The Courier - December 2018

The

COURIER

Feast of the Holy Family December 30

December 2018

Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona-Rochester, MN

Our P ath Forward A Message from Bishop Quinn The following letter appeared in parish bulletins in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester on November 18, 2018.

� ear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As your Bishop, I write to painfully acknowledge the past sexual abuse of children by members of our diocesan clergy. At this time, there are 121 pending claims against the Diocese, in regards to clergy, all of whom are either deceased or have been removed from ministry, laicized, and no longer function in any priestly capacity in the Diocese.

Together, we are committed to creating an environment of healing for these victims and their families, as well as for all of us in our Diocesan community.

As part of this healing, it is incumbent upon us to create a path forward that provides just and equitable compensation for the victims of abuse. This path forward must include public acknowledgment of their pain and an apology for it as well as financial compensation.

After much prayerful consideration, and after consultation with the College of Consultors, the Diocesan Finance Council, the Presbyteral Council and the Trustees of the Diocesan Civil Corporation Board, I have accepted the recommendation that the Diocese file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy no later than the

end of this month. [Filing occurred on Friday, November 30.]

This legal process will allow us to reorganize diocesan finances in order to provide financial compensation to the survivors and to ensure that the daily operations and ministries of the Diocese will continue uninterrupted.

We are cooperating with the lawyers who are providing representation to the survivors of abuse, believing that this cooperation will help us move forward toward reconciliation and healing.

Please be assured that for more than 15 years, important measures to protect our children have been in place in our Diocese. We continue to take steps to keep our children safe, including running more than 30,500 criminal background checks on clergy, employees, and volunteers; training facilitators of the VIRTUS® “Protecting God’s Children for Adults Program;” and hosting more than 1,200 VIRTUS® program sessions that have trained over 12,000 adults across our Diocese.

My prayers go out to those who have experienced sexual abuse, and I stand committed to providing support and healing. I also pray for God’s grace during this difficult period, and for guidance and strength from the Holy Spirit. It is my hope that through this process we will move toward healing and be strengthened as one diocesan family.

Sincerely in Christ, Most Rev. John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona-Rochester

Why Do Central Americans Join 'Migrant Caravans?'

This article was originally printed by ACI Prensa, a sister agency of Catholic News Agency. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. MEXICO CITY, MEXICO, Nov. 28, 2018 (CNA)--Controversial “caravans” of Central American migrants have made headlines in recent weeks, and a quagmire at the U.S. southern border remains unresolved.

As policymakers and migrants consider their next steps, some have asked why migrants leave Central America to make a dangerous journey with an uncertain outcome.

Rick Jones, senior adviser on Migration and Public Policy

Caravans, cont'd on pg. 4

INSIDE this issue

This Advent Will Be Different page 7

Misinformed and Married page 15

Brother James Miller to Be Beatified page 18

Holy See Renews Appeal to Ban Killer Robots

2

Articles of Interest

A Catechumenate for Marriage Preparation___5 In the Footsteps of Jesus' Ministry___________6 This Advent Will Be Different________________7

The Courier Insider

Jesus Speaks in Silence__________________8 The Power of Intercessory Prayer__________9 Catholic Schools Updates___________________10 We Passed!______________________________12 Make a Difference with Your Year-End Giving__13 Be the Light_____________________________14 Misinformed and Married__________________15 The Evil Within__________________________16 Diocesan Headlines________________________18

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, Nov. 28, 2018 (CNA) - A Vatican representative to the United Nations called on the international community to ban killer robots – known as Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) – in a speech in Geneva last week.

“In order to prevent an arms race and the increase of inequalities and instability, it is an imperative duty to act promptly: now is the time to prevent LAWS from becoming the reality of tomorrow’s warfare,” said Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations.

The archbishop spoke Nov. 22 at the 2018 Meeting of High Contracting

Parties to the Convention on Prohibitions Diocesan Calendar_________________________20 or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Officials Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to The Most Rev. John M. Quinn, for the Immaculate Heart of Mary Bishop of the Diocese of Winona- Seminary, and member of the Have Indiscriminate Effects (CCW).

He said the parties to the convention Rochester, announces the follow- Diocese of Winona-Rochester Curia; in addition to his current should “make a courageous and enlight- ing appointments: assignments, appointed Parochial ened decision of prohibiting LAWS like it Pastor Administrator of St. Mary Parish did in the past concerning other types of Rev. John Wilmot: currently in Lake City and St. Patrick Parish Pastor of St. Bernard Parish in in West Albany, effective October weapons.”

“The increasingly active participation Stewartville and St. Bridget Parish 27, 2018. and interaction among States, civil soci- in Simpson; transferred to the Minnesota Catholic Conference Office of Pastor of St. Mary Parish ety and the scientific community clearly in Lake City and St. Patrick Parish Sr. Agnes Mary Graves, RSM: indicates the urgency and far-reaching in West Albany, effective January appointed to the Minnesota Catholic Conference Life, Family implications of LAWS,” he said, stressing 7, 2019. and Healthcare Committee, to the need for precaution and “a respon- Parochial Administrator sible attitude of prevention” as “the only Rev. Jason Kern: currently serve the remainder of the curRobots, cont'd on pg. 4

Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, member of the Formation Faculty

rent three-year term ending May 31, 2020, recently vacated due to a resignation, effective immediately.

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The Courier is the official publication of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 588, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 109 - 12

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The Holy Father's Intention for

December 2018 In Service of the Transmission of Faith That people who are involved in the service and transmission of faith may find, in their dialogue with culture, a language suited to the conditions of the present time.

December, 2018 w The Courier

�

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Courier Staff

Child Abuse Policy Information The Diocese of Winona-Rochester 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-Rochester 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-Rochester’s implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Mary Hamann at 507-858-1244, or mhamann@dowr.org.

scribe through their parish. Periodicals postage paid at Slayton, MN Postmaster.

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

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Blessed Are All of You ear Friends in Christ, Chapter 11

The Diocese of Winona-Rochester has recently filed for Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code, in order to provide financial compensation to the survivors of clergy sexual abuse. There are 121 pending cases of sexual abuse, that were filed when the statute of limitations was lifted with the Child Victims Act in the State of Minnesota. In the bankruptcy process, the Diocese of Winona-Rochester will liquidate all diocesan assets and properties and pursue insurance companies to honor their coverage. The Diocese will continue to offer counseling to help bring healing to the victims and survivors of clerical sexual abuse. The diocesan bankruptcy will not affect the parishes or parish operations.

It is in cooperation with the lawyers who are providing legal counsel to the survivors of abuse, that the filing for Chapter 11 has

Rejoice in Hope Bishop John M. Quinn Bishop's Calendar

happened. By taking this step, it is my hope to minimize legal fees and to maximize the compensation, that we can offer the survivors. Be sure to read my letter sent to all Catholics that is printed on page one of the Courier, along with other information about the bankruptcy.

Most of all, join me in praying for the victims and survivors and for their families. Hold them close in prayer, before the Triune God, because only God can bring them healing and peace.

USCCB Meetings

I want to express my gratitude to all of you who prayed for me and all the U.S. bishops, before and during the time of our recent gathering in Baltimore in November. As many of you are aware, last month’s fall meeting was the first time that all the U.S. bishops gathered together since this summer, when the Church in the U.S. was once again embroiled in scandal amidst the revelations regarding Archbishop McCarrick, the release of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report, and disclosures of failure on the part of priests and bishops to live a life of virtue and chastity.

In light of these recent events, the first day of the bishops’ assembly was set aside as a day of prayer, with time before the Blessed Sacrament, reflections on Sacred Scripture, testimonies of survivors of clergy abuse, praying of the Liturgy of the Hours, and celebration of Mass. The following two days were originally scheduled to be devoted to voting on proposed reforms, namely, approving a “Standards of Episcopal Conduct” for bishops, as well as the creation of a commission to review reports of violations of the standards; creating a third-party reporting mechanism that would provide a pathway to making reports regarding abuse or misconduct by bishops; and approving guidelines and protocols for bishops who are no longer in ministry, due to allegations of sexual abuse or

December 1, Saturday 5 p.m. - Confirmation - St. Mary of the Lake Church, Lake City; with St. Patrick Church, West Albany December 2, Sunday 9:30 a.m. - Mass - 1st Sunday of Advent Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester 5 p.m. - Evening Prayer with SMU Christian Brothers and Winona Deanery Priests December 4, Tuesday 8 a.m. - Teach at St. Mary’s University 11 a.m. - Presybteral Council - St. Theodore Church, Albert Lea December 5, Wednesday 11 a.m. - Minnesota Catholic Conference - St. Paul Chancery, St. Paul December 6, Thursday 8 a.m. - Teach at SMU 10:30 a.m. - Annual meeting with Ascension Health - Pastoral Center, Winona 2:20 p.m. - Confessions - Cotter High School, Winona

misconduct.

Yet, in a surprise announcement at the beginning of the assembly, we were told that the Holy See had requested that we not vote on or approve the above recommendations until after the meeting of the presidents of the world’s bishops’ conferences this February, which will focus on the topic of protection of minors and prevention of abuse. This came very much as a shock to us bishops, as we came to Baltimore with the resolve to take concrete steps in addressing this crisis of sexual abuse in the U.S., and the lack of leadership on the part of Church hierarchy. However, the Holy See wanted the U.S. bishops to receive the wisdom of the other bishop conferences, throughout the world, before finalizing and voting on the proposals.

Despite our disappointment, we were determined not to dismiss the important matters at hand, realizing that the faithful were looking to us to be proactive in moving forward in dealing with this crisis. Thus, even though we were unable to vote on the proposed action items, the bishops spent much time discussing the proposals, raising questions, and suggesting possible amendments.

Although the proposals themselves were not voted upon for approval, the conversations and resulting amended documents were an important step in providing direction for addressing the issue of clergy sexual abuse in the United States, and will be helpful to Cardinal DiNardo, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, as he heads to Rome in February for the meeting regarding sexual abuse of minors.

Renewal of Holiness

Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, and in order for any reforms to truly take effect, our efforts must be rooted in prayer and growth in holiness. Please continue to pray for me, that I may more faithfully

December 9, Sunday 10:30 a.m. - Mass - 2nd Sunday of Advent Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona 4 p.m. - Communal Advent Reconciliation and Penance Service - Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

December 11, Tuesday 8 a.m. - Teach at SMU 11:30 a.m. - Deans Meeting - St. Theodore Church, Albert Lea 3:30 p.m. - Clergy Personnel Committee Meeting - St. Theodore Church, Albert Lea December 12, Wednesday 9:45 a.m. - Confessions - Winona Area Catholic Schools - Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, Winona 6 p.m. - Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration and Mass - St. Francis of Assisi Church, Rochester December 13, Thursday 8 a.m. - Teach at SMU (Study Day) 5:30 p.m. - Mass - Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration - Federal Correctional Institute, Waseca

follow Christ the Good Shepherd, in leading the faithful of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Please also pray for our priests, that they may boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. St. Pope Paul VI famously said, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” This is still true today, and I am sorry for the times when your bishops and priests have failed to live out their vocation and the demands of Christian discipleship.

I especially apologize to those who have suffered from the sins of priests and bishops, and those who have been scandalized and have lost faith in the Church whose ministers have committed terrible sins. Please know of my sincere commitment to never allow the scandals of the past to be repeated, and to foster in the Church a growth in holiness for myself, my priests, and the faithful of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, and to make sure all of God’s children are safe and protected.

This is a trying time for our Church, and the road forward will not be easy, as we strive to bring about healing and reconciliation to all those affected by clergy abuse, and take the measures necessary so that the terrible sins of the past are not repeated. Despite the sins and failings of our leaders, however, Christ has not abandoned His Church, but continues to use it as the Sacrament of Salvation, through which He brings us into a relationship with Himself and nourishes us with His grace, especially through the Eucharist.

With the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit and your prayers, and by clinging to Jesus Christ, I have faith that our Triune God will purify and strengthen the Church. Thank you for your prayers, for your faith, and for your fidelity to Jesus Christ and His Church, during these very difficult times. Your faith inspires me and I am grateful for how you continue to live out that faith, the many ways you support your parish

December 15, Saturday 4:30 p.m. - Holy Hour and Vespers - IHM Seminary, Winona 6:00 p.m. - Dinner and End of Semester Skits IHM Seminary December 16, Sunday 10:30 a.m. - Mass - 3rd Sunday of Advent - St. Mary Parish, Winona December 17, Monday 8 a.m. - TH260 Final Exam - St. Mary’s University, Winona December 18, Tuesday 10:30 a.m. - Anointing Mass - Callista Court, Winona 6 p.m. - Faculty and Staff Holiday Dinner - St. Mary’s University, Winona December 19, Wednesday 11 a.m. - Annual Mankato Area Schools Planning Meeting - St. John the Baptist Church, Mankato

and diocese, and, most importantly, for your prayers and encouragement for me, your bishop, and our priests who assist me in serving God’s people. Blessed are all of you.

Christian Brother to Be Beatified

3 From the Bishop

�

Last month the Holy Father announced that Christian Brother James Miller, FSC, will be beatified.

This news met with great rejoicing from many in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, as the Christian Brothers continue to serve in our diocese, and Br. James himself was an alumnus of St. Mary’s University in Winona.

Brother James Miller, FSC, was born in Stevens Point, WI, in 1944, and joined the De La Salle Christian Brothers at the age of 15. He ministered to young people while serving in various places, including three years of teaching in St. Paul, MN, and in 1981 he was sent to minister in Guatemala, where he taught and helped indigenous youth to cultivate work and leadership skills. It was there that he was killed as a martyr, in witness to the faith, in 1982.

While his beatification date has not yet been set, we rejoice with the Christian Brothers that one of their own, who will be the first De La Salle Christian Brother from the United States to be beatified, will be recognized as an example of great faith and holiness for the whole Church.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev. John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona-Rochester

December 20, Thursday 10:25 a.m. - Real Presence Radio Guest via Telephone 1 p.m. - Holy Hour 2 p.m. - Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting December 21, Friday 7 p.m. - Annual Simbang Gabi Mass with the Filipino Community - Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester December 23, Sunday 10:30 a.m. - Mass - 4th Sunday of Advent Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona December 24, Monday 9 p.m. - Christmas Eve Mass - Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona December 25, Tuesday 10:30 a.m. - Christmas Day Mass - Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester January 2-8, Wednesday - Tuesday Spiritual Retreat for All Bishops - Mundelein Seminary, Chicago December, 2018 w The Courier

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Caravans, cont'd from pg. 1

for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Latin America, pointed to “three main reasons: violence, climate change and the lack of opportunities” in their countries of origin.

The first “migrant caravan” of 2018 left Oct. 13 from San Pedro Sula in Honduras. By the time they reached Mexico City in early November, they numbered more than 5,600 people. Other caravans followed in their steps.

“El Salvador and Honduras are among the five most violent countries in the world. In San Pedro Sula, for example, the homicide rate is 100 per 100,000 inhabitants,” Jones said.

For comparison, Jones said that in Los Angeles, “the homicide rate is 6 per 100,000 inhabitants.

“The difference in the levels of violence is overwhelming.”

Regarding climate change, Jones noted that “most rural people in Central America plant corn and beans which require a certain level of rainfall. If there's too much water, they lose [their crop], if there's no rain they lose [their crop]. And in Honduras, in the last five years they have had four years of drought, and this year 2018 they had drought followed by flooding. The people lost everything.”

“Finally, the people don't have many options for work. Most people in El Salvador, for example, work ‘off the books’ and make two or three dollars a day. That's not enough to meet basic needs.”

Jones said that the migrants “suffer along the way” to the United States. “They walk between eight and nine hours a day and their feet blister, their shoes have holes in them.

At this point, many are sick, with respiratory infections and even pneumonia due to the low temperatures in northern Mexico.”

“We're working with some sisters who are caring for them, but that's not enough,” he said.

Jones said that CRS works in Central America with rural people, business owners, and young people looking for employment.

Programs look to improve circumstances before people feel the need to migrate toward an uncertain future.

“We have a program called ‘Young Builders’

Robots,

cont'd from pg. 2

December, 2018 w The Courier

options that will ensure a sound and lasting outcome.”

This is not the first time that a Holy See representative has raised concerns about killer robots at the United Nations. The question of autonomous lethal weapons has been on the CCW agenda for five years, with the Holy See questioning whether such weapons systems could irreversibly alter the nature of warfare, create detachment from human agency and put in question the humanity of societies.

In his Nov. 22 statement, Archbishop Jurkovic also warned against incendiary weapons, saying that their use “causes excruciatingly painful burns leading to longterm physical and psychological injuries or death,” as well as explosive weapons.

“The tragic experience of conflicts all over the world shows that the use of explosive weapons with devastating effects in populated areas has a dramatic long-term

where we help young people get jobs. And we've placed about 15,000 young people in jobs throughout the last ten years. But it's a drop in the ocean.

There's more than a million youths who aren't studying or working.”

They also help rural people “have real alternatives to planting corn and beans.”

“In El Salvador we're supporting the reintroduction of the production of cocoa and that's generating income, and helps to better manage the water and the issue of the land,” he said.

With these kind of projects, he said, people can hope to earn income and an improve the quality of their lives within their native countries.

humanitarian impact,” he said. “It creates deadly injuries and permanent impairments, often leaving behind deadly explosive remnants of war which can kill or maim civilians long after the end of hostilities.”

The archbishop also noted that “millions of refugees and displaced persons are often fleeing violence and desolation caused by the use of ever more powerful conventional weapons in urban settings.”

What are regarded as “conventional weapons” are becoming “weapons of mass displacement,” able to destroy cities, schools, hospitals and other crucial infrastructure, he said.

In addressing excessively damaging weapons, Archbishop Jurkovic said, the Holy See encourages the international community “to continue on the path it has taken for the reduction of human suffering and to mitigate the negative consequences of hostilities.”

“Every step in this direction contributes to increasing awareness that the cruelty of conflicts must be done away with in order to resolve tensions by dialogue and negotiation, and also by ensuring that international law is respected.”

A Catechumenate for Marriage Preparation Peter Martin

�

s Pope Francis recently mentioned, there is a great need for careful marriage preparation. The other term he has been known to use to describe this type of preparation is “catechumenate."

To say that there would be a catechumenate for marriage preparation is to say that marriage prep is not just a weekend seminar. Traditionally in the Church, a catechumen was one who had not yet been initiated into the mysteries of the Church.

A catechumen did not just go through intellectual instruction, but they were accompanied along the path by other Christians who would teach them the way.

Pope on Marriage Prep: A Few Meetings Not Enough

VATICAN CITY, Oct. 24, 2018 (CNA/EWTN News) - In his general audience October 24, Pope Francis said that engaged couples require “careful preparation” for the lifelong fidelity that marriage requires.

“One cannot say marriage preparation is three or four conferences given in the parish. This is not preparation,” Pope Francis said in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 24, in a departure from his prepared remarks.

“The preparation must be mature, and it takes time. It is not a formal act; it is a sacrament,” Francis said. This responsibility falls on the priest and the bishop, he added.

“To enter the Sacrament of Marriage, the engaged couple must mature the certainty that within their bond is the hand of God, who precedes them and accompanies them, and will allow them to say: ‘With the grace of Christ I promise to always be faithful to you,’” the pope continued.

Pope Francis spoke about marriage prep as a part of a catechesis on the sixth commandment, “Thou shall not commit adultery.” In recent weeks, the pope has dedicated his weekly general audiences to a series of lessons and reflections on the Ten Commandments recorded in the scriptural books of Exodus and Deuteronomy.

“This Sixth Commandment calls us to turn our gaze to Christ, who with his fidelity can take from us an adulterous heart and give us a faithful heart,” the pope said.

The Catholic Church teaches that married love is an indissoluble lifelong bond that is faithful and fruitful.

“Fidelity is the characteristic of a free, mature, responsible human relationship,” Pope Francis said. “One cannot love only as long as ‘it is convenient;’ love manifests

2. If you feel called, offer your services to become a mentor couple.

3. Pray! Pray for this initiative and pray for married and engaged couples.

5 Life, Marriage & Family

Director of Faith Formation and Life, Marriage & Family pmartin@dowr.org

You may be surprised to know that this way of preparing couples for marriage has been practiced in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester for many years. Most people do not know about it because it is still not considered the “norm.”

Little by little, however (thanks to the Holy Father’s insistent beckoning), this way of preparing couples with a mentor couple has gained more and more traction. People have begun to see the benefits of accompaniment especially in the first years of marriage, which often hold a marriage's most intense moments.

What does this mean to you, faithful reader of the Courier? Three things: 1. If you know of someone who is recently engaged and who plans to marry in the Church, congratulate them, and then encourage them to look into one-on-one marriage preparation.

Credit: CNA

itself just beyond the threshold of one’s own advantage, when everything is given without reserve.”

This fidelity comes from Christ’s “death and resurrection, from His unconditional love comes constancy in relationships,” the Holy Father explained. “Christ reveals true love ... He is the faithful Friend who welcomes us even when we make mistakes and always wants our good, even when we do not deserve it.”

Pope Francis quoted St. John Paul II’s catechesis, that every human being “must with perseverance and consistency learn what the meaning of the body is.”

“The call to married life requires, therefore, a careful discernment on the quality of the relationship and an engagement time to verify it,” Francis added.

An engaged couple “cannot promise fidelity ‘in joy and pain, in health and in sickness,’ and to love and honor each other every day of their lives, only on the basis of good will or hope that ‘this thing works,’” he said. “The human being needs to be loved without conditions.”

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In the Footsteps of Jesus' Ministry �

RCIA

n the ministry of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), we are fortunate to have been given a catechumenal process provided by the Church that follows the example and ministry of Jesus Christ. This well-established process has been very effective in bringing people lovingly into the Church’s fold. In RCIA ministry, there are three distinct components that we have been tasked with providing to our RCIA participants. These components are categorized as liturgical, catechetical, and pastoral.

Although many of us have a tendency to lean in one of these directions, each of these aspects is equally important and essential to forming new and lifelong members of the Catholic Church.

By coming to know and understand the liturgical, catechetical, and pastoral components of RCIA, we can give seekers the best path forward to developing a long-lasting and loving relationship with God. Liturgical Formation

The Church, like a mother, helps the catechumens on their journey by means of suitable liturgical rites, which purify the catechumens little by little and strengthen them with God’s blessing.

-RCIA, #75.3

Through RCIA, participants are led to become “liturgical people” as they progress toward an active participation in the church community. The RCIA process is marked by several liturgical rites that are seen as gateways into the four major periods in the RCIA process. These rites and gateways take place as progressive steps as participants journey through the RCIA. Liturgy propels the participant’s journey through these rites and periods, and conversion is thus inspired as graces come with every passing gateway and liturgical moment.

The importance of liturgical formation is often not appreciated, but it is absolutely essential:

Catholics, it is powerful to know that through the liturgy our relationship with Jesus is as intimate as it could be outside of Heaven.

Catechetical Formation

A suitable catechesis is provided by priests or deacons, or by catechists or others of the faithful, planned to be gradual and complete in its coverage.

-RCIA, #75.1

Catechesis during the RCIA process should be a comprehensive and profound immersion of the person into the entire tradition of the Church. Pope St. John Paul II teaches us that catechesis “has the twofold objective of maturing the initial faith and of educating the true disciple of Christ by means of a deeper and more systematic knowledge of the person and the message of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Catechesi Tradendae, #19) As with liturgical formation, catechesis changes as it moves through the four distinct periods in the RCIA process.

The first of these periods is the “Precatechumenate.” During this time the focus of catechesis is primarily apologetic and evangelistic, sharing the fundamental Gospel message and providing answers to questions that are presented by inquirers. The next period, the “Catechumenate,” is generally the longest period in the RCIA process and is the most densely catechetical. During this period, the catechesis provided should be systematic and provide the essential elements of the faith.

The third period, the period of “Purification and Enlightenment,” shifts the catechetical focus from delivering the Deposit of Faith into a more reflective and spiritual preparation for reception of the sacraments of initiation. During this period, there should be an emphasis on prayer, repentance, charity, and the practice of self-denial. Catechesis in the fourth period, “Mystagogy” (which follows reception of the sacraments of initiation), should focus on the neophytes’ practice and understanding of the sacramental life as fully initiated members of the Catholic Church.

Pastoral Formation

[H]ere is the last and most decisive reason why teaching through worship is superior to all other forms of Christian teaching: The liturgy gives what it teaches. It not only presents the mystery of Christ concretely: it also lets us immediately participate in this mystery. If there is anywhere in Christianity that a true initiation into the mystery of Christ takes place, it is here.

As they become familiar with the Christian way of life and are helped by the example and support of sponsors, godparents, and the entire Christian community, the catechumens learn to turn more readily to God in prayer, to bear witness to the faith, in all things to keep their hopes set on Christ, to follow supernatural inspiration in their deeds, and to practice love of neighbor…

-The Good News and Its Proclamation, University of Notre Dame Press, pp. 45, 56.

-RCIA, #75.2

The liturgical aspect found within each of the RCIA periods is the motivating force behind the RCIA process and the primary way to insert our catechumens and candidates into this mystery of Christ. For RCIA participants and all

December, 2018 w The Courier

Throughout the RCIA process the component of Pastoral Formation should be evident.

The pastoral work of RCIA is provided by the labor and care of many, including

Camille Withrow

RCIA Ministry Program Associate cwithrow@dowr.org

clergy, RCIA directors, catechists, sponsors, those helping with hospitality, prayer intercessors, and beyond. Pastoral Formation provides authentic fellowship as many individuals in the community serve and support the RCIA participants on an individual basis in the love of Christ.

This pastoral activity is initiated when an inquirer shows interest in the Church. It should demonstrate care and concern for the individual, with the knowledge that RCIA participants vary in their backgrounds, lifestyles, and stages in life.

Those doing the RCIA apostolate steep themselves in the lives of participants, with gentleness, prudence, and a genuine desire to open their hearts wide to any whom the Spirit draws.

-Christian Initiation, p. 15

As seen in the liturgical and catechetical components of the RCIA process, the pastoral aspect also changes as RCIA participants move through the four periods. Pastoral Formation in the Precatechumenate is focused on inviting others to come and see, and walking with participants as they move towards an encounter with Jesus. During the Catechumenate, pastoral formation aims to assist the Holy Spirit working in the lives of participants, with strong fellowship and spiritual guidance. During the period of Purification and Enlightenment, there should be strong support, encouragement, and spiritual direction for participants as they intensify their prayer life, examine their conscience, and grow in acts of charity. During Mystagogy, neophytes continue their pursuit of holiness as they are supported by new and strengthened relationships in their parish family.

By creating an RCIA program that is strong in the liturgical, catechetical, and pastoral aspects, and incorporating these components into each of the periods in RCIA, we will be following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ’s ministry. By providing our participants with a balanced and comprehensive RCIA approach, we are best able to equip and support those coming into the Church in their journey towards holiness.

This article draws on content provided by the Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University of Steubenville (www. catechetics.com), and on the article, Christian Initiation: A Liturgical, Catechetical, and Pastoral Process,

by William Keimig (RCIA Leader’s Manual, Association for Catechumenal Ministry, pp.

11-16).

This Advent Will Be Different � ow many of you struggle with Advent? Is your “Maranatha”--Come, Lord Jesus--really just “come

I wonder as I wander out under already, January?” the sky, I struggle with Advent every Do you need to forgive someone?

How Jesus the Savior did come single year, precisely because I Have you heard God wants us to forfor to die. love the idea of it: prayerfully give, but you don't know how?

For poor orn'ry people like you waiting for the coming of the and like I...

Are you uncertain what exactly forgiveLord, the quiet awesomeness of I wonder as I wander out under ness is? the impending Incarnation. And the sky. every single year, the idea of it Practicing & Teaching Forgiveness is a 24-hour retreat that creates a prayerful feels impossible to do. When When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas atmosphere for learning, practicing and you are in the thick of family life, in a cow's stall, teaching others to rely on the power December is the busiest month With wise men and farmers and and love of Jesus Christ to help you of the year-- with concerts, gathshepherds and all. forgive others in your life. The retreat erings, extended family events But high from God's heaven a includes conferences, liturgical prayer, and more. Kids, God bless them, star's light did fall, silent prayer, housing and meals. are wired on the twin evils And the promise of ages it then West Site: Shalom Hill Farm, rural of refined sugar and outsized did recall.

Windom, Jan. 25-26 with Dr. Susan expectations from December 1 Windley-Daoust and Dn. Bob Yerhot.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee onward. And it can get more East Site: Alverna Center, Winona, thing, complicated than that: if you are Feb. 15-16 with Dr. Susan WindleyA star in the sky, or a bird on the economically strapped, it is a Daoust and Fr. Jeff Dobbs. wing, painful time of year. If you have Online registration with details Or all of God's angels in heav'n lost someone in your life, it is a available first week of December at for to sing, painful time of year. If your famwww.dowr.org (see Events).

He surely could have it, 'cause he ily is hurting for any reason, all was the King. the emphasis on quality family time makes it a painful time of This song really captures the year. If your world feels like it is going to hades the “what’s going on here?” nature of the Incarnation in a handbasket, it is a painful time of year. If you are of the Lord. It’s a mystery to be pondered. Jesus’ birth depressed—and I speak from experience—getting is beautiful, but will cost. It is grand, but humble. It is through to Christmas feels like a marathon to survive, beyond price, but paid for an ordinary, small human not celebrate. And you know what? Reading the Bible being like me. and recognizing that it wasn’t all that posh during This simple, haunting song the actual birth of the Lord (traveling on a donkey also reminds us that it didn’t nine months pregnant and giving birth in a stable, to have to be this way. Why did

God send his Son as a human being?

Who is this God who planned for us such a way of salvation? Why was a God-baby born into a life of want, and constrained himself to that want? Why was that baby born to die? And to die for me?

There’s no demand for answers in this song, no desire to make the questions neat and tidy. But there is a call to wonder, to sit in those questions. “I Wonder as I Wander” is, or can be, all of us in our journey through life. And if we can make some time for that wonder - 15, 30 minutes a day during Advent this Advent may truly be different.

The second half of the first line is important as well. “I wonder as I wander out under the sky.” There is no way I can sing this song without imagining a small, young woman singing this song in a field under the wide, quiet sky of starlight.

So much of southern Minnesota is flat prairie or farming land…and when you’re out there, that horizon helps you feel the enormity of the sky.

Basically, it is like placing yourself before the infinity of God. Doing your “wondering” before the infinite God is the best and most honest place to do it. But in addition, standing in the presence of that wide sky tends to wipe the clutter from my mind. And all of the trials of the Advent season I began this essay with—so much of it is clutter. Bringing that clutter before the infinite sky of God seems like a surefire way to reorient what is most important. Singing to that sky—praying before the Infinite reality of God— may even make Advent different.

If this engaged your imagination, I encourage you to act on it by singing this song once a day during advent. Or if this song is not “your song,” pray in the way that places you in a state of wonder about God’s power and love and remarkable plan for our salvation. In the end, no matter how horrid things get—nothing else matters. Only Jesus Christ.

I wish everyone a blessed Advent and Christmas season, full of wonder, open to peace.

P.s. If you want to listen to the song, there is a lovely cover on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/7NkBQDHZ1-s

Missionary Discipleship

Susan Windley-Daoust

Director of Missionary Discipleship swindley@dowr.org

start) doesn’t always help. It just feels like it shouldn’t be this way. The Incarnation of the Lord should be greeted with peace and joy, right? So, in the midst of so much life, how do we do that?

One Christmas song I love is “I Wonder as I Wander.” I know that’s an unusual choice, but I think meditating on this song may just help this Advent be different. If you don’t know the song, it is an Appalachian folk song that is more haunting and elliptical than joyful:

7

December, 2018 w The Courier

Vocations

8

Jesus Speaks in Silence �

young man in one of the discernment groups I lead asked me what he should do to help Advent be more meaningful and prayerful this year. I thought for a minute, as there are a fair number of suggestions that could be made, such as reading a good spiritual book or reflecting on a Scripture passage that might prepare the heart in hopeful and watchful prayer for the coming of Jesus into the world.

However, instead of suggesting something to do, I simply said, “Silence."

Let silence enter into your heart!

The Friday after Halloween, I was driving to a parish church for All Soul’s Day Mass, and I noticed one of the houses on my way was decorating for Christmas! I know this gets overstated in our consumerist culture, but it just caught me off guard, as Halloween was two

days earlier! Already, I have heard Christmas carols and people talking about when they will have their “family Christmas." I like to remind people that Christmas is still December 25, even if it comes early in your family! This year, amidst the hustle and preparations that go into family gatherings and festive parties, I know the advice I gave that young man will be the advice I give myself this Advent season: silence is essential to prepare the heart for Jesus to enter.

There is a lot of noise in the culture, and there is even a lot of noise in our Church today as we look to understand the negative news and struggles that are present. There is pressure from the media, there is pressure from lawyers, and there is the pressure from public opinion on how the Church should act or what is going to purify the Church going forward. My suggestion is that we take time to silence the hum of noise that wants to invade our souls and rob our peace. Let Jesus

Students Show Great Promise

Rev. Jason Kern Director of Vocations jkern@dowr.org

Christ be the one who speaks in the silent movements of grace and converts your heart to be ready to welcome Him deeper into your life and into the circumstances you live in each day.

Christ wants to come to you, and the primary way He can enter is through silence and your quiet welcoming of His grace and love into your heart in prayer.

An aspect of Advent that is often overlooked is that while we are preparing for Jesus’ immediate coming at Christmas, we should also be preparing for His return in glory at the end of time. Christ will come again. The Church must make this preparation for eternity Her most important task as we carry out our work in the world. This is why we encourage vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life—rooted in our call to holiness, we are first and foremost concerned with our own salvation and then each person’s salvation as well.

Vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life point us to eternity and our future life for believers in Heaven. Advent reminds us that we are called to welcome Christ in this life so that He will welcome us into eternal life. Our primary concern is the salvation of our soul which is born in meditative and contemplative reflection on our need for conversion and transformation in Christ. Let silence be the means by which you learn to let Christ reign in your heart this Advent. Ready the way for the one who loves you and draws you to Himself in a relationship for eternity.

Submitted by CATHLEEN AHERN

MANKATO--The 2018, 12th Annual Great Promise Award, sponsored by the Mankato Serra Club, was awarded on October 23 to 13 students from parishes in Mankato, North Mankato and Madison Lake.

The recipients were selected for displaying the following qualities of future leadership in our Catholic community: service, generosity, compassion, trustworthiness and leadership. They are nominated by their teachers and religious education leaders in their 6th grade year and receive the award in their 7th grade year.

The recipients are (L to R): Front row: Madelyn Chavez, Ss. Peter & Paul; Katelin Flack, St. Joseph the Worker; Jacqueline Fraze, All Saints; Andrew Wolff, All Saints; Anders December, 2018 w The Courier

Winch, St. John the Baptist; Calvin O’Connor, St. John the Baptist.

Back Row: Ryleigh Quint, St. Joseph the Worker; Destiny Reasner, St. Joseph the Worker; Eric Smook, Ss. Peter & Paul; Colin Goodrich, Ss.

Peter & Paul; Quinn Kelly, Holy Rosary; Christian Theuninck, Holy Rosary; and Ashlyn Allen, St. John the Baptist.

Cathleen Ahern does communications work for the Mankato Serra Club.

The Power of Aaron Lofy

Director of Youth & Young Adults, alofy@dowr.org

�ave you ever wanted to help people under-

stand what it means to be a Catholic disciple for Jesus Christ and His Church? Do you yearn that the people you love and cherish the most have an encounter with the all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God? I know we all have those family members and friends who are far away from the faith we profess every Sunday. We may have talked with them multiple times and have debated with them while defending the Catholic faith. In the end, though, all the energy you put into this was for nothing. You will then ask yourself, “Now what can I do?”

Last month, I wrote that evangelization starts with knowing who is in charge of the mission of the Church and allowing the Holy Spirit to show us our specific “marching orders." Once the Holy Spirit reveals our mission to us, we must pray! To be more specific, we must start interceding with God to prepare the way for us to start. Notice that the previous paragraph was all about us doing something (“we may have talked with them…," “all the energy you put into this…"). Who is leading this mission, again? If it’s God who is leading the mission, we have to get out of the way and let Him work. What do I mean? Intercede on behalf of the people God wants you to impact for Him. Jesus gives us the following parable in Luke 5: 18-20: And behold, men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they sought to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into their midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith he said, "Man, your sins are forgiven you.“

• •

•

Intercession is a reminder that the Holy Spirit is the principal agent of evangelization. It lets Him do the heavy lifting in our work bringing souls closer to Christ.

Our reliance on God in prayer banishes fear and allows us to place situations and people in His hands. Sometimes we feel small, weak, and helpless. All our requests and feelings can be given over to Him.

Finally, it makes us less self-centered as we step outside of our own lives to pray for others and their needs.

As you consider interceding for others in your life, there are many ways you can pray for them: •

Mass

•

Holy Hour

• • •

Rosary

Liturgy of the Hours

Divine Mercy Chaplet

Youth & Young Adults

Intercessory Prayer

9

•

Vocal prayer from the heart

•

Offering up our sacrifices throughout the day

• • •

Fasting

Almsgiving

Praying wherever and whenever the Spirit leads

As you find a prayer method that will help you, keep these tips in mind: •

Pray specifically

•

Pray with faith

• •

Pray out loud Pray boldly

As the holiday seasons draw near, let us beg the Lord to go before us and prepare the hearts and minds of our loved ones that we will encounter!

God Bless!

Notice that Jesus forgives the paralytic his sins because of the faith of his friends; there was no recorded discussion about Jesus between the paralytic and his friends. Pope Francis says in Evangelii Gaudium, “Intercession is like a ‘leaven’ in the heart of the Trinity. It is a way of penetrating the Father’s heart and discovering new dimensions which can shed light on concrete situations and change them” (283). We have the opportunity to allow God to change concrete situations! Isn’t that awesome!

As you consider praying for others, your conviction in the power of prayer is key. Here are just some of the reasons you should use intercessory prayer: •

God truly hears our prayers. Don’t underestimate how vital and powerful your prayers can be.

December, 2018 w The Courier

Way to Go, SCS! Marsha Stenzel

Catholic Schools

10

Submitted by SARAH OLDHAM

�he students of St. Casimir’s School in Wells

worked hard at raising money for this year’s 40th Knights of Columbus Marathon for Nonpublic Education.

The school set a goal to raise $17,500, with a grand prize of being able to dress up our principal, Mr. Shawn Kennedy, in pink, purple and sparkles if that goal was reached. During the marathon, we had drawings every 20 minutes for candy bars, chips and fun snacks. Every student who brought in $25 or more in pledges got cookies at lunch, and every student who brought in $50 or more in pledges was allowed to wear PJ’s to school!

Because we had 100% participation with this event, all students will be rewarded with a Fun Day, including a movie and popcorn, and everyone will be treated to a bowling party! Another prize for our 100% participation is that all the students will get to eat lunch with a KC member in their full attire, and Arnie Stenzel will bring in his famous cake to share with everyone. Two

December, 2018 w The Courier

Superintendent of Catholic Schools mstenzel@dowr.org

Bishop Blesses St. Stan's Classrooms Submitted by LINDA SCHRUPP

�arlier in the school year, new WACS third grade more prizes that were given away during the awards on October 15 went to the boy and girl who did the most laps on marathon day. Paul R. won a remote control four wheeler, and Alivia B. won a jewelry-making set and fingernail polishes for doing the most laps. They were both excited to win! Kinley K. won a prize for bringing in the most pledges. Another grand prize that was given away was a Kindle Fire HD10! For every $10 that the students brought in, their name was entered into the drawing! With a total of 2,100 names in the drawing, the winner was Brynley Y.!

The students ended up raising a grand total of $21,339.27! Both the students and the staff enjoyed seeing our principal walk into the room all dressed up in pink, purple and sparkles! Every dollar raised goes directly to St. Casimir’s School!

We want to thank all the great donors for supporting St. Casimir’s School! Without you, raising this much wouldn’t be possible, so thank you!

Sarah Oldham is a member of the interim administration team at St. Casimir School in Wells.

teacher Sister Marie Faustina, RSM, had reached out to Bishop Quinn and asked him if he could possibly bless her classroom as she began her teaching career at St. Stan’s School in Winona.

As Bishop Quinn stated, “How could I refuse?"

After several more teachers asked to have their rooms blessed, Bishop Quinn graciously agreed to extend the blessing to the entire school and each and every classroom! Bishop spent about five minutes with each class, personalizing the message to each grade and reminding them that the water being sprinkled was in recognition of their baptism.

WACS has much to celebrate, having enrollment numbers currently at 474 students in preschool through sixth grade. This exceeds the previous record of 440 students in the 2002-2003 school year.

Linda Schrupp is the local admissions coordinator for Cotter Schools and Winona Area Catholic Schools.

Merry Christmas from

Sacred Heart School, Waseca 11 �

acred Heart Church was built in 1874 and the parish school in 1886. The school was operated by the Sisters of the Holy Child until 1904, at which time the Sisters of Saint Francis of Rochester began operating the school. The school was a K-12 school until 1972, when it was decided that grades five through twelve would consolidate with the Waseca Public Schools. In 1992, the school expanded its programming to include our multi-age preschool, Children’s House Montessori.

Since its founding in 1886, Sacred Heart School has been a parish school. The mission of the parish is, “Living Christ so all may fully live.” In living this mission founded more than 100 years ago, the parish continues to provide a Catholic education for all parish children by maintaining a tuition-free school. The school mission was derived from the parish mission and supports the tradition. “The mission of Sacred Heart School is to promote life-long learning and Christ-centered values in a Catholic setting.”

The principal, teachers, and support staff at Sacred Heart School are dedicated to the mission, academic excellence, and service to others. We continually strive to put best teaching practices to use in all subject areas, and model Christ-like values to our students.

Our school is unique in that we do not charge tuition to our Catholic families. The school is supported by all members of the parish community.

Therefore, the school is governed by our Parish Council, the Board of Education, and Finance Council. The councils and boards work closely with the parish pastor and principal to ensure that spiritual formation, academic rigor, and dayto-day operation of the school meets MNSAA, Minnesota, and diocesan standards.

Sacred Heart School actively participates in

Liturgy every Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, and on Holy Days of Obligation. In addition, special attention is given to planning Mass for Grandparent’s Day and Fourth Grade Graduation.

Sacred Heart School also hosts one parish weekend liturgy each month. Students begin participating with liturgical roles as kindergarten students. Students learn to share their talents as greeters, lectors, altar servers, gift bearers and cantors at weekly and weekend liturgies.

Sacred Heart School also utilizes Virtues in Practice, a program created for use in Catholic elementary schools, by the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia, in Nashville, TN. Virtues in Practice curriculum is structured so that the entire school community studies the same virtue each month during the course of a regular school year, September through May. The curriculum spirals, and every three years the same virtues are repeated with greater depth, and new saints are introduced as models of those virtues. The program includes a cycle of a Year of Faith, Year of Hope, and Year of Charity. Sacred Heart School is in the second year of the cycle, the Year of Hope.

Sacred Heart School recognizes and appreciates the sacrifice parishioners have made to support our Catholic School. The parish community continues to provide a Catholic education in an atmosphere warmed by the powerful presence of our loving God. With their prayers, support and commitment, they have provided tuition-free Catholic education for all children in our parish for more than 100 years.

Sacred Heart School and Children’s House Montessori will present our annual Christmas program, on Wednesday, December 19, at 6:00 p.m. in the Central Auditorium followed by our annual Christmas Tea at Sacred Heart Nativity Hall in Waseca. The program for this year is entitled Three Wisemen and a Baby and will spotlight

Catholic Schools

By LeAnn Dahle

our fourth-grade students in the lead roles with all other grade levels supporting as the Heavenly Choir of Angels. All are welcome to join this celebration!

LeAnn Dahle is the principal of Sacred Heart School in Waseca.

December, 2018 w The Courier

Safe Environment

12

We Passed!

Mary Hamann

Safe Environment Program Manager mhamann@dowr.org

�very year, the Diocese of Winona-Rochester

participates in a Safe Environment audit through the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops, performed by StoneBridge Business Partners. This audit checks our progress in implementing victim assistance and child protection policies and programs in accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

Every third year, the audit takes place on-site at the Pastoral Center in Winona.

In October, the auditors from StoneBridge Business Partners were here for three days auditing our Safe Environment practices. This year we voluntarily agreed to adding parish/school on-site audits. The auditors visited one school and two parishes.

We recently received notification from StoneBridge Business Partners that we have passed the audit ending June 30, 2018.

This is wonderful news, but we must remain vigilant and not become complacent in our efforts to provide a safe environment for our children and young people.

the cries A Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse �earsisters

�od of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave your only Son to save us by his blood on the cross.

�entle Jesus, shepherd of peace,

join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.

of our brothers and

who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them.

Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith.

Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth.

�

oly Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people's wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness.

Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice.

Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors.

Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Amen. ©2014, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

December, 2018 w The Courier

Make a Difference Monica Herman

Executive Director Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota mherman@catholicfsmn.org

�

ll kinds of assets make great year-end gifts for the permanent endowment fund of your local parish, school, or favorite ministry. This includes cash, stocks, mutual funds, paid-up life insurance, crops, and land. These assets can be given outright or to fund a planned gift If making a gift by cash or check, be sure it is postmarked by December 31 if you plan to deduct it in 2018.

You may also give online by credit card before or on December 31 at www.Catholicfsmn.org.

If you are age 70 ½ or older, you may give a gift directly from your IRA without having to claim

it as income in 2018, thus avoiding income tax. Be sure to instruct your IRA administrator to send the gift directly to the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota. (If the gift first comes to you, it may be subject to income tax.)

Gifts of stock, paid-up life insurance, real estate or personal property all take a certain amount of preparation. Please visit with us for help as to how to make gifts of these assets. Call (507) 858-1276 or email mherman@catholicfsmn.org.

You can honor someone living, or remember someone who has passed, with any of the above gifts.

We would be honored to send a nice card to whomever you specify (if you wish) to let them know of your gift at this special time of year.

Please send your gift to: Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota 750 Terrace Heights, Suite 105 PO Box 30098 Winona, MN 55987

The Donor Bill of Rights I.

�hilanthropy is based on voluntary action for the

common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:

You will receive a receipt for your donation that contains the necessary tax-substantiation required for 2018 tax purposes.

Catholic Foundation

With Your Year-End Giving

13

II.

To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.

To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.

Congratulations!

Since our last printing, the following parishes have met their goals for the 2018 Catholic Ministries Appeal:

St. Adrian, Adrian St. John the Baptist, Minnesota Lake

III.

To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.

V.

To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

IV.

VI.

VII.

To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.

To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.

To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.

VIII. To be informed whether those seeking donaIX. X.

tions are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.

To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.

To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.

December, 2018 w The Courier

Catholic Charities

14

Be the Light For confidentiality, names have been changed in this article.

� am sitting at my laptop, with a banana

and oyster crackers staring at me from the counter. Providence dictates that God’s light permeates especially in times of challenge, and it has been an incredibly challenging weekend for me. If you have ever had a severe case of food poisoning you will relate to that hope you might experience light at the end of the tunnel.

“Gravely ill” is a good way to describe my condition last evening. There were moments I actually felt like I was going to die. Curled up in the darkness, I felt scared and alone. With my cell nearby in the event I needed to call 911, I started to pray. “Please Father, take me out of this darkness and bring some light my way—please heal me!” I found myself longing to get through the night in order to see the sun stream through the window.

I don’t know about you, but it is at these moments in my life that I envision others who may be experiencing significant struggles and setbacks, those who need some light in their lives. In my case, I was blessed with family checking on me long-distance and a best friend who texted me hourly to ensure I was not alone. They were my “light” this weekend.

Just as surely as that Star of Bethlehem guided the wise men, the light of my family and friend brought me out of the darkness. They reflected the light of God’s love, and it penetrated through the darkness for me.

I am thinking if I can just eat that banana and a few crackers today, I am that much closer to healing and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. While my feeling of darkness did not debilitate me for a lengthy period of time, it made me think about those feeling paralyzed by the effects of prolonged darkness in their lives.

December, 2018 w The Courier

You and I - any of us - can be immersed in a feeling of darkness. It could be depression, anxiety, fear, anger, despair, illness or loneliness. Whether that feeling of darkness in life results from bad decisions or bad fortune, we all benefit when we reflect the light of God’s love for each other.

And that is exactly what you provide through your compassion and support of our work!

You are that family in the middle of the night; you are that best friend checking in to ensure those we serve are back to good health, reaching their full potential, and not alone in their struggles.

You are the light!

You reflect the light of God’s love penetrating the darkness for: •

•

•

•

Ben—a 72-year-old gentleman suffering from mental illness and cognitive deficits following a stroke. When we were appointed Ben’s guardian, there was no record of any relatives. As his guardian, we not only cared for him, but also located his only sister and a nephew who had not seen him in 48 years.

Sarah—a young single mother who is now able to pursue post-secondary education through our Onward and Upward program.

She will be guided by the light of a licensed social worker acting as a life navigator, so that she can get off government assistance, obtain gainful employment, and bring a hopeful future to her cherished children.

Dan—a middle-aged gentleman who has had more than his share of heartaches and struggles this year and is suffering from a feeling of isolation and desperation due to depression.

He is now connected with a skilled therapist who is bringing light amidst the darkness for Dan. The poorest of the poor, needing shelter at the Warming Center this winter. They will find an open door and volunteers who bring the light of God’s love to those who have nowhere to call home.

Mary Alessio

Director of Advancement Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota

When you partner with Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota, you are the light that uplifts the poor and vulnerable. When you light the way for those in need, you glorify God not just this Christmas, but every day of the year!

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Your compassionate generosity helped light the way for more than 6,400 individuals last year (an increase of over 1,900 from the previous year). It is because of you that the 17 programs of Catholic Charities are sustained and able to serve all, regardless of age, gender, ethnic background, faith tradition or ability to pay. You glorify God by your good works!

Our board members, staff, volunteers and all those we serve hold you close to our hearts this Christmas season. We are forever grateful for the light you bring to our lives.

Even in your darkest hours, may God’s light reveal a path of joy for you and your loved ones. And may his grace and the true meaning of this season penetrate, enrich, energize, and perfect you and me so that his light shines brightly within us always!

Joy to the World!

Misinformed and Married 15 Poor Understanding of the Sacrament Does Not Necessarily Invalidate a Marriage

Ask a Canon Lawyer

So, for example, if a person chooses to marry Also, too, those who marry in a after reasoning to himself: “Well, everyone knows Catholic Church are always informed, you can always get divorced if things don’t work in at least a bare-bones way, of the Jenna Cooper out, so it’s not like I’m making a permanent comChurch’s understanding of marriage Tribunal Coordinator & Judge mitment or anything,” it’s probable that marriage during the canonically-required Prejcooper@dowr.org would be invalid, because this perMarital Investigation. As son’s mistaken notions about the perdistinct from pre-Cana The Church manence of marriage directly impactand marriage preparation Dear Jenna, ed his will and intentions. respects as programs in general, the But, on the other hand, let’s supMy question is for those who are presently Pre-Marital Investigation pose that same person’s thinking was binding the applying [for a declaration of nullity]: In light consists of the basic quesmore along the lines of: “People get of the priest scandal [and the] lack of cortions and the attendant divorced all the time, and that’s a commitment of paperwork (e.g., the “Form rect information over these past years on good choice for them, but I really the sanctification of marriage (in the confesI” that’s familiar to paslove my fiancée and I know that we those couples sional, spiritual direction, pre-Cana, Faith fortors and other parish staff will be together forever!” In this case, who exchange mation; [and also on the issues of] abortion, in this diocese) meant even though he was still just as wrong and contraception)—whether they were silent about the permissibility of divorce, wedding vows to determine whether or outright misleading—this seems to be a both parties in a couple it did not affect his intentions when legitimate case for some seeking a declaration are indeed free to marry. he said his wedding vows. That is, with even the of nullity.

Nobody can get married in in exchanging matrimonial consent, the Catholic Church without—at the most simple –Lola Threinen this person still de facto committed very minimum—stumbling across the to marriage according to the Church’s ear Lola, and essential idea that the Church officially teaches understanding, even if he wasn’t fully If I’m reading your question correctly, it seems aware just how “right” he was in this! understanding that marriage is a life-long union, even that you are asking whether poor catechesis on if they are lacking the personal formaThe second scenario is actuthe nature and purpose of marriage tion necessary to understand the deep ally much more likely than of what they and related moral issues could be D spiritual implications of this. o the first, even despite the grounds for a declaration of nulyou que are doing. h Finally, it’s good to keep in often-challenging seca ve lity. The short answer is that cano s t i o n a mind that we can draw a distinction ular culture in which n la abo this is theoretically possible, you u w t we live, because the between what makes a marriage valid that but not nearly as likely as to s w o u l d true and fundamental nature e and binding on a fundamental level and what one might think. h e r e answ l i k e of marriage is written very makes a marriage healthy, happy, and spiritue e But before I jump red ? E jcoo deeply in the human heart. ally fruitful in addition to being valid. While, of m p into the longer and more er@ ail w Unlike the other sacraments, d i course, the best outcome is for all engaged o th detailed answer, I’d like " C o w r. o r g marriage was a blessed human couples to be well-catechized and prepared q to point out that the urie ues t institution even before Christ r i o to reap the full benefits of the sacrament n" vast majority of priests I the elevated it to the dignity of a subj i n of matrimony, one does not need to be have met in the Diocese of e sacrament. An intuitive undera theologian in order to marry validly! l i n e ct Winona-Rochester are atten. standing of marriage spans across God and the Church “meet us where tive pastors who are concerned cultures and even across different we are,” so to speak, and the Church with properly catechizing their religions. Therefore, when most peopeople. But, with that being said, I do respects as binding the commitment ple marry today, they typically exchange appreciate your point—our Church is filled of those couples who exchange wedtheir vows in at least the hope that they will be with imperfect human beings who don’t always ding vows with even the most simable to keep them for the rest of their lives, and carry out the duties of their state in life as well ple and essential understanding of this makes whatever mistaken assumptions as they should, so it can sometimes happen that what they are doing. about marriage they may a Catholic is poorly catechized or even misled on have had more or less irrelthe Church’s teachings regarding marriage. evant from the standpoint A Catholic’s grave lack of catechesis may of canon 1099. become relevant to the question of marriage nullity in the ground of “vitiating error.” This is described in canon 1099 in the Code of Canon Law, which states:

�

Error concerning the unity or indissolubility or sacramental dignity of marriage does not vitiate [i.e., invalidate] matrimonial consent provided that it does not determine the will.

What this means is that, perhaps surprisingly, being genuinely mistaken about the absolute permeance of marriage or its dignity as a sacrament does not automatically make the marriage in question invalid. The only time when this sort of error impacts the validity of a union is when the person’s mistaken notions about marriage were a main factor in their decision to marry.

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Faith in the Public Arena

16

The Evil Within �inton politics today, people have fallen the habit of condemning the evil

in other persons, groups, structures, or oppressor classes, while they themselves embrace the role of victim.

But the true enemy, from a Christian perspective, is never just something “out there.” Rather, as the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reminds us in Placuit Deo, “the evil that is most damaging to the human person is that which comes from his or her heart.”

Solzhenitsyn’s Witness

Who would know better about having ideological enemies than the Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (19182008); he spent seven years in Soviet labor camps and three years in exile before being exonerated.

Though Solzhenitsyn was steadfast in denouncing the destructive ideology of the Soviet regime, Solzhenitsyn knew he could not succumb to personal hatred of individuals. He wrote: “It is impossible to expel evil from the world in its entirety, but it is possible to constrict it within each person.” Solzhenitsyn reminds us that the struggle for justice in our world

Catholics at the Capitol An Opportunity for Civic Friendship

As Catholics, we can begin to mend the fractures so prevalent in today’s politics by reaching out in civic friendship to our newly elected officials, whether we voted for them or not. You can find out who your newly elected officials are by calling 651-296-2146 or visiting www.leg.state.mn.us.

Reaching out to your elected officials may seem daunting or even unpleasant, but it doesn’t have to be. By attending Catholics at the Capitol, the Minnesota Catholic Conference will equip you to take the first steps in building these important relationships. Join 2,000+ Catholics on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, for this day of prayer, inspiration, education, and advocacy. You’ll hear from incredible witnesses who live out the faith in public, including actor Jim Caviezel. You’ll also be equipped to speak with your legislators about current issues affecting life and dignity.

Space is limited for this impactful day, so don’t delay! Bring your friends, family, and fellow parishioners. Get tickets and select your transportation option by visiting www.

CatholicsAtTheCapitol.org. We’ll see you in St. Paul on 2.19.19!

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is won or lost in the soul of each person.

Despite the evil inflicted upon him by others, he knew that the battle against evil for which he was most responsible was the one within his own heart.

The same is true for each one of us.

Jason Adkins

Executive Director Minnesota Catholic Conference

The Evil “Out There”

Our culture views social relations increasingly through a victim/oppressor ideology, and we all have been conditioned to see ourselves as victims of some enemy class that seeks to impose its evil worldview upon us.

This trend can be seen on both sides of the political spectrum. One side blames an assortment of alleged bigots and status quo seekers—corporations, Christian nationalists, members of the patriarchy, and white people—for the oppression of pretty much everyone else.

Meanwhile, the other side demonizes those branded as subversive elites and infiltrators: Marxists, Wall Street, multiculturalists, Hollywood, Muslims, immigrants, and the media.

Each group’s hatred for its supposed enemies is palpable; even worse, one is guilty by association— all Republicans are misogynist white supremacists and all Democrats are anti-American communist enemies of the people.

There is, of course, a certain comfort in this approach, as it is certainly far easier to condemn the wicked “out there” than to recognize both our own sinfulness as a cause of social disorder and concurrent need for transformation.

But this growing hatred cannot end well. Coupled with the lack of civil debate and discourse, it will likely end in more bloodshed—some of which we’ve already begun to see in the Charlottesville violence; the mass shootings in Charleston and Pittsburgh; separate shootings that targeted congressional Republicans and the conservative Family Research Council; and in the clashes caused by the “Antifa” (antifascist) groups.

Plenty of ink has been spilled about how President Trump’s demagoguery has contributed to the growing divide in our country, which is undoubtedly true. But his 2016 election opponent is no better: "You cannot be civil with a political party that wants to destroy what you stand for, what you care about," Hilary Clinton said in a CNN interview.

"That's why I believe, if we are fortunate enough to win back the House and or the Senate, that's when civility can start again."

Note the implications of Mrs. Clinton’s comment: our political opponent is

evil and out to destroy all good things; we, on the other hand, have chosen the path of righteousness, and are oppressed by the powers-that-be because of it.

This kind of rhetoric is a continued recipe for more divisiveness, hatred, and violence.

The Line Through the Heart

This does not mean we need to accept harmful, violent, and racist ideologies; in fact, we have the responsibility as Christians to confront them. But we must always see things through the lens of a broken, sinful, and hurting world, recognizing that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), especially and including ourselves.

There is no true justice where God is not worshipped. There is no order in the state or in society when there is no order in the soul.

To let the prophet Solzhenitsyn have the final word:

If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being.

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18

Share Your Gifts Catholic Daughters Hold with the CCW Breakfast for Veterans

By JEANETTE FORTIER

�n January of 1988, a new lady came to visit parish

In the Diocese

CCW ladies. Her name was Rita Rexall, and she came from Stemp Drug in Chatfield with a prescription for a healthy Council of Catholic Women. Rita retired, but her sister, Wanda Walgreen has loaded her shopping basket and is ready to make parish visits. Want her to come and visit your group? Just contact her at fortierjeanette@gmail.com.

In this Advent season of giving and receiving gifts, I would invite you to ponder this: What gifts has the Lord given me that I should be sharing with the women in my parish? How will my sharing of these gifts empower the women of my parish to do great works for the glory of God? As we look to the coming new year, I invite you to join the Winona-Rochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. We need you to share your gifts with us. From the parish level to the diocesan level, we need faithfilled women of prayer, confident leaders, and many hands engaged in service to the world. Give the gift of you – no gift wrapping required, just come!

By TRISH JOHNSON

PIPESTONE--On Sunday, November 4, 2018, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, St. John’s Court 1371 hosted their third annual pancake breakfast in St. Leo Hall to honor veterans.

This event is free to all veterans, and more than 150 people attended the breakfast. This year, the Kindergarten-through-fifth-grade children of the triparish of St. Joseph, Jasper; St. Leo, Pipestone; and St. Martin, Woodstock gathered inside a giant rosary to pray a shortened version of the Patriotic Rosary for veterans, those in active duty, leaders, families in all 50 states, and all those who protect and serve.

The Catholic Daughters assisted with the prayer and teaching of the power of the rosary.

Everyone was moved by the kids’ enthusiasm and patriotism. Two confirmation class students, who teach music to the children on Sunday mornings, led the students in a rousing rendition of “This Land is Your Land.”

The Catholic Daughters also supported the faith formation and social ministry programs by adding toy soldiers and tied prayers for soldiers to the toys that were then given to the parish family to take home and continue our support.

Trish Johnson is the director of faith formation for the St. Joseph, St. Leo and St. Martin Tri-Parish.

Jeanette Fortier is the president of the Winona-Rochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Contact her at fortierjeanette@gmail. com to learn how you or other women at your parish can become involved in a Council of Catholic Women.

Brother James Miller to Be Beatified

By HANNAH BROCKHAUS

VATICAN CITY, Nov. 8, 2018 (CNA) - Pope Francis has approved the beatification of American Br. James Miller, who was martyred in 1982 in Guatemala.

The declarations were made following a meeting Nov. 7 with Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints. Pope Francis gave his approval for Miller’s beatification, declaring he was killed “in hatred of the faith,” and advancing 23 other causes for canonization.

The pope also confirmed the heroic virtue of Servant of God Michael Giedrojć and approved his beatification.

Now-Bl. Michael Giedrojć was a brother of the Order of St. Augustine born in Lithuania around the year 1420. He died in Krakow, Poland on May 4, 1485.

Giedrojć was approved through an “equivalent beatification,” a process by which the pope may declare a person to be a “blessed” without the typical investigation and miracle, due to a long-standing recognition of the person’s holiness and virtue, usually in the place where he or she lived, called a “local cult.” The same process may be used for a canonization.

Br. James Alfred Miller, who was a religious brother of the Institute of the Brothers of Christian Schools (called Christian Brothers) was serving in Guatemala when he was shot to death by three hooded men in the afternoon of Feb. 13, 1982, dying instantly. He was 37.

Miller, who was born near Stevens Point, WI, in 1944, took the habit of the Christian Brothers in August 1962.

He coached football, and taught Spanish, English, and religion in a high school in St. Paul, Minn. There his construction and maintenance abilities gained him the December, 2018 w The Courier

nickname "Brother Fix-It." Miller was later sent to teach in Nicaragua, where under his leadership a school grew from 300 to 800 students and he supervised the construction of 10 new rural schools.

In July 1978 his superiors asked him to leave the country because of the danger amid the Sandinista Revolution. He returned to the U.S. and again taught high school.

He was sent to mission territory in Guatemala in 1981, teaching at a secondary school and at a center for studies for young indigenous Mayans from rural areas.

He was assassinated in February 1982, while standing on a ladder, repairing a wall of a school building.

Local authorities did not identify the gunmen.

Miller’s killing was one in a string of assassinations of priests and religious in the country, including that of Bl. Stanley Rother five months later.

Aware of the danger present to him in Guatemala, in one of his last letters before he died, Miller wrote: “I am personally weary of violence, but I continue to feel a strong commitment to the suffering poor of Central America. …the Church is being persecuted because of its option for the poor.”

“Aware of numerous dangers and difficulties, we continue working with faith and hope and trusting in God’s Providence. … I pray to God for the grace and strength to serve Him faithfully among the poor and oppressed in Guatemala. I place my life in His Providence. I place my trust in Him.” The date of Miller’s beatification has not been announced but is expected to take place sometime in 2019.

In addition to Miller, Pope Francis Nov. 8 declared the martyrdom of Angelo Cuartas Cristobal and eight companions, alumni of the Seminary of Oviedo, Spain, who were killed in Oviedo between 1934-1937; and Mariano Mullerat i Soldevila, a layman and father, who was killed near Arbeca, Spain in 1936.

The pope also recognized miracles attributed to Venerable Edvige Carboni (1880-1952) and Benedetta Bianchi Porro (1936-1964), paving the way for their

beatification.

The heroic virtue of nine other Catholics was also declared, advancing their causes along the path of beatification.

They are: Italian Bishop Giovanni Jacono (18731957); Filipino Bishop Alfredo Maria Obviar, founder of the Congregation of the Missionary Catechists of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus (1889-1978); Italian Fr. Giovanni Ciresola, founder of the Congregation of the Poor Servants of the Most Precious Blood-Cenacle of Charity (1902-1987); Italian Fr. Luigi Bosio (19091994); Italian Fr. Luigi Maria Raineri, member of the Congregation of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul (18951918); Spanish Sr. Maria Antonia di Gesu, member of the Discalced Carmelites (1700-1760); Spanish Sr. Arcangela Badosa Cuatrecasas, member of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (1878-1918); Italian Sr. Maria Addolorata del Sacro Costato of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Passion of Jesus Christ (1920-1954); and Italian Lodovico Coccapani, lay member of the Secular Franciscan Order (1849-1931).

Obituaries

Sister Andrenee Lynch, 90, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights November 16, 2018.

Gertrude Joan Lynch was born June 16, 1928, at Saint Mary’s, Waseca County, to Andrew and Irene (Barden) Lynch. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1946 from Sacred Heart Parish in Waseca. Sister Andrenee made first vows in 1948 and perpetual vows

Sister Gretchen Berg, 98, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights November 27, 2018.

Elizabeth Annabel Berg was born May 24, 1920, in Excelsior to Henry M. and Eleanor (Heutmaker) Berg.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1938 from Sacred Heart Parish, Waseca. Sister Gretchen made first vows in 1941 and perpetual vows in 1944. She, like other members of her class in the community, started her ministry in elementary education. She taught at

St. Joseph’s in Winona, her only elementary teaching experience. After four years, she returned to the College of St. Teresa in Winona to continue studies, receiving a B.A. in 1947. The following year she began studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., receiving an M.A. in 1949. She served as registrar at the College of St. Teresa for five years and then returned to the Catholic University, where she received a Ph.D. in 1962.

Her other diverse ministries included: superior at Regina Mundi in Lima, Peru; novice mistress at Assisi Hall, Winona; and director of the Pastoral Action Program at Assisi Heights. Sister Gretchen was elected president of the Sisters of St. Francis in 1970. After serving in that capacity for six years, she went to the Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure, NY, and then to a prayer community at Redwoods Monastery in Whitethorn, CA. From 1978-82, Sister Gretchen was an instructor of spiritual leadership at the Spiritual Life Institute in Chicago, IL. From 1982-2004 Sister Gretchen served as a spiritual director and a leader of retreats and seminars and worked with various religious congregations. She moved to Assisi Heights in 2004.

Sister Gretchen is survived by her Franciscan Community, with whom she shared life for 80 years, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: Richard, Donald, Henry and William Berg; and three sisters: Jeanette Kubat, Patricia Berg and Mary Ellen Berg.

The Funeral Mass was Tuesday, December 4, in Lourdes Chapel.

Burial was at Calvary Cemetery, Rochester.

Memorials are suggested to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Mission Advancement, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901.

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In the Diocese

Father Richard Engels died Sunday evening, October 28, 2018, at St. Elizabeth’s Health Care Center in Wabasha.

He was born December 10, 1934, in Marshall, the youngest of Joseph and Margaret Engels’ four sons: Daniel, Patrick, Bernard and Richard. He grew up in Rochester, where he attended St. John’s Elementary and Lourdes High School, followed by seminary at St. Mary’s College in Winona.

Father Engels’ graduate work was at St. John’s University in Collegeville prior to ordination as a priest for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Further graduate work was done at the University of Minnesota and other colleges. Father Engels pursued additional graduate studies at Catholic University in the mid-1960s.

After his ordination in 1960 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, Father Engels was assigned to St. Theodore Parish in Albert Lea. After three years, he was transferred to St. Mary’s in Winona with Bishop George Speltz while teaching at Cotter High School.

The mid-1960s brought Father Engels to St. Felix in Wabasha. Next, he became superintendent of MarianSt. Mary’s Grade and High School in Owatonna as well as pastor in Claremont.

The 1970s included being principal for five years at Pacelli High School in Austin as well as pastor at Queen of Peace Parish in Lyle, followed by five years as pastor of St. Augustine in Austin. The next step was an assignment as pastor of St. Mary of the Lake in Lake City, where his sailboat on Lake Pepin brought much joy to his many friends. The next six years as pastor of St. Bernard’s in Stewartville were followed by six years covering two parishes: Ss. Peter & Paul in Mazeppa and St. Patrick in West Albany. Father Engels retired at his home along the river in Wabasha in the year 2000.

During his 50 years of active ministry, he also served on the Priest’s Senate of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and in an elected position on the Diocesan Presbytery Council and the Bureau of Priests’ Retirement. Interests and hobbies had been flying, sailing, golf, walking, fishing, music, art, architecture, and friends of many years. Father Engels spent his last years in the loving care of the staff at St. Elizabeth’s Health Care Center in Wabasha. He enjoyed visits from family members and friends in the area and the extra daily connections provided by David Meyer.

Father Engels is survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Eileen Engels; seven nieces, Kim Williams, Bernadette Winquest, Paula Millar, Patti Wendel, Theresa Connealy, Kathy Pelto and Mary Engels; and four nephews, Edward, Daniel, Joseph, and Richard Engels. He was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers.

A Mass of Christian Burial was offered on Monday, November 5, 2018, at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester. Officiating was the Most Reverend John M. Quinn, Bishop of Winona-Rochester and the priests of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.

Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.

Memorials are preferred to St. Felix School in Wabasha, 130 3rd St. E, Wabasha, MN 55981.

in 1951. She received a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and history from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, in 1967.

Sister Andrenee served as a convent homemaker from 1948-55 in Chatfield and Currie. From 1955-95, she taught elementary students at St. Juliana’s in Chicago, IL; Sacred Heart School, in Norfolk, NE; and the following Catholic schools in southern Minnesota: St. Raphael, Springfield; St. Edward, Austin; St. Mary, Winona; St. Augustine, Austin; St. Pius X, Glenco; and St. Mathias; Hampton.

Moving to Waseca in 1995, she served four years as a substitute teacher and aide in Waseca's public schools. In 1999, she moved to Assisi Heights, where she was receptionist and staff assistant for the Assisi Community Center. She retired in 2004.

Sister Andrenee is survived by her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 72 years, and two sisters: Renee Malinski of Richfield and Noreen Broughton of Bloomington. She was preceded in death by her parents; seven brothers: John, Robert, Francis, Paul, Joseph, James and Mark Lynch; and five sisters: Rose Eller, Mary Brown, Marguerite Lord, Helen Everett and Dorothy Lynch.

The Funeral Mass was Monday, November 26, in Lourdes Chapel. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Rochester.

Memorials are suggested to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Mission Advancement, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901.

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SUBMISSION to the calendar

December 2018

• The Courier

Please note: submission deadline is the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication.

All submissions must be sent electronically to nreller@dowr.org by the deadline to assure receipt and possible inclusion in the events calendar.

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.

A current list of events is also available at www.dowr.org.

Regular Prayer Mass for Life & Marriage is held at St. Mary Church in Winona the first Thursday each month at 8:30 a.m.

Holy Hour of Prayer for Life, Marriage & Religious Liberty is held first Saturday each month 8:30-9:30 a.m. (after Mass for Life & Marriage) in the Cathedral's Adoration Chapel, 360 Main Street, Winona. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed and a rosary offered. All welcome.

Prayer Vigil & Public Witness Against Abortion is held 3-4 p.m. Tuesdays in front of Semcac Clinic (delegate of Planned Parenthood) at 76 W 3rd Street in Winona. Contact: Patty 507-429-4636 Masses of Reparation for Sins in the Diocese are held daily in parishes throughout the diocese. Info: cb@wabashaemail.com Cor Jesu is held at the Cathedral in Winona, 7-9 p.m. the first Friday each month, September through May. Cor Jesu is an evening of Eucharistic Adoration, Confessions, and music in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. All are welcome to attend! For more details, search for Winona Cor Jesu on Facebook, visit cascwinona.org/prayer/corJesu, or call Kristopher Kaufman (859-7601619) or Steven Lehn (507-312-9041).

Traditional Latin Mass Chatfield, St. Mary, 1st & 3rd Sun. 1 pm Mankato, Ss. Peter & Paul, Sundays 4:15 pm Wabasha, St. Felix, Saturdays 9 am

The Televised Mass

Other Events Resurrection Church, Rochester December 9, Sunday 46th Annual Holiday Bazaar 9:30-2.

Pulled pork sandwich lunch with pie.

Silent auction, cash raffle, bake sale, bingo, crafts, cake walk, kids' games.

Handicap accessible. 1600 11th Ave. SE in Rochester.

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona December 13, Thursday Filming of the Diocesan Televised Mass. 9:30 a.m. filming Mass to air 1/6 with Fr. Chinnappa Pothireddy.

10:30 a.m. filming Mass to air 1/13 with Fr. Jason Kern. 1 p.m. filming Mass to air 1/20 with Fr. Mark McNea. 2 p.m. filming Mass to air 1/27 with Fr. Brian Mulligan. All are welcome.

Help us present a full church to our viewers!

Christ the King Church, Byron December 15, Saturday Michael Russell O'Brien Christmas Show at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30.

Michael will sing Christmas songs and share his faith story throughout the concert, including his experience at Medjugorie. A great time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. After concert, door prizes, autographs, photos, CD sales, cookies, cider, coffee. Free and open to the public.

Pick up free tickets in the church office or at the door on the night of the concert. Or reserve tickets

Offered as a service for the homebound every Sunday on the following stations: KTTC, Channel 10 (Rochester) at 9 a.m.; KEYC, Channel 12 (Mankato) at 7:30 a.m; & KEYC-DT2, Digital Channel 12.2 or Charter Channel 19 (Mankato) at 9:30 a.m.

Donations for the continuation of this program may be sent to: Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Attn: TV Mass, PO Box 588, Winona MN 55987.

Hispanic Priests / Sacerdotes Hispanos Padre José Morales Capellán en la Mayo Clinic, Rochester Tel. 507-266-7275 Padre Luis Alfonso Vargas Vicario Parroquial de St. Francis of Assisi, Rochester frluisvargasdw@gmail.com Tel. 507-288-7313 Padre Javier Ibarra IVE Párroco de SS. Peter and Paul, Mankato Tel. 507-388-2995 ext. 103

Padre Miguel Eduardo Proaños Vicario Parroquial de St. Mary, Worthington frmiguel2005@yahoo.com Tel. 507-375-3542 Padre Raul Silva Vicario de la Pastoral Hispana en la diócesis de Winona Y Párroco de Queen of Angels, Austin PadreRaulSilva@gmail.com Tel. 507-433-1888

Spanish Mass Schedule Albert Lea, St. Theodore Mankato, Ss. Peter & Paul St. Charles, St. Charles Borromeo 11 am Sun. 1 pm Sun. 7 pm Sat. Austin, Queen of Angels Owatonna, Sacred Heart St. James, St. James 11 am Sun.; 5:15 pm Fri. 11:45 am Sun. 12 pm Sun. Windom,St.FrancisXavier Lake City, St. Mary Pipestone, St. Leo 11:30 am Sun. 6:30 pm each 3rd Sat. 2:30 pm Sun. (bilingual) Worthington, St. Mary Madelia, St. Mary Rochester, St. Francis 7 pm Sat.; 11 am Sun.; 7 pm Sat. Noon Sun. & 7 pm Thurs. 6:30 pm Tues. & Fri.

by contacting Pam Kuisle at 507272-0924 or kuisle.pam@gmail.com.

Free will donations are welcome.

The church is at 202 4th St. NW in Byron. Learn more about Michael at michaelrusselobrien.com.

Sacred Heart School, Waseca December 19, Wednesday Three Wisemen and a Baby, a Christmas program featuring the students of Sacred Heart School and Children's House Montessori, to be performed at 6 p.m. in the central auditorium, followed by the annual Christmas Tea in Sacred Heart Nativity Hall. All are welcome.

Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester January 13, Sunday Cello and organ duo recital at 2:30 p.m. The Syvati Duo will offer a recital including works by Vivaldi, J.S. Bach, Rheinberger and Piazzolla. This duo, made up of cellist Rebecca Hewes and organist Julian Collings, is the only regular cello and organ duo in the United Kingdom and has gained an outstanding reputation around the world. Open to the public.

Freewill offerings accepted.

St. Charles Borromeo Church, St. Charles January 17, Thursday Filming of the Diocesan Televised Mass. 10 a.m. filming Mass to air 2/3 with Fr. Tim Biren. 11 a.m. filming Mass to air 2/10 with Fr. Tim Biren.

1 p.m. filming Mass to air 2/17 with Fr. Bill Kulas. 2 p.m. filming Mass to air 2/24 with Fr. Bill Kulas. All are welcome. Help us present a full church to our viewers!

St. Thomas More Newman Center, Mankato January 19, Saturday Mankato Area Pre-Cana 8:30 a.m.

- 6 p.m. Prepare for married life

by taking time to reflect on various aspects of the marriage relationship.

Open to any couple interested in an in-depth preparation for marriage in a quiet and congenial atmosphere, and any newly married couple who did not have the opportunity

to attend a marriage preparation program before their wedding. $125 per couple. Registration: www.dowr. org/event-details/543. Contact Anna (anna.weidner@mnsu.edu) with questions or concerns.