VOL. 70, NO. 5
WWW.CROOKSTON.ORG
MARCH 9, 2016
Msgr. William Mehrkens, 92, dies Priesthood marked by passion for social justice, human dignity While serving the Diocese of Crookston, his assignments as an assistant pastor were at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston, from 1950-1952; Sacred Heart, East Grand Forks, 1952-1955; and St. Anne’s, Crookston, 19551957. He was appointed chaplain of the Newman Center on the Bemidji State University campus in 1960 and continued in that capacity until 1977. During that time, he was also pastor at Sacred Heart, Wilton, from
Msgr. William (Father Bill) Mehrkens passed away Feb. 26, 2016, in Bemidji, at the age of 92. He was born on March 11, 1923, to William Francis and Josephine Agatha (Higgins) Mehrkens in Red Wing, Minn. He graduated from Nazareth Hall in 1943, and St. Paul Seminary in 1950. He completed graduate studies at Loyola University in Chicago and at the University of Minnesota. His ordination to the Catholic priesthood took place on June 6, 1950.
1960-1977; Our Lady of Victory, Shevlin, 1960-1972; and St. Philip’s, Bemidji, 1972-1977. He served as the chaplain at the Newman Center on the Minnesota State University Moorhead campus from 1977 to 1991, when he also was pastor at St. Andrew’s, Hawley, 1977-1981, and St. Elizabeth’s, Dilworth, 1987-1991. He moved to Red Lake and served as pastor to St. Mary’s Mission and St. John’s, Nebish, in 1991, where he served until his official retirement in 1997.
In addition to his pastoral duties, he was parish administrator at St. Francis de Sales, Moorhead, in 1984, and temporary administrator during the 1998-2001 time frame at St. Michael’s, Northome; St. Anne’s, Blackduck and St. Patrick’s, Kelliher. Father Bill was widely recognized for the compassion he exhibited through his Gospelbased lifestyle. His passionate work, teachings and writings MEHRKENS: Continued on Page 6
Msgr. William Mehrkens
Yearning for full communion with Christ’s Church
UMC student looks forward to receiving Holy Communion, Confirmation at Easter By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND
During the March 26 Easter Vigil Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Ashlee Humble will fulfill a desire she’s had since childhood when she receives Holy Communion for the first time. Humble is a sophomore studying finance at the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC), and plays for the Golden Eagle’s women’s golf team. “I was baptized Catholic ... but nothing really more after that,” she said. Her grandma told her that even as a little girl, she really wanted to receive First Communion, but it never happened. “It was always a big part of me … it was something that I wanted to do,” Humble said. When Humble started at UMC, her roommate Katrina Moenkedick, now Nordick, invited her to attend Newman Club meetings on campus. The Newman Club meets twice a month for scripture study, discussion and community service. Humble said until attending Newman Club, she did not know much about the Catholic Church or religion because it was not part of her life growing up. “I started going there and learning things … and I just got more interested.” After the fall semester began, Humble spoke HUMBLE: Continued on Page 6
INSIDE VOL. 70. NO. 5:
Katrina Nordick and Ashlee Humble pose for a photo following the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 14. Humble will receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation at Cathedral’s Easter Vigil celebration. Nordick is her sponsor and has been attending RCIA classes with Humble as she prepares to be fully initiated into the Church. (Photo credit: Janelle C. Gergen/OND)
Pg. 3 - Spotlight on Catholic Schools Pg. 8 - Called and Gifted Workshop Pg. 10 - Minnesota Legislative Session Preview