VOL. 68, NO. 17
WWW.CROOKSTON.ORG
OCTOBER 22, 2014
Congress crowns year of celebration Grace-filled weekend defines and celebrates the gift of marriage
KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS:
By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND CROOKSTON, MINN. - God’s grace and mercy poured into the Crookston Inn and Convention Center on Oct. 3-5. The Marriage Congress was truly the culmination of the Diocese of Crookston’s Year of Marriage. The event consisted of speakers and experiences meant to celebrate and add to people’s understanding of the Sacrament of Marriage, no matter their state in life. As participants gathered and mingled in the ballroom, Clara and Con Dietz of St. Lawrence, Mentor, were reading married Saint biographies. When asked why they chose to come, Con said, “We want to enrich our marriage. It is something we always work at.” Summer residents at Maple Lake, the Dietzs usually live in Arizona for seven months of the year. They stayed until October this year just to attend the Marriage Congress. At 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, the Congress officially started with the enthronement of the Holy Family Icon in the ballroom at the Crookston Inn and Convention Center. Bishop Michael Hoeppner processed the icon to its place of honor on a candle-lit stand at the front of the room. He then asked for the intercession of the Holy Family and blessing upon the Marriage Congress. After the enthronement and Bishop’s welcome, Fr. Robert Schreiner, the weekend’s Master of Ceremonies, welcomed everyone gathered for the beginning of the Congress. He then introduced and invited Danielle Rose to the stage to deliver her keynote address entitled: May Our Marriage be a Monstrance. Danielle, in turn, introduced her husband, Mitchell Hesley, and their less-than-four-week-old infant daughter, Agnes. Danielle, with the help of Mitchell and Agnes, shared the story of her journey to the Sacrament of Marriage with Mitchell on April 6, 2013. She illustrated her story by sharing her music. “God wants to use the gift of every marriage to enthrone His presence in the world and in the church,” she said. “A monstrance can be ornate or filled with jewels or tiny or huge, but it exists to display and make Jesus present. Marriage has the capacity to do that. Jesus can use us and use our marriage to make Himself, the reality of His presence, of His love, tangible to someone who doesn’t know His love. Marriage has the capacity to be like a perpetual adoration chapel walking around the world so that wherever we are, people could encounter Jesus by seeing the way we love and serve one another.” Danielle continued, “If we, in the vocation of marriage, love each other for our own sake … that love will fall short very quickly. Each one of us … can’t claim to love perfectly or be worthy of perfect love from our spouse. We live out our vows in marriage not only to honor our spouse … but we live out our vows to be able to be a gift to Christ himself because as we live out our marriage and as we serve our spouse, that is the way we are actually loving and serving Christ Himself.” Jacqueline Thomas of Sacred Heart, East Grand Forks, said her favorite part of the Congress was “… The exchange between Mitchell and Danielle. That’s the best talk I’ve seen. The words didn’t matter; their love was visible.” On Saturday morning, Amanda Zurface, Coordinator of Justice, Marriage & Family Life for the Diocese of Crookston, introduced Fr. Thomas J. Loya and welcomed him forward to deliver his keynote address entitled: Marriage: the Primordial Sacrament. Fr. Loya is one of the founders of the
DANIELLE ROSE
MAY OUR MARRIAGE BE A MONSTRANCE “The monstrance exists to have an empty space in its middle, all of the beauty around it exists to have this empty space in the middle … It exists to empty itself out to make a space for the Lord to be present and that’s what marriage is too.” We exist in the Sacrament of Marriage to empty ourselves out completely for one another so that Jesus can be made visible, so that His love and His presence can be made known. “Marriage has the capacity to be like a perpetual adoration chapel walking around the world so that wherever we are, people could encounter Jesus by seeing the way we love and serve one another.”
FR. THOMAS J. LOYA
MARRIAGE: THE PRIMORDIAL SACRAMENT
“We need to understand what ‘Catholic’ is to understand what marriage is. … Catholic is not a religion. Catholic is about the invisible, inexplicable, ineffable, immeasurable, infinite God who becomes expressible through the visible. … Catholic is about seeing that. We offer ourselves back to God in praise and thanksgiving at the Mass. Only humans do this. When we are at Mass and at the Eucharist, it is the most human moment of our lives. “The first commandment was for a couple to be married; God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. The Bible begins with nuptials and ends with the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. Marriage was the first commandment and the primordial sacrament. More than one can only become one because of how we are made … because we are male and female.”
DAVID RINALDI
KEEPING YOUR KIDS CATHOLIC
“When we were baptized, when our kids were baptized, they received the Holy Spirit, but God doesn’t possess our body in a way that he takes over and makes us do holy things. … The Holy Spirit is a gift and our kids have this gift, but unless they cooperate with that gift, … the spirit is tied up. Our job as parents and grandparents is to help our kids cooperate with the Holy Spirit so that the Holy Spirit isn’t tied up within them but that the Holy Spirit is free to help them … act like the men and women they were created to be.” Going to Mass, receiving the sacraments and daily family prayer are some of the keys to helping our kids make this happen.
CONGRESS: Continued on Page 3
INSIDE
VOL. 68, NO. 17:
Pg. 3 - Marriage Congress Event Summary Pg. 4 - Diocesan Catechetical Task Force Coverage Pg. 5 - Pilgrimage to Holy Family Icon at the Cathedral
Pg. 8/9 - Marriage Congress Photo Spread Pg. 13 - National Vocations Awareness Info Pg. 16 - Prayer and Scripture Calendars for Nov.
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October 22, 2014
A
COMMENTARY
OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE
Voice from the Valley BY BISHOP MICHAEL J. HOEPPNER
MARRIAGE CONGRESS I thank all who took part in our Marriage Congress and all who worked so hard to make it the wonderful event it was! Those who attended came away truly enriched. The speakers were fantastic and the prayer was rich. We certainly live in a time when many do not understand nor appreciate marriage as God has given it to us, and so it was truly delightful to join with people who “get it” and celebrate it and want to know more about it. A number of other dioceses, I am told, are considering having a Year of Marriage. And so, may our efforts to hold up marriage and family in this Year of Marriage not only help ourselves but others as well.
ing the Rosary, they have found deliverance from a myriad of afflictions and dangers. How wonderful it is that so many of us in our day can make the same claim. I know I can. Mary hears us as we meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary asking that she intercede for us with her Son. The very first goal of our pastoral plan: Meeting Christ, Living Christ encourages us to “Deepen the personal, family, and communal prayer life of the Church of Crookston as part of the on-going conversion process.” I hope you are praying the Rosary daily. I hope those of you who are parents are praying at least part of the Rosary with your children ev-
ROSARY MONTH On Oct. 7, we celebrated the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary and the whole month of October is Rosary Month. This feast was put in the Church’s liturgical calendar in thanksgiving for prayers answered and deliverance given through the intercession of Mary through the praying of the Rosary. How wonderful it is that through the years, so many of God’s faithful people can say that through the intercession of Mary, implored through pray-
ery day. As I wrote in our pastoral letter: “Mary, our Mother, helps us through our prayer life as she continually leads us to her Son. I urge that each and every individual and every family pray the Rosary, or at least part of the Rosary, each day. Praying the Rosary, we move through the mysteries of Christ’s life and, as we do, we find communion with Christ through Mary.”
PUBLIC LIFE Up until the November elections, I want to review with you in this, my OND column, some of the issues of importance we face in our country which so greatly impact the true common good. In our responsibility as Catholics of faith to be involved in our country’s political life, we need to carefully study the positions candidates for public office take on the issues. Last time, we looked at the first issue: life. The right to life is “the most basic and fundamental right, and the condition for all other personal rights” and must be “defended with maximum determination.” (Pope John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, no. 38). We also looked at religious liberty, a God-given right enshrined in our Bill of Rights, but under attack. In preparing to vote as Catholics of faith, we need to stand up for these rights and ask,
“Where does the candidate stand on the need to enact legislative limits on abortion and the abortion industry, the protection of human life from conception until natural death and on issues such as the reduction of violence and physicianassisted suicide?” “Where does the candidate stand on the right for religious institutions to operate and serve the general public in a manner that is consistent with the organization’s faith-based mission? Where does the candidate stand on the right of individuals to live their faith in their school, their place of employment, in their chosen profession or in their business?” [Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) Guide: Spotlight on Voting] Immigration: Another important issue that needs to be resolved is that of immigration. As Catholics we understand that “The migrant is a human person who possesses fundamental, inalienable rights that must be respected by everyone and in every circumstance.” (Pope Benedict XVI) Pope Francis recently reminded us that Jesus, Mary and Joseph - the Holy Family - experienced first-hand the life of migrants in his 2014 Message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
Our broken American immigration system has become a national and international problem. Certainly a legitimate role of government is protecting its borders and intercepting unauthorized migrants. However, we need people who will effectively work for comprehensive immigration reform which respects the fundamental inalienable rights of each person and also provides legitimate opportunities for migrants to enter, live, and work in the U.S., making a positive contribution to our economy and, at the same time, providing for their families. Good immigration reform will provide a pathway to citizenship; be family-based, that is, reduce the number of years it currently takes for family members to be reunited after separation; and address the root cause of migration, such as violence, unrest and poverty. Ask: “Where does the candidate stand on comprehensive immigration reform that includes family reunification, extending health care to migrants in accord with their basic human rights and dignity and providing a reasonable pathway to citizenship?” (cf. MCC Guide: Spotlight on Voting)
BISHOP’S CALENDAR October 25 October 26 October 28 October 28 October 30 November 1 November 2 November 4 November 4 November 6 November 8 November 10-14
5:00 p.m.
Mass, St. Theodore’s, Ponsford
9:30 a.m.
Rite of Confirmation, Blessed Sacrament, Greenbush
7:45 a.m.
Mass, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston
12:00 p.m.
Deans’ Meeting, Chancery, Crookston
12:00 p.m.
Diocesan Finance Council Meeting, Chancery, Crookston
5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 7:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Mass, St. Francis of Assisi, Fisher Rite of Confirmation, St. Patrick’s, Hallock Mass, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston Priest Assignments Committee, Chancery, Crookston
9:00 a.m.
Priest Study Day, St. Lawrence, Mentor
5:00 p.m.
Mass, St. Rose of Lima, Argyle
USCCB Fall General Assembly, Baltimore, Md.
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 218281-7895 (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 Diocese of Crookston.
Subscriptions: $13.65 per year in the diocese, $14.90 per year outside the diocese. Publisher: Editor: Associate Editor: Editorial Assistant:
The Most Reverend Michael J. Hoeppner Bishop of the Diocese of Crookston Rev. Robert Schreiner Office of the New Evangelization, Director Mrs. Janelle C. Gergen jgergen@crookston.org Mrs. Katrina Genereux kgenereux@crookston.org
For questions about subscriptions or address changes, please contact: Renee Tate at rtate@crookston.org Periodical postage paid in Crookston, MN and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to: Our Northland Diocese PO Box 610, Crookston, MN 56716-0610 Phone: 218-281-4533 Publishing dates and submission deadlines for news and advertisements can be found online: http://www.crookston.org/ond/
OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE
DIOCESAN
October 22, 2014
3
CONGRESS: Continued from Page 1 Tabor Life Institute, and the writer of the Holy Family Icon that has been on display at the Cathedral throughout the Year of Marriage. “The key to everything is our God is a God that is a communion of persons. Our God is relational,” he said. “All of creation is the church, His bride, which brings it into the fullness of perfection. God created a bride and He entered into that bride lovingly and intimately.” “God is a union and communion of persons who enters into a relationship with creation,” Fr. Loya continued. “… if that’s who God is and we are made in His Image, we too are made to enter into and become a union and communion of persons.” After a short break and chance for refreshments, Congress participants returned to the ballroom to hear Fr. Loya’s second address: Male and Female He Created Them. This presentation focused on the unique beauty of man and woman as created by God as well as the beauty of the ways God designed both to come together. “We reveal God in the way we are designed,” Fr. Loya said. He compared the different styles in which mothers and fathers hold and carry a new baby. He spoke about how these differences help the child to learn about the different ways God loves. “God has stamped himself in the very language of the body,” said Fr. Loya. He spoke about how, often, when couples experience difficulties in their marriage, it is the result of misunderstanding each other and relating to each other out of fear. Fr. Loya continued, “If everything is going right at that place on the altar, everything will go right in the church. If it goes wrong, everything will go wrong. So it is in the bedroom. … What goes on in the bedroom is sacramental. It finds its context in the Eucharist which finds its context on the nuptial, mystical marriage of Calvary, which finds its full fulfillment in the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. … That’s why marriage is so sacred and your bodies have a theology to them. It’s a sharing in the spousal mystery,” Fr. Loya said. Nancy Cournia from Cathedral Parish in Crookston attended the Congress and enjoyed listening to Fr. Loya. “It was a very good presentation … I got an awful lot out of it and I’ve been married 62 years,” she said. “The beauty (of man and woman as God created us) was so evident because of his talk. It was very, very, very inspiring to me.” After Fr. Loya spoke, Bishop Hoeppner presided at Mass for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at the Crookston Inn. Following the celebration of Mass, participants departed for lunch; after lunch, Amanda Zur-
face announced an exciting opportunity for the people of the Diocese of Crookston. Bishop Hoeppner will lead a pilgrimage to Philidelphia to participate in the World Day of Familes, Sept. 2227, 2015, and all are invited to join. It is anticipated that Pope Francis will make the first U.S. visit of his pontificate and be present for the Festival of Families, although the Vatican has not yet announced this. Following the inviation, Zurface introduced Mark and Kelly Reznicek. The married couple from Chicago are members of the Tabor Life Institute. The Reznicek’s shared about their family and offered practical advice for helping families grow in holiness during their presentation: Marriage: Cultivating Sainthood. Kelly encouraged the women to allow their husbands the opportunity to serve them, and to pray for their husbands. “Don’t give up even when you feel wounded or hurt by your husband,” she said. “… keep offering yourself and trying to receive what he is offering.” Mark stressed the importance for men to really listen to their wives and to love and serve them, particularly by helping out with household chores. He said it is important to maintain humor, and finished by saying, “Mercy and forgiveness go a long way.” After a break, the Rezniceks returned to the stage to share more of their witness through a presentation entitled: Becoming the Holy Family. They shared the importance of parents modeling self-donative love for their families and teaching children that others sacrifice for them and they should be willing to offer the same sacrifice. “Love is not a feeling, love is an act of the will,” Kelly said. “Selfdonation is an expression of love, a special kind of love that empowers us to work for the good of others, even while being mindful of our own God-given dignity.” The Rezniceks also stressed the importance of parents’ roles in modeling the Catholic faith for their children. Parents need to pray with their children and let their children see them praying and participating in Mass and the sacraments, they said. Kelly concluded by saying, “Remember parents, that God’s grace empowers us and as our children grow in virtue daily, his mercy will be there for us even in those times when we feel like we’ve failed as parents. Through prayer and participation in the sacraments, we must constantly seek God’s guidance and teach our children to do the same. This is the gift of marriage and this is the gift we need to give to the world.” Following the presentation, everyone left for a dinner break and then reconvened at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at
The Diocese of Crookston’s Year of Marriage Holy Family Icon repositioned at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for the Marriage Celebration Mass. (Photo credit: Janelle C. Gergen, OND)
7 p.m. for the final installment of the Love and Life Concert Series, featuring Danielle Rose. At least 400 people came to hear Danielle perform and to see and hear her witness to the faithfulness of God. Danielle was again joined by her husband and daughter during the concert. Her parents, sister, brother-in-law and cousin also stepped in at various points throughout the evening to sing and play instruments. It was truly a family event. The concert closed with night prayer led by Bishop Hoeppner, and people congregated in the gathering space of the Cathedral to visit with Danielle and stop by her table. “I adore Danielle’s music,” said Shawn Moen of St. Michael’s, Mahnomen. “So many times we think we know the reality of living on this earth, but Danielle’s songs help us remember that God and Heaven are the reality.” Gerald and Marilyn Kuznia of St. Stephen’s, Stephen, have been married for over 40 years and also attended the concert. “It was a wonderful testimony to God’s love and having the whole family there was inspiring,” Marilyn said. “Especially in this day and age when the family is being attacked and the number of people here, young people and young couples who were here.” On Sunday morning, Fr. Schreiner introduced the keynote speaker for the day: David Rinaldi, Program Director of National Evangelization Teams (NET) Ministries.
Rinaldi captivated the crowd with his dynamic style of speaking as he delivered his keynote presentation entitled: Keeping Your Kids Catholic. “The first thing our kids need to know is the truth. What truth? There are a lot of truths in our Catholic Faith,” he said. “The one truth that is really important is the truth about who they are. It might sound really simple but it’s quite profound. We have to let them know: ‘your value doesn’t come from how many sports you letter in, how good you do in school, your value comes from being God’s son.’ ” Rinaldi said one thing he has learned from speaking with the young people he’s worked with over the years is: “Kids don’t need quality time, our kids need quantity time.” According to Rinaldi, kids say time with mom and dad is key. “You catch faith like you catch disease – you have to be around someone who is infected. If mom and dad are too busy, the kids aren’t going to catch the faith.” After a short break, Rinaldi stepped in again, this time sharing about evangelization in marriage through a presentation called: Marriage: Ambassadors for Christ. “We can’t compartmentalize our lives … We can’t say here’s my faith life, here’s my work life, here’s my bowling life, here’s my romantic life. … God wants to be in the bed, in the bowling alley, at your work,” Rinaldi said. “Everywhere we go, everything we do, we have to realize we are ambassadors of Jesus Christ looking for opportuni-
ties to share his love.” He continued, “When people see us, do they recognize that we’re disciples of Jesus? … From now on … you’re not going grocery shopping, you’re going to the mission fields.” “It was captivating, there was a lot of good information,” said Mary Walter of St. Philips, Bemidji. “When our kids were growing up, we did Mass every weekend and sent them to Catholic school, but we didn’t talk much about faith. We prayed every day, but more discussion about what the Church teaches and why is important,” she said. “You need that personal conversation.” Marriage Congress participants returned to the Cathedral and were joined by faithful from across the diocese for the Marriage Celebration Mass at 2 p.m. Approximately 325 people were in attendance for the annual event. Before the beginning of the Mass, posters representing each deanery were processed in. The posters contained a spiritual bouquet of prayers written by Marriage Congress participants throughout the weekend. The prayers were offered up as one of the intentions of the Mass. Near the end of his homily, Bishop Hoeppner said, “We’ve heard a number of wonderful ideas these past days and this past year. … By upholding clearly before all people the values of the Kingdom of God in this world and hope in the life to come, we seek to bring the good news of the Gospel, of marriage and family, to our world.” Following the Mass, people congregated in the gathering space to be greeted by Bishop Hoeppner and share in fellowship with one another. This year there was no formal reception or dinner because of construction in the Cathedral’s kitchen area; special commemorative chocolates were provided instead. “We have come to most of the Marriage Day Celebrations,” said Lorraine Deschene. She and her husband, Richard, are from St. Rose of Lima, Argyle. “We were married 63 years and two days ago. I just praise God for all his blessings.” Daniel and Mary Lou Schmitz from St. Joseph’s, Red Lake Falls, attended the Congress and Marriage Celebration Mass. They have been married for 22 years. “We were older when we were married. We were both in our 40’s, but knew each other for a long time before,” said Daniel. “We were both in ministry before we were married, now we do it together. Challenges are easier when you have someone to walk together with.”
TURN TO PAGES 8 & 9 FOR MORE CONGRESS PHOTOS!
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October 22, 2014
DIOCESAN
OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE
Catechetical Task Force works for renewal of faith formation
Bishop calls for efforts to shift from child-centered to life-long education By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND
CROOKSTON, MINN. - Goal Seven of the pastoral letter Meeting Christ, Living Christ is to “Engage all the faithful and all the parishes of the Diocese of Crookston in life-long, ongoing faith formation.” In this goal, Bishop Michael Hoeppner wrote: “I therefore will establish a diocesan task force whose mandate will be to develop a comprehensive vision and plan for systematic life-long faith formation in the Diocese of Crookston, the centerpiece of which will be catechesis of adults yet encompassing the catechesis of the young, adolescents, young adults and the elderly as well.” A Catechetical Task Force, as called for in the pastoral letter, has been formed to address and implement this goal. It consists of priests, youth ministers, psychologists, liturgists and educators from across the Diocese of Crookston, as well as members of the diocesan Office of the New Evangelization. The members of the task force are: Fr. Adam Hamness, Mark Hollcraft, Fr. Chuck Huck, Kris Jensen, Renata Kingsbury, Joann Koble, Dr. Mark Krejci, Bonnie Lee, Michelle Peppel, Elizabeth Rzepka, Fr. Robert Schreiner, Amanda Zurface, Msgr. David Baumgartner and Tina Stanger. Bishop Hoeppner has asked the task force to take stock of the current state of faith formation in the Diocese of Crookston; to seek the best practices, programs and materials available for youth and adults and to develop a vision and plan for systematic, life-long faith formation in the diocese. “The goal is to assist catechetical leaders of the Diocese of Crookston in their efforts to make Jesus Christ known and loved through their faithful proclamation of the deposit of faith handed down to us from the Apostles,” said Elizabeth Rzepka, the Coordinator of Catechesis & Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Crookston. “The aim of the task force is to assist in this primary goal by making recommendations to Bishop Hoeppner regarding curricula and an overarching vision and plan for
systematic life-long faith formation.” The task force has a tall order to fill, but it is of utmost importance. As Meeting Christ, Living Christ states, “To be fully engaged in the work of the new evangelization, the work Christ commissioned us to do, we must ourselves first be evangelized. We must be continually engaged in the renewal of our own faith.” The group is seeking the best, most effective ways to help every person in the diocese, regardless of age, to be “continually engaged” in renewing their faith. In order to fulfill their goals, they are gathering every other month over the course of two years. “The initial meetings were formative in nature and were day-long meetings,” said Rzepka. “The remaining meetings will be half-day meetings devoted to shaping the vision and plan rooted in that time of forming our hearts and minds according to that of the Church.” Fr. Adam Hamness, Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart, East Grand Forks, said, “Like all the other members, my role on the Catechetical Task Force, so far, has been to acquaint myself with the Church’s own documents on catechesis or religious education and formation in the faith. These documents set forth a grand and beautiful vision for what catechesis could and ought to be. Once we acquired this vision by reading magisterial documents, such as Catechesi Tradendi issued by Pope St. John Paul II and both the General and National Directories for Catechesis, we were asked to adapt it for the Diocese of Crookston by examining a book written by contemporary leaders in the catechetical field, chief among them Petroc Willey. This book, The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Craft of Catechesis, establishes twelve keys of catechesis, and it was my job, along with the rest of the group, to establish directives for fulfilling each of those keys in our diocese.” Bishop Hoeppner has asked members of the Catechetical Task Force to create a uniform curriculum for pre-school and school-age youth as well as guidelines for families, Catholic schools, and home educators to use. He has asked that
conscience formation, Theology work in their heart,” Rzepka said. sponded, “It is important on a diof the Body, and discernment of “That love yields a passion to see ocesan level because if we wish to vocations be clearly presented. Jesus touch every heart in the Dio- live up to the beautiful image of “It is important to renew our cese of Crookston. The mandate the Church as one Mystical Body programs of catechesis across the of Bishop Hoeppner has given of Christ, then we need to have diocese so that we do not become each of us a privileged opportunity basic levels of theological compestagnant in our presentation of the to look at the heart of catechesis: tency and literacy established for faith,” Fr. Hamness stated “What the person of Jesus of Nazareth, each age group so that the body may have been useful for one gen- the only Son of the Father, who can communicate with itself.” He eration of learners, may no longer suffered and died for us and who concluded, “If we cannot commube helpful, and there may be as- now, after rising, is living with us nicate amongst ourselves, then we pects of catechesis from ages gone forever. We are peering into the have little hope of communicating by that we may wish to recapture as heart of the Gospel and looking our faith to the world.” we begin to recognize their peren- at how we can help nial value.” souls have intimate “As the Church teaches in Cat- communion with echesi Tradendae, we live in a difficult the only one who world, filled with growing uncer- saves, Jesus Christ.” tainty and indifferentism towards According to Fr. the faith,” said Rzepka. “In this Hamness, in the fuclimate, there is an ever-increasing ture, the task force need to ensure that catechesis is not will spend time anaweakened or undermined, so that lyzing available catChristians can truly live joy-filled echetical resources lives, centered on deep knowledge with the identified of Christ, which strengthens them keys of catechein their identity as sons and daugh- sis in mind so that ters of Christ, enabling them to they can make recmove through the world—no mat- ommendations to ter the gravity of challenges they Bishop Hoeppner. face—with a peace and joy that The work of surpasses understanding. … The the task force will task force seeks to ensure that this hopefully be felt need is being met in every parish in the diocese for for every person in our diocese.” years to come. Bishop Hoeppner has also called When asked why Msgr. David Baumgartner, Tina Stanger and for a shift of focus in faith forma- the work they are Amanda Zurface evaluate key points from the tion, writing, “We need to re-orien- doing is so im- book The Cathechism of the Catholic Church tate our efforts from child-centered portant for the and the Craft of Catechesis at a recent task to adult-centered faith formation. diocese as a whole, force meeting. (Photo credit: Janelle C. Gergen, Our vision for faith formation Fr. Hamness re- OND) needs to include the whole family.” (Meeting Christ, Living Christ, Goal Seven) St. John Paul II said, “The Christian community cannot carry out a permanent catechesis without the direct and skilled participation of adults.” Adults who have received continued faith formation and catechesis will be better able to aid in the catechesis of youth. “Being a part of the work of the Task Force Dr. Mark Krejci, Bonnie Lee, Michelle Peppel and Joann Koble share viewpoints has been a joy. Each on evangelization during the Catechetical Task Force meeting on Friday, Sept. member witnesses to 12. (Photo credit: Janelle C. Gergen, OND) the love of Jesus at
OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE
AROUND THE DIOCESE
October 22, 2014
5
Chancery Staff go on pilgrimage to venerate Holy Family Icon Icon available to pilgrims until Year of Marriage closes By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND CROOKSTON, MINN. - On Tuesday, Oct. 14, Bishop Michael Hoeppner led his Chancery staff on a pilgrimage at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to venerate the Holy Family Icon and pay homage to Our Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament as part of the Year of Marriage. 18 members of the staff gathered and prayed through the general prayer service listed in the Year of Marriage Pilgrim’s Guide 2014. Bishop Hoeppner offered a short reflection on the reading from the prayer service taken out of Genesis when Adam meets Eve for the first time. He described this as a “wow” moment for Adam adding, “You who are married are that ‘wow’ person for each other as Eve was for Adam.” He concluded his remarks by saying, “Let us move forward on the road of holiness to be that ‘wow’ today to the Good Lord.” All of the faithful of the diocese have been invited to make their own pilgrimages during this Year of Marriage. The Pilgrim’s Guide is available to assist those who wish to do so. It is available at the Cathedral on a table next to the icon and online at www.crookston.org/ yom under the Year of Marriage menu. The Pilgrim’s Guide contains prayers that may be prayed as part of a pilgrimage, as well as a copy
of the Decree of Special Indulgence for the Year of Marriage and an explanation of the Holy Family Icon. There are two suggested prayer services in the Pilgrim’s Guide; one is a general prayer service, and the other is a special prayer service designed for married couples. The prayer services contain petitions, reflections, and the text of the official Year of Marriage prayer. The opportunity to make a pilgrimage is not limited to those who are married. Anyone in any state of life, whether single, widowed, or in the religious life, is invited to make the pilgrimage and to reflect on the meaning and beauty of the Sacrament of Marriage. There are additional prayers in the Pilgrim’s Guide that can be prayed for a deceased spouse, for a future spouse, and for vocations to the religious life. The opportunity to make a pilgrimage to the Year of Marriage Icon continues until Nov. 23, the last day of the Year of Marriage. The Cathedral is open for pilgrims until 6 p.m. on most days. The Holy Family Icon is located in the west tower in the Cathedral Sanctuary next to the statues of Mary and Joseph under the crucifix. Making a pilgrimage carries with it a partial indulgence. As explained in the Pilgrim’s Guide: “After the remission of sins by absolution, there still remains the temporal punishment connected with them. An indulgence is the total or
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partial remission of this temporal punishment by concession of the Church, which is the dispenser of the treasure of the satisfaction of Christ and the saints.” During the Chancery staff pilgrimage, Bishop Hoeppner described indulgences as being, “… the treasure chest of good being opened for those who need it.” He said this treasure chest of the Church contains all the good of Jesus and all the saints throughout history. To receive a partial indulgence for making the pilgrimage, pilgrims must be in a state of grace, or free of mortal sin, and have a contrite heart for even venial sins. They also must go to the Cathedral with the intention of receiving an indulgence and do the following actions: make a devout pilgrimage to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, pay homage to Our Lord present to all in the Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration Chapel, and pray the designated Year of Marriage prayer before the blessed Holy Family Icon. For more information about receiving a partial indulgence, see the Pilgrim’s Guide. The Holy Family Icon was written by Fr. Thomas J. Loya specifically for the Diocese of Crookston’s Year of Marriage. The Pilgrim’s Guide contains an in-depth explanation of the Icon’s colors and the meaning behind the positioning of the Holy Family, down to the expressions on their faces.
The next OND submission deadline is: Weds., Oct. 29 by 12:00 p.m. Email: Janelle C. Gergen Associate Editor jgergen@crookston.org
Diocesan staff members pray before the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Family Icon at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday, Oct. 14. The pilgrimage was led by Bishop Michael Hoeppner (Photo credit: Katrina Genereux, OND)
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October 22, 2014
COMMENTARY
OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE
Transgender persons, dignity, and our response This past summer, Time magazine had a cover story called “The Next Civil Rights Revolution,” chronicling the movement to create legal mandates for the accommodation of persons who either identify as transgender or who refuse to identify as male or female altogether. A stream of stories has also appeared locally, describing the lives of transgender-identifying individuals and their fight to end “gender identity discrimination,” most recently concerning the Minnesota State High School League’s proposed Transgender Student Policy. Although the Policy was tabled until December, the discussion is far from over and questions about the policy and transgenderism from concerned Catholics abound. The gender confusion and sexual brokenness that we see all around us, in which people feel alienated from or in conflict with their bodies, is a sign of a deeply hurting world. It requires a compassionate and proactive response. A MUCH DEEPER PROBLEM The national story of Ryland Whittington is one that is particularly moving and saddening, and underscores the need to think and pray deeply about these issues. Ryland is a young girl whose parents helped her “transition” to a boy between the ages of two and five. Ryland now appears at events promot-
FAITH
IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE
By Mr. Jason Adkins Executive Director Minnesota Catholic Conference
ing transgender awareness. Yet, amid the mistruths that have formed to normalize “gender transition,” some voices of truth are making themselves heard. Dr. Paul McHugh is the head of the psychiatry department at Johns Hopkins University. This summer in the Wall Street Journal, he notes how he stopped allowing sex change or “reassignment” surgeries at the university hospital after research and experience showed that the surgeries in which men sought to become women did not cure underlying psychological problems present prior to surgery. The desire for the surgery was instead the byproduct of other psychological and sexual disorders. In the words of Dr. McHugh: “We have wasted scientific and technical resources and damaged our professional credibility by collaborating with madness rather than trying to study, cure, and ultimately prevent it.” The problem is not a question of
how to help people make their bodies match their subjective psychological state. THE CHURCH AS MOTHER AND TEACHER The matter of gender confusion is a sensitive topic that requires sharing countercultural truths with compassion. In the words of Pope St. John XXIII, the Church must be both mother and teacher. She is mother in the sense that she loves in the way a mother properly loves: everyone is embraced and welcomed. The unconditional love of a mother necessarily embraces the responsibility of being a teacher, even when the children ignore the advice or reject it altogether. The Church, as mother and teacher, must continue to courageously speak the truth while at the same time welcoming everyone in her embrace. GENDER AND HUMAN DIGNITY The truth is that God has created us male and female and has
made us with a soul and body that are inextricably linked to one another. The body is not merely a shell encompassing my spirit or “real self,” which many who support the new gender theory believe. It is truly me, along with my soul, and my identity as male or female is integral to who I am as a human person. (CCC 362-368.) As Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI noted in an important address to the Roman Curia in 2012, a rejection of the reality that we are created male and female is, even if unwittingly, a rejection of the Creator and His creation. Therefore, cultural currents or policies that seek to institutionalize or “mandate” affirmation of gender “reassignment” (as opposed to anti-discrimination laws, some of which ensure that people have access to the basic necessities of life) cannot be supported because they perpetuate the confusion, brokenness, or pain that someone who identifies as transgendered is experiencing, instead of trying to get to the root of the problem and recognize his or her human dignity as created by God. Pope St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body reminds us that our masculinity and femininity are not limitations to be overcome, as so many cultural forces make us feel, but rather gifts to be lived and shared. Each sex has its own equal, complementa-
ry dignity and importance in human relationships, and living in accordance with the way we are made is, ultimately, the source of our happiness and social wellbeing. (CCC 369-373.) Try as we might, we cannot change our sex. Little Ryland is still a girl no matter how many hormones doctors prescribe for her or how many operations to which she might be subjected. TRUTH AND LOVE God loves Ryland. God loves her parents. God loves every person who identifies as transgender, as well as their allies fighting for what they believe to be their rights and dignity. The Church must actively extend the mercy of Jesus Christ and the healing and compassion He brings to all people. This includes contesting destructive social trends, imprudent public policy, and harmful ideologies. Yet, we also need to do something in the lives of real people. This requires not just talk, but an encounter with actual persons— persons who struggle with gender-identity confusion or sexual brokenness—and actively listening to their needs and concerns. We must defend their authentic rights; protect them from cruel, dehumanizing acts; pray for them; and help them to know the Father’s plan for how He created them.
Sophia Grace’s silent entrance for a noisy world I’m not telling you anything new when I say we live in a noisy world. War is on the airwaves 24/7 along with debate from all sides concerning what should and should not be done with ISIS. Political ads filled with more venom than truth pollute radio, television, internet and print. Accusations of racism in our streets and the din of disputes over child/spouse abuse among professional athletes resound. It all becomes a never ending drumbeat tempting us to despair. In the midst of all this clamor, a little girl just six months in the womb of her mother, arrived earlier than planned and without air in her tiny lungs. She came quietly. She said not a word. She made no whimper and made no demands. She had died within the womb of her mom having only known one thing her entire
LIFE FIRST By Father Don Braukmann Parochial Vicar - St. Philip’s Parish, Bemidji and St. Charles Parish, Pennington
life … love. Sophia Grace was a mighty bullhorn to a world impressed with itself and its noise, its violence, its hate. Her silence spoke more eloquently than any lengthy oration from a politician, echo from a tank turret, or the raucous chant of a mob. As a priest, it was one of those consecrated moments when life, death, love and grace fuse together. I know I have already fallen short in my attempt to dic-
tate in words what no words can capture or explain. The power of love clashing with the mystery of death can, at the same time, warm a heart and exhaust the eyes. Sophia Grace changed lives. She made a difference. She was another expression of love to parents in love. All she knew on this side of heaven was her mother’s heartbeat, her parents’ voices, and the protection of a womb built for life.
As a man, I know I will never know what it must feel like to have another human being resting, eating, kicking and playing inside me. Yet, I could see in the eyes of Sophia’s dad, he came as close as humanly possible. To know the gaze he shares with only his wife and how that longing placed life where there was no life before, what a marvelous, breathtaking miracle. It is the stuff the Sacrament of Marriage is made of. At the funeral service, words to a song made the moment all the more touching. “Love will sustain. Love will provide. Love will not cease at the end of time. Love will protect. Love always hopes. Love still believes even when you don’t. Love is the river that flows through. Love is the arms that are holding you. Nothing is greater than this … love never fails.”
Moments later, there they stood, mom and dad at the grave of Sophia Grace in a cemetery appropriately named “Holy Cross.” Sophia’s two grandpas carried the small white casket and placed it over the grave. We said the prayers, shed the tears, embraced the hearts and vowed never to forget all this little one taught us. In a way only God could accomplish, there was peace as we stood there. Sophia’s message had been delivered and received. It was now up to us to deliver ours to an anxious planet. A noisy world could not possibly understand the strength of silence Sophia Grace’s life offered humanity. I pray to God we will all finally, someday, understand the humble strength it takes to be silent and to let God be God.
OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE
COMMENTARY
October 22, 2014
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To kiss the cross is to reveal the deepest love In a previous article I wrote about Venerable Fulton J. Sheen’s magnificent book, Three to Get Married, an insightful read about the role Christ plays in married life. The human heart, Sheen explains, desires the infinite, but, “the heart is wrong in trying to make its finite companion the substitute.” Because Christ should be the center of our marriage, my wife and I decided our nuptials would be different: instead of kissing one another, we kissed the cross. Only Christ can satisfy the universal longing in our hearts and, as salvation comes from the cross, it is precisely this cross that sustains husband and wife during the peaks and valleys of married life. Earlier this year, my wife and I stumbled upon the beautiful tradition of kissing the cross in a nuptial ceremony. We learned that in the small city of SirokiBrijeg, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, not one divorce or separation has ever been recorded among its 13,000 inhabitants. One reason the townsfolk attribute this to is that after vows are exchanged, the newlyweds do not hear the familiar “you may kiss the bride,” but instead hear “you may kiss the cross.” This May, after a week of soaking in the cultural richness
CREDO
A NEW EVANGELIZATION WITNESS
By Mr. Richard Aleman, guest columnist Sponsored by the Diocesan Office of the New Evangelization
of my native Barcelona, my future wife and I finally arrived at Sant Vicenç d’Espinelves, a 12th century church nestled in the valley of the Girona province of Spain. Surrounded by friends and family, we watched as my bride slowly walked down the aisle in her beautiful white wedding dress. After performing our nuptial ceremony, our friend and native Minnesotan, Fr. John Paul Erickson, stood over us and gently placed a silver crucifix under our two hands, covering both with his stole. “You have found your cross! It is a cross to love, to carry with you, a cross that is not thrown off but rather treasured.” This is a symbolic reminder that if one of us abandons the other, we also abandon Christ on the cross. For the sake of full disclosure, neither my wife nor I have any ties to Croatia. I am Catalan, a native of Spain (hence the wedding in Spain) and she is Ameri-
can with Polish and German roots. My wife grew up in South Saint Paul, Minn., and I spent my childhood between Barcelona and New York City. God brought us together later in life or, shall I say, God kneaded the two of us in preparation for one another. Coming from broken households we experienced firsthand the need to bring Christ into our relationship and marriage. Like most kids growing up in the 1980s, songs and stories of all-consuming love captivated our childhood. Our hearts were filled with the object of love: finding and pursuing the intense emotions we were told should last a lifetime. But the fleeting passions of the pop cultural “being in love” bear no resemblance to the maturities of human love. “Being in love” worships the idea of love, but neglects the person. In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis’ fictional devil glee-
fully explains, “[B]y persuading the humans that a curious, and usually short lived, experience which they call ‘being in love’ is the only respectable ground for marriage; that marriage can, and ought to, render this excitement permanent; and that a marriage which does not do so is no longer binding.” For men and women today, “the idea of marrying with any other motive seems to them low and cynical.” What happens when the excitement and polish fade, when our weaknesses surface, when we no longer view our spouses as made in our image and likeness? How will this revelation influence our behavior towards them, our fidelity, and the permanence or exclusivity of marriage if men and women always look for the “fix” of “being in love”? Genuine love is rooted in the heart and the mind, demanding a permanent forsaking of our interests for the good of the other. Sheen writes, “love never mounts to a higher level without a death to a lower level … the new life demands something of a surrender.” Love is deepened by Divine grace, as “man cannot receive anything, unless it be given him from heaven.” This lifelong grace bestowed through
the Sacrament of Marriage assists us in overcoming our selfinterest, arms us with the humility to love, to forgive in times of trial, to trust in our differences, and to nurse the soul of the other. If we rely on our spouses for more than reciprocal affection and bind ourselves to the cross, the reward will be a life of mutual reliance, virtue, and the suitable vigilance to keep our eyes fixed on Christ. St. Francis de Sales describes the cross we carry as, “not one inch too large and not one ounce too heavy.” God never gives us more than we can handle. He will not abandon us in the most overwhelming circumstances. “Love is not blind,” writes G.K. Chesterton, “that is the last thing that it is. Love is bound; and the more it is bound the less it is blind.” When entering into the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony or renewing marital vows, kissing the cross isn’t a magic potion for a successful marriage. But it is a beautiful pledge, a commitment to Christ with an eye on our eternal salvation; the beginning of a forged cross between husband and wife, but not its end. As husband and wife we draw strength every day from the cross. Because our love is not blind, it is revealing the deepest love imaginable.
The blessings of adoration are immeasurable Submitted by Larry Hanson St. Joseph’s, Moorhead
In the adoration chapel at St. Joseph’s Church in Moorhead, there is a statue of the Blessed Virgin holding the infant Jesus in her arms and close to her heart as He lies sleeping. It reminds me that even though saying yes to God may seem intimidating and uncomfortable at times, it has rewards. When I look at that statue I think, “Here is a young girl who loved God like no other, and whose only desire was to be in perfect union with Him. And through her humility, love and obedience, she was rewarded in an extraordinary way.” I can see for myself that not only does she hold Him in her heart; she is literally holding Him in her arms close to her heart! I don’t anticipate any surprises like that, but
EXPOSITION PRAYER IN THE DIOCESE OF CROOKSTON
Ms. Bonnie Lee
Director of the Office of Worship if my desire is union with God, and I make an honest attempt to follow Mary’s example of love, then I have faith that union with God will be my reward as well. When I first started going to adoration I didn’t know what to expect. I had read about how peoples’ lives were changed by profound experiences, even miracles, but I really didn’t have any set expectations. One part of my routine that is different than others’ is due to the fact that I am the last adorer.
It is my responsibility to repose the Sacrament. This is something that I sincerely do not feel worthy to do, but I am grateful that I am allowed to do it. It reminds me once again what a great gift and a privilege this ministry is. When the time comes for this to happen, I kneel and pray. I thank Jesus for all that He has done for us, and I ask Him for forgiveness and then I carefully return Him to the tabernacle. The blessings I have received from this ministry are immea-
surable and hard to describe, I would say they are more interior than exterior. But If I could offer one suggestion it would be that if you are curious to see what it is like, or if you have done it before and it has been a while since you have gone, pick a time that you could stop by, even for just a few minutes to just say hello while you are out and about. Jesus will be happy to see you and you can’t help being changed somehow for the better. Larry, and often his wife Patti, go to Eucharistic Adoration every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“Eucharistic adoration is an extension of our communion with Christ in Holy Communion and helps bring about within us a deeper longing for our next reception of Holy Communion.” - Most Reverend Michael Hoeppner Bishop of Crookston Meeting Christ, Living Christ, (pg 4)
“United with the angels and saints of the heavenly Church, let us adore the most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. Prostrate, we adore this great mystery that contains God’s new and definitive covenant with humankind in Christ.” - Pope Saint John Paul II Feast day: Oct 22nd You are invited to submit your testimonial of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament to: blee@crookston.org or P.O. Box 610 Crookston, MN 56716.
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October 22, 2014
DIOCESAN
OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE
YEAR OF MARRIAGE
CONGRESS OCTOBER 3-5, 2014
Clockwise: Bishop Hoeppner enthroning the Holy Family Icon at the Crookston Inn on Friday, Oct. 3. Congress participants gathering for Evening Prayer on Friday, Oct. 3. Mark & Kelly Reznicek speaking about the beauty of marriage and family life on Saturday, Oct. 4. Fr. Loya providing one of two keynote presentations on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Our Northland Diocese asked Marriage Congress
“Two things ... Danielle and Mitchell and how genuine they were. ... One point when they were on stage talking, they didn’t know we were here ... Second, the Liturgy of the Hours has been wonderful. Last night when we were singing the night prayer hymn, I almost cried. -Rosemary Beck
St. Cecelia’s, Sabin
“Fr. Loya – he was very interesting and made things clear … and of course, Danielle, she was so genuine.” -Mary Hager
Holy Rosary, Detroit Lakes
“Just being able to see holy marriages lived out intentionally. I feel like a lot of times we hear what the Church teaches but we don’t see examples of it.” -Megan Grubb
Holy Rosary, Detroit Lakes
OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE
DIOCESAN
October 22, 2014
Right: Danielle Rose performs with family members during the Love & Life Concert on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Far Right: 400 people gather for Danielle’s Saturday evening concert. (All Marriage Congress photos credited to: OND Staff) Left: Bishop Hoeppner presiding over the Marriage Celebration Mass with priests of the Diocese on Sunday, Oct. 5.
Right: Danielle Rose singing “Holy Family,” the official Diocesan Year of Marriage song, at the Marriage Celebration Mass on Sunday, Oct. 5. Danielle’s husband, Mitchell, and newborn daughter, Agnes, are seated near her. Far Right: Bishop Hoeppner prays with a newlywed couple and offers them a blessing after Sunday’s Mass.
More photos of the 2014 Marriage Congress are archived here: https://ournorthlanddiocese.shutterfly.com/pictures/8
gress participants: What has been the most meaningful part of the weekend for you?
Ashley: “I liked Fr. Loya. He’s a great speaker and really spoke to the heart of marriage in the church.” -Jake and Ashley Hodapp
St. Philip’s, Bemidji
Laurie: “We have learned things we didn’t know.” Warren: “And we were reminded of things we did know.” Warren: “Our kids have had Theology of the Body but as parents we haven’t. It was really interesting. Everything ties together nicely.” -Laurie and Warren Maliwitz St. Joseph’s, Red Lake Falls
Jacqueline: “Last night, the exchange between Mitchell and Danielle. That’s the best talk I’ve seen. The words didn’t matter. Their love was visible.” Stephen: “Hearing Fr. Loya took what the two [Danielle and Mitchell] did and used it as a spring board into Theology of the Body.” -Deacon Stephen Thomas and Jacqueline
Sacred Heart, E. Grand Forks
“The time for reflection about marriage and God’s design for marriage and all the speakers in different ways shed light on that. You think of Danielle and new marriages ... and Fr. Tom and his ability to talk about what is male and female … to be able to just appreciate these differences and how God has designed us to complement each other ...” -Karen Baatz
St. Joseph’s, Moorhead
“Singing with Danielle. Danielle thanked us for singing with her and praying with God. And being able to pray together and worship together with people who are committed to the Sacrament of Marriage.” -Theresa Borchert St. Joseph’s, Ada
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10 October 22, 2014
AROUND THE DIOCESE
OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE
Park Rapids resident elected to board of National Catholic Society of Foresters
Park Rapids resident Catherine Hensel has been elected National Secretary to the 2014-2018 National Catholic Society of Foresters (NCSF) Board of Directors at the 23rd Quadrennial Convention in Oak Brook, Ill. Catherine, a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, continues her long history of leadership in NCSF. She is a member of NCSF’s St. Adolph Court 901 in Park Rapids, and holds the position of court president with them. Catherine also served on the Board of Directors from 2006-2010 and 2010-2014. National Catholic Society of Foresters’ 23rd Quadrennial Convention was August 7-10. Member-owned and member-directed, its members chose delegates to attend and vote on leadership. These delegates traveled across the U.S. from their courts, and gathered under the convention theme, “Renewed Spirit - New Life”. “The goal of the delegates and our leaders,” wrote National President Margaret Schmitt in the 2014 fall National Catholic Forester magazine, “is to bring NCSF into the future as a strong and stable business whose members are an ever increasingly vital part of their hometown communities. New products, new perspectives, qualified leaders – these are the things that help us meet our goals for a renewed spirit and new life.” National Catholic Society of Foresters would like to introduce
Shown above is the Holy Rosary Catholic Daughters Court #1916 paying the entrance fee for Holy Rosary Catholic School, Detroit Lakes, to participate in the city, regional and national Spelling Bee. Good luck Spellers! (Photo submitted by: Mary Buschette)
Catherine Hensel St. Peter’s, Park Rapids
its 2014-2018 Board of Directors: National President Margaret Schmitt of Blue River, Wis.; National Vice President Sally Egan of La Crosse, Wis.; National Secretary Catherine Hensel of Park Rapids, Minn.; National Treasurer Lisa Bickus of Lockport, Ill. National Directors: David Bonacker of Sioux Falls, S.D.; Terence Patrick Coleman of Villa Park, Ill.; Jeanne Filipp of Arlington Heights, Ill.; Linda Ortiz of Moline, Ill.; Sandra Troyanoski of Plover, Wis.; Maria Tupaz of Portland, Ore.; Jane Uselman of Wadena, Minn. National Secretary and Treasurer were appointed by the 20142018 Board of Directors at their first meeting in September.
About National Catholic Society of Foresters: Headquartered in Mount Prospect, Illinois, the National Catholic Society of Foresters (NCSF) began in 1891 in Chicago, IL when a mother of six children in Holy Family Parish passed away and insurance was unavailable to her. Today, 123 years later, NCSF continues to serve Catholic woman, men, and children nationwide, offering life insurance and annuities to Catholic families. 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 1-800344-6273.
Fall Dinners in the Diocese of Crookston SATURDAY, OCT. 25, 2014: ST. PATRICK’S, HALLOCK Fall Bazaar
11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. SUNDAY, OCT. 26, 2014: CATHEDRAL, CROOKSTON HALLOCK CITY HALL
Fall Festival and dinner
MARIAN HALL, MOUNT ST. BENEDICT
11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
SUNDAY, OCT. 26, 2014: ST. ELIZABETH’S, DILWORTH Spaghetti dinner 11:30 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. SUNDAY, OCT. 26, 2014: ST. ROSE OF LIMA, ARGYLE Turkey and ham dinner & Bazaar 12:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.
SATURDAY, NOV. 22, 2014: ST. PETER’S, PARK RAPIDS Crafts, bake sale, door prizes
9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. (LUNCH SERVED 11-2)
St. Joseph’s, RLF, takes part in Rosary Rally A public square Rosary Rally was conducted by members of St. Joseph’s Parish, Red Lake Falls, on Oct. 11. As people gathered around the flag pole at the Red Lake County Courthouse, Dan Schmitz of Red Lake Falls led the rosary. They asked God and Our Lady to save America from today’s immorality and secularism. This was part of a nationwide effort in conjunction with the “America Needs Fatima” rosary crusade held in thousands of cities across America.
St. Patrick’s, Kelliher, hosting parish mission
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kelliher will host a parish mission presented by Redemptorist Father Vic Karls from Liguori, Mo. The dates for the mission are Nov. 2-5, with daily Mass in the morning and an evening preaching session beginning at 7 p.m. each day at St. Patrick’s. This is an ideal opportunity to take some time out and have a spiritual renewal with an excellent and inspirational speaker. People from all faiths are welcome to join us at St. Patrick’s each evening as well as for the hospitality afterwards. Mark your calendars and plan to attend any or all of the evenings. For more information, please call the parish office in Kelliher at (218) 647-8392.
Cardinal Turkson lecture in St. Paul
Cardinal Peter Turkson, the president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, will bring Pope Francis’s message of faith-based ecology to Minnesota this fall. The cardinal will give a public lecture on “Faith and the Call for a Human Ecology” at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The event will be held in the OEC Auditorium on the St. Paul campus of the University of St. Thomas. Attendance is free, but space is limited. To reserve your seat, register at www.ffesymposium.eventbrite. com. Cardinal Turkson’s lecture is part of the broader Faith, Food & the Environment symposium taking place in the Twin Cities, Nov. 5-7. To learn more about the symposium, please visit www.FaithFoodEnvrionment.org.
OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE
AROUND THE DIOCESE
Diocese Exchange Program helps the Church in Jamaica
The Diocese Exchange Program collects surplus items from all our churches including vestments, sacred vessels, candle sticks, furniture and more and distributes them to other parishes within the diocese. Many of our priests and churches have benefited from the opportunity to obtain articles that are needed locally. Since more is donated than can be used here, a large surplus accumulated. On Oct. 9, 68 boxes weighing approximately 1,500 pounds, with a used value of $15,965, were loaded into a container that was shipped directly to Jamaica. St. Joseph’s, Red Lake Falls, coordinated the program and worked with Food for the Poor to make this donation. Volunteers in Red Lake Falls loaded the truck in just 20 minutes. The Diocese Exchange Program continues to collect items to share with our priests and churches. There is a waiting list of items needed locally. For information or if you have questions, contact Susan Olson at (218) 253-2188 or susan@rlccatholic.org.
Rite of Lector celebrated with deacon candidates Rite of Lector was celebrated w it h deacon ca nd idates on Saturday, Oct. 11, in Bishop’s Chapel at t he Cha ncer y i n Crookston. The candidates are in their second of 4 years of theological formation leading to Diaconate Ordination.
Pictured from left to right: Ron Vasek of Holy Trinity,Tabor; Aaron Kaiser of St. Joseph’s, Bagley; Mark LeTexier of Sacred Heart, East Grand Forks; Tim Pribula of St. Michael’s, Mahnomen; Bishop Michael Hoeppner; Paul Erickson of St. Joseph’s, Moorhead; Robb Naylor of St. Philip’s, Bemidji; Mark Krejci of St. Joseph’s, Moorhead. (Photo submitted by: Office of the New Evangelization)
Diocese of Crookston’s 2014 Year of Marriage -- Closing Mass -with Bishop Michael Hoeppner
DATE: November 22 TIME: 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Crookston, MN Sponsored by the Office of the New Evangelization 218- 281-4533 ▪ www.crookston.org/YOM
CORRECTION: An error was made in Vol. 68, No. 16, of Our Northland Diocese in the feature story “Sharing joy and celebrating Fr. Frank’s 100 years” (Pgs. 1 & 4). Jim and Geri Schreiner of St. Francis de Sales, Moorhead, were Fr. Frank’s drivers in the winter of 1997. The story incorrectly stated Jim and Geraldine Schneider. The photo caption on page 4 should have read: Fr. Frank is pictured visiting with Jim Schreiner of St. Francis de Sales, Moorhead. Our Northland Diocese apologizes for the error!
October 22, 2014
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THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF ABORTION Fall Worldwide Campaign: September 24 – November 2 THE DIOCESE OF CROOKSTON’S OFFICE OF THE NEW EVANGELIZATION WILL LEAD A ROSARY FOR THE UNBORN:
Saturday, November 1 @ 12:00 p.m. Outside Planned Parenthood: 2504 Hannah Ave. NW, Bemidji, MN
12 October 22, 2014
COMMENTARY
OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE
Catechesis on the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation: Part 2 By Fr. Peter Ryan, SJ Executive Director, Secretariat of Doctrine USCCB QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION Have you ever wondered why it is necessary to identify one’s sins, since God already knows them? Part of the answer is that the inspired Word of God urges us to do so: “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (Jas 5:16). But there are also other reasons. If we fail to do this and ask God’s forgiveness only in a general way or only in our own hearts, it is easy for us to rationalize. It is easy for us to convince ourselves that some sins are really not sins after all. The requirement to reflect specifically on our thoughts, words, and deeds in light of the revealed truth about sin helps us avoid such rationalization. True enough, even thinking about telling our sins to another human being can seem intimidating and unpleasant. But priests are sinners, too, and they generally strive to embody the Lord’s kindness. Often one’s experience in the confessional is surprisingly easy and consoling. Even if the experience of confessing is unpleasant, the blessings we receive are completely out of proportion to that unpleasantness. For God’s gift to us when we sincerely confess our grave sins is to wipe them away, restore us to life, and open to us the doors of his Kingdom. Paul’s words apply here: “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us” (Rom 8:18). For, as Paul also says, the Father “delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Col 1:13-14). Have you ever wondered why it is necessary to go to a priest? It is important to bear in mind that when people commit mortal sins, they alienate themselves from Christ. They deliberately do what they know in their hearts to be gravely wrong and incompatible with true friendship with him. Although mortal sinners who have not renounced the faith do still believe, their faith is dead. They are still members of the Body of Christ, but by their grave sins they have turned themselves into dead members. Before they can receive Holy Communion, they need to be reintroduced into Christ’s life, as he so deeply desires. Just as they received that life when a minister representing Christ and his Church baptized them, so too do they re-
ceive the restoration of that life when a minister ordained to act in the person of Christ and his Church absolves their sins. The point is beautifully illustrated in the very institution of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation: On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. [Jesus] said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (Jn 20:19-23) Jesus clearly entrusts his gift of forgiveness to his Church. And the Church’s priests, acting in the person of Jesus, are prepared to forgive any sins whatsoever in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation when they are sincerely confessed by a penitent with a firm purpose of amendment. “What about venial sins?” you might ask. Unlike mortal sins, venial sins do not take away the sanctifying grace we receive at Baptism. They do not make us dead members of Christ. And no amount of venial sins can ever add up to a single mortal sin. Nevertheless, someone who sins venially finds it far easier to sin mortally. For example, a boy who disobeys his parents’ directive not to spend time with a delinquent friend commits a venial sin, but he may then find himself tempted to participate in activities he knows to be gravely wrong. It is good to confess venial sins. Of course, venial sins can also be forgiven in other ways, including through the devout reception of the Eucharist. Still, conscientious Catholics who have no mortal sins find in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation the grace they need to keep sin out of their lives and to grow in holiness. It is very helpful to develop the habit of frequent confession, and go-
ing once a month is by no means too often. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it, “Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit” (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 2nd ed. [Washington, DC: Libreria Editrice Vaticana (LEV)– USCCB, 2000], no. 1458). UNMASKING FALSE PEACE TO RECEIVE THE SACRAMENT OF MERCY Jesus loves every single person who ever lived and will not willingly lose anyone. So, at great cost to himself, he makes salvation available to everyone. But he never imposes it on anyone. Rather, he instituted the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation to offer us opportunities to freely turn back to him when we have foolishly turned away. We can easily convince ourselves, even as we stray from the Lord, that all is well, for we naturally want to be at peace with ourselves. And to admit that all is not well causes great interior turmoil. So, we rationalize. This means settling for a false peace. The prophet Jeremiah warns against this when he rebukes those who say “‘Peace, peace,’ . . . though there is no peace” (Jer 6:14). The worst thing is to be in mortal sin and, because you don’t want to experience interior turmoil, to try to convince yourself that you’re
not really in trouble. That’s like having cancer and not wanting to go to the doctor, because you don’t want to hear bad news. The prophets, Apostles, and saints throughout the ages, filled with the Holy Spirit and love of neighbor, have mercifully shaken up those who are trapped in false peace. Those models of holiness knew that the eternal salvation of their hearers is at stake. False peace will eventually be unmasked, and the saints know that it is far better for the mask to be removed now— when we are able to receive the forgiveness Jesus so graciously offers in this sacrament of mercy—than when it is too late. When the veil of false peace is finally lifted from those who are lost, they have no peace at all. But we can find true peace now in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. That peace reaches deeper than any suffering and comes to full fruition in the joyful resurrection life of the Kingdom. Jesus has a wonderful personal touch that he uses to encourage people to turn to him. For he is really interested in people—really interested in you and me. He does all he can to appeal to our hearts when we are lost. He even associates with sinners. When challenged about this, he says that it is the sick who need a doctor, and he urges his critics to understand that God wants heartfelt mercy and not just external performances: “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’” (Mt 9:13). Jesus also appeals to the hearts of his hearers through parables. To encourage those who have strayed to return, he tells the story of the loving shepherd in search of his lost sheep. On finding it, the shepherd “sets it on his shoulders with great joy” (Lk: 15:5) and even gathers his friends together to rejoice with him. It’s hard to imagine a greater encouragement for the lost than Jesus’ concluding words in this parable: “I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance” (Lk 15:7).
Jesus’ words and deeds reflect the teaching we just considered. When, for example, the diminutive Zacchaeus climbs a tree in order to see Jesus, the Lord encourages him to repent by honoring him. He says, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house” (Lk 19:5). When Zacchaeus responds with joy and repents, Jesus explains that “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost” (Lk 19:10). Such moments of grace are not limited to the events recounted in the Gospel. Even now Jesus offers his grace. Even now he reaches out to the lost. Even now he desires to bring forgiveness and joy to the repentant sinner. Since so much is at stake, and our Lord’s tender love for us is so deep, we have every reason to search deeply into our own hearts and see what we should bring to the Lord in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. It is essential to ask ourselves: “Is it possible that I’m in mortal sin and won’t be able to enter into the Kingdom the way I am?” If we have rationalized our sins and become blind to them, we need only turn to the Lord and sincerely ask him to reveal them to us. Jesus will show us what we need to see about our life with great gentleness and compassion. He wants to help us out of such a dreadful situation and lead us to everlasting life. If, after such an examination of conscience, we avail ourselves of the great Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, we can be confident that our merciful Lord will forgive our sins and restore us to life. He will give us the grace we need to change whatever we need to change so that we can stay in friendship with him. He will set us on the joyful path to his Kingdom, where we will drink in his goodness and kindness forever. Copyright ©2014, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to duplicate this work without adaptation for non-commercial use. Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Scripture excerpts used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, rev. ed.© 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, copyright ©2000, Libreria Editrice Vaticana–United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE
DIOCESAN/NATIONAL
October 22, 2014
13
Our Church desperately needs more priests and religious. Join thousands of Catholics by pledging to pray daily or weekly at: www.invisiblemonastery.com
Diocese of Crookston Seminarians: 2014-2015 LOCATION:
LOCATION:
St. Paul Seminary St. Paul, MN
St. Paul Seminary St. Paul, MN
HOME PARISH:
HOME PARISH:
HOME PARISH:
St. Bernard’s, Thief River Falls
Deacon John Christianson 2015
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston
Deacon Bryan Kujawa 2015
LOCATION:
Matthew Regan 2016
LOCATION:
HOME PARISH:
HOME PARISH:
St. Francis de Sales, Moorhead
St. Joseph’s, Moorhead
Michael Arey 2019
St. Meinrad School of Theology St. Meinrad, IN
HOME PARISH:
Sacred Heart, East Grand Forks
Nathin Voeller 2020
St. Joseph’s, Brooks
Matthew Schmitz 2017
Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary Winona, MN
St. Paul Seminary St. Paul, MN
HOME PARISH:
LOCATION:
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston
LOCATION:
St. Meinrad School of Theology St. Meinrad, IN
Nate Brunn 2018
LOCATION:
St. Paul Seminary St. Paul, MN
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SEMINARY OR VOCATIONAL DISCERNMENT, PLEASE CONTACT:
Fr. Vincent Miller Director of Vocations wmiller.cathedral@midconetwork.com (218) 281-1735 or Fr. Xavier Ilango Associate Director of Vocations xavier.ilango@gmail.com (218) 334-4221 www.crookston.org/Vocations
The Diocese of Crookston has been chosen to participate in Catholic Extension’s Seminarian Endowment Grant Match challenge. Gifts to this challenge will be matched dollar for dollar by Catholic Extension, up to $50,000. For more information on donating to this exceptional opportunity, please call the Office of Stewardship and Development toll-free at 1-855-397-8252. This opportunity ends December 31, 2014.
14 October 22, 2014
INTERNATIONAL
OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE
Synod ends by affirming tradition, leaving controversial questions open By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- After several days of animated debate over its official midterm report, the Synod of Bishops on the family agreed on a final document more clearly grounded in traditional Catholic teaching. Yet the assembly failed to reach consensus on especially controversial questions of Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried and the pastoral care of homosexuals. The synod’s last working session, Oct. 18, also featured a speech by Pope Francis, in which he celebrated the members’ frank exchanges while warning against extremism in the defense of tradition or the pursuit of progress. Discussions in the synod hall had grown heated after the Oct. 13 delivery of a midterm report that used strikingly conciliatory language toward people with ways of life contrary to church teaching, including divorced and civilly remarried Catholics, cohabitating couples and those in same-sex unions. The summaries of workinggroup discussions, published Oct. 16, showed a majority of synod fathers wanted the final document to be clearer about relevant church
doctrine and give more attention to families whose lives exemplify that teaching. The final report, which the pope ordered published almost at once after the synod’s conclusion, featured many more citations of Scripture, as well as new references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the teachings of Blessed Pope Paul VI, St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict VI. Synod fathers voted on each of the document’s 62 paragraphs. All received a simple majority, but three failed to gain the two-thirds supermajority ordinarily required for approval of synodal documents. Two of those paragraphs dealt with a controversial proposal by German Cardinal Walter Kasper that would make it easier for divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Communion. The document noted disagreements on the subject and recommended further study. The document’s section on homosexuality, which also fell short of supermajority approval, was significantly changed from its counterpart in the midterm report. The original section heading --”welcoming homosexuals” -- was changed to “pastoral attention to persons with homosexual orienta-
Pope Francis gestures as he greets the media after leaving the concluding session of the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican Oct. 18. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
tion.” A statement that same-sex unions can be a “precious support in the life of the partners” was removed. The final report quoted a 2003
document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: “There are absolutely no grounds for considering homosexual unions to be in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God’s plan for marriage and family.” Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, told reporters that the absence of a supermajority indicated a lack of consensus and a need for more discussion, but stressed that none of the document carried doctrinal weight. The synod’s final report will serve as an agenda for the October 2015 world synod on the family, which will make recommendations to the pope. Pope Francis said he welcomed the assembly’s expressions of disagreement. “Personally, I would have been very worried and saddened if there hadn’t been these temptations and these animated discussions,” the pope said, “if everybody had agreed or remained silent in a false and quietistic peace.” “So many commentators, or people who talk, imagined they saw the church quarreling, one part against the other, even doubting the Holy Spirit, the true promoter and guarantor of unity and harmony in the church,” he said. While reassuring the assembly
that the church’s unity was not in danger, Pope Francis warned against several temptations that he said had been present during the two-week synod. One of the temptations he cited was that of “hostile rigidity” that seeks refuge in the letter of the law, “in the certainty of what we know and not of what we must still learn and achieve.” This temptation, he said, is characteristic of the “zealous, the scrupulous, the attentive and -- today -- of the so-called traditionalists and also of intellectuals.” Another temptation for the synod fathers, the pope said, was that of “destructive do-goodism, which in the name of a misguided mercy binds up wounds without first treating and medicating them; that treats symptoms and not causes and roots. It is the temptation of do-gooders, of the timorous and also of the so-called progressives and liberals.” Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a statement that he was “grateful that the clarifications and deepening of scriptural and theological reflection shine consistently” through the final report. “Now the real work begins!”
Pope beatifies Blessed Paul VI, the ‘great helmsman’ of Vatican II By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Beatifying Blessed Paul VI at the concluding Mass of the Synod of Bishops on the family, Pope Francis praised the late pope as the “great helmsman” of the Second Vatican Council and founder of the synod, as well as a “humble and prophetic witness of love for Christ and his church.” The pope spoke during a homily in St. Peter’s Square at a Mass for more than 30,000 people, under a sunny sky on an unseasonably warm Oct. 19. “When we look to this great pope, this courageous Christian, this tireless apostle, we cannot but say in the sight of God a word as simple as it is heartfelt and important: thanks,” the pope said, drawing applause from the congregation, which included retired Pope Benedict, whom Blessed Paul made a cardinal in 1977. “Facing the advent of a secularized and hostile society, (Blessed Paul) could hold
fast, with farsightedness and wisdom -and at times alone -- to the helm of the barque of Peter,” Pope Francis said, in a possible allusion to “Humanae Vitae,” the late pope’s 1968 encyclical, which affirmed Catholic teaching against contraception amid widespread dissent. The pope pronounced the rite of beatification at the start of the Mass. Then Sister Giacomina Pedrini, a member of the Sisters of Holy Child Mary, carried up a relic: a bloodstained vest Blessed Paul was wearing during a 1970 assassination attempt in the Philippines. Sister Pedrini is the last surviving nun who attended to Blessed Paul. In his homily, Pope Francis did not explicitly mention “Humanae Vitae,” the single achievement for which Blessed Paul is best known today. Instead, the pope highlighted his predecessor’s work presiding over most of Vatican II and establishing the synod. The pope quoted Blessed Paul’s statement that he intended the synod to survey
the “signs of the times” in order to adapt to the “growing needs of our time and the changing conditions of society.” Looking back on the two-week family synod, Pope Francis called it a “great experience,” whose members had “felt the power of the Holy Spirit who constantly guides and renews the church.” The pope said the family synod demonstrated that “Christians look to the future, God’s future ... and respond courageously to whatever new challenges come our way.” The synod, dedicated to “pastoral challenges of the family,” touched on sensitive questions of sexual and medical ethics and how to reach out to people with ways of life contrary to Catholic teaching, including divorced and civilly remarried Catholics, cohabitating couples and those in samesex unions. “God is not afraid of new things,” Pope Francis said. “That is why he is continually surprising us, opening our hearts and guiding us in unexpected ways. He renews us; he constantly makes us new.”
Sister Giacomina Pedrini carries relics of Blessed Paul VI during his beatification Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 19. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE
COMMENTARY
WORD to LIFE October 26
THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Exodus 22:20-26; Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 51; Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40
1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10
By Catholic News Service As I write this, there is a war of words, ideologies and policy opinions raging on news and social media over the crisis of children crossing the border into the U.S. from Central America. The issue is, of course, bigger than this current news cycle and it has been going on for many years. I have been listening to what I thought was all sides of this issue and I was not sure what to think, but things crystalized when I read this week’s Scriptures and saw God’s opinion. The readings kick off with this from Exodus: “Thus says the Lord: ‘You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.’” I remembered making a family tree when I was in grade school and I learned that my family is from Ireland and France. Not exactly Egypt, but point taken! In Exodus we read how God hears the cry of the oppressed and that we had better not be the oppressors or things will not go well for us. God uses pretty strong language to call those who follow him to be as compassionate as he is. Some might say that the Old Testament God is different from the New Testament God. In a way, they are right. In the New Testament, God is compassionate from afar, as in the Old Testament, but he also is compassionate in person -- the person of Jesus. This personified compassion of God tells us in this week’s Gospel that we must do this: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. These words from God may be hard to hear and even harder to put into action. But
the other two readings give us some direction on how to proceed. St. Paul tells us to imitate the leaders of our church and God. We should all read the bishops’ statements on immigration and strive to be as compassionate as God. The psalm response shows us how to pray. Close your eyes and say: “I love you, Lord, my strength.” And while you are at it, pray for all these people who feel the need to flee their homeland. May the Lord, and we, have mercy on them all.
Questions: What can you do to fulfill the command of God to love your neighbor as yourself? What is the most challenging part of this week’s readings for you? How will you respond?
“I WILL SURELY HEAR THEIR CRY.” -- EXODUS 22:22
October 22, 2014
15
FOR FAITH-SHARING GROUPS
November 2
COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED (ALL SOULS) Wisdom 3:1-9; Psalm 23:1-6; Gospel: John 6:37-40
Romans 5:5-11 or Romans 6:3-9
The eldest priest of our diocese departed for heaven just recently at age 99. We felt some degree of sorrow -- for ourselves -but mainly joy, for we felt certain he would be welcomed into the arms of God. Only a few months ago, Father George, living in retirement, worked with his caretaker to respond to Pope Francis’ call to all of us to be more mindful of the poor. They assembled small kits of food, water and toiletry items, placing them in bags they would distribute to homeless persons in their daily drives around the city’s streets and parks. The largest portion of Father George’s priestly career took place in hospital chaplaincy, where he was faced, no doubt, with having to console the families of those who spent their last days on earth in St. Joseph Hospital. How comforting he must have been as he conveyed Jesus’ promise of eternal life to believers. As a quote from John 6 puts it, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” This is a great assurance to us if we and our loved ones have sought to be faithful followers of Jesus. How comforting it is to read earlier in that same chapter, “Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day.”
Whatever the exact timing, and with or without a bit of additional polishing up before entering God’s presence, we are certain that the promise held out by Jesus in the readings for this weekend applied to Father George Curtsinger. He was demonstrably a believer in and a follower of Jesus.
By Catholic News Service
Questions: How can you express your love for God in your actions toward others?
“THE SOULS OF THE JUST ARE IN THE HAND OF GOD, AND NO TORMENT SHALL TOUCH THEM.” -- WISDOM 3:1
THE OND IS NOW ONLINE!! - ARCHIVED EDITIONS -
Vol. 68, No. 16 (October 8, 2014) can be viewed here: www.crookston.org/ond/
16 October 22, 2014
DIOCESAN
PRAYER CALENDAR NOV 1 - ALL SAINTS Fr. Duane Pribula (retired) NOV 2 - ALL SOULS’ DAY Fr. Bob Pryor (retired) NOV 3 - ST. MARTIN DE PORRES, RELIGIOUS Fr. Joe Richards NOV 4 - ST. CHARLES BORROMEO, BISHOP Fr. Jerry Rogers NOV 5 - WEEKDAY Fr. Bob Schreiner NOV 6 - WEEKDAY Fr. Andrew Sensenig, OMI NOV 7 - WEEKDAY Fr. Luis Silva
NOV 8 - BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Fr. Bob Stone (retired) NOV 9 - THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA
(seminarian)
NOV 10 - ST. LEO THE GREAT, POPE, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH Fr. Manuel Sundaram
NOV 17 - ST. ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY Nate Brunn (seminarian)
NOV 12 - ST. JOSAPHAT, BISHOP, MARTYR Fr. Emmanuel Sylvester NOV 13 - ST. FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI, VIRGIN Fr. Craig Vasek NOV 14 - WEEKDAY Fr. Gene Wesley (retired) NOV 15 - ST. ALBERT THE GREAT, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH Fr. Larry Wieseler (retired) NOV 16 - 33RD SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME Michael Arey
OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE
NOVEMBER 2014
Fr. Pat Sullivan
NOV 11 - ST. MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP Fr. David Super
NOV 18 - THE DEDICATION OF THE BASILICAS OF STS. PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES, ST. ROSE PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE Deacon John Christianson (seminarian) NOV 19 - WEEKDAY Deacon Bryan Kujawa (seminarian) NOV 20 - WEEKDAY Matthew Regan (seminarian) NOV 21 - THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Matt Schmitz (seminarian) NOV 22 - ST. CECILIA Bishop Michael Hoeppner
KING OF THE UNIVERSE Bishop Emeritus Victor Balke (retired) NOV 24 - ST. ANDREW DUNG-LAC, PRIEST, MARTYR AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS Fr. Todd Arends NOV 25 - ST. CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGIN, MARTYR Msgr. David Baumgartner NOV 26 - WEEKDAY Fr. James Bernauer (retired) NOV 27 - WEEKDAY Fr. Don Braukmann NOV 28 - WEEKDAY Fr. Luis Buitron NOV 29 - BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Fr. Tim Bushy
PLEASE
pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life
NOV 30 - FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Fr. Walter Butor, OMI
NOV 23 - OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST,
VOCATION PRAYER OF POPE 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.
DAILY SCRIPTURE
NOVEMBER 2014
NOV 1 - Rv 7:2-4, 9-14; Ps 24:1b-4b, 5-6; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12a NOV 2 - Wis 3:1-9; Ps 23:1-6; Rom 5:5-11; Jn 6:37-40 NOV 3 - Phil 2:1-4; Ps 131:1b-3; Lk 14:12-14 NOV 4 - Phil 2:5-11; Ps 22:26b-32; Lk 14:15-24 NOV 5 - Phil 2:12-18; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Lk 14: 25-33 NOV 6 - Phil 3:3-8a; Ps 105:2-7; Lk 15:1-10 NOV 7 - Phil 3:17-4:1; Ps 122:1-5; Lk 16:1-8 NOV 8 - Phil 4:10-19; Ps 112:1b-2, 5-6, 8a, 9; Lk 16:9-15 NOV 9 - Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17; Jn 2:136-22 NOV 10 - Ti 1:1-9; Ps 24:1b-4b, 5-6; Lk 17:1-6 NOV 11 - Ti 2:1-8, 11-14; Ps 37:3-4, 18, 23, 27, 29; Lk 17:7-10 NOV 12 - Ti 3:1-7; Ps 23:1b-6; Lk 17:11-19 NOV 13 - Phlm 7-20; Ps 146:7-10; Lk 17:20-25 NOV 14 - 2 Jn 4-9; Ps 119:1-2, 10-11, 17-18; Lk 17:26-37 NOV 15 - 3 Jn 5-8; Ps 112:1-6; Lk 18:1-8
NOV 16 - Prv 31;10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Ps 128:1-5; 1 Thes 5:1-6; Mt 25:14-30 NOV 17 - Rv 1:1-4, 2:1-5; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Lk 18:35-43 NOV 18 - Rv 3:1-6, 14-22; Ps 15:2-5; Lk 19:1-10 NOV 19 - Rv 4:1-11; Ps 150:1b-6; Lk 19:12-28 NOV 20 - Rv 5:1-10; Ps 149:1b-6a, 9b; Lk 19:41-44 NOV 21 - Rv 10:8-11; Ps 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131; Lk 19:45-48 NOV 22 - Rv 11:4-12; Ps 144:1-2, 9-10; Lk 20:27-40 NOV 23 - Ez 34:11-12, 15-17; Ps 23:1-3, 5-6; 1 Cor 15:20-26, 28; Mt 25:31-46 NOV 24 - Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5; Ps 24:1b-4b, 5-6; Lk 21:1-4 NOV 25 - Rv 14:14-19; Ps 96:10-13; Lk 21:5-11 NOV 26 - Rv 15:1-4; Ps 98: 1-3b, 7-9; Lk 21:12-19 NOV 27 - Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a; Ps 100:1b-5; Lk 21:20-28 NOV 28 - Rv 20:1-4, 11-21:2; Ps 84:3-6a, 8a; Lk 21:2933 NOV 29 - Rv 22:1-7; Ps 95:1-7b; Lk 21:34-36 NOV 30 - Is 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Mk 13:33-37