VOL. 70, NO. 9
WWW.CROOKSTON.ORG
MAY 4, 2016
Matthew Schmitz takes next step in his vocation Faithful from diocese celebrate diaconate ordination at St. Joseph’s, Red Lake Falls By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND RED LAKE FALLS, MINN. – Matthew Schmitz was ordained a deacon for the Diocese of Crookston on April 30 at St. Joseph’s, Red Lake Falls. Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner ordained Schmitz, a seminarian for the diocese studying at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in Indiana. Bishop Emeritus Victor Balke; Father Peter Marshall, the Director of Spiritual Formation at St. Meinrad’s, and priests of the Diocese of Crookston concelebrated. “I think a lot of times people think the priesthood ordination is the big step, which is certainly
true, but the diaconate has its own significance in that it’s the time that we [seminarians] transition from being a lay person to being a cleric,” Schmitz said in an interview prior to his ordination day. Through the ordination, Schmitz made promises of celibacy, obedience to the bishop, and a commitment to daily pray the Liturgy of the Hours with and for the people of God. “Those promises that we actually initially make at the diaconate ordination are renewed at our priestly ordination,” he said. The Rite of Ordination began with Schmitz coming forward to be presented to Bishop Ho-
eppner. During the homily, Bishop Hoeppner instructed Schmitz and those gathered on the duties of a deacon. “Strengthened by the gift of the Holy Spirit, he will help the bishop and his priests in the ministry of the word, the altar and of charity, showing himself to be the servant of all,” said Bishop Hoeppner. “These three, word, altar and service are united. One flows out of and into the others. All three are essential, all three are required and all three are criterion by which the credibility of the deacon’s ministry is judged,” ORDINATION: Continued on Page 8
Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner places his hands upon Matthew Schmitz’s head and calls upon the Holy Spirit while ordaining him a deacon at St. Joseph’s, Red Lake Falls, on April 30. (Photo credit: Janelle C. Gergen/OND)
Middle School Youth Rally focuses on making room for mercy
More than 200 students gather in Hawley to pray, grow deeper in Catholic faith By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND HAWLEY, MINN. – Hawley High School was filled with middle schoolers on April 16 for the Middle School Youth Rally. More than 200 fifth through eighth grade students gathered to pray, celebrate Mass, hear from engaging speakers, play and learn about mercy. The Diocese of Crookston and St. Andrew’s, Hawley, hosted the event. According to Mark Hollcraft, the Coordinator of Catechesis and Youth Ministry for the Of-
INSIDE VOL. 70. NO. 9:
fice of the New Evangelization, the event’s theme, Make Way for Mercy, was inspired by Pope Francis’ call to celebrate a Year of Mercy. The planning committee prayed about helping students encounter God the Father, who is mercy, and how to make that mercy come to life. Hollcraft said the idea of making room for God’s mercy and learning about how the Father makes his mercy known came to the forefront. The theme was emphasized YOUTH RALLY: Continued on Page 9
Nic Davidson speaks to students during his keynote address at the Middle School Youth Rally on April 16. More than 200 students attended the event. (Photo credit: Katrina Genereux/OND)
Pg. 3 - Spotlight on Catholic Schools Pg. 6 - Mount Saint Benedict Open House Coverage Pg. 7 - Sister Cornelia Gust Obituary