OND June B 2015 Vol. 69, No. 12

VOL. 69, NO. 12

WWW.CROOKSTON.ORG

JUNE 24, 2015

‛Preaching is the cause and purpose’ Sacred Heart School alumnus shares story of his call to Dominican order

By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND CROOKSTON, MINN. — “That’s the grace of a vocation,” said Father Robert Keller. “You find where the greatest yearning of your heart meets the greatest need of the world.” Father Keller is a friar with the Order of Preachers. “That probably says it all,” he said. “Preaching is the cause and purpose of us.” Members of the order are more commonly known as Dominicans after their founder, St. Dominic Guzman.

A HISTORY OF THE PREACHING “The Order of Preachers came into existence to kind

of work against the Albigensian heresy,” said Father Keller.

“The purpose of the order was for preaching and the salvation of souls.”

According to Keller, the first Dominicans were nuns. In the early 1200s, women who denied the Albigensian heresy and began following the Gospel message that St. Dominic preached to them were kicked out of their homes. They sought out the saint, and he formed them into a community.

Today, the Dominican order is composed of nuns, friars and laity. “Our Master General is in charge of the nuns, the friars and the laity, so that’s an in-

teresting thing,” Father Keller said. Most orders do not have that structure.

There are 45 provinces of friars in the world, four of which are in the United States.

Father Keller belongs to the central province, The Dominican Province of St. Albert the DOMINICANS: Continued on Page 7

Father Bob Keller, Order of Preachers, visits Father Thomas McGonigle, also a member of the Dominican order, at a nursing home facility. (Submitted photo)

Dual celebration held for silver jubilees in Moorhead Fathers Delaney and Richards celebrate 25 years of priestly ministry

By Janelle C. Gergen Associate Editor, OND MOORHEAD, MINN. — St. Joseph’s Church held a full congregation on June 15, for the dual celebration marking the silver jubilees of Father Larry Delaney, Pastor of St. Joseph’s, Moorhead, and Father Joe Richards, Pastor of St. Joseph’s Fertile and St. Lawrence’s, Mentor.

The Most Reverend Michael J. Hoeppner presided at Mass with Bishop Emeritus Balke as concelebrant and homilist.

Many priests of the Diocese of Crookston also traveled from near and far to concelebrate and honor these men, ordained to the priesthood in June 1990.

In his homily, Bishop Balke spoke of the important role each of the honorees has played in the presbyterate of the diocese and thanked them for their fraternal contributions. In ref-

INSIDE

VOL. 69, NO. 12:

erencing the gospel story of the institution of the Holy Eucharist, which was proclaimed at Mass, he said, “… Jesus anticipated history under the signs of the bread and wine, what was to happen the next day ... when on Calvary, he physically gave up his body and shed his blood for us all. Never was Jesus among us as one who serves as much as when he emptied himself so selflessly both at the Last Supper and on Calvary.”

Bishop Balke went on, “What does all this mean for us priests who embody Christ, the high priest and who act in his person for the people to whom we are sent to serve? It means … it should lead us to give up our body, and pour out our blood; that is to say to sacrifice and empty ourselves for God’s people among whom we live and move and have our being, without counting the cost

to ourselves. Then, we will be imitating what we handle at the altar as we were challenged to do on the day we were ordained priests.” He praised Fathers Richards and Delaney by saying, “… you have not missed the meaning of what Jesus did at the Eucharist and what you yourselves do at the altar in his name.”

Bishop Balke spoke about the importance of homilies and how both men base their homilies on study, meditation and prayer. In a time, he said, when society proves it difficult to nurture the spiritual life, Fathers Richards and Delaney each provide wonderful examples as they practice what they proclaim.

In closing, he said, “Father Larry and Father Joe, you are both true icons of Christ who JUBILEE: Continued on Page 10

Pg. 3 - Official Appointments

Pg. 6 - Sacred Heart Parish Pilgrimage Coverage Pg. 9 - Jamaica Mission Trip Preparation

Bishop Emeritus Balke hugs Father Joe Richards following his homily at the dual jubilee celebration for him and Father Larry Delaney.

(Photo credit: Janelle C. Gergen/OND)

Pg. 11 - World Meeting of Families Catechesis Pg. 12 - Word to Life Faith Sharing Commentary Pg. 15 - July Prayer Calendar and Scriptures

2 June 24, 2015

A

COMMENTARY

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Voice from the Valley

BY BISHOP MICHAEL J. HOEPPNER

‘LAUDATO SI’: ENCYCLICAL LETTER OF POPE FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME During my study days in Italy, once in a while, when I needed a break, I’d jump on a train and head for Assisi. Going to Assisi is like stepping back into the 1200s. In so many ways, Assisi hasn’t changed since the time of St. Francis and St. Clare. You can walk the same narrow, cobbled streets, passing the same old buildings that they did. On a visit there, I once bought my mom a little ceramic plaque with St. Francis’ “Canticle of Sun” inscribed on it. I sent it home, and she hung it by a delicate gold thread on the kitchen wall right next to the sink so she could see it and pray it whenever she went to wash hands or dishes. St. Francis’ Canticle of the Sun and his Canticle of Creation are beautiful poems, hymns and prayers. I smiled with delight, thinking of mom and that plaque, when I began to read Pope Francis’ new encyclical, “Laudato Si”. The eagerly awaited encyclical on the environment has finally arrived.

Pope Francis begins this, his second encyclical, with the words of St. Francis’ Canticle of Creation: “Laudato Si, mi Signore,” which translates to: “Praise be to you, my Lord.”

The Holy Father goes on: “In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi

reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. ‘Praise be to you, my Lord, through our sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs.’”

Papal encyclicals are letters from the Holy Father. They are authoritative teaching documents, and part of the authentic teaching Magisterium. Pope Francis notes how Pope St. John XXIII once wrote an encyclical, “Pacem in Terris”, addressed to the entire “Catholic World,” and indeed “to all men and women of good will.” He wrote it, “with the world teetering on the brink of a nuclear crisis.” Pope Francis says he writes now at a time when we are faced with, “global environmental deterioration,” and so he is addressing this encyclical to “every person living on this planet.” He says, “In this encyclical, I would like to enter into dialogue with all people about our common home.”

Some people, noting that there is some scientific disagreement when it comes to the topic of global warming and climate change, might object that the Pope is “out of bounds” in speaking about such topics as he is not a scientist. Certainly scientific discus-

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter, Laudato Si, can be found at: http://www.crookston. org/justice sions about global warming, climate changes and their causes are welcome, but Pope Francis speaks as a pastor offering good moral guidance on how we, as human beings and as believers, need to act in respecting “Mother Earth, our sister.”

He says, “This sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her.”

In the next issues of Our Northland Diocese, we will continue to look at what Pope Francis says to us in “Laudato Si”. As these beautiful summer days pass, let us all be thankful for the beautiful world God has given us and take care of it and one another.

first meeting and webinar. Ms. Amanda Zurface, the Coordinator of Justice, Marriage, and Family Life for the Diocese of Crookston is assisting me by implementing the initiatives and programs of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in our local Church. Zurface will work with our new advisory committee to help us help the poor in our diocese. CCHD is the official national anti-poverty program of the U.S. bishops and CRS is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic Church in the U.S. We are called to work to make a better world. This “better world” where society makes progress toward true good and provides a place worthy of the human person is called by the Church a “civilization of love.”

We are all called to participate in building up the civilization of love with true charity and justice. Our committee has

NEW CCHD AND CRS DIOCESAN COMMITTEE I was delighted last evening to welcome the members of our new committee via conference call and the web, to their

BISHOP’S CALENDAR July 9

1:15 a.m. Mass, St. John Paul II Camp, Park Rapids

July 11

5:00 p.m.

Mass, St. Peter’s, Park Rapids

July 12

8:30 a.m.

Mass, St. Peter’s, Park Rapids

been formed with this in mind.

They will seek to help us in our efforts at charity and justice, so we can work to build up this civilization of love.

CCHD started in 1969. Its purpose: to break the cycle of poverty by helping people make new starts and make it on their own. CCHD provides people of low income with educational and training opportunities, as well as grants to help fund work and employment opportunities.

CRS started in 1943 to assist World War II survivors in Europe, and since then has expanded to assist 85 million people in 101 countries.

Both organizations have boards that oversee their work.

Both are subject to oversight by the U.S. bishops. Both uphold, and operate according to, our Catholic beliefs and values.

Sometimes mistakes are made: a contract is entered into with a party that does not operate acVOICE: Continued on Page 3

(USPS 414-940) Our Northland Diocese is a semi-monthly newspaper committed to publishing Good News for the purpose of strengthening and furthering the Reign of God in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Crookston.

Subscriptions: $13.65 per year in the diocese, $14.90 per year outside the diocese.

Publisher:

The Most Reverend Michael J. Hoeppner Bishop of the Diocese of Crookston

Editor:

Rev. Robert Schreiner Office of the New Evangelization, Director

Associate Editor:

Mrs. Janelle C. Gergen jgergen@crookston.org

July 12

10:00 a.m. Mass, St. Mary’s, Two Inlets

Editorial Assistant: Mrs. Katrina Genereux

kgenereux@crookston.org

July 14

12:00 p.m.

Priests Retirement Trust Meeting, Chancery

VICTIM ASSISTANCE STATEMENT 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.

Proofreader:

Deacon Dan Hannig

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

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Earning trophy was a family effort Submitted By Lisa Hatlestad LAKE PLANTAGENET, MINN. — The seventh annual Bishop’s Cup Fishing Tournament was held June 13 on Lake Plantagenet, near Bemidji, Minn. Eleven teams representing parishes from across the Diocese of Crookston participated.

This year, Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner fished with the tournament hosts, the Knights of Columbus from St. Philip’s, Bemidji.

At 9:30 a.m., team members gathered for a short rules meeting. The Bishop’s Cup trophy is awarded according to highest total catch weight of up to four fish. There can be no more than one each of Northern Pike, Walleye, Bass or Crappie. Teams had from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m to catch their fish. After the meeting, Bishop Hoeppner gave a blessing, thanking God for the beautiful day, and the many gifts of fellowship this tournament provides.

The Lindow Family from Our Lady of the Pines, Nevis, took the Bishop’s Cup trophy with a total catch weight of 9 pounds, 11 ounces.

They had a 9.4 pound Northern and a Walleye weighing 7 ounces. The Northern, caught by 10-year-old Addison Lindow, also took the Biggest Fish prize. This is the second year in a row the Bishop’s Cup was awarded to a team from

Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner poses with the winners, Our Lady Team of Our Lady of the Pines, Nevis, and their trophy. Team members are: Kevin and Karie Lindow, and their children, Addison and Daniel. (Photo submitted by Laure Williamson)

Our Lady of the Pines.

To read more about the tourney, go to http:// www.crookston.org/diocese/bishop/bishopscup-fishing-tournament

Our Lady Team, Our Lady of the Pines, Nevis

Catch Weight: 9 lb, 11oz

2ND PLACE:

Altar Boys, St. Peter the Apostle, Park Rapids

4TH PLACE:

Team 2, St. Joseph’s, Ada

5TH PLACE:

Team 1, St. Joseph’s, Ada

6TH PLACE:

Catch Weight: 3 lb, 11oz

Catch Weight: 2 lb, 5oz

Catch Weight: 1 lb, 8oz

Team Cathedral, Cathedral, Crookston

Catch Weight: 1 lb

Official Appointments Msgr. David Baumgartner Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Frazee and Assumption Parish, Callaway Msgr. Mike Foltz Vicar General of the Diocese of Crookston and Moderator of the Curia, while remaining Superintendent of Sacred Heart School, E. Grand Forks Rev. Xavier Ilango Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, E. Grand Forks; Holy Trinity Parish, Tabor; St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Fisher; while retaining Associate Vocations Director of the Diocese of Crookston Rev. Johnmelkies Suvakeen Administrator of St. Mary’s Parish, Fosston and St. Joseph’s Parish, Bagley Rev. Adam Hamness Administrator of St. Francis Xavier’s Parish, Oklee; St. Ann’s Parish, Goodridge; St. Clement’s Parish, Grygla Newly Ordained Rev. John Christianson Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, E. Grand Forks; Holy Trinity Parish, Tabor; St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Fisher Newly Ordained Rev. Bryan Kujawa Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph’s Parish, Moorhead SUMMER 2015 SEMINARIAN PLACEMENTS: Mr. Nate Brunn Working at St. Peter the Apostle’s Parish in Park Rapids Mr. Matt Schmitz Park Nicollet Health Services at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital, Minneapolis, for CPE Internship Mr. Michael Arey Working at St. Joseph’s in Moorhead Mr. Nathin Voeller Attending the University of North Dakota and residing in Crookston

Nei Bottling Inc.

Catch Weight: .07 lb

Other participants:

BJ’s Bullhead Guide Service, St. Peter the Apostle, Park Rapids Holy Family Team, Holy Family, Halstad Knights of Columbus, St. Philip’s, Bemidji McCollum Family Team, St. Joseph’s, Ada Wally & the Walruses, Sacred Heart, Frazee and St. Francis Xavier’s, Lake Park

VOICE: Continued from Page 2 cording to our values, a grant is given to someone who uses it for something contrary to our beliefs or a person is employed who does not witness to our Catholic lifestyle. When this happens, investigations are conducted and the appropriate action is taken. The CCHD and CRS boards, with the oversight of the bishops, have put in place practices and procedures to deal with such situations and to guard against

3

EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2015:

1ST PLACE:

The Fishing DOCS, Diocese of Crookston

June 24, 2015

of the Diocese of Crookston

2015 BISHOP’S CUP RESULTS

3RD PLACE:

mistakes. These include: an advisory committee to see to Catholic identity, a system to review contracts, training for all employees, updated protocols for making partnerships and continued reporting to the U.S. bishops. All of this helps the great assistance to the poor continue.

Our committee members are: Deacon John and Loree Bruggeman, St. Joseph’s, Red Lake Falls; Paul and Cla-

rissa Dowhower, St. Joseph’s, Bagley; Shawn Erickson, St. Joseph’s, Moorhead; Deacon Dan Hannig, Cathedral, Crookston; Stacy Loeslie, Sacred Heart, East Grand Forks and Tom Morrissey, St. Clement, Grygla. I am grateful to them for their willingness to serve so that our efforts here for charity and justice for the poor may be most effective.

P.O. Box 516 Bemidji, MN 56619 Phone: (218) 751-3847

4 June 24, 2015

COMMENTARY

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Natural marriage and the longevity of family The trend of “organic,” quality “local food” has exploded in popularity in recent years.

Not only have many become interested in old-variety heirloom vegetables, but also with learning the traditional skills of more self-sufficient generations. Many American families are recognizing the value of simpler, less industrial lives, thus a connection to the land and to the home. Important too is the example of basic human social connection in reminding us of what also produces human vitality and happiness: family.

In the “Blue Zone Solution”, a New York Times best-selling author, Dan Buettner, and his team, investigated pocket communities around the world where people have had measurably greater longevity than our U.S. population. One example was the ancient culture in the mountain villages of the island of Sardinia, Italy. He reports this group to have 10 times the longevity per capita than the United States population. He found a population of 21 centenarians per 10,000 in these small villages. From these pop-

INTEGRITY HUMAN PERSON INSIGHTS

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

ulations, Buettner isolated factors for longevity that include genetics and diet, but also ones that are connected to lifestyle and social interaction. He refers to Sardinia as a community with “strong social networks” and a “fanatic zeal for family.”

Buettner indicates that these social and lifestyle factors increase activity, fight loneliness and increase longevity. He also recognizes the religious practice in these cultures as supportive for longevity. Whether or not we agree with his solution of community-level change, rather than personal behavior, we can converge on some natural indicators of the best way to live: food, faith and family.

In my own family history, my great-grandmother evidenced

some of these longevity factors. She immigrated to New York City from Sicily at the age of 14. Even though she joined the American experiment, she still held onto many elements of her Old World life.

She cooked Sicilian style food, walked or gardened, prayed her rosary and was devoted to family. I am grateful for the time we had with her growing up as she lived into her mid-90s.

So what about the multigenerational influences in family on longevity? Within the Sardinian experience, Buettner also describes the interconnectedness of generations, and the continued role the elderly play in family life and community. In contrast to American culture’s often geographically distant

family members, the Sardinian experience finds the older generations are part of everyday life. He makes the observation that in Sardinia, “There are no retirement homes.” So, in addition to the factors of healthy diet and physical activity, the Sardinians honor generational family members working and laughing together while performing the tasks of life and celebrating the culture.

If strong family connection fosters longevity, what fosters family? According to Robert George, professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University, marriage is not merely a “form of sexual-romantic championship.” He affirms, in his recent editorial that as a social institution, marriage is based on a conjugal union of a man and a woman, which facilitates the best interests of a potential child. In this sense it is an “inestimable blessing” for children to be brought up within the loving bond of parents who paternally and maternally claim them as their own. He also points out that psychologically, we have a desire to know and be loved by our biological

father and mother. Marriage, defined in conjugal terms, respects the generational family in care for the young and the role of the elderly by providing a broader social respect for the choices which foster life.

Researcher and analyst on marriage, Glenn Stanton, in his book, “Marriage on Trial,” says that the role of opposite gender parents – a father and a mother – provides stability to the family. In reference to fatherhood, Stanton points out that thousands of social-science studies tell us that “children suffer in all the important ways when they live in a home without their father.” Stanton references a 1999 review of the previous 20 years of studies on the role of dads, which found that 82 percent of the studies indicated that “significant associations between positive father involvement and offspring well-being.”

So, as we look for that healthy diet and lifestyle, why not also honor the lessons of marriage, family and longevity and likely learn some things from the centenarians?

Consecrated life and the new areopagi “So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said: ‘Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects.

For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with the inscription: “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.” Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.’” (Acts 17: 22-23) Our Northland Diocese has been celebrating the Year of Consecrated Life with feature articles about the Consecrated Religious in and from our diocese. I would like to take the occasion of this CREDO article to speak of the Church’s own reflection on the role of Religious in the New Evangelization.

At the conclusion of the Synod on the New Evangelization in October of 2012, the bishops issued a series of “propositions” agreed to by the members. These propositions represented statements of consensus on the topics they discussed. One of those propositions, proposition #50, addressed the question of the role of Consecrated Religious in the work of the New Evan-

CREDO

A NEW EVANGELIZATION WITNESS

By Father Robert Schreiner, S.T.L. Director of the Office of the New Evangelization

gelization. This is the text of that proposition: “The Consecrated life, of both men and women, has made a very important contribution to the Church’s work of evangelization throughout history. In this moment of new evangelization, the Synod asks all men and women religious and members of secular institutes to live their identity as consecrated persons radically and with joy. The witness of a life which manifests the primacy of God and which, by means of the common life, expresses the humanizing force of the Gospel is a powerful proclamation of the Reign of God. Consecrated life, fully evangelical and evangelizing, in profound communication with the pastors of the Church and in co-responsibility with the

laity, faithful to the respective charisms, will offer significant contribution to the New Evangelization. The Synod asks Religious Orders and Congregations to be fully available to go to the geographical, social and cultural frontiers of evangelization. The Synod invites religious to move toward the new areopagi of mission. Because the New Evangelization is essentially a spiritual matter, the Synod also underlines the great importance of the contemplative life in the transmission of the faith. The age-old tradition of the consecrated contemplative life in its previous forms of stable community life of prayer and work continues to be a powerful source of grace in the life and mission of the Church.

The Synod hopes that the New Evangelization will move many

more faithful to embrace this form of life.”

There is much in that proposition to reflect on, whether or not one is a Consecrated Religious. I just want to point out two items.

First, it is significant for all of us in the Church – pastors, catechists, parish leaders and worshipers – to recall that “… the New Evangelization is essentially a spiritual matter …”.

This calls for a renewal of the interior life for all of us. It requires of each of us a continual examination of conscience, not for the purposes of humiliation, but for authentic freedom. It is meant to be a double freedom: 1. A freedom from the toxic and subtle influences which the Culture of Death surrounds us with each day; and 2. A freedom for a life of joy and grace with which the Holy Spirit animates a holy life. The discipline of the spiritual life found uniquely in the founding charisms of each Religious Order can be a great source for and witness of the renewal of the interior life for all people in the Church.

Second, the Synod calls on the Religious to “… go to the geographical, social and cultur-

al frontiers of evangelization,” and, “… move toward the new areopagi of mission.” Drawing upon the example of St. Paul, the Synod fathers were calling Religious to bravely go to those centers today where God is unknown. But as Pope St. John Paul II pointed out so often, today the new Areopagus is often those places where God may well be known, but has been rejected, bracketed out or is simply treated with profound indifference. The new Areopagus is typified by a profound secularity which rejects the notion of God as having anything at all to do with daily existence.

This is the mission territory of the third millennium and it’s not far off in some distant land.

It’s here.

For the gift Consecrated Religious men and women have been for the Church throughout the ages, bravely going into mission lands to proclaim Christ as Lord and Savior, we give thanks to God. For a joyful and radical response to the call of Consecrated Religious men and women today “… to go toward the new areopagi of mission,” in the work of the New Evangelization we pray.

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

COMMENTARY

June 24, 2015

5

Smorgasbord Catholics, Pope Francis, and ‘Laudato Si’ By the time this issue of Our Northland Diocese makes it to your mailbox, you will be well aware of the world’s reaction to the recent encyclical of Pope Francis. It is entitled “Laudato Si,” which means, “Praised Be.” The pope takes on the moral issues involved with the environment in general, and climate change in particular.

I am writing not to discuss the encyclical specifically (I am writing two days before its release) but to challenge the hypocrisy already running rampant in the media and coming from some in the Church.

I find it quite silly when the press waits like vultures, hovering over the release of the encyclical. They scheme to devour its contents and slap it in the face of those not sold on the premise climate change is caused by human beings. Where are those same vultures in the press when the pope speaks out on abortion, same sex marriage or pornography?

Why, for some, is the pope so enlightened when it comes to climate change and so pathetically divorced from reality when he defends life?

LIFE FIRST

By Father Don Braukmann Parochial Vicar - St. Philip’s Parish, Bemidji and St. Charles Parish, Pennington

Being a smorgasbord Catholic is choosing what is most comfortable within Church teaching to justify a particular lifestyle or belief. It is convenient and may make us comfortable, but it is simply hypocritical.

In the words of Pope Benedict at World Youth Day several years ago: “You are not called to a life of comfort, you are called to greatness!” How do we achieve greatness apart from Christ and his truth?

Of course we are all sinners, we all fall under the “hypocrite” label at times when we stumble in our sinfulness. Yet, I am talking about the foundation of our faith. The basic beliefs of a Catholic and one of those beliefs is that the pope has some-

thing to say which is worth listening to.

I know some cannot accept this but a Catholic is pro-life.

A Catholic sees marriage as between a man and a woman.

A Catholic prayerfully reflects upon the words of a pope chosen for us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Notice I used the words “prayerfully reflects” not “politically reflects” when it comes to the reading of “Laudato Si.” Pope Francis, being the teacher he is ordained to be, plants before the entire world a direct challenge to look in the mirror and ask the simple question if we are good stewards of the earth. The earth is our only ark protecting us and sustaining

us. The earth is God’s gift and every pope has made that clear for generations … Pope Francis is not the first.

This reminds me of all that Pope Paul VI went through with “Humanae Vitae” in the 1960s as many folks, in and out of the Church, considered him to be in over his head, out of touch and living in the stone age. And now we see his prophetic message has come true with the killing of the child in the womb, the sexual objectification of women and the race of technology to create life outside the womb to be formed to our own liking.

The hypocrisy outside the Church is not surprising. I expect the media and the political parties to treat Church teaching as a smorgasbord. Those on the left pick the teachings which make them look like the enlightened ones and those on the right do the same thing, making the same boast.

I was sickened by a Catholic presidential candidate who said the pope should stay out of this discussion. He is the same as the Catholics in Congress who spit on the truth of their faith

and vote with the direction of the political breeze.

Yes, as Catholics, we are to follow our conscience in all things. Yet, we must also truthfully answer the next obvious question: Who or what forms that conscience?

I would suggest that we, as Catholics, take a copy of the encyclical and sit in front of the Blessed Sacrament and read it word for word. I have a hunch we will find wisdom and prophecy which the media and our own narrow-mindedness may never grasp for years to come.

Pope Francis has brought us back to our roots and challenged us with the words and actions of Christ who deliberately chose the poorest of the poor to proclaim his message to the world. The “enlightened” of his day hid behind their arrogance and selfish desires in hope that Jesus would be a fad that would soon fade away.

Pope Francis stands with the poor, the very people who will pay the greatest price with climate change. He stands with the poor because that is exactly where Christ stood too.

PLEASE

pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life

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Find 2015 publishing dates and submission deadlines on the web: http://www.crookston.org/ond/ The next OND submission deadline is: Wednesday, July 8 by 12:00 p.m.

Email: Janelle C. Gergen, Associate Editor jgergen@crookston.org

6 June 24, 2015

AROUND THE DIOCESE

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

Sacred Heart Parish honors feast day in radical way

By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND CROOKSTON, MINN. — On June 12, nearly 30 people stepped out on the byways between East Grand Forks, Minn. and Crookston on a pilgrimage to honor the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The pilgrims, mostly members of Sacred Heart Parish, East Grand Forks, led by a crucifix, walked 11 miles, praying and singing along the way.

Their journey began with 7:30 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart celebrated by Father Adam Hamness.

During his homily, Father Hamness said, “Thank God we are here to honor our Lord Jesus. He’s willing to forgive all of our sins; he died for that.

But, before we can enjoy heaven, our hearts need to be converted.” Father Hamness then discussed purgatory, saying, “Like any good father, punishment is for correcting faults, for reforming one’s character.

That’s the point of purgatory, to prepare us for heaven.”

Pilgrimages are one way to offer reparation for sins and detach from the things of this world in preparation for heaven.

“That’s the point of a pilgrimage,” said Father Hamness.

“We are changing our hearts, getting them ready for heaven and we do this by either in this world by difficult things, dying

Hilary Kujawa takes a turn leading the pilgrims from Sacred Heart, East Grand Forks, with a crucifix lifted high. (Photo credit: Janelle C. Gergen/OND)

to self, or we do it in purgatory.

We get it done a lot faster if we get it done in this world.”

Mass was followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The group then traveled by charter bus to Fisher and began walking. As they walked, they prayed prayers and sang songs honoring the Sacred Heart, the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph.

Julie Romuld was one of the pilgrims. “It seemed like an appropriate way to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart,” she said. “It’s hard to put into

words, but I just want to offer it up to those who need prayers.

It is a chance to offer a small sacrifice to help others.”

“It’s easy to think about what hurts,” she added, “but I’m trying to recall why I’m here.”

Marj Stocker was not sure if she would be able to walk so many miles, but decided to try. “I wanted to spend time in prayer and am offering it for family, kids and grandkids.”

She said that stones on the gravel road were the most difficult part for her. “I think about

how much our Lord suffered,” said Stocker, referring to his walk to Calvary.

Julie Bushaw, the Adult Faith Formation Coordinator for Sacred Heart, said that people have been working toward this pilgrimage for a long time.

“It is a chance to celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus and our parish,” she said. “It is not only named after it, but dedicated to the Sacred Heart. It is a chance for people to give glory to God.” She said she is offering her pilgrimage in thanksgiving for Sacred Heart. “I went to school at the parish and I’ve been able to do a lot of mission work with their support,” she said.

“Being unaccustomed to walking so far, it’s been taxing to say the least,” said Father Hamness. “I am offering it up for my future parishioners in Oklee, Grygla and Goodridge.”

Newly ordained Father Bryan Kujawa was also among the pilgrims. “I really love the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I really love the parish and I love spending time with the people of the parish,” he said. “It is a good way to dedicate time to all three.”

Father Kujawa added, “It is surprising to see the wide variety of people on this pilgrimage, from more experienced adults to younger kids. It’s great to see the universality of the Church in this group.”

Patrick Thompson has been training for a marathon, so was

unfazed by the rigor of walking 11 miles. His steps as a pilgrim paralleled the faith journey he has been on this year. “In college, I lost the connection [to my faith], and I’m coming back this year.” He said throughout the pilgrimage, he has been praying about his return to the Church and focusing on personal intentions. “I’m a new uncle so I’m focusing on praying for my niece,” he said.

Lori Bushaw’s daughter, Julie Bushaw, was on the planning committee, and mentioned the pilgrimage to Lori. “I said ‘that sounds awesome, I’ll get the day off and come,’” she said.

She decided to give the day up to the Lord and walk with him.

“I don’t do that often enough,” Bushaw said.

A bus traveled with the pilgrims, providing a bathroom and break from the heat when needed.

Once the pilgrims reached their destination at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, they spent 30 minutes adoring the Blessed Sacrament. Following thier time of prayer, they ate lunch served by the Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus before riding the bus home.

“I think this is a great opportunity to reach out to the public and have an opportunity to grow in faith,” Lori Bushaw said. “I hope this pilgrimage continues to happen and grows.”

Evangelization workshop offers inspiration, tools for parishes

By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND CROOKSTON, MINN. — “What makes me passionate about this is the opportunity to provide parishes with tools and resources to help them become a community that makes disciples,” said Katherine Coolidge of the Catherine of Siena Institute.

The Office of the New Evangelization brought Coolidge to St. Lawrence, Mentor, to provide a workshop based on the book “Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus” by Sherry Weddell, also of the Catherine of Siena Institute.

Eighty-five people representing 18 parishes attended the June 18 workshop which was open to priests, deacons, deacon candidates, RCIA teams, and parishioners involved in evangelization.

Coolidge shared some sober-

ing statistics with the group.

One of them that impacted Paula Declusin, Coordinator of Youth Ministry for St. Philip’s, Bemidji, was that for every one person who enters the Catholic Church, six leave.

Deacon Jim Lukenbill of Sacred Heart, Baudette, was also struck by some of the numbers Coolidge shared. “The stats could be very depressing, or be a great opportunity depending on what perspective you bring to it,” he said.

“I think the stats were important for us to hear,” said Michael Arey, a seminarian for the Diocese of Crookston. “Not only to take back to our parish, but also to our prayer life.”

Coolidge shared questions for reflection, practical tips, and stories of parishes in dioceses around the world that have sought to form their members into intentional disciples of Jesus Christ.

Principal Carol Rettinger of St. Philip’s Catholic School, Bemidji, said some of the questions presented by Coolidge would be useful to share with the youth of St. Philip’s. Shehopes to use the ideas presented to, “give kids a threshold to evangelize at a young age.”

Coolidge emphasized the importance of “breaking the silence” and making conversations about Jesus Christ and the Gospel message a normal occurrence throughout all levels of the parish. She also stated the importance of prayer throughout the parish and shared stories and tips for integrating it into everyday parish life.

“When our relationship with God becomes personal and we make that decision to follow Jesus in the midst of his Church, our joy becomes contagious, and it becomes easier to share Jesus with others so they can become disciples as well,” said

Katherine Coolidge of the Catherine of Siena Institute speaks about evangelization and discipleship at St. Lawrence, Mentor, on June 18.

(Photo credit: Katrina Genereux/OND)

Coolidge.

Father John Kleinwachter, pastor of Sacred Heart, Roseau; St. Mary’s, Badger and St. Philip’s, Falun, said his parishes have participated in portions of the Called and Gifted Discernment process offered by the Catherine of Siena Institute.

He said he would be willing to discuss it with anyone who is

interested.

“The Holy Spirit is moving all over right now,” he said. “It’s just beautiful when we are open to the Holy Spirit’s movement.”

More information about Weddell’s book and the resources available from the Catherine of Siena Institute is available at http://www.siena.org/.

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

YEAR OF CONSECRATED LIFE

June 24, 2015

7

DOMINICANS: Continued from Page 1 Great, headquartered in Chicago, Ill. SHAPING A FRIAR Father Keller grew up in East Grand Forks, graduating from Sacred Heart School in 1970. “Sacred Heart was my whole religious experience,” he said. He attended St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, for two years, transferring to North Dakota State University in Fargo when he changed his major from chemistry to pharmacy in 1975.

“I was involved at the Newman Center ... and that was a very important thing,” said Father Keller. He spent a year living in an intentional discipleship community with connections to the Newman Center at NDSU. Their lifestyle included daily prayer, sharing common expenses, and providing hospitality for the Newman Center. “There was no ‘this is your cornflakes and this is mine’,” said Father Keller. “It was like everything in the kitchen – everything in the house – was shared. … There was this whole value system there and I really learned deeper prayer there.”

Following graduation, while working as a pharmacist at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis, he attended Mass at the Newman Center on that campus. “The Dominicans were there … and so the timing was just right for me,” said Father Keller. “I was looking at a graduate degree program in pharmacy, … but what niggled in the back of my mind was my lifestyle.”

He remembers looking for the kind of simplicity and collective lifestyle he experienced at the NDSU Newman Center, and realized it was right in front of him. “I was actually seeing all of this with the Dominicans in Minneapolis … it just clicked. I said these Dominicans, that’s what they’re doing.”

Father Keller said he didn’t feel the need to look around at other orders, “I just knew these men personally for at least nine months and I had such deep respect for them.” Their joy and apostolic fervor drew him to them.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? The following list defines titles given to men in religious orders: BROTHER: A man who has taken vows in a religious order and is not ordained or preparing for the priesthood.

FATHER: A man in (or out of) a religious community who is ordained.

FRIAR: A member of one of several mendicant orders, especially the Augustinians, Carmelites, Dominicans and Franciscans MONK: A man who belongs to one of the monastic orders in the Church, such as Basilians, Benedictines, Cistercians or Carthusians.

(Source: CNS Stylebook on Religion, Third Edition)

CONTACT INFO FOR THE DOMINICAN PROVINCE OF ST. ALBERT THE GREAT: 1910 S. Ashland Avenue; Chicago, Illinois, 60608-2905 http://opcentral.org/ 312.243.0011

He entered the novitiate in 1977, made his first vows in 1978, and was ordained a priest on May 9, 1983. He is currently the Novice Master for his province in Denver, Colorado. “I’m speaking from the Dominican novitiate right now, so it’s kind of come full circle I guess.”

FOUR PILLARS OF DOMINICAN LIFE The four pillars of Dominican life are study, prayer, common life and preaching. The first three support the mission of preaching. “Study was a very unique thing in its day,” said Father Keller.

Adding that when St. Dominic began the order, books were not readily available, and new, free-standing universities were developing in Paris, Bologna, Oxford and Salamanca. “Most of the intellectual life of the Church had been in the monastery up to that time,” he said.

“It’s just right at that time when Dominic sends his friars to those places.”

“The Dominican order really is a bridge between monastic life and a very active apostolic life,” said Father Keller.

He added that the Dominicans have a monastic quality of prayer, but they do not do manual labor like St. Benedict’s order. “Our work is really the apostolic

work, the preaching, and so that’s why study is a critical component.”

Their preaching flows out of their prayer. “We have a saying, it’s contemplare et contemplate aliis trader – contemplate and share the fruits of your contemplation.” He added, “Dominicans are not necessarily the best preachers in the world. We don’t have to be the best, but we certainly work at it constantly and enjoy it, and that’s why we study.”

According to Father Keller, every Dominican community prays morning and evening prayer together chorally.

In addition, Father Keller said, “Every friar is really called to his own personal contemplative prayer and study prayer, like lectio divina.” Each community also has some pastoral or apostolic activity.

“A person could be an itinerant preacher doing a parish mission or something, so it’s quite variable outside that realm.”

Through their preaching, the Dominican friars are involved in apostolates such as teaching, campus ministry and youth ministry.

Another key component of Dominican life, one that appealed to Father Keller, is living in community. Their communities consist of a minimum of three friars, but there are normally at least six. Groups of communities make up the provinces.

“We do live in community because we want to pray together, we want to live together, share things in common and support the preaching, so the preaching isn’t ‘my’ preaching, it’s ‘our’ preaching,” he said.

“There is a certain rigor about the life,” added Father Keller. He said the familial dimension offsets the difficulties and challenges of consecrated life.

“For me it’s a joyful life … you work hard, but you get support.” He continued, “Our lives are not very different from families; we are very close.”

He said families don’t choose their children, which is similar to the friars.

They don’t choose where they will go or who they will live with, they are assigned. “Like anything else, any kind of social group, there’s different personalities; you gotta work those out. Sometimes we do better, sometimes we don’t.

… We deal with a lot of the dynamics that a family would. ‘Who’s got the car today?’ that kind of thing.”

Living in community also supports their vow of poverty. “We are supposed to be itinerant, so that was the source of the poverty we are talking about.”

The friars don’t individually own land, buildings, cars, furniture, or similar items. They also don’t have their own bank accounts or money. Everything they have is in the name of the community. “There are very few things I’ll ever take with me. We just use whatever [there] is wherever we go.” Father Keller estimates that he has lived in nine places during his life as a Dominican. “You get used to it, you’re mobile.

I might be here for three years or six years and then I’m gone, I’m moving on. And it’s just the way our life is … that’s a poverty too.”

Father Keller said he enjoys the simplicity of the Dominican lifestyle. “I throw out the advertising section of the paper because I don’t need to read it.

I don’t need to worry about it.” He is able to focus more on the news. “I need the news because preaching comes out of that.”

Father Keller sees a need for the work of the Dominicans in our society, especially in light of Pope St. John Paul II’s urgings for a New Evangelization.

“This call of the New Evangelization has got the word Dominican written all over it,” he said. “In our society, which is letting go of the anchor of a JudeoChristian tradition in lieu of not wanting to offend, we’re losing our repertoire, or vocabulary even, of scripture.

It’s prime territory for us to evangelize, and not to Christianize the society, but just to bring people to Christ. If the people come to Christ, then the society might. … Preaching and the salvation of souls, that’s our primary task, so hopefully we do it well.”

HEARING THE CALL As novice master, Father Keller has consistently seen young men stepping forward to consider the Dominican order. Each of his four years in the position, five to eight men have entered the novitiate and spent a year in formation and discernment. Not all of them will make a final profession of vows, but they are considering it.

Accordint to Father Keller, the Dominicans have had a steady stream of incoming vocations. “I’m not sure how or why,” he said. “That’s in the realm of the Holy Spirit I guess, but [it is] encouraging.” He challenges everyone not yet in a vocation to carefully consider whether they are called to religious life, the priesthood, marriage or single life.

“What’s important is listening,” he said.

“It’s very important for people to listen and to follow that deep heart because one’s own happiness and ability to be an adequate instrument for God is involved.”

8 June 24, 2015

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Greg and Michelle Peppel family benefit A benefit is being held for the Greg and Michelle Peppel family of Greenbush, Minn., to help defray medical costs.

Greg and Michelle Peppel and their son Jack were severely injured in a car accident in April.

The benefit will be Wednes-

day, July 15, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Greenbush.

There will be a free-will donation Taco-in-a-Bag meal, silent auction, bake sale, raffle, and games for kids.

If you are interested in making a donation for the silent

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

First Holy Communion

Holy Rosary, Detroit Lakes (Submitted photo)

St. Bernard’s, Thief River Falls (Submitted photo)

St. Joseph’s, Fertile (Submitted photo)

St. Mary’s, Euclid (Submitted photo)

auction, please contact Becky Dostal at (218) 242-3401, Tia Hietala at (218) 528-2108, or Rachel Lund at (218) 782-2876.

Monetary donations can be made at any Border State Bank location.

Confirmation celebrated

May Crowning

First Holy Communion and Baccalaureate

St. Mary’s, Euclid (Submitted photo)

St. Joseph’s, Oslo (Submitted photo)

FULL-TIME YOUTH MINISTRY/RELIGIOUS EDUCATION POSITION

Registration deadline: July 19

Sponsored by: Diocese of Crookston Office of Vocations For more information, contact: Fr. Xavier Ilango at 701.893.5006 or xavier.ilango@gmail.com

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is seeking a person of deep faith with a calling to bring teens to Christ, forming and inspiring young people in their Catholic faith. The responsibilities for this position include: religious formation of 7th grade through 11th grade Confirmation; providing for youth ministry through Life Teen Mass, Life Nights, retreats and mission events; and coordinating volunteers, including high school seniors, parents and core team volunteers. Compensation for this position is commensurate with experience and includes benefits.

Applicants should send their resume with a cover letter and references to: Father Vincent Miller, Rector, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 702 Summit Avenue, Crookston, Minnesota 56716

by July 10th.

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

AROUND THE DIOCESE

June 24, 2015

9

Diocese invited to pray for group on mission in Jamaica

By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND

As this issue of Our Northland Diocese lands in mailboxes, 25 people from the Diocese of Crookston will be embarking on a mission trip to Jamaica.

They will fly out of the Twin Cities early in the morning June 27 and return July 5.

The group of students and chaperones is led by Youth Minister Terry Steen of St. Joseph’s, Ada. Father Craig Vasek, pastor of St. Patrick’s, Hallock and Holy Rosary, Lancaster, is the spiritual director. The other participants are from St. Joseph’s, Ada; St. Patrick’s, Hallock; Holy Rosary, Lancaster and St. Rose of Lima, Argyle.

Their main work will be building two 10-by-12-foot homes for families.

“The homes are basically made of two-by-fours, plywood and a tin roof,” said Steen. “It is a big improvement from what they have been living in.” The cost of building each house is $2,300, which includes one twin size bed. There is no electricity or plumbing, and the homes may have families with five or more people.

“One of the things people that have been with us each year say, is the people that we serve are so happy even though they have nothing,” said Steen.

“The hard part is that they are still poor and face many struggles.”

The group will also go to local markets to purchase food, place it in baskets and deliver them to families in need. “We go to the stores ourselves with Jamaican money to purchase the food, carrying a list of items needed and a budget,” said Steen. “This is not only a very touching thing to do, but a way to see how another culture lives.”

The mission group also prays with the families as they deliver

the food baskets. “It truly is a beautiful moment that connects our two worlds through prayer,” Steen said.

Each time Steen takes groups to Jamaica, they visit a place called the Infirmary, a nursing home for people who are physically and mentally disabled. She describes it as her least favorite and most favorite place to go.

“It is difficult to see the conditions that these people are in, as well as how they live,” she said. “It is obvious that our country has much stricter health codes. There is no privacy for anyone living there and it is not very clean.”

“The part that makes it my favorite is the faith that I have encountered in the people who are living there,” she continued.

“They have absolutely nothing, but yet have so much trust in God’s plan for them.”

This is the eighth time she will take a group to Jamaica.

“Because we go to the same area every time, we’re building relationships with the people there,” Steen said. “You start building relationships and they become like family.”

Last year, the owner of the bus company who usually transports their group had cancer and was unable to drive. They went to visit him and prayed over him, and Father Joseph Richards, the spiritual director for that trip, anointed him. He passed away shortly after they left the country.

The group will also bring school supplies, clothing and hygiene items to distribute.

Steen said that often the children they meet are more likely to ask for a toothbrush than a toy or candy.

Steen hopes that this trip will be more than just a service project for those taking part. She tries to make the trip as spiritually focused as it is service oriented. “Each night while in Jamaica we gather together to

The 2014 missionaries pose for a photo outside one of the houses they built. Each family dwelling is 10 feet by 12 feet and includes a twin size bed. (Submitted photo)

The mission group from St. Joseph’s, Ada; St. Rose of Lima, Argyle; St. Patrick’s, Hallock and Holy Rosary, Lancaster will fly into Montego Bay and travel an hour and a half to spend a week serving in St. Ann’s Bay, Steer Town, Ocho Rios and Seville. (Graphic credit: Katrina Genereux/OND)

share where we saw Jesus that day. I hope that they would encounter Jesus and bring that encounter back with them so that not only will their faith grow but their desire to serve others back here at home.”

“The way Terry has things lined up, it’s far more than a mission trip,” said Father Richards. “It’s a reatreat. ... It’s far more than just going to build homes. Building homes in itself is a great thing ... but she has arranged for an even richer experience.”

To prepare for the trip, participants are praying a novena

to St. Therese, the patron of missions, leading up to their departure.

Steen is also providing an opportunity for people at home to take part in the spiritual aspect of the trip.

“One of the things that we started last year, is we had people sign up to pray for us each of our waking hours while serving in Jamaica,” she said. “I believe the power of prayer is something that we need while serving. It was so awesome knowing that someone back home was praying for us pretty much every hour.” They had

The house pictured above is what the family was living in before the mission group built them a new home. (Submitted photo)

a table at the Norman County Fair last year where they invited people in attendance to sign up to pray. People were given reminder cards listing the date and time they signed up for and a prayer on the back. They plan to ask for prayers in a similar way this year.

Steen will make entries on a blog during the mission trip at: https://jamaica2015.wordpress.com.

10 June 24, 2015

DIOCESAN

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

JUBILEE: Continued from Page 1 is priest, teacher and servant and we are deeply indebted to you for your fidelity, your love and constancy.”

Near the conclusion of Mass, a short program was led by Mike Richards, Father Joe’s brother. He introduced the families of each priest being honored. Richards then shared biographical information of each man.

Father Delaney was ordained on June 16, 1990, at St. William’s, Twin Valley. He has served at St. Philip’s and Holy Spirit Newman Center in Bemidji; Sacred Heart, Wilton; Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston; St. Mary’s, Euclid; St. Peter’s, Gentilly; Sacred Heart, East Grand Forks; St. Francis of Assisi’s, Fisher; Holy Trinity, Tabor and now at St. Joseph’s, Moorhead.

“It took him 23 years to get off of Highway 2,” Richards remarked. Father Delaney also served in the Chancery for a year as the Director of the Office of Christian Service.

Father Richards was ordained June 1, 1990, at St. Joseph’s in Moorhead. He has served at Sacred Heart, East Grand Forks; Holy Trinity, Tabor; St. Francis Xavier’s, Oklee; St. Joseph’s, Brooks; St. Vincent’s, Plummer; St. Philip’s and Holy Spirit Newman Center in Bemidji; St. Joseph’s, Ada; St. William’s, Twin Valley; Holy Family, Halstad; St. Bernard’s, Thief River

Priests of the Diocese of Crookston concelebrate Mass with Bishop Hoeppner and Fathers Delaney and Richards on the occasion of their silver jubilee at St. Joseph’s Parish in Moorhead on Monday, June 15.

(Photo credit: Janelle C. Gergen/OND)

Falls; St. Ann’s, Goodridge; St. Clement’s, Grygla; St. Francis de Sales’, Moorhead; St. John’s, Georgetown; St. Elizabeth’s, Dilworth; St. Andrew’s, Hawley; St. Mary’s Mission, Red Lake; Sacred Heart, Wilton and he is presently at St. Joseph’s, Fertile and St. Lawrence’s, Mentor. Father Richards is also

the Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Crookston, and works for the Office of the Tribunal at the Chancery in Crookston.

The program continued with Msgr. Mike Foltz speaking on behalf of both men. They have been in the same priest support group together for 25 years. At the support group,

they pray with one another, talk about the joys and struggles of priestly ministry and sometimes play cards. He said, “I know these two priests well. These two priests are shepherds. They both care for their parishioners, the people entrusted to their care, day and night. They both roll up their sleeves ... wanting

to ‘smell like the sheep’ as Pope Francis would say, desiring to serve, rather than be served.”

Msgr. Foltz closed, leading the congregation in singing “Happy Anniversary to You”.

Deacon Steve Thomas, of Sacred Heart, East Grand Forks, spoke on behalf of Father Delaney. He attributes his vocation to the permanent diaconate to Father Delaney believing in him. For 17 years, he witnessed firsthand Father Delaney’s servitude, compassion, mercy and tireless efforts in priestly ministry at Sacred Heart, East Grand Forks. He thanked Father Delaney for “saying yes to Jesus”.

Michelle Geraghty, Father Richards’ sister, followed Deacon Thomas. She spoke of Father Richards as having many contagious qualities, such as his smile, his laugh, his love for God and the compassion and mercy he extends to others.

Father Richards and Father Delaney both spoke and thanked everyone, offering special regards for the event’s planning committee. Individually, they offered praise and thanksgiving for those who inspired and nurtured their vocations to the priesthood, including several priests of the diocese, those living consecrated life, relatives and friends.

At the conclusion of Mass, a meal was served in the gathering space at St. Joseph’s and all were invited for fellowship.

CCHD local grant applications now being accepted

By Amanda Zurface Office of the New Evangelization Coordinator of Justice, Marriage and Family Life CROOKSTON, MINN. — Carl Anderson, the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, explains in his book “A Civilization of Love” that the problems in the United States today are vast and diverse – economic inequalities, environmental destruction, terrorism in our national and local communities and racism continues to reveal itself. Intellectual and technological developments are advancing, but as a society, we are failing to advance in moral development. We are at a place where we need to redefine society’s understanding of progress and development.

With all of this in mind, it is important to recall that Chris-

tianity has always taught that we live in a fallen world, and we cannot expect perfection to come from anything other than God. However, we still have a responsibility during our time on this earth to live the way Christ portrayed for us in the Gospels. We can make a difference in the midst of so much suffering and injustice by following Jesus’ example.

Here in the Diocese of Crookston, we have an opportunity to take steps in advancing moral development by living the Gospel. Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner and the Office of the New Evangelization have developed a new local grant opportunity. It will assist parishes, schools and non-profit organizations in the diocese with addressing the vast and diverse issues of our day.

The Diocese of Crookston’s Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) Local Grant is now available to make projects that seek to offer educational programs and opportunities about Catholic social teaching in parishes and schools a reality!

The grant is available to support initiatives that address the effects of divorce and seek to support marriages and families, so as to work against truancy, addiction, teen pregnancy, human trafficking, prostitution, etc. Projects through parishbased ministries that improve the lives of low-income and marginalized groups will also be considered. School-based organizations working to improve the lives of the low -income and marginalized also have the opportunity to benefit

from this grant. Lastly, projects of non-profit organizations in our area that empower low-income people to work for institutional change may qualify for assistance too.

As Bishop Hoeppner articulated in his pastoral letter, “Meeting Christ, Living Christ”: “Our new evangelization must help to foster Gospel values in our society. This includes promoting the dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good of our society, so that our nation may continue to be transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ.”

It is our hope that this new grant opportunity will assist in bringing the message of the Gospel to our local communities by promoting the dignity of the human person in the

specific ways mentioned above.

Further, we pray that this opportunity will also play a positive part in the development of our society by bringing about a new evangelization in this local Church so as to further the transformation of our hearts and to bring more souls to Jesus Christ.

The Diocese of Crookston’s local grant process for CCHD is open for application from June 24 through Nov. 2.

Applications for grant amounts from $500 to $3,000 will be considered. Additionally, the CCHD National Office has three grant programs available. Learn more at http:// www.crookston.org/justice.

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

DIOCESAN

Worldwide Marriage Encounter helps couple’s marriage thrive

By Sam Patet The Prairie Catholic

RURAL GARVIN, MINN. – Ten years into her marriage, Sandy Tuszynski was discouraged. The year was 1978, and the 33-yearold mother of two didn’t know what to do.

Unlike her husband, who had steadily been advancing in his career at the Minnesota DNR, she had been at home, caring for two children under the age of 5. She had even given up her job as a children’s librarian for the sake of the kids.

“It wasn’t what I wanted.

Dick was gone a lot. And I still hadn’t seen my full value as a mom,” Sandy admitted. “He was being very successful, and I wasn’t sure what that meant for me as a wife and a stay-at-home mom. Who was I apart from my husband and children?”

Similarly, her husband, Dick, was concerned about the distance that had grown between them and wondered if their marriage would survive.

“I know we were both pretty much in the slump,” Dick said.

“I would be out in the field working … and praying to God for a solution to our struggling relationship. Later, I found out Sandy was also praying for our marriage.”

Thankfully, God answered Dick and Sandy’s prayers. He sent them to a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend.

Thirty-seven years later, the two are happily retired in rural Garvin, six miles west of Tracy in south Lyon County. They’re parishioners at the Church of St. Mary in Tracy and are the parents of three grown children and six grandchildren.

“Dick is amazing, unconditionally loving me in spite of myself,” Sandy said. “He has been like wind beneath my wings. His love encourages me to seek God’s direction for my life and try new things.”

SAVING GRACE Like many others that had gone before them, Dick and Sandy realized that the romantic love that had started their relationship, as good as it was, wouldn’t be able to sustain it over a lifetime.

That’s where Worldwide Marriage Encounter, or WWME, came in. It’s a three-day retreat experience for married couples that gives them the tools they need to make their marriages

Sandy and Dick Tuszynski smile for a photo. Married for 47 years, the two credit Worldwide Marriage Encounter for helping them strengthen their marriage after the initial romance wore off. (Photo credit: Sam Patet/The Prairie Catholic)

WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES SERIES: Our Northland Diocese is running a series of articles, in conjuction with publications from all Minnesota dioceses, highlighting the themes of the catechesis document: Love is our MIssion and profiling families throughout the state.

To learn more, visit: http://www.worldmeeting2015.org/about-theevent/catechesis/

flourish.

“It gave us insight as to what we could be,” Sandy said. “A realization of what the Sacrament of Matrimony was all about,” Dick said, completing her thought.

As the Friday of their WWME Weekend approached, Dick and Sandy began to have second thoughts. The event was 45 minutes away from their home in Cambridge, Minn., and both of them had work to do.

Still, they went. And almost instantly, they were hooked.

One of the first things it revealed to them was that they didn’t communicate well. “We didn’t argue or bicker, we just clammed up and stuffed a lot of feelings,” Dick said. “Marriage Encounter … gave us the technique to share our emotions and feelings in a nonthreatening way.”

Not only did they learn about themselves and how to communicate with one another, but they also realized that God had to be a part of their relationship.

“Marriage is about more than just us,” Sandy said. “We had to

bring God back into our relationship.”

COMMUNICATION, PRAYER HELP When they returned home, they began putting their new knowledge into practice. They regularly shared both their positive and negative feelings with one another. They began to strengthen their religious practices, taking up things like praying together, reading the Bible, attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist frequently, and making use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

All of this helped them acquire virtues that further strengthened their marriage, virtues like humility and mercy.

“I think we forgive more quickly,” Sandy said. “Sometimes if we’re upset, we first try to figure out what the issue really is before we become angry with each other. We are called to be merciful just as God is with us.”

Judi Strege of Henning, Minn., has seen Dick and Sandy’s marriage flourish thanks to WWME. She and her husband, Jim, have been friends with

June 24, 2015

11

CATECHESIS ON THE FAMILY:

TWO BECOME ONE

By Sister Candace Fier Remember the last time you saw a child receiving a gift, the joy and excitement on their face when they realized that the gift was theirs to rip open and discover the treasure within?

Remember the child’s thank you facilitated by Mom and Dad? It was the gift that taught the child that someone loves them and wants to give them joy.

In essence, that child is each of us at the moment we begin our life. The freely given gift is our very life given by God. The joy and excitement of the gift was mirrored on the faces of our parents who had profoundly realized that by offering the gift of themselves in return to God and to each other, they had been able to bring forth the gift of this new life into the world.

In the mystery of creation, Adam and Eve were given to one another by the Creator. In turn, they received each other as gifts and became one flesh. Because their love was totally in harmony with God’s love, they could express their persons in and through their bodies as spousal love, a love that makes a total gift of self to the other.

This blessing of being gift to one another demands, in the words of St. John Paul II, interior freedom and self-mastery. That is, the interior freedom that comes from opening our heart to what comes from God – trust, purity, integrity, and honesty – and the self-mastery that is evidenced by self-sacrifice, generosity, nobility, and fruitful love.

Out of love, God created us for communion. Once we have opened ourselves to God in love, we are able to open ourselves to give and receive love from another. This is the beauty of sacramental marriage: Christ bringing about the communion of husband and wife that they may love one another as Christ loves the Church – selflessly, faithfully, and forever.

Sacramental marriage offers husband and wife the grace needed to overcome the challenges and difficulties they encounter. It fosters forgiveness, fidelity, mercy, and growth in the conjugal relationship.

Its foundation is chastity, which allows husband and wife to live their sexuality with dignity and grace according to God’s covenant.

If couples do the work of love each day – saying I am sorry with humility and sincerity, saying thank you with heartfelt gratitude, inviting eachother to continue walking this journey of love, mercy, and reconciliation today and always – this covenant remains a sign and promise of God’s presence.

Sister Candace Fier is the director of the Office of Family Life for the Diocese of New Ulm.

them for nearly 40 years.

“They worked hard on their relationship; it wasn’t something they took for granted,” Judi said. “If they had a disagreement, if something came up, they worked through it until they felt … that it was resolved.”

No longer were Dick and Sandy in competition with one another. Now they were serving one another, trying to help one another make it to heaven.

“They’ve kept a good balance of their individual journeys with God, but they’ve also done it as a couple,” Judi said.

ONE, YET COMPLEMENTARY Growing closer together didn’t mean that their personalities blended into one. Instead, they realized that their differences complemented one another.

“Our perspectives are so different,” Sandy said. “To have Dick share his feelings, it’s the male perspective, which pretty much I’m clueless about unless he shares.”

“When he shares with me, then I can appreciate the difference. I learn to understand him at a deeper level. It gives me insight into how I can help him and love him,” she said.

Dick and Sandy admitted that they still have their differences and, at times, don’t do a good job of communicating with one another.

Still, what Scripture had communicated generations earlier – “a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body” (Gn 2:24) – has become true.

The two have become one.

12 June 24, 2015

COMMENTARY

WORD to LIFE June 28

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24; Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15 Gospel: Mark 5:21-43 or Mark 5:21-24, 35b-43 By Catholic News Service During a family gathering one summer, I sustained an injury that bruised my hip and caused a great deal of lower back pain, hampering my typically active lifestyle. Pain medication and ice reduced the swelling, but did little to speed recovery from the trauma. I became grumpy and discouraged, wishing I could undo the injury and get back to normal.

Finally, I began visiting a chiropractor several times a week to straighten out my spine, restore blood flow and hasten the healing process. When he suggested therapeutic massage for some lingering soreness, I decided to give it a try.

The combination of chiropractic adjustments and the therapist’s skillful touch were sufficient to bring me back to my old self with a minimum of medication.

I thought of that experience when meditating on this Sunday’s Gospel account in which Mark intentionally sandwiches one story of healing (the woman with a hemorrhage) in the middle of another (the daughter of Jairus). The literary device causes us to pay attention to the way that the two stories illuminate each other. Taken together, they illustrate the far-reaching effects of illness: helplessness, financial hardship, isolation, discouragement, despair, debilitating affliction, the anguish of loved ones and even death.

But Jesus makes himself present in the midst of their suffering. He responds to their pleas for help with compassion, silences the crowds of naysayers, touches the afflicted ones, speaks words of healing, reassures their faith and restores

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

FOR FAITH-SHARING GROUPS

July 5

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Ezekiel 2:2-5; Gospel: Mark 6:1-6

Psalm: 123:1-4;

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

By Catholic News Service

them to health. By his actions he makes clear that God does not “rejoice in the destruction of the living.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that in the sacramental anointing of the sick, the church brings to those who ask for it that very same healing touch of Jesus and a special gift of the Holy Spirit. It provides the graces of “strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age,” renewing “trust and faith in God” and strengthening against the evil one’s temptations to give in to “discouragement and anguish in the face of death.”

Whether the resulting healing is spiritual or physical, a sacramental visit to the great physician speeds recovery – but without the bill.

Questions: Have you ever become discouraged and hopeless while suffering an illness of body or spirit?

How can you receive Christ’s gifts of hope and healing through the church’s sacraments?

“GO IN PEACE AND BE CURED OF YOUR AFFLICTION.” — MARK 5:34

The message that comes through loudly in these readings is that the role of the prophet, the role of the person announcing the will of God, is a pretty thankless lot.

God commands Ezekiel to speak a word of correction to the Israelites, who he describes in no uncertain terms as “rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have revolted against me to this very day.”

Jesus is amazed when he comes to his native place and begins to teach in the synagogue. “Where did this man get all this?” is one of the comments spoken against him. That led Jesus to say, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place.”

But neither Ezekiel nor Jesus were deterred in carrying out the mission God had placed on their hearts. They continued to speak God’s word to the crowds.

I’ve known a few genuine prophets. One was Father Richard Thomas, who worked with the poor of El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico. He followed God’s instructions obediently and saw God work. I’m sure he was met with opposition, but that is not what anyone will remember. They will remember God’s miracles that followed after his obedient actions.

Another was Phil Record, a highly placed member of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s management team, and a person to whom many Catholics on the staff came when they were facing a personal or spiritual dilemma and needed wise counsel.

Phil was no mealy-mouthed disciple.

I’m sure that when a firm correction was needed, the man who had served as the paper’s ombudsman and managing editor at different times spoke whatever he felt was God’s counsel. But he would always have done it with a heart filled with love for the person before him. That was Phil.

What the scriptural stories of opposition don’t examine is the motive force that makes the prophet act in the first place. But that’s what I saw in Father Thomas and Phil, and that is what we see in Jesus. The prophet first of all loves God, fully and completely. In addition, he loves the people God has had him address.

Question: If God asked you to speak the truth in love to someone, how do you think you would handle it?

“HE WAS AMAZED AT THEIR LACK OF FAITH.” — MARK 6:6

THE OND IS NOW ONLINE!!

- ARCHIVED EDITIONS Vol. 69, No. 11 (June 10, 2015) can be viewed here: www.crookston.org/ond/

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June 24, 2015

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Pope names administrator for St. Paul archdiocese

By Maria Wiering Catholic News Service ST. PAUL, MINN.– Pope Francis accepted the June 15 resignations of Archbishop John C. Nienstedt and Auxiliary Bishop Lee A. Piche of St. Paul and Minneapolis and named coadjutor Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of Newark, N.J., a canon lawyer, to be apostolic administrator of the Minnesota archdiocese.

In a statement, Archbishop Nienstedt said he submitted his resignation to Pope Francis, “to give the archdiocese a new beginning amidst the many challenges we face.”

“The Catholic Church is not our church, but Christ’s church, and we are merely stewards for a time,” he said. “My leadership has unfortunately drawn away from the good works of his church and those who perform them. Thus, my decision to step down.”

On June 5, the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office filed criminal and civil charges against the archdiocese alleging it failed to protect three boys who were sexually abused in 2008-2010

by Curtis Wehmeyer, a former priest of the archdiocese.

Wehmeyer was convicted, and is serving a five-year prison sentence. He was dismissed from the priesthood in March.

Archbishop Nienstedt, 68, was appointed coadjutor archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 2007, and installed as its archbishop in June 2008, succeeding Archbishop Harry J. Flynn, who retired.

Prior to taking the helm of the archdiocese, Archbishop Nienstedt was bishop of New Ulm, Minnesota, from 2001 to 2007, and auxiliary bishop of Detroit from 1996 to 2001.

“It has been my privilege the last seven years to serve this local church,” Archbishop Nienstedt said in a statement. “I am

Pope Francis has appointed Coadjutor Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of Newark, N.J., to be apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. (Photo credit; Gregory A. Shemitz/CNS)

grateful for the support I have received from priests, deacons, religious men and women and lay leaders, especially those who have collaborated with me in the oversight of this local church.”

He added: “I leave with a clear conscience knowing that my team and I have put in place solid protocols to ensure protection of minors and vulnerable adults.”

Archbishop Nienstedt requested prayers for “the wellbeing of this archdiocese and its future leaders.”

Bishop Piche, 57, was ordained as an auxiliary for St. Paul and Minneapolis in 2009.

“The people of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis needed healing and hope. I was getting in the way of that, so I had to resign,” he said in a statement. “It has been a privilege to serve this local church, and I will continue to hold everyone in the archdiocese in my prayers.”

Archbishop Hebda plans to

serve both the Minnesota and Newark archdioceses until Pope Francis names Archbishop Nienstedt’s successor.

In his statement, he noted that the position of an apostolic administrator is temporary and his role “is not to introduce change, but rather to facilitate the smooth continuation of the ordinary and essential activities of the church, while advancing those positive initiatives to which the archdiocese is already committed.”

Still, he said, he hoped to meet as many people as possible in the archdiocese while still fulfilling his responsibilities in Newark.

“As the universal church prepares to embark on a Year of Mercy, I look forward to getting to know this local church and experiencing in a new context the marvelous ways in which the Lord works through his people to make his grace and healing presence known and felt, even in the most challenging of

times,” Archbishop Hebda said.

Commenting on the resignations and the appointment of an apostolic administrator of his fellow bishops, Auxiliary Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of St. Paul and Minneapolis pledged to work closely with Archbishop Hebda “to bring our archdiocese into a new day so that the work of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which we have done here for almost 165 years, may continue.”

Speaking to media outside the chancery offices June 15, he described the resignations as “a painful process” and said the transition to new leadership leaves “many unanswered questions.”

In January, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code amid mounting claims of clergy sexual abuse. In 2013, the Minnesota Legislature lifted the civil statute of limitations on claims of child sexual abuse for a three-year period.

In May, the archdiocese announced that it would sell archdiocesan offices, including the archbishop’s residence, as part of the reorganization.

Barbara Dorris, outreach director of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) welcomed the resignations. But she said that “one or two or three small steps doesn’t erase decades of complicity,” and added that Pope Francis’ “public relations advisers are trying hard to burnish his imagine prior to his U.S. trip.”

In Washington, reporters asked Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl about his reaction to the resignations. The cardinal was participating in a symposium on solidarity attended by religious and labor leaders held at AFLCIO headquarters.

At a midday news conference on the symposium, Cardinal Wuerl said it was a “great tribute to Pope Francis” that the pontiff acted swiftly to accept the resignations.

Cardinal Wuerl said he believes the U.S. church response “has been exemplary on the issue of clerical abuse going back

to 2002,” when the bishops first adopted the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.” It was revised in 2005 and 2011.

“I’m hopeful that one ... of the good things to come out of this for [our] country [is to see] what the Church has learned from this sad experience,” and view the Church as a model of the “accountability required of all institutions,” not just the church. He urged other institutions to adopt the Church’s “zero tolerance” on abuse and conduct the same background checks it does.

While there was no direct statement from the Vatican that the resignations of Archbishop Nienstedt and Bishop Piche were tied to the Minnesota archdiocese’s mishandling of abuse cases and the criminal charges it faces, Cardinal Wuerl said there could be no more explicit explanation from the church than the resignations themselves.

The fact a resignation is voluntary shows that “the person who resigns now understands the significance” of the situation, Cardinal Wuerl said.

Catholics nationwide took to social media with varying reactions to the resignations. On the Facebook page of The Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the Minnesota archdiocese, many people said they were praying for the bishops and expressed appreciation for their ministry.

Mary Ann Kuharski told the publication she was heartsick when she heard the news. As the mother of a young priest ordained a year ago, she was in tears over the situation, but added that Catholics are a people of joy, hope and faith.

“You know, St. Paul says good comes from all things, so something good will come from this,” said Kuharski, the founder of Prolife Across America and a parishioner of St. Charles Borromeo in St. Anthony, Minn..

“The whole thing is very sad and confusing,” said Paul Bernabei, an educator and parishioner of Nativity of Our Lord in St. Paul. “I think this is going to send us deep into what’s important.”

He said, Catholics need to ask themselves how they can be “Christ’s presence in this story.”

“If we are and can be,” he said, “the church will rise up out of the ashes and will be something beautiful.”

14 June 24, 2015

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All creation sings God’s praise, but people are silencing it, pope says

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY – The earth, which was created to support life and give praise to God, is crying out with pain because human activity is destroying it, Pope Francis says in his long-awaited encyclical, “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home.”

All who believe in God and all people of good will have an obligation to take steps to mitigate climate change, clean the land and the seas, and start treating all of creation – including poor people – with respect and concern, he says in the document released at the Vatican June 18.

A lack of respect for creation is a lack of respect for God who created all that exists, the pope says. In fact, he continues, a person cannot claim to respect nature while supporting abortion, nor can one claim to be pro-life without a commitment to reversing damage to the environment.

With unusually blunt language for a papal document, the pope decries centuries of exploiting the earth, exploiting other people and acting as if the point of human life is to buy and consume as much as possible.

“The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth,” the pope writes in the document.

While acknowledging science is not the Catholic Church’s area of expertise, Pope Francis says “a very solid scientific consensus” points to global warming and indicates “human activity” has seriously contributed to it, threatening the planet and all life on it.

Situating ecology firmly within Catholic social teaching, Pope Francis not only insists that wealthier nations – who contributed more to despoiling the earth – must bear more of the costs of remedying the damage, he also calls for their solidarity with the poorest of the earth.

He urges generosity in transferring clean technology, protecting small farms, opening access to markets and protecting people’s jobs.

Quoting St. John Paul II and a constant theme of the church’s social doctrine, Pope Francis says the church recognizes the “legitimate right” to private property, but that right is never “absolute or inviolable,” since

the goods of the earth were created to benefit all.

Regarding pollution and environmental destruction in general, he says it is important to acknowledge “the human origins of the ecological crisis,” and while ecology is not only a religious concern, those who believe in God should be especially passionate on the subject because they profess the divine origin of all creation.

Pope Francis singles out for special praise Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, who has made environmental theology a key topic of his research and teaching since the early 1990s.

Before the encyclical’s release, the pope told a group of priests that he had asked the patriarch to join him for the public presentation of the encyclical, but the patriarch had a scheduling conflict and so sent one of his top theologians, Metropolitan John of Pergamon.

People are fooling themselves, Pope Francis says in the document, if they think “things do not look that serious, and the planet could continue as it is for some time.” Such people in all honesty are giving themselves permission to carry on with their current lifestyles and habits; their attitude is “self-destructive,” he says.

In large sections of the encyclical, Pope Francis’ language is poetic, echoing the tone of St. Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of the Creatures,” which is the source of the “laudato si” (praised be you) in the encyclical’s title. He quotes a large section of the hymn of praise in a section on the place of each creature in the harmony of creation.

The canticle is most famous for its references to “Brother Sun,” “Sister Moon” and “our sister, Mother Earth.”

But, the pope says, “sister earth” is crying out, “pleading that we take another course” marked by healing and protecting the earth and all its inhabitants.

While Christians cannot “put all living beings on the same level nor ... deprive human beings of their unique worth and the tremendous responsibility it entails,” St. Francis’ hymn expresses the truth that God is creator of all things, that every part of creation speaks of God’s love

“Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society.”

- Pope Francis “Laudato Si”

and power and that every created being is part of interdependent whole, the pope writes.

“Everything is related,” the pope says, “and we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven together by the love God has for each of his creatures and which also unites us in fond affection with brother sun, sister moon, brother river and mother earth.”

In the document, Pope Francis calls on national governments and the leaders of international institutions to be serious and courageous in adopting strict measures to slow and reverse global warming, protect the rain forests and ensure the availability of clean water for all. Courage will be needed, he says, to adopt policies that initially may slow the pace of economic growth, but which will be farsighted in ensuring a future for their voters, their voters’ grandchildren and all humanity.

“We know that technology based on the use of highly polluting fossil fuels – especially coal, but also oil and, to a lesser degree, gas – needs to be progressively replaced without delay,” he says.

But he also calls on every Catholic and all people of good will to do their part by, for example, using only non-polluting detergents, recycling paper, using public transportation and putting on a sweater instead of raising the heat in the winter.

And he urges Catholics to return to the practice of saying grace before meals, a habit that reminds them regularly that the food they are about to eat is a gift that comes from the earth and from God. At the end of the document, Pope Francis offers two prayers he composed himself: “A Prayer

This is the cover of the English edition of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home.”

The long-anticipated encyclical was released at the Vatican June 18.

(CNS photo/courtesy U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops)

for Our Earth” and “A Christian Prayer in Union with Creation.”

The first prayer includes asking God to “bring healing to our lives that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.”

The second prayer includes the petition, “O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your kingdom of justice, peace, love and beauty.”

In the encyclical, Pope Francis urges Catholics to cultivate simplicity; it is good for the soul and for the planet, he says. “A constant flood of new consumer goods can baffle the heart and prevent us from cherishing each thing and each moment,” the pope writes.

The encyclical presents the vision of an “integral ecology” that highlights not only the interconnectedness of all created

life, but recognizes how political, economic, social and religious values and decisions are interrelated and impact the way people live with one another on the planet and use its resources.

“A sense of deep communion with the rest of nature cannot be real if our hearts lack tenderness, compassion and concern for our fellow human beings,” Pope Francis insists.

For example, he says, “it is clearly inconsistent to combat trafficking in endangered species while remaining completely indifferent to human trafficking, unconcerned about the poor, or undertaking to destroy another human being deemed unwanted.”

“Everything is connected,” the pope writes. “Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society.”

OUR NORTHLAND DIOCESE

DIOCESAN

PRAYER CALENDAR JULY 1 - BLESSED JUNIPERO SERRA, PRIEST Fr. Joseph Hitpas, OMI JULY 2 - WEEKDAY Fr. Chuck Huck JULY 3 - ST.THOMAS, APOSTLE Fr. Xavier Ilango JULY 4 - BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Fr. Joe Kieselbach (retired) JULY 5 - FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Fr. John Kleinwachter JULY 6 - ST. MARIA GORETTI, VIRGIN, MARTYR Msgr. Donald Krebs (retired) JULY 7 - WEEKDAY Fr. Bryan Kujawa

JULY 8 - WEEKDAY Fr. Frank Kulhawik (retired)

JULY 15 - ST. BONAVENTURE, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH Fr. George Noel

JULY 9 - ST. AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG, PRIEST, AND COMPANION JULY 16 - OUR LADY OF MOUNT MARTYRS CARMEL Fr. Rick Lambert Msgr. Jerry Noesen (retired) JULY 10 - WEEKDAY Fr. Gary LaMoine

JULY 17 - WEEKDAY Fr. Ray Palcisko (retired)

JULY 11 - ST. BENEDICT, ABBOT Fr. Bob LaPlante

JULY 18 - ST. CAMILLUS DE LELLIS, PRIEST Msgr. Mike Patnode

JULY 12 - FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 19 - SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN Msgr. Tim McGee ORDINARY TIME Fr. Raul Perez-Cobo JULY 13 - ST. HENRY Msgr. William Mehrkens (retired) JULY 20 - ST. APOLLINARIUS, BISHOP, MARTYR JULY 14 - ST. KATERI Fr. Mario Prada (retired) TEKAKWITHA, VIRGIN Fr. Vincent Miller JULY 21 - ST. LAWRENCE OF BRINDISI, PRIEST, DOCTOR OF THE

June 24, 2015

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JULY 2015 CHURCH Fr. Duane Pribula (retired)

JULY 28 - WEEKDAY Fr. Pat Sullivan

JULY 22 - ST. MARY MAGDALENE Fr. Bob Pryor (retired)

JULY 29 - ST. MARTHA Fr. David Super

JULY 23 RELIGIOUS Fr. Joe Richards

ST. BRIDGET,

JULY 24 - ST. SHARBEL MAKHLUF, PRIEST Fr. Jerry Rogers JULY 25 - ST. JAMES, APOSTLE Fr. Bob Schreiner

JULY 30 - ST. PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH Fr. Emmanuel Sylvester JULY 31 - ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, PRIEST Fr. Craig Vasek

JULY 26 - SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Fr. Luis Silva JULY 27 - WEEKDAY Fr. Bob Stone (retired)

VOCATION PRAYER OF POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II: Lord Jesus, as you once called the first disciples to make them fishers of men, let your

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

DAILY SCRIPTURE JULY 1 - Gn 21:5, 8-20a; Ps 34:7-8, 10-13; Mt 8:28-34 JULY 2 - Gn 22:1b-19; Ps 115:1-6, 8-9; Mt. 9:1-8 JULY 3 - Eph 2:19-22; Ps 117:1b-2; Jn 20:2429 JULY 4 - Gn 27:1-5, 15-29; Ps 135:1b-6; Mt 9:14-17 JULY 5 - Ez 2:2-5; Ps 123:1-4; 2 Cor 12:7-10; Mk 6:1-6a JULY 6 - Gn 28:10-22a; Ps 91:1-4, 14-15b; Mt 9:18-26 JULY 7 - Gn 32:23-33; Ps 17:1b, 2-3, 6-8b, 15; Mt 9:32-38 JULY 8 - Gn 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a; Ps 33:2-3, 10-11, 18-19; Mt 10:1-7 JULY 9 - Gn 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5; Ps 105:16-21; Mt 10:7-15 JULY 10 - Gn 46:1-7, 28-30; Ps 37:3-4, 1819, 27-28, 39-40; Mt 10:16-23 JULY 11 - Gn 49:29-32; 50:15-26a; Ps 105:14, 6-7; Mt 10:24-33 JULY 12 - Am 7:12-15; Ps 85:9-14, Eph 1:314 or 1:3-10; Mk 6:7-13 JULY 13 - Ex 1:8-14, 22; Ps 124:1-8; Mt 10:34-11:1 JULY 14 - Ex 2:1-15a; Ps 69:3, 14, 30-31, 3334; Mt 11:20-24 JULY 15 - Ex 3:1-6, 9-12; Ps 103:1b-4, 6-7; Mt 11:25-27 JULY 16 - Ex 3:13-20; Ps 105:1, 5, 8-9, 24-

JULY 2015 27; Mt11:28-30 JULY 17 - Ex 11:10-12:14; Ps 116:12-13, 15, 16bc, 17-18; Mt 11:28-30 JULY 18 - Ex 12:37-42; Ps 136:1, 23-24, 1015; Mt 12:14-21 JULY 19 - Jer 23:1-6; Ps 23:1-6; Eph 2:13-18; Mk 6:30-34 JULY 20 - Ex 14:5-18; (Ps) Ex 15:1b-6; Mt 12:38-42 JULY 21 - Ex 14:21-15:1; (Ps) Ex 15:8-10, 12, 17; Mt 12:46-50 JULY 22 - Ex 16:1-5, 9-15; Ps 78:18-19, 2328; Jn 20:1-2, 11-18 JULY 23 - Ex 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20b; (Ps) Dn 3:52-56; Mt 13:10-17 JULY 24 - Ex 20:1-17; Ps 19:8-11; Mt 13:1823 JULY 25 - 2 Cor 4:7-15; Ps 126:1b-6; Mt 20:20-28 JULY 26 - 2 Kgs 4:42-44; Ps 145:10-11, 1518; Eph 4:1-6; Jn 6:1-15 JULY 27 - Ex 32:15-24, 30-34; Ps 106:19-23; Mt 13:31-35 JULY 28 - Ex 33:7-11 - 34:5b-9, 28; Ps 103:613; Mt 13:36-43 JULY 29 - Ex 34:29-35; Ps 99:5-7, 9; Jn 11:1927 or Lk 38-42 JULY 30 - Ex 40:16-21, 34-38; Ps 84:3-6a, 8a, 11; Mt 13:47-53 JULY 31 - Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37; Ps 81:3-6, 10-11b; Mt 13:54-58

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTIONS

JULY 2015

(Photo credit: CNS)

UNIVERSAL: POLITICS That political responsibility may be lived at all levels as a high form of charity.

EVANGELIZATION: THE POOR IN LATIN AMERICA That, amid social inequalities, Latin American Christians may bear witness to love for the poor and contribute to a more fraternal society.

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