family pray together

PLEASE JOIN BISHOP JOHN FOLDA AS WE CELEBRATE OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES AND INVOKE GOD’S BLESSING UPON OUR LAND

2nd annual

SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 NOON – Welcome 12:30 – Lunch 1:30 – Blessing of Land and Animals 2:00 – Mass 3:30 – Entertainment

LOCATION Hiladore & Pauline Osowski Farm 15828 68th St. NE, Grafton, ND 58237

FOR MORE INFORMATION fargodiocese.org/rural-life

RSVP *This event is free, but please RSVP to (701) 356-7950 or tamara.krogman@fargodiocese.org

ALSO... *Please bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on *Bring a small container of soil from your fields or garden to be blessed 2

NEW EARTH JUNE 2019

SPONSORED BY THE DIOCESE OF FARGO

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

Publisher

Most Rev. John T. Folda Bishop of Fargo

Editor Paul Braun

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Assistant editor Kristina Lahr Designer Stephanie Drietz - Drietz Designs

FROM BISHOP FOLDA 4 The day of the Lord

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ASK A PRIEST 9 What are the benefits of adoring the Lord in the Euchrist outside of Mass?

AROUND THE DIOCESE 10 Water of Wine in Enderlin emulates success of Theology on Tap

COVER STORY 12 Obeying God’s call

How seminarians look to God on their road to priestly vocation

NEXT GEN

16 24 32

16 St. John’s Academy in Jamestown breaks ground for addition, renovation

FAITH AND CULTURE 21 Catholic Culture in the Home

Engaging the senses helps family pray together

US/WORLD NEWS 32 Pope Francis announces theme of next World Meeting of Families

SIDEWALK STORIES 35 Crinkled dollar was a sign of God’s presence

Subscriptions

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

Postmaster

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

Contact Information

Use the following contact information to contact the New Earth staff: news@fargodiocese.org (701) 356-7900 Deadline to submit articles, story ideas, advertisements and announcements for the July/August issue is July 3, 2019.

All submissions are subject to editing and placement.

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

(701) 356-7900.

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

Member of the Catholic Press Association

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FROM BISHOP FOLDA

The day of the Lord

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ith the arrival of summer, many of us will spend more time outdoors, on vacation, visiting with family and friends, and playing sports. After a long, hard winter, the warmer weather is especially welcome, and time for recreation and even outdoor work will be a blessing. When I have time for it, I enjoy going out to pull weeds and trim bushes in the yard at my home, and of course, I attempt to get some vacation time during summer as well. Even bishops need time off now and then!

But for us Catholics, there is no vacation from God, nor should we want such a thing. No matter the time of year or the activities on offer, our relationship with God must continue uninterrupted. This is true in a particular way when we consider Sunday, the Lord’s Day. I know that weekends during the summer can be busy with outings, days at the lake, sports activities, and vacations to other parts of the country, but none of these activities should take us away from our Lord and from the celebration of Mass. In fact, it bears remembering that every Catholic is obliged to attend Mass on Sunday, the Lord’s Day (which can include Saturday vigil Masses). Mass times for all our parishes can be found on the diocesan website at www.fargodiocese.org.

Sunday, after all, is the day of our Lord’s resurrection. Jesus rose from the tomb on Easter Sunday, on the first day of the week, and from that moment on, Christians have regarded Sunday as the new “Day of the Lord.” Because of the resurrection, Sunday is no longer just another day of the week. In fact, you could even say that every Sunday is a kind of “mini-Easter,” a day when we remember and celebrate our Lord’s resurrection, especially through the celebration of the Paschal Mystery at Mass. When we celebrate the Mass, we celebrate and actually participate in the death and resurrection of Jesus, and Sunday is set aside in a special way for this sacred time with the Lord.

Sunday is also the day of Pentecost, the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles who were gathered in prayer after the Ascension of Jesus. Once again, on the first day of the week, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and sent them out into the world, filled with the power and gifts that would allow them to carry out the mission that Jesus had entrusted to them. Pentecost Sunday is sometimes called “the birthday of the Church,” because it was on Pentecost that the early Church was born in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. All the more reason then, to participate in the Mass on Sunday, to remember and 4

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relive that outpouring of the Holy Spirit that happens in every liturgical celebration.

The obligation to participate in Mass on Sunday is more than a duty; it is a gift given us by the Lord himself. He calls his followers to be a community, a spiritual family, and our common worship on the Lord’s Day strengthens us for the mission we have as his disciples. When we gather together on the Lord’s Day, we support and pray for each other, and for all our fellow believers around the world. The Lord’s Day is an opportunity to step back from the pressures and busyness of daily life, and to dedicate our attention fully to God.

“The obligation to participate in Mass on Sunday is more than a duty; it is a gift given us by the Lord himself. He calls his followers to be a community, a spiritual family, and our common worship on the Lord’s Day strengthens us for the mission we have as his disciples.”

– Bishop John Folda Attendance at Sunday Mass has been falling for many years, and this should be a concern to all of us. If we choose some other activity over the hour or so that we would spend at Mass, then we’re effectively turning our backs on the Lord and the gifts he offers us in his Word, in the Eucharist, and in the Church.

If we place other pursuits ahead of Sunday Mass on our list of priorities, then we miss out on the greatest spiritual gifts we could imagine. The more faithfully we attend and participate in Sunday Mass, the more we open ourselves to receive the grace that our Lord wishes to give us. However, the more we distance ourselves from the Mass, the more we distance ourselves from Christ, which is the very meaning of sin. Parents especially should remember that they have a serious responsibility to form their own children in the faith. Without the Mass, that formation most likely will never happen.

It’s good to remember that we attend Mass not because God needs it but because we need it. Our Lord knows that we cannot be the full disciples he calls us to be unless we hear his word proclaimed, participate in his sacrifice of the Eucharist, and take an active role in his Church. God deserves our worship because he is God, and we worship him because this is part of who we are. As St. Augustine wisely wrote centuries ago, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

That notion of rest is also worth considering. Too often, we become so preoccupied with the affairs of the world that we

BISHOP FOLDA’S CALENDAR forget the Lord of the world. He gives us Sunday as a day of rest, a day for family, and a day for works of mercy. I know full well that the world we live in functions differently, and perhaps, in some cases, we can’t avoid working on Sunday to make a living for those we love. But even so, the character of the Lord’s Day should not be forgotten, and we should do everything we can to be present to God and to our families.

Dear brothers and sisters, as a good mother, the Church gently guides us to what will be for our benefit and lasting happiness, so she calls us together every Sunday to pray and celebrate the mercy and grace of God. Pope Benedict XVI was fond of quoting the martyrs of Africa, who exclaimed, “Without the Sunday Eucharist, we cannot live!” The same is true for us. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Prayer Intention of Pope Francis

June 22

|

5:30 p.m.

Mass for the 50th Anniversary of the dedication of St. John Church building, Wyndmere

June 23

|

2 p.m.

June 25

|

3 p.m.

June 26

|

3 p.m.

Mass for Rural Life Celebration, Hiladore and Pauline Osowski farm, Grafton Diocesan Finance Council, Pastoral Center, Fargo St. John Paul II Schools Board of Directors, Pastoral Center, Fargo June 27 | 10 a.m ND Catholic Conference, Jamestown

June 30

|

1 p.m.

Mass at St. Patrick, Hurdsfield

July 4

June

The Mode of Life of Priests

That priests, through the modesty and humility of their lives, commit themselves actively to a solidarity with those who are most poor.

Prayer for priests

Independence Day, Pastoral Office closed

July 14

|

10:30 a.m.

July 15

|

11:30 a.m.

Mass for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Centennial, Balta Catholic United Financial, Edgewood Golf Course, Fargo Dear Lord, we pray that the Blessed Mother wrap her mantle around your priests and through her intercession strengthen them for their ministry. We pray that Mary will guide your priests to follow her own words, “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5). May your priests have the heart of St. Joseph, Mary’s most chaste spouse. May the Blessed Mother’s own pierced heart inspire them to embrace all who suffer at the foot of the cross. May your priests be holy, filled with the fire of your love seeking nothing but your greater glory and the salvation of souls. Amen.

St. John Vianney, pray for us.

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Diocese of Fargo Official Appointments/Announcements May 6, 2019 Most Rev. John T. Folda, Bishop of Fargo, has made the following appointments, announcements and/or decrees.

Rev. Peter J. Anderl is appointed Pastor of St. Boniface Church, Lidgerwood; St. Martin’s Church, Geneseo; and Sts. Peter and Paul’s Church, Cayuga for a term of five-years, beginning June 26, 2019.

Rev. Neil J. Pfeifer is appointed Administrator of St. Patrick’s Church,Wishek; St. David’s Church, Ashley; and St. Andrew’s Church, Zeeland in addition to continuing as Pastor of St. Philip Neri in Napoleon, effective April 17, 2019, and continuing ad nutum episcopi.

Rev. Brian M. Bachmeier is appointed Pastor of St.Augustine’s Church, Fessenden for a term of three-years in addition to Rev. Anthony Cruz, HGN is appointed Parochial vicar of continuing as Pastor of St. Boniface, Esmond and St.William’s St. Therese Church, Rugby; St. Mary’s Church, Knox’ and Maddock, beginning June 26, 2019.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Balta, effective June 26, 2019, and Diocese of Fargo Official Appointments/Announcements Rev. Kevin J. Boucher is appointed Pastor of St. Cecilia’s continuing ad nutum episcopi.

Church, Harvey and St. Anthony’s Church, Selz for a term of six-years, beginning June 26, 2019.

Rev. F. Scott Karnik is appointed Parochial vicar of Sts. Anne and Joachim Church, Fargo, effective June 26, 2019, and continuing ad nutum episcopi.

Rev. John L. Cavanaugh is appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Reynolds and St. Jude’s Church, Rev. Paul B. Kuhn is appointed Parochial vicar of St. James Thompson for a third term of up to six-years, beginning Basilica, Jamestown; St. Margaret Mary’s Church, Buchanan; St. June 26, 2019.

Michael’s Church, Pingree; and St. Mathias Church, Windsor, Rev. Philip K. Chacko is appointed Pastor of St. Stephen’s effective June 26, 2019, and continuing ad nutum episcopi.

Church, Larimore for a term of six-years, beginning June 26, 2019. Rev. Prabhakar Marneni is appointed Parochial vicar of Rev. Jeffrey S. Eppler is appointed Pastor of St. John’s Church, Holy Family Church, Grand Forks, effective June 26, 2019, Grafton and Sacred Heart Church, Oakwood for a term of and continuing ad nutum episcopi.

Rev. Jayson T. Miller is appointed Parochial vicar of Holy Rev. William P. Gerlach is appointed Pastor of Nativity Cross Church, West Fargo, effective June 26, 2019, and conChurch, Fargo for a term of six-years, beginning June 26, 2019. tinuing ad nutum episcopi.

Rev. Thomas M. Graner is appointed Pastor of St. Francis Rev. Patrick R. Parks is appointed Parochial vicar of CatheXavier’s Church, Anamoose; St. Margaret Mary’s Church, dral of St. Mary, Fargo, effective June 26, 2019, and continuing Drake; and Holy Family Church, McClusky for a term of ad nutum episcopi. six-years, beginning June 26, 2019.

six-years, beginning June 26, 2019.

Rev. Charles L. LaCroix is appointed Pastor of St. Brigid’s Church, Cavalier and St. Patrick’s Church, Crystal for a term of six-years, beginning June 26, 2019.

Rev. Antony Samy, HGN is appointed Parochial vicar of St. Anthony’s Church, Fargo, effective June 26, 2019, and continuing ad nutum episcopi.

Rev. William P. Slattery is appointed Full-time Chaplain of Shanley High School and Sullivan Middle School, Fargo, beginning June 26, 2019, and continuing ad nutum episcopi. He will reside in the Sts. Anne & Joachim parish rectory.

Rev. Franklin D. Miller is appointed Pastor of St. Therese Church, Rugby and St. Mary’s Church, Knox for a term of six-years, beginning June 26, 2019. He is also appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Balta for a term of six-years, Rev. Joseph S. D’Aco is granted retirement from active beginning July 15, 2019. ministry effective June 5, 2019.

Rev. Timothy C. Schroeder is appointed Pastor of St. Rev. William F. McDermott has offered his resignation as Charles Church, Oakes and St. Mary’s Church, Forman for a pastor of St. Stephen’s Church in Larimore. Bishop Folda has term of six-years, beginning June 26, 2019. received his resignation and granted him retirement from Rev. Robert F. Smith is appointed Pastor of Our Lady of active ministry as a priest of the Diocese of Fargo, effective Peace Church, Mayville and St. Agnes Church, Hunter for a June 26, 2019. term of six-years, beginning June 26, 2019.

Rev. Robert A. Wapenski is appointed Pastor of St. Edward’s Church, Drayton and Assumption Church, Pembina for a term of six-years, beginning June 26, 2019.

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Rev. Mr. Eric Seitz is appointed to serve as a transitional deacon at St.Alphonsus Church, Langdon, St. Edward’s Church, Nekoma and St. Michael’s Church, Wales. This appointment takes effect on June 26, 2019, and continues ad nutum episcopi.

DECREE Relegating St. Anselm’s Catholic Church, Fulda, North Dakota to Profane But Not Sordid Use In Nomine Domini. Amen.

Whereas St. Anselm Catholic Church in Fulda, North Dakota is a church subject to the Bishop of Fargo; Whereas sacred places lose their dedication or blessing if they have been turned over permanently to profane use by the decree of the competent ordinary (cf. c. 1212); Whereas the competent superior can relegate a church to profane but not sordid use provided that he has heard the presbyteral council, received the consent of those who legitimately claim rights for themselves in the church, and provided that the good of souls suffers no detriment thereby (cf. c. 1222 §2); Whereas grave causes suggest that this church no longer be used for divine worship, namely,

That subsequent to the consolidation of the parish on June 22, 2005, regular celebration of the Eucharist has ceased;

That the edifice has not been used for the celebration of a wedding or funeral since 2011;

That the remote location of the edifice exposes the sacred space to risk of desecration and makes appropriate maintenance gravely difficult;

Whereas I have provided the presbyteral council sufficient information to judge the appropriateness and legitimacy of the relegation of this church to profane use; Whereas consultation regarding this matter occurred with the presbyteral council on January 14, 2019, according to the norms of canons 127 and 166; Whereas I have heard the pastor and people of the parish territory in which St. Anselm’s is located through opportunities for public comment; Whereas I have received the consent of those whose rights might be legitimately harmed, namely, the local pastor, Rev. Thomas Graner; Whereas I have ensured that the altar, sacred objects, and religious artifacts will be safeguarded; Whereas I have made appropriate provision to assure that the good of souls will not suffer any detriment as a result of this relegation, namely, that St. Therese Church, Rugby has been the regular place of worship for the community since June 22, 2005; Therefore, the requirements of law having been fulfilled (cf. c. 1222 §2) I hereby relegate the Church of St. Anselm, Fulda, North Dakota, located at 5851 19th Avenue North, to profane but not sordid use. It thus loses its blessing, dedication, and consecration. It may no longer be used for divine worship.

This decree is to be published by means of the diocesan periodical, the New Earth. It may be challenged within the peremptory time limit of ten days from the legitimate notification of the decree and in accordance with the norm of law (cf. c. 1734). †Most Rev. John T. Folda Bishop of Fargo Given this 21st day of May, 2019 At the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Fargo.

Very Rev. Andrew Jasinski Chancellor NEW EARTH JUNE 2019

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ANNOUNCING AN UPCOMING RETROUVAILLE

WEEKEND FOR COUPLES OCTOBER 11-13, 2019 FARGO, ND

Is your marriage going down the right road . . . or is it a little off track?

Life can be difficult, and so can the challenges you face in marriage.

Does the distance between you seem wide? Are you already separated? Looking for a better way? Retrouvaille can help and offers hope for a better relationship. Retrouvaille is a peer ministry of volunteer couples that can help you learn the tools of healthy communication, build intimacy and heal, just as they have done in their own marriages. Retrouvaille is Christian-based, and Catholic in origin, but welcomes couples of all faiths as well as non-religious couples.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION,

CALL (701) 356-7903 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE: HELPOURMARRIAGE.COM

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FOCUS ON FAITH

Sometimes I feel like I’m just going through the motions at Mass. I know this is wrong, but I’m not sure how to change it

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e know that all important tasks go better if we have our heart in them. When we love something, we do it with greater ease and find more fulfillment. But this is the goal, not the beginning. The reader of New Earth who submitted this question should not be discouraged. Just showing up for Mass is a very good start, but it is also right to desire to go deeper. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) provides a key to unlocking a more profound participation in the Mass: “In the celebration of Mass the faithful form a holy people, a people of God’s own possession and a royal Priesthood, so that they may give thanks to God and offer the unblemished sacrificial Victim not only by means of the hands of the Priest but also together with him and so that they may learn to offer their very selves” (paragraph 95).

The driving force of the reforms of Vatican II was to increase the active participation of the faithful in the liturgy. They were not to be “mute and silent spectators,” but true participants in the mystery of Christ. This has been well implemented on the external level; the faithful are very accustomed to saying the responses, singing the songs, and making the liturgical gestures, but the internal level of this participation—the involvement of the heart, the offering of oneself—seems to be lagging behind. This isn’t a criticism so much as pointing out an age-old difficulty. It is a human temptation to live on a shallow level, and Jesus, knowing this, summons and enables us to put out into the deep (Luke 5:4).

–Father Matthew Kraemer

How may we learn to offer ourselves, along with the sacrifice of Christ, at Mass? First, we should dispose ourselves to receive Jesus who gives himself to us at Mass. The initiative is always his. “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:12-13). Jesus loves us first, and then asks us to love him and others in return. He teaches us how to make a gift of ourselves by first giving himself for us.

What are practical ways to dispose ourselves to receive Christ in the liturgy? First of all, we must cultivate silence. We live in a hectic world that is filled with noise, busyness, and distraction.

We need space to transition from our duties in the world into the celebration of the divine mysteries. We should always take a few minutes before Mass to prepare ourselves in quiet prayer (priests should do this too!). During this prayer, we should call

“Just showing up for Mass is a very good start, but it is also right to desire to go deeper.”

to mind what will take place: Christ himself makes his sacrifice present on the altar. We can also gather up the Ask A Priest cares and preoccuFather Matthew pations of the day Kraemer and be prepared to offer them to the Father, with the Son, in the Holy Spirit.

Silence gives us space to listen and receive, and we should continue to do this throughout the Mass. What did we hear in the prayers, the songs, the readings, the priest’s homily? What is God saying to me? It is a good idea for the priest to pause for a brief period of silence after the homily (GIRM 66) to allow us to interiorize what we have heard, or, if we have been distracted, to regroup and enter back into prayer. It is also an opportunity to respond to the Lord: “Thank you for loving me,” or “thank you for showing me your goodness,” or, “I am totally distracted, burdened, and can’t see or hear you. Please come close and help me.” It is also appropriate that there would be a period of silence after the reception of the Holy Communion (GIRM 88).

Often there is singing during the distribution of communion, but it should be directed towards the peace and tranquility that is found in communion with Christ. Eventually the singing should pass into silence that is not rushed or anxious but a time to rest and dialogue with the Lord before going back into the world.

Ultimately it is Jesus who moves us beyond “just going through the motions” at Mass. He is the one who invites us to share in his life, to be with him as he dies on the cross, to witness his resurrection, and to go out to share that Good News with others. He gives us this gift through the liturgy, and it can be received just as it is by saying the responses, singing, making the liturgical gestures, and hearing the prayers. If we allow him, little by little he brings our hearts into harmony with our voices, so that we can say with St. Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).

Father Kraemer serves as the Secretary to the Bishop, Master of Ceremonies, Vice Chancellor, and Director of Liturgy for the Diocese of Fargo.

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

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

Water of Wine in Enderlin emulates success of Theology on Tap

By Melissa Woinarowicz

A

few years ago, Father Chris Markman, newly assigned pastor to St. Patrick’s in Enderlin; Our Lady of the Scapular in Sheldon; and Holy Trinity in Fingal, was having a swim in the Enderlin pool. As he was swimming, he looked across the parking lot at the cross on top of the steeple of St. Patrick’s and asked Jesus how he was going to evangelize these communities.

He recalled to mind a conversation he had with a priest friend of his on the successes of Theology on Tap, which he had started in his parishes. Two years later, Father Markman has an evangelization team from the three parishes. This summer they will be hosting their second Water to Wine series of evangelization nights at a local bar and grill called The Trio.

Father Markman recruited me to help him put together the first summer of events. They met with Trio owner Barb Dammen and did some brainstorming. The name “Water to Wine” was Barb’s idea, and as the group talked and prayed about it, the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana seemed to fit well with what they wanted to do. The purpose of these nights was to share with others that Jesus was calling them—normal, everyday people—to an extraordinary life with him. Water to Wine. Ordinary to Extraordinary.

Bishop Folda was the first speaker last summer and the house was packed. Following months welcomed Stella Jeffrey, Pat Clark, and Katie Dubas. This summer’s line up began with Father Raymond Courtright, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua in Fargo and former pastor of St. Patrick’s and Our Lady of the Scapular. Ashley Grunhovd, Director of Evangelization for the Diocese will speak on June 17, and Adam Gietzen and Lateasha

Father Courtright, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fargo, greets those gathered at Trio Bar and Grill. He was the speaker for the May 20 event (submitted photo)

Lechler, a young couple from Enderlin who are preparing for marriage will speak July 22. A priest, a single woman serving the Church, and a couple preparing for marriage—all serving the Lord as he has called them. Join us at Trio Bar and Grill in Enderlin at 6:30 p.m. June 17 and July 22!

Melissa Woinarowicz is a parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church in Enderlin.

JOB OPENING

Religious Education Coordinator/Youth Ministry St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Moorhead, Minn. is looking for a Coordinator of Religious Education and Youth Ministry. The parish is comprised of 500+ families. Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church. Required computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite. Parish Soft church sacramental software recommended. Previous experience in Religious Education and program management including recruiting volunteers and event planning is a must. Send letter of application with resume and three professional references to: Fr. Raul Perez-Cobo, Pastor; 601 15th Avenue North, Moorhead, MN 56560 or email: Swede@stfrancismhd.org.

Diocesan policy: Reporting child abuse

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

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

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St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo honors the heart of St. John Vianney

By Paul Braun

HOLY FAMILY BOOKSTORE

Fargo Diocese seminarian Taylor Ternes of Devils Lake venerates the heart of St. John Vianney at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo.

(Paul Braun | New Earth)

T

he faithful started to gather at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo just before 6 p.m. on May 29. They were there to see something very rare in North Dakota: a first-class relic of a saint.

The incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney made a stop in Fargo on May 29 and 30 as part of a nationwide tour sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. St. John Vianney was a French priest, and is considered the patron saint of parish priests. He is often referred to as the “Curé d’Ars” (the parish priest of Ars), internationally known for his priestly and pastoral work in his parish in Ars, France. St. John Vianney’s body is on display in Ars. Several hundred people passed or knelt in veneration as his heart was displayed, first at Our Lady of Guadalupe Adoration Chapel at the cathedral and then in the cathedral itself. Bishop John Folda celebrated the noon Mass on May 30 in honor of the relic’s presence. The Mass also served as the 120th anniversary of St. Mary’s Cathedral dedication.

A relic is something connected with a saint or blessed, including a part of their body such as hair or a piece of bone, their clothing, or an object that the person used or touched. Just as people are drawn closer to God through the lives of holy people, so too the Catholic Church believes that God continues his work even after their deaths. Veneration of relics is intended to inspire the faithful to seek the prayers of that saint and to beg, by God’s grace, to live similarly faith-filled lives. It is also a profession of belief in the Catholic doctrines of eternal life and the resurrection of the body..

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

To Know God...

To Love God...

To Serve God...

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

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

“Have great confidence, for it is necessary not to hold back one’s desires, but to believe in God that if we try, we will little by little, even though it may not be soon, reach the state the saints did with his help.” – St. Teresa of Avila NEW EARTH JUNE 2019

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Deacon candidates Riley Durkin and Jered Grossman are received by Fargo Bishop John Folda at their Transitional Deacon Ordination Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral on June 1. (Kristina Lahr/New Earth)

Obeying God’s call

How seminarians look to God on their road to priestly vocation

By Paul Braun

F

our young men from Shanley High School in Fargo get out of the car after a day of travel, eager to see what their discernment weekend has in store for them. They just arrived at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Nebraska, where the Diocese of Fargo sends men who have a call and desire to eventually become priests of the diocese. Accompanying these young men is the Vocation Director for the Diocese of Fargo, Father Kyle Metzger. His goal is to help dispel the myths surrounding seminary life and calm the anxious fears of the students that are in his charge during their weekend visit.

“Many high school guys have a misconception of what seminary is,” said Father Metzger. “When I was in high school, I thought seminary is where you go to die! There was no life, there was no joy, there was just this low-grade complacency. But one of the great consolations for many young men discerning a vocation is the chance to actually visit a seminary in order to dispel a lot of these wrong ideas. There’s a lot of life, there’s a lot of joy, there’s a lot of laughter, there’s a lot of fun in a college seminary. They have outings, they go bowling, they go hiking, so there’s a lot of social activity.”

St. Gregory the Great Seminary, where Bishop John Folda was serving as rector until he was appointed as bishop to the Diocese of Fargo, is home to about 75 young men who are in their first 12

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years of seminary. Termed “minor seminary,” the seminarians take general and core courses in “College One through Four” to earn their degrees in philosophy before moving on in their formation to the priesthood.

However, before applying to seminary, a young man must develop a stable prayer life and discuss his discernment with a trusted priest. Young men interested in the priesthood are encouraged to discuss their potential vocational calling with their local pastor, who can help guide and counsel them to discover if their calling is genuine before sending them to the diocesan vocations director.

“A man applying to seminary must have a substantial prayer life,” said Father Metzger. “The prompting to enter seminary must be something that came up in prayer and not one’s own personal aspirations, nor solely the recommendations of family and friends. It might begin there, but ultimately entering seminary must be something that you believe the Lord has asked of you in your prayer. That is a non-negotiable for someone who may be considered for the seminary.”

Although all young men face the same scrutiny by the diocese, not all enter seminary right out of high school. In fact, the vast majority of seminarians already have some college or have earned a college degree in a field other than philosophy. For

COVER STORY

A field behind St. Catherine’s Church in Valley City provides a great spot for some seminarian baseball. (submitted photo)

these men, the philosophy curriculum is condensed into a willing, or if he is being called elsewhere. two-year program. Once they graduate with their philosophy “We want a man to approach ordination freely, and to do degree, men move on to their “major seminary” formation, this so there has to be the flexibility during discernment to leave. time concentrating on graduate theology. This is referred to as Believe it or not, that is a success story,” said Father Metzger.

Theology One through Theology Four. It is during this time “He hasn’t failed; he has discerned well. He will leave seminary that a seminarian concentrates more deeply on his vocation a better man. He will be a great catechist, he could be a great and formation. youth minister, he could be a great Catholic school teacher. His In Theology One, a seminarian is considered a candidate while formation would even benefit a field unrelated to ministry. The he continues his graduate studies. As he progresses, he is given skills and virtues he developed in seminary will definitely be new titles and responsibilities. Before entering Theology Two, a used in the future in some capacity.” seminarian is installed as a Lector at a solemn Mass and takes on the duties of publically proclaiming scripture, much like a lay lector. Next, upon entering Theology Three, he becomes an For those who continue, there is a special ordination to Acolyte and may formally distribute Holy Communion, similar Transitional Deacon. On June 1 Riley Durkin and Jered Grossman to an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Formation were ordained deacons. The duties and responsibilities of a during theology graduate years continues through the summer transitional deacon are identical to those of a permanent deacon. months when seminarians are assigned to a church and are A transitional deacon has the authority by his ordination to perform given practical training under the watchful eye of the local certain sacramental duties that he couldn’t do otherwise. He pastor. Father Metzger says a pastor feels his fatherhood in a becomes an ordinary minister of Baptism, he can witness marriages, unique way during this time because he’s able to mentor and and he can proclaim the Gospel and preach homilies in the train a future priest. It is often an edifying experience for both sacred liturgy. According to Father Metzger, the ordination to a transitional deacon is a permanent decision. seminarian and pastor.

After Theology Three, a seminarian must face himself and his “Most priests will tell you that their ordination to the formation, to determine if the priesthood is the vocation God transitional diaconate was a more powerful decision than their is calling him to. It is at this point that he must decide if he is ordination to the priesthood, because their ordination to the

Transitional deacons

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COVER STORY priesthood was already assumed,” said Father Metzger. “His diaconate ordination was his irreversible commitment to sacred ministry. There’s no doubt it’s a challenging decision every man comes to. At the same time, it’s a decision that comes with great peace, because there’s confidence that this is the Lord’s will, and he no longer needs to go back and forth on whether to stay or go. Now discernment is over, and that’s a great relief to most seminarians.”

Deacons Durkin and Grossman will now spend their fourth and final year of theology graduate studies learning the practical duties of a priest. They will practice liturgies, hear scripted “confessions,” and otherwise learn the role they have accepted to be priests of God. A year from now, we will be able to call them Father Durkin and Father Grossman when Bishop Folda will once again lay his hands on them, and they are ordained priests of the Fargo Diocese.

“The ordination of deacons and priests is one of the greatest joys of my service as bishop,” said Bishop Folda. “Each new priest and deacon is a sign of God’s grace and his love for his people. He calls them forth to preach the Gospel and celebrate the sacraments, and through them he assures his own living presence within the Church. I remember feeling very humbled the first time I celebrated an ordination but also exalted by the great privilege of this responsibility. It is always wonderful to see the beautiful work that is done by the priests and deacons I’ve ordained for the Diocese of Fargo.”

May God’s blessing be upon Deacons Durkin and Grossman as they continue their journey, and may he bless all young men in seminary or discerning if God is calling him to Holy Orders.

Bishop Folda lays hands on Deacon Candidate Jered Grossman at the Transitional Deacon Ordination Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral on June 1. (Kristina Lahr/New Earth)

A prayer for vocations: O Lord, my God, You renew the Church in every age by raising up priests outstanding in holiness, living witnesses of Your unchanging Love.

In Your Plan for our salvation You provide shepherds for Your people.

Fill the hearts of young men with the spirit of courage and love that they may answer Your call generously.

Give parents the grace to encourage vocations in their family by prayer and good example.

Raise up worthy priests for Your Altars and ardent, but gentle servants of the Gospel.

Give the Church more priests and keep them faithful in their love and service.

May many young men choose to serve You by devoting themselves to the service of Your people.

Amen

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Having entered seminary when I was 20, I have spent most of my adult life in priestly formation. Looking back at my college seminary formation and seeing the lives of my friends around me, I am grateful I had this time. Seminary is a unique opportunity to learn how to be a good Catholic man. You spend years learning about God, how to pray, and how to live with a community of men with the same goal. I remember looking around the chapel during my first year of seminary in 2012 and seeing the variety of personalities, ages, and backgrounds of the men. In my class at that time, we had a doctor, a lawyer, a former newspaper reporter, and a radio personality. Yet, we all had the same goal: to become priests of Jesus Christ.

Now as my diaconate ordination has arrived, I have mixed feelings of anxiety and

Deacon Riley

Durkin

anticipation. I often think to myself, “Is seven years of seminary formation enough?

Will I be ready to serve the people of God?” But I am comforted by the fact that nobody is ever perfectly ready. We must place our trust in the Lord. We must learn to love as he loves: Unconditionally and intensely. This is not something anybody can do on their own. My prayer all through my formation has been, “Lord, please help me to be a window to your love.” When I am a priest, the greatest compliment I will be able to receive is that I stepped out of the way and let God work through me. This takes the support of prayer, both from myself and from others. I look forward to allowing the Lord to work through me in ordained ministry.

Though my seminary studies took me far from home—college seminary in Detroit and graduate seminary in Emmitsburg, Md.—it was an unexpected blessing. Living in Detroit for four years helped me to see the face of true poverty, and to see the face of Jesus through the people I ministered to. Being immersed in a population who was suffering great social difficulties was humbling. It gave me a beautiful image for understanding the dignity of the human person. Maryland has also been a great gift in preparing me for active ministry. I have had the blessing to teach at a Catholic school, work with young adults through campus ministry, and work with inmates at a maximum-security prison in Baltimore. All of these, and many other experiences have helped prepare me for ministry as a deacon and later as a priest, not only through their practical aspects, but in learning that it’s all Jesus.

Deacon Jered

Grossman

When I think about my last seven years in seminary, I am immediately struck by the many graces I have received throughout my formation. My journey towards God’s Holy Altar has not been one I have made alone. I could not do any of it without Jesus. My relationship with him has continued to grow throughout these years. He is the source, the sustenance, and the ultimate eternal end for my vocation. It is a deep personal relationship with him that will sustain me throughout my ministry to his people. His people have also been a vital part of my vocation. Their prayers and support have strengthened me through the difficult times and have been images of God’s love and joy throughout all aspects of seminary life. Jesus and his people are my motivation. As I ponder my ordination to the transitional diaconate, I am made aware of the many graces and challenges this ministry will bring, that I will not be alone, and that Our Lord will be manifest in all aspects of his holy work through his divine presence and in the hearts of his people. It’s all Jesus. It’s all grace. As I look forward to this summer, and to my last year of seminary ahead, I feel a tremendous zeal to finish well, and to come home to our wonderful diocese and get to work! I am filled with assurance that the love of God will prevail through all things, even his work through this unworthy vessel.

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NEXT GEN

Walk with Christ, build with Christ, proclaim Christ

St. John’s Academy in Jamestown breaks ground for addition, renovation

By Kristina Lahr

Students of St. John’s Academy break ground for the new school addition on May 8. (Kristina Lahr | New Earth)

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n May 8, St. John’s Academy in Jamestown broke ground for an addition that will more than double the school’s current size. Students donning hardhats and shovels got a chance to kick off the momentous occasion for the pre-K through 6th grade elementary school that will transform the school into a modern educational facility.

“What we build here, we build not on our own, but with and in our Lord Jesus Christ,” said Bishop John Folda. “If we build with him, then we build on a firm foundation, and this edifice will truly give glory to God.” The 27,000 square foot addition will include nine expanded classrooms that will empower teachers to incorporate technology and innovative teaching methods, a 5,000 square foot commons area and kitchen, an expanded childcare facility for early education and afterschool programs, a school chapel, and renovated administrative offices and workroom. To provide better security, the administrative offices will be relocated to the front of the school in order to control building access.

“This most recent bold campaign for St. John’s Academy is a clear demonstration of the goodness and value to our community and the need to keep St John’s Academy a vital part of not only our faith community, but the larger Jamestown community as well,” said Dwaine Heinrich, Mayor of Jamestown.

“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today. That’s

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what we’re here for,” said Terry Wanzek, Capital Campaign Committee Chair. “We want to continue to provide a great education that’s steeped in Christian values and morals. We want to provide for a school that we are proud of in our community.”

A new chapel will remind students and staff of the importance of faith and a relationship with Christ Jesus throughout the school day and throughout their lives.

“What brings us the most joy is to know Christ and to be able to follow him and accept his teachings in our own life and be a messenger of the gospel to others,” said Monsignor Jeffrey Wald, pastor of St. James Basilica in Jamestown. “That’s really what this school is all about. For over 125 years, it’s been teaching people about Christ, helping them to be faithful to Christ, and giving them the gifts necessary to proclaim Christ. For that reason, not only today but for the last 127 years, there has been great joy in this city.”

“The entire mission of St. John’s Academy will hinge on this one essential act: the proclamation of Christ to every person who will walk through its doors, whether students, faculty, staff, family members, or visitors,” said Bishop Folda. “This new addition will give that mission even more energy and vigor.

In a very real way, St. John’s is a herald of the Gospel, a living expression of the presence of Christ among us.”

The $5.95 million project is expected to be completed by August 2020.

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Young Disciples missionaries practice a puppet show on May 24 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Fargo in preparation for their Vacation Bible Schools. Two Young Disciples teams will travel throughout the diocese to facilitate both Vacation Bible Schools and teen missions. The Young Disciples will travel to the following cities: Lidgerwood, Langdon, Rugby, Fargo, Walhalla, Oakes, St. Michael, Ellendale, Dunseith, Napoleon, LaMoure, Enderlin, Kindred, Minto, Mooreton, and Reynolds. (Kristina Lahr | New Earth)

During Holy Week, students at Holy Family-St. Mary’s School in Grand Forks had many opportunities to grow in their love for Jesus and service to others. They made cards for those baptized at Holy Family Church, attended Stations of the Cross, celebrated a Seder Meal, offered prayers during Benediction, and received the sacrament of Reconciliation. On April 17 they assembled “blessing bags,” which contain toothbrushes, snacks, toiletries, socks, etc. Father Paul Kuhn blessed the bags so they might bring hope and comfort to those who receive them. Families were invited to pick up bags to keep in their cars so they might be available when meeting someone in need. (submitted photo)

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John Klocke to join St. John Paul II Catholic Schools as chief fundraiser

By JPII Catholic Schools

S

t. John Paul II Catholic Schools is pleased to announce the hiring of John Klocke for the new position of Major Gifts Officer in its Advancement Department.

Klocke is currently the Executive Director and chief fundraising officer at Mayville State University where he has spent the last eight years building a professional endowment and scholarship program as well as raising funds for an artificial turf field and a renovated Alumni and Leadership Center.

A Fargo native, Klocke has been a professional fundraiser for nearly 30 years and has worked for area charities including the Jamestown Hospital Foundation, Hospice of the Red River Valley, Salvation Army, The Village Family Service Center, and the FargoMoorhead Symphony. John has earned his Certified

Fundraising Executive Credential (CFRE) from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Klocke and his wife, Jan, have four children and twelve grandchildren. He attended Catholic elementary school and his children attended St. John’s Academy in Jamestown. He and Jan have seen firsthand the impact a Catholic education has had in their family.

Klocke observed, “As I look back on my career thus far it seems that all of my experiences have prepared me for this position. I am excited to work in the major gifts area and use my extensive experience in current and planned giving to help our benefactors accomplish their legacies through charitable giving.

“Catholic Education is one of the most important causes in the Church today and I hope to use my fundraising skills to help St. John Paul II Catholic Schools attain new heights for an already highly respected organization. I truly feel blessed to be able to serve,” Klocke added.

St. John Paul II Catholic Schools President Mike Hagstrom commented, “We are delighted to add John to our Advancement team; we expect his proven experience and expertise will take our Advancement efforts to a higher level and serve our mission and our supporters very well.”

Arby’s restaurants surprise Shanley High School seniors with pre-graduation meal

By JPII Catholic Schools

O

n May 21st, Fargo Shanley High School seniors gathered in the school auditorium for what they thought was just another meeting about graduation. To their surprise, a personalized message from the voice of national Arby’s commercials, Ving Rhames, was played over the intercom letting them know they had an Arby’s feast waiting for them outside.

Earlier this year, Arby’s President Rob Lynch received an email from Shanley High School Student Council President Mary Noah about an unusual shared tradition by her and her fellow classmates. The group of seniors have been making up a variety of chants to recite throughout the school day, and while many didn’t stick, one is still going strong. That chant? “Arby’s...We Have the Meats.” Mary shared with Rob her peers’ infatuation with the tagline as well as a rave review one of the senior boys in her class wrote about the local Arby’s in Fargo. Because Rob was so impressed by the group of students, he decided Arby’s would do something special for the seniors upon graduation, and the entire class was treated to an Arby’s lunch.

Mary was also rewarded with free Arby’s for a year as a thank you for sharing her fellow classmates’ tradition with Arby’s.

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Some Shanley seniors enjoy a free lunch, courtesy of Arby’s restaurants. (Sherri Simon/St. John Paul II Catholic Schools)

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Fifth-grade students from Trinity Elementary School in West Fargo spent the morning of April 30 helping out at the Great Plains Food Bank in Fargo. The 15 students gathered food items requested by clients, placing the items in shopping carts, weighing the food items, and processing final paperwork for food bank staff members. Their efforts were part of a series of service projects the fifth-grade class took part in across the area as they prepare to leave elementary school and head to middle school. (Paul Braun | New Earth)

Congratulations to the Shanley High School Class of 2019!

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FAITH AND CULTURE

Sacred art inspires through the ages

By Mary Hanbury

TATTERED PAGES

A review of Catholic books, movies, music

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ministering to the dead as souls leave their bodies, showing the care of the Church for souls. There are many angels fighting for souls as demons try their best to pull them down. There are others, unidentified souls also helping to lift souls into heaven. Lev’s thoughts are perhaps they could represent our loved ones who have gone before us, or souls in Purgatory who received prayers now enlisted to help us get to heaven. One soul is even pulling someone up by a rosary.

At the center of the fresco is Christ with his arm lifted as if to sweep it down on a final judgment, along with Mary at his side.

Lev points out insight into Michelangelo’s thought process from his original drawings of the fresco. He had Mary depicted in a few different positions below Christ in the fresco. The final version has her close to his wounded side. She goes on to explain that it shows her as co-mediatrix and intercessor up to the point of judgement.

She is under the arm of Christ, just as she is under the arm of God the Father in the Creation panel of the ceiling.

Today, we still like to look and gaze at sacred art, but perhaps it is because we are only drawn to the aesthetic beauty of some pieces.

Lev helps us see the deeper meaning behind many works of art in illuminating how these pieces speak to us, just as much as they did to the faithful back then. Sacred art is a powerful tool that can be used to catechize and entice us into a deeper reflection of the truths of the faith. We have to regain the knowledge of the language of sacred art, which Lev attempts to do in this insightful new book.

lizabeth Lev’s new book How Catholic Art saved the Faith will certainly entice art historians for a good read, but it will also captivate those who may not be able to tell the difference between a Michelangelo and a Caravaggio. Elizabeth Lev’s intent is to teach you about the meaning of sacred art and how it relates to us today.

In her book, Lev chooses to discuss many different paintings commissioned during the time of the Counter-Reformation and observes how the struggles the Church faced back then “bear a striking similarity to the ones the faithful face today, while the truths of the Church that artists so deftly displayed half a millennium ago have remained the same.” She also offers ways in which learning about our artistic past can be useful for evangelization, bring clarity to doctrine, and uplift us. Lev points out that people were attracted to art back then just as they are now. “Art provided enticing fodder Mary Hanbury is the Director of Catechesis for the Diocese of Fargo. for the faithful.”

One of the works of art she spends a great deal of time on in the book is the famous fresco The Last Judgement by Michelangelo, which covers the back wall of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. The fresco was unveiled during Vespers of All Saints Day in 1541.

It was this same day in 1517 that Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses on the door of Wittenberg Castle church. She paints for us a backdrop of corruption and the struggle for clarity of truth during this time period within the Church and how Michelangelo’s work responded to it. Lev points out that Michelangelo only depicts the sin of simony, as shown by a figure upside down with keys and a moneybag dangling from his waist. The Church was in the midst of a time of great struggle with those who abused their power by selling relics, indulgences, lucrative Church positions, and even tried to sell grace itself. This is the backdrop all the cardinals see during a Conclave as they vote for a new pope. She points out, this was the visual warning meant for them.

I have been to the Sistine chapel and have gazed at The Last Judgement many times. To me it was just a visual depiction of Jesus saying, “time is up, heaven or hell.” It is hard to make out details from “How Catholic Art saved the Faith: a distance as Michelangelo painted a throng of twisted naked bodies in every which direction. Lev offers clarity and needed background The Triumph of Beauty and Truth in information on this piece which transforms this work for me into Counter-Reformation Art” a hope of salvation. For example, there are actually more people being saved in the fresco than those condemned. She also points

by Elizabeth Lev, 2018 out that there are no women in Michelangelo’s hell, which might show the high regard Michelangelo had for women. There is a friar

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c i l o h t a C e r u t l u C e m o H e h t in

Engaging the senses helps family pray together

“O

By Adaire Reinpold

ut of the mouths of infants and babes you have found perfect praise” (Psalm 8:3). If there’s one thing I’ve learned having two young children (Charlotte 3, and Rudy 19 months), it’s that our family “praise” rarely looks “perfect.”

The Lord is teaching me to set aside my unrealistic ideals for family life to make room for the messiness and imperfection and to learn to pray with the eyes and heart of a child.

–Adaire Reinpold

Luckily, the Church has all the “smells and bells” that help communicate the faith to little ones, and we’ve found some simple ways to engage the senses in our little domestic church that is our home. Sometimes it’s great, other times we fail, but Mother Teresa says we’re not called to success, we’re called to faithfulness. Here are some ways we try to live the faith at home.

Sound: For a while I tried praying Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours with the kids. Typically, it takes an adult 10 to 15 minutes. It took us an hour with bathroom breaks, squabbling amongst the kids, and spilled milk during breakfast.

After banging my head against a wall for a few weeks, I realized (with the help of my husband, Robert) that we’re just not there yet. Now, our morning prayer consists of a short bible reading, prayer intentions, and a chant of the Our Father. It’s amazing how Charlotte can sing most of it, and Rudy ends with the final “Amen,” with a huge smile on his face.

Music is very important in our family, and we try to sing daily with our kids, teaching them fun “bible songs,” as well as the traditional chants of the Church such as the Pater Noster.

Once the kids are tucked in at night, their “lullaby” is the Latin Marian chant for the season. At age two and a half, Charlotte could sing most of what she calls the “Sah-vey Regina.”

We don’t live near enough to a church to hear its bells toll during the day, but we do have an Amazon Echo with Alexa,

“Trying to live a Catholic life at home has been both beautiful and rewarding, messy and exhausting, but at the end of the day, we’re not aiming for success, but for faithfulness.”

which we have programmed to ring church bells daily at noon and 6 p.m. so we can pray the Angelus during Ordinary Time or the Regina Caeli during Easter. The kids know what the bells mean, and Charlotte says, “Time to pray!” when she hears them.

Sight: We try to let the decorations in our home reflect the liturgical season we are in. For example, during Lent, we take down many of our pictures and decorations so the house is bare.

During Holy Week, we cover our crucifixes and statues with purple cloth. On Easter, the cloths are taken down, all of the decorations and then some are put up, and the large crucifix in our dining room is adorned with lilies and gold cloth. For the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the kids get to place a crown on our statue of Jesus.

Smell: Sometimes, on a Sunday or another solemnity, we use our family censer while we do chanted Morning or Evening Prayer with the whole family. The kids are more engaged because they’re intrigued by the smell of the incense, and they love watching it float around the living room. Rudy tries to grab it as we pray.

Taste: For solemnities, baptismal anniversaries, and other special feast days, we try to make a special meal or dessert. For example, on the feast day of St. Lawrence, who was martyred by being grilled alive, we throw something on the grill in his honor.

Touch: At nighttime, we pray a decade of the rosary. Rudy runs to the drawer where the rosaries are kept, then proceeds to use the crucifix like a key to try to open a lock on our kitchen door while we pray. Sometimes, the rosary results in screaming because someone is over-tired. That’s ok. We cut the rosary short and put the kids to bed. The kids say “goodnight” to images of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, (or “Jofess,” as Charlotte would say) and Rudy likes to touch Jesus’ Sacred Heart when he says goodnight.

We have good days where we feel like we’re successful. Other days are tough, and we barely make it through an “Our Father.”

Trying to live a Catholic life at home has been both beautiful and rewarding, messy and exhausting, but at the end of the day, we’re not aiming for success, but for faithfulness. St. Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us!

Adaire Reinpold lives on a farm outside of Hillsboro and likes to spend her time in the garden with her husband and two children.

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

Christ, Our Brother, in Our Brothers

I

feel like “Christ, Our Brother” is a really un Seminarian derused title for Our Lord. Maybe Life that’s because peo Brendon Schneibel ple don’t like how it sounds; maybe it’s because of how brothers infamously don’t get along; or maybe it’s because people don’t understand the importance of it. In this my first year of seminary, I encountered the brotherhood of Christ in a compelling way.

I’m the oldest of four children, three of whom are boys, so I can’t imagine a time when I didn’t have a brother. Nonetheless, I doubt that I ever appreciated brotherhood more before my first year of seminary. At seminary, we don’t simply have classmates. Instead, we refer to each other as seminarian brothers.

Seminarian brothers are some of the most genuine, caring men that I have ever met. In all the months that I was at St. Gregory the Great Seminary this year, never once did I hear of one of my brothers complain of loneliness. Homesick? Sure. Sad? On occasion. Frustrated? You bet. But, there was always someone to talk with, pray with, study with, or laugh with.

However, this year of seminary hasn’t only helped me appreciate my new seminarian brothers, but, because of their genuine and constant brotherhood, I’ve grown to love my natural brothers more. Now that I’m home for the summer, I realize how much I missed my younger brothers during the school year. No matter how much we argue, they are all gifts from God. They give me unique opportunities to both give and receive the fraternal love of Jesus Christ. This is essential because we need to be able to share this brotherly love with everyone we meet. Christ told us to “Love one another” (John 13:34). Christ asked for perfect, unconditional love, but we don’t all have the opportunity to express this completely and sacrificially as Christ did on the cross. What we do have are simple little opportunities each day to love each other like brothers. Just by listening to them, helping them, or being with them, we can share Christ’s love with our brothers. I know I have a long way to go before I do this really well, but thanks be to God that I have the chance to.

This year of seminary has also caused me to love my spiritual brothers more too, those both on earth and in paradise. As I learned to love my faith even more this year, I was strengthened in the friendships that our faith has given me. Again, not only those with my new seminarian brothers, but also those men I know through the Church. I’ve learned this year, through the example of my seminarian brothers, how to be a true brother. I feel encouraged to be there for them, to pray with them, to be Christ to them, and to see Christ in them. With the gifts God has given me this year, I know I can be a better friend and brother to these men.

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And last, but certainly not least are my brothers in heaven.

Whereas my brothers here on earth I give and receive the love of Christ, with my brothers in paradise I mostly just receive. The saints, especially, are spiritually like our big brothers and sisters.

We turn to them for guidance, we beseech them to strengthen us in virtue, and we are comforted by them. This is especially consoling when we have a special connection with that saint.

A connection like that of a patron saint is always good for this.

This year, however, I had some very special brothers to reach out to. During middle school my family lived in Alaska for three years, and I met a dear friend there named Zac. Last August, Zac, who was just 18, died in a hiking accident. He was buried on Aug. 14, the memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe, and it is these two men who are my special brothers in paradise.

Though I can’t prove on my own that Zac is in heaven already, I have great confidence that he is. In the chapel at St. Gregory’s, there is a stained glass window of St. Maximilian Kolbe. After Mass, I would sit on the window sill, look at the tabernacle, and recall the love that binds us all in Christ. These were some of the greatest moments of consolation this school year, and I am forever grateful to God for them.

No matter who your brothers are, where your brothers are, whether you get along or not, our brothers are very important.

Sometimes they bring Christ to us, and sometimes they need us to draw them to Christ. So let’s be ready at all times to receive Christ and, like St. Andrew, bring our brothers to him (John 1:42). Since Christ is such a great brother, let us be like him and be brothers to each other.

Schneibel is a College I seminarian studying at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Neb. Editor’s Note: Seminarian Life is a column written by current Diocese of Fargo seminarians. Please continue to pray for them.

On May 13, Feast of Our Lady of Fatima Theresa became a Postulant!

Rejoice with us and give thanks!

With hearts full of gratitude to our dear Franciscan Sisters for housing us during our renovation work at the monastery!

CARMEL OF MARY

17765 78TH ST. S.E., WAHPETON, ND 701-642-2360 • CARMELOFMARY@GMAIL.COM

OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

Results of the North Dakota Legislative Assembly

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he 66th regular session of the North Dakota Legislative •Defeated legislaAssembly ended April 26. Here is a look at some of the tion to allow the use session’s highlights, touching issues of concern to the of deadly force to Catholic Church. In no particular order, the legislature: defend property and Catholic when its use is not nec • Required abortionists to inform women that a drug abortion essary to protect life. might be reversible.

Action •Failed to allow law • Fell short of protecting free speech and religious rights of enforcement to re- Christoper Dodson students at the state colleges. move firearms from • Defeated several attempts to allow guns in churches and an individual deter schools without the church or school’s permission. mined to be endan • Expanded and improved the state’s safe haven law to protect ger of harming self or others. abandoned infants.

• Restored funding for homeless shelter grants that was • Put on hold a plan to move female inmates from New England reduced in the 2017 session. to Bismarck, move male inmates from Bismarck to buildings used by the state hospital in Jamestown, and build a new • Increased funding for programs that support victims of state hospital. Lawmakers immediately questioned the plan human trafficking. and administration officials complicated matters by dropping • Added more funding than the governor proposed for the alternatives to abortion program. the plan for a new state hospital early in the session.

• Repealed the state’s long-standing Sunday morning law • Approved several new initiatives and expanded others to that provided families and communities rest and recreation. help individuals with mental illnesses.

• Passed several laws impacting local control, including • Increased funding for guardianship services provided prohibiting local minimum wage laws, gun buy-back through counties. programs, and bans on plastic bags. Lawmakers also re • Revised the home education statute so that parents do not moved some of the ability of local governments to zone for need to directly supervise at all times. animal feeding operations.

• Soundly defeated a bill to mandate Bible education in all • Directed the Human Trafficking Commission to develop schools, including private schools. a training program to help hotel operators identify human • P revented government employers from automatically trafficking victims. refusing an applicant who has a criminal record.

• Gave nonpublic schools a rare victory by expanding the tax • R ejected an effort by police and firefighters to obtain credit for contributions to nonpublic schools and universities. collective bargaining rights.

• Expanded Medicaid coverage for pregnant women and • Defeated legislation mandating that health insurance polices their unborn children. cover a variety of “infertility treatments,” some of which • Began implementation of the new constitutional ethics pro the church considers unethical. visions in a manner that protects the contributors and • Expanded the farm ownership law to allow second cousins members of churches and charities. to have ownership in a family farm.

• Passed a ban on dismemberment abortions that will go • Transferred the Tompkins Rehabilitation program and into effect when either the Eighth Circuit or the Supreme the its building from the Department of Human Services to Court allows enforcement. the Department of Corrections. The successful program • Made female genital mutilation reportable and punishable treats soon-to-be-released inmates with substance abuse as child abuse. issues. The state hospital will retain some beds at another • Ensured that a caregiver cannot deny visitation by a close location. family member or clergy.

• Allowed a court to terminate the parental rights of someone • Urged Congress to pass a ban on abortions after twenty convicted of a rape that resulted in the child’s conception. weeks gestation.

• Passed a major overhaul in the delivery of social services at • Rejected several attempts to expand gambling, including the local level, moving from a county-based system to sports betting and the use of “historic horse racing” machines. human service zones.

• Defeated two bills to give special legal protection to Christopher Dodson is executive director of the North Dakota Catholic “sexual orientation” and “transgender” expression.

Conference. The NDCC acts on behalf of the Catholic bishops of North • Increased funding for the corporate guardianship program Dakota to respond to public policy issues of concern to the Catholic provided by Catholic Charities North Dakota. The service Church and to educate Catholics and the public about Catholic social helps intellectually disabled individuals live and work in doctrine. The conference website is ndcatholic.org. the community.

• Refused to study school choice programs during the interim.

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

Here’s a good idea: A contingency notebook

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o you have a contingency notebook? Perhaps you do, but you call Stewardship it by another name.

Steve Schons Maybe it’s your “emergency file” or your “crisis notebook.” Or, maybe you had intentions of starting something like this but just haven’t taken the time.

A contingency notebook can be as simple as the three-hole binder containing all the information a loved one or personal representative needs to know if you become seriously incapacitated or even die. When tragedy strikes, it’s no time to go through drawers, filing cabinets, and shoe boxes looking for pertinent information. Those who bear responsibility for your affairs need the relevant material immediately.

Your up-to-date contingency notebook can make all the difference.

After you’ve obtained a good-sized notebook and 12 dividers, label the front cover in big letters, Contingency Notebook. Then divide it into several sections, including: 1. Action List: Specify the immediate and secondary steps one should follow if something happens to you.

2. Key Contacts: Identify family members, friends, professional advisors, and others who should be informed of your condition.

3. Medical Notes: List any medical problems and treatments.

Identify types and locations of medicines. Name your doctors and provide contact information.

4. Financial Accounts (savings, checking, brokerage, credit, debit, etc.): Include account numbers, customer service phone numbers, and a copy of a past statement for each account.

5. Insurance: Include life, accident, disability, auto, and health policy information. Summarize your coverage and/or include a copy of the coverage page from each policy. Identify insurance agent(s) and phone numbers.

6. Business Interests: Include copies of contracts and outline action to take.

7. Asset Inventory: List your major possessions (autos, real estate, etc.).

8. Funeral Instructions: Identify your wishes concerning the funeral service and burial. You might also suggest that donations can be made to your parish for those who wish to make a memorial gift in your honor.

9. Estate Planning Documents: Include copies of your will, power of attorney, living will or directive to physicians, trusts and other items. Also, specify where the original of each document can be found.

10. Charitable Commitments: Summarize your charitable involvements, specifically your ties with your Catholic church, cemetery or school. This will help your family know what 26

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organizations you supported during life, and why.

11. Personal Items: Include biographical information that can be used in preparing your obituary. Summarize your values and purpose in life. You might also provide personal notes to each family member expressing your love and your hopes for them.

12. Miscellaneous: This section is reserved for anything that doesn’t fall into one of the other categories.

For the sake of your family and friends you’ll leave behind someday, I encourage you to get started with your own contingency book. Keep working on it until you are satisfied it is complete.

Then show it to your family and tell them where they can find it. All of this will produce peace of mind for you . . . and for them.

I am available to assist you and to provide further ideas if you wish. You can reach me at (701) 356-7926 or steve.schons@ fargodiocese.org.

Schons is director of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Fargo.

Hurley’s Religious Goods Inc

Serving our faith community Since 1951

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

OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

It’s time for Catholics (and all religious people) to wake up: The real danger posed by the California confession bill

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B 360, a piece of proposed legislation currently making its way through the California state senate, should alarm not only every Catholic in the country, but indeed the adepts of any religion. In California, as in almost every other state, clergy members (along with a variety of other professionals, including physicians, social workers, teachers, and therapists) are mandated reporters—which is to say, they are legally required to report any case of suspected child abuse or neglect to law enforcement. However, California clergy who come by this knowledge in the context of “penitential communication” are currently exempted from the requirement. SB 360 would remove the exemption. Sen. Jerry Hill, the bill’s sponsor, characterized the scope and purpose of his legislation as follows: “The law should apply equally to all professionals who have been designated as mandated reporters of these crimes—with no exceptions, period. The exemption for clergy only protects the abuser and places children at further risk.”

I would like to make clear what the passage of this law would mean for Catholic priests in California. Immediately, it would place them on the horns of a terrible dilemma. Since the canon law of the Church stipulates that the conscious violation of the seal of confession results in automatic excommunication, every priest, under this new law, would be threatened with prosecution and possible imprisonment on the one hand or formal exclusion from the body of Christ on the other. And does anyone doubt that, if this law is enacted, attempts will be made to entrap priests, effectively placing them in this impossible position?

What I hope is clear—not only to Catholics, but to any American committed to the First Amendment—is that we are dealing here with an egregious violation of the principle of religious liberty. In its stipulation that Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, the first amendment holds off, if you will, the aggression of any religion toward the civil state. But in its further stipulation that Congress shall never legislate in such a way as to obviate the free exercise of religion, it blocks the state’s aggression toward religion. The framers of the Bill of Rights were legitimately alarmed at the prospect of the government meddling in the affairs of a religious community, monitoring its beliefs and policing its behavior. But such meddling and monitoring is precisely what SB 360 involves.

I realize that non-Catholics and nonbelievers might not appreciate how precious the sacrament of Confession is to Catholics and why the seal of Confession matters so profoundly. In my last year in the seminary, my classmates and I took a course in the theology and practice of the sacrament of Reconciliation (to give it its proper title). Our professor said something that has stayed with me for the 33 years of my priesthood, burned into my mind and soul. He told us, “If someone asks, ‘Father, would you hear my confession?’, the answer is always yes. Even if hearing that confession puts your own life in danger, the answer is always yes.” And he went on, “If a person inquires about what was said during a confession, you should act as though the confession nev-

er even happened.

And if doing so puts your own life in danger, you should still act as though the Word on Fire confession never happened.”

Bishop Robert Barron Why do we Catholics take this sacrament with such seriousness? We do so because we believe that through this sacramental encounter, a sinner accesses the healing and forgiving grace of Christ. In the context of Confession, the priest, we hold, is operating in the very person of Christ, and therefore, the penitent is speaking to and hearing from the Lord himself. Thus, absolutely nothing ought to stand in the way of a sinner who seeks this font of grace. In light of these clarifications, one can understand the indispensable importance of the seal. If a penitent thought that the priest to whom he confessed were likely to share with others what was given in the most sacred confidence, he or she would be reluctant indeed ever to approach the sacrament of Reconciliation. And this is why the Church has striven so strenuously to protect, at all costs, the integrity of Confession.

Through the entire course of our country’s history, the government has protected the right of the Catholic Church to determine its own sacramental practice and has never sought to compel the violation of the seal. Given this venerable tradition, grounded in the second clause of the First Amendment, an extraordinary burden of proof, it seems to me, lies with those who would seek to dispense with the exemption. But what is impossible to doubt is that religious liberty is indeed under grave threat, especially when we consider the slippery slope onto which SB 360 would invite us. Surely murder, theft, spousal abuse, child neglect, and rape are terrible crimes. Would the state determine that priests are obligated to report these offenses to the authorities, should they hear of them in the confessional?

For some time now, the public institutions of the Church have been under attack from the secular state. The government has been seeking to determine what is taught and practiced in Catholic schools and what is carried out in Catholic hospitals, even when these practices run counter to the Church’s formal doctrine. But with SB 360, the secular authorities are reaching into the inner life of the Church, into its sacramental practice and discipline. Catholics should, of course, rise up in strenuous protest against this very aggressive incursion—but so should anyone who cares about the freedom of religion in our society.

Bishop Barron is a theologian and evangelist, known for his Word on Fire ministry. He serves as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

Are you a giving person?

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f you were asked whether you are a giving person, what would your Catholic re s p o n s e b e ? I Charities imagine most of us North Dakota would remember all the times we donat Chad Prososki ed items for a food drive, dropped off clothing at a thrift store, or wrote a check to a good cause. Most of us could easily convince ourselves that we are giving people, and maybe even quite generous. But when we think harder about this, do we really give from our hearts? Deep down in our souls, if we examine our lives over the years, are we truly joyful givers?

Indeed, it is very good to give away clothes we can no longer use and to share food and items that we don’t need! These are thoughtful, generous acts toward others. It is also good stewardship of the environment. But do we make a sacrifice when we give, or do we give only the food we don’t want, the old clothing we have outgrown, and no more money than we might spend on a single dinner or movie?

–Chad Prososki

The Christian call to charity goes beyond just giving of our leftovers. It is a call not only to help others who are our brothers and sisters in Christ, but it is also about who we are and who we should be in Christ. Isn’t it good for us to give sacrificially, maybe even until it hurts a little bit? That was the clear example of Jesus to us. When we do, the Lord reminds us of our blessings, and we can experience the gift of true gratitude. Gratitude from the recipients, yes, but maybe more importantly is that we can learn and experience true gratitude to God for the many blessings in our own lives.

At Catholic Charities, we invite and encourage you to help those in need in your communities. Through our agency, we offer help to people with complex challenges. No one person or parish can maintain life-giving adoption programs, life-improving guardianship services, hope-giving counseling services, and hope-restoring disaster relief efforts. Together you can help make these possible through your support of Catholic Charities North Dakota.

It should be the same way with giving in other areas of our

lives. Are we giving of our time to others? Do we make time to help family, friends, and neighbors? Yes, I know how busy we all are but what if it wasn’t always meant to be that way? If we are too busy to help others in need, is there something we can do in our schedules—just one or two simple changes—that would give us time for volunteering and helping the people the Lord puts in our lives?

It has often been said that we need to make room for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. Doesn’t making room require making the time for us to listen and then to act? Besides, wouldn’t slowing down a little be worth it for the additional moments of peace it could add to our lives, as many of us so greatly need? And in that way, we could also become more giving people!

Chad Prososki is the Director of Development and Community Relations for Catholic Charities North Dakota. For more than 90 years, Catholic Charities North Dakota and its supporters have been putting their faith in action helping people, changing lives. You can reach Chad at info@catholiccharitiesnd.org or (701) 235-4457

“The Christian call to charity goes beyond just giving of our leftovers.”

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Brent Hermans to perform Piano Talk concerts in Grafton

Piano Talk Concerts with Brent Hermans is here again this summer. Shows are at St. John’s Church in Grafton each evening at 7 p.m. The performance is similar to the Ed Sullivan Show.

Proceeds from the free-will benefit St. John’s faith formation.

June 18: Going to the Zoo July 9: Verses vs. Verses August 6: Fifty Nifty States of Music August 20: Return of the Jedi Piano (movie songs).

Beginning Experience: Peer ministry for divorced, widowed, separated

Events across the diocese

retreat is “Come to my heart!” Register by June 20 by email at ndfranciscan@yahoo.com or text at (701) 208-1245.

Summer retreats available for youth

The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry will be offering two retreats this summer for ages 13–17. These retreats will be planned and presented by young adults ages 19–39. These young adults will offer words of wisdom on the theme, “Who am I?” and lead crafts and outdoor activities. The young women’s retreat will be July 17–20, and the young men’s retreat will be July 21–24, both held at the Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen convent in Hankinson. Cost is $160/person. Scholarships are available upon request. Contact Kathy Loney at (701) 356-7902.

Wimbledon to host bake sale and rummage sale

Beginning Experience weekends St. Boniface Church in Wimbledon will be hosting their annual will be held June 21–23 and Nov. bake sale and “Make us an offer” rummage sale on July 20 22–24. Beginning Experience is a from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit their Catholic Youth support program offered by the Organization program and travels. Father Mulligan says they Catholic Church and open to divorced, always have the best junk ever! For more information, contact widowed, and separated persons Pam Clemens at (701) 646-6165. of all faiths or no faith. Grieving people are guided through a transformational process to a new beginning in their lives. Certified teams of peer ministers who have suffered similar losses lead participants through a series of presentations followed by personal reflection and small The Women’s Retreat has been a favorite for many years. This group sharing. Beginning Experience of Eastern North Dakota year’s retreat is entitled “Tending One’s Soul: God’s Spiritual currently offers weekly programs as well in Fargo and Fergus Garden” and will be offered at Maryvale from July 19-21. The Falls, Minn., meeting once a week for ten weeks. For more imagery of a garden is used in various ways throughout information, call (701) 277-8784. Please leave a message. Visit scripture to speak of relationship with God, spiritual growth and conversion. This retreat weekend will give participants time to www.beginningexperience-easternnd.org. cultivate the spiritual fruits of one’s own “garden.” Suggested donation is $85. For more information, contact Sister Dorothy Bunce, SMP, at (701) 845-2864 or dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

Summer women’s retreat offered at Maryvale, Valley City

St. John the Baptist Church, Wyndmere, to celebrate 50th anniversary

On June 22, the St. John the Baptist Church in Wyndmere will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its church building. Bishop Folda will celebrate Mass at 5 p.m. A meal and family games will follow.

Some ask, “Why is the building so important?” Because it is a sacred space set apart for the express purpose of worshipping God. It is a special place to the faithful because it is where we gather to celebrate some of the most important events in our lives, specifically the sacraments. The church building is a central place for the faithful, and all are welcome to pray and spend time with our Lord Jesus.

Head to Mother-Daughter Days with the Franciscan Sisters

Mothers and their daughters are invited to join the Franciscan Sisters in Hankinson for this annual event June 27–29 at St. Francis Retreat Center in Hankinson. The theme of this year’s

Come and See retreat with the Franciscan Sisters

Single women, ages 16–26 are invited to come to meet the Sisters at St. Francis Convent in Hankinson to pray, hear inspiring talks, search their heart, and listen to God. This retreat, from Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. until Aug. 3 at 4 p.m., is a time to relax and enjoy some time discovering your vocation. For more information or to register, contact Sister Jean Louise at ndfranciscan@yahoo.com or text (701) 208-1245 by July 24.

Carmel of Mary Monastery to host 63rd annual pilgrimage Aug. 11

All are welcome to the Carmel of Mary Monastery near Wahpeton on Aug. 11 for the 63rd annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Prairies. The day begins at 2 p.m. and includes the rosary, confessions, Mass, and a picnic. For more information, call (701) 640-6162 or the monastery at (701) 642-2360.

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Life’s milestones Leo and Loretta (Bach) Althoff celebrated their 72nd anniversary on June 10. They are lifelong parishioners of St. Anthony’s Church in Mooreton. They have 7 children, 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 6 step great-grandchildren. Leo and Loretta lived on their farm until 2011 when they moved to St. Gerard’s Community Care in Hankinson.

Cletus and Bernice Axtman, parishioners of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Balta, celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 2. They have 7 children and 16 grandchildren.

3 great-grandchildren.

Leonard and Evelyn Geiger, parishioners of St. Catherine’s Church in Valley City, celebrated their 65th anniversary on June 2. They were married in Cooperstown and have 3 children, 4 grandchildren, and Bill and Lois Hardy, parishioners of St. Boniface Church in Walhalla, will celebrate their 65th anniversary on June 24.

They have 6 children (1 deceased), 8 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

James and Edith Hellman, parishioners at Blessed Sacrament Church in West Fargo, celebrated their 60th anniversary on May 26. They have 8 children, 28 grandchildren (2 deceased), and 18 great-grandchildren.

They were awarded the International Catholic Family of the Year Award by the Knights of Columbus in 1985.

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Tom and Anna Marie Hiestand, parishioners of Sts. Anne and Joachim Church in Fargo, celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 7. They were married at St. Dominic’s Church, Holton Kansas. They are blessed with 4 children and 14 grandchildren.

NEW EARTH JUNE 2019

Gerry and Mary Joyce, parishioners of Holy Family Church in Grand Forks, celebrated their 67th anniversary on June 2. They have 6 children, 16 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

Paul and Barbara (Keller) Loegering celebrated 50 years of marriage June 7.

They were married at St. Vincent’s in Stirum. They are parishioners at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Fargo.

They have 8 children, 31 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, and 3 step-great grandchildren.

Stella Bartholome celebrated her 100th birthday on May 25. She is a parishioner of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo and is now a resident at Rosewood on Broadway.

Robert Klein celebrated his 95th birthday on June 7. He was married to his late wife, Delores for 61 years. They were lifelong parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Sanborn. They have 4 children, 22 grandchildren, 71 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Catherine Kutz, parishioner of St. Elizabeth’s Church in Sykeston and later Sacred Heart Church in Carrington, turned 92 on May 28. She was married to Clinton Kutz for 67 years before he passed away in 2013. They have 1 son, 10 daughters, 28 grandchildren, and 42 great-grandchildren with 4 more on the way.

Elsie Weiker celebrated her 95th birthday May 17. Elsie and her late husband, Sterling, were married for 68 years. They have 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Elsie has been a lifelong parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Cando.

A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST

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

75 years ago — 1944

An event of great importance to the members of the mission church of St. Joseph at Bremen took place June 26 when the Most Rev. Aloisius J. Muench, Bishop of Fargo, made his first official visit to the church. He administered the sacrament of confirmation to 18 children and three adults while there. The last official visit was from Bishop Shanley, the first Bishop of Fargo, 45 years prior in 1899 when he dedicated the little rural church.

50 years ago — 1969

On June 8, Monsignor Allan F. Nilles dedicated St. Mary’s Church in Forman. It was established in 1913 as a mission and became a parish in 1957. Fr. Gerald Weber was the first resident pastor. The original church was built in 1914 and became home to the Sargent County Museum.

Everything in the new church from the converging walls to the clerestory window, which casts indirect rays of toned light on the sanctuary, was planned to draw the worshipper’s attention directly to the altar. The altar and baptismal font are made of Kasota limestone out of Mankato, Minn. which has long been prized for its yellow-pink color variations and used extensively in constructing buildings around the world.

20 years ago — 1999

Onlookers watched as the steeple was placed on the remodeled St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. The front doors were installed shortly thereafter bringing the church ever closer to completion.

Marie Pearson celebrated her 95th birthday on May 17. She is a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Forman. Marie was married to Gordon Pearson for 62 years. They had found children and a total of 54 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and greatgreat grandchildren.

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

Share life’s milestones

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

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US & WORLD NEWS

Pope prays for Chinese Catholics

By Vatican News

Catholic faithful praying at the Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan in Shanghai. (Vatican News)

T

he feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians on May 24 offered Pope Francis the opportunity to express his “special closeness and affection to all the Catholics in China, who, among daily labors and trials, continue to believe, to hope, and to love.”

Speaking directly to the faithful in China, the Holy Father said, “May our Mamma of Heaven help you all to be witnesses of charity and of fraternity, always remaining united in the communion of the universal Church.” He then assured them of his own prayers and his blessing, before leading the faithful in praying the Hail Mary for Chinese Catholics.

An image of Our Lady, Help of Christians, is found in the Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Sheshan in Shanghai, and is an object of special devotion to the faithful in China. In May of 2007, in his Letter to Chinese Catholics, Pope Benedict XVI asked that the feast of Mary, Help of Christians, May 24, be celebrated as a World Day of Prayer for the Church in China.

Pope Francis announces theme of next World Meeting of Families

By Francis Merlo | Vatican News

three years after the promulgation of Gaudete et Exsultate, “the aim is to emphasize family love as a vocation and a way to holiPope Francis in Ireland for the World Meeting of Families in ness, and to understand and share the profound and redeeming 2018. (ANSA) significance of family relationships in daily life.”

“Conjugal and family love reveals the precious gift of a life together where communion is nourished and a culture of individualism, consumption, and waste is averted,” reads the statement. It also places emphasis on recognizing the importance of the identity of each member of the family.

According to the statement, marriage and family shape a concrete experience of love. They demonstrate the “great significance of human relationships in which joys and struggles are shared in the unfolding of daily life as people are led towards an encounter with God.” amily love: a vocation and a path to holiness” is the theme This journey strengthens love and enables the vocation to holiness. chosen by Pope Francis for the next World Meeting of In this way, concludes the statement, the Christian Family is an Families, due to take place in Rome from June 23–27, 2021. expression of the “most attractive face of the Church.”

A statement released by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and The last World Meeting of Families was held in Ireland in Life explains that, as the event will be taking place on the 5th August 2018. The theme chosen by Pope Francis was, “The anniversary of the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia and Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World.”

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Bombed St. Anthony’s Shrine in Sri Lanka feels closeness of Universal Church

By Robin Gomes | Vatican News

St. Anthony’s Shrine Kochikade in Colombo, Sri Lanka, undergoing repairs after the April 21, 2019 bombing. (Vatican News)

Father Raj said that the entire Sri Lankan community has come together, irrespective of religion, caste, and language. Catholics are showing the power of prayer, especially the rosary and the Mass, and they don’t need any other weapon.

St. Anthony’s Shrine maintains a soup kitchen that feeds some 200 people daily, and it also has a museum and relics. The shrine maintains a close link with Sri Lanka’s Catholic community of Italy that is home to the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua where the 13th-century saint breathed his last.

Father Raj pointed out that Catholics in Sri Lanka have not been abandoned by the Universal Church that is praying for them. Many dioceses across the world have also expressed their closeness with Sri Lankans.

T

he world was shocked and outraged to hear about a string of coordinated suicide bomb attacks on three churches and three hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, the holiest day for Christians. The bombings, claimed by the so-called Islamic State, killed more than 250 people and injured some 500.

One of the targets of the April 21 carnage was the Catholic St. Anthony’s Shrine Kochikade, in the capital Colombo. Amadeo Lomonaco of Vatican News visited the popular shrine ahead of the nation marking a month since the attacks. He spoke to the rector of St. Anthony’s Shrine, Father Jude Raj, who had a narrow escape that fateful day during the 8:45 a.m. Mass on Easter Sunday.

The priest said they never gave up their faith and continue to pray and celebrate Mass inside the shrine saying, “Our God is not a god of revenge. He is the God of love.”

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Sidewalk Stories

By Roxane B. Salonen

Crinkled dollar was a sign of God’s presence

I

felt nervous as the man approached us. Was it his disheveled hair or the fact that he badly needed a belt?

The crooked way he walked made me wonder if he was under the influence of something, maybe drugs, since I smelled no liquor. Although I try to not judge appearances on the sidewalk at our state’s only abortion facility, one needs to be watchful, discerning, and prepared for anything.

Along with a heightened awareness, I’ve also learned in my years praying there that we can’t know from mere exterior whether someone approaching us is friend or foe. It’s almost always one or the other. I can’t recall meeting anyone there claiming complete neutrality in this zone of our city. Even the fence-straddling folks will admit, when pressed, to a certain leaning.

In the small amount of time I had to size up the situation, I guessed he was about to say something unkind, or maybe ask for money like so many of his sort on the street. He weaved slightly toward the two escorts giggling on the gray carpet next to the door taking an unusually-placed selfie, then inched closer to us.

We were just beyond them on the sidewalk, two umbrellas covering our trio reciting the Stations of the Cross: a version inspired by—maybe even written by—St. John Paul II. The recitations and prayers were specifically prolife-focused and powerful in that setting.

Was he bothered by the words? Annoyed by our prayers?

What might he be thinking as he breathed near our umbrellas?

As we continued praying, I noticed him reaching into his pocket, and my imagination swirled. I’d just read about an elderly sidewalk advocate who’d been hospitalized after holding vigil.

Most days, I feel rather fearless on the sidewalk, despite knowing that it can be a provocation just to be there. On this day, with gloomy rain trickling down in a mist, and memories of a Notre Dame fire still haunting, it seemed anything might be possible.

“Trust me,” I heard from within. As the man dug deeper for whatever he was about to reveal, I did just that.

Within seconds, the mystery was solved, and for some unknown reason, I was the blessed recipient. The man, whom I’d looked at with curiosity and caution just moments before, had quietly pressed into my hand a crinkled-up dollar bill before sauntering away.

I felt the money in my hand, stunned. Instead of him asking us for a few bucks for a burger, he’d given money to me. It may well have been his last for the day—maybe meant for supper, or perhaps a desperate cigarette, or something else to keep him going. Yet, here it was in my hand.

This man wasn’t some lost soul on the sidewalk looking to pick a fight or beg. No, not at all. He was Jesus in disguise, wanting us to know that though we might not witness a save that day, he’d seen our hearts and wanted to reward us.

In his form, I envisioned the widow and her mite, offering the last bit of what she had for love of her Lord, trusting that if she gave all, he would too. In that moment, I knew the divine hand had just reached into that space on the sidewalk, confirming to us that God is with us in every moment of our “yeses.”

My two friends returned to praying, but I couldn’t just yet.

As the unkempt young man continued eastward, I saw a man from Nazareth who’d helped set the whole universe in motion, yet loved me and everyone on that sidewalk, but who’d also chosen a clear side—the side of life—and wanted us to know.

Running after him, I called out, “Sir?” He kept going. “Sir!” I called louder. He finally turned around. Holding up the dollar, I said with sincerity, “Thank you!”

“You’re doing a good thing, you know?” he said. He then shook my hand in a most uncustomary fashion and disappeared into the day.

Tucking the crumpled dollar into my pocket, I felt as though I were the keeper of a bag of gold coins. I’d come to give but had instead received. I felt rich; rich in love, in faith, and in knowing our small attempts mean something big to our Lord. Our efforts are worth a crunched-up dollar and a whole lot more.

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

NEW EARTH JUNE 2019

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NEW

EARTH

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

Do you know where we are?

The answer will be revealed in the July/August New Earth.

Where in the diocese are we?

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NEW EARTH JUNE 2019

Last month’s photo is from St. Anthony Church in Mooreton.