OND Nov B 2015 Vol. 69, No. 21

VOL. 69, NO. 21

WWW.CROOKSTON.ORG

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Advocacy, education, service impact St. Mary’s Mission cares for unique needs of God’s people at Red Lake

By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND

The people of the parish at St. Mary’s Mission have unique spiritual and physical needs that are now being met by their Parish Nurse and Outreach Director. St. Mary’s Mission received a grant from Catholic Extension that allowed them to hire Charmaine Branchaud. She has been serving in this capacity for a little more than a year.

Branchaud, a retired nurse with experience as a diabetes educator at the hospital in Red Lake, was a perfect fit for the position.

Her Native American heritage and knowledge of the community aid in her ability to reach out and identify with those she serves at St. Mary’s.

“There are days when I sit down and reflect and think about things I’ve done that day or that week – where I’ve helped a person or a family – and I just feel so blessed that I’m able to be there for people, and really that God has chosen me to play this role right now,” she said.

As the parish nurse, Branchaud’s work covers a wide spectrum of needs in the community. She spends much of her time working with elders of the community and those who are seriously ill.

When asked what is most needed in the community, Branchaud responded, “I think elder in-home visits, bringing Communion, and just being able to look in on people and see to their needs and help those who are in hospice or homebound.”

She visits the homes of parishioners who are unable to come to Mass to bring them Communion and make sure their physical

and spiritual needs are being met. While making visits, she finds out if they are lacking anything, and then connects them to services and resources when needed.

One woman Branchaud visits is in her 90s, and wanted to enter a nursing home because she was afraid of falling and being injured in her home. Branchaud was able to advocate for the woman and connect her to resources so she could move to an assisted living facility.

Branchaud also reaches out to the families of those she serves. Once she is referred to a person, she shares information with their family about the services she offers. For example, if someone is diagnosed with cancer, since Branchaud is a nurse, she can give the family information and help them better understand what their doctors are saying.

She also represents St. Mary’s on two committees in the community – the Vulnerable Adult Elder Committee and the Palliative Hospice Care Committee.

Part of Branchaud’s ministry is offering spiritual care to those she serves. She steps in when those receiving hospice care desire spiritual support. Branchaud worked with one woman who was in hospice for seven months before passing away. She visited weekly and provided the woman’s family with information about ST. MARY’S: Continued on Page 7

Turn to Page 6 to see photos of St. Mary’s Mission School students and read an update from Principal Anthony Kerr!

Sacred Heart School honors ‘Light Bearers’ of Christ at banquet Three receive Lumen Christi Award for contributions to Catholic education

By Janelle C. Gergen Associate Editor, OND

E. GRAND FORKS, MINN. – The Lumen Christi Award is the highest honor given by Sacred Heart School. Recipients are those who demonstrate the fundamental qualities of “light bearers” of Christ in exemplary

INSIDE

VOL. 69, NO. 21:

ways for Catholic education.

Tom Senger, Pete Zavoral and Father Larry Delaney were honored for their contributions in furthering the mission of the Catholic school on Oct. 30. It was Sacred Heart’s eighth Lumen Christi Award Banquet.

LUMEN CHRISTI: Continued on Page 3

2015 Sacred Heart Lumen Christi Award recipients, Pete Zavoral, Father Larry Delaney and Tom Senger pose for a photo with their awards on Oct. 30. (Photo credit: Jackie Lorentz Photography)

Pg. 3 - St. Bernard’s Third Grade Math Project Pg. 8 - Special Series: Year of Mercy Pg. 10 - Special Series: Year of Consecrated Life

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November 18, 2015

A

COMMENTARY

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Voice from the Valley

BY BISHOP MICHAEL J. HOEPPNER

THANKSGIVING DAY 2015 Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love, teach us to contemplate you in the beauty of the universe, for all things speak of you.

Awaken our praise and thankfulness for every being that you have made. Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined to everything that is.

(Excerpt from A Christian Prayer in Union with Creation, found in “Laudato Si”)

It’s that delightful time of the year when family and friends gather together to enjoy the warmth of home and share a sumptuous meal of thanksgiving for the bounty of another harvest. Thanksgiving Day lives in the memory of the people of this great land. Our Thanksgiving Day celebration connects us not only with one another in our day, but also with all who have gone before us since those first pilgrims gathered together to bow their heads in thanks to God for his bountiful care.

Happy Thanksgiving Day

to one and all! I pray that all the trappings and trimmings of Thanksgiving – the pumpkins and squashes, the colorful leaves and tablecloths, the turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberries, carrots and corn, the pies, whipped cream and ice cream too – all move you to treasure the beauty of all of God’s creation and the bountifulness of God’s infinite love. May Thanksgiving Day awaken your praise and thankfulness for all our good God has made. May it be for you and your family yet another experience of the profound union we have with one another, with all creation, and with God our creator and redeemer.

And this Thanksgiving Day, let us not forget to bow our heads in prayer to God. As we thank God for his bountiful care, let us pray that God will help us take better care of our common home, Mother Earth, and that we might always take good care of one another.

tion for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). The programs funded by CCHD truly help positively change the lives of some 46.2 million people in the United States who live in poverty. Twenty-five percent of the monies collected support the Diocese of Crookston’s CCHD Local Grant. This new grant was developed this past year for the purpose of assisting parishes, schools and non-profit organizations in the Diocese of Crookston with their efforts to help bring about a civilization of love by addressing root causes of poverty. This year, we have received 10 applications requesting assistance through our CCHD Local Grant. Please take advantage of this opportunity to help both your neighbors here in the Diocese of Crookston and the poor in other parts of the U.S. by contributing to this year’s U.S. Bishops’ Catholic Campaign for Human Development collection.

CCHD COLLECTION NOV. 21-22 Nov. 21-22, is the weekend for this year’s national collec-

STATEWIDE DAY OF PRAYER In his address to Congress during his recent visit to the

United States, Pope Francis reminded the members of Congress and also all people of this great land, saying that: “All political activity must serve and promote the good of the human person and be based on respect for his or her dignity.” He then quoted the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

At present, the right to life is not respected in our land and we the Church, the family of God on earth, continue to work hard to build a society that respects life, treasures life, and protects all human life from the moment of conception through natural death.

The videos released last summer of Planned Parenthood employees engaged in partialbirth abortions and selling fetal tissue - human baby parts - for profit deeply disturbed and saddened us. After a Confirmation

celebration, one woman pulled me aside and asked: “What are we to do about this? What are you bishops going to do about this?”

We need to pray, first and always, and witness in word and deed. And so, the Catholic Bishops of Minnesota are inviting Catholics and others of good will to join with their pastors and parish members in a Day of Fasting and Prayer in Reparation for a Culture of Violence and Disrespect for Life. Materials have been sent to your parish to aid in this day.

These materials include prayers as well as suggestions on ways to take action. For example, the materials include some ways to support legislation here that will promote the health and well-being of women and ensure that the law is followed relating to fetal tissue here in Minnesota (HF 606/SF 616). I invite you to join in this day as we continue to work and witness to a culture of life.

BISHOP’S CALENDAR November 22 November 28 November 29 December 1 December 2 December 13

10:00 a.m.

Rite of Confirmation, St. Joseph’s, Red Lake Falls

5:00 p.m.

Rite of Confirmation, St. Francis of Assisi, Fisher

1:00 p.m.

Rite of Confirmation, Sacred Heart, East Grand Forks

7:45 a.m.

Mass, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston

9:00 a.m.

Mass and Opening of the Holy Door of Mercy, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston

December 15 December 15 December 15 December 17

7:45 a.m.

Mass, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston

(USPS 414-940) Our Northland Diocese is a semi-monthly newspaper committed to publishing Good News for the purpose of strengthening and furthering the Reign of God in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Crookston.

Minnesota Catholic Conference Meetings, St. Paul

10:00 a.m.

Priests’ Retirement Trust Meeting, Chancery, Crookston

12:00 p.m.

Deans’ Meeting, Chancery, Crookston

12:00 p.m.

Priests’ Council Meeting, Chancery, Crookston

HEADED SOUTH THIS WINTER?

Submit an address change to your parish so OND can be sent to your winter home!

Subscriptions: $16.34 per year in the diocese, $17.88 per year outside the diocese.

Publisher:

The Most Reverend Michael J. Hoeppner Bishop of the Diocese of Crookston

Editor:

Rev. Robert Schreiner Office of the New Evangelization, Director

Associate Editor:

The faithful of the Diocese of Crookston generously supported the 2015 USCCB national collection for Peter’s Pence with a donation of: $35,636.84.

VICTIM ASSISTANCE STATEMENT

If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, your first call should be to law enforcement. If you have been abused by a Catholic priest or another person in Church ministry, the Diocese of Crookston Victim’s Assistance Coordinator is also available to offer you help and healing. Please contact Louann McGlynn at 218-281-7895 (24-hour confidential number) or Lmcglynn@crookston.org.

Mrs. Janelle C. Gergen jgergen@crookston.org

Editorial Assistant: Mrs. Katrina Genereux

kgenereux@crookston.org Proofreader:

NATIONAL COLLECTION UPDATE

Deacon Dan Hannig

For questions about subscriptions or address changes, please contact: Mrs. Renee Tate at rtate@crookston.org Periodical postage paid in Crookston, MN and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: send address changes to: Our Northland Diocese PO Box 610, Crookston, MN 56716-0610 Phone: 218-281-4533 Publishing dates and submission deadlines for news and advertisements can be found online: http://www.crookston.org/ond/

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

AROUND THE DIOCESE

November 18, 2015

3

Life lessons, service are part of St. Bernard’s third grade math class during annual month-long project

By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND

THIEF RIVER FALLS, MINN. – Math lessons take on a deeper meaning during the month of November for the third grade class at St. Bernard’s School, Thief River Falls.

Each day, Kari Rath sends small groups of her students through the school at the start of math time. They gather food from an assigned pre-K through fifth grade classroom or the parish office. The food, which is donated by the school’s families, will end up at the local food shelf after the month of collecting and calculating concludes.

“This project started about 13 years ago,” Rath said. “I just wanted to do something to help the community.” She is glad to do this project because it teaches her students about God’s call to help others, the issue of hunger, various math concepts, and the value of math in everyday life.

Once back in their classroom, the third graders count, weigh, sort, check expiration dates and record information about the amounts and types of food received. In their small groups, they use graphs and tally marks to track the collection’s progress throughout the month.

When the groups are done with their individual work, they share their information with the class and as a group, add the number of items and pounds collected for the day. They also keep a running tally of the number of different types of food received.

Students in third grade at St. Bernard’s, Thief River Falls, record the weights and number of different items donated to their math project. Each year, the third grade class collects food and other items for the local food shelf during the month of November. They learn about graphing and work on math concepts using the food. (Photos credit: Katrina Genereux/OND)

On Nov. 4, the class processed 50 items of food that weighed 42 pounds. According to Rath this is a pretty typical day for the project. They collect everything from baby food, to cake mixes, to green beans, to juice, to soap and toothpaste.

When the math work is done, the students deposit their sorted items into boxes that line the walls of their classroom. Rath has them organize the food items by type and stack everything neatly in the boxes with labels facing forward. This high

level of organization will make it easier when the class delivers the food to the local food shelf, which currently operates out of the National Guard Armory.

On Dec. 3, the third grade class and parent volunteers will transport the food and stock the shelves.

This year’s class goal is to collect at least 1,000 food items from the school and parish by the end of the month. Halfway through the project, Rath reported the class has received 458 items.

“I’m so proud of St. Bernard’s and the support that the families give,” Rath said. “Every day we have 30 to 40 to 50 items brought in and that’s not possible if you don’t have the support of the parents and the community.” She is also thankful for the support of her fellow teachers at St. Bernard’s.

“The other teachers are so good about reminding students that we’re doing this for good reasons and this is what Jesus and God are calling us to,” she said.

At the end of math class, a student places canned vegetables into boxes around the classroom. The students hope to stock the shelves with at least 1,000 items at the local food pantry at the beginning of December.

Rath is thankful that she can include God in the equation of this math project. She said at a public school they could still gather food and do the math, but would be missing the added depth of Catholic social teaching. She hopes that by teaching her students about donating food and feeding the hungry now, they will continue doing works of service throughout their lives.

LUMEN CHRISTI: Continued from Page 1 A committee comprised of various members of the Sacred Heart community are tasked with selecting the award recipients from a list of nominated individuals. Nominees include friends, parishioners, former faculty and staff, and alumni of Sacred Heart School. Thirtyone individuals have received the award since its inception in 2004.

The 2015 Lumen Christi Award recipients have offered themselves in service to the Sacred Heart community in a variety of ways. Senger, a

1969 graduate of Sacred Heart School, was heavily involved with the Sacred Heart Athletic Club, serving on the board as president or treasurer for 22 years. Senger has also been a member of the Lenten fish fry committee that has helped fund the athletic programs since they originated in the 1980s. He has given back to Sacred Heart School with countless hours of volunteerism.

Zavoral, who is also a 1969 graduate of Sacred Heart School, has been involved in leadership roles while serving

on several parish and school committees. This leadership includes serving on the Religious Education Board, Athletic Club and Parish Finance Council. Additionally, Zavoral has served for many years on the Diocesan Finance Council and the Mount St. Benedict Finance Council. Zavoral was a member of Sacred Heart School’s National Advisory Council, which convened in May of 2013. He also serves as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector for Daily and Sunday Masses.

Father Delaney, the current

Pastor and Superintendent of St. Joseph’s, Moorhead, served Sacred Heart Parish and Sacred Heart School for 17 years. He was the parish’s Parochial Vicar from 1996 to 2001 and Pastor from 2001 to 2013. He taught a high school religion class all the years he was assigned to the parish. Father Delaney was also an integral member of the building committee that worked to rebuild Sacred Heart School following the 1997 flood that devastated the community.

More than 200 people attended this year’s Lumen Chris-

ti banquet in the Sacred Heart Social Hall. Special guests included family members of the honorees, past recipients of the Lumen Christi Award, Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner, Bishop Emeritus Victor H. Balke, Sacred Heart School Superintendent Msgr. Mike Foltz, Sacred Heart Pastor Father Xavier Ilango, Sacred Heart Parochial Vicar Father John Christianson and several other priests of the Diocese of Crookston.

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November 18, 2015

COMMENTARY

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

A guide for ending political homelessness For many Catholics, the most troubling aspect of the presidential campaign season is the feeling of political homelessness. Just when one of the candidates begins to sound sensible, something completely outrageous emerges out of his or her mouth. No single candidate seems to be addressing the many important policy questions of our day.

Put simply, there are no prominent candidates for president of the United States who have a campaign platform that significantly reflects a consistent ethic of life or the principles of Catholic Social Doctrine.

This is not altogether surprising. Catholics should always feel at least slightly uncomfortable working with candidates and political parties. Candidates and parties are the amalgamation of a variety of ideological and economic interests, aims, and principles coalescing around individual persons.

They are never going to reflect fully the views of well-formed Catholics or the Church.

Still, we are right to expect more from the candidates and to feel a little less politically alienated than many of us do.

THE CANDIDATES WE DESERVE What has transpired thus far in presidential debates, and in the media’s coverage of the

FAITH IN THE PUBLIC ARENA

By Mr. Jason Adkins

Executive Director Minnesota Catholic Conference

Go to:

www.mncc.org/mn-caucusing-cheat-sheet for instructions on how to participate in a Minnesota precinct caucus and to download a list of recommended resolutions. campaign trail, does not reflect positively on the state of political discourse and public life in America. But, we get the candidates and political culture we deserve.

An unserious electorate puts up with a media culture driven by profits. Political debates are filtered through a prism of conflict that focuses on personalities more than principles.

Candidates talk about, and thus the media highlight, the issues important to small groups of activists and delegates in the

political parties to whom the candidates must pander, not necessarily those with the greatest impact on human dignity and the common good. There is no room for nuanced positions, which can be manipulated and do not fit into a sound bite safe for consumption by an electorate with a short attention span.

Catholics must shoulder our share of the responsibility for the state of American politics.

There are quite a few of us and we can have a big impact, at least numerically, as shown

in the quadrennial discussions about winning “the Catholic vote” (whether such a thing even exists today – and it is doubtful – is another matter).

Catholics – either refusing to embrace the Gospel-centered principles of Catholic Social Doctrine and letting those shape their political views, or alternatively, willfully being ignorant of those principles – have instead been co-opted by partisan ideologies and have settled for candidates who think in abstractions and focus on rigid, “either/or” solutions to the issues.

TRANSCENDING CONSUMER POLITICS If we want the parties and candidates to more closely reflect the views of Catholic Social Doctrine, then we must be the change we seek.

For example, political party platforms are developed by party activists who attend precinct caucuses and who introduce resolutions to be included in the platform. In large measure, party platforms are made by the people who show up.

In 2010, 19,273 people attended the Minnesota Republican caucuses, and 22,968 people attended the Minnesota Democratic caucuses. In 2012, those figures were 48,916 and 17,376, respectively. In other words, in an election year, be-

tween 40,000 and 65,000 people – or roughly a little more than one percent of the state’s voting age population – are responsible for identifying the issues that are the focus of both campaigns and legislative sessions, as well as picking the candidates from which all of us must choose during an election cycle.

Now, consider this: there are hundreds of thousands of voting-age Catholics in Minnesota. If just a small fraction of us attended precinct caucuses and introduced resolutions, it could significantly alter the face of our two major political parties. Certainly, changing our political culture is more complicated than just showing up at the precinct caucuses, but such a Catholic presence could mark a significant turning point in terms of aligning our politics more clearly with a consistent ethic of life.

Politics are more than partisan political activity or electioneering. Fundamentally, it is about civic friendship, and there are numerous ways we can show solidarity with, and concern for, others. But elections and the legislative process matter as well. Being a faithful citizen means working creatively to change the dynamics and structures that impede the common good.

A prediction from 1990 that isn’t too far off I believe this is the first time in all my years of writing that I am re-printing a column. It first went to press in April of 1990, and is a I letter found in a Feminists for Life newsletter that year.

Feminists for Life staunchly supports the pro-life cause in working toward an end to abortion. The letter, dated January 22, 2023, was considered silly in 1990, but things have changed. The value we put on life continues to spiral downward.

The arguments to kill a child in the womb can easily be used to justify the killing of a five year old as seen below. What is keeping us from reaching the same conclusions about life as suggested in this letter written in 1990 and dated just eight years into the future from today?

Dear Mom, Can you believe it is 2023 already? I’m still writing ‘22’ on nearly everything! Seems like just yesterday I was sitting in

LIFE FIRST

By Father Don Braukmann

Parochial Vicar - St. Philip’s Parish, Bemidji and St. Charles Parish, Pennington

“The letter ... was considered silly in 1990, but things have changed. The value we put on life continues to spiral downward.” first grade celebrating the century change!

I know we haven’t chatted since Christmas. Anyway, I have some difficult news and I really didn’t want to call and talk directly to you about it.

Ted had a promotion and I should be up for a hefty raise

this year if I keep putting in those crazy hours. You know how I work at it. Yet, we’re still really struggling with the bills.

Timmy’s been “OK” at kindergarten although he still complains about going. But then he wasn’t happy about day care either, so what can I do?

To the point, Timmy’s become a real problem, Mom. He’s a good kid but, quite honestly, he’s an unfair burden at this time in our lives. Ted and I have talked this through and through and finally made a choice. Plenty of other families have made it and are much better off.

Our pastor is supportive and says hard decisions sometimes are necessary. The family is a “system”’ and the demands of one member should not be allowed to ruin the whole. He told us to be prayerful, consider ALL the factors and do what is right to make the family work.

He says that even though he probably wouldn’t do it himself, the decision is really ours.

He was kind enough to refer us to a children’s clinic near here, so at least that part is easy.

I’m not an uncaring mother.

I do feel sorry for the little guy.

I think he overheard Ted and I talking about ‘it’ the other night. I turned around and saw him standing on the bottom step in his pj’s with the little bear you gave him under his arm and his eyes sort of welling up. Mom, the way he looked at me just about broke my heart.

But I honestly believe this is better for Timmy too.

It is not fair to force him to live in a family that can’t give him the time and attention he deserves. And PLEASE don’t give me the kind of grief Grandma gave you over your abortions. It is the same thing, you know.

We’ve told him he is just going in for a vaccination. Anyway, they say the termination procedure is painless.

I guess it is just as well, you haven’t seen that much of him.

Love to Dad, Jane

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

COMMENTARY

November 18, 2015

5

We need to be stubborn with our joy God wants us to be joyful.

God pours out everything he has in order to adequately provide for our joy and for our joy to be sustained. But … we can let so many different things into our lives which bracket, damage or outright destroy our joy. Sin destroys our joy. Which is why: We have to be stubborn with our joy. We have to be stubborn about not letting anything or anyone rob us of the joy God wants us to have in life.

This is one of the pieces of advice given by Father Sean Kilcawley to the priests of the Diocese of Crookston in a study day which was recently held at St. Mary’s in Fosston.

Father Kilcawley is a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln in Nebraska and a theological adviser to Integrity Restored, which has a mission “… to help restore the integrity of individuals, spouses, and families that have been affected by pornography and pornography addiction.”

Father Kilcawley along with Ryan Foley, an executive Vice President of Covenant Eyes, was invited by Bishop Hoeppner to speak to the priests of the diocese about pornography, pornography addiction and its devastating affects upon individuals, marriages and families.

Father Sean’s morning presentations were both riveting

CREDO

A NEW EVANGELIZATION WITNESS

By Father Robert Schreiner, S.T.L.

Director of the Office of the New Evangelization

and heartbreaking as he offered witness to how pornography destroys people’s lives from the inside out. It has the effect of destroying a person’s integrity and robbing them of their joy in life. Armed with staggering statistics about our children and their exposure to pornography, Father Sean personalized the statistics with real life stories - all of them heartbreaking.

And all of them were true and profoundly personal.

But for all that, we were not left without hope in the face of such darkness. Joy can return to the soul which seeks to return to integrity in life. The return of joy is possible for those who will choose to be stubborn about keeping it, valuing it, treasuring it and choosing it above any other false illusions of pleasure. Perhaps one of the more powerful moments for me in listening to Father Sean’s talk (and there were many) was the moment he just looked at us and said simply something to this effect: “‘Blessed are the

pure of heart, for they shall see God.’ It’s not just a line. It’s real! Purity (or sobriety from pornography) allows us to see everything in our lives clearly – especially how good and merciful our God is! Pornography destroys our ability to see anything at all, except our guilt.”

Ryan Foley followed in the afternoon, giving the priests a deeper look into how Covenant Eyes accountability software can serve to assist individuals, couples and families in their fight to preserve purity and to be stubborn about their joy.

Armed with even more statistics about the internet and accessibility, it was clear for me to see how Covenant Eyes really is a work of grace, giving people a fair shot at protecting and growing in virtue; and when needed, the chance to reclaim moral integrity for their lives.

Every addressee to whom this newspaper is sent, should have (by now) gotten a letter from Bishop Hoeppner with materials from our partners at

Covenant Eyes. The letter has an introduction to their software and a promotional code for a free trial. You can find all their information at: www. crookston.org/covenanteyes.

If you want to learn more about Father Kilcawley’s ministry with Matt Fradd and the folks at Integrity Restored, it can be found at: www.integrityrestored.com.

About the time this edition of OND goes to print, the bishops of this country will be gathered together in their annual fall meeting. Among the many things they are taking up, they will be voting on their joint pastoral letter on the topic of Pornography and the pandemic it represents in our country with a call to holiness and virtue in response. Pray for the bishops.

We’ll share the good news of their letter once it’s released so

that all of us, no matter what our state in life, can join together within one heart and voice and “be stubborn about the joy God has given us.”

Father Shawn Kilcawley will return to the Diocese of Crookston in April 2016 to speak at two events. All are invited to hear his presentation entitled “Beginning again from Christ’s Mercy: Divine Mercy and Combating Pornography.” He will speak at St. Joseph’s, Moorhead, April 27, from 7-8:30 p.m. and St. Bernard’s, Thief River Falls, April 28, from 7-8:30 p.m. Mark your calendars and plan to attend one of these events taking place during the Jubilee Year of Mercy. View diocesan events and resources for the jubilee at www.crookston.org/yearofmercy.

wants your news and advertisements!

Find 2015-16 publishing dates and submission deadlines on the web: www.crookston.org/ond The next OND submission deadline is: Wednesday, December 9 by 12:00 p.m.

E-mail: Janelle C. Gergen, Associate Editor jgergen@crookston.org

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November 18, 2015

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OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

DIOCESAN

November 18, 2015

7

ST. MARY’S: Continued from Page 1 hospice and what they could expect during this time.

“The family told me they really appreciated the information I printed out for them,” Branchaud said.

She also assists Father Jerry Rogers, Pastor of St. Mary’s Mission, with Mass at the nursing home on Wednesdays. She arrives ahead of time to visit with residents and makes sure they are up and ready for Mass.

Before Branchaud came to St. Mary’s, the residents who wanted to attend the Mass did not have an advocate, and often they were not ready in time.

“The 15 minutes or 20 minutes to get out of bed and into a wheelchair, I can kind of get that going,” she said.

In addition to providing spiritual and nursing support and advocacy services for the ill and elders of the parish, Branchaud reaches out to the parishioners and wider community in many ways.

She assists families with making funeral arrangements at St. Mary’s for their loved ones.

Branchaud said between May 2014 and April 2015, 100 people in the community passed away.

“It wasn’t all St. Mary’s Mission parishioners, but for those who were, I was able to reach out to their families at the wake,” she said. She added that sometimes family members of a deceased parishioner are not very involved with the Church.

In these cases, she helps them choose scripture passages and walks them through the funeral service. “Families usually know what is going to happen at the wake, but are often not familiar at all with what will happen at a funeral.” She estimates that she has helped 25 families in this way.

Last year, Branchaud led a four-week session on grief. The support sessions were open to the community, and delved into

Kathryn McCarrick, a high school student from St. Paul, Minn., wrote the above letter to Father Jerry and sent a donation for St. Mary’s Mission, which her parents matched. McCarrick has been on several mission trips to St. Mary’s Mission, Red Lake. (Submitted image)

what grief is and explained the stages of the grieving process.

Branchaud hopes to repeat similar sessions in the future.

Another facet of Branchaud’s work involves education. As a certified diabetes educator, she makes herself available to parishioners who want infor-

mation about diabetes management. She also speaks to groups visiting St. Mary’s about the history of the Red Lake Indian Reservation and shares data and statistics about health issues Native Americans face, such as an increased risk for

diabetes.

Although busy with the various tasks and ministries already on her plate, Branchaud has projects in mind for the future. To continue community outreach, she is hoping to start a Facebook account for St. Mary’s. She said she would love to share the beauty of St. Mary’s so people can see photos of the mission and know more about what is happening there.

She would also love to start a cooking class for parents to provide them with healthy alternatives to processed foods.

Branchaud’s vision is to bring together small groups of parents, supply them with food, and teach them how to make simple meals. “I am really interested in the nutritional aspect and working with families,

teaching them there are simple ways to make a nutritious meal,” she said.

Branchaud is glad to work with the people of St. Mary’s Mission. “This is just a whole new avenue of nursing that I’ve never experienced before,” she said. “I feel like God works through me and God works with me and he’s a presence in my life more now than ever.”

St. Mary’s Mission requires support to continue serving the people of Red Lake, and they receive it in a variety of ways.

Two parishes in our diocese and one in Woodbury, Minn., send recurring donations to St. Mary’s Mission. St. Francis de Sales, Moorhead, sends $250 per month, and Sacred Heart, Wilton, also regularly contributes an amount. In a letter about St. Mary’s Mission sent to households in the diocese this week, Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner invites parishes to prayerfully consider making similar recurring gifts to St. Mary’s Mission. “Speak to your pastor or parish council about whether or not your parish can afford to embrace Red Lake Mission as a mission they can call their own,” Bishop Hoeppner wrote.

Groups of teenage and college missionaries often travel to St. Mary’s Mission in the summer. One high school student from St. Paul, Minn., was so moved by her experience at the mission, she saved $100 and sent it to St. Mary’s. Her parents, encouraged by her generosity, matched her donation.

The letter they wrote is printed with this article.

On Nov. 21 and 22, people in the Diocese of Crookston will hear about how they can support St. Mary’s Mission. A short video featuring Bishop Hoeppner, Father Rogers and Anthony Kerr, Principal of St. Mary’s Mission School, will be available in many parishes.

It can also be viewed at www. crookston.org/smma.

The annual St. Mary’s Mission Appeal began in 2010.

This year’s collection will take place at Masses throughout the diocese on Nov. 28 and 29.

Everyone is invited to prayerfully consider contributing to the support of the work being done to improve the lives of our Native American brothers and sisters at the Red Lake Reservation.

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November 18, 2015

SPECIAL SERIES: YEAR OF MERCY

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Preparing for the Jubilee Year of Mercy

Year of Mercy Prayer

Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 2015, to the Feast of Christ the King, November 20, 2016

Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved.

Pope Francis’ Vision for the Year of Mercy In a letter written to Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization on Sept. 1, Pope Francis shared his hopes for the year of mercy. A few points are listed below.

• Pope Francis hopes that all Catholics will experience the graces of the Jubilee year, and that all the faithful will receive the Jubilee indulgence as a genuine experience of God’s mercy.

• The pope desires those who are imprisoned or too ill to pilgrimage to a Holy Door to still receive an indulgence and experience extra graces in ways accessible to them.

• He asks the Church as a whole to rediscover the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

• Pope Francis encourages the faithful to pray for the deceased so that “the merciful face of the Father [will] free them of every remnant of fault and strongly embrace them in unending beatitude.”

• He wrote about his awareness of the circumstances of many women who resort to abortion. During this Year of Mercy, all priests throughout the world will have the discretion to absolve the sin of abortion for those seeking forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

• At the end of the letter, Pope Francis establishes that priests of the Fraternity of St. Pius X can validly and licitly give absolution through the Sacrament of Reconciliation • The pope closes his letter to the archbishop by entrusting the preparations for the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy to Mary, the Mother of Mercy.

Visit www.im.va to view the letter in its entirety.

“It is indeed my wish that the Jubilee be a living experience of the closeness of the Father, whose tenderness is almost tangible, so that the faith of every believer may be strengthened and thus testimony to it be ever more effective.”

– Pope Francis, Letter to Archbishop Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization

YEAR OF MERCY RESOURCES The diocesan Office of the New Evangelization will maintain a list of resources and diocesan events for the jubilee year at: www.crookston.org/yearofmercy

The motto and logo explained The logo and the motto together provide a fitting summary of what the Jubilee Year is all about. The motto Merciful Like the Father (Lk 6:36) serves as an invitation to follow the merciful example of the father who asks us not to judge or condemn but to forgive and to give love and forgiveness without measure (Lk 6:37-38).

The logo – the work of Jesuit Father Marko I. Rupnik – presents a small summa theologiae of the theme of mercy. In fact, it represents an image quite important to the early Church: that of the Son having taken upon his shoulders the lost soul demonstrating that it is the love of Christ that brings to completion the mystery of his incarnation, culminating in redemption. The logo has been designed in such a way so as to express the profoundness with which the Good Shepherd touches the flesh of humanity. He does so with a love with the power to change one’s life.

One particular feature worth noting is that while the Good Shepherd, in his great mercy, takes humanity upon himself, his eyes are merged with those of man. Christ sees with the eyes of Adam, and Adam with the eyes of Christ. Everyone discovers in Christ, the new Adam, their own humanity and the future that lies ahead, contemplating, in his gaze, the love of the father.

The scene is captured within the so called mandorla, or the shape of an almond. This shape was quite important in early and medieval iconography, for it calls to mind the two natures of Christ, divine and human. The three concentric ovals, with colors that become progressively lighter as they move outward, suggest the movement of Christ who carries humanity out of the night of sin and death into the light.

Conversely, the depth of the darker color suggests the impenetrability of the love of the Father who forgives all.

Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief.

Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: “If you knew the gift of God!” You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified.

You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God. Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind.

We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy; you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

(Source: www.im.va)

Indulgences and the Holy Year What is an indulgence?

“After the remission of sins by absolution, there still remains the temporal punishment connected with them. An indulgence is the total or partial remission of this temporal punishment by concession of the Church, which is the dispenser of the treasure of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints.

It therefore belongs to the competent ecclesiastical authority to give indulgences, which are normally conceded by connecting them to the completion of certain works in the way and time prescribed.

Every member of the faithful can gain indulgences for themselves or apply them for the dead, as long as they are not excommunicated, and are in the state of grace and have the intention of acquiring them” (Source: A Handbook on Canon Law)

The special place of indulgences in the Jubilee Year of Mercy is described in “Misericordiae Vultus,” the Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. (A Bull of Indiction is the document through which the pope proclaims and outlines a holy year.) In paragraph 22 of the “Misericordiae Vultus,” Pope Francis wrote: “A Jubilee also entails the granting of indulgences. This practice will acquire an even more important meaning in the Holy Year of Mercy. God’s forgiveness knows no bounds. In the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God makes even more evident his love and its power to destroy all human sin. Reconciliation with God is made possible through the paschal mystery and the mediation of the Church. Thus God is always ready to forgive, and he never tires of forgiving in

ways that are continually new and surprising. Nevertheless, all of us know well the experience of sin. We know that we are called to perfection (Mt 5:48), yet we feel the heavy burden of sin. Though we feel the transforming power of grace, we also feel the effects of sin typical of our fallen state. Despite being forgiven, the conflicting consequences of our sins remain. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, God forgives our sins, which he truly blots out; and yet sin leaves a negative effect on the way we think and act. But the mercy of God is stronger even than this. It becomes indulgence on the part of the Father who, through the Bride of Christ, his Church, reaches the pardoned sinner and frees him from every residue left by the consequences of sin, enabling him to act with charity, to grow in love rather than to fall back into sin.

“The Church lives within the communion of the saints. In

the Eucharist, this communion, which is a gift from God, becomes a spiritual union binding us to the saints and blessed ones whose number is beyond counting (Rv 7:4). Their holiness comes to the aid of our weakness in a way that enables the Church, with her maternal prayers and her way of life, to fortify the weakness of some with the strength of others. Hence, to live the indulgence of the Holy Year means to approach the Father’s mercy with the certainty that his forgiveness extends to the entire life of the believer. To gain an indulgence is to experience the holiness of the Church, who bestows upon all the fruits of Christ’s redemption, so that God’s love and forgiveness may extend everywhere. Let us live this Jubilee intensely, begging the Father to forgive our sins and to bathe us in his merciful ‘indulgence.’” (Source: www.im.va)

Pope Francis explains how to receive an indulgence during the Jubilee year in a letter to Archbishop Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization: “To experience and obtain the Indulgence, the faithful are called to make a brief pilgrimage to the Holy Door, open in every Cathedral or in the churches designated by the Diocesan Bishop, and in the four Papal Basilicas in Rome, as a sign of the deep desire for true conversion. Likewise, I dispose that the Indulgence may be obtained in the Shrines in which the Door of Mercy is open and in the churches which traditionally are identified as Jubilee Churches. It is important that this moment be linked, first and foremost, to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with a reflection on mercy. It will be necessary to accompany these celebrations with the profession of faith and with prayer for me and for the intentions that I bear in my heart for the good of the Church and of the entire world.” (Source: www.im.va)

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November 18, 2015

SPECIAL SERIES: YEAR OF CONSECRATED LIFE

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Diocesan woman lives life of contemplation as Carmelite

By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND

Sister Sheryl Catherine of Merciful Love is one of five Carmelite nuns and a postulant who call Carmel of the Sacred Heart Monastery in Hudson, Wis., home.

Although she was born in Washington, Sister Sheryl grew up in the Diocese of Crookston. The Guzek family were caretakers of St. Anthony’s, Terrebonne, for 26 years.

“My parents have truly given me a firm foundation in my faith and a love for God in my life,” Sister Sheryl said.

She graduated from Red Lake Falls High School and studied theology at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn.

Sister Sheryl eventually spent seven years as the Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry at Sacred Heart, East Grand Forks, before being called to religious life at Carmel of the Sacred Heart.

According to their website, Carmel of the Sacred Heart was established in the Diocese of Superior Wisconsin on August 19, 1963, by four nuns from the Carmel of the Little Flower in Allentown, Pa. Their monastery, which used to be a private residence, is on a six acre lot. The vast lawn, trees and gardens provide the solitude and seclusion which support their lives of contemplation.

The Carmelite Order began around the year 1200 with hermits living on Mount Carmel which is located near the present day city of Haifa, Israel, Sister Sheryl said. The hermits requested that St. Albert, the patriarch of Jerusalem, compose a way of life for them. It focused on following Christ in the land where he lived. They also had great devotion to the Blessed Mother’s example of contemplation.

“Those first hermits saw in Mary all that they aspired to be: totally open to God, treasuring the words and the Word of God in her heart,” Sister Sheryl said.

Despite being forced to leave Mount Carmel, the order grew

SAINTS WHO WERE CARMELITES Sister Sheryl shared the following about some of the saints from the Carmelite order:

and spread their call to contemplation to various regions.

There are now approximately 2,700 Carmelites, both friars and nuns, around the world.

The Carmelite life of deep prayer and connection to God is what drew Sister Sheryl to the order.

“I chose the Carmelites because of their charism of contemplation and because of their Carmelite spirituality, which encompasses total openness to God and his word,” Sister Sheryl said.

In 2000, while serving as a youth minister at Sacred Heart, Sister Sheryl attended a Life Teen core group retreat, during which she felt a need for more prayer and spiritual reading.

Afterwards, she began reading The Story of a Soul, the autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux, a well-known Carmelite saint.

“As I was reading it, I knew I had to pursue religious life and my vocation to Carmel,” Sister Sheryl said.

She said the support and prayer of people close to her, as well as efforts to cultivate a deeper prayer life were key in her discernment of religious life.

“A decision to enter religious life cannot be made without prayer and being open to God and his guidance,” she said.

God’s guidance has led her to commit her entire life to prayer and contemplation.

“The Carmelite nuns share the commitment to ‘live in allegiance to Jesus Christ’ in a contemplative stance, which marks and sustains our life of prayer,

TERESA OF AVILA, whose 500th birthday we celebrated this year, was a great reformer and mystic. She traveled the rocky roads of Spain to establish monasteries for her nuns. Her teaching on the interior life still speaks to Carmelites today.

JOHN OF THE CROSS was instrumental in spreading Teresa’s reform among the Carmelite friars. His writings, first in poetry and then his commentaries explaining the poems, provide guidance for anyone engaged in prayer.

Sister Sheryl Catherine of Merciful Love takes a photo after her solemn profession at Carmel of the Sacred Heart Monastery in Hudson, Wis. (Submitted photo)

community and service,” Sister Sheryl said.

According to the monastery’s website, Carmelite nuns are called to a particular way of living out the call to faith received at Baptism. It states: “Carmel invites us to a journey of becoming our best self, our true self, transforming us through a life of prayer, community and service. This is what contemplation is all about.”

In paragraph 40 of the Carmelite Constitution, contemplation is described as, “the inner journey of Carmelites arising out of the free initiative of God, who touches and transforms us, leading us towards unity in love with him, raising us up so that we may enjoy his gratuitous love and living in his loving presence. It is a transforming experience.”

In their daily lives, the nuns of Carmel of the Sacred Heart seek to open themselves to receive Christ’s transformative love. Their lives include prayer, work, study and recreation.

THERESE OF LISIEUX draws more people to God through her “Little Way” of simplicity and love. She is one with us, knowing our struggles and failings, and encouraging us to trust in God’s merciful love. St. Therese’s parents, Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin were canonized on Oct. 18.

CONTACTING THE CARMEL OF SACRED HEART: 430 Laurel Ave, Hudson, WI 54016 715-386-2156 · carmelit@pressenter.com

“Because we are a cloistered community, solitude and silence form the background to our life,” Sister Sheryl said.

She added that their mission is to serve the Church through prayer.

“The celebration of the Eucharist is the wellspring of each day and overflows in to our hours of personal prayer,” Sister Sheryl said. “We are available to pray for others and to help them learn how to pray,” she said. “Our contemplative life is not only for ourselves, but to share with all.” The nuns accept email prayer requests at their website. They take part in Mass, Liturgy of the Hours and

personal prayer and reflection.

Their lives of prayer are balanced by work. “In a spirit of solidarity with our brothers and sisters throughout the world, we support ourselves through gardening and sharing our hermitage space with individuals who wish to make a private retreat,” Sister Sheryl said.

“To anyone who thinks they might be called to consecrated life, I would say, leave your heart wide open to welcome God’s word and love,” Sister Sheryl said. “Do not worry about being inadequate for the life. If God calls you, he will give you everything you need to respond to the call.”

Staff Accountant Needed The Diocese of Crookston is seeking a full-time staff accountant. We are seeking a candidate with at least a two-year accounting degree and a few years of experience. The qualifying candidate needs to be a practicing Catholic. Competitive salary and benefit package.

Send resume and references to: Diocese of Crookston, Attn: Chad Ryan, PO Box 610, Crookston MN 56716 or email cryan@crookston.org.

Interviews begin December 1

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Diocese releases Camp Corbett update

Camp Corbett was closed this past season because the revenue generated was not sufficient to continue operating. The Diocese of Crookston does not have resources available to subsidize the camp or make the necessary repairs and improvements for viability.

If a party or group is interested in accepting the financial and managerial responsibilities of operating the camp, as well as committing to its long term repairs and improvements, please contact Jim Clauson with the Diocese of Crookston at 218-2814533 to acquire more information.

Confirmation celebrated

Assumption, Callaway. (Submitted photo)

Office of the New Evangelization leads rosary outside Planned Parenthood

AROUND THE DIOCESE

National CCHD Collection set for Nov. 21-22 The national collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) will take place in most parishes the weekend before Thanksgiving, Nov. 21-22. The theme of this year’s collection is “CCHD: Working on the Margins.”

CCHD carries out Jesus’ mission of mercy. For over 40 years, CCHD has been the national anti-poverty program of the USCCB working to break the cycle of poverty in the United States and educate on poverty and its causes. CCHD allocates grants from funds received via the national collection each year. This collection is the primary source of funding for CCHD’s anti-poverty grants and education programs that work to provide lasting solutions for the estimated 46 million people living in poverty in the U.S. Twenty-five percent of funds collected remain in each diocese to support local antipoverty projects.

More information about the CCHD is available at www.povertyusa.org. Other resources, including collection materials, can be found at www.usccb. org/cchd/collection.

KC’s raise funds for wheelchairs The Diocese of Crookston Office of the New Evangelization led a rosary marking the end of the fall 40 Days for Life campaign outside Planned Parenthood in Bemidji on Nov. 1. (Photo credit: Office of the New Evangelization)

November 18, 2015

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Moorhead campus ministry receives $100,000 grant Submitted by St. Joseph’s, Moorhead

Moorhead Catholic Campus Ministries (MCCM) has received a $100,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of its Campus Ministry Theological Exploration of Vocation (CMTEV) initiative. The grant will be used to initiate a new comprehensive program through MCCM called “Making a Gift of Your Life: Catholics Called to Vocation.”

MCCM will develop programs for college students at campuses in the community.

Programs will invite prayer and reflection on gifting our life through our response to God’s call of vocation.

One focus of the grant will be the development of a peer leadership group that will include students at all levels of their education on the campuses. This program will equip students to lead conversations, reflections and prayer groups as part of the Making a Gift program for other students involved in MCCM. The project will be headed

by Father Larry Delaney, Pastor of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, Father Bryan Kujawa, Director of MCCM, Shawn Erickson, MCCM Coordinator, and members of Moorhead Catholic Campus Ministry’s Advisory Committee.

Dr. Mark Krejci, MCCM Advisory Committee Chair,

noted that this grant, “…is centered on the Catholic theology of responding to our call from God to live our lives as a gift to others in order to reflect the love God has for all. We are grateful that Lilly Endowment saw fit to support our initiative.”

Moorhead Catholic Campus Ministries serves the needs of students on three campuses in the community: Minnesota State University Moorhead, Minnesota State Community and Technical College, and Concordia College. MCCM is centered at St. Joseph’s, Moorhead. Located 4 blocks from both MSUM and CC and within 3 miles of M-State, this program provides for the spiritual needs of students on all Moorhead campuses.

Programs include Sunday Mass followed by a weekly meal for the students sponsored by the parish, weekly Mass for college students on Monday and Wednesday nights, a dedicated space at the parish for college-student use (the Blessed John Henry Newman room) and a variety of activities including Bible studies and prayer groups offered on the campuses as well as at St. Joseph’s. Further, MCCM sponsors two residential programs for students discerning a vocational call to priesthood or religious life, the St. Benedict Discernment House for Men and the House of Mary for Women.

CDA group makes dresses for Africa

St. Philip’s, Bemidji, seeks Director of Youth Ministry/ Middle School & High School Faith Formation The Director of Youth Ministry/Middle School & High School Faith Formation leads a program defining our faith community’s commitment to its youth. The youth program, adjusts to the changing needs of youth, and remains faith-centered, inviting and concerned with all aspects of youth life and the social, emotional and spiritual needs of young adolescents and teens.

The Director must be a person of faith, living out the teachings of the Catholic Church. He/she must also have a level of stability and maturity, which will encourage positive mentoring and friendship between the youth and the Director of Youth Ministry.

The Director of Youth Ministry is responsible for recruitment, training, and leadership of volunteers involved in Youth Ministry and Middle School & High School Faith Formation.

To receive a complete job description or to apply contact:

Fr. Chuck Huck, St. Philip's Catholic Church 702 Beltrami Ave NW Bemidji Minnesota 56601 Or 218-441-4901 This job posting is open until filled.

Knights of Columbus Council 5341 of Sacred Heart, East Grand Forks, Minnesota recently launched a successful Wheelchair Sunday Campaign.

Dan DeCrans, State Program Director, explained the American Wheelchair Mission Program at four Sacred Heart Masses.

While Dan spoke, Knights displayed several wheelchairs.

Parishioners contributed funds to purchase needed additional wheelchairs. (Submitted photo)

Members of Holy Rosary Catholic Daughters Court #1916 sewed 67 dresses for a project called Little Dresses for Africa. Girls in Africa need dresses to attend school in orphanages and churches.

Completed dresses will be sent to the company where the pattern was purchased and they will ship them to Africa. Back row: Donna Martin, Carol Tharaldson, Jeanne Teiken, Ginger Flynn, Karen Bursaw, Mary Buschette, Mary Frigstad, Marilyn Redig, Barb Veronen and Jeri Anne Collins. Front row: Janelle Erickson, Jean LeDoux, Kay Schiller, Marjorie Riordan, Alice Duchene and Virginia Gathman. (Submitted photo)

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November 18, 2015

COMMENTARY

WORD to LIFE November 22

SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE Daniel 7:13-14 Gospel: John 18:33b-37

Psalm 93:1-2, 5

Revelation 1:5-8

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

FOR FAITH-SHARING GROUPS

November 29 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14 Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

By Jean Denton Catholic News Service

By Sharon K. Perkins Catholic News Service One can always find lively debate on the Internet and on social media. Some of it is profound, some of it is trivial and some is downright ridiculous. But sometimes even the trivial can convey a kernel of truth.

While searching for a movie critique, I stumbled across a popular online magazine piece in which three commentators were debating the relative merits of Batman’s previous garb and the latest Batman suit created for a cinematic battle against Superman.

It seems that the recent iteration was more heavily armored and, as one writer commented, more appropriate for dueling with the man of steel. Trivial, indeed. But I was struck by another critic’s objection to the new suit. He maintained that the additional bulk was “antithetical” to all that makes Batman who he is – including his “human vulnerability.”

After all, Batman, beneath his intimidating ensemble, is also completely human, and therein lies the enduring appeal of the story. Bruce Wayne is more than he appears to be. So what does a Batman suit have to do with a reflection on Jesus Christ, king of the universe?

Some second-century Christians had great difficulty with the notion that Jesus, the divine son of God, could be truly human, since material flesh and blood were evil and only spirit was capable of divinity. This heresy, called “Docetism,” maintained that Jesus only “appeared” human, or was “clothed” in a phantom-

like humanity. Scripture, however, tells us otherwise.

Psalm 93 is a hymn about the Lord’s royal garb; he is “robed in majesty,” “girt about with strength.” When he comes again amid the clouds, every eye will see him and all will know without a doubt that he is king. Yet Pilate certainly didn’t see him that way. Jesus stood before him, fully human and completely vulnerable, on trial for being a king who is not of this world. Of this king it is written in Revelation, he is both the “firstborn of the dead” and “ruler of the kings of the earth.”

On this feast, we celebrate a king who is both fully human and fully divine; the early church father St. Irenaeus wrote that Jesus became what we are so that we could become what he is. There’s nothing trivial about that.

Questions: Do you struggle more with Jesus’ true divinity or his true humanity?

How is Jesus, the king not of this world, ruler of your life and of your heart?

"ONE LIKE A SON OF MAN … RECEIVED DOMINION, GLORY AND KINGSHIP." – DANIEL 7:14

I was driving on an interstate highway one day with my daughter. We were chatting away when she interrupted the conversation to point out a highway patrol car parked among some trees in the median a good distance ahead. “You see the cop up there, don’t you?” she said, indicating I should probably slow down.

Indeed, I started to touch the brakes but then smiled and cut my eyes at her.

“Seriously?” I asked with a slight tone of sarcasm. She looked at me and burst into laughter, “Oh, right.”

We both knew I’ve been driving “like a grandma” (slow) since I was 15. I’m not as attentive to watching for hidden patrol cars as she is. But I don’t have to be, because I so rarely drive over the speed limit.

The fact is I’ve never believed I was a very good driver, so I’ve always been overly cautious behind the wheel. It’s not so much that I’m conscientious about following the rules as it is that I’m extra-sensitive to risking the safety of everybody else on the road.

Too bad I’m not equally conscientious about how my attention to following the Father’s commandments and Jesus’ teachings affect everybody else around me. But that’s what God desires – of me and all of us.

The Scriptures for this first Sunday of Advent call us to constantly, faithfully follow God’s ways, because in this way we help open the world to God’s presence, both now and at the end of time.

Paul explained in his First Letter to the Thessalonians, “May the Lord make you

increase and abound in love for one another and for all … so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God.” When we do stand before God, it will be our own failure to be faithful that will “catch you by surprise like a trap,” Jesus told his disciples.

God doesn’t hide among the trees in the median waiting to catch us for breaking his commandments. Instead, he wants us to “be vigilant” ourselves, so that our own lives always enhance the life of the world so it is worthy of God’s presence.

Questions: What kinds of daily distractions or inattention to faithfulness to Christ do you need to be more vigilant about?

How do you believe God sees you standing before him right now?

“BE VIGILANT AT ALL TIMES AND PRAY THAT YOU HAVE THE STRENGTH TO ESCAPE THE TRIBULATIONS THAT ARE IMMINENT AND TO STAND BEFORE THE SON OF MAN.” – LUKE 21:36

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

PRAYER CALENDAR

DECEMBER 2015

DECEMBER 1 ADVENT WEEKDAY Msgr. Roger Grundhaus (retired) DECEMBER 2 ADVENT WEEKDAY Fr. Adam Hamness DECEMBER 3 ST. FRANCIS XAVIER, PRIEST Fr. Joseph Hitpas, OMI DECEMBER 4 ST. JOHN DAMASCENE, PRIEST, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH Fr. Chuck Huck DECEMBER 5 ADVENT WEEKDAY Fr. Xavier Ilango DECEMBER 6 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Fr. Joe Kieselbach (retired) DECEMBER 7 ST. AMBROSE, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH Fr. John Kleinwachter DECEMBER 8 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Msgr. Donald Krebs (retired) DECEMBER 9 ST. JUAN DIEGO Fr. Bryan Kujawa DECEMBER 10 ADVENT WEEKDAY Fr. Rick Lambert DECEMBER 11 ST. DAMASUS I, POPE Fr. Gary LaMoine DECEMBER 12 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Fr. Bob LaPlante DECEMBER 13 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Msgr. Tim McGee DECEMBER 14 ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS, PRIEST, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH Msgr. William Mehrkens (retired) DECEMBER 15 ADVENT WEEKDAY Fr. Vincent Miller DECEMBER 16 ADVENT WEEKDAY Fr. George Noel

DECEMBER 17 ADVENT WEEKDAY Msgr. Jerry Noesen (retired) DECEMBER 18 ADVENT WEEKDAY Fr. Ray Palcisko (retired) DECEMBER 19 ADVENT WEEKDAY Msgr. Mike Patnode DECEMBER 20 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Fr. Raul Perez-Cobo DECEMBER 21 ST. PETER CANISIUS, PRIEST, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH Fr. Mario Prada (retired) DECEMBER 22 ADVENT WEEKDAY Fr. Duane Pribula (retired) DECEMBER 23 ST. JOHN OF KANTY, PRIEST Fr. Bob Pryor (retired) DECEMBER 24 ADVENT WEEKDAY Fr. Joe Richards DECEMBER 25 THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD Fr. Jerry Rogers DECEMBER 26 ST. STEPHEN, FIRST MARTYR Fr. Robert Schreiner DECEMBER 27 FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH Fr. Luis Silva DECEMBER 28 THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS Fr. Bob Stone (retired) DECEMBER 29 FIFTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY Fr. Pat Sullivan DECEMBER 30 SIXTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY, ST. THOMAS BECKET, BISHOP, MARTYR Fr. David Super DECEMBER 31 SEVENTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY; ST. SYLVESTER I, POPE Fr. Johnmelkies Suvakeen

VOCATION PRAYER OF POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II: Lord Jesus, as you once called the first disciples to make them fishers of men, let your sweet invitation continue to resound: Come follow me! Give young men and women the grace of responding quickly to your voice. Support our bishops, priests, and consecrated people in their apostolic labor.

Grant perseverance to our seminarians and to all those who are carrying out the ideal of a life totally consecrated to your service. Awaken in our community a missionary eagerness.

Lord, send workers to your harvest and do not allow humanity to be lost for the lack of pastors, missionaries, and people dedicated to the cause of the Gospel. Mary, Mother of the Church, the model of every vocation, help us to say “yes” to the Lord who calls us to cooperate in the divine plan of salvation.

Amen.

DIOCESAN

November 18, 2015

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POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTIONS

DECEMBER 2015

UNIVERSAL INTENTION:

EXPERIENCING GOD’S MERCY That all may experience the mercy of God, who never tires of forgiving.

EVANGELIZATION INTENTION: FAMILIES

(Photo credit: CNS)

That families, especially those who suffer, may find in the birth of Jesus a sign of certain hope.

DAILY SCRIPTURE DECEMBER 1 - Is 11:1-10, Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24 DECEMBER 2 - Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-3a, 3b4, 5, 6 ; Mt 15:29-37 DECEMBER 3 - Is 26:1-6; Ps ; 118:1, 8-9, 1921, 25-27a; Mt: 7:21, 24-27 DECEMBER 4 - Is 29:17-24; Ps 27:1, 4, 1314; Mt 9:27-31 DECEMBER 5 - Is 3019-21, 23-26; Ps 147:12, 3-4, 5-6; Mt 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8 DECEMBER 6 - Bar 5:1-9; Ps 126:1-6; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11; Lk 3:1-6 DECEMBER 7 - Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9ab, 10, 1112, 13-14; Lk 5:17-26 DECEMBER 8 - Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 DECEMBER 9 - Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10; Mt 11:28-30 DECEMBER 10 - Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9, 10-11, 12-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 DECEMBER 11 - Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 DECEMBER 12 - Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; (Ps) Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:2638 or 1:39-47 DECEMBER 13 - Zep 3:14-18a; (Ps) Is 12:26; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18 DECEMBER 14 - Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6, 7bc, 8-9 ; Mt 21:23-27 DECEMBER 15 - Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Ps 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19, 23; Mt 21:28-32 DECEMBER 16 - Is 45:6b-8, 18, 21b-25; Ps 85:9ab, 10, 11-12, 13-14; Lk 7:18b-23 DECEMBER 17 - Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17 DECEMBER 18 - Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 1213, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25

DECEMBER 2015 DECEMBER 19 - Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:34a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 DECEMBER 20 - Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 1516, 18-19; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45 DECEMBER 21 - Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 DECEMBER 22 - 1 Sm 1:24-28; (Ps) 1 Sm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd ; Lk 1:46-56 DECEMBER 23 - Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:45ab, 8-9, 10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 DECEMBER 24 - 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 DECEMBER 25 - Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25; Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14; Dawn: Is 62:11-12, Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20; Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14 DECEMBER 26 - Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 DECEMBER 27 - Sir 3:2-6, 12-14; Ps 128:15; Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17; Lk 2:41-52. Or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28; Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10; 1 Jn 3:12, 21-24; Lk 2:41-52 DECEMBER 28 - 1 Jn 1:5 – 2:2; Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8; Mt 2:13-18 DECEMBER 29 - 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-2a, 2b3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35 DECEMBER 30 - 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10; Lk 2:36-40 DECEMBER 31 - 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 1112, 13; Jn 1:1-18

14 November 18, 2015

INTERNATIONAL

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Tear down this wall: Holy Year time for human barriers to tumble down

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY – For a spiritual leader who denounces a world divided by walls, a church shuttered by cliques and hearts hardened to compassion, opening wide the Holy Door for the Year of Mercy will be a significant and symbolic moment for Pope Francis.

In Catholic tradition, the Holy Door represents the passage to salvation – the path to a new and eternal life, which was opened to humanity by Jesus.

It also symbolizes an entryway to God’s mercy – the ultimate and supreme act by which he comes to meet people. Mercy is “the bridge that connects God and humanity, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness,” the pope wrote in “Misericordiae Vultus” (“The Face of Mercy”), instituting the Holy Year of Mercy.

Doors have always had a special meaning for the Catholic Church, according to the lateCardinal Virgilio Noe, the former archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica.

“The door of a church marks the divide between the sacred and profane, separating the church’s interior from the outside world. It is the boundary defining welcome and exclusion,” he wrote in the book, “The Holy Door in St. Peter’s” in 1999.

The door is also a symbol of Mary – the mother, the dwelling of the Lord – and she, too, always has open arms and is ready to welcome the children of God home. Pope Francis is scheduled to open the door Dec. 8, the feast of Mary’s immaculate con-

ception.

But the door especially represents Christ himself – the one and only way to eternal life. As Jesus said, according to the Gospel of John (10:9), “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.”

The Holy Year traditionally begins with the opening of the Holy Door to represent a renewed opportunity to encounter or grow closer to Jesus, who calls everyone to redemption.

Jesus knocks on everyone’s door; he yearns to accompany and nourish everyone. “If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me,” the Book of Revelation quotes him as saying.

But doors are also narrow, Cardinal Noe wrote, and people must stoop with humility and “be brought down to size by conversion” in order to be “fit” for eternal life.

That is why passing through a Holy Door is part of a longer process of sacrifice and conversion required for receiving an indulgence granted during a Holy Year. A plenary indulgence, the remission of temporal punishment due to sin, is offered for pilgrims who also fulfill certain other conditions: reception of the sacraments of penance and the Eucharist, visits and prayers for the intention of the pope and performing simple acts such as visiting the sick.

This spiritual process of encounter and conversion is made tangible in the elaborate rituals developed over time for the opening of the Holy Door.

The symbolic ceremony of

opening a Holy Door came more than a century after the first Holy Year was proclaimed in 1300.

Pope Martin V, in 1423, opened the Holy Door in the Basilica of St. John Lateran for the first time for a jubilee. Next, Pope Alexander VI called for all four Holy Doors in Rome to be opened at Christmas in 1499 for the Jubilee of 1500.

Starting in the 16th century, the ceremony to open the door in St. Peter’s Basilica included the pope reciting verses from the Psalms and striking the wall covering the Holy Door with a silver hammer three times.

Masons completed the task of dismantling the brick and mortared wall, which represents the difficulty and great effort required to overcome the barrier of sin and to open the path to holiness.

Some have found meaning in the fact that Jesus had five wounds and St. Peter’s Basilica has five doors. Opening the Holy Door recalls the piercing of Jesus’ side from which poured forth blood and water, the source of regeneration for humanity. The Holy Door of St. Peter’s, in fact, is decorated with 16 bronze panels depicting the story of Jesus, in his mercy, seeking his lost sheep.

The symbolism of the hammer in the hands of the pope represents the power and jurisdiction God gives him to cast away the stones of sin, chink open hardened hearts and break down walls separating humanity from God. The removal of the wall also conjures up pulling away the stone that sealed the tomb of

Pope John Paul II kneels at the Holy Door during the opening of the Holy Year of the Redemption in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in this March 25, 1983, file photo. Pope Francis will open the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Dec. 8 during a Mass marking the opening of the Holy Year of Mercy. (Photo credit: CNS/Catholic Press Photo)

Lazarus, whom Jesus resurrected from the dead.

For the closing of the door at the end of the Holy Year, the traditional rite included the pope blessing and spreading the mortar with a special trowel and setting three bricks for the start of a new wall -- a symbol of the spiritual rebuilding of the Lord’s house as well as the ever-present

human temptation to put up new barriers against God with sin.

While there have been some changes to those ceremonies over time, the Holy Door is always a reminder that because of God’s mercy, any obstacles can always be removed, and the door to hope and forgiveness is always there waiting.

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

INTERNATIONAL

November 18, 2015

15

Nothing can justify terrorist attacks, Pope Francis says

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY – Using God’s name to try to justify violence and murder is “blasphemy,” Pope Francis said Nov. 15, speaking about the terrorist attacks on Paris.

“Such barbarity leaves us dismayed, and we ask ourselves how the human heart can plan and carry out such horrible events,” the pope said after reciting the Angelus prayer with visitors in St. Peter’s Square.

The attacks in Paris Nov. 13 – attacks the French government said were carried out by three teams of Islamic State terrorists – caused the deaths of at least 129 people and left more than 350 injured, many of them critically. A suicide bomber blew himself up outside a soccer stadium, gunmen attacked customers at cafes and restaurants and a team of terrorists gunned down dozens of people at a concert.

The attacks, Pope Francis said, were an “unspeakable affront to the dignity of the human person.”

“The path of violence and hatred cannot resolve the problems of humanity, and using the name of God to justify this path is blasphemy,” he said.

Pope Francis asked the thousands of people who gathered at St. Peter’s for the Sunday midday prayer to observe a moment of silence and to join him in reciting a Hail Mary.

“May the Virgin Mary, mother of mercy, give rise in the hearts of everyone thoughts of wisdom and proposals for peace,” he said. “We ask her to protect

and watch over the dear French nation, the first daughter of the church, over Europe and the whole world.”

“Let us entrust to the mercy of God the innocent victims of this tragedy,” the pope said.

Speaking Nov. 14, the day after the terrorist attacks, Pope Francis had told the television station of the Italian bishops’ conference, “I am shaken and pained.”

“I don’t understand, but these things are difficult to understand, how human beings can do this,” the pope said. “That is why I am shaken, pained and am praying.”

The director of the television station recalled how the pope has spoken many times about a “third world war being fought in pieces.”

“This is a piece,” the pope responded. “There are no justifications for these things.”

On social media, Islamic State militants claimed responsibility, but Pope Francis insisted there can be no “religious or human” excuse for killing innocent people and sowing terror. “This is not human.”

French authorities reported Nov. 14 that eight terrorists were dead after the night of attacks; six of them committed suicide and two were killed by police, who stormed the concert hall where the terrorists had taken hostages and where the majority of victims died.

Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois of Paris issued a statement calling for calm and for prayers, not only for the Paris victims, but also for the victims of recent terrorist attacks in Lebanon and in Africa.

“May no one allow himself to

Soldiers pass the main entrance of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris Nov. 15. Masses were celebrated amid tight security outside the cathedral in the aftermath of Nov. 13 terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 129 and injured 352. (Photo credit: CNS/Paul Haring)

be defeated by panic and hatred,” the cardinal said. “Let us ask for the grace of being peacemakers.

We must never lose our hope for peace if we work for justice.”

With some 1,500 inside Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral and hundreds more gathered outside Nov. 15, Cardinal VingtTrois celebrated a special Mass in memory of the victims. As the cathedral bells tolled a death knell, police patrolled the square in front of the cathedral and checked people as they entered the Paris landmark for Mass.

The cardinal told the assembly – which included government

officials and ambassadors from a variety of nations – that the Mass was intended as a sign of sharing the pain of the victims and of praying for them, their families, for Paris and for France.

“The savage killings this black Friday plunged entire families into despair, and this despair is all the more profound because there can be no rational explanation that would justify the indiscriminate execution of dozens of anonymous people,” the cardinal said.

The only Christian response, he said, is to be “messengers of hope in the heart of human suffering.”

The terrorists succeed if their actions shake Christians’ hope founded on faith in Christ and on a belief that all of history, including moments of suffering, is in God’s hands, he said.

The appropriate response to the “barbaric savagery” of the terrorists, he said, is “to demonstrate additional trust in our fellowmen and their dignity.”

Just a few hours after the attacks occurred, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, issued a statement saying the Vatican was “shocked by this new manifestation of maddening terrorist violence and hatred, which we condemn in the most radical way.”

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, sent a message in the pope’s name to Cardinal Vingt-Trois, calling the attacks “horrific” and relaying

the pope’s prayers for the victims, their families and the entire nation.

“He invokes God, the father of mercy, asking that he welcome the victims into the peace of his light and bring comfort and hope to the injured and their families,” Cardinal Parolin wrote.

The pope also “vigorously condemns violence, which cannot solve anything, and he asks God to inspire thoughts of peace and solidarity in all.”

Father Lombardi was asked about security concerns throughout Europe, and particularly whether the terrorist attacks would impact plans for the Year of Mercy, which is scheduled to begin Dec. 8.

“These murderers, possessed by senseless hatred, are called terrorists precisely because they want to spread terror,” Father Lombardi responded in a statement. “If we let ourselves be frightened, they will have already reached their first objective.”

“It goes without saying that we must be cautious, and not irresponsible,” he said, but “we must go on living by building peace and mutual trust.”

“I would say that the Jubilee of Mercy shows itself even more more necessary,” Father Lombardi said. Preaching God’s love and mercy also is a call for people to love one another and reconcile with each other. It “is precisely the answer we must give in times of temptation to mistrust.”

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November 18, 2015

DIOCESAN

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE