The Courier, April 2016

Special Insert:

Jubilee Year of Mercy

The

COURIER

Divine Mercy Sunday April 3rd

April 2016

Renewing P

By BEN FROST JACKSON--On March 21, 2016, the faithful of the Diocese of Winona gathered in Jackson, MN, for the Chrism Mass, which takes place annually on the Monday of Holy Week.

Several hundred people joined Bishop John M. Quinn and the priests of the Diocese as they blessed holy oils and renewed priestly commitments.

As the processional hymn began, an uplifting energy became noticeable in the church. Most of the laity in attendance turned toward the entrance to welcome the seminarians, deacons, priests and Bishop Quinn down the aisle. The procession was long as scores of priests approached the altar through rows of Knights of Columbus Honor Guard.

This night is always a special night for our priests, being the moment each year that they renew promises to the bishop and re-dedicate themselves to the Catholic faithful of Southern Minnesota.

During his homily, Bishop Quinn reflected on his encounter with Mother Teresa, and how as a newly ordained priest he was asked to celebrate a Mass with her in attendance.

“You want me? She’s a saint!” was his initial response.

He finally agreed to offer the Mass and experienced a powerful moment when the saintly woman approached him at the end of the liturgy.

“She came to me, and kissed my hands, and said, ‘thank you for bringing Jesus to us’.”

He reminded the priests in attendance that they are privileged to bring Jesus to people. The bishop then addressed his priests and together they renewed their priestly commitments.

Another high point of the Mass was the blessing of the

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S P R E D romises Inspires ROCHESTER--On February 29, 56 regular participants, from 27 homes in the Rochester area, gathered at Lourdes High School for an hour of Special Religious Education (SPRED).

Each of these Monday meetings, held September through April, features 30 minutes of catechesis (with a related craft) and 30 minutes of music and prayer.

SPRED holds a time-honored place in the Rochester faith commu-

holy oils. Three large containers of oils were processed to the sanctuary by deacons and placed before the bishop.

These oils are used for anointings, baptisms, confirmations, and ordinations. In a ritual immersed in history and symbols, the bishop breathed on the oils, mixed the chrism, and offered blessings.

Promises, cont'd on pg. 2

SPRED students and catechists end each session with 30 minutes of music and prayer.

SPRED, cont'd on pg. 14

INSIDE this issue

Pope Francis' Easter Message

page 2

The Deacon's Heart

page 5

The True Face of Assisted Suicide

page 6

Pope Francis Watch

The Courier Insider

2 Pope: Brothers and Sisters, Happy Easter!

Pope Francis delivers his Urbi et Orbi address to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square on Easter morning, March 27, 2016. (Photo credit: Martha Calderon/CNA)

Below is the full text of Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi message for Easter:

Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!

Jesus Christ, the incarnation of God’s mercy, out of love for us, died on the cross, and out of love he rose again from the dead. That is why we proclaim today: Jesus is Lord!

His resurrection fulfils the prophecy of the Psalm: God’s mercy endures forever; it never dies. We can trust him completely, and we thank him because for our sake he descended into the depths of the abyss.

Before the spiritual and moral abysses of mankind, before the chasms that open up in hearts and provoke hatred and death, only an infinite mercy can bring us salvation. Only God can fill those chasms with his love, prevent us from falling into them and help us to continue our journey together towards the land of freedom and life.

The glorious Easter message that Jesus, who was crucified, is not here but risen (cf. Mt 28:5- 6), offers us the comforting assurance that the abyss of death has been bridged and, with it, all mourning, lamentation and pain (cf.

Rev 21:4). The Lord, who suffered abandonment by his disciples, the burden of an unjust condemnation and shame of an ignominious death, now makes us sharers of his immortal life and enables us to see with his eyes of love and compassion those who hunger and thirst, strangers and prisoners, the marginalized and the outcast, the victims of oppression and violence. Our world is full of persons suffering in body and spirit, even as the daily news is full of stories of brutal crimes which often take place within homes, and large-scale armed conflicts which cause indescribable suffering to entire peoples.

The risen Christ points out paths of hope to beloved Syria, a country torn by a lengthy conflict, with its sad wake of destruction, death, contempt for humanitarian law and the breakdown of civil concord. To the power of the risen Lord we entrust the talks now in course, that good will and the cooperation of all will bear fruit in peace and initiate the building of a fraternal society respectful of the dignity and rights of each citizen. May the message of life, proclaimed by the Angel

beside the overturned stone of the tomb, overcome hardened hearts and promote a fruitful encounter of peoples and cultures in other areas of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, Yemen and Libya.

May the image of the new man, shining on the face of Christ, favor concord between Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy Land, as well as patience, openness and daily commitment to laying the foundations of a just and lasting peace through direct and sincere negotiations.

May the Lord of life also accompany efforts to attain a definitive solution to the war in Ukraine, inspiring and sustaining initiatives of humanitarian aid, including the liberation of those who are detained.

The Lord Jesus, our peace (Eph 2:14), by his resurrection triumphed over evil and sin.

May he draw us closer on this Easter feast to the victims of terrorism, that blind and brutal form of violence which continues to shed blood in different parts of the world, as in the recent attacks in Belgium, Turkey, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire. May he water the seeds of hope and prospects for peace in Africa; I think in particular of Burundi, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, marked by political and social tensions.

With the weapons of love, God has defeated selfishness and death. His son Jesus is the door of mercy wide open to all. May his Easter message be felt ever more powerfully by the beloved people of Venezuela in the difficult conditions which they are experiencing, and by those responsible for the country’s future, that everyone may work for the common good, seeking spaces of dialogue and cooperation with all. May efforts be made everywhere to promote the culture of counter, justice and reciprocal respect, which alone can guarantee the spiritual and material welfare of all people.

The Easter message of the risen Christ, a message of life for all humanity, echoes down the ages and invites us not to forget those men and women seeking a better future, an ever more numerous throng of migrants and refugees – including many children – fleeing from war, hunger, poverty and social injustice.

All too often, these brothers and sisters of ours meet along the way with death or, in any event, rejection by those who could offer them welcome and assistance. May the forthcoming World Humanitarian Summit not fail to be centred on the human person and his or her dig-

Articles of Interest

Women's Lenten Retreat________________page 4 The Deacon's Heart____________________page 5 Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Month_____page 6 The True Face of Assisted Suicide________page 6 Catholic Schools Updates_______________page 7 Christian Stewards_____________________page 8 Jubilee Insert____________________after page 8 Bishops at the Capitol________________page 9 Laborers for the Harvest________________page 10 ILF Launches Caritas__________________page 11 MediAppS is Worth the Phone Call_______page 12 Diocesan Headlines___________________page 13 Obituaries___________________________page 15 Diocesan Calendar____________________page 16 nity, and to come up with policies capable of assisting and protecting the victims of conflicts and other emergencies, especially those who are most vulnerable and all those persecuted for ethnic and religious reasons.

On this glorious day, “let the earth rejoice, in shining splendor” (cf. Easter Proclamation), cont'd from page 1 even though it is so often mistreated and greedily exploited, resulting in an alteration of For the faithful of dioceses natural equilibria. I think especially of those areas affected by climate change, which not throughout the world, the rich trainfrequently causes drought or violent flood- ditions of the Chrism Mass - exultant ing, which then lead to food crises in different choir music, honoring of priests, and parts of the world. reunion with friends from throughAlong with our brothers and sisters persecuted for their faith and their fidelity to the out the diocese - create a unique and name of Christ, and before the evil that seems grace-filled experience. The Chrism to have the upper hand in the life of so many Mass is a wonderful opportunity people, let us hear once again the comforting to enter Holy Week in the spirit of words of the Lord: “Take courage; I have conpreparation for the passion and resquered the world! (Jn 16:33). Today is the radiant day of this victory, for Christ has trampled urrection of Lord Jesus Christ. death and destruction underfoot. By his resurrection he has brought life and immortality to light (cf. 2 Tim 1:10). “He has made us pass from enslavement to freedom, from sadness to joy, from mourning to jubilation, from darkness to light, from slavery to redemption. Therefore let us acclaim in his presence: Alleluia!” (Melito of Sardis, Easter Homily).

To those in our society who have lost all hope and joy in life, to the elderly who struggle alone and feel their strength waning, to young people who seem to have no future, to all I once more address the words of the Risen One: “See, I am making all things new… To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life” (Rev 21:5-6). May this comforting message of Jesus help each of us to set out anew with greater courage to blaze trails of reconciliation with God and Child Abuse Policy Information with all our Diocese of Winona - Child Sexual Abuse Policy brothers and Information sisters.

The Courier is the Official Publication of the Diocese of Winona 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 588, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 107 - 04

Most Reverend John M. Quinn, Publisher Nick Reller, Associate Editor Monica Herman, Editor

Telephone: 507-858-1257 Fax:507-454-8106 E-mail: nreller@dow.org Subscription Rates: $5 per year in the U.S. Parishioners in the Winona Diocese subscribe through their parish.

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Publishing Schedule: Monthly - Deadline for advertising & articles is the 10th of the month prior.

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April, 2016 w The Courier

Promises,

The Diocese of Winona will provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (employees, volunteers, vendors, religious or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 507454-2270, Extension 255. A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. The Diocese of Winona is committed to protecting children, young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. The diocesan policy is available on the diocesan web site at www.dow. org under the Safe Environment Program. If you have any questions about the Diocese of Winona’s implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Peter Martin, at 507-858-1264, or pmartin@dow.org.

We Are a Family � ear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

Rejoice in Hope Bishop John M. Quinn

of parishes, and disagreements with the doctrinal and moral teachings of the Catholic Church.

One or all of the above could lead you to give only to your parish and not to the diocesan appeal.

I ask you, as your bishop, to remember that you are part of a diocesan family, which is united to the universal Church. Family members stay together and support each other, especially in difficult times. Even when families have disagreements, family members don’t walk away from one another. Please remember, you are an important member not just of your parish but of the diocesan and universal Church. The mission of Christ is the reason each of us contributes from our blessings. I ask and I beg you to be generous to our Catholic Ministries Appeal in 2016.

Divine Mercy Sunday At the beginning of April, we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday.

We can embrace this feast not only on the Sunday after Easter, but every day - especially during the Year of Mercy! It was in 1931 that Sister Faustina reported the first of what would become a number of apparitions, in which Jesus gave her messages of His limitless mercy and its availability to all who embrace it.

Jesus' message to her was that God is merciful. He is love itself, poured out for us, and He wants all to share in it, to turn to Him with trust and repentance before He comes as the just judge.

Turning to and asking God's

mercy is the answer to a troubled world.

There are four main points, or devotions, connected with that message. The first is the sacred image, a painting of Jesus with the inscription, "Jesus, I trust in Thee." The promise connected to this painting is that the soul who venerates it will not perish. The second is the Feast of Mercy, to be celebrated the first Sunday after Easter. "Whoever will go to confession (need not be that day if in a state of grace) and receive Holy Communion on Mercy Sunday, will receive complete forgiveness of sin and punishment," Sister Faustina was told. The third is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. It is said on ordinary rosary beads. Our Lord promises that souls who say this chaplet will be embraced by His Mercy during their lifetime and especially at their last hour.

Lastly is the Novena of Divine Mercy, in which a different group of souls is brought to Jesus' heart each day to immerse them in the ocean of His Mercy.

Let us carry the message of this feast in our hearts not just on April 3, but every day during this Year of Mercy. Pope Francis has passionately reminded us of this message of God's mercy.

May we all place our trust in Jesus Christ, our salvation, and find hope and joy in His eternal mercy!

another academic and formational year. It is always a great and joyful event with good food and excellent entertainment. We also rejoice and congratulate special people. First are the young men who will graduate this spring from the seminary and from Saint Mary's University.

They will move on to the next phase of their formation for the priesthood - Theology School.

Second, the seminary faculty chooses one person for a special honor.

This year the recipient of such recognition is the Most Rev. Jerome Listecki, who has shown his support for vocations to the priesthood as Archbishop of Milwaukee and continues to encourage young people toward a greater love for the Catholic faith. More details about the Bishops and Rector Dinner on April 22 can be found on the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary website, www.ihmseminary.org.

Bishops and Rector Dinner

Most Rev. John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona

Every year, Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary holds a special Bishops and Rector Dinner to celebrate the conclusion of

From the Bishop

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your faithful and generous lives. I am very aware of all the financial support you give to your local parish and the continuous, generous gifts you give to sustain our Catholic schools, Catholic Charities, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and numerous other charities.

Like you, every week, I receive several solicitations from worthy causes in my mailbox. I wish I had more treasure to share and could respond to all the requests. I am sure you feel the same.

Now, I bring to you another

important appeal and ask you to make a generous gift to the Annual Catholic Ministries Appeal for the pastoral services provided to all the parishes by the Diocese of Winona.

This appeal allows me to hire diocesan staff, who are mostly qualified lay people, to carry out the Church’s mission to youth, marriage and family, Catholic schools, stewardship and development. This is work that no parish could do all alone.

As Catholics, we belong first to our parish communities but also to the diocesan Church and to the universal Church spread throughout the whole world. We are part of a worldwide family, the Catholic Church, that is united under the visible head of Pope Francis, with all the Bishops who head each diocese in worship, the apostolic faith, charity, justice and service.

You might be tempted to give only to your parish, because the needs there are so very visible and the results are seen by you. We are, however, part of a family that extends beyond the immediate needs of the parish.

In the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 11 verses 29-30, we read how the early Christians in Antioch took up a collection to send to Jerusalem to help their fellow Christians in the care of Barnabas and Saul. They had needs in Antioch but decided to give help to those in Jerusalem.

These are difficult days for the Catholic Church, which has been wounded by clergy's sexual abuse of minors, bankruptcy of Catholic dioceses, the mergers

3

Sincerely in Christ,

Bishop's Calendar April 1, Friday 7:45 am – Teach at St. Mary University 1 pm – FOCUS Missionaries Lunch - Winona April 2, Saturday 9 am – 5:30 pm – DOW Men’s Conference Lourdes High School, Rochester April 3, Sunday 10:30 am – Confirmation and presentation of Pillars of Faith Boy Scout Award – St. Thomas More Chapel – St. Mary’s University, Winona 7 pm – Mass – St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish, Mankato April 4, Monday 2 pm - Mass - Institute of the Incarnate Word 32nd Anniversary as a Congregation – Washington D.C. April 5, Tuesday 8:30 am – Winona Radio Live Easter Message 11 am – Clergy Advisory Committee Meeting 3 pm – Blessing of Madonna Summit of Byron – Byron April 6, Wednesday 7 pm – Confirmation – St. Columbanus Church, Blooming Prairie and Sacred Heart Church, Hayfield – held in Blooming Prairie April 7, Thursday 10:30 am - Holy Hour with Foundation Board 11:30 am - DOW Foundation Board Meeting – Winona 3:00 pm – IHM Seminary Renovation Meeting – IHM Seminary, Winona

April 8, Friday 7:45 am – Teach at SMU April 9, Saturday 11 am – Confirmation – St. Francis de Sales, Claremont; St. Vincent de Paul, West Concord; St. John the Baptist de La Salle, Dodge Center – to be held in Claremont 5 pm – Mass – DOW Home School Retreat – Winona April 10, Sunday 8 am – Mass – St. John Nepomucene Church, Winona April 11, Monday 4 pm – Sacred Heart Major Seminary Board Meeting – Detroit, MI April 14, Thursday 11 am – 2:30 pm – Worthington Deanery Meeting – Worthington April 15, Friday 7:45 am – Teach at SMU 7 pm – Confirmation – Pax Christi Church, Rochester, and Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Mazeppa – to be held in Rochester April 16, Saturday 8 am – 12 pm – Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting – Owatonna 5 pm – Mass – St. John Church, Johnsburg April 17, Sunday 10 am – Confirmation - St. Ignatius Church, Spring Valley; St. Patrick Church, Leroy; St. Finbarr Church, Grand Meadow – held in Spring Valley 2:30 pm – Confirmation – St. John the Evangelist Church, Rochester

April 19, Tuesday 3:30 pm – Dinner at the Rochester Medical Center Correctional Facility April 20, Wednesday 4:45 pm Vespers and Mass at IHM Seminary – Winona April 21, Thursday 1 pm – Holy Hour 2 pm – Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting April 22, Friday 9:30 am – Celebration of Scholarship – St. Mary University, Winona 6 pm – Bishops and Rector Dinner – International Event Center, Rochester April 26, Tuesday 11 am – DOW High School Seniors Baccalaureate Mass – Pax Christi Church, Rochester 7 pm – Diocesan Ministerial Standards Board Meeting – Rochester April 27, Wednesday 9:30 am – Holy Hour 10:30 am – College of Consultors Meeting – Winona 5:30 pm – IHM Seminary Cookout April 28, Thursday 5:30 pm – Saint Vincent de Paul Soup & Bread Supper, Brief Program, and Mass – Pax Christi Church, Rochester

April 29, Friday 7 pm – Confirmation – Sacred Heart Church, Owatonna, and Holy Trinity Church, Litomysl – to be held in Owatonna April 30, Saturday 10 am – Confirmation – St. Joseph Church, Owatonna; Christ the King Church, Medford; and Corpus Christi Church, Deerfield – to be held in Owatonna 4:30 pm – Vespers, Dinner, and End of Semester Skits – IHM Seminary, Winona May 1, Sunday 11 am – Confirmation – Sacred Heart Church, Adams; St. Peter Church, Rose Creek; St. John Church, Johnsburg; and Queen of Peace Church, Lyle – to be held in Adams 5 pm – Seeds of Wisdom – South Sudan School Fund Raiser – St. John the Evangelist Church, Rochester May 4, Wednesday 7 pm – Confirmation – St. Charles Borromeo Church, St. Charles; St. Alysius Church, Elba; and Holy Redeemer Church, Eyota – to be held in St. Charles May 5, Thursday 8:05 am – Mass – May Crowning – Crucifixion Church, La Crescent 1 pm – Holy Hour 2 pm – Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting April, 2016 w The Courier

God's Mercy Transforms at Women's Retreat

4

Sr. Paul Mary Rittgers, R.S.M.

Faith Formation

Director faithformation@dow.org

�early 80 women from through-

out Southern Minnesota gathered together at St. Joseph's Church in Owatonna on March 12 for the Diocese of Winona Women's Lenten Retreat. Amanda Teixeira joined us from the FOCUS headquarters in Denver as the keynote speaker to help each of the women dive into “The Transforming Power of the Mercy of God.” As the retreat progressed, this transforming power became evident in the attitudes of the women in attendance.

As one woman said, “What an awesome message of mercy! I needed this to get me through the darkness that I am experiencing and to see the true mercy of God.” Another agreed, adding, “I needed this!

It was so meaningful to now have the knowledge of how to allow the Holy Spirit to work in my life.”

It was a day filled with joy, laughter, and a deepening of the conviction that we

as women are infinitely loved by a merciful God, who has been preparing since the beginning of time to shower us with His mercy.

The highlight of the day was the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass celebrated

by Bishop Quinn. His Excellency emphasized that as women, we are relational people and our gift is to help those around us to have a deeper relationship with our Lord. We are to be witnesses of the powerful mercy of God and to bring the loving message of Christ to the world. Bishop Quinn also reminded the women that we have received Jesus Christ as a gift, and we are to continually open that gift and bring Him to the world – a world in need of His love, His peace, and His mercy.

I am personally so grateful to all of those who support the Catholic Ministries Appeal, with-

Join veteran tour leader Father John Vakulskas to Walk Where Jesus Walked

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

out whom this event would not have been possible. You will never know the impact your generosity has on numerous people throughout Southern Minnesota. As one of the ladies mentioned, “Thank you for providing us with a day of reflection on God’s mercy – a beautiful day to step away from the busyness of life and immerse myself in God’s mercy.”

If you were not able to join us this Lent, make sure to be on the lookout for our Women’s Conference in the Fall and another Women’s Lenten Retreat next Spring.

Keynote speaker Amanda Teixeira emphasizes the transforming power of God's mercy at the Diocese of Winona's Women's Lenten Retreat.

&

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For complete details contact: Father John Vakulskas Jr Box 347 Okoboji, IA, 51355 (712) 490-8047 or johnvakulskas@gmail.com www.carnivalpriest.com April, 2016 w The Courier

Bishop Quinn greets retreat attendants at St. Joseph's Church in Owatonna.

The Deacon's Heart Deacon Robert Yerhot

�he most common description of a dea-

con is that of servant, a translation of the Greek word diakonos. Deacons receive a permanent character at their ordinations that cannot be removed, and they become servants of the mysteries of Jesus Christ in the Church. Each deacon is spiritually conformed to Jesus the Servant, and is called to care for the poor, and for the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of others. There are many descriptions in the Gospels of Jesus healing, comforting, correcting, feeding, teaching, and eating with the poor of his day, touching them where

they were most in need of God's presence.

In other words, there are many descriptions of Jesus the deacon in the Gospels. What describes Jesus must describe all deacons, and the deacons in the Diocese of Winona continue faithfully to bear witness to him today as they carry out the works of charity

"A deacon brings to the Church one thing only, a pearl of great price, and it is this: a sacramental presence of Jesus the Servant who filled him at his ordination." of death on the Cross. Jesus died in his service to his Father. Deacons are also called to bear witness to this particular mystery of the servanthood of Jesus by suffering a spiritual martyrdom in humility and obedience to the Father's will. Jesus always preached his Father's Word, as we hear especially in the Gospel of John. Deacons must also serve the Father in this way by being radically available to preaching the Father's Word everywhere and always. They must always preach the Word of God being uttered into their lives by the Father. They are to be men of the Gospel, men of Scripture, men of prayer. They are to be men who preach homilies, who teach the Faith, and who live a simple life.

This is why a deacon's heart can be described as a preaching heart who suffers God's Word. This is why in the heart of a deacon is Jesus who listens to the Father and preaches his Word. He is compelled to preach if he remains open to the Father uttering the Word into his heart.

This is indeed a great mystery to be lived out every day by all deacons. It is at the core of their vocation.

Yes, you will find deacons accomplishing many good works in our diocese, e.g., in jails, prisons, hospitals, nursing homes, St. Vincent de Paul societies, parishes, and in their families and businesses.

All this charitable work is diaconal

when it expresses the heart of the diaconate, i.e., if it expresses the deacon's openness to listening to the Father's Word through the grace of his ordination. All the necessary charitable work of our deacons bears fruit when it arises from being radically open to the Word of the Father being poured into their lives and who sends them forth to preach that Word.

A deacon brings to the Church one thing only, a pearl of great price, and it is this: a sacramental presence of Jesus the Servant who filled him at his ordination. Jesus humbled himself, emptied himself of all outward signs of glory, and lived humbly with his people. Deacons are the humble presence of Jesus. They do not anoint the sick or absolve the sinner. They are not priests, but they are bonded with priests and bishops in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, clerics of the Church, and sharing in the ministry of Jesus.

Deacons bring nothing but the presence of Jesus the Word when they preach a homily.

They bring nothing but Jesus the healer in their works of charity. They bring nothing but Jesus the Savior in their distribution of the Eucharist. They bring the love and humility of Jesus, always serving the Father in doing so, always available to preaching the Word being uttered into their lives, always obediently and humbly bearing witness to the servant of the mysteries of Jesus in the Church.

Diaconate

Assistant Director of the Diaconate

and justice in southern Minnesota.

Yet, there is another way of understanding deacons. Not only are they servants of the poor, they are servants of the Father.

This describes the heart of the diaconate because it describes the heart of Christ.

Jesus was constantly united to his Father, always serving his Father even to the point

5

April, 2016 w The Courier

Life, Marriage & Family

6 April is Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Month of all members of the clergy (priests and �area, f you live in the Rochester Peter Martin, STL deacons), as well as all employees and you may have seen a

news report called “Rooting Out Demons” on the KTTC network.* The reporter, Taj Simmons, interviewed several people in order to show how the Catholic Church is being proactive in assuring that the past is not repeated. It was very well done, and if you have not seen it, I encourage you to look it up!

During Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Month, we want to inform our readers of all that we are doing to assure that our Churches and Schools are safe places.

Support from the Catholic Ministries Appeal has allowed us to develop the following multifaceted approach to the protection of our children: 1 Thorough screening and supervision

volunteers who work with children and young people as part of their ministry.

Over 35,000 background checks have been run on clergy, employees and volunteers since 2002.

2

Appropriate training in recognizing and reporting child abuse to appropriate civil and Church authorities.

All adults must attend a VIRTUS® “Protecting God’s Children” session.

Over 1,100 sessions have taken place in the Diocese with over 10,000 attendees recorded since we began with VIRTUS® over 5 years ago. (Before using VIRTUS® an online training was required.)

All children in the diocesan educational programs are required to participate in the “Circle of Grace” Program. Circle of Grace Programs are educational programs that teach children how to protect themselves from being sexually abused. Age appropriate programs have been implemented throughout the diocese. Circle of Grace is a safe environment program developed

Director

pmartin@dow.org

by the Archdiocese of Omaha.

3 Holding all members of the clergy, employees and volunteers who work with children and young people to Christ-centered and professional codes of conduct.

Our Volunteer Code of Conduct and Employee/Clergy Code of Conduct can both be found on our website at www.dow.org This great work could not be completed if it were not for our wonderful priests, deacons and countless volunteers who work selflessly in order to make sure all the children and young people entrusted to us are safe. *This story can be viewed online at: www.kttc.com/story/31197057/2016/02/ 11/special-report-rooting-out-demons

The True Face of Assisted Suicide

By RICHARD M. DOERFLINGER

�ince California legalized assisted suicide last

year for people diagnosed as terminally ill, the former Hemlock Society -- now a multi-milliondollar operation called “Compassion & Choices” or C&C -- has stepped up efforts to pass similar laws in other states. [Editor's note: a bill to legalize assisted suicide in Minnesota, S.F. 1880, was introduced to state legislature last March.] At the center of its campaign is the late Brittany Maynard, an attractive 30-year-old cancer patient who moved to Oregon to obtain a lethal drug overdose prescribed by a physician. Her husband is now a paid spokesperson for C&C. Recently the state of Oregon released its 2015 figures on assisted suicide deaths, indicating how C&C’s portrayal compares to the reality.

State-sanctioned suicides in Oregon keep rising. There were 105 deaths in 2014 (44% higher than the previous year) and 132 in 2015 (another 26% higher). In each of these years, exactly one patient was under 35 years old (that must have been Ms. Maynard herself in 2014). Last year, 78% of those obtaining lethal drugs were aged 65 and over, with a median age of 73. Most were women; most had no health insurance, or only government insurance; most had no living spouse or registered domestic partner. More than 96% received no psychological evaluation, to test for depression or other conditions that can lead to suicidal thoughts.

C&C presents its agenda as a boon to autonomous people who live life on their own terms and want to exit life the same way to avoid intractable pain. The usual reality is different. When asked why they were obtaining the drug overdose, 96% of patients said they were less able to engage in April, 2016 w The Courier

activities that make life enjoyable; almost as many said they were losing their autonomy or their dignity; about half said they had become a “burden” on family or caregivers. Fewer than 30% cited any concern about pain. Incidentally, 90% died in a private home (their own or that of relatives or friends), allowing an educated guess as to who they were “burdening” and who was present to “assist” their final act -- in 79% of cases no health professional was present.

This profile should be eerily familiar to public health experts: it describes people most at risk of elder abuse.

A review of “Elder Abuse” in the November 13, 2015 New England Journal of Medicine estimates that about 10% of seniors are victims, with financial exploitation of seniors “a virtual epidemic.” More likely to be victims are women aged 65 to 74, living with household members other than a spouse, of lower income, and feeling isolated or without social support. Basically Oregon has provided a “safe and legal” (safe for the perpetrators, that is) way to practice, and cover up, a most final form of elder abuse.

The only reporting is by the physician prescribing the drugs (who then steps out of the picture), and deaths are recorded as caused by the person’s illness.

One more demographic question: What age

group in America is least supportive of legalizing assisted suicide? In many polls it is those aged 65 and over. In a national poll commissioned by the U.S. bishops’ conference in 2014, for example, only 46% of seniors supported the idea. Strongest support (60%) was found among their grown children -- 35- to 44-year-olds, the “sandwich generation” now often caring and paying for both children and aging parents.

How tempting it might be, for those in this situation with no strong moral compass, to believe that assisted suicide is a new “freedom” for one’s parents.

Eighteen years ago Derek Humphry, Hemlock’s founder, wrote in his book, Freedom to Die, that, “in the final analysis, economics, not the quest for broadened individual liberties or increased autonomy, will drive assisted suicide to the plateau of acceptable practice.” C&C wants to draw the curtain over this aspect of its agenda. The rest of us, especially seniors, need to open our eyes and see through the masquerade.

For more on the Oregon law, see www.goo.gl/7tSrR5.

Richard Doerflinger is Associate Director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. For more on the bishops' pro-life efforts, visit www.usccb.org/prolife.

Mercy at Work

� uring this Lenten season, the students of our Catholic schools worked hard not only to learn

7

And the students of Winona Area Catholic Schools worked together to make 12 fleece blankets to be donated to the Women's Resource Center in Winona, where they will provide warmth to survivors of domestic violence and women requiring legal assistance, social services, health care or housing. Pictured are Mrs. Molly Walker's first grade students with their blanket donation.

Ask the Officer �School or St. Patrick’s Day, the students of St. Casimir’s in Wells weren’t visited by a little man wearing green, but a tall man in blue! After being introduced to the students by his sister, St. Casimir Principal Joanne Tibodeau, Officer Michael Drees of the Rochester Police Department was quickly asked by a young inquiring mind, “How far is it to Rochester?”

“It is two and a half rosaries from Rochester to Wells,” was his equally quick reply. This was the perfect answer from a man who came to share with the students the ways in which his Catholic faith influences his work and everyday decisions.

“Sin causes our eyes to be closed to the goodness of God,” stated Officer Drees. In relaying the story of a recent nature walk with his granddaughter, Gracelyn, he shared with the students how Gracelyn, with the typical curiosity and fearlessness of a toddler, wanted to taste and climb everything in sight.

And, unfortunately, Grandpa Drees’ admonition to “Stay with me, Gracelyn, and I will keep you safe,” didn’t alter her course from wanting to do the things that were not good for her. Officer Drees spoke with the students on how we can be very like a curious toddler—we want to go into unsafe areas—and how God is saying, “Stay with me, and I will keep you safe.” Unfortunately, just like Gracelyn, we don’t always follow the advice of someone wiser than us.

We sometimes choose to close our eyes to God’s goodness and choose to sin instead. When a person makes that choice, a police officer is often called in to work with the consequences. However, in these situations, Officer Drees tries to keep in mind that even seen at our worst, we are all created by a loving God.

Officer Drees shared with the students how his faith is brought forth every day in his job on the police force. His faith may spring forth when serving as a protector in rescuing others from occasions of hurt and fear, as an enforcer when someone is tempted by the Devil to sin and do harm or as a messenger of mercy in times of extreme pain and even death when the next face the person sees may be the face of Jesus. Officer Drees feels strongly that his Catholic faith sincerely enhances his work as a policeman.

The students then played a round of “Ask the Officer” with the following questions: Q: What is the hardest part of your job?

A: “Answering a call in which a completely innocent person has been harmed by someone doing evil.”

Q: What was your best call?

A: “Delivering a baby in a van.”

Q: Most important part of his day?

A: “Being a dad.”

Q: What are the tools on his belt?

A: “A firearm, handcuffs, club, radio and a taser.” However, his most powerful tool is prayer—both for those

Catholic Schools

the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, but to live out those works of mercy in their daily lives.

During the week that St. Casimir's School in Wells dedicated to caring for the imprisoned, the students learned that we can be imprisoned not only by the justice system for our actions, but also by our own physical situations that keep us separated from others. After learning about members in their community who may find themselves shut off from others, the children made “caring cards” that were sent to these individuals.

In gratitude for the thoughtfulness displayed by prekindergarten students, John Weber, a recipient of their caring card, knitted a “thank

you” bunny for each of the students and their teacher. As the children continue to live out works of mercy, they are finding that little acts of kindness can bring about huge acts of love!

Meanwhile, first and second grade students at St. Mary's School in Worthington focused on a Spiritual Work of Mercy: comforting the sorrowful, which they demonstrated by walking to Crossroads Care Center, where they sang the "Army Song" and "Minnesota Fight Song" and read to residents.

In Hokah, St. Peter's School sent its fifth through eighth grade students to deliver Easter baskets to over 60 seniors and homebound residents of the area. The baskets, containing candy, cookies, gifts and cards made by students in preschool through 8th grade, are a St. Peter's tradition.

Marsha Stenzel Superintendent mstenzel@dow.org

he serves and for himself, and many times he is asked to pray with those he meets on his job.

“All jobs are important—like in the Lion King’s “Circle of Life,” stated Officer Drees. “We all have a purpose and are happiest when we are doing what God wants us to do. The times in our lives of mistake and sin are usually those times when we have strayed from the path chosen for us by a loving God.” What a blessing it was during this time of Lent for the students of St. Casimir’s School to see a man of God carrying out his mission to serve in such a noble manner. Thank you, Officer Drees!

April, 2016 w The Courier

Christian Stewards: People of the Resurrection 8 �or those immersed in the secu-

Development

lar world, Easter will come and go quickly. The pastel bunnies, the chocolate eggs, the color-splashed jelly beans which appeared in the marketplace so temptingly just as Christians were beginning the fasting of Lent, have long been swept from the store shelves to be replaced in anticipation of the next marketable holiday.

For the Christian steward, how backward this all seems. Yes, we believe that the Paschal mystery and the life-changing events of Easter are not over. They are not an end but a triumphal beginning, and they have altered us in a quite radical way.

The mystery and miracle of Easter challenge us to live as different people, as people of the Resurrection. What does this mean? For those new Catholics who participated in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), a period of mystagogia helps to understand this mystery. Indeed, this ancient Greek word actually means “to lead through the mysteries.” During mystagogia, many parishes introduce their new members to service in

a quite practical way. Here are the ministries of the parish; here are the charities we support; here are the needs of our community and our congregation. How do you choose to live out your faith in the Resurrection in a quite tangible and real way? How do your gifts fit into our needs? Essentially, however, this is a question that the Easter season calls forth in all Christian stewards; not just our newest members.

We have lived through Lent and the Paschal mysteries, all the while trying to deepen a relationship with the person of Christ. It’s as simple, yet as amazing and complex as that. The deeper the relationship grows, the more we become rooted in it, the more this relationship with Christ comes to dominate our lives.

We no longer co m p a r t m e n talize Jesus; we hold him at our center. And the mysteries lead us to the fundamental question at the heart of all Christian stewardship,

Charles I. Passe Endowment Fund

�ear Parishioners of St. Felix, St. Agnes and Immaculate Conception Parish: Mr. Charles I. Passe, through his estate, established an endowment fund with the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota to fund scholarships to certain institutions of higher education. The Board of Directors of the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota, in exercising stewardship of this endowment, has established a process for awarding funds from the endowment. This year, up to $45,000 is available for qualified students.

Funds from the Charles I. Passe Scholarship Endowment will be awarded in the following order: 1. St. Felix parishioners enrolled in a diploma and/or certificate program at a trade/technical school.

2. St. Felix parishioners enrolled in an A.A., A.S. or A.A.S. program at a trade/technical school.

3. Cluster parishioners enrolled in a diploma and/or certificate program at a trade/technical school.

4. Cluster parishioners enrolled in an A.A., A.S., or A.A.S. program at a trade/technical school.

In the rare event that funds remain after all applications in these categories have been processed, the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota will consider other scholarship requests (i.e., Bachelor degree programs). All awards are made by the Board of DIrectors of the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota.

Applications are available at the St. Felix Parish Office. Phone: 651-565-3931.

All applications must be mailed to: Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota Passe Scholarship Application PO Box 30098 Winona, MN 55987 All applications must be received at the Pastoral Center by 4 pm, Friday, May 23, 2016. Notification of scholarship awards will be made no later than June 15, 2016.

Sincerely, Jeff Reiter Interim Executive Director April, 2016 w The Courier

Monica Herman Director mherman@dow.org

the question that Easter compels us to ask: How do I steward my resources – my time, my money, my abilities and gifts, my very life – so that they are in service to the Kingdom of God? It’s not a part-time question. It’s not a seasonal question that’s swept off the shelf periodically. It’s the basic question which the Easter season demands of us: Jesus, how do you want me to serve you?

Jubilee Year

of

M e rc y

Pope Francis' Message to his "Young Friends"

A Message to Pilgrims for the "Jubilee of Mercy for Young Boys and Girls," to be celebrated in Rome on April 23-25

�ear Young Friends,

The Church is celebrating the Holy Year of Mercy, a time of grace, peace, conversion and joy. It is meant for everyone: people of every age, from far and near. There are no walls or distances which can prevent the Father’s mercy from reaching and embracing us. The Holy Door is now open in Rome and in all the dioceses of the world.

This grace-filled moment also concerns you, dear young people. I encourage you to take an active part in this celebration and to realize that each of you is a child of God (cf. 1 Jn 3:1). I would like to invite you, one by one, calling you by name, as Jesus does each day. For you know that your names are written in heaven (Lk 10:20), in the heart of the Father, that Merciful Heart which is the source of all reconciliation and kindness.

The Jubilee is a year-long celebration, in which every moment becomes a chance for us to grow in holiness. It is a time when we can discover that life together as brothers and sisters is like a great party, perhaps the most beautiful party we can imagine, the endless party that Jesus has taught us to celebrate by his Spirit. The Jubilee

is the party to which Jesus invites us all, without excluding anyone. That is why I also wanted to have some days of prayer and celebration with you. I am looking forward to seeing many of you in April.

“Merciful like the Father." This is the theme of the Jubilee, but it is also the prayer we make for all of you as we welcome you in the name of Jesus. To be merciful means to grow in a love which is courageous, generous and real. It means to grow physically and spiritually. You are preparing to be Christians capable of making courageous choices in order to build daily, even through little things, a world of peace.

Yours is a time of life which is full of amazing changes. Everything seems possible and impossible all at once. I repeat what I said to some of your friends: “Remain steadfast in the journey of faith, with firm hope in the Lord. This is the secret of our journey! He gives us the courage to swim against the tide. Pay attention, my young friends: to go against the current; this is good for the heart, but we need courage to swim against the tide. Jesus gives us this courage! … With him we can do

great things; he will give us the joy of being his disciples, his witnesses.

Commit yourselves to great ideals, to the most important things. We Christians were not chosen by the Lord for little things; push onwards toward the highest principles. Stake your lives on noble ideals” (Homily at the Conferral of the Sacrament of Confirmation, 2013).

Here I cannot forget those of you who are living in situations of war, extreme poverty, daily troubles and loneliness. Don’t ever lose hope! The Lord has a great dream which, with your help, he wants to come true! Your friends, young people your age living in less trying conditions than your own, have not forgotten you; they are working for peace and justice for everyone everywhere.

Don’t be taken in by the messages of hatred or terror all around us. Instead, make new friends. Give of your time and always show concern for those who ask your help.

Be brave and go against the tide; be friends of Jesus, who is the Prince of Peace (cf. Is 9:6). “Everything in

terized by a strong and unequivocal denunciation of drug trafficking. In an address to the Bishops of Mexico at the Cathedral in Mexico City, he said: “I am particularly concerned about those many persons who, seduced by the empty power of the world, praise illusions and embrace their macabre symbols to commercialize death in exchange for money which, in the end, ‘moth and rust consume’ and ‘thieves break in and steal’ (Mt 6:19). I urge you

Inside...

Opening Our Hearts to Works of Mercy

read more on page 2

Events for the Year of Mercy

read more on page 3

Pilgrimage Parish Profile

Young Friends, cont'd on pg. 2 of the insert

Pope Calls for "Faith in the Force of Mercy" �ope Francis’ recent trip to Mexico was charac-

Special Insert - April, 2016

not to underestimate the moral and antisocial challenge which the drug trade represents for Mexican society as a whole, as well as for the Church.”

He then encouraged the Mexican Bishops, as “Pastors of the Church,” to have “a prophetic courage as well as a reliable and qualified pastoral plan” to help people involved in drug trafficking to “finally escape the raging waters that drown so many lives.”

Only a few days after his return to Rome from Mexico, the Pope turned his words in the Cathedral in Mexico City into a concrete and visible sign. For his monthly activity to give witness to the Works of Mercy during this Jubilee Year, Pope Francis showed up as a surprise at the door of the treatment community, "San Carlo," in the outskirts of Rome.

The Vatican’s Jubilee web page describes the visit: “The community, founded by Father Mario Picchi, is home to 55 guests who are making the journey out of drug addictions. The surprise [at the Pope’s visit] was universal. No one was expecting to see Pope Francis, and deep emotion touched everyone.

“The Pope wanted to remain with the youth; he listened to their stories and he made each one feel his closeness. He exhorted them not to let themselves be consumed by the ‘metastasis’ of drugs, and embrac-

read more on page 4

ing them, wanted to make them understand how much the path they have initiated in the community is a real opportunity to begin anew a life worthy of being lived.

“With this sign, therefore, the Pope wanted to call attention to the necessity of having constant faith in the force of Mercy, which continues to sustain our pilgrimage, and which, accompanying us even in our coldest hours, makes us feel the warmth of its presence and clothes human beings once again with their dignity.”

Information and the picture for this story are reprinted from the Vatican’s Jubilee web site: www.im.va/.

April, 2016 w The Courier

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O p e n i n g O u r H e a rt s to t h e W o r k s o f M e rc y

Jubilee Year of Mercy

Shelter the Homeless ~ Comfort the Sorrowful

"It is my burning desire that, during this Jubilee, the Christian people may reflect on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. It will be a way to reawaken our conscience, too often grown dull in the face of poverty. And let us enter more deeply into the heart of the Gospel where the poor have a special experience of God’s mercy."

-Pope Francis, Vultus, #15

Misericordiae

Young Friends, cont'd from pg 1 of insert

him speaks of mercy. Nothing in him is devoid of compassion” (Misericordiae Vultus, 8).

I realize that not all of you can come to Rome, but the Jubilee is truly for everyone and it is also being celebrated in your local Churches. You are all invited to this moment of joy. Don’t prepare just your rucksacks and your banners, but your hearts and your minds as well.

Think carefully about the hope and desires you will hand over to Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and in the Eucharist which we will celebrate together. As you walk through the Holy Door, remember that you are committing yourselves to grow in holiness and to draw nourishment from the Gospel and the Eucharist, the Word and the Bread of Life, in order to help build a more just and fraternal world.

May the Lord bless your journey towards the Holy Door. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide your steps and enlighten you. For you and your families, and for all who help you to grow in goodness and in grace, may the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of us all, be a true Door of Mercy.

April, 2016 w The Courier

The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise. They "are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs" (U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults). They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life.

Shelter the Homeless There are many circumstances that could lead to someone becoming a person without a home. Christ encourages us to go out and meet those without homes, affirming their worth and helping them seek a resolution to the challenges they face.

• See if your parish or diocese is involved with a local homeless shelter and volunteer some time.

• Donate time or money to organizations that build homes for those who need shelter.

• Many homeless shelters need warm blankets for their beds. If you can knit or sew that would be an extra loving gift.

• There are millions of children and families who are on the move, fleeing from war, illness, hunger and impossible living conditions, and searching for peace and safety.

Engage parish groups of children, youth, young adults, and families in doing some research on the causes and challenges that these families face to survive. Contact Catholic Charities or diocesan offices of peace and justice for help with your research. Seek ways to provide shelter for the homeless locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.

The Spiritual Works of Mercy have long been a part of the Christian tradition, appearing in the works of theologians and spiritual writers throughout history. Just as Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to, these Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to "help our neighbor in their spiritual needs" (U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults).

Comfort the Sorrowful Be open to listening and comforting those who are dealing with grief. Even if we aren't sure of the right words to say, our presence can make a big difference.

• Lend a listening ear to those going through a tough time.

• Make a home cooked meal for a friend who is facing a difficult time.

• Write a letter or send a card to someone who is suffering.

• A few moments of your day may make a lifetime of difference to someone who is going through a difficult time.

Living the Year of Mercy

Practical suggestions to help you walk more virtuously through the Jubilee Year In his Bull of Indiction announcing the Year of Mercy, Misericordiae Vultus, Pope Francis offers a series of practical suggestions for how Catholics should celebrate the Jubilee Year. In this and the coming issues, we will offer one of these practical suggestions drawing from an article by Emily Stimpson, a contributing editor for Our Sunday Visitor.

Go on Pilgrimage Mercy isn’t free. We always pay for it. Not with money, but with effort. Mercy, wrote Pope Francis, requires “dedication and sacrifice;" it requires that we reject sin, selfishness and destructive desires (Misericordiae Vultus, No. 14). In effect, it requires doing things God’s way, not our way. Thanks to our fallen natures, that’s rarely easy.

But, since the most ancient of times, the Church has recommended that those seeking mercy go on pilgrimage, both to better understand what mercy requires and as a means of developing the discipline necessary to walk in God’s ways.

As the pope explained, when we travel to a sacred place, we remember “Life itself is a pilgrimage, and the human

being is a viator, a pilgrim traveling along the road, making his way to the desired destination.” We also come to see mercy not as a cheap handout but rather as a priceless gift, which cost Christ his life, and is a “goal to reach” (Misericordiae Vultus, No. 14).

For innumerable men and women throughout the ages, this experience of pilgrimage—to Rome and Jerusalem, Fatima and Lourdes, national basilicas and local shrines— has been an occasion of conversion and grace. It has offered them an opportunity to atone for sins, ask for forgiveness and draw closer to the Lord.

For this reason, during the Year of Mercy, the Church invites all believers to make a pilgrimage, whether to a nearby cathedral or to far away sacred ground, so that, while on pilgrimage, we might “find the strength to embrace God’s mercy and dedicate ourselves to being merciful with others as the Father has been with us” (Misericordiae Vultus, No. 14).

See page 4 of this Jubilee insert for a listing of Holy Door / Pilgrimage Sites in the Diocese of Winona. Also, a diocesan “Holy Door and Pilgrimage Information” booklet is available to view online at the diocesan Jubilee web page: www.dow. org/mercy.

Year of Mercy Calendar of Events In Rome and the Universal Church…

Friday, April 1 - Sunday, April 3 Jubilee for Those Devoted to the Spirituality of Divine Mercy St. Peter’s Square “Our prayer also extends to the saints and blessed ones who made divine mercy their mission in life. I think especially of the great apostle of mercy, Saint Faustina Kowalska. May she, who was called to enter the depths of divine mercy, intercede for us and obtain for us the grace of living and walking always according to the mercy of God and with an unwavering trust in his love.” (Pope Francis, Misericordiae Vultus # 24)

Saturday, April 23 - Monday, April 25 Jubilee for Young Boys and Girls St. Peter’s Square “Dear young friends, …To be merciful means to grow in a love which is courageous, generous and real. It means to grow physically and spiritually. You are preparing to be Christians capable of making courageous choices and decisions, in order to build daily, even through little things, a world of peace.” (Pope Francis, “Message for the Jubilee of Mercy for Young Boys and Girls”)

May 6 Diocesan Holy Hour -3 pm - Sacred Heart, Heron Lake

June 3 (or another Friday)

Diocesan Holy Hour--3 pm - Site TBD

Diocesan Jubilee of Mercy Week • June 3 – Jubilee for Priests Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona • June 5 – Jubilee for Deacons Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona • June 8-10 – Jubilee of Mercy Days (See ad below)

July 1 (or another Friday)

Diocesan Holy Hour--3 pm - Site TBD

July 26-31 World Youth Day - Krakow, Poland

August 5 (or another Friday)

Diocesan Holy Hour - 3 pm - Site TBD

August 29 Catechetical Day--Lourdes High School, Rochester

September 2 (or another Friday)

Diocesan Holy Hour - 3 pm - Site TBD

September 25 Catechetical Sunday

October 7 (or another Friday)

Diocesan Holy Hour - 3 pm - Site TBD

Jubilee Year of Mercy

In April...

In 2016...

3

Date TBD Women’s Conference (Marian Jubilee)

Date TBD White Mass (Jubilee for those who are ill or have disabilities)

November 4

(or another Friday)

Diocesan Holy Hour - 3 pm - site TBD

In the Diocese…

Friday, April 1 Diocesan Holy Hour 12pm, Sacred Heart Church, Waseca The Sacred Heart Mercy Healthcare Center, in Jackson, and Sacred Heart Church in Adams, also hold Holy Hours on the first Friday of each month at 11:30 am and 3:00 pm, respectively.

“In order to be capable of mercy, therefore, we must first of all dispose ourselves to listen to the Word of God. This means rediscovering the value of silence in order to meditate on the Word that comes to us. In this way, it will be possible to contemplate God’s mercy and adopt it as our lifestyle.”

--Pope Francis, Misericordiae Vultus # 13

Saturday, April 2 Diocese of Winona Men's Conference: "Man of God" 9am-5pm, Lourdes High School, Rochester “The Catholic Men’s Conference seeks to develop and foster a community of men centered on the true man Jesus Christ and to inspire men to follow Him in the path of holiness.”

Sunday, April 3 Divine Mercy Sunday

April, 2016 w The Courier

Pilgrimage Parish Profile

4

Holy Doors and Sacred Heart Parish, Pilgrimage Sites in the Hayfield

Jubilee Year of Mercy

Diocese of Winona

"With these sentiments of gratitude for everything the Church has received, and with a sense of responsibility for the task that lies ahead, we shall cross the threshold of the Holy Door fully confident that the strength of the Risen Lord, who constantly supports us on our pilgrim way, will sustain us. May the Holy Spirit, who guides the steps of believers in cooperating with the work of salvation wrought by Christ, lead the way and support the People of God so that they may contemplate the face of mercy."

-Pope Francis, Misericordiae Vultus #4

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart – Winona

B y 1934, the people of Hayfield, primarily of Scandinavian descent and Protestant faith, had weathered the Depression years and were making a strong comeback. The town's few Catholic

inhabitants showed no less resilience than their neighbors in the face of hardship, traveling 11 miles on a dirt road each Sunday to Saint Columbanus Parish, Blooming Prairie. With determination, faith and hope, they formed their own parish on Christmas of 1934, holding Mass in the home of Alfred and Florence Hanson, with Father William Gorman from Saint Augustine Parish, Austin, presiding.

Bishop Francis Kelly had his heart set on a Catholic Church in Hayfield, and with the inspired help of the young Father Gorman, the little group laid plans to build a small church the following summer. Masses continued to be held in the Hanson home. The proceeds from a dinner and evening of card playing at their home were used to build a small portable altar and a number of benches that served as pews. Father Gorman bought a chalice with the Christmas offering.

Victor Sunwall donated the first missal, and an anonymous Austin resident donated money to purchase material to make vestments.

Land was secured on the north side of Highway 30 across from the old elementary school.

Otto Block from Austin began construction of a small church in the fall of 1935. This church was to be called Sacred Heart. Money was raised by food sales, bazaars, hard work, and scrimping.

On November 7, 1935, the new church was dedicated.

A new rectory was built, and the dedication was held on October 21, 1951. Meetings and fundraisers were held in the parish hall, located in the rectory's basement.

In July 1955, Father Peter Coleman was assigned to Sacred Heart. He was not there long before he started major fundraisers for a new building. Ground was broken for this in October 1959, and the building project proceeded. The dedication was held on October 23, 1960, with Mass officiated by Bishop Edward Fitzgerald.

Sacred Heart celebrated 50 years of being a parish on August 18, 1985. Bishop Loras Watters was the celebrant for the Mass. A lunch was served to a large crowd.

Sacred Heart was clustered in 1997 with Saint Columbanus Parish, Blooming Prairie, and shared its pastor, Father Richard Dernek, for the next 11 years.

In celebration of Sacred Heart’s 75th Anniversary, events were planned throughout 2010: a float entry in the Hayfield Hay Days parade in July; a polka Mass and Fun Day in August; and a Mass with Bishop John Quinn and previous pastors on November 7th – exactly 75 years to the day that Sacred Heart was first dedicated.

Over 80 years, Sacred Heart Parish of Hayfield has had these priests assigned to it: the Fathers William Gorman, 1935-1939; Robert Woods, 1939-1947; Harold Mountain, 1947-1950; John Daly, 1950-1955; Peter Coleman, 1955-1965 and 1981-1983; Donald Leary, 1965-1967; James Dandelet, 1967-1970; James McCauley, 1970-1973; Syxtus Burg, 1973-1978; Robert Herman, 1979-1981; Francis Ryan, 1983-1985; Joseph Mountain, 1985; Fred Woodford, 19851987; Francis Glynn, 1987-1990; J. Richard Feiten, 1990-1994; Andrew Kreidermacher, 19941995; Douglas Gits, 1995- 1997; Richard Dernek, 1997-2008; William Kulas, 2008-2012; Steven Peterson, 2012-2015. Today, Father Thomas Niehaus serves as the pastor.

The parish of Sacred Heart has been rooted in faith for many years and will continue to rejoice in hope to pass their faith along to future generations of the Hayfield area.

Jubilee Web Page and Contacts The diocesan web page for the Jubilee includes information about the meaning of the Jubilee Year and about our diocesan celebration of the year. The address for the diocesan Jubilee web page is: www.dow.org/mercy.

If you have any questions about our diocesan plans for the Jubilee, please contact Fr. John Sauer in the Office of Divine Worship (jsauer@dow.org / 507-451-1588), Sister Paul Mary Rittgers, RSM in the Office of Faith Formation (faithformation@dow.org / 507-8581273), or Todd Graff in the Office of Lay Formation (tgraff@dow.org / 507-858-1270).

April, 2016 w The Courier

360 Main St.--Winona, MN 55987 507-452-4770 info@cathedralwinona.org www.cascwinona.org

Sacred Heart Church – Adams

412 W Main St./P.O. Box 352--Adams, MN 55909 507-582-3120 office@sacredheartadams.org www.sacredheartcluster.org

Sacred Heart Church – Brewster

(served by St. Francis Xavier Parish, Windom) 516 10th St./P.O. Box 187--Brewster, MN 56119 507-842-5584 sacreds@centurytel.net www.sfxwindom.org

Sacred Heart Church – Hayfield

(served by St. Columbanus Parish, Blooming Prairie) 150 NE 2nd St./P.O. Box 27--Hayfield, MN 55940 507-477-2256 sacredhearthayfield@gofast.am www.stcolumbanuschurch.com

Sacred Heart Church – Heron Lake

(served by St. Francis Xavier Parish, Windom) 321 9th St./P.O. Box 377--Heron Lake, MN 56137 507-793-2357 sacredheart1@gmail.com www.sacredheartheronlake.org

Sacred Heart Church – Owatonna

810 S Cedar Ave--Owatonna, MN 55060 507-451-1588 info@sacredheartowatonna.org www.sacredheartowatonna.org

Sacred Heart Church – Waseca

111 4th St. NW--Waseca, MN 56093 507-835-1222 sacredheart@hickorytech.net www.sacredheartwaseca.org

Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel (Assisi Heights) – Rochester 1001 14th Street NW, Ste 100--Rochester, MN 55901 507-282-7441 info@rochesterfranciscan.org www.rochersterfranciscan.org

Sacred Heart Mercy Health Care Center Chapel – Jackson 803 4th St.--Jackson, MN 56143 507-847-3571 paradism@sacredheartmercy.net

Generally, information on Mass times and contact information for each of the parishes is available online at the diocesan web site (www. dow.org) and at the individual parish websites.

A group planning a pilgrimage to one of these sites is asked to first contact the pilgrimage parish/institution regarding its plans and the arrangements needed.

Bishops at the Capitol

Youth and Young Adults

Ben Frost Director bfrost@dow.org

�

arch is a very active time in our state capitol as our legislators meet in session and engage in the process of nailing down priorities for our state. On March 16, our bishops of the state of Minnesota took the opportunity to gather with legislators and express their views on issues as they pertain to our Catholic faith. I had the privilege of accompanying our bishops for the day and seeing political activism in progress. I came away with a great respect for our political system and an appreciation for our bishops and our Church.

The bishops started their day at the governor’s mansion in St. Paul, where they had a friendly breakfast with Governor Mark Dayton. Bishop John M. Quinn said the gathering was positive and offered a time of constructive conversation.

“I thanked the governor for areas that we were in agreement, and also had the opportunity to discuss disagreements." This was a familiar theme for the rest of the day as the bishops broke up into pairs and lobbied legislators from around the state. Many issues were raised throughout the day, providing opportunities to encourage politicians in both parties. Topics like educational tax credits, criminal justice reform, environmental ecology and physician-assisted suicide were all brought to the table.

During Bishop Quinn’s meetings with lawmakers he encouraged dignity and rehabilitation within our criminal justice system. He shared stories of his experience as a pastor in Detroit and the hope he saw working with people in difficult situations.

Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis took time to encourage the educational tax credit legislation as a means of supporting non-public schools. He offered examples of Catholic schools in his diocese from less wealthy areas. Many students qualify for free and reduced lunch, and the parents and communities work

9

Bishop John M. Quinn converses with Bishop Andrew Cozzens, of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, during a day of political activism at our state capitol. tirelessly through fundraising and appeals to keep their schools going. Bishop Cozzens shared that at one such school, the graduation rate was 100%, a towering achievement. The bishops collectively encouraged law makers to partner with non-public education and support efforts like the educational tax credit as a way to support the great work of our Catholic schools.

Another important issue being debated during our visit was physician-assisted suicide. The bishops were able to share their own concerns with these proposed bills and to discuss the dignity of life.

Emphasis was placed on the care of patients and finding ways to alleviate suffering as the alternative to physician assisted suicide. Physicians were at the capitol echoing the concerns of the bishops and, ultimately, the bill was pulled.

As our day came to an end, I was able to debrief with our bishops and thank them for their efforts. One comment from Bishop Hoeppner made an impression on me during

our time together. During a discussion with one of the senate leaders, the problem with polarization was discussed. The senator shared how problematic it is becoming that political leaders from both parties are moving toward extremes and breaking away from dialogue. It was then that Bishop Hoeppner said, “We see the Catholic Church as a bridge.” It was a simple thought, but with profound meaning. In a society that cultivates an “us versus them” mentality, the Church seems to find a middle ground through the worldview of dignity, truth and love. Our nation and world need to come together, and for a day at the capitol, our Minnesota bishops entered into dialogue to construct more bridges.

March 16th's visit to the state capitol offered Minnesota bishops an opportunity to advocate our Catholic values through conversation with lawmakers.

April, 2016 w The Courier

Laborers for the Harvest

Vocations

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pril 17 is the 53rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The US Bishops' website (usccb.org) says: The purpose of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to publically fulfill the Lord's instruction to, "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest" (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). As a climax to a prayer that is continually offered throughout the Church, it affirms the primacy of faith and grace in all that concerns vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life. While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates its attention this day on vocations to the ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), to the Religious life in all its forms (male and female, contemplative and apostolic), to societies of apostolic life, to secular institutes in their diversity of services and membership, and to the missionary life, in the particular sense of mission ad gentes.

April, 2016 w The Courier

All vocations bud forth from families, and most people have the vocation to married life.

So when the variety of vocations is listed as above, it can be a bit staggering. Not only that, but it can be tempting to say we should just streamline the vocations. After all, wouldn't it be easier if we just had priests and nuns to pray for? Easier, yes, but we would then limit God's work in our souls.

This day of prayer recognizes two things.

First, we realize that we are dependent on God to send out laborers into his harvest. Marriage is a natural vocation; all these other vocations are not. These vocations, which are lived alongside of celibacy, are invitations to take part in the life of God and in relationship with God in a deep and dedicated way. That's why they are lifelong commitments that are marked by an ordination or solemn vows. God calls and works in the heart of each person in a unique way. We simply have to beg that God will do so.

Second, when we pray for vocations it

changes our own hearts. Some have taken part in prayer for vocations only to find that they were the one's being called. Others have done so and become more open to their own child or someone from the parish having a specific vocation.

When prayer for vocations is a part of parish life, the parish becomes alive with not only a longing for the Holy Spirit to be at work, but an expectation. There are a lot of practical things we can be doing to support and encourage vocations, but none are effective without prayer.

If you are so moved, look into joining a local Serra Club, whose primary duty is to pray for vocations on a regular basis. If you don't have one nearby, perhaps you would be interested in starting a parish vocations committee.

Hundredfold, by Rhonda Gruenewald, is a great resource to get you started. If you're not interested in being in a club or starting a committee, that's all right. At the very least, on April 17th, spend some time begging the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers for the harvest.

Yours in Christ,

Sister JoAnn Chevalier Professes First Vows ROCHESTER--Sister JoAnn Chevalier made First Profession of Vows with the Sisters of Saint Francis on February 12. She is the daughter of Vernon and Donna (Ascheman) Chevalier and was raised in rural Clontarf, Minnesota, where she was baptized in St. Malachy Parish.

Sister JoAnn is a graduate of the College of St. Teresa in Winona and used her degree to work with mentally disabled and emotionally disturbed adolescents.

She also holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

She worked for 20 years with Guidant Corporation, which later became Boston Scientific. Sister JoAnn's career with this medical device company relocated her to the states of Washington, California and back to Minnesota. Prior to leaving the organization, she held the positions of Business Process Architect and Project Manager. Sister JoAnn reconnected with the

Rev. Will Thompson Director wthompson@dow.org

Rochester Franciscans and entered into the two-year process to become a Cojourner, one who shares in the Franciscan Charism without making vows or becoming a member, but she soon felt called to vowed life.

Her two-year novitiate program included an intense canonical year, which offered the opportunity to study the Franciscan Charism and religious life at the Franciscan Common Novitiate in St. Louis, Missouri, with four other women from different cultural backgrounds.

Sister JoAnn also spent a year in various apostolic ministires. For a few weeks, she lived with the Sisters of Saint Francis and Cojourners in Bogota, Colombia. There she worked with students in the Colegio Santa Francisca Romana school and the Colegio Anexo San Francisco de Asis school, which serves students living in the barrios. Later, she participated in Clinical Pastoral Education, serving as a Hospital Chaplain Intern at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville. She also experienced life in El Paso, Texas, with two Rochester Franciscans, serving displaced and undocumented persons on the border and in detention centers.

The Sisters of St. Francis now welcome Sister JoAnn as a vowed Sister, sharing her talents and passion for the Franciscan way of life.

For more information, contact Kathy Gatliff, Director of Communications Public Relations, at 507-282-7441 ext. 523

Institute of Lay Formation Launches Caritas Todd Graff Director tgraff@dow.org

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diocesan Institute of Lay Formation (formerly the Institute of Lay Ministry) is a program of prayer, study, and reflection on the Catholic Faith and on the life of discipleship and service within the Church. The Institute was founded in our Diocese in 1998 to call lay men and women to a deeper living out of their Christian vocation.

The Institute has three components: • a catechetical/theological formation component: Credo - Together in Faith • a lay leadership formation component: Caritas - Together in Service • a continuing education/formation component: Emmaus - Together in Christ.

Over the last two years, a class of about 45 students from across the diocese has been meeting to study and be formed in our Catholic Faith. This is the Credo component of the Institute, focusing on the knowledge and understanding of the faith which provides a strong foundation for discipleship in the world and service within the Church.

This present class is now invited to continue its formation by participating in the Caritas component of the Institute, which will take place during the 2016-17 academic year. Caritas is also open to the alumni of the Institute, and any other interested lay women and men looking to grow in the living out of their faith in discipleship and ministry.

Caritas - Together in Service Credo is the Latin word for, “I believe.”

Caritas is the Latin word for “charity,” or “love.” Just as the Credo program seeks to build a strong foundation for an understanding and integration of the Church’s teaching and tradition, the Caritas program seeks to equip students to grow in the life and practice of the faith, with a strong focus on spiritual growth leading to community service and pastoral ministry.

The Caritas - Together in Service program consists of ten Saturday sessions held from September through April, and a weekend

Formation Areas The initial formation provided by the Institute, through the Credo program, focuses on what the Church calls “intellectual” formation. This area of formation seeks to develop the student’s “understanding and appreciation of the Catholic faith, which is rooted in God’s revelation and embodied in the living tradition of the Church” (U.S. Catholic Bishops, Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, p. 42).

Caritas is built on formation in three additional areas: • Human formation “seeks to develop the person’s human qualities and character, fostering a healthy and well-balanced personality, for the sake of both personal growth and ministerial service” (Co-Workers, p. 36).

• Pastoral formation “cultivates the knowledge, attitudes, and skills that directly pertain to effective functioning in the ministry setting and that also pertain to pastoral administration that supports direct ministry” (Co-Workers, p. 47).

• Spiritual formation “aims to arouse and animate true hunger for holiness, desire for union with the Father through Christ in the Spirit, daily growing in love of God and neighbor in life and ministry, and the practices of prayer and spirituality that foster these attitudes and dispositions” (Co-Workers, p. 38).

institution or to their experience of discipleship as lived in their family, neighborhood, workplace, and community.

If you’re interested in learning more about and/or participating in the Institute of Lay Formation’s Caritas program, contact me in the diocesan Office of Lay Formation: Phone: 507-858-1270 Email: tgraff@dow.org.

Deo Gratias!

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Lay Formation

Jesus wants evangelizers who proclaim the good news not only with words, but above all by a life transfigured by God’s presence.

--Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, #259

retreat at the conclusion of the year. The majority of each Saturday session is devoted to instruction (in both video and live formats), discussion, and reflection.

Caritas guides students in learning about and reflecting on discipleship and ministry in the context of the Gospel and our Catholic Faith, and with a commitment to service within the settings of the Church and society. As part of their formation, students will engage in a self-designed practicum project during the year to help integrate their learning experience into their lives of faith and service.

The Church which ‘goes forth’ is a community of missionary disciples who take the first step, who are involved and supportive, who bear fruit and rejoice….

Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. The Lord gets involved and he involves his own, as he kneels to wash their feet. He tells his disciples: ‘You will be blessed if you do this’ (Jn 13:17). An evangelizing community gets involved by word and deed in people’s daily lives; it bridges distances, it is willing to abase itself if necessary, and it embraces human life, touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others.

--Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, #24

Practicum Project During the Caritas year, students participate in a self-designed practicum project. The practicum is designed to help the students integrate their formal learning experience in the Institute into their faith lives and their area(s) of service/ministry. The practicum may relate to the students’ ministry activities in their sponsoring parish/church

April, 2016 w The Courier

12

MediAppS Is Worth the Phone Call

By LORI GARLOCK

�fter a presentation on Catholic

Catholic Charities

Charities' Medication Application Service (MediAppS), a woman met with me to discuss how to obtain from the pharmaceutical companies help with paying for her medications manufactured by them. She was enrolled in a Medicare Part D insurance plan to help pay the cost of her prescriptions.

Year after year, this client found herself in the Medicare Part D coverage gap, also known, not affectionately, as the “donut hole.” When someone reaches the “donut hole,” the person begins paying significantly more of the cost of prescription drugs. Many pharmaceutical companies

offer assistance to Medicare Part D participants once they have reached the “donut hole.”

After some quick questions about income and medication, I found that this client was indeed eligible for assistance through three different pharmaceutical companies! I worked with her medical provider and submitted the required documents to the pharmaceutical companies. To date, the client has received a 30-day supply of one medication and a 90-day supply of two other medications at no cost to her! The total value of the medications that she has received is $1,443.

When I met the client late in 2015, she had already been in the “donut hole” for a few months. I will continue to work with her in 2016. Hopefully we can delay the onset of the “donut hole,” and, once she does reach it, we can hopefully mitigate its negative impacts.

In the last six months of 2015, MediAppS helped 59 people obtain 310 prescriptions for no cost. The value of those 310 prescriptions is over $179,000.

Can MediAppS Work for You? Give us a call. Let’s find out.

A phone call to MediAppS can provide you with cost-saving tips and suggestions that you can discuss with your medical provider.

It is important to note that each pharmaceutical company has its own rules in regard to participation in its patient assistance pro-

In the last six months of 2015, MediAppS helped 59 people obtain 310 prescriptions for no cost. The value of those 310 prescriptions is over $179,000. gram. These rules include the type of medication that is available, income limits, and insurance status.

There are no fees to receive help from MediAppS. MediAppS helps all eligible people regardless of race, age, gender, or faith tradition.

If you would like to see if MediAppS can help you with your prescription drug costs, please contact the MediAppS office in Winona at 507-454-2270 extension 245.

Lori Garlock is the MediAppS Caseworker for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Winona.

Bob Tereba Executive Director Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Winona

Masses of Reparation for Sins in the Diocese Many parishes throughout the diocese are committed to offer consolation to the Heart of Christ through a Mass of Reparation.

Please go online to visit dowcourier.org

to see the complete Mass list.

April, 2016 w The Courier

Tri-Parish Joins Belizean Parish in Service to Poor

man who had been living in the rubble of his previous house since its collapse a year earlier.

Though only 13 traveled to Belize, the trip was made possible through the efforts of the entire tri-parish, who provided prayers and financial support. With continued support, parishioners hope to make this a yearly

Pillars of Faith

Front: Cliff Anderson, Bethany Anderson, Jay Stencel, Will Stencel, Jason Klein, George Leary, Karl Klein Back: Izzy Breiter, Butch Bach, Judy Bach, Patti Ulrich, Stephanie Stencel, Jennifer Coy, Carol Cyr

Girl Scout Sunday ROCHESTER--More than 50 Girl Scouts from the Assisi Service Unit were present for Girl Scout Sunday Mass at Holy Spirit Parish in Rochester, with Fr. Tom Loomis presiding. Girls from all 6 levels of Girl Scouts participated. The Assisi Service Unit comprises Girl Scout

13

In the Diocese

BELIZE CITY--Parishioners from the tri-parish of St. Joseph (Good Thunder), St. Matthew (Vernon Center) and St. Teresa (Mapleton) returned on February 27 from a week-long mission trip to Belize.

The thirteen parishioners, and one family member from Missouri, worked in conjunction with Divine Mercy Parish in Belize City to build, repair and improve homes, and supply goods such as mattresses, sheets and stoves.

"The purpose of the trip was to be the hands and feet of Jesus while working with and getting to know His beloved poor in that area of the world," said missionary Carol Cyr, who was particularly moved by the experience of building a home for a have ever received this honor in the Diocese of Winona. The pin provides special recognition WINONA--On April 3, Bishop to Boy Scouts who have earned Quinn held a Celebration of all four religious emblems of the Scouting Mass at 10:30 am in Catholic faith in scouting: Light of the St. Thomas More Chapel Christ, Parvuli Dei, Ad Altare Dei, at St. Mary University, Winona, and the Pope Pius XII emblem. where he presented Eagle Scout According to the Archdiocese of Jacob Edholm, of Stewartville, Washington DC, fewer than 4% of scouts earn even one of these with the Pillars of Faith - Duty to four emblems.

God pin.

Last October, Edholm was Edholm joined the ranks of awarded Eagle rank at St. only 10 other young men to Bernard's Church in Stewartville.

His requisite project was the construction of a movable cabinet to be used by the parish's Catechesis Jacob Edholm displays the cabinet he built for St. Bernard of the Good parish in Stewartville.

Shepherd program.

mission.

For more coverage of this mission trip, visit www.belize2016.blogspot.com.

troops from all five Catholic Schools in Rochester, kindergarten through 12th grade. The girls were recognized for earning numerous religious awards, including Catholic Identity badges, My Promise, My Faith pins and the Spirit Alive Award.

The Best Is Yet to Come for WDCCW

By KATHY WILMES

One of my favorite games to play with my

grandson is building forts and castles that rise high in the sky, then remaking them into something better, stronger, and more suited to our playtime story. Our greatest joy is being in each other’s company, imagining then reimagining, knowing that the end result is never truly in sight.

I, along with the rest of our executive board, invite all women in the diocese to join us at 9 am on April 13th at St. Columban Church in Preston as we, the Winona Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, redraw our area maps to better reflect our changing populations and thus better meet our organizational needs.

The meeting will also feature wonderful speakers, including Kristina Hammell, head of the Refugee Resettlement Program

for Rochester Catholic Charities. Kristina will speak at 10 am on the plight of Syrian refugees.

As usual, our meeting will include Mass or a prayer service as well as lunch.

We welcome any and all insight from the women of our diocese as we confront the challenge of reorganizing amid the merging of several of our parishes. Isaiah 43:19 says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”

WDCCW has existed for seventy-five years; please come and help us as we perceive what is happening in this new generation.

Hope to see you there!

Kathy Willmes is Secretary of the Winona Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Join their Facebook group to stay up to date on WDCCW events.

April, 2016 w The Courier

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SPRED, cont. from pg. 1

In the Diocese

nity, though just how time-honored isn't exactly clear.

"It's been around at least 35 years," said Shirley Russo, who took on the role of Program Director 22 (or more) years ago with little idea what a large and long-term part of her life SPRED would become. At that time, she already had a background in special education. Her son had recently entered a day program, leaving her several hours each day with which she wanted to do something worthwhile.

"I told Father Literksi at Resurrection Church, 'I would like a little job nobody wants, that's really important, for one hour a week.' He told me about this religious education program St. Francis School had started for the mentally challenged."

Twenty-two years later, Russo takes pride in the way her special education background has

Bishop Quinn and David

April, 2016 w The Courier

served SPRED clients.

"I wrote programs geared to them on their level. I can't think of a time that we have had a discipline problem, and I think it is because the clients understand what the lesson is about, and they are not bored with something that is 'way Bishop Quinn reiterates the message of over their head.'" the night's craft: "Toad-ally Trust in God!" SPRED has get so much more from our SPRED folks than I changed over the give in return. If I'm having a horrible Monday, I years. The new Lourdes High School building is come here and the world is right. If you accept a venue with convenient parking and a layout the fact that it's not all about you, you get way that benefits clients in wheelchairs. Also, SPRED more than you give." is a smaller program than it For Shirley Russo, the greatest reward is was 22 years ago, when it watching clients mature and learn as they come was the only one of its kind back year after year. She is grateful for her in Rochester.

But those currently staff, and proud to share the fact that, over the involved with the program years, at least three Lourdes students have been are devout (many have inspired through their volunteer experiences at SPRED to pursue careers in special education. attended for decades), and Anyone who would like to be involved eager to share SPRED's with SPRED as a volunteer or participant is impact on their lives. strongly encouraged to email Shirley Russo at David, one of SPRED's rochestersmr@charter.net. catechists, has been involved with the program since his senior year of high school, 35 years ago.

"I like the music," he said. "I guess I've been doing it because I enjoy it. It's simple so everybody can understand. If something doesn't work, you change it to make it work for everybody."

John DubĂŠ, who has provided music for 28 years, says he has seen miracles happen.

"I've seen people who don't respond for years, and suddenly one night, we start to sing, and they light up.

They are praising God and really showing it."

Cherie Jensen, who recently shares organizational duties with Russo, says, "I

Obituaries Sister Arlene Hodapp Sister Arlene Hodapp, 85, a School Sister of Notre Dame, Central Pacific Province, died December 30, 2015, at Good Counsel in Mankato.

Sister Arlene professed in 1953. In the Diocese of Winona, she taught at St. John the Baptist S c h o o l , Mankato (1959-61); Good Counsel Academy (1968-76) and Ss. Peter & Paul, Mankato (199495). She also served as Religious Education Director at Ss. Peter & Paul (1993-96). From 1976-89, she directed the Institute for Reading Development on Good Counsel Hill, which aided clients with reading and other disabilities.

She was also a certified foot reflexologist and worked in this capacity from an office on Good Counsel Hill until shortly before her death. She was a descendant of the pioneer Catholics of Mankato--Philip Hodapp, her great grandfather, was instrumental in bringing School Sisters of Notre Dame to Mankato in 1865--and therefore was a link in the 150-year history of SSND in Mankato.

Brother Damian Steger De La Salle Christian Brother and long-time administrator of St. Mary’s Press, Brother Damian Steger, FSC ’58, MA '90, died Jan. 6, 2016, at St. Anne Extended Health Care in Winona. He was 79.

Thomas M a r t i n S t e g e r was born February 24, 1936, in St. Louis, MO, to John and Mary Elizabeth (Drumm) Steger.

He graduated from Cretin High School in St. Paul and obtained a B.A. in Business from St. Mary’s University. He entered the novitiate of the Christian Brothers in 1954 in Glencoe, MO, and pronounced his first vows in 1955, his perpetual vows in 1961. He earned an M.A. in Management from St. Mary's in 1990.

Prior to his retirement in 2009, Brother Damian worked for St. Mary’s Press for more than 50 years.

He began as a pressman in 1958 and held a variety of positions. In 1974, he was asked to serve as the organization’s second president, a position he held for 27 years. He also served as its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Corporation.

While he worked at the press, he served as a hall director at St. Mary’s University for several years, mentoring college students who share fond memories. He lived in several Christian Brothers communities in Winona over the years.

He served on the St. Mary’s Board of Trustees from 1984-94 and on the board of trustees and finance committee at Lewis University in Illinois. He also served on the Christian Brothers Midwest District

Finance Committee from 1995 to 2012.

Brother Damian was instrumental in founding and sustaining Fe y Vida, which for 20 years has served the pastoral needs of young Hispanics and their formation leaders in the U.S. and Latin America.

Survivors include brothers John “Jack” (Nan) of White Bear Lake; James (Mary, now deceased) of Albuquerque, NM; and Joseph (Karen) Steger of Roseville; nieces and nephews; and the De La Salle Christian Brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents and by a brother, Richard “Father Francis” Steger.

Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona.

Sister Carmen Madigan Sister M. Carmen Madigan, 98, a School Sister of Notre Dame, Central Pacific Province, died February 5, 2016, at Good Counsel in Mankato.

Sister Carmen professed in 1940.

In the Diocese of Winona, she taught at St. Anthony High School, L i s m o r e (1948-53); St. Peter High School, Hokah (1960-61) and Loyola High School, Mankato, where she was also assistant principal (1973-79). She also served one year as a campus minister at St. Thomas More Newman Center, Mankato (1966-67). Beginning in 1985, she coordinated the women's residence program at Good Counsel Education Center, a position she held until 1991. A native of Madison Lake, she attended All Saints School through her Junior year, when the high school closed. She finished her high school education at Mankato High School.

Sister Gavin Hagan Sister Gavin Hagan, 91, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights on February 25, 2016.

Jane Ellen Hagan was born February 22, 1925, in Glendive, MT, to Paul and Aimee Barry Hagan. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1945 from Sacred Heart Parish, Glendive. Sister Gavin made first vows in 1948 and perpetual vows in 1951. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, in 1946, and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota in 1956. She also studied at St. John’s University, CarnegieMellon University and the University of Portland, Oregon. In 1966 she accepted a Fulbright Grant to attend a seminar in Middle Eastern Area Studies through the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. In 1985 she participated in a Sabbatical program at Notre Dame University.

Sister Gavin served nearly four decades in educational and administrative roles. She taught at Cathedral and Cotter High School, Winona; Notre Dame High School, Portsmouth, OH; and Wehrle High School, Columbus, OH. She served

as Oral Historian for the Sisters of St. Francis 1976-78; Director of Women’s Institute for Life Long Learning and College of St Teresa Rochester Center 1978-85; and as Pastoral Associate at St. Mary’s Parish, Portsmouth, OH (19862000). She returned to Rochester in 2000.

Sister Gavin is survived by her Franciscan Community with whom she shared life for 70 years; her brother and sister-in-law Thomas and Alberta Hagan of Lacey, WA, and two nephews: David Scott (Heather) Norton of Lacey, WA, and John Kyle Norton of Chicago, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Fr. Barry J. Hagan, CSC. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.

Sister Delores Schmitz Sister Dolores (Mary Kenneth) Schmitz, 92, a School Sister of Notre Dame, Central Pacific Province, died February 27, 2016, at Good Counsel in Mankato.

Sister Delores professed in 1944. In the Diocese of Winona, she taught at St. Felix School, Wabasha (1944-47); Ss. Peter & Paul, Mankato (1956-57) and St. Stanislaus, Winona (1964-65). In 1965, she began a 13-year ministry in Religious Education, all in the Diocese of Winona: Crucifixion School, La Crescent (1965-66); St. John Catechetical School, Minnesota Lake (1966-70) and Christ the King Cathechetical School, Medford (1971-83). Her final 25 years in ministry were spent at St. Mary Parish, Waverly, IA, where her special areas of outreach were to the elderly, homebound, ill and dying.

Father Douglas Gits Rev. Douglas J. Gits, age 88, of Rochester, a retired priest of the Winona Diocese and former Army Chaplain, died March 12, 2016, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, of pneumonia.

Douglas J. Gits was born August 9, 1927, in Fulda, MN. He was the son of Victor and Christina (Plut) Gits. He graduated from Fulda High School in 1945 and attended Seminary at St. John's University and St. Paul Seminary.

He was ordained a priest in 1953, and served 3 years in Winona at St. Stanislaus Church and as an instructor at Cotter High School. He was assistant pastor for 5 years in Adrian. Upon entering the Military Service in 1961 as an Army Chaplain, he served in Fort Riley, KS; Korea; White Sands, NM; Vietnam (1966), where he was awarded the Bronze Star; Fort Hood, TX; Fort Hamilton, NY; and Heidelberg and Frankfurt, Germany. Upon returning from the military in 1972, he was assigned pastor at Easton/Delavan, Harmony/ Lanesboro, Dodge Center/Kasson/ Claremont/West Concord, and finally at Hayfield before retiring in Rochester.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. During his school years, he participated in football, basketball, baseball, chorus, band and orchestra. He played football and baseball for St. John's and won the diocese priest golf tournament on many occasions.

Survivors include 14 nieces and nephews and their familes. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister (Marjorie), brother (Thomas), and three nephews.

Burial was at St. Gabriel Cemetery, Fulda.

Father Ruben Spinler Rev. Ruben C. Spinler, age 87, of Montgomery, died March 14, 2016, at his home.

Ruben C. Spinler was born to Stanley S p i n l e r and Anna (Kubichek) Spinler on October 31, 1928, the fourth of six children. He grew up on the farm and learned practical mechanics and construction skills from his father. He graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1946, and served in the Army during the Korean War, based in Japan. On September 3, 1952, Ruben married Margaret Jirele and took over the home farm. He also worked a number of other jobs to help bring in income, such as installing cabinetry and appliances, and roofing. He and Margaret had five children, whom they raised with frequent visits to and from cousins, uncles and aunts.

Ruben stayed closely involved with the community, serving on the Blooming Prairie school board and the Steele County Soil Conservation board, and helping continually with maintenance at Holy Trinity Church and St. Isidore's School. Ruben lost his beloved wife Margaret on November 3, 1978, to leukemia, but continued to raise his children and farm until the all of them were at college or in careers.

During a pilgrimage to the Marian apparitions in Medjugorje, Ruben was inspired to investigate the priesthood. His eldest son, Michael, took over the family farm, the Diocese of Winona sponsored Ruben to the Sacred Heart Seminary in Hales Corners, WI, and on June 15, 1994, Ruben Spinler was ordained a priest.

Father Ruben Spinler was installed as the pastor of the parishes at Rose Creek and Lyle, where he served for 10 years until his retirement. After retirement, he continued to offer the sacraments regularly. He officiated the marriages of several of his children and grandchildren and baptized many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Father Spinler is survived by one sister, Theodora Jirele of Owatonna, and his children: Kathleen (Richard) Ruhland of Montgomery, Michael (Julie) Spinler of Blooming Prairie, Mark (Melinda) Spinler of Grand Marais, Lisa (Brian) Roesler of Grant, and Patrick (Jennifer) Spinler of Kasson, and by 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Burial was in the cemetery of Holy Trinity Church in Litomysl.

Sister Brian Taylor Sister Brian Taylor, 94, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights on March 15, 2016.

J o a n Virginia Taylor was born February 15, 1922, in Adrian to Bryan C. and Carolyn (Krepfl) Taylor.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1941 from St. Adrian Parish. Sister Brian made first vows in 1944, perpetual vows in 1947. In 1961 she received a B.S. in Elementary Education.

Sister Brian began her teaching career in 1944 and for 50 years taught in Catholic Schools in southern Minnesota. She served as a primary teacher at Queen of Angels, Austin (1944-49); St. John/St. Francis School, Rochester (1949-53); St. Columba School, Iona (1953-57); St. Augustine School, Austin (195761); and Cathedral School, Winona (1961-63). She taught kindergarten and Religious Education at St. Catherine School, Luverne (1963-64 and 1967-75); Religious Education at Sacred Heart Parish, Hayfield (196467) and kindergarten at Queen of Angels School, Austin (1974-94).

Sister Brian was a Head Start Teacher Aide in Austin Area Public Schools (1994-95) and did outreach services for Catholic Charities in Austin (1996-2001). She moved to Assisi Heights in 2004.

Sister Brian is survived by her Franciscan Community with whom she shared life for 74 years and her brothers James Taylor of Adrian, Carroll Taylor of Minneapolis, William (Dee) Taylor of Worthington, and Eugene Taylor of Adrian. She was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers: Earl Taylor, Paul Taylor, Jerome Taylor, Fr. Robert Taylor, and Bryan Taylor.

Burial was in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.

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Sister Thomasin Sergot Sister Thomasin Sergot, 73, a School Sister of Notre Dame, Central Pacific Province, died March 18, 2016, at her home in Inver Grove Heights.

Sister Thomasin professed in 1962.

A St. Paul native and graduate of Good Counsel Academy in Mankato, she taught in the Diocese of Winona at Crucifixion School, La Crescent (1963-64). She also worked in rural parish ministry in the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis and the Diocese of New Ulm. Sister Thomasin worked for many years with Sister Donna Walerius, SSND, and Father Otto Neudecker promoting the team ministry concept for rural parishes.

April, 2016 w The Courier

April, 2016

• The Courier

Action with Prayer

Diocesan Calendar

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St. Mary’s Church, Winona offers a Mass for Life and Marriage on the first Thursday of the month, at 5:15 p.m.

Holy Hour of Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty April 2 The monthly Holy Hour of Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty will be held on the first Saturday of the month from 8:30 am to 9:30 am (after the 8:00 am Mass) at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 360 Main Street, Winona. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed and a beautiful rosary will be offered, along with prayer and reflection. Gather in the Adoration Chapel. Everyone is welcome.

Prayer Vigil & Public Witness Against Abortion Semcac Clinic is a delegate of Planned Parenthood.

Please consider joining to pray from 3-4 p.m. each Tuesday in front of Semcac at 62 E 3rd Street in Winona. Contact: Patti Woodworth (507) 429-4636

Other Events

St. Adrian Church, Adrian April 10, Sunday Dave Knips to hold a recital at 2pm to celebrate completion of St. Adrian's Holtkamp Pipe Organ renovation. Join us!

Assisi Heights, Rochester April 15-17 Team Beginning Experience Retreat.

Call Mary for more information: 507-346-7427 St. Patrick’s Church, Brownsville April 17, Sunday Breakfast following 8am Mass, served until noon, Breza Hall.

French toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, fruit, coffee, milk and orange juice.

Adults $7, Kids (6-12) $3, Under 6 eat free.

Event includes big-ticket raffle, mini raffle, bake sale, silent auction & children’s games.

Villa Maria Center, Frontenac April 22-24 Celebrate Women Retreat Keynote speaker Amy Egenberger, M.Ed, CPCC from Spirit Out! Coaching, Minneapolis.

Details at www.villamariaretreats.org.

Call Mary at 651-345-4582 to register.

St. Patrick's Church, West Albany April 24, Sunday Annual Spring BBQ Chicken Dinner. Serving 11am-2pm or until chicken is gone. Dinner includes potato salad, roll, beverage and cookie. Take a beautiful drive and join us!

SUBMISSION for the calendar

Lourdes High School, Rochester Spring Musical: Guys and Dolls May 4-5, Wednesday-Thursday, 7:15pm May 6, Friday, 7:30pm May 8, Sunday, 1:30pm Reserve seating. $10 Adults, $7 Seniors/Students/Children Reserve seats online: rcsmn.org/lourdes-high-school/fine-arts/ theater/upcoming-shows/index.aspx or call 507-289-3991.

Assisi Heights, Rochester June 5, Sunday, 6:30pm-June 11, Saturday, 10:30am "Wisdom from St. Francis of Assisi for the 21st Century" This retreat prompts participants to ask how St. Francis would answer the tough questions of our modern world. Directed by Sister Kathy Warren, OSF, with Father Jim Russell presiding.

For more information, contact Sr. Judi Angst at 607-282-7441, ext.

206, or email: flim@rochesterfranciscan.org.

Please note: submission deadline

is the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. All submissions must be sent electronically on our website: www.dowcourier.org or by emailing: Courier@dow.org and by the deadline in order to assure receipt and possible inclusion in the Events Calendar.

We thank you for understanding that due to space limitations, not all events nor story submissions will fit; however, we strive to include as many as possible. Thank you! - Courier Staff

St. Mary's Church, Winona June 12, Sunday Father James Berning to celebrate 25 years of ordination to the ministerial priesthood 10:30am - Mass of Thanksgiving 12pm - Picnic-style meal on rectory backyard 1-1:30pm - Program on rectory backyard RSVP before May 25 at parish office 507-452-5656.

Assisi Heights, Rochester June 13, Monday Mary McCarthy, author of A Pilgrimage of Hope: A Story of Faith and Medicine, will speak on the relationship she developed with God through her battle with brain cancer. The event will take place from 6:30-8pm in the Spirituality Center at Assisi Heights. For more information, email marymccarthy2015@gmail.com.

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship The US Catholic Bishops offer guidance in forming our consciences before we go to the polls this fall. The Social Concerns Committee of the Diocese of Winona invites you to a non-partisan discussion to hear what the Bishops have to say.

March 31 - St. Catherine's, Luverne - 7-9pm

Deacon Chris Walchuk presents April 5 - St. Mary's, Winona - 6:30-8:30pm Deacon Justin Green presents Traditional Latin Mass April 14 - Sacred Heart, Waseca - 6:30-8:30pm Fr. Gregory Leif presents Chatfield, St. Mary's, first & third Sunday of the month, 1 p.m.

April 16 - St. John the Baptist, Mankato - 9:30-11:30am Mankato, Ss. Peter & Paul, first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m.

Fr. Gregory Leif presents April 16 - St. Francis, Rochester - 9:30-11:30am Wabasha, St. Felix, weekly. Saturday 8 a.m.

Sr. Ramona Miller presents The Televised Mass April 20 - St. Mary's, Worthington - 6-8pm Deacon Chris Walchuk presents Offered as a service for the homebound and elderly April 23 - St. Edward, Austin - 9:30-11:30am Fr. Gregory Leif presents every Sunday on the following stations: KTTC, Channel 10 (Rochester) at 9 a.m. KEYC, Channel 12 (Mankato) April 26 - St. John Vianney, Fairmont - 6-8pm Deacon Chris Walchuk presents at 7:30 a.m & KEYC-DT2, Digital Channel 12.2 or

Charter Channel 19 (Mankato) at 9:30 a.m.

Contact: Lisa Kremer (stgabfaith@gmail.com / 507Donations for the continuation of this program may be 360-3423) or Nicole Henrichs (nhenrichs@ccwinona. sent to: TV Mass, PO Box 588, Winona MN 55987. org / 401-500-3427).

Hispanic Priests / Sacerdotes Hispanos Padre Luis Alfonso Vargas: Capellán del Decanato de Worthington. lukiponcho@yahoo.es Tel. 507-341-0403 Padre José Morales: Capellán del Decanato de Rochester. jloralesr2008@yahoo.es Tel. 507-329-2931

Padre Mariano Varela IVE: Párroco de “SS. Peter and Paul” en Mankato. mvarela@hickorytech.net Tel. 507-388-2995 ext 103 Padre Raul Silva: Pastor de "Queen of Angels" en Austin, "Our Lady of Loretto" en Brownsdale, “All Saints” en New Richland, “St. Aidan” en Ellendale, “St. Mary” en Geneva. fatherraul@queenofangels.church

Spanish Mass Schedule Albert Lea, St. Theodore 11 a.m. Sundays Austin, Queen of Angels 11 a.m & 5 p.m. Sundays Lake City, St. Mary 6:30 p.m. every third Saturday Madelia, St. Mary 10 a.m. Sundays

Mankato, Ss. Peter & Paul 1 p.m. Sundays Owatonna, Sacred Heart 1 p.m. Sundays Pipestone, St. Leo 2:30 p.m. Sundays Rochester, St. Francis of Assisi 12 p.m. Sundays & 7 p.m. Thursdays St. Charles, St. Charles Borromeo 11:30 a.m. Sundays

St. James, St. James 12 p.m. Sundays Waseca, Sacred Heart 11:30 a.m. Sundays Windom, St. Francis Xavier 12 p.m. Sundays Worthington, St. Mary 7 p.m. Saturdays & 11 a.m. Sundays

Employment Opportunities St. Mary's, Chatfield

Sacred Heart, Waseca

Tri-Parish Business Administrator

Music Ministry Coordinator / Music Teacher

Duties for the cluster of St. Mary's of Chatfield, St. Columban's of Preston and Nativity of Harmony (beginning in July) will include accounting, human resources and organizing parish projects, in a 24-40 hours/ week position. For a full job description, contact the Parish Office at St. Mary's in Chatfield: tostmarys@gmail.com or 507-867-3922.

St. Mary's, Chatfield Director of Religious Education This full-time position for the cluster of St. Mary's of Chatfield, St. Columban's of Preston and Nativity of Harmony (beginning in July) will include duties such as curriculum development, catechist recruitment and support, and faith formation for all ages.

For a full job description, contact the Parish Office at St. Mary's in Chatfield: tostmarys@gmail.com or 507-867-3922.

Sacred Heart Parish in Waseca is seeking a Music Ministry Coordinator / Elementary Music Teacher for children K-4th grade.

Candidate must enjoy working with children and collaborating with adutls.

Candidate must be competent with keyboarding (piano and organ), playing for and planning liturgies (parish liturgies and events, weddings, funerals). The position also involves working with choirs and directors of various ages. This position is approximately 35 hours per week. Hours will include weekend liturgies, parish events, and scheduled hours teaching music at our elementary school.

Please send letter of interest, resume and references to: Father Gregory Leif Sacred Heart Parish 111 4th St. NW Waseca, MN 56093 father.leif@gmail.com 507-835-1222