OND Aug. A 2016 Vol. 70 No. 14

VOL. 70, NO. 14

WWW.CROOKSTON.ORG

AUGUST 10, 2016

Commissioning the campers Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner imparts a blessing on all participants of the 2016 St. John Paul II Middle School Camp after commissioning them to go out and share the Gospel at the closing Mass on July 14.

Parents and families of the attendees were invited to attend the Mass and a program at the conclusion of the camp. (Photos credit: Katrina Genereux, OND) TURN TO PAGE 3 TO READ MORE ABOUT THE ANNUAL DIOCESAN SUMMER CAMP.

World Youth Day Pope Francis greets the crowd as he arrives for the World Youth Day welcoming ceremony in Blonia Park in Krakow, Poland, July 28.

(Photo credit: CNS/Paul Haring) TURN TO PAGE 14 FOR HIGHLIGHTS.

INSIDE

VOL. 70. NO. 14:

Pg. 6 - Esto Vir Camp Photos Pg. 7 - Priests To Take Part In Leadership Program Pg. 8 - NET and FOCUS Missionary Profiles

2

August 10, 2016

A

COMMENTARY

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Voice from the Valley

BY BISHOP MICHAEL J. HOEPPNER

FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION I love the fact that in the middle of August each summer, as farmers begin to look to and prepare for the days when the crops God has provided for us will be “taken up,” we celebrate Mary’s being “taken up” into heaven.

Our celebration of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary happens each August 15. Pope Pius XII officially declared Mary’s Assumption a dogma of our Catholic faith in 1950 and in doing so, he gave voice to a belief held by God’s people from the Church’s beginning. In the proclamation he made on Nov 1, 1950, the pope said: “In their homilies and sermons on this feast the holy fathers and great doctors spoke of the assumption of the Mother of God as something already familiar and accepted by the faithful.”

Mary’s being taken up into heaven, body and soul, is the natural result of God’s plan for her and for our salvation and of Mary’s faithful cooperation with that plan. As Pope Pius XII put it: “Hence, the august Mother of God, mysteriously united from all eternity with Jesus Christ in one and the same decree of predestination, immaculate in her conception, a virgin inviolate in her divine motherhood, the whole-hearted companion of the divine Redeemer who won complete victory over sin and its consequences, gained at last the supreme crown of her privileges – to be preserved immune from corruption of the tomb, and, like her Son, when death had been conquered, to be carried up body and soul to the exalted glory of heaven, there to sit in splendor at the right hand of her Son, the immortal King of the ages.”

On August 15 in this Year of Mercy, we celebrate the mercy God showered on Mary, mercy

On July 6, Bishop Hoeppner celebrated Mass at Catholic Youth Camp located near McGregor, Minn. Some young parishioners from the Diocese of Crookston were in attendance. (Submitted photo)

culminating her being assumed body and soul into heaven. Let us also celebrate the mercy God has showered on all of us through Mary’s son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and pray that we too will one day join in the harvest of mercy when we will be taken up into heaven, body and soul. This will indeed be the case for us if we are now merciful as our heavenly Father is merciful, as was Jesus and Mary.

This past June, Pope Francis led a spiritual retreat for priests. In one of the conferences, he spoke of Mary “as Vessel and Source of Mercy.”

He also said Mary knows that God has looked with mercy on her people Israel, from generation to generation, and she knows “that God has looked with favor upon her humility.”

Pope Francis described Mary as the “Magnificat of a pure and overflowing heart that sees all of history and each individual

VICTIM ASSISTANCE STATEMENT

person with a mother’s mercy.”

Mary was indeed a vessel of mercy and she continues to show mercy as our mother.

We too must show mercy daily. In feminine terms, Pope Francis says, mercy “is the tender love of a mother who, touched by the frailty of her newborn baby, takes the child into her arms and provides everything it needs to live and grow.” In masculine terms, he described mercy as “the steadfast fidelity of a father who constantly supports, forgives and encourages his children to grow.” Pope Francis also says mercy “is an utterly free act of kindness and goodness rising up from the depths of our being and finding outward expression in charity.” Male or female, young or old, let us show mercy daily that we might one day join in the final harvest of mercy and be assumed into heaven, body and soul, as was Mary.

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.

(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.

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:

Dr. Mark Krejci

Associate Editor: Mrs. Janelle C. Gergen

jgergen@crookston.org Editorial Assistant: Mrs. Katrina Genereux

kgenereux@crookston.org Proofreader:

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: www.crookston.org/ond/

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

DIOCESAN

August 10, 2016

3

Tenth St. JPII Camp highlights mercy through prayer, service

By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND PARK RAPIDS, MINN – The 10th annual St. John Paul II Middle School Camp was held from July 10-14 at Northern Pines Camp near Park Rapids.

The camp was established to give youth entering grades seven through nine a chance to become disciples through prayer, worship, leadership skills development, reflection on sacred scripture and service to others.

Those who attend also get to enjoy the delights of summer with campfires, large and small group recreation and time spent outdoors.

The theme for the 2016 St. John Paul II Camp was: Vision of the Father who is rich in mercy. It was taken from Pope St. John Paul II’s encyclical “Dives in Misericordia (Rich in Mercy)”.

Each day, campers listened to presentations focusing on different sections of the encyclical.

They also spent time in small group discussions and prayer.

“Father Bryan started us out right away just outlining the whole of salvation history and he set us up really well for the rest of the week, constantly coming back to the fact that the vision of the Father is for all of his children to be back with him and to be in relationship with him,” said Renata Kingsbury, youth minister at St. Mary’s, Warroad, and a co-director of the camp. Brady Borslien, Youth Director at Holy Rosary, Detroit Lakes, also co-directed the camp. Father Bryan Kujawa, Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph’s, Moorhead, served as the Spiritual Director.

Mercy was also highlighted through participation in service projects. In small groups, the campers did a variety of work for others including: Picking up trash along the highway, working at an animal shelter, making crafts for gift baskets at a pregnancy care center, helping at a domestic crisis shelter, and maintenance work at St. Peter the Apostle, Park Rapids, and at Northern Pines Camp.

Kingsbury said the service projects are usually part of the camp, but this year, mercy was particularly emphasized becuase of the theme.

“Mercy is something we show other people because it’s something we were shown ourselves, so I think that was highlighted in a totally different way this

Campers and staff members of the 2016 St. John Paul II Middle School Camp take a group photo at Northern Pines Camp near Park Rapids, Minn. (Photos credit: Katrina Genereux, OND)

A small group led by Nathan Francis, of Detroit Lakes, meets for prayer and a final group discussion on July 14.

year,” she said.

Aside from Mass, one powerful prayer experience offered at the camp is called Four Corners. During this time, campers have the opportunity to pray with staff members, focusing on four different areas: healing, peace, faith and intercessions.

The prayer experience took place at St. Peter the Apostle and also included the opportunity for campers to receive the Sacrament of Confession, and join in praise and worship Adoring the Blessed Sacrament.

During the closing program at the camp, a number of students mentioned this as a high point of their experience.

“It amazes me that this is the 10th year, and every year it’s a different staff and different campers, but it’s always so powerful,” Borslien said. “I just love thinking about the anointing that’s upon this camp.”

He and Kingsbury have witnessed the impact the St. John Paul II Camp can have on youth through their work in parish ministry.

“You see it throughout the

entire year,” Kingsbury said.

“What they are taught here has a lasting impact and they’re able to go and become leaders in their parishes and evangelize and just become really good, faithful disciples.”

Sarah Glen was one director of the service team, or those under 18 on the camp staff. She is from St. Philip’s, Bemidji, and is currently working toward a degree in early childhood education. This was her fourth year on staff. She enjoyed seeing the service team work for the campers and experience some of the camp as well, especially the times of prayer.

“The kids really relate to them easily, and so not only were they experiencing the grace and mercy of God in praise and worship, they were also serving as examples for the kids of how to lift your hands up and pray in that way,” Glen said.

Mark Miller from Sacred Heart, Roseau, will begin his first year of seminary this fall at St. Mary’s in Winona. He was part of the camp staff and led a small group of young men.

A small group led by Hope Bach, Youth Minister at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston, performs a skit on July 14.

“For me, just in prep for the camp and through the camp itself, I really learned the beauty of service, of doing things not for myself and completely giving myself to others,” he said.

The final day of the camp closed with a short program for parents and families of the campers followed by Mass concelebrated by Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner and Father Kujawa.

During his homily, Bishop Hoeppner spoke about God’s desire to give everything to us, his children. He spoke about how God is always present in both the difficulties and the great things in life.

“He always watches over us,” Bishop Hoeppner said. “My burden is light and my yoke is easy come, be friends … friends in the heart of God.” He also spoke about the Eucharist, saying, “We offer ourselves with the bread and the wine that come forward and we end up in communion with God, not only for now as friends of God in this life, but friends of God for eternity.”

At the end of Mass, Bishop

Hoeppner imparted a special blessing upon all of the campers. Before the blessing, Father Kujawa explained its purpose and significance.

He spoke about how throughout the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, Moses, Jesus and others travel up mountains to pray and meet with God. “This camp is something of a mountain for these students,” he said. “Now they have to come down from the mountain and go out into the world and bring God’s message to his people to make the love of the Father present among God’s people.”

“It is not enough to simply come and receive and then do nothing with it. We come and receive so that we can go and give,” he said.

Before the final blessing, Bishop Hoeppner thanked the staff and those who ran the camp as well as the parents who sent their children and announced that next year there will be two opportunities to attend the St. John Paul II Middle School Camp.

4

August 10, 2016

COMMENTARY

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

The technological revolution and our Catholic identity Catholics have long had the challenge of maintaining their identity in belief and life in the face of various influences in western culture. There have been many political, economic and social issues of our time that have challenged the exercise of faith.

Technology as a form of communication has become a necessary way of doing business and an integral part of our everyday life. The Church has regularly encouraged the use of media and technology, but also advises a level of discernment and moderation so to not be lulled into accepting all that is presented in the media without a well-formed sense of truth and beauty.

As a rule of thumb, technology, media and art are meant to provide accurate information and serve the dignity of each person towards the understanding of being created in the image of God. We image God particularly in our ability to have healthy relationships, ultimately through the experiences and growing pains of family life. So how we spend our time in media will reveal what we value and can lead to who we become. Technology and media

INTEGRITY: HUMAN PERSON INSIGHTS

By Mr. Dan Spadaro, MA, LPC Syndicated through The Colorado Catholic Herald

are certainly tools, which can improve our lives, but more attention is required in discerning what is useful and what is not in supporting our lives as Catholics, so that it is a tool and not a taskmaster.

Pope Saint John Paul II reminded us many years ago to pay attention to the cultural signs.

He said, “We need to reflect on the dynamics of contemporary culture in order to discern the signs of the times which affect the proclamation of the saving message of Christ.” (“God’s Self-Revelation to Humanity,” 1999) It remains an important task to understand our identity as Catholic Christians and to discern the impact of various movements in our culture.

In his book “The Human

Person, According to John Paul II”, Father Brian Bransfield confronts the three successive “revolutions” of our time, which have impacted our human identity and thus our Christian culture. According to Father Bransfield, these were the industrial, the sexual, and the technological.

The industrial revolution created a shift, the removing the family from the center of life and commerce. Industrial factory work replaced agrarian and mercantile-based business. It created a shift where the individual had less control of his or her own economic destiny, creating a need to work apart from the family as a replaceable piece of the factory.

The sexual revolution ushered in new ideas about “freedom” and views of family.

Contraception was promoted as freedom from childbirth and a means to employment for women away from the family, also allowing men to avoid the responsibilities of fatherhood.

Pornography entered into this mix, promoting sex apart from relationship or reality, leading to a commoditization of the human person.

The technological revolution accelerated our ability to acquire information and goods at a rapidly increased pace.

Technology, in the form of the Internet, unfortunately also became a vehicle of sex trafficking – a form of slavery primarily using women.

All three revolutions have contributed to some level of dehumanizing individuals. Within these revolutions we can see certain distorted beliefs: “you are what you produce,” “your value comes from your sexual attractiveness,” and “you are valued for the speed and efficiency with which you produce or acquire goods.” From these kinds of thoughts it is not hard to see a progression towards the current state of our culture, where the need to acquire and produce can outweigh the value of a person. Abortion is a natu-

ral consequence.

In 1994 Mother Teresa spoke to leaders of the United States, including the Clintons, at the National Prayer Breakfast saying, “Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion.”

One of the ironies of the pro-choice movement is that women are told that they have no other choice. They must take the opportunity to abort their child, with the encouragement that it will bring them freedom and relief.

Our human dignity is based in providential care of a loving God, in spite of the difficulties we face. It is the idea that each person is created in God’s image and has a role to play. Technology when unchecked can produce a tendency to seek individual fulfillment apart from God. In contrast we find a different ethic in the prologue of the Rule of St Benedict: “We shall run the way of God’s commandments with expanded hearts and unspeakable sweetness of love.”

Senator Tim Kaine: ‘These are my values, and that’s what I believe’ Religion is about how we love God. Politics is about how we love our neighbor.

Look at the Cross, it is all about politics. As Catholics we cannot separate our relationship with God from our relationship with our neighbor.

One follows the other, loving God means loving the God within our neighbor.

The political conventions are now over and the real mudslinging (if it could possibly get any worse) commences. Once again a person who is called a “devout Catholic” by the media is in position to become the next vice president of the United States.

When Senator Tim Kaine was named to be the Democrat’s candidate for vice-president, some in the pro-life community thought a pro-lifer had made it onto the ticket. Breaking the sad news to them was not pleasant but the truth had to be told. Senator Kaine, a Catholic, was now a staunch pro-abortionist and proclaimed it during his acceptance speech and throughout the week at the recent convention.

There was a time when things

LIFE FIRST

By Father Don Braukmann

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

were different. When Mr. Kaine was running for Governor of Virginia a few years ago he had a 0% rating from the pro-abortion National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL). In a campaign ad at the time, Kaine himself said: “The truth is, I’m conservative on personal responsibility, character, family and the sanctity of human life.

These are my values, and that’s what I believe.”

In another ad run at the time, he detailed his support for parental consent laws, preventing any taxpayer funding for abortion and banning partial–birth abortions. When he was elected as Governor he backed state funding for pro-life crisis pregnancy centers and even signed the bill authorizing the state’s

“Choose Life” license plates.

Things began to change when he decided to run for the United States Senate in 2012. He won, and in the past four years, his NARAL pro-abortion rating went from 0% to 100%. He endorsed tax payer funding of abortion and then called for the repeal of the Hyde Amendment (legislation passed 40 years ago which strictly limits Medicaid health care plans from covering most abortions).

Kaine now has a perfect scorecard with the political wing of Planned Parenthood, the leading provider of abortion in the United States.

At the convention, the Senator dodged the issue when asked to clarify his change in position. As usual, the change

was presented as an “evolution of understanding” revealing how Kaine had grown and matured in his beliefs. Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, took to the airwaves to rave about the new vice presidential candidate saying, “In fact, as a senator, he’s had a 100% rating with the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. He has been a champion for Planned Parenthood.”

Enough said.

Now, to be clear, this column is not an endorsement of anyone for president or vice president. There is still debate among many Catholics if we can even vote for either presidential candidate given their stands on an array of life issues and their personal character shortcomings.

I have said before and I say again, I have never and will never vote for someone who believes unborn Americans must die so we can live as we want. I simply cannot do it. Life First.

In his recent visit to Poland, the first words from the mouth of Pope Francis to government officials there were: “Life

must always be welcomed and protected. These two things go together – welcome and protection, from conception to natural death.”

Pope Benedict, like his predecessors, raised the life issue above all others. He said: “Not all moral issues have the same moral weight as abortion and euthanasia. There may be legitimate diversity of opinion among Catholics about waging war and how best to help the poor but not with regard to abortion and euthanasia.”

Finally, soon to be “Saint” Mother Teresa said it best at the 1994 National Prayer Breakfast where political and religious dignitaries from across the United States gather for a time of prayer for the nation. The assembly included the president, first lady and the vice president.

Mother Teresa boldly spoke to the political power which was present: “Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching the people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want. That is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion.”

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

AROUND THE DIOCESE

August 10, 2016

5

Benedictine Sister Cecilia Smith dies at age 95 Sister Cecilia Smith, 95, died at RiverView Hospital, Crookston, on July 16.

Mary Cecilia Smith entered this world on May 8, 1921, in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, the first of 11 children of Pearl and Alex Smith. Her mother’s father, Fred Lang came from Germany and married a young French and Indian woman.

Her father’s parents were Metis (French and Chippewa) from Canada. So, Mary Cecilia’s heritage was German, Sioux, French and Chippewa.

She grew up near Saint Michael, North Dakota, where she also attended elementary school. She credits her interest in becoming a sister to the “grey nuns” who taught elementary school in Saint Michael. She wanted to become a “grey nun”, but Benedictine Father Damian Priske brought her to Mount Saint Benedict Monastery, and it was there that she entered in August 1937. She

became a novice in 1938 and was invested in the Benedictine habit and received the name Sister Damian. Later she went back to her baptismal name of Cecilia. She made first monastic profession in 1942 and final profession in 1945. Sister Cecilia taught at many elementary schools in the Diocese of Crookston. These included schools in Red Lake Falls, East Grand Forks, Barnesville, Bemidji, and Crookston. Additionally, she taught in Lefor, North Dakota and Asherton, Texas, mostly in primary grades. She had a great impact on her students, many of whom remained friends throughout her life.

Sister Cecilia received a Bachelor of Science degree from Viterbo College in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Sister Cecilia’s love of learning did not stop with the degree from Viterbo College. She continued to enroll and participate in scripture, theology and spirituality classes.

Sister Cecilia Smith

In 1995 she began taking care of her mother. She wrote, “My experience there was very different from being at the Mount or on mission. I was responsible for everything, house work, cooking, ironing, outdoor work … I also took care of our spiritual life such as saying our daily rosary, reciting the office, going to Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday.”

While her mother was in a long-term facility in Devils

Lake, Sister Cecilia lived with the Mercy Sisters. During that time, while visiting her mother daily, she was asked to visit the other Catholic residents. She was soon asked also to bring them Communion. After the death of her mother, Sister Cecilia returned to the Mount where she volunteered at the reception desk and used her embroidery skills in creating sets of dishtowels depicting each day of the week. She had difficulty keeping up with requests for her dishtowels.

Sister Cecilia was always neatly dressed. She was gracious to all guests. To the very end, Sister Cecilia searched for ways to be helpful, whether by carrying a dinner tray or some other task that made life more pleasant for others. Work, prayer, holy reading and hospitality were wellestablished in Sister Cecilia’s life.

Sister Cecilia is preceded in death by her parents and her

brothers, Ambrose, Francis, Edward and Howard. She is survived by her sisters Delia Markland of Tacoma, Washington; Alice Kimmerly of Sheyenne, North Dakota; Winifred Bartlett of Tacoma, Washington; Julie Graham of Manchester, Washington; brothers Larry of Federal Way, Washington; and Alfred of Devils Lake, North Dakoa, as well as many nieces and nephews and her monastic community, the Sisters of Saint Benedict.

Reception of the body of Sister Cecilia was at 4:30 p.m. on July 24 with visitation from 5 p.m. until the 7 p.m. wake service. The Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on July 25. All services were at Sacred Heart Chapel, Mount Saint Benedict Monastery.

Memorials in honor of Sister Cecilia may be given to Mount Saint Benedict Foundation, at 620 Summit Avenue, Crookston, MN 56716.

Catholic Community Foundation (CCF) Endowments and Memorials General Endowment

St. Joseph, Beaulieu.........................................5,168.24

Our Lady of the Pines, Nevis............................5,615.50

Reverend Eugene Connelly..............................5,086.87

Bishop Balke...................................................15,000.00

St. Philip, Bemidji............................................90,063.39

St. Michael, Northome.......................................1,200.50

Mrs. Gladys Burlingame....................................1,000.00

Bishop Corbett.................................................20,000.00

St. Joseph, Benwood...........................................626.00

Most Holy Redeemer, Ogema...........................4,933.10

St. John Vianney...............................................3,000.00

Bishop Glenn...................................................10,000.00

St. Frances, Big Elbow Lake.............................1,189.77

St. Francis Xavier, Oklee...................................5,440.56

Bernard & Frances Crummy..............................2,500.00

Bishop Peschges.............................................20,000.00

St. Ann, Blackduck............................................1,873.75

St. Joseph, Oslo...............................................6,308.00

Henry and Ida Ricard......................................25,000.00

Bishop Povish..................................................10,000.00

St. Joseph, Brooks............................................7,340.00

St. Peter, Park Rapids.....................................14,889.53

Mr. & Mrs. R.W. Maves.....................................1,200.00

Dorothy Howard................................................5,045.62

Assumption, Callaway.......................................4,949.25

St. Charles, Pennington.........................................57.50

The Amon & Lee Families....................................200.00

Edward P. Herold.............................................25,000.00

Cathedral, Crookston......................................55,750.85

St. Theodore, Ponsford.....................................1,288.50

Total................................................................203,489.21

Frank A. & Mabel Mallinger.............................78,920.01

Holy Rosary, Detroit Lakes..............................67,943.50

St. Joseph, Red Lake Falls.............................29,292.92

Newman Ministry

George E. Nemzek........................................250,000.00

St. Elizabeth, Dilworth.......................................1,552.50

St. Mary’s Mission, Red Lake...........................5,024.25

John Newman.................................................29,132.92

Gertrude Niehoff............................................ 27,533.04

Sacred Heart, East Grand Forks.....................71,209.00

Sacred Heart, Roseau.......................................6,816.37

Total..................................................................29,132.92

John Kowalski...................................................6,217.69

St. Mary, Euclid.................................................6,431.25

St. Cecilia, Sabin...............................................7,140.00

Youth Ministry

Margaret Widman..............................................5,000.00

St. Philip, Falun....................................................434.25

St. Stephen, Stephen........................................5,372.92

St. John Bosco................................................11,308.00

Msgr. John D. Stearns.....................................23,696.15

St. Joseph, Fertile.............................................4,507.50

Holy Trinity, Tabor..............................................6,218.85

Total..................................................................11,308.00

Reverend Jeremiah Sullivan...........................18,380.92

St. Francis, Fisher.............................................2,591.25

St. Bernard, Thief River Falls..........................73,066.88

Special Designation

Reverend John Merth........................................5,854.33

Assumption, Florian..........................................9,188.19

St. William, Twin Valley......................................5,271.25

Joe and Olga Merkens....................................28,458.02

Reverend John O’Toole Memorial...................27,523.38

St. Mary, Fosston............................................10,417.50

St. Mary, Two Inlets...........................................3,952.75

Sacred Heart, Frazee, Cath............................40,449.76

Reverend Louis McMahan..............................10,000.00

Sacred Heart, Frazee......................................23,861.50

Sts. Peter & Paul, Warren...............................14,278.83

KC Frazee Catholic Edu.................................24,500.00

Thomas & Patricia Hilger............................... 59,510.04

St. Peter, Gentilly...............................................2,166.25

St. Mary, Warroad..............................................4,956.57

John J. Arouni Catholic Education................356,000.00

Veronica ‘Roni’ Stainbrook..............................10,025.00

St. John, Georgetown........................................4,602.50

St. Ann, Waubun...............................................5,831.55

Total................................................................449,407.78

Total................................................................627,706.18

St. Ann, Goodridge............................................1,212.50

St. Benedict, White Earth..................................1,697.00

St. Joseph, Moorhead

Catholic Education

Blessed Sacrament, Greenbush.......................6,159.25

St. Joseph, Williams.............................................900.00

School Operations Endow.............................138,363.02

God’s Green Acre.............................................1,326.77

St. Clement, Grygla...........................................3,526.25

Sacred Heart, Wilton.........................................4,703.77

Sr. Mary Ann Welsch Endow.........................126,969.00

Hartmann & Reimann Families.........................4,000.00

St. Patrick, Hallock............................................2,066.25

Total................................................................870,037.98

Parish Operations Endowment.......................54,532.00

Julia B. Musil...................................................38,018.32

Holy Family, Halstad..........................................4,893.75

Priests’ Retirement

School Scholarship Endow..............................62,055.00

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton................................650,500.00

St. Andrew, Hawley..........................................16,013.75

Rev. Ed Nistler Endowment..................................505.00

Setter School Scholarship.............................374,895.84

Total................................................................693,845.09

St. Edward, Karlstad.............................................295.00

Leo Osowski Endowment................................10,000.00

J. & K. Altobell School Schol...........................21,155.00

Faith For Tomorrow-Catholic Education

St. Patrick, Kelliher............................................2,908.75

Joe and Jenny Prosby.......................................5,000.00

RE & Youth Ministry.........................................14,075.33

Capital Campaign Proceeds......................2,278,478.94

St. Francis Xavier, Lake Park...........................3,286.75

Frank Reid Endowment...................................49,372.86

M A Ellis Building Fund.................................100,000.00

Elvern Vanyo...................................................20,969.22

Holy Rosary, Lancaster..........................................77.50

Bishop Schenk.................................................11,250.00

SSG Andrew P. Nelson Schol.........................14,375.00

Total.............................................................2,303,264.12

St. Mary of the Lk, Lake Eunice Tns.................9,981.25

John Stoltman Endowment...............................5,000.00

Sr. D. Charest Parish Nurse............................30,234.00

Parish Catholic Education

St. Theodore, Laporte.......................................1,600.00

Total..................................................................81,127.86

St. Joseph, Moorhead..........................................234.00

St. Joseph, Ada.................................................6,075.82

St. Michael, Mahnomen...................................11,670.00

Continued Education of Priests

Alice Bartels Teacher Salaries.......................115,400.00

St. John the Baptist, Alma....................................399.34

St. Lawrence, Mentor......................................33,778.38

St. Stephen’s...................................................20,000.00

Msgr. Michael Foltz School Schol...................12,610.00

St. Rose of Lima, Argyle....................................6,784.58

St. Joseph, Middle River...................................1,422.50

The Orville J. Woeste......................................11,605.00

Msgr. Michael Foltz Child & Youth FF.............12,990.00

St. Mary, Badger...............................................1,887.00

St. Francis, Moorhead.....................................35,006.35

Dorothy Howard Estate...................................14,184.16

Total.............................................................1,077,654.19

St. Joseph, Bagley...........................................11,299.50

St. Joseph, Moorhead.....................................92,333.82

Andrew & Frances Ignaszewski Mm.................5,000.00

Assumption, Barnesville....................................5,252.50

St. Anne, Naytahwaush.....................................2,069.70

Eva Charest Memorial...................................110,713.18

Sacred Heart, Baudette...................................21,558.70

St. John, Nebish................................................2,355.25

Leon & Irene Pribula.........................................4,000.00

Want to know more about endowments and memorials within the Catholic Community Foundation? Do you have questions about the endowments published above?

Contact Joe Noel, CCF Director, at 218-281-4533, ext. 453 (office) or 218-280-6858 (mobile). Joe may also be reached at: jnoel@crookston.org.

6

August 10, 2016

DIOCESAN

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Esto Vir chance for young men to grow in holiness

By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND

The sixth annual Esto Vir camp for men was held August 2 – 4. Fourteen young men from around the Diocese of Crookston attended.

This year, the camp was held at St. Mary’s, Two Inlets. Mass was celebrated each day. They also prayed Liturgy of the Hours, and had a daily holy hour. Attendees spent much of August 3 at Itasca State Park, and had plenty of time for recreation and socializing throughout the camp. The men also heard witness talks from some

of the priests and seminarians.

Father Craig Vasek is the Associate Director for the diocesan Office of Vocations. He is pastor of St. Patrick’s, Hallock, and Holy Rosary, Lancaster. Fr. Vasek’s primary duty for the Office of Vocations is Promotion of priestly vocations. He sees Esto Vir camp as an opportunity for young men to spend time getting to know the seminarians and priests of the diocese while praying and having fun together.

For more information about pursing a vocation to the priesthood, contact Father Vasek at 701-314-4DOC or crookstonvocations@gmail.com.

2016 Esto Vir participants gather for a group photo following Mass on August 2. (Photos credit: Katrina Genereux/OND)

Father Bryan Kujawa, Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph’s, Moorhead, leads a group of men in prayer before playing “schtick”, an actionpacked game played with two frisbees.

Deacon Matt Schmitz prepares to throw a frisbee in an attempt to score a goal while playing schtick at Esto Vir August 2.

Father Craig Vasek elevates the Body of Christ during Mass August 2 in the Grotto at St. Mary’s, Two Inlets.

Father Kujawa acts out a word displayed on the cell phone held by seminarian Samuel Hurst while Esto Vir attendees play the charades-style game Heads Up.

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

DIOCESAN

August 10, 2016

7

Priests of the diocese to begin leadership program

By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND

On August 30, many priests of the Diocese of Crookston will begin journeying through a leadership program called Good Leaders, Good Shepherds. The program includes six three-day sessions spaced out over 18 months.

“Probably half of the dioceses or more in the United States have already done this program and the reason they do it, and the reason we’re going to participate in it, is that when we were in the seminary, we weren’t trained how to be administrators. That is part of being the leader of the parish and so often times that can bog us down,” said Msgr. Mike Foltz, Vicar General for the Diocese of Crookston. “It gets in the way of us being shepherds and so the more we can learn about being a leader and leading a community and bringing people along with a vision, ... the better we’re able to be shepherds.”

Thirty-one priests, as well as Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner, will take part in the leadership program created and facilitated by the Catholic Leadership Institute.

“Ultimately, the impact of Good Leaders, Good Shepherds will be more holy, healthy, and happy shepherds of vibrant parish communities, leading more people to a deeper

Priests of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles listen to a presentation during a recent Good Leaders, Good Shepherds session. Catholic Leadership Institue estimates 2,500 priests in the United States, Canada and Caribbean have graduated from the program. (Submitted photo)

“My hope is that each and every priest that participates will be effectively helped in his life and service to the good people of this local Church.”

– Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner

relationship with Christ,” said Karen Brown, a Manager of Ministry Development for the Catholic Leadership Institute.

“Good Leaders, Good Shepherds will provide the Church leaders opportunities to grow in fraternity with one another and learn the skills necessary to minister to parishes within the different dynamics they encounter.”

“I am very happy that Good Leaders, Good Shepherds is coming to the Diocese of Crookston,” Bishop Hoeppner said. “My hope is that each and every priest that participates will be effectively helped in his life

and service to the good people of this local Church.”

According to their promotional materials, the Good Leaders, Good Shepherds program uses Church documents, sacred scripture, and writings from saints and popes to support their curriculum.

The first portion of the program is a self-preparation session. It is followed by five sessions that focus on different contexts of leadership. The sessions will take place at varying locations throughout the Diocese of Crookston.

The Catholic Leadership Institute says, “Good Leaders,

Good Shepherds celebrates the ordained priesthood of Jesus Christ by engaging participants in a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide leadership best practices and skill building to priests of all ages. This ongoing formation revitalizes priestly identity while strengthening day-to-day ministry.”

Msgr. Foltz said the program will help priests know how to resolve and avoid conflicts within parish administration.

It will also teach them to form and clearly communicate their vision for the administration of the parish.

“Part of the program helps reduce conflicts,” Msgr. Foltz said. “When you have a vision for the parish community and you’re able to articulate that and work with the players involved, then you’re able to move forward with less or no conflict.”

Bishop Hoeppner also acknowledged the importance of vision in Church leadership.

“A leader in the church is one who carries the vision and continually places the destination before the sheep. The vision is Christ. The vision is articulated by the bishop of the diocese in his role as leader and then carried and communicated by the priests, who are his co-workers, to all the people,” he said.

“I have high hopes that Good Leaders, Good Shepherds will help our priests be good shepherds leading with vision, a vision that excites and enlightens and brings hope to all.”

Msgr. Foltz hopes this program will be beneficial for the priests and people of the diocese on many levels.

“I think it will help the pres-

byterate and parishes, but also the individual priest,” he said.

“When you feel more confident in what you’re about and doing as a leader, it just has a trickle effect.”

Another part of the program is the building of fellowship and fraternity among participating priests.

Msgr. Foltz says he is looking forward to, “having the opportunity to hone my skills and also building the fraternity of the priests, getting to know the priests better. We’re all in this together. We’re a small diocese and it’s just helpful to be connected.”

The program costs $9,312 per participant. This cost is divided into three portions. A quarter of the cost is paid for by the participating priest, a quarter is paid by his parish, and the diocese is responsible for the remaining half.

“By splitting the cost among the priest, parish, and diocese each is making an investment in the leadership of the priest,” Brown said. “It is so important for the men to have the support of their diocese and their parish in their leadership formation. ” Msgr. Foltz invites anyone interested in contributing to support this program to contact him at the diocesan offices at 218-281-4533 or mfoltz@ crookston.org.

“What we do as priests is so important because people are looking at us to be the image of Christ. If we’re not causing conflict, then that just opens up more relationship with the people to lead them closer to Christ,” Msgr. Foltz said.

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August 10, 2016

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Preparing to share the Gospel

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Five missionaries from the Diocese of Crookston are getting ready to minister throuhghout the nation. Read about why they are going and how you can support them in prayer.

Sadie Anderson

Nathan Francis

Home parish: Holy Rosay, Detroit Lakes Serving with: NET Ministries

Home parish: Holy Rosary, Detroit Lakes Serving with: NET Ministries

Why she is becoming a missionary: I lived in Crookston

Why he is becoming a missionary: I heard about NET first from going to a NET retreat. I then heard about NET again from some past netters that are my friends. They suggested to me it would be an experience of a lifetime; one of the hardest and greatest years of your life. I would like to serve on NET because I want to be a part of setting a fire inside the youth of America. I want the youth to build a life-long relationship with Jesus Christ and to hear the Gospel message. This will take a lot of hard work, but I am up for the challenge.

for about 3 years after graduating high school from Detroit Lakes. I got involved with the Core Team for Life Team at the Cathedral and seemed to enjoy the ministry aspect of youth ministry and I’ve always had a small desire for youth ministry. ... I was just really discerning what I wanted to be and go back to school for and I really liked being involved at the church and really found myself and my identity with the Church and doing ministry work so I finally decided to apply for NET.

Anderson looks forward to: I’m most excited to enter into the families, like broken families, great faithful families, families that are just struggling and even just being out there, spreading and showing that love of Christ.

Francis is looking forward to: I am most looking forward to building life-long relationships with my team, community, and Jesus.

Prayer resquest: Please pray for the youth to open their hearts to the word of God.

Prayer resquest: Pray for the openness of the youth and also my other NET ministers that will be serving with me to be open to hearing what the Lord has to say through me and also just for me to take in what the Lord has planned. Pray for my openness to the Lord and what he’s going to be carrying me out to do.

McKaylee Klamm Home parish: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston Serving with: NET Ministries

Megan Jones Home parish: St. Philip’s, Bemidji Serving with: FOCUS at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.

Why she is becoming a missionary: I am a missionary because of my deep desire to share Christ’s love with His people, especially those on a college campus. College students, like all of us, are searching desperately to be loved, to be known, to be wanted. I want to share Christ with students so that they can come to know how much they are loved. Additionally, FOCUS was integral to keeping me active in my faith in college. Some of my closest college friendships are with FOCUS missionaries who served at the University of Tulsa and with the women in my bible studies.

Jones looks forward to: There is a reason the Lord is sending me to Missouri and I am excited to discover it! I am most looking forward to meeting and connecting with those students who the Lord is calling me to encounter.

Prayer resquest: Please pray for the students on the campus of Northwest Missouri

Why she is becoming a missionary: I attended a NET retreat in high school and really enjoyed it. My brother, Cody, served as a NET missionary, and after attending the commissioning Mass when he was sent out to serve and the thanksgiving banquet when he returned, I really felt called to NET. I really want to do this because it would help with my personality and build myself up more. I applied once and they told me to wait a year or two and then I reapplied and got accepted.

Klamm is looking forward to: Pursuing the faith to teens or helping them if they’re struggling, to give them that jump in the right direction and make sure they know that God is with them even though they’re struggling, just to give them the boost and excitement and strength that they need. And to build my confidence up too and just to be around other people that are interested in the faith and want to pursue it to other people Prayer resquest: Pray for all of us when we’re traveling to give us the strength and healthiness that we need.I know from hearing from other Netters that traveling teams are very hard on you, so just pray for us to have the strength and stay healthy. Pray for us as we do retreats.

State-that their hearts may be open to encountering Christ. Please also pray for the success of my support-raising endeavors.

Tarena Ubel Home parish: Sacred Heart, Baudette Serving with: NET Ministries

About:

Why she is becoming a missionary: I have discerned to

The mission of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students is to know Christ Jesus and to fulfill his great commission (see Mt. 28:19-20). FOCUS strives to do this by winning the hearts of college students, building them up in the Catholic faith and sending them out into the world. In 2015 there were more than 500 FOCUS missionaries on 113 college campuses in 36 states and the District of Columbia.

FOCUS Missionaries commit to serve for two years and fundraise their salaries. They are sent out in groups to minister to college students through outreach events, building relationships, leading Bible studies and training students to do the same through oneon-one discipleship. Visit www.focus.org for more information.

About:

do ministry with NET because the Lord has placed a desire on my heart to minister to the youth, to set a fire in their souls.

I have been called to do NET ministries and I am so excited to do the will of the Lord.

Ubel is looking forward to: I am looking forward to ministering to others, but most of all I am looking forward to growing deeper in love with the Lord. I am excited to work on a team and getting to know my teammates and working with them and in that getting to know myself more.

Prayer resquest: I would love prayers for strength and resources to do the Lord’s will and to have an overflowing abundance of holy joy.

National Evangelization Teams challenges young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church. Each year, 150 young Catholics age 18-28 devote nine months to serving with NET Ministries.

There are two types of teams: traveling teams and parish or school teams. Traveling teams go around the country sharing the Gospel with young people and their families through junior high and high school retreats. Parish and school teams serve in specific parishes or schools and work with youth ministry and campus ministry programs for junior high and high school students. The missionaries will receive their assignments toward the end of their training. Visit www.netusa.org for more information.

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

First Holy Communion

Assumption, Callaway

Holy Trinity, Tabor

St. William’s, Twin Valley

Sacrament of Confirmation

AROUND THE DIOCESE

August 10, 2016

9

Hensel wins National Catholic Foresters award National Catholic Society of Foresters (NCSF) is pleased to announce the selection of Catherine “Cathy” Hensel as NCSF’s 2016 Fraternalist of the Year. Hensel was chosen by an independent judge for her incredible fraternal spirit and charitable outreach. As Fraternalist of the Year, Cathy will receive a $100 donation from the NCSF Home Office, to go towards the parish ministry of her choice.

The Fraternalist of the Year is an honor presented by NCSF to recognize an individual who, through example and accomplishments, provided outstanding volunteer service to their court, the NCSF, and the local community.

Hensel is a member of NCSF’s St. Adolph Court 901 in Park Rapids, Minnesota. She held the position of court vice president for nine years. Currently Hensel is president of the court, and has served in this position for ten years. Cathy has also served eight years on the NCSF Board of Directors as a National Director, and since 2014 she has held the position of National Secretary for the National Catholic Society of Foresters.

When Hensel sees something that needs to be done, she will do it. She plans diocesan association meetings, is a member of the parish council

Catherine Hensel receives the 2016 Fraternalist of the Year award from National Catholic Society of Foresters’ National President, Margaret Schmitt. (Submitted photo)

and volunteers her time to help plan and advertise events like the annual rummage sale. In her local community, Hensel is involved with the Hubbard County American Cancer Society Relay for Life and has been a member of the team since it began in Park Rapids 22 years ago. She also organizes groups for blood drives. Hensel works behind the scenes too, where she secures locations, organizes food, and makes sure all the required paper work is completed. Cathy is a dedicated, willing, and friendly member of NCSF and truly deserves this honor.

Since 1891, National Catholic Society of Foresters (NCSF) has provided low-cost, comprehensive insurance protection and fixed-rate annuity products for Catholic families.

Headquartered in Mount Prospect, Illinois, NCSF is licensed to do business in 17 states.

Member-owned and member-directed, NCSF enriches parishes and communities, fosters positive values and strengthens families through a variety of programs, social events, and fraternal benefits.

For more information about NCSF, please visit www.ncsf. com or call 1-800-344-6273.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul holds annual regional conference in Fargo

St. Mary of the Lakes, Detroit Lakes

From June 23-25, 2016, a total of 189 members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, or Vincentians, met in Fargo for the North Central Regional Conference.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul conferences are formed at the parish level, which are then part of a district council, and the United States is divided into regions. Currently, the District of Fargo Council, with 10 parish conferences, serves the Dioceses of Fargo, Bismarck and Crookston.

The theme of mercy was noted through the keynote speakers who particularly focused on God’s great mercy and the society’s mercy for those in need. The conference was very informational and included keynote speakers Father James Shea, President of University

of Mary, in Bismarck; Bishop John Folda of the Diocese of Fargo; and Roxane Salonen, a Fargo author who wrote the book “Redeemed by Grace: A Catholic Woman’s Journey to Planned Parenthood and Back”.

The conference provided time for formation, education, and fellowship through workshop topics including: accountability, home visits, fighting poverty, journey to systemic change, children in

disasters and prison ministry.

Daily prayers in the mornings and evenings were a new feature of this year’s conference.

One evening was spent praying a pro-life rosary near an abortion facility.

Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul are part of an international society united by a spirit of poverty, humility, and sharing. They strive to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to individuals in need. They offer tangible assistance to those in need through intervention, consultation, or direct dollar or in-kind-service. The society’s goal is to end poverty through systemic change, one person, one neighborhood, one community at a time. For more information, visit www.svdpusa. org.

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August 10, 2016

NATIONAL

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Criminal charges against Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis dropped

By Maria Wiering and Jessica Trygstad Catholic News Service ST. PAUL, MINN. – Standing before reporters and cameras July 20, Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda said the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis failed in its handling of the case of Curtis Wehmeyer, a former priest who pleaded guilty in two courts of abusing three brothers while pastor of Blessed Sacrament in St. Paul.

“We failed to give priority to the safety and well-being of the children he hurt over the interests of Curtis Wehmeyer and the archdiocese,” Archbishop Hebda said. “In particular, we failed to prevent Curtis Wehmeyer from sexually abusing children. Those children, their parents, their family, their parish and others were harmed. We are sorry. I am sorry.”

The archbishop’s statement followed the announcement that the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, under the leadership of Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, had dismissed criminal charges filed last year against the archdiocese, and the parties had amended a settlement agreement they reached in December on a related civil petition.

“Words are not enough,” Archbishop Hebda acknowledged. “We must, we will and we are doing better. Far-reaching changes are underway.”

He pointed to the archdiocese’s inclusion of more laypeople in its safe environment protocols, as well as the impact of Ramsey County’s oversight of the archdiocese’s policies and procedures and compliance with them.

“Over the past year, we worked with Mr. Choi and his team to define how the archdiocese can best create and maintain safe environments for children in our parishes, schools

and communities,” he said.

“Over the past six months, we have demonstrated our commitment to that path. Today, we humbly acknowledge our past failures and look forward to continuing down that path to achieve those vital, common goals that together we all share.”

Janell Rasmussen, archdiocesan deputy director of ministerial standards and safe environment, noted that since the agreement was reached, archdiocesan leaders have been working closely with Choi and his team and will continue to seek their advice and assistance.

Describing the day as one of “solemn reckoning and self-assessment,” Rasmussen said their work will never be done.

In June 2015, the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, whose jurisdiction includes St. Paul, filed criminal charges and a civil petition against the archdiocese, alleging it failed to protect children in its handling of Wehmeyer’s case. The charges included three counts of contributing to the need for protection or services, and three counts of contributing to a juvenile’s delinquency.

In the summer of 2010, Wehmeyer, then a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and pastor of Blessed Sacrament in St. Paul, sexually abused two brothers – ages 12 and 14 – in a camper trailer he had parked on parish grounds and on a camping trip.

The boys disclosed the abuse two years later, and Wehmeyer was removed from ministry. In 2013, their older brother revealed that he, too, had been abused by the priest during a

camping trips in 2008, 2009 and 2011. In several instances of the abuse, Wehmeyer provided alcohol or marijuana to the boys.

Wehmeyer pleaded guilty in 2013 of sexually abusing the two younger brothers in 2010.

He also pleaded guilty in August 2015 in a Wisconsin court of sexually assaulting the third brother on a camping trip. Pope Francis dismissed him from the clerical state in 2015, meaning he can no longer exercise priestly ministry or present himself as a priest. He is currently in prison.

The Ramsey County charges alleged that the archdiocese had information that should have prompted its leaders to remove Wehmeyer from ministry before Archbishop Harry Flynn appointed him administrator of Blessed Sacrament in 2006, and it did not follow its own protocols, despite known instances of Wehmeyer’s “risky behavior” and violations of safe environment standards.

Ten days after the charges were filed, Archbishop John C. Nienstedt, who had led the archdiocese since 2008, and Auxiliary Bishop Lee A. Piche resigned, citing the need to step down to allow healing to begin in the archdiocese as leaders of the archdiocese.

Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Hebda, then coadjutor archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, to the temporary role of the archdiocese’s apostolic administrator alongside Auxiliary Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens. In March, the pope named Archbishop Hebda as head of the archdiocese, and he was installed in May.

“When I arrived here about a year ago, criminal and civil charges against the archdiocese had just been announced,” Archbishop Hebda said. “A decision had to be made: Do we fight the charges in court – which would have taken years of time and considerable resources – or do we work with the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office to try to make amends to those harmed and achieve justice for all in the broadest possible way. We chose the latter.”

He added: “Cooperation was the right avenue to achieve a just solution.”

In December, the archdiocese reached a settlement agreement with the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office on the civil petition, in which it agreed to continue child protection protocols it had already implemented as well as additional measures, and to Ramsey County’s oversight of its safe environment procedures for three years.

On July 20, the archdiocese presented a six-month progress report on its compliance with the agreement to Ramsey County District Court Judge

Teresa Warner. Attorneys for the archdiocese and the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office described their strong, ongoing collaboration and affirmed the report satisfied the County Attorney’s requirements and demonstrated a significant effort to protect children.

Warner accepted the report and commended the work of the archdiocese and attorney’s office.

“What happened to kids in this case cannot be undone, but steps to work together ... (are) significant,” she said. “You rolled up your sleeves, and you looked at what you could do to protect kids going forward.”

Assistant Ramsey County Attorney Thomas Ring noted that in the settlement, the archdiocese had agreed to take on “something more comprehensive than a court may have been able to offer.”

At a later news conference, Choi explained that a court likely wouldn’t have been able to mandate county oversight of the archdiocese’s protocol implementation due to laws separating church and state.

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

NATIONAL

August 10, 2016

11

Krakow in Capital festival brings World Youth Day to Washington

By Kelly Seegers Catholic News Service WASHINGTON – About 1,300 young adults gathered in the nation’s capital for prayer, catechesis, fellowship, and a taste of Polish culture, an event designed for those who could not attend World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland.

Krakow in the Capital was celebrated on the campus of The Catholic University of America July 30, coinciding with Pope Francis’s celebration of World Youth Day in Poland with more than 1 million pilgrims from around the world.

“I always imagine World Youth Day as a very exclusive event; if you had the time and resources you could go,” said Evan Wescott, a recent Catholic University graduate who is now working as a campus minister at Duke University. “The fact that the archdiocese has made it available for everyone to participate in ... is a powerful way to connect in prayer.”

At the opening prayer service for the stateside celebration of World Youth Day, Jonathan Lewis, director of Young Adult Ministry and Evangelization Initiatives for the Archdiocese of Washington, welcomed the young adults gathered in the Basilica of the National Shrine

Young adults carry the cross during Stations of the Cross at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington July 30 as a way of being in unison with World Youth Day pilgrims in Krakow, Poland. (Photo credit: CNS/Brian Searby, Catholic Standard)

of the Immaculate Conception.

“Today prayer shatters time and space to unite us in solidarity with our fellow pilgrims and Pope Francis,” Lewis said.

While some participants traveled just a few blocks and others traveled hundreds or thousands of miles, he said, “Each of us has a call today to make a pilgrimage of the heart.”

During the prayer service, Washington Auxiliary Bishop Mario Dorsonville spoke to the young adults about the need to have love in their hearts during this difficult time in our world.

He encouraged them to embark on a peaceful “spiritual crusade” with an army of young people that has Christ as the “future and rock.”

“I cannot stop asking you to pray for peace around the world, which is the fruit of justice,” Bishop Dorsonville said.

The pilgrims gathered in the basilica prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet in five different languages: English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Polish.

Following the prayer service, the pilgrims were able to choose from 10 different catecheti-

cal session options, including a panel on forming community as young adults, a talk titled “Mercy Without Borders,” a talk about the corporal works of mercy and talks in Spanish and American Sign Language. During the sessions, they also had a chance for eucharistic adoration, to attend confession, and to venerate the relics of two patrons of World Youth Day, St. John Paul II and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.

Catholic Relief Services set up a simulation of the refugee experience: Each person was given a card with a name, age, country and background of a refugee. They were taken through different stations to see what people encounter during their migration.

The celebration included Polish food, dancing and music.

While some people enjoyed pierogies and kielbasa outside, others gathered in the exhibit hall to watch the Ojczyzna Polish Dancers. Some participants even joined in the polka.

In the evening, the young adults gathered inside the basilica for Stations of the Cross and a closing Mass, both celebrated

by Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl.

In his homily at the closing Mass, Cardinal Wuerl reflected on the message of Pope Fran-

cis, referring to the papal trip to Washington last September.

“What the Holy Father proclaimed throughout his time here and what he will undoubtedly be announcing again in Krakow is that we are supposed to show God’s love and mercy to everyone,” said Cardinal Wuerl. “This is not a new teaching, but it rings fresh all over again as people hear it and are drawn to it.”

Cardinal Wuerl encouraged young adults to “never underestimate the power of your witness,” even in the middle of a culture that “often says there is no place for God, (or) for the Gospel message of Jesus.”

At the end of the Mass, Cardinal Wuerl reminded everyone to be grateful for the ability to freely profess their faith, when so many around the world face persecution for their faith. He urged participants to pray and speak out in solidarity for those suffering Christians.

After the Mass, singer Marie Miller, who sang at the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, held an outdoor concert to conclude Krakow in the Capital. Some pilgrims, who planned to camp outside overnight, were welcomed into the Dominican House of Studies to spend the night, due to the inclement weather.

Some fast-food chains now blocking customers’ internet access to porn technology at their locations to block pornography and other sexually explicit material from WASHINGTON – When the U.S. being seen on customers’ cellbishops urged a national policy phones and laptops while there. of net neutrality, they wanted to They join the ranks of two make sure that internet access other nationwide eateries: Panewas made equally available to all ra Bread and Chick-fil-A, the people. latter of which already earned a A federal appeals court up- reputation by staying closed on held that principle earlier this Sundays since it was established year, agreeing with the Federal in 1946, in accordance with the Communications Commission’s religious beliefs of its Southern argument was that internet ac- Baptist founder, S. Truett Cathy. cess was a utility and should be Their numbers are considerregulated as such because it of- able. McDonald’s has 14,000 fers a public good.

U.S. locations and Starbucks has But what of private internet 13,000, while Panera and Chickproviders? How many are there? fil-A have 2,000 each.

There’s no readily accurate The effort to bring McDonestimate. But if you think of ald’s and Starbucks on board the number of restaurants and was started two years ago by the stores that offer free Wi-Fi to National Center on Sexual Extheir customers, then you realize ploitation, formerly known as the number is a mighty big one. Morality in Media, and Enough What makes this a big deal?

Is Enough, another anti-porTwo of the United States’ nography group led by Donna most ubiquitous restaurant Rice Hughes, who in 1988 was chains, McDonald’s and Star- part of a scandal that tripped bucks, announced in mid-July up Gary Hart’s presidential bid they were installing filtering in 1988 but now is a wife, stepBy Mark Pattison Catholic News Service

mother and internet safety advocate.

Enough Is Enough launched a “Porn-Free Wi-Fi” campaign that garnered about 50,000 signatures and drew support from 75 other organizations, among them the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, which issues an annual “Dirty Dozen” report of companies it considers the worst purveyors of porn; its prime target is currently Verizon for offering pornography options for its FiOS customers.

Among the other organizations signing on to the campaign were the Maryland Coalition Against Pornography, the National Children’s Action Center, the Preventing Abuse Foundation, the Parents Television Council, the Utah Coalition Against Pornography and the Salvation Army.

Haley Halverson, a spokeswoman for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, told Catholic News Service in a July 29 telephone interview that their organization was a “ma-

jor partner” with Enough Is Enough. “We were a formative partner, not just some organization that signed on,” she said.

Dawn Hankins, the center’s executive director, told CNN after the McDonald’s-Starbucks agreement was reached: “Thanks in part to the internet, it is now beyond an individual’s or a family’s capacity to adequately protect against, or overcome the harmful influences of, pornography.”

Hankins added, “This reality requires a public health approach to raise awareness about the harms of pornography, provide resources to those struggling with it and to offer effective prevention strategies.”

“We will vigorously continue to encourage other businesses and venues such as hotels, airlines, shopping malls, and libraries to filter pornography and child abuse images on publicly available Wi-Fi in order to protect children and families,” Hughes said in a statement issued after the agreement was

reached.

Who’s next? Not the American Library Association, which has been on record as saying filters that block porn also tend to block legitimate sites. “Education is more effective than filters,” says a statement on the organization’s website.

Still, what we’re seeing here are major corporations who find it is in their corporate interest to keep pornography out of reach of their patrons.

Will we see next commercials touting this new stance? Not likely.

Is it possible these fastfooderies will lose customers who want to stare at explicit sexual content while munching a sandwich or sipping a latte?

Perhaps.

But it’s their calculated guess that patrons like Little League coaches and families who “deserve a break today” will far outnumber those perturbed by what they can’t access on their smartphone.

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August 10, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Pope Francis expresses shock over violence in French church

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY – The murder of a priest in northern France, taken hostage with a handful of other faithful during a weekday morning Mass July 26, is another act of “absurd violence” added to too many stories of senseless violence and death, said the Vatican spokesman.

Pope Francis was informed about the hostage situation at the church in Saint-Etienne-duRouvray near Rouen and the murder of 85-year-old Father Jacques Hamel, said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman.

“With pain and horror” for the “absurd violence,” Pope Francis expressed his condemnation of “every form of hatred” and offered his prayers for all those involved.

“We are particularly stricken because this horrible violence occurred in a church – a sacred place in which the love of God is proclaimed – with the barbaric killing of a priest,” Father Lombardi said.

Police said two men, armed with knives, entered the church during Mass. They reportedly slit the throat of Father Hamel.

They said another person present at the Mass was in serious condition at the hospital. An Interior Ministry spokesman said the attackers were killed by police, ending the hostage situ-

ation.

A nun who witnessed the attack described the scene to French radio station RMC. “In the church, everyone screamed ‘Stop, you don’t know what you’re doing.’ They didn’t stop. They forced him to his knees; he tried to defend himself, and it was then that the drama began,” said the nun, who identified herself as Sister Danielle.

“They recorded themselves (on video). They did a little – like a sermon – around the altar in Arabic. It was a horror.”

The sister managed to escape the church and flag down a car for help, RMC reported.

She told the station about her respect for her colleague.

“It’s necessary to remember that this was an extraordinary priest,” Sister Danielle told RMC. “That’s all I want to say.

He’s great, Father Jacques.”

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack via its news site, though the group’s involvement has not been confirmed by French police. French President Francois Hollande suggested the group was behind the attack.

Hollande called Pope Francis to express “the grief of the French people after the odious assassination of Father Jacques Hamel by two terrorists,” said a statement from the president’s office.

Archbishop Dominique Leb-

run of Rouen, who was in Krakow, Poland, with World Youth Day pilgrims when the attacked occurred, said he would return to his archdiocese.

“The Catholic Church can take up no weapons other than those of prayer and brotherhood among people of goodwill,” the archbishop said in a statement from Krakow. He said that while he would leave Poland, hundreds of young people from his diocese would remain. “I ask them not to give in to violence,” but instead “become apostles of the civilization of love.”

Msgr. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, secretary-general of the French bishops’ conference, also was in Krakow for World Youth Day. He told media: “We know now they were both terrorists.”

“We believe that evil and violence will not have the upper

hand, and all the French bishops share this opinion,” he said.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, sent a message of condolence to Archbishop Lebrun. The cardinal said Pope Francis was “particularly upset that this act of violence took place in a church during Mass, the liturgical act that implores God’s peace for the world.”

In the latest event of violence, the cardinal said, the pope prayed God would “inspire in all thoughts of reconciliation and brotherhood.”

Chaldean Archbishop Bashar Warda of Irbil, Iraq, was another church leader in Krakow for World Youth Day. He told Catholic News Service the attack in France reminded him of the 2010 massacred in Baghdad’s Church of Our Lady of Deliverance “when they held the people inside the church”

during Sunday evening Mass “and killed two priests and then started killing the rest.” A total of 48 people were killed and more than 100 were injured.

“This is the sort of world we are living in,” Archbishop Warda said. “We pray for the priest and everyone who was shocked and horrified.”

At the same time, “we pray for all of ISIS so they could really wake up and know the God of mercy,” he said. “We know that it is going to be harder and harder because the more you push them, they come up with more terrifying stories and events.”

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed gratitude for “the unforgettable witness of the faithful” in the church attack in a July 26 statement.

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August 10, 2016

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Pope pays tribute to Holocaust victims in silence, prayer

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service OSWIECIM, POLAND – Sitting with head bowed and eyes closed, Pope Francis paid silent tribute to the victims of one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century.

The pope arrived July 29 at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp in Oswiecim, an area now blanketed by green fields and empty barracks lined by barbed wire fences, remnants of a horror that remains embedded in history.

Used by the Nazis from 1940 to 1945, the camp was the Nazi’s largest and consisted of three parts: Auschwitz I, where many were imprisoned and murdered; the Birkenau extermination camp – also known as Auschwitz II – and Auschwitz III (Auschwitz-Monowitz), an area of auxiliary camps that included several factories.

In 1942, Auschwitz became the site of the mass extermination of over 1 million Jews, 23,000 Roma, 15,000 Soviet prisoners of war and thousands of Polish citizens of different nationalities.

Among those killed were St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Conventual Franciscan friar, and Edith Stein, a Jewish philosopher who converted to Catholicism and became a Carmelite nun, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.

Crossing the gate inscribed with the infamous motto “Arbeit macht frei” (“Work sets you free”) the pope quietly sat on a small bench for 10 minutes

Pope Francis touches the death wall at the Auschwitz Nazi death camp in Oswiecim, Poland, July 29.

(Photo credit: CNS/Paul Haring)

with his head bowed, occasionally glancing somberly around before closing his eyes in silent prayer.

He stood up, and slowly walked up to the wooden post of one of the barracks, reverently touching and kissing it.

The pope then made his way to Block 11 to greet a dozen survivors of the camp, including a 101-year-old violinist, who survived by being in the camp orchestra. Pope Francis greeted each survivor individually, gently grabbing their hands and kissing their cheeks.

Among the survivors was Naftali Furst of Bratislava, Slovakia, who was deported to Auschwitz and was evacuated to Buchenwald in January 1945 before his liberation.

Furst, who now lives in Israel,

gave the pope a photograph showing him and other inmates imprisoned in the Auschwitz barracks.

Pope Francis also signed a book for Furst before he made his way toward the “death wall” where thousands of prisoners were lined up and shot in the back of the head before their bodies were sent to the crematoriums.

Candle in hand, the pope lit an oil lamp in front of the wall, before praying and laying his hand on the wall. He then turned around and entered the barracks of Block 11.

Also known as “the death block” because the Nazis used it to inflict torture, it houses the cell where St. Maximilian Kolbe spent his final hours, starved and dehydrated before being

given a lethal injection of carbolic acid.

Pope Francis entered the darkened cell, illuminated by a faint light from the corridor, revealing a candle, an engraved plaque marking the site of the Franciscan friar’s death, and countless words – even a cross – etched on the walls by those who spent their final moments in the starvation cell.

Once again Pope Francis sat in silence with his head bowed.

Alone in the cell for eight minutes, he occasionally looked up to contemplate his surroundings.

Outside the cell, he signed the visitors’ book, writing a simple message: “Lord, have mercy on your people. Lord, forgive so much cruelty.”

Pope Francis then made his

way to the Holocaust memorial at Auschwitz II-Birkenau, driven in an electric cart on a path parallel to the railroad tracks that carried countless men, women and children to their doom. It now leads to a monument that honors their memory.

To the left of the memorial lay the ruins of one of four crematoriums used to incinerate the bodies of those who died of disease or starvation or who were executed in the two gas chambers housed within the extermination camp.

The pope approached the memorial to the victims, lined with 23 plaques, each inscribed with a message in a different language: “Forever let this place be a cry of despair and a warning to humanity, where the Nazis murdered about one and a half million men, women and children, mainly Jews from various countries of Europe.”

Passing each plaque, Pope Francis reached the end of the monument where he set a candle in a large glass bowl and once again stood in silence, clasping his hands together over his chest in prayer.

While he prayed, the voice of Poland’s Chief Rabbi Michael Joseph Schudrich echoed Psalm 130 in Hebrew throughout the camp. The psalm begins with a cry to God: “From the depths I have cried out to you, O Lord.”

The event ended with the pope greeting 25 people honored as “righteous among the nations,” a recognition of nonJews who risked their lives to save Jews from the Nazi extermination.

Pope Francis: Cruelty did not end at Auschwitz; it continues today

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service KRAKOW, POLAND – Humankind’s cruelty did not end with the Holocaust, but rages on in

the suffering of those living through war, homelessness and persecution, Pope Francis said.

“This cruelty exists today.

We say: ‘Yes, we have seen cruelty, 70 years ago; how they died

shot, hanged or gassed.’ But today, in so many places in the world where there is war, the same thing happens,” the pope told a crowd gathered late July 29 outside the archbishop’s residence in Krakow where he is staying.

The pope’s words came at the end of a day focused on the suffering of innocents. He had begun the day with a silent prayer at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp in Oswiecim, followed by a visit to a local children’s hospital and participation in the Way of the Cross with young people at Blonia Park.

Calling it “a day of sorrow,” the pope said that in following the Way of the Cross, Christians were united in Jesus’ sufferings.

However, Christ not only “suffered 2,000 years ago,” but continues to suffer in today’s world.

Before unspeakable horrors and suffering – especially the pain of children who suffer – Christians may ask themselves why it happens, he continued.

“There are no answers for that question,” the pope said.

The pope also said his visit to Auschwitz-Birkeneau was a reminder of “such pain, such cruelty” that human beings are capable of inflicting.

“Is it possible that we men and women, created in God’s likeness, are capable of doing these things? These things were done. I do not want to make you bitter, but I have to say the

truth. Cruelty did not end in Auschwitz, in Birkeneau. Even today, people are tortured; so many prisoners are tortured to make them talk. It is terrible!” he exclaimed.

“What I am telling you is a bit sad, but it is reality. But the fact that Jesus has taken upon himself all these things is also a reality,” the pope said.

Jesus loves everyone despite their sins, he concluded, inviting the young people to pray together for those who suffer from “so many bad things, so much wickedness.”

“When there are tears, a child seeks out his or her mother. We sinners, too, are children; let us look for our mother and pray to Our Lady together,” he said.

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August 10, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Don’t tuck life away, take risks, pope tells young people

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service KRAKOW, POLAND – Take risks and do not let life’s obstacles get in the way of encountering the true joy and life that Jesus can give, Pope Francis told more than 1 million young people.

“Don’t be afraid to say ‘yes’ to him with all your heart, to respond generously and to follow him,” the pope told pilgrims at the closing Mass July 31 for World Youth Day. “Don’t let your soul grow numb, but aim for the goal of a beautiful love which also demands sacrifice.”

“When it comes to Jesus, we cannot sit around waiting with arms folded; he offers us life.

We can’t respond by thinking about it or ‘texting’ a few words,” he told the young people, thousands of whom had spent the night camping at an area dubbed the Field of Mercy.

The lack of sleep and morning heat seemed to have little impact as the young men and women energetically waved their flags and ran as close as possible to the popemobile to greet Pope Francis.

In his homily, the pope reflected on the Gospel story of Zacchaeus, a reviled tax collector who, due to his short height, climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus.

The obstacles Zacchaeus faced – including his short stature – the pope said, can also “say something to us.”

“Even today we can risk not getting close to Jesus because we don’t feel big enough, because we don’t think ourselves worthy.

This is a great temptation; it has to do not only with self-esteem, but with faith itself,” he said.

By not accepting themselves and their limitations, Christians deny their “real stature” as children of God and see themselves as unworthy of God’s love.

At the same time, he said, people will try to convince Christians that there are others who are unworthy of God’s love.

“People will try to block you, to make you think that God is distant, rigid and insensitive, good to the good and bad to the bad,” he told the young people.

“Instead, our heavenly Father ‘makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good.’ He demands of us real courage: the courage to be more powerful than evil by loving everyone, even our enemies.”

The pope noted that Jesus

Pope Francis accepts materials from youths during the closing Mass of World Youth Day at Campus Misericordiae in Krakow, Poland, July 31. (Photo credit: CNS photo/Paul Haring)

“Don’t be afraid to say ‘yes’ to him with all your heart, to respond generously and to follow him. ... Don’t let your soul grow numb, but aim for the goal of a beautiful love which also demands sacrifice.”

-Pope Francis looks at all people with the same gaze he looked at Zacchaeus, not taking into account his sins, wealth or social standing.

“God counts on you for what you are, not for what you possess. In his eyes the clothes you wear or the kind of cell phone you use are of absolutely no concern. He doesn’t care whether you are stylish or not, he cares about you! In his eyes, you are precious and your value is priceless,” the pope said.

Another obstacle, the pope continued, is the “paralysis of shame,” one that Zacchaeus overcame by climbing the sycamore tree at “the risk of appearing completely ridiculous.”

Pope Francis encouraged the young men and women to not be ashamed in bringing “everything to the Lord in confession,

especially your weaknesses, your struggles and your sins.”

“Don’t be afraid to say ‘yes’ to him with all your heart, to respond generously and to follow him! Don’t let your soul grow numb, but aim for the goal of a beautiful love which also demands sacrifice,” the pope said.

Zacchaeus’ final obstacle, he noted, did not come from within but from the “grumbling of the crowd” who first blocked him and then criticized him” for being a sinner.

God challenges Christians to be more powerful than evil by loving everyone and to risk being ridiculed for believing “in the gentle and unassuming power of mercy,” he said.

As he did with Zacchaeus, Jesus looks beyond appearances and faults to the heart – some-

thing young people are called to imitate, the pope said.

“Don’t stop at the surface of things; distrust the worldly cult of appearances, applying makeup on our souls so we seem better than we are,” he said. “Instead, establish the most secure connection, that of the heart that sees and transmits goodness without tiring.”

Although the Mass brought the World Youth Day celebrations to an end, Pope Francis invited the youth to continue along the path that began with their pilgrimage to Krakow and bring the remembrance of God’s love to others.

“Trust the memory of God: his memory is not a ‘hard disk’ that saves and archives all our data, but a tender heart full of compassion that rejoices in de-

finitively erasing every trace of evil,” the pope said.

Before concluding the Mass with the recitation of the Angelus prayer, the pope invited the youths to carry the “spiritual breath of fresh air” back to their countries and communities and “wherever God’s providence leads you.”

That same providence, he concluded, is “one step ahead of us” and “has already determined the next stop in this great pilgrimage begun in 1985 by St. John Paul II!” “So now I am happy to announce that the next World Youth Day – after the two that will be held on the diocesan level – will take place in 2019 in Panama,” Pope Francis told the youths.

The Panama delegation Krakow greeted the announcement with shouts of joy – dancing, bouncing and high-fiving each other.

Pope Francis invited bishops from Panama to join him at center stage in blessing the crowd.

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

COMMENTARY

WORD to LIFE August 14

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10 Gospel: Luke 12:49-53

Psalm 40:2-4, 18

Hebrews 12:1-4

By Jean Denton Catholic News Service I live at the edge of Appalachia, where I’m awed every day by the beauty of the mountains. But despite a sense of serenity, I know the scene before me is not at peace.

The paradox of the Appalachian region is well-known: Its natural beauty and rich culture belie a continuing struggle with environmental exploitation and poverty.

An inspiring, ongoing story I covered as a reporter for my diocesan newspaper was the work of the church advocating for justice in Appalachia. Over recent decades, much of that mission has been carried out at the grass roots by the Catholic Committee of Appalachia, an active group of religious and laypeople living and laboring with the people, lifting a prophetic voice against such degradation as mountaintop removal, industrial pollution and myriad social problems that come with endemic poverty.

The Holy Spirit is at work among God’s faithful people there, characteristically stirring up conflict. Characteristically?

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus asks, “Do you think I have come to establish peace on earth?”

On the contrary, he states, he intends to set the earth on fire, bringing division and, yes, that can mean conflict even among our brothers and sisters in Christ.

A stark example is the struggle for justice in Appalachia, alive with Christ’s Spirit as the members of the church grapple with their differences of opinion on environmental issues.

August 10, 2016

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FOR FAITH-SHARING GROUPS

August 21

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Isaiah 66:18-21 Gospel: Luke 13:22-30

Psalm 117:1-2

Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13

By Jeff Hensley Catholic News Service

Members of the Catholic Committee of Appalachia last year applauded Pope Francis’ encyclical on the global threat of climate change. The pope’s words appeared to speak directly to conditions in Appalachia as he described the critical depletion of the earth’s natural resources and its particular impact on the poor.

But the response of some local dioceses differed from the committee’s. They disagreed on the environmental and economic impact some of the document’s proposals would have on the region as well as on how to address the problems it raised. Nevertheless, the committee encouraged all the bishops of Appalachia to engage the church in the concerns and conflicts raised by “Laudato Si’,” even though the conversation may be contentious.

So it is with many issues our church faces, but in bequeathing his Spirit to his disciples, Jesus baptized us in fire and calls us to work through the conflicts to accomplish his will.

Questions: How would you describe the attitude of Jesus in this Gospel?

When have you witnessed the Spirit of Christ working through conflict?

"THERE IS A BAPTISM WITH WHICH I MUST BE BAPTIZED, AND HOW GREAT IS MY ANGUISH UNTIL IT IS ACCOMPLISHED." – LUKE 12:50

The final part of the Gospel for this week speaks of an event many of us are looking forward to with eagerness. Jesus says, “And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Having lived a pretty privileged firstworld life, I’m not looking to rise in the rankings in the kingdom of God. But it has also been my privilege to know many people – despised because of their poverty and their lack of education – who will.

My wife has the added privilege of working with the poor in the form of refugees and immigrants who have literally come from the east and the west, the north and the south: from Africa, Asia and from all of Latin America.

They come here with hope and a vision to achieve a new life free from fear and free to earn a living that will sustain them and their families.

Though not all are virtuous to a fault, most of them have grown up in families where they were nurtured and protected.

However, some fight against deeply dysfunctional family dynamics that caused them to live on the streets in their home countries. But they do fight their circumstances, and my wife and her co-workers at her school assist them, offering them a hand up through education, kindness, empathy and simply the presence of a listening ear.

Many, though not all, are believers.

Some follow the Hindu and Muslim faiths.

Many of them will someday be among those our Savior greets in eternity in the kingdom of God, where, having experienced life in this world among “the last,” they will everlastingly experience life in the kingdom among “the first” as they recline at the table with our Lord.

Questions: Who do you know whose lives in this world would put them in the category of “the last”?

In what way are you looking forward to seeing them experience life among “the first” in the kingdom?

"I COME TO GATHER NATIONS OF EVERY LANGUAGE." – ISAIAH 66:18A

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August 10, 2016

DIOCESAN

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE