OND Feb. B 2016 Vol. 70 No. 4

VOL. 70, NO. 4

WWW.CROOKSTON.ORG

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Catechumens, candidates formally welcomed

Those fully entering the Church at Easter take the next step of their journey

By Janelle C. Gergen Associate Editor, OND

CROOKSTON, MINN. – More than 80 people gathered for the 2016 Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion for the Diocese of Crookston on Feb. 14 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Rite of Election is the ceremony in which catechumens (those seeking initiation through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) from across the Diocese of Crookston are presented to the bishop and write their names in the Book of Elect.

The Call to Continuing Conversion is celebrated by candidates (those who have already been baptized, but who seek initiation through Confirmation and RITE: Continued on Page 6

Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner addresses catechumens and godparents following the enrollment of names during the 2016 Rite of Election at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 14. (Photo credit: Janelle C. Gergen/OND)

Red Lake Falls parishioners celebrate end of renovation

Bishop Hoeppner blesses new areas of St. Joseph’s, celebrates Mass in updated sanctuary

By Janelle C. Gergen Associate Editor, OND

RED LAKE FALLS, MINN. – Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner traveled to Red Lake Falls on Feb. 14, to celebrate Mass at St. Joseph’s Parish and bless the building that underwent a $1.2 million renovation. Work was completed this month after a three-year process of planning and construction that began with former pastor, Father Chuck Huck, in the fall of 2012, and finished under the direction of current pastor, Father Bill DeCrans.

As he prepared holy water for the blessing at the close of Mass, Bishop Hoeppner prayed, “Bless now this water, sanctified as it is sprinkled upon us and on this entire space. Make DEDICATION: Continued on Page 6

INSIDE VOL. 70, NO. 4:

Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner delivers his homily Feb. 14 at St. Joseph’s, Red Lake Falls. At the end of Mass, he blessed the new areas of the renovated sanctuary, including statues of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary. (Photos credit: Janelle C. Gergen/OND)

Pg. 3 - Annulment Q&A with Father Joseph Richards Pg. 5 - Tips for Attending Precinct Caucuses Pg. 9 - Opportunities for Confession in the Diocese

Bishop Hoeppner sprinkles the Stations of the Cross with holy water while celebrating Mass in the newly renovated St. Joseph’s, Red Lake Falls.

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February 24, 2016

A

COMMENTARY

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Voice from the Valley

BY BISHOP MICHAEL J. HOEPPNER

WELCOME AND ENROLLMENT As a successor of the apostles and chief shepherd of God’s flock in his diocese, the Church holds the bishop responsible for the entire process of people being incorporated into Christ, so much so, that, for example, in speaking of Baptism, the Church declares, in the words of St. Ignatius of Antioch, “It is not permitted to baptize without the authorization of the bishop.”

And so, the First Sunday of Lent always provides a special joy for me, as your bishop, to welcome folks from all corners of the diocese who come together to celebrate the special liturgy that officially welcomes all those preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation at Easter, both those not yet baptized (catechumens) and also those baptized who will join us as full members of the Catholic Church (candidates). In this liturgy, the names of those to be baptized at Easter are officially inscribed in the Book of the Elect. These catechumens are now members of the Elect. In this liturgy, those already baptized but now preparing for full communion with us are each welcomed by the bishop in the name of the Church.

The bishop carries out his

responsibility with the help of so many good people. This liturgy gives me a chance to thank them all: priests, deacons, catechists, lay faithful, sponsors and godparents who walk with these catechumens and candidates to the celebration of the sacraments at Easter. I thank you all. What a wonderful time this Lent is for all whom God is calling to further holiness in their spiritual life. Their response to God’s action in their lives enriches us all as Christ builds up his body, the Church.

Please remember to pray for all our elect and candidates in a special way this Lent.

RESPONDING TO THE INVITATION OF MERCY Did you know that Pope Francis’ motto is: “miserando atque eligendo”? We can read it: “lowly but chosen”, and see why Pope Francis considers it a fitting motto for himself. He certainly sees himself and presents himself as a person “lowly but chosen.” Literally, the words read: “by having mercy; by choosing him.” We can see why mercy is so important for Pope Francis. It is in God’s great mercy that he has called Pope Francis to be our pope.

The words of the Holy Father’s motto come from the

commentary of Venerable Bede on Jesus’ calling Matthew the tax collector to be one of his apostles. Mercy is at the heart of the call to Matthew. As a tax collector, he would certainly have been looked down on and even despised by his Jewish neighbors yet Jesus calls him to be one of the Twelve. In response to being called, Matthew 19 tells us, Matthew, with a joyful heart, invites Jesus for supper. “And many tax collectors and those known as sinners had come to join Jesus and his disciples at dinner.” The Pharisees complain: “What reason can the Teacher have for eating with tax collectors and those who disregard the law?” Jesus overhears and says: “People who are in good health do not need a doctor; sick people do.

Go and learn the meaning of the words ‘it is mercy I desire and not sacrifice.’ I have come to call not the self-righteous but sinners.”

We continue, in this Year of Mercy, to respond to Pope Francis’ invitation to “… gaze even more attentively on mercy …” In my last column, I noted how St. John Paul II wrote that the content of mercy is “love that is manifested with particular force with regard to the suffering, the unfortunate and

sinners [which] makes present and thus more fully reveals the Father, who is God `rich in mercy.’” Mercy does indeed reveal God to us. In fact, mercy is God’s self-revelation to us.

This is wonderfully portrayed in the Old Testament as God reveals to Moses God’s name.

At Mount Horeb, Moses sees the bush, burning but not burned up, and speaks with God. God calls Moses to free his people from their suffering in Egypt and Moses asks God for his name. Moses receives the mysterious reply “I am who I am.” (Ex. 3:14). Biblical experts Martin Buber and Franz Rosenzweig tell us that in Hebraic thought, this is a promise which might be translated: “I am the one who I am there” or “I will be present as the one who will be there.”

In giving Moses his name, God reveals both his being wholly other (the bush is not burned up; it is holy ground) and his commitment to be

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powerfully present in the history of his people. “I will accompany you on your way and when you are in distress, I will hear your cries and answer your pleas.” God has made a covenant with this people, “I will take you as my people and I will be your God” (Ex. 6:7) and as he accompanies this people in their journey of life, God will never forget them. He will be present to them and they will know his presence among them in his mercy.

What a wonderful thought for us to remember as we journey with Jesus this Lent. Where and in what way might we ask God – who is mercy – to be more present to each of us?

May we this Lent acknowledge that we are not one of those “self-righteous” Jesus did not come for but rather one of the “sinners” he came to call. Let Jesus call us to further holiness this Lent and that our hearts might rejoice in being “lowly but chosen” too.

Mass, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston

Mass and Presentation on Mercy, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston Minnesota Catholic Conference, St. Paul

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.

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OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

DIOCESAN

February 24, 2016

3

Judicial Vicar clarifies annulment process changes

By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND

CROOKSTON, MINN. – Last September, Pope Francis caused a stir in the media when the Vatican released planned changes to the annulment process. The changes officially started with the Year of Mercy on Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Father Joseph Richards, the Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Crookston’s Tribunal, sees a strong connection between mercy and the work of the Tribunal.

“The annulment process is all about extending God’s mercy to his sons and daughters who are divorced and desire to enter into a marriage in the Church.

Mary is the Mother of Mercy; and so Pope Francis not only wanted these new procedural norms to have a distinct Marian flavor, he wanted them to begin in this Year of Mercy under the protection of Mary, our mother,” he said.

Father Richards describes the Tribunal as the judiciary branch of the diocese. Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner is the head and chief judge of the Tribunal, but charges his judicial vicar with the responsibility of operating the Tribunal. One duty they have is to study marriages brought to them by petitioners to determine whether or not the matrimonial consent is valid. In the Diocese of Crookston, the Office of the Tribunal receives an average of 50 petitions for annulment each year.

“The vast majority of those who go through the annulment process will acknowledge that, while it may have been a painful process – to reflect on what led to the breakdown of their marriage – they find that the process leads to great healing. It gives them a peace of mind and an opportunity for a new beginning,” said Father Richards.

People are often curious about the annulment process, and there has been some confusion about the changes to the process. Father Richards answered some questions for Our Northland Diocese about annulments and how changes to the process are being implemented in the Diocese of Crookston.

Q: What is an annulment?

A: Father Richards: Every marriage is presumed by the Church to be valid. When a couple gets a divorce either party – whether Catholic or not – can petition for an annulment. The

THREE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS Father Richards says the following three issues are the most commonly misunderstood when it comes to the annulment process: “One of the main questions that we get regarding an annulment is ‘what does this say about our kids?’ It is important to know that any children conceived in this marriage are considered to be legitimate. The declaration of nullity does not say anything about their legitimacy.

“Another misconception is that an annulment is just the Church’s form of a divorce – this simply is not true. Because of the sacramental nature that takes place through the valid consent of two baptized persons, we need to have moral certitude that the marriage in question began with invalid consent before we can make the declaration of nullity.

“A third misconception is that a divorced person cannot receive Holy Communion or participate in the life of the Church. If a person is divorced and living a single life he/she may still receive Communion and participate in the life of the Church. The annulment is needed to enter into a marriage. If the divorced person is living with someone whom he/she is not married to, they are to refrain from receiving Holy Communion, just like any other individual who is living with someone outside of marriage.”

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ANNULMENT PROCESS?

Contact your pastor or call the Office of the Tribunal at 218-281-4050

Father Joseph Richards, JCL, is the Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Crookston’s Tribunal. (Photo credit: Janelle C. Gergen/OND)

“God’s mercy is found in the truth. The annulment process is all about discovering the truth.”

– Father Joseph Richards, Judicial Vicar, Office of the Tribunal

annulment, if granted, is a declaration of the invalidity of the consent to marriage. Consent is what makes marriage, so if one or the other of the parties intended something different from what the Church intends, or if they exclude something that the Church says is essential to the bond of marriage, the consent exchanged can be declared invalid.

There are what we call essential properties of marriage and essential elements of marriage that must be present in order for the bond of marriage to be valid. In the annulment process we study the consent to determine whether or not the properties and elements were indeed present.

The properties of marriage consist of unity (i.e. the mar-

riage is an exclusive relationship between husband and wife – promise of fidelity) and indissolubility (i.e. this is a lifelong commitment).

The elements of marriage consist of openness to procreation and education of children, and an understanding that marriage is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouse.

If any one of these properties or elements are excluded by either party there is a ground for an annulment. Once there is a declaration of invalidity, both parties are able to enter into a marriage in the Church.

There are several questions, too numerous to go into here, that help us determine what ground we will use as we study the marriage.

Q: Why were reforms made to the annulment process?

A: It is important to remember that Pope Francis upholds the long-held teaching of the Church, as handed down to us

by Jesus, that marriage is indissoluble. None of the reforms change that teaching.

Judges in the nullity process are required to have the same level of moral certitude now as they always have been. The recent reforms made to the annulment process were made to help expedite the process.

There are three main changes that took place: 1) Abolishing the requirement of an automatic appeal.

In the past, every case, if given an affirmative decision, was appealed by law to the Appellate Tribunal. (The Diocese of Crookston’s Appellate Tribunal is the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.) By eliminating this as a mandatory step we are able to make a decision on a case and, provided that neither party nor the Defender of the Bond appeal the decision in the canonically allotted period of time, the parties are free to enter into marriage.

2) Introducing what is called the procéssus brévior – commonly called the brief process.

If a petition meets certain re-

quirements and the case appears to be clearly invalid, it may be eligible for the brief process.

In the brief process, both parties are involved and the case goes before the bishop, who is the head judge of his diocese, and if he can reach moral certitude as to the invalidity of the marriage based on the evidence that we have, he can make the declaration of invalidity. If he is unable to reach that moral certitude then the case goes through the ordinary process.

3) Jurisdiction – the new reforms make it easier for the Judicial Vicar to claim what is called jurisdiction. Jurisdiction is based on one of three things: a) The diocese in which the marriage took place; b) The diocese in which either the petitioner or the respondent have domicile or quasi-domicile; and c) The diocese in which most of the proofs will be gathered.

All of the reforms to the process are intended to help the judge(s) reach moral certitude in a more timely manner so that truth and justice may prevail and the interested party or parties may enter into a marriage in the Catholic Church.

Q: What are some of the ANNULMENTS: Continued on Page 7

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February 24, 2016

COMMENTARY

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

The New Evangelization begins in the confessional The following is an address given

by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. I cited parts of it in a column shortly after that. In light of the Year of Mercy, I thought it would be good to run the whole address. I left off the first paragraph as well as the last two paragraphs addressed directly to priests and deacons …

“The Sacraments and the Proclamation of the Word must never be conceived as separate; on the contrary, ‘Jesus says that the proclamation of the Kingdom of God is the goal of his mission; this proclamation, however, is not only a ‘discourse’ but at the same time includes his action; the signs and miracles that Jesus works show that the Kingdom comes as a present reality and in the end coincides with his very Person, with his gift of himself. ...

The priest represents Christ, the One sent by the Father, he continues his mission, through the ‘word’ and the ‘sacrament’, in this totality of body and soul, of sign and word (General Audience, 5 May 2010).

“This totality, rooted in the very mystery of the Incarnation, suggests to us that the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is itself a proclamation and therefore a path to

CREDO

A NEW EVANGELIZATION WITNESS

By Father Robert Schreiner, S.T.L.

Director of the Office of the New Evangelization

“The certainty that he is close and in his mercy awaits the human being, even one who is involved in sin, in order to heal his weakness with the grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is always a ray of hope for the world.”

– Pope Benedict XVI take for the work of the New Evangelization.

“In what sense then is sacramental confession a ‘path’ for the New Evangelization? First of all because the New Evangelization draws its lifeblood from the holiness of the children of the Church, from the daily journey of personal and community conversion in order

to be ever more closely conformed to Christ. Then there is a close connection between holiness and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, witnessed by all the saints of history. The real conversion of our hearts, which means opening ourselves to God’s transforming and renewing action, is the ‘driving force’ of every reform and is

expressed in a real evangelizing effort. In confession, through the freely bestowed action of divine Mercy, repentant sinners are justified, pardoned and sanctified and abandon their former selves to be re-clothed in the new.

“Only those who have let themselves be profoundly renewed by divine grace are able to bear within them – and hence to proclaim – the newness of the Gospel. In his Apostolic Letter, ‘Novo Millennio Ineunte’, Blessed John Paul II said: ‘I am also asking for renewed pastoral courage in ensuring that the day-to-day teaching of Christian communities persuasively and effectively presents the practice of the Sacrament of Reconciliation’ (n. 37).

“I would like to reassert this appeal, in the awareness that the New Evangelization must acquaint the people of our time with the face of Christ as ‘mysterium pietatis, the one in whom God shows us his compassionate heart and reconciles us fully with himself. It is this face of Christ that must be rediscovered through the Sacrament of Penance’ (ibid.).

“In an age of educational

emergency in which relativism is calling into question the very possibility of an education understood as a gradual introduction to knowledge of the truth, to the profound sense of reality, hence as a gradual introduction to the relationship with the Truth which is God, Christians are called to proclaim energetically the possibility of the encounter between today’s people and Jesus Christ, in whom God made himself so close that he may be seen and heard.

“In this perspective the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which begins with a look at one’s actual condition in life, contributes uniquely to achieving that ‘openness of heart’ which enables one to turn one’s gaze to God so that he may enter one’s life. The certainty that he is close and in his mercy awaits the human being, even one who is involved in sin, in order to heal his weakness with the grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is always a ray of hope for the world. “… The New Evangelization, therefore, also begins in the confessional!”

Precinct caucuses: What will our excuse be this time?

If you have had an eye on the television or an ear on the radio you already know the “crazy season” called Election 2016 is upon us.

Both parties seem determined to embarrass themselves with all the name calling, negative advertising and endless bickering. Yet, what we see (and hear) is what we get. I believe we will also deserve what we get if we are not involved and attempting to make a difference.

Of course some will say I am too political in my writing.

Truth is, religion is all about how we love God. Politics is all about how we love our neighbor. As a Catholic, I can’t put those two things in separate boxes. Hypocrites are defined by doing exactly that.

Tuesday, March 1, we will have the opportunity to change things. Don’t scoff at the thought.

I have said it consistently every two years for as long as I have been writing this column. The precinct caucuses on March 1 are the place to be if

LIFE

FIRST

By Father Don Braukmann

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

we, as Catholics, honestly believe what we say when it comes to life, justice and peace.

Just a fraction of a percentage of folks show up at the precinct caucuses where the foundation of party platforms and the list of potential candidates are discussed and narrowed.

Yes, it means spending one evening walking into a room where your neighbors have gathered. Yes, you will risk being judged as a full fledged Democrat or Republican. Yes, parts of the evening will be boring and parts uncomfortable. Yes, you will be glad to leave when it is over.

Given all of that, on March

1 each of us will make a statement by our presence or our absence as to what really matters in this world.

I have attended both caucuses over the years and I have been embarrassed by the views of some at both caucuses. I have heard Republicans defend the right to life of the child in the womb and yet demand the party support the death penalty.

The Democrats have been eloquent about taking care of the poor yet, in the next breath say the unborn child, the poorest of the poor, should die if she is not convenient.

March 1 is a matter of life and death; it simply is whether

we want to admit it or not.

Yet, I know most of those reading this will stay home. I know most believe their view really doesn’t matter or that they don’t want to walk into a room full of Republicans or Democrats because they don’t feel part of either party.

As Catholics, we ARE homeless politically. Neither party supports a consistent ethic of life but that can change March 1 … it really can!

When I was in college in St. Paul our campus pro-life group got together, went to the local caucus and nominated a prolife candidate for city council in a very pro-abortion caucus.

We not only got the person the nomination, we also carried them to victory in November when the “establishment” said it could never be done.

I am not talented enough in writing to inspire the reader to take a risk March 1 for the child in the womb, the man or woman on death row, the unemployed blue collar bread winner of the household, the illegal alien run-

ning from a life of terror, or the elderly who face judgment as to their worth to society.

It simply comes to this: how can it be OK to sit home on March 1 when you could change the status quo and maybe even save a life?

How do you finish this sentence: “Even though the child in the womb depends upon my voice because they do not have their own, I am going to stay home on March 1 because …”

Our excuses quickly pale when we think about how we would answer that question.

Once again, religion is about how we love God; politics is about how we love our neighbor.

Find your precinct caucus location by calling 651-293-1200 for the locations of the Democrat caucuses and 651-222-0022 for the Republican. Check out your local paper or go online to find the same information at www.caucusfinder.sos.state. mn.us.

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

COMMENTARY

Bringing Christ to the caucus Venturing into the political realm today can be an unappealing prospect. Sometimes it seems that American politics appeals to our base fears and prejudices, while advancing only the special interests of a powerful few. Often sound bites, faux controversies, and empty gestures take the place of true civil discourse and a deeper understanding of how to pursue the common good.

As followers of Christ, we might wonder if participating in the political process is worth our time at all. Why muddy ourselves or the Church in such a seemingly dirty business? Shouldn’t we stay above this ugly fray?

Not according to Pope Francis, who reminds us that “a good Catholic meddles in politics.” In fact, rather than lamenting the negative state of things, I believe we are called to do our small part to make a ripple of change. One of the keys is not getting fixated on national and presidential politics. Instead, we should remember the fundamental truth that political change starts in our local communities and in our state.

DUTIES OF FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP Civic engagement is part of the vocation of all God’s faithful, who are called by Jesus to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.”

Though contemporary politics may indeed be distasteful at times, and darkened by a flawed understanding of the human person, this is all the more reason for Christians to bring the Good News into public life in whatever way we can.

This is not a duty that any of us can delegate. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that it is every person’s responsibility, as far as possible, to promote the common good through participation in public life (CCC 2240). Yes, we are our brother’s keeper, and our social concern for others extends to the public arena, where the lawmaking process can have an important impact in affirming human dignity and fostering the common good.

Though each of us is responsible for the care of our community, this does not mean we all have to run for office (thank God!). Nor does it mean that our civic responsibilities are fulfilled after casting our ballot. We all have different gifts and roles to play, and we must

FAITH

IN THE PUBLIC ARENA

By Bishop Andrew Cozzens

Auxiliary Bishop Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Helpful Resources Conscience formation: Think about politics in the same way the Church does. The USCCB’s Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility is a good place to start.

Sample resolutions: The Minnesota Catholic Conference has prepared resolutions that can be introduced at either Republican or Democratic precinct caucuses, all with the aim of urging both parties to support the flourishing of human life from conception to natural death.

Candidate preference tools: Tools like Project Vote Smart and ISideWith. com can help you determine the presidential candidate who most closely shares your views.

These and other resources are on the Minnesota Catholic Conference’s website: www.mncc.org/caucus.

discern where we are called.

For some, it might be issue advocacy; for others, it might be service in the community, such as volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center or providing meals for the hungry. At minimum, we can – and should – pray! We can pray for our nation, elected officials, and all citizens.

Of course, we are all busy with many responsibilities in our homes, schools, and workplaces. But exercising the duties of faithful citizenship need not come at the expense of our more immediate responsibilities. In fact, given the growing number of political and legal threats posed to our religious liberty and way of life, Catholic engagement in politics is necessary to defend our families and consciences.

BE THE CHANGE WE SEEK It’s fair to ask, “Where do we begin?” Like in any work of missionary discipleship, the key is to start with prayer so that we may see better through the lens of faith. Where am I needed?

What are my gifts? How do I feel led by the Holy Spirit?

Though we can be focused on what we see filtered through national media, I know from personal experience that even simple engagement at a local level can have a noticeable impact. I was blessed to grow up in a family that believed in the importance of political participation. As a high school student, I would join friends and family members and participate in local precinct meetings, espe-

cially when I turned 18 and was able to vote. It was incredible to see and experience how a few individuals who are well organized and of strong conviction can affect the candidates a political party endorses and the positions it adopts.

Here in Minnesota, we have a fast-approaching opportunity to be faithful citizens by participating in local precinct caucuses, which will be held on March 1 (see the article below for details). Though there are many ways to participate in the political process, precinct caucuses are an impactful – but often overlooked – means of shaping our political landscape. A unified Catholic voice at the caucus level can play a large part in ending the “political homelessness” that many Catholics experience by urging all political parties to adopt positions that foster human flourishing from conception to natural death.

As you consider ways in which you can exercise faithful citizenship, I encourage you to look to the Minnesota Catholic Conference – the public policy voice of the six Catholic dioceses of Minnesota. They have a wealth of resources to help faithful Catholics better participate in the political process, foster faithful citizenship, and end political homelessness.

By entering the public arena, emboldened by the Gospel and the Holy Spirit, we can, little by little, change American politics and be faithful to our Church’s call to foster the common good for all Minnesotans.

February 24, 2016

5

Pointers for Participating in Your Precinct Caucus Minnesota has a proud history of civic engagement, and the caucus system is part of that legacy. As Catholics, caucusing provides us an opportunity not only to live out the call to faithful citizenship, but also to have a meaningful impact on the political process.

Here is what you need to know in order to be an effective voice for the common good and human dignity at your local precinct caucus. The Minnesota Catholic Conference offers the following advice to prepare caucus-goers:

The basics of caucusing ▪ Precinct caucuses will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 beginning at 7:00 PM. Find yours at www.caucusfinder.sos. state.mn.us.

▪ A precinct caucus is a local meeting organized by a political party. The Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, the Republican Party of Minnesota, and several other political parties hold them across the state.

▪ The precinct caucus is the first in a series of meetings where political parties endorse candidates and set goals and values (called party platforms). The positions and candidates supported at the local level directly inform the positions and candidates that delegates support at each political party’s state convention.

▪ Anyone can attend a precinct caucus, but in order to participate you must be eligible to vote in the upcoming general election, live in the precinct, and be inclined to support the principles of the party with which you are caucusing.

▪ At your precinct caucus, you can vote for the candidate you want the party to support for president. The results will help determine how many delegates each candidate gets at their party’s national endorsing convention.

▪ You can also introduce and support resolutions on statewide policy issues, such as abortion restrictions, education choice, and public support for low-income families. Anyone can introduce a resolution, and, if passed, a resolution can eventually become part of the official party platform.

▪ Delegates to represent your precinct at future conventions, as well as local party leaders, will also be selected at the caucus.

▪ You have the right to take time off work to participate in a precinct caucus. You must give your employer ten days’ written notice (See Minn. Stat. §§ 202A.19, subd.2 and 202A.135).

Tips for being an effective caucus-goer ▪ Go prepared. Form your conscience for faithful citizenship by learning the principles of Catholic social doctrine; be ready to apply them to the conversations that will take place. Also, be familiar with the candidates’ positions and how closely they reflect a consistent ethic of life.

▪ Bring a buddy (or ten). If well-organized and of strong conviction, even a small number of people can make a big difference at a local precinct caucus. Consider asking friends from your parish to join you.

▪ Be winsome! There are several different ways to make a point or to advocate for a particular position. Finding ways that inspire and bring people together are typically most effective.

▪ Build relationships. Politics is fundamentally about civic friendship. Whether you’ll be introducing resolutions or not, your precinct caucus is a good opportunity to get to know others who live and work in your community and join them in working for the common good.

▪ Pray! Remember that you’re going to the caucus to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Ask Him to supply you with confidence, charisma, and prudence, and pray that His will be done in all things.

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February 24, 2016

AROUND THE DIOCESE

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

RITE: Continued from Page 1 Eucharist).

During his homily, Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner welcomed all the candidates, catechumens and their supporters saying, “We congratulate you candidates and catechumens … We thank almighty God for you and pray that you will continue your march in the way of holiness. Welcome! We support you and keep you in our prayers, especially this Lent, as we all journey towards the great celebration of Easter. Continue … to always offer yourselves in service of love for neighbor.

God will always use you as an instrument for God’s kingdom.

May you know grace and peace always … may you bear fruit of love as true disciples of Jesus for the praise and glory of God.” Catechumens were then

presented by Deacon Kermit Erickson, Co-director of the RCIA program at St. Philip’s, Bemidji. Godparents of the catechumens affirmed their readiness. Each parish’s RCIA director read the names of those to be enrolled and each catechumen came forward to sign the Book of the Elect.

Following the election, Bishop Hoeppner addressed the group by saying, “God is always faithful to those he calls: now it is your duty, as it is ours, both to be faithful to him in return and to strive courageously to reach the fullness of truth, which your election opens up before you. Godparents, you have spoken in favor of these catechumens: accept them now as chosen in the Lord and continue to sustain them through your loving care and example,

until they come to share in the sacraments of God’s life.”

Deacon Erickson then presented the candidates and their sponsors. After affirming their readiness for full initiation in to the Church, Bishop Hoeppner said, “The church recognizes your desire to be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and to have a place at Christ’s Eucharistic table. Join with us this Lent in a spirit of repentance.

Hear the Lord’s call to conversion and be faithful to your baptismal covenant.”

Following the enrollment of names and the presentation of the candidates, Bishop Hoeppner gave a Year of Mercy holy card to participants. At the conclusion of the liturgy, a reception was held in the Cathedral dining room.

Robb Naylor, RCIA Co-director from St. Philip’s, Bemidji, and Kardelen Hanson watch as Sofia Hanson, of St. Philip’s, signs her name in the Book of the Elect during the 2016 Rite of Election. (Photo credit: Janelle C. Gergen/OND)

DEDICATION: Continued from Page 1 it a sign of the saving waters of Baptism, by which we become one in Christ, the temple of your Spirit. May all today here, and all those who will celebrate your mysteries in this church in the days and years to come, be united at last in the one, holy city of peace.” The congregation then sang “With Joy, You Shall Draw Water” as Bishop Hoeppner sprinkled holy water on the renovated sanctuary and the building’s addition.

Lois Remick, St. Joseph’s Building Committee chairperson, said it all began with an idea to clean, paint and carpet the church. A committee was formed to assess the needs of 33 parish groups, such as the Knights of Columbus and Ladies Guild, and to look in to repair costs. Input was given and many ideas came forward.

Three architects were interviewed for the project. Bobbi Hepper Olson of Buxton, N.D., was chosen. Plans were drawn and several revisions made in order to meet the needs of the budget.

It was decided the project would include an 82-foot-by-40 -foot ground-level entryway and gathering space on the south end of the church, with a full size elevator and bathrooms. According to Remick, the entry now allows guests to feel more welcome because everyone now arrives and leaves from the same part of the

The completed adoration chapel is pictured behind the altar of St. Joseph’s. (Photo credit: Janelle C. Gergen/OND)

This photo of the outside of St. Joseph’s, Red Lake Falls, was taken after construction was completed.

(Submitted photo)

building.

The Blessed Sacrament Chapel and sanctuary saw major changes as well. A spiral staircase and confessional were removed from the front of the sanctuary. The confessional is now located at the back of the church. The organ was moved and a space was created up front for musicians and handicapped seating.

The altar from St. Anthony’s, Terrebonne, which closed in 2000, was used for the remod-

eled Blessed Sacrament chapel behind the main altar. The altar from St. Anthony’s originally came from St. Mary’s, Red Lake Falls, when it closed in 1952. A baldecchino was built over the altar and tabernacle. The space has new cabinetry for reading materials and serves as the adoration chapel for the parish.

New statues of St. Joseph and Mary, the Blessed Mother, were purchased and placed on platforms toward front of the church. The Stations of the

Cross were removed and given to the Diocesan Exchange so the ones from St. Anthony’s, Terrebonne, could be hung in their place. The church was painted and carpeted as well.

The south entry addition was completed by Kent Schmitz, the general contractor for the project, and the work in the sanctuary was done by volunteers.

“We are so fortunate to have so many people in our congregation that are tradesmen …

They all work together really well to get things done,” said Remick.

Susan Olson, a long time parishioner of St. Joseph’s said, “The guys that did the volunteer work inside the church were just incredible. They even worked through lunch!”

“The whole time it felt like it [the project] was something God wanted us to do. We wanted to make it as nice as we possibly could for him … it was a spirit-filled journey,” said Olson.

Money for the project was raised in a three year campaign for pledges. Four estate gifts also made the project possible.

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

DIOCESAN

February 24, 2016

7

ANNULMENTS: Continued from Page 3 requirements for the brief process? How is it used?

A: Certain procedural steps have been amended without compromise to the theology of marriage, the law, or the integrity of the process. The brief process will go before the bishop, who is shepherd and head [of the diocesan Church], and by that reason a judge. There are three qualifications that must be met in order to use the brief process: 1) Both parties must consent to the process; 2) The facts surrounding the case must be obvious according to the marriage law of the Church; 3) All of the facts that support the criteria of nullity (the proofs) such as documents and the testimony of the parties and witnesses must be readily accessible and available.

Even with this, the time nec-

essary will vary from case to case. Once collected, the acts of the case are submitted to the bishop for a decision.

We will use the brief process any time it is determined to be appropriate, having met all of the qualifications mentioned above.

Q: How will the reforms be implemented or affect the annulment process in the Diocese of Crookston?

A: The reforms have been completely implemented in the Diocese of Crookston. The Tribunal staff began preparing for these changes soon after they were announced on September 8, 2015, so that we would be prepared to implement them on December 8 – the date on which they became the law.

Q: How long did it typically take for a decision to be handed down before the re-

forms? How long will it take now?

A: In the past, it typically took nine months to a year for our Tribunal to make a decision. Then it was appealed by law to the Appellate Tribunal, which took up to another year, and in some cases even longer.

Now, with the reforms, it will still typically take our Tribunal approximately nine months (unless the case meets the requirements for the brief process – then maybe five months), but remember, there is no longer the automatic appeal by law. This means a year or more has been eliminated from the process provided neither the petitioner, respondent, nor Defender of the Bond appeal the case.

Q: What will happen to the cases that were started prior to the reforms? Will the new process apply or will they still follow the old process?

A: The cases that were completed by our Tribunal prior to the reforms must continue through the process unless the petitioning party renounces the case. Cases that were started before the reforms but were completed after December 8 fall under the new law and are completed according to it.

Q: How does the annulment process begin in the Diocese of Crookston?

A: The annulment process begins by approaching your pastor or the Tribunal and filling out an application. After receiving the application, with all the essential documents (e.g. divorce decree, baptismal certificates, marriage certificate etc.), if it appears that there are grounds for an annulment, the application is accepted and we begin the process of studying the case.

Q: How does the Tribunal determine if a marriage is valid or not?

A: The determination of the validity of the matrimonial consent is done through a close study of the testimony of the petitioner, the respondent (if they participate), other witnesses who would have known the party or parties at the time of consent, and other documents that we are able to gather. Once all of the testimony and documents are gathered we look to see if any aspect of the matrimonial consent was missing at the time the vows were exchanged (i.e. any of the properties or elements already mentioned, as well as other grounds).

Q: What fees are involved in obtaining an annulment in the Diocese of Crookston?

A: Pope Francis has encouraged tribunals throughout the world to do what they can to

cover the cost of the annulment process, so as not to discourage anyone from petitioning for an annulment based on fees or other costs. The Diocese of Crookston has not charged or collected any fees for the study of a marriage since 2003. The costs for the Tribunal staff and offices are covered by the diocese.

Q: In what ways is the annulment process merciful?

A: Men and women who are divorced often want to enter into a new marriage and/or live out their Catholic faith. The Church presumes that every marriage is valid; and the only thing that can dissolve the matrimonial consent is death.

By studying a marriage that ended in divorce, the Church is able to determine whether or not the matrimonial consent is valid. If we are not able to reach moral certitude that the consent is invalid, then we must hold up the dignity of marriage and the matrimonial bond. If, however, we can reach moral certitude that for one reason or another the consent was invalid, then we can make a declaration of nullity and the parties are free to enter into a marriage. God’s mercy is found in the truth. The annulment process is all about discovering the truth.

wants your news and advertisements!

Find 2016 publishing dates and submission deadlines on the web: www.crookston.org/ond The next OND submission deadline is: Wednesday, March 2 by 12:00 p.m.

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

8

February 24, 2016

AROUND THE DIOCESE

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Dilworth Knights host free throw competition The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is held annually. Winners progress through local, district, regional and state competitions. Boys and girls age 9 to 14 are eligible to participate in their respective age divisions. St. Elizabeth Council 15722 of Dilworth sponsored a local free throw competition on Jan. 14. Thirty nine youths participated. The event was held in the Dilworth Glyndon Felton Middle School Gym. Winners of the local competition are as follows: 9-year-old boys: 1st, Brennan Johnk; 2nd, Kade Swenson.

9-year-old girls: 1st, Tatyana Pollock; 2nd, Jenna Brendemuel.

10-year-old boys: 1st, Payten Aas; 2nd, Austin Anderson. 10-yearold girls: 1st, Lola Garrett; 2nd, Alexis Riniker. 11-year-old boys: 1st, Grant Anderson; 2nd, Kayden Camacho. 12-year-old boys: 1st, Wyatt Halsa; 2nd, Colby Schrieber. 12-year-old girls: 1st, Brooke Kangas; 2nd, Mikah Lizotte. 13-year-old boys: 1st, Ian Mickelson; 2nd, Austin Erickson/Cade Dawson. 13-year-old girls: 1st, Briena Gustafson; 2nd, Ellie Dalman. (Submitted photo)

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

AROUND THE DIOCESE

February 24, 2016

9

EXPERIENCE THE EXTRAORDINARY GRACE OF GOD’S GIFT OF MERCY Lenten confession times in the Diocese of Crookston ADA: ST. JOSEPH’S – PENANCE SERVICE

EUCLID: ST. MARY’S – PENANCE SERVICE

Sunday, March 6, 4:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

Saturday, March 19, 5:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

ARGYLE: ST. ROSE OF LIMA’S – PENANCE SERVICE

FERTILE: ST. JOSEPH’S – PENANCE SERVICE

Wednesday, March 16, 7:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

Wednesday, March 2, 7:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

BARNESVILLE: ASSUMPTION – PENANCE SERVICE

FISHER: ST. FRANCIS’ – PENANCE SERVICE

Wednesday, March 2, 7:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

BEAULIEU: ST. JOSEPH’S – 24 HOURS FOR THE LORD

Saturday, March 5, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

BEMIDJI: ST. PHILIP’S – 24 HOURS FOR THE LORD

Friday, March 4, All day and evening.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

Wednesday, March 2, 7:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

FRAZEE: SACRED HEART – 24 HOURS FOR THE LORD

Friday, March 4, 12:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

Saturday, March 5, 4:30 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

MAHNOMEN: ST. MICHAEL’S – 24 HOURS FOR THE LORD

STEPHEN: ST. STEPHEN’S – 24 HOURS FOR THE LORD

Tuesday, March 22, 7:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

MENTOR: ST. LAWRENCE’S – PENANCE SERVICE

Friday, March 4: Adoration from 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. with the Sacrament of Reconciliation available at the top of each hour.

Saturday, March 5: Adoration from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the Sacrament of Reconciliation available at the top of each hour.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

Wednesday, March 9, 4:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

DETROIT LAKES: HOLY ROSARY – 24 HOURS FOR THE LORD

CALLAWAY: ASSUMPTION

Confession will be offered frequently at varying times.

See parish bulletin for details.

CROOKSTON: CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION – PENANCE SERVICE

Friday, March 4, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

MAHNOMEN: ST. MICHAEL’S – PENANCE SERVICE

Wednesday, March 16, 7:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

TABOR: HOLY TRINITY – PENANCE SERVICE

Friday, March 4, 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 5, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

MOORHEAD: ST. FRANCIS DE SALES’ – PENANCE SERVICE

Wednesday, March 16, 7:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

Monday, February 29, 7:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

DETROIT LAKES: HOLY ROSARY – PENANCE SERVICE

MOORHEAD: ST. JOSEPH’S – PENANCE SERVICE

Wednesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

Sunday, March 13, 5:30 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

Monday, March 14, 7:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

DILWORTH: ST. ELIZABETH’S – PENANCE SERVICE

OGEMA: MOST HOLY REDEEMER – 24 HOURS FOR THE LORD

Wednesday, March 9, 6:30 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

EAST GRAND FORKS: SACRED HEART – PENANCE SERVICE

Monday, March 14, 7:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

WARREN: STS. PETER AND PAUL’S – PENANCE SERVICE

WARROAD: ST. MARY’S – PENANCE SERVICE

Monday, March 14, 7:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

WAUBUN: ST. ANN’S – 24 HOURS FOR THE LORD

Friday, March 4, 6:30 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

Friday, March 4, 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

OSLO: ST. JOSEPH’S – PENANCE SERVICE

WHITE EARTH: ST. BENEDICT’S – 24 HOURS FOR THE LORD

Saturday, March 12, 5:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

Friday, March 4, 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Check parish bulletin for additional confession times.

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February 24, 2016

Scalia dies at 79

By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON – Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who died of apparent natural causes Feb. 13 while in Texas on a hunting trip, once said in an interview that while he took his Catholic faith seriously, he never allowed it to influence his work on the high court.

“I don’t think there’s any such thing as a Catholic judge,” Scalia told The Catholic Review, Baltimore’s archdiocesan newspaper, in 2010. “There are good judges and bad judges.

The only article in faith that plays any part in my judging is the commandment ‘Thou Shalt Not Lie.’” Scalia said it wasn’t his job to make policy or law, but to “say only what the law provides.”

On the issue of abortion, for example, he told the Review that “if I genuinely thought the Constitution guaranteed a woman’s right to abortion, I would be on the other [side],” said Scalia, who long held that abortion is not guaranteed in the Constitution. “It would [have] nothing with my religion,” he said. “It has to do with my being a lawyer.”

He was widely regarded as an “originalist,” who said the best method for judging cases was examining what the Founding Fathers meant when writing the

Constitution.

Nominated to the high court in June 1986 by President Ronald Reagan and confirmed by the Senate that September, Scalia was the longest-serving member of the current Supreme Court. He was 79.

With his death, there are now five Catholics among the remaining eight justices.

According to an AP story, Scalia’s body was flown on a private plane from Texas to Virginia, arriving late the night of Feb. 14.

His body will lie in repose Feb. 19 at the Supreme Court all day and into the evening.

On Feb. 20, a funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine if the Immaculate Conception. The day of repose and the funeral are open to the public. The wake and burial will be private.

“We are all deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected death of Justice Antonin Scalia,” said Bishop Paul S. Loverde of Arlington, Virginia, the diocese Scalia and his wife of nearly 56 years, Maureen McCarthy Scalia, called home.

Besides his wife, Scalia is survived by the couple’s five sons and four daughters as well as 36 grandchildren. One of their sons, Father Paul Scalia, is a priest of the Arlington Diocese.

Remember poor with budget cuts, North Dakota bishops urge

By Catholic News Service BISMARCK, N.D. – The Catholic bishops of North Dakota are urging the state’s governor and state agencies to make sure the needs of the poor are met amid the governor’s request that agencies cut their budgets by slightly more than 4 percent.

The bishops pleaded that the governor and state agencies resist quick, simplistic solutions such as across-the-board cuts to give priority to the “needs of those who will be most hurt by a reduction of services.”

Bishops David D. Kagan of Bismarck and John T. Folda of Fargo stressed that carefully working out budgets will require serious consideration and also may mean that some agencies “will need to make greater sacrifices than others so that we can give priority to those most in need.”

In response to declining state revenue, North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple ordered all state agencies to cut 4.05 percent from their current budgets, which must be submitted

by Feb. 17. The Legislature and the state’s judiciary branch also will make the same cuts to their budgets.

The cuts are meant to make up for a more than $1 billion budget shortfall because of a drop in oil drilling and depressed crude prices – a key part of the state’s economy.

According to The Associated Press, the Legislature’s $14.4 billion budget for the past two years was built on oil prices and economic assumptions that have fallen.

“We remind all involved that the state’s budget is a moral document and will ultimately be judged on how it affects the least of us,” the bishops said.

NATIONAL

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

New book offers an open window into Cardinal Wuerl’s life, U.S. church

By Christopher Chapman Catholic News Service Washington’s Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl exemplifies an unusual aspect of the Catholic Church’s governance: when most other men and women are retiring and winding down, senior prelates are reaching the zenith of their authority and influence.

Although bishops are required by canon law to submit their resignation to the pope at age 75, many work well beyond those years, often wielding clout well into their 80s.

That is a primary reason the authors of this new biography – they actually eschew the label of “biography” in the introduction – caution us that this book is hardly the definitive story of Cardinal Wuerl, who only recently turned 75.

He arguably is America’s most important and influential prelate in the midst of the pontificate of Pope Francis. Indeed, Basilian Father Thomas Rosica, CEO of Salt and Light Television Network in Canada and an English-language assistant to the Holy See Press Office, says: “He [Cardinal Wuerl] is one of the most articulate interpreters of who Francis is and what Francis is doing.”

Though not definitive, this book gives a thorough overview of the many initiatives and events in the life of Cardinal Wuerl, former bishop of Pittsburgh and Washington’s archbishop since 2006. For anyone seeking a solid introduction to the cardinal, this book offers a great beginning. Moreover, it also offers a window – not the only one, but definitely a window – into the life of the American Catholic Church over the past four or five decades.

Two words that appear as motifs in the story of Cardinal Wuerl are “moderate” and “pastoral,” the second so central as to be included in the title.

It becomes clear in chapter after chapter that Cardinal Wuerl has consistently tried to chart a course of episcopal leadership that steers clear of extreme positions. Only in cases that he deemed most clear and urgent, such as priests found guilty of abusing minors, was there deviation from this course. This “middle road” will no doubt be a topic of debate in more critical biographies and histories yet to be written, but in this volume it stands as one of the defin-

This is the cover of “Something More Pastoral: The Mission of Bishop, Archbishop and Cardinal Donald Wuerl,” by Ann Rodgers and Mike Aquilina. (Image credit: CNS)

ing characteristics of Cardinal Wuerl.

Indeed, one of the reasons that it is important to think about the episcopacy of Cardinal Wuerl is that there is a discernible philosophy at work. Amid his dizzying array of initiatives, committees and ministries, which really do demand a book-length treatment, a clear line of thinking and action emerges.

Cardinal Wuerl is hardly the only influential American Catholic bishop of the past few decades, but he is the best example of a certain kind of engagement with the world and the church that has become known as “moderate” and/or “pastoral.”

Work in the church as long as Cardinal Wuerl has and it is impossible to avoid controversy.

Accordingly, the authors revisit his tumultuous early years in Seattle, where he served as an auxiliary bishop to Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen.

An apostolic investigation into complaints about Archbishop Hunhausen’s leadership led the Vatican in 1986 to order him to turn over some authority to his auxiliary bishop. A public outcry led to a review of the situation by three U.S. bishops appointed by the Vatican; in 1987, on their recommendation, the Vatican restored Archbishop Hunthausen’s full authority. In 1988, then-Bishop Wuerl was named to Pittsburgh.

Ann Rodgers and Mike Aquilina also give a glimpse into the restructuring of the Diocese of Pittsburgh in the late ‘80s and

early ‘90s, reveal what Cardinal Wuerl did to deal with abusive priests and how he handled the eventual explosion of that same story on the national scene in the early 2000s.

A whole chapter is dedicated to the “difficult issues” highlighted by the debate of wayward Catholic politicians and whether they should be denied holy Communion. None of these prominent issues are sidestepped, although none are dealt with from a critical perspective. The book very much presents the cardinal’s side of things, with no counter viewpoints.

In a different light, the book offers glimpses of the many initiatives that Cardinal Wuerl has undertaken and has been involved with to bring about renewal in the church, often in relation to what we usually refer to as the new evangelization.

His well-documented advocacy for Catholic education, his establishment of the Extra Mile Education Foundation and other serious, long-term financial investments in Catholic education are documented.

His desire to have more people visit the confessionals, his interreligious work, and his vast array of contacts and friends also come to the fore. The amount of information covered more than confirms Cardinal Wuerl’s reputation for hard work and long hours.

“Something More Pastoral” is a lengthy but easy read. Rodgers and Aquilina provide a journalistic-style review of the impressive and noteworthy career of an American prelate who continues to sit front and center in the unfolding story of American Catholicism. Now that he is recognized by many as one of the foremost interpreters of the papacy of Pope Francis, he is, even at 75, all the more important to know and understand.

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

INTERNATIONAL

February 24, 2016

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Pope sends off missionaries of mercy to help people open hearts to God

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis marked the beginning of the church’s Lenten journey by sending off several hundred religious and diocesan priests on their own special path as “missionaries of mercy” in local parishes.

“Look upon your servants, Lord, that we are sending as messengers of mercy, salvation and peace. Guide their steps” and sustain them with “the power of your grace,” the pope said during a special Ash Wednesday liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica Feb. 10.

“May Christ’s voice resound in their words and Christ’s heart in their gestures,” he said.

More than 700 of the 1,142 missionaries specially appointed by the pope attended the Mass.

Dressed in white vestments and purple stoles, the men received the pope’s mandate to preach about God’s mercy and special authority to pardon even those sins reserved to the Holy See. Their mission was echoed in the day’s second reading from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, in which he proclaims, “We are ambassadors for Christ” with God working and speaking through them, imploring people to “be reconciled with God.” In his homily before commissioning the priests at the end of Mass, the pope said their mandate is to be “signs and instruments of God’s pardon.”

“Dear brothers, may you be able to help open the doors of people’s hearts” as well as bless, heal and raise them up with a father’s love, he said.

God knows the sins, weakness, wounds and fatigue people experience in their lives and “he knows how much we need forgiveness, he knows that we need to feel loved in order to carry out the good,” he said.

People cannot keep going on their own, and that is why the apostle Paul doesn’t urge people to “do something, but to let themselves be reconciled by God, to allow him to forgive us,” he said.

In fact, the first step on the road of a Christian life is recognizing the need for divine mercy and to pass through that “open door which is Christ,” who offers everyone a new and joyful life.

The problem, the pope said, is there may be many barriers that keep people from ever approaching or opening that door.

People may be so hardened by sin or pride that “they bolt the lock on the soul,” justifying their errors or believing they are “no worse than others,” thereby remaining “prisoners of evil.”

Another obstacle people face is being ashamed “to open the secret door of the heart.” While shame is a good sign since “it shows that we want to detach ourselves from evil,” it must never turn into “dread or fear.”

Pope Francis gives ashes to a woman as he celebrates Ash Wednesday Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Feb. 10. (Photo credit: Paul Haring/CNS)

The third danger is when people walk away from Christ, becoming distant or isolated by holing themselves up with their own suffering, wallowing endlessly in negative thoughts and sinking into the darkest recesses of the soul, he said.

“Let’s listen to Jesus, who says to those who are weary and burdened, ‘Come to me,’” since “only the Lord’s grace liberates us” and offers peace and rest, the pope said.

He said the Lord asks people to close the distance that has grown and “return to me with your whole heart.”

The Lenten journey invites people to “be protagonists, embracing three remedies, three medicines that heal [people]

from sin” – prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

“May Lent be a time of a healthy ‘pruning’ back of falsehood, worldliness, indifference; of no longer thinking that everything is fine as long as I am doing well; of understanding that what matters isn’t acceptance, seeking success or approval, but the cleansing of one’s heart and life.”

The pope broke with the tradition of walking from the Benedictine monastery of St. Anselm to the Dominican-run Basilica of Santa Sabina in order to commission the missionaries of mercy from St. Peter’s Basilica. Before the main altar were the mortal remains of St. Padre Pio and St. Leopold Mandic, two

Capuchins popular as miracle workers and known particularly for the long hours they would spend hearing confessions.

Pope Francis had asked the Capuchins to bring the relics of the two saints to Rome for the Year of Mercy, particularly the celebration of Ash Wednesday and the commissioning of the official missionaries of mercy as an encouragement and inspiration to be generous with God’s love.

The pope received ashes on the top of his head from Cardinal Angelo Comastri, archpriest of St. Peter’s, and distributed ashes to a number of cardinals and a small group of laypeople and religious.

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February 24, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Pope Francis tells Mexican bishops to be unified, speak out on tough issues

By David Agren Catholic News Service MEXICO CITY – Pope Francis demanded forceful denunciations of drug violence in Mexico from the country’s bishops, who have preferred timid pronouncements instead of speaking prophetically on a tragedy that has claimed more than 100,000 lives over the past 10 years and left another 25,000 Mexicans missing.

Speaking Feb. 13 to an audience of bishops in Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Pope Francis urged them to confront the scourge of drug cartels and organized crime by raising their voices, developing pastoral plans, and “drawing in and embracing the fringes of human existence in the ravaged areas of our cities.”

“I urge you not to underestimate the moral and anti-social challenge, which the drug trade represents for young people and Mexican society as a whole,” Pope Francis said. “The magnitude of this phenomenon ... and the gravity of the violence ... do not allow us, as pastors of the church, to hide behind anodyne denunciations.”

The pope spoke to the Mexican bishops for more than 40 minutes, delivering a tough talk on matters the pope plans to highlight in his six-day Mexican trip, including violence, migrants and indigenous issues. In offthe-cuff remarks, he warned of “the temptation of aloofness and clericalism” for bishops, called for clerical transparency and asked for unity in the Mexican bishops’ conference, which has pursued closer ties with political leaders in recent years, while speaking softly – if at all – on uncomfortable issues such as corruption.

Pope Francis hit hardest on the drug issue, something retired Pope Benedict XVI said nothing about in his 2012 trip to Mexico.

It’s an issue that has vexed Mexico and the Catholic Church over the past decade as a crackdown on drug cartels and organized crime has caused violence to rise, along with offenses such as extortion and kidnapping. Many of those victims and victimizers were baptized Catholics.

The violence has claimed the lives more than a dozen priests over the past five years, while some dioceses have been accused of collecting “narcolimosnas” or “drug alms,” and drug bosses – who often consider themselves proper Catholics – construct and fix parishes and sponsor patron

Pope Francis addresses Mexico’s bishops in Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral on Feb. 13.

saint feast days.

Pope Francis urged “prophetic courage” and implementing a pastoral approach of going to the peripheries, working with families and building bridges with parish communities, schools and the authorities, saying that only then “will people finally escape the raging waters that drown so many, either victims of the drug trade or those who stand before God with their hands drenched in blood, though with pockets filled with sordid money and their consciences deadened.”

Pope Francis also alluded to the folkloric Santa Muerte, a skeletal pseudo-saint attracting hordes of followers in Mexico and Latin America, including many in the illegal drug trade.

“I am particularly concerned about those many persons who, seduced by the empty power of the world, praise illusions and embrace their macabre symbols to commercialize death in exchange for money which, in the end, ‘moth and rust consume,’” he said.

The rise of Santa Muerte worship over the past 15 years has alarmed the Mexican church and drawn Vatican condemnations, said Andrew Chesnut, religious studies professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, who has studied the pseudo-saint and estimates it now has 10 million followers in Mexico and abroad.

“It’s the chief concern of the Mexican church in terms of religious rivals,” he said. “A week doesn’t go by in which some Mexican bishop or priest denounces it as satanic.”

Pope Francis touches the original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe after celebrating Mass in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City Feb. 13. The Marian image was rotated for the pope to pray in the “camarin” or “little room” behind the main altar. (Photos credit: Paul Haring/CNS)

Still, Pope Francis praised popular piety, common in Mexico, where the faithful adore the saints and participate in pilgrimages, while ignoring the sacramental part of the church.

“I invite you to give yourselves tirelessly and fearlessly to the task of evangelizing and deepening the faith by means of a mystagogical catechesis that treasures the popular religiosity of people,” Pope Francis said.

“Our times require pastoral attention to persons and groups who hope to encounter the living Jesus.”

He also lauded the church for its work with the many mostly Central American migrants transiting the country on trips that expose them to crime such as extortion, robbery and rape.

“There are millions of sons and daughters of the church who today live in the diaspora or who are in transit, journeying to the North in search of new opportunities,” he said, calling migration, “the challenge of our age.”

Pope Francis plans to celebrate Mass a stone’s throw from the U.S. border in Ciudad Juarez Feb. 17, when he is expected to expand on the migrant issue.

The pope travels to Chiapas at the other end of the country Feb. 15 for a Mass with Mexico’s indigenous peoples, who have fallen away from the church in droves. He urged the bishops to build a church more inclusive for indigenous peoples, who often live in impoverished conditions and in communities where Span-

ish is seldom spoken.

“I ask you to show singular tenderness in the way you regard indigenous peoples and their fascinating but not infrequently decimated cultures,” Pope Francis said.

“Mexico needs its AmericanIndian roots so as not to remain an unresolved enigma. The indigenous people of Mexico still await true recognition of the richness of their contribution and the fruitfulness of their presence.”

Pope Francis expressed his admiration for Our Lady of Guadalupe, who “teaches us that the only power capable of conquering the hearts of men and women is the tenderness of God.” He also told the bishops, “We do not need ‘princes,’ but rather a community of the Lord’s witnesses.”

“Do not allow yourselves to be corrupted by trivial materialism or by the seductive illusion of underhanded agreements,” he added in an allusion to suggestions that bishops sometimes smooth things out behind closed doors with corrupt officials and even criminals, instead of acting publicly. “Do not place your faith in the ‘chariots and horses’ of today’s pharaohs, for our strength is in the pillar of fire that divides the sea in two, without much fanfare.”

He ended with a call for unity, departing from his prepared comments to do so.

“If you have to fight, then fight; if you have to say things, say them but like men, face-toface, like men of God, who can pray together, who can discern together, and if you argue to ask for forgiveness,” he said. “But always maintain the unity of the episcopal body.”

Church observers said the pope’s message was unprecedented for Mexico, where the bishops’ conference has become quite conservative over the past quarter-century as the church and government restored relations. In some Catholic circles, critical voices on issues such as human right have been considered an impediment to that process.

“Francis is saying something along the lines of ‘I am aware of the differences among you,’” said Rodolfo Soriano Nunez, a sociologist and church observer in Mexico City. “There are lots of ‘sects’ within the Mexican bishops, groups that fight bitterly with each other while trying to offer themselves as the most reliable partners to the government.”

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

COMMENTARY

WORD to LIFE February 28 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15; Psalm 103:1-4, 6-8, 11; 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12; Gospel: Luke 13:1-9

By Jeff Hensley Catholic News Service In the reading from Exodus, God speaks of his intention to come down and rescue his people from the tyranny of the Egyptians, revealing that his mercy is not merely felt, but results in action.

The psalm response, too, speaks repeatedly of the mercy of God toward us, his people. We are to remember that he pardons our sins and redeems our lives from destruction. God is slow to anger and abounding in kindness toward those who fear him, the psalmist tells us.

In the Gospel, Jesus gets to the core of our response to God’s mercy in his reference to the barren fig tree. The owner comes and finds it without fruit for the third year in a row and instructs the gardener to cut it down. No, the gardener contends, “leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future.

If not you can cut it down.”

Lent is a special time for us to consider how we can respond to God’s generosity by showing mercy and performing acts of charity and justice toward others.

Thinking about my friends who were already showing the mercy of God in their actions, I came up with too many to list. They varied in age, race, gender and social status. Some were collectively engaged in mission work extending from Latin America to Russia, from Africa to Indonesia. Others were kind and good to their neighbors and families – to those close to them.

All shared joy and a sense of purpose and mission in what they did. They knew that their connection to God, their obligation to live out the love of God

February 24, 2016

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FOR FAITH-SHARING GROUPS

March 6

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT Joshua 5:9a, 10-12;

Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Psalm 34:2-7;

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

By Jean Denton Catholic News Service

poured into their hearts was what kept them going.

My lesson for Lent will be to see how I can imitate their acts of goodness in my own life and in my own contacts with others, so that when the gardener checks on me, he might find me fruitful right where I’ve been planted.

Questions: How is God calling you to become more fruitful in mercy and good works?

“MERCIFUL AND GRACIOUS IS THE LORD, SLOW TO ANGER AND ABOUNDING IN KINDNESS.” – PSALM 103:8

This week’s Gospel story of the prodigal son has always captivated me with its image of God the Father waiting with open arms, constantly ready to take his wayward child back into his loving embrace. There are so many facets to this parable’s message: the father’s unconditional love and mercy; the prodigal recognizing his sin and the joy of reconciliation; the sibling’s loyalty and how his resentment caused separation.

But who would think it has anything to do with climate change?

Well, think of “squander” and “a life of dissipation,” – or simply “prodigal,” which means wastefully extravagant – as the Scripture describes the son’s behavior.

Think of the father lovingly bestowing on his son all the resources he needed to maintain the good life he’d had under his parent’s care. Think of the son using up his inheritance that would have allowed him to ensure that same life for subsequent generations of his family.

When I read Pope Francis’ recent encyclical, “Laudato Si’” (“On Care for Our Common Home”), I got only as far as Paragraph 2 before I thought of the prodigal son.

The document reminds us that God has generously provided for all the needs of humanity through his gift of the natural world. Many of us, especially in the wealthiest countries, have wantonly, selfishly spent God’s gift of creation with increasingly wasteful consumption and depletion of its resources.

Does the parable of the prodigal son apply here? Is it a sin when I waste water

or fail to speak up when my own electricity provider is destroying the habitat of endangered species? Of course it is.

In “Laudato Si’,” Pope Francis quotes Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians: “For human beings … to destroy the biological diversity of God’s creation; for human beings to degrade the integrity of the earth … to contaminate the earth’s waters, its land, its air and its life – these are sins.”

Through his emphatic reiteration of Catholic social teaching in “Laudato Si’,” our pope calls us to turn away from these sins and return to God’s loving embrace where we can care for his gift of creation as he desires for the common good and generations to come.

Questions: How have your personal lifestyle and habits contributed to damaging the earth’s ecology?

This Lent, what can you do to reconcile and deepen your relationship with God’s creation?

“FATHER, I HAVE SINNED AGAINST HEAVEN AND AGAINST YOU.” – LUKE 15:21

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INTERNATIONAL

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

PRAYER CALENDAR

MARCH 2016

MARCH 1 LENTEN WEEKDAY Bishop Victor H. Balke (retired) MARCH 2 LENTEN WEEKDAY Fr. Todd Arends MARCH 3 ST. KATHARINE DREXEL, VIRGIN Msgr. David Baumgartner MARCH 4 ST. CASIMIR Fr. James Bernauer (retired) MARCH 5 LENTEN WEEKDAY Fr. Don Braukmann MARCH 6 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT Fr. Luis Buitron MARCH 7 STS. PERPETUA AND FELICITY, MARTYRS Fr. Tim Bushy MARCH 8 ST. JOHN OF GOD, RELIGIOUS Fr. John Christianson MARCH 9 ST. FRANCES OF ROME, RELIGIOUS Fr. John Cox, OMI MARCH 10 LENTEN WEEKDAY Fr. Bill DeCrans MARCH 11 LENTEN WEEKDAY Fr. Joe DeCrans MARCH 12 LENTEN WEEKDAY Fr. Larry Delaney MARCH 13 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT Fr. Antony Fernando MARCH 14 LENTEN WEEKDAY Msgr. Mike Foltz MARCH 15 LENTEN WEEKDAY Fr. Tom Friedl MARCH 16 LENTEN WEEKDAY Fr. Augie Gothman MARCH 17 ST. PATRICK, BISHOP Msgr. Roger Grundhaus (retired)

MARCH 18 ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH Fr. Adam Hamness MARCH 19 ST. JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Fr. Joseph Hitpas, OMI MARCH 20 PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD Fr. Chuck Huck MARCH 21 MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK Fr. Xavier Ilango MARCH 22 TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK Fr. Joe Kieselbach (retired) MARCH 23 WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK Fr. John Kleinwachter MARCH 24 HOLY THURSDAY OF THE LORD’S SUPPER Msgr. Donald Krebs (retired) MARCH 25 FRIDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD Fr. Bryan Kujawa MARCH 26 HOLY SATURDAY Fr. Rick Lambert MARCH 27 EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD Fr. Gary LaMoine MARCH 28 MONDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER Fr. Bob LaPlante MARCH 29 TUESDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER Msgr. Tim McGee MARCH 30 WEDNESDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER Msgr. William Mehrkens (retired) MARCH 31 THURSDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER Fr. Vincent Miller

VOCATION PRAYER OF POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II: Lord Jesus,

as you once called the first disciples to make them fishers of men, let your sweet invitation continue to resound: Come follow me!

Give young men and women the grace of responding quickly to your voice. Support our bishops, priests, and consecrated people in their apostolic labor. Grant perseverance to our seminarians and to all those who are carrying out the ideal of a life totally consecrated to your service. Awaken in our community a missionary eagerness. Lord, send workers to your harvest and do not allow humanity to be lost for the lack of pastors, missionaries, and people dedicated to the cause of the Gospel. Mary, Mother of the Church, the model of every vocation, help us to say “yes” to the Lord who calls us to cooperate in the divine plan of salvation.

Amen.

DIOCESAN

February 24, 2016

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POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTIONS

MARCH 2016

UNIVERSAL INTENTION: FAMILIES IN DIFFICULTY

That families in need may receive the necessary support and that children may grow up in healthy and peaceful environments.

EVANGELIZATION INTENTION: PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS

That those Christians who, on account of their faith, are discriminated against or are being persecuted, may remain strong and faithful to the Gospel, thanks to the incessant prayer of the Church.

(Photo credit: CNS)

DAILY SCRIPTURE MARCH 1 - Dn 3:25, 34-43; Ps 25:4-5b, 6, 7bc, 8-9; Mt 18:21-35 MARCH 2 - Dt 4:1, 5-9; Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20; Mt 5:17-19 MARCH 3 - Jer 7:23-28; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; Lk 11:14-23 MARCH 4 - Hos 14:2-10; Ps 81:6c-11b, 14, 17; Mk 12:28-34 MARCH 5 - Hos 6:1-6; Ps 51:3-4, 18-21b; Lk 18:9-14 MARCH 6 - Jos 5:9a, 10-12; Ps 34:2-7; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 MARCH 7 - Is 65:17-21; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-12a, 13b; Jn 4:43-54 MARCH 8 - Ez 47:1-9, 12; Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; Jn 5:1-16 MARCH 9 - Is 49:8-15; Ps 145:8-9, 13c-14, 1718; Jn 5:17-30 MARCH 10 - Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106:19-23; Jn 5:3147 MARCH 11 - Wis 2:1a, 12-22; Ps 34:17-21, 23; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 MARCH 12 - Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7:2-3, 9b-12; Jn 7:40-53 MARCH 13 - Is 43:16-21; Ps 126:1-6; Phil 3:814; Jn 8:1-11 MARCH 14 - Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62; Ps 23:1-6; Jn 8:12-20 MARCH 15 - Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102:2-3, 16-21; Jn 8:21-30 MARCH 16 - Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; (Ps) Dn 3:52-56; Jn 8:31-42 MARCH 17 - Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105:4-9; Jn 8:51-59 MARCH 18 - Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18:2-7; Jn 10:3142 MARCH 19 - 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Ps 89:25, 27, 29; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a

MARCH 2016

MARCH 20 - Lk 19:28-40; Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Lk 22:14–23:56 or 23:1-49 MARCH 21 - Is 42:1-7; Ps 27:1-3, 13-14; Jn 12:1-11 MARCH 22 - Is 49:1-6; Ps 71:1-4a, 5ab-6b, 15, 17; Jn 13:21-33, 36-38 MARCH 23 - Is 50:4-9a; Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34; Mt 2614-25 MARCH 24 - Is 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9; Ps 89:21-22, 25, 27; Rv 1:5-8; Lk 4:16-21 Mass of the Lord’s Supper: Ex 12:1-8, 11-14; Ps 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Jn 13:1-15 MARCH 25 - Is 52:13–53:12; Ps 31:2,6, 12-13, 15-17, 25; Heb 4:14-16; 57-9; Jn 18:1–19:42 MARCH 26 - (1) Gn 1:1–2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a; Ps 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, 35 or Ps 33:4-7, 1213, 20, 22; (2) Gn 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Ps 16:5, 8-11; (3) Ex 14:15–15:1; (Ps) Ex 15:1-6, 17-18; (4) Is 54:5-14; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-12, 13; (5) Is 55:1-11; (Ps) Is 12:2-3, 4-6; (6) Bar 3:915, 32 –4:4; Ps 19:8-11; (7) Ez 36:16-17a, 18-28; Ps 42:3, 5; 43:3-4 or (Ps) Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 or Ps 51:12-15, 18-19; (8) Rom 6:3-11; Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; (9) Lk 24:1-12 MARCH 27 - Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8; Jn 20:1-9 or Lk 24:-12 or Lk 24:13-35 MARCH 28 - Acts 2:14, 22-23; Ps 16:1-2a, 5, 7-11; Mt 28:8-15 MARCH 29 - Acts 2:36-41; Ps 33:4-5, 18-20, 22; Jn 20:11-18 MARCH 30 - Acts 3:1-10; Ps 105:1-4, 6-9; Lk 24:13-35 MARCH 31 - Acts 3:11-26; Ps 8:2ab, 5-9; Lk 24:35-48

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February 24, 2016

DIOCESAN

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE