The Courier - December 2017

The

COURIER

Christmas Day December 25

December 2017

In Good Hands

Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona, MN

Sa l t a n d Li g h t Holds Vocations Community Day

By BEN FROST

�

ovember 5-11, 2017, was National Vocation Awareness Week, and the Rochester Salt and Light Catholic Homeschool Cooperative marked the occasion by offering a Vocations Community Day on November 6, which drew more than 70 children and parents to Pax Christi Church for programming.

Youth from the Diocese of Winona represent their diocese with a banner at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis.

Photo credit: Natalie Hoefer / The Criterion

By BEN FROST

�

n his closing comments at NCYC (the National Catholic Youth Conference), Archbishop Jose Gomez of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles said that “the Church is in good hands," referring to the apparent energy and faith

of more than 20 thousand teenagers who gathered in Indianapolis for a week of programming.

For four days, participants circulated the downtown area, noticeable by their group shirts, glowing lights and eccentric hats. The chant “NC-YC” could be heard for blocks as students made their way to different sites.

Good Hands, cont'd on pg. 7

Fr. Jonathan Fasnacht speaks to children about vocations at Pax Christi Church.

Vocations Day, cont'd on pg. 11

INSIDE this issue

Sainthood Cause Advances page 2

Believe

V Encuentro page 12

page 14

2

Black Elk Sainthood Cause Advances with Bishops' Vote

The Courier Insider

BALTIMORE, Nov 14, 2017 (CNA/ EWTN News) - The sainthood cause for Lakota medicine man and Catholic catechist Nicholas Black Elk took another step forward today, as the U.S. bishops unanimously approved his canonical consultation.

The Nov. 14 voice vote of the bishops took place at their annual fall assembly in Baltimore, and is the latest in a series of steps on the path to sainthood.

The motion to vote on the cause was brought forward by Bishop Robert D. Gruss of Rapid City, South Dakota, the home diocese of Black Elk where his cause was officially opened earlier this year.

Even before his conversion to Catholicism, Black Elk was a prominent medicine man “widely known as a holy man and a mystic,” Bishop Gruss told the assembly of bishops.

After his conversion, Black Elk “fully embraced a Catholic life” and became an “ardent Catechist” who would go on to convert more than 400 Native Americans to the faith, Gruss noted.

Black Elk became “an icon who reveals what God calls all of us to be - people of faith and hope, and a source of hope for others,” he added.

Black Elk was born sometime between 1858 and 1866 and, like many of his ancestors, served as a medicine man, which combined the roles of medical doctor, spiritual adviser and counselor.

He was present for the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, and the following year, he joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, which toured Europe, including a performance before Queen Victoria.

In 1892, after touring with the show for several years, he married Katie War Bonnet.

They had three children. After she converted to Catholicism, all three children were baptized.

The year after she died, Black Elk converted to Catholicism and was baptized on Dec. 6, 1904, the Feast of St. Nicholas. He took Nicholas as his baptismal name because he admired the saint's generosity.

In 1905, he married again to Anna Brings White, a widow with two children. They had

Articles of Interest

...Courage in the Diocese of Winona__________4 The "Community" of Faith__________________6 Catholic Schools Updates__________________8 ...A Fruitful Time for Christian Stewards_____10 Unwrap Your Vocation_____________________11 Believe________________________________12 St. Francis' Tough Words...________________13 V Encuentro____________________________14 Diocesan Headlines_______________________15 Diocesan Calendar________________________16 Parochial Administrator

Officials

Nicholas Black Elk

three children together and she passed away in 1941.

During Black Elk’s lifetime, the practice in the Diocese of Rapid City was for Jesuit priests to select Lakota Catholic men to teach the faith to other members of their tribe as catechists.

They evangelized, prayed and prepared converts in the Lakota language, traveling by foot or by horseback until automobiles became available.

Black Elk became a catechist in 1907, chosen for his enthusiasm and his excellent memory for learning Scripture and Church teaching. He was also one of the signatories of the cause of canonization for St. Kateri Tekakwitha, another Native American saint. He passed away Aug. 19, 1950 at Pine Ridge.

Last year, a petition with over 1,600 signatures to open his cause for canonization was presented to Bishop Gruss by the Nicholas Black Elk family. An October Mass officially opened his cause in the diocese this year.

Gruss said that Black Elk’s witness is an inspiration for both Native and non-native Americans, because he “lived the Gospel in everyday life.”

The next step in Black Elk’s cause will be for a tribunal to investigate and document examples of heroic virtue in his life.

The Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona, announces the following appointments: Pastor Rev. Robert Schneider: reappointed Pastor of All Saints Parish in Madison Lake and Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Clair for a six-year term, effective July 1, 2017.

Rev. William Becker: reappointed Pastor of St. Joachim Parish in Plainview and Immaculate Conception Parish in Kellogg for a six-year term, effective July 1, 2017.

Rev. James Berning: reappointed Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Winona for a six-year term, effective July 1, 2017.

Rev. James Steffes: reappointed Pastor of St. Augustine Parish and St. Edward Parish in Austin for a six-year term, effective July 1, 2017.

Rev. Jason Kern: currently Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Winona, member of the Formation Faculty for the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, and member of the Diocese of Winona Curia; in addition to his current assignments, appointed Parochial Administrator of St. Casimir Parish in Wells, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Easton, and St. John the Baptist Parish in Minnesota Lake, effective October 31, 2017.

Parochial Vicar Rev. Adam McMillan: appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Felix Parish in Wabasha and St. Agnes Parish in Kellogg, effective October 1, 2017.

Ecumenical Director Rev. William Thompson: currently Pastor of Pax Christi Parish in Rochester and SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Mazeppa; in addition to his current assignments, appointed Ecumenical Officer of the Diocese of Winona for a five-year term, effective October 31, 2017.

The Holy Father's Intention for

December 2017 The Elderly

That the elderly, sustained by families and Christian communities, may apply their wisdom and experience to spreading the faith and forming the new generations.

Child Abuse Policy Information The Diocese of Winona will provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (employees, volunteers, vendors, religious or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 507454-2270, Extension 255. A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. The Diocese of Winona is committed to protecting children, young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries.

The diocesan policy is available on the diocesan web site at www.dow.org under the Safe Environment Program. If you have any questions about the Diocese of Winona’s implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Mary Hamann at 507-858-1244, or mhamann@dow.org.

The Courier is the Official Publication of the Diocese of Winona 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 588, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 108 - 12

Most Reverend John M. Quinn, Publisher Nick Reller, Associate Editor Telephone: 507-858-1257 Fax:507-454-8106 E-mail: nreller@dow.org Subscription Rates: $5 per year in the U.S. Parishioners in the Winona

Diocese subscribe through their parish. Periodicals postage paid at Madelia, MN Postmaster.

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

December, 2017 w The Courier

(ISSN 0744-5490)

Prepare Your Heart Advent

We have now entered the season of Advent, a time of hopeful expectation when we eagerly and prayerfully await the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is both a time to recall His coming among us as a small child 2000 years ago, and also a time to prepare our hearts and lives for when He will come again at the end of time. We do not know the day nor the hour, so it is important for us to be always watchful and alert, and to strive to put Christ ever more at the center of our lives.

In the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Advent, we hear the words of St. John the Baptist quoting the Prophet Isaiah, exhorting us to "Prepare the way of the Lord” (Mark 1:3). Advent is a time to clear away anything in our lives that is hindering us from following Christ more closely. I know these weeks before Christmas are often busy

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

and stressful, but Christ is of infinite more importance than parties, decorations, presents, and the many other things competing for our attention at this time of year. We must ask ourselves, are we not willing to give our Triune God a few minutes of our day, when we give hours to less important matters?

Here are three suggestions of how we all can “prepare the way” for Christ, so we can welcome Him into our hearts and homes this Christmas: Daily Prayer: spending quality time with someone is an essential part of any relationship, and it is no different with God. If you are not currently taking time for daily prayer, start setting aside 10 minutes a day to read the Scriptures, pray the rosary, or simply spend time in the Lord’s presence, speaking to Him from your heart and listening to Him.

Confession: When our souls are weighed down by sin, it is hard for us to clearly see the Lord’s presence in our lives.

We are all sinners, but Christ gave us the Sacrament of Penance so we could come to Him with all of our brokenness and sin, and be assured that we are truly forgiven and washed clean by God’s mercy. Pope Francis has often reminded us of the importance of Confession, admitting that while “confessing our sins may be difficult for us… it brings us peace…we are sinners, and we need God’s forgiveness.” Let us not be afraid to encounter our merciful Lord in the Sacrament of Confession this Advent!

Daily Mass and Holy Communion: The Mass is where heaven meets earth as Jesus Christ gives Himself to us Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. St. John Vianney once

December 1, Friday 6:30 a.m. - Lauds and Mass at IHM Seminary 7 p.m. - Confessions at Cor Jesu - Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

December 2, Saturday 5:15 p.m. - Confirmation - St. John the Baptist Church, Mankato December 3, Sunday 10:30 a.m. - Mass and Installation of Pastor, Fr. John Lasuba - Christ the King Church, Byron 5 p.m. - Dinner with SMU Christian Brothers and Winona Deanery Priests December 5, Tuesday 7:45 a.m. - Teach at St. Mary’s University 11 a.m. - Deans Meeting - St. Theodore Church, Albert Lea 2:30 p.m. - Clergy Personnel Committee Meeting - St. Theodore Church, Albert Lea December 6, Wednesday 11 a.m. - Minnesota Catholic Conference - St. Paul Chancery, St. Paul

December 7, Thursday 7:45 a.m. – Teach at SMU

said, “There is nothing so great as the Eucharist. If God had something more precious, He would have given it to us.”

Offering ourselves in union with Christ’s sacrifice upon the altar and receiving Him in the Eucharist is a powerful way to grow closer to Christ.

This Advent, in addition to worshiping at Mass on Sunday, I encourage you to find another day of the week to attend Mass, taking time out of your busy week to encounter the Lord in the Eucharist, the “source and summit” of our faith (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324).

Vocations

In the story of the Annunciation, we hear of the Virgin Mary’s fiat, her surrender to the Lord and His will for her. Although she could not fully comprehend what her yes to God would entail, her response to the Angel Gabriel was an act of faith and trust in the providence of God. Just as the Lord had a plan for Mary’s life, our Triune God has a plan for each one of our lives as well. He invites us all to imitate His mother by saying “yes” to Him. Through regular prayer and frequent reception of the sacraments, especially Penance and Holy Communion, we can come to a clearer understanding of what the Lord is asking of us.

It is then that we can embrace His will for our lives and, with Mary, say, “May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

Discerning one’s vocation is precisely this process of coming to know God’s will for our individual lives and embracing it with joy. For those of us who already know our life’s vocation, let us embrace it anew as our pathway to holiness. For those who may not be sure of your path in life, I want to impress upon you the importance of discerning

December 8, Friday 12 p.m. – Patronal Feast Day Mass at St. Thomas More Chapel on St. Mary’s University Campus 5 p.m. – Evening Prayer and Dinner with Winona IHM Seminarians December 9, Saturday 4:30 p.m. – Unite Mass – St. John the Evangelist Parish, Rochester December 10, Sunday 4 p.m. – Communal Advent Reconciliation and Penance Service – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona December 12, Monday 7:45 a.m. – Teach at SMU 5:30 p.m. – Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration and Mass – Federal Correctional Institute, Waseca December 13, Wednesday Annual Day with DOW Curia and Staff – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

God’s will for your lives, for that is where you will find your greatest joy. Do not be afraid to say yes to the vocation to which our Triune God is calling you, no matter how counter-cultural it may be.

We will only know true happiness when we follow Christ’s example of giving freely and completely of ourselves, whether that be through the priesthood, consecrated life, or marriage. Our world tells us that we should think only of ourselves – our wants, our needs, and our desires – but Christ calls us to a higher and more beautiful way of life: that of holiness and sacrificial love. But the love of Christ is a self-giving love, where we give of ourselves for the good of others. There are struggles to be encountered in every vocation, but God will always be ready to give us the grace to faithfully live out our vocation if we rely on Him and His strength.

Religious

Freedom: Mandate

HHS

Since 2011, many Catholic and other religious employers in the United States have been in a legal battle with the US government over the Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate, which requires insurance plans to cover the cost of sterilization, contraception, and drugs and devices that may cause abortions.

Not only did the mandate require many Catholic organizations to provide drugs or procedures that are incompatible with the Catholic faith, but it also provided no exemption to employers running a secular business who were opposed to providing coverage for certain services due to their religious beliefs.

Thus, it was welcome news when on October 6 of this year, the Trump Administration gave relief to all those who have moral or religious objections to the HHS mandate. While the mandate was

December 14, Thursday 1 p.m. – Holy Hour 2 p.m. – Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting

December 16, Saturday 4:30 p.m. – Holy Hour and Vespers – IHM Seminary, Winona 6 p.m. – Dinner and End of Semester Skits – IHM Seminary

3

not reversed, the religious freedom protections were greatly expanded, granting exemption to those to whom it had previously been denied. Freedom of religion is not just about freedom to worship in church on Sunday, but also includes the freedom to live one’s faith in the world. I am grateful that our federal government has once again recognized the importance of respecting religious freedom and has provided relief to those organizations and employers who strive to faithfully live out their Catholic beliefs in their business practices.

Unfortunately, a few states have recently attempted to remove this hard-fought expanded religious exemption.

California and Pennsylvania have filed lawsuits against the Little Sisters of the Poor, seeking to rescind their recently won exemption from the HHS mandate, and the governor of Massachusetts signed a law on November 20 which requires all employers to cover contraceptives, without any religious or moral exemptions.

Please pray that religious freedom may prevail in these cases, so that all may have the right to freely live according to our Catholic faith.

From the Bishop

�ear Friends in Christ,

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev. John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona

December 21, Thursday 10:30 a.m. – Anointing Mass – Callista Court, Winona 5 p.m. – Evening Prayer and Dinner with Major Seminarians December 22, Friday 12 p.m. – Pastoral Center Employee Christmas Gathering

December 18, Monday 8 a.m. - TH260 Final Exam – St. Mary’s University, Winona 7 p.m. - Annual Simbang Gabi Mass with the Filipino Community – St. John the Evangelist Parish, Rochester

December 24, Saturday 9 p.m. – Christmas Eve Mass – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

December 19, Tuesday 1:30 p.m. – Presiding Judge – DOW First Instance Court Trial 6 p.m. - Faculty and Staff Holiday Dinner – St. Mary’s University, Winona

January 3-6, Wednesday – Saturday SLS18 - FOCUS Student Leadership Summit – McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago, IL

December 25, Sunday 10:30 a.m. – Christmas Day Mass – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

January 6-12, Saturday – Friday Region VIII Bishops’ Retreat December, 2017 w The Courier

Faith Formation

4

Faith in Action Courage in the Diocese of Winona

By FR. JOE PETE

�

re you or a loved one experiencing same-sex attraction and looking for answers?

Courage is a ministry dedicated to the spiritual needs of persons with same-sex attraction.

Courage, an apostolate of the Catholic Church, ministers to persons with same-sex attractions and their loved ones. We have been endorsed by the Pontifical Council for the Family, and Saint John Paul II said of this ministry, "Courage is doing the work of God!" We also have an outreach called EnCourage, which ministers to relatives, spouses, and friends of persons with same-sex attractions.

The five goals of Courage, listed below, are centered around chastity, prayer and dedication, fellowship, support, and good example/ role model.

1. To live chaste lives in accordance with the Roman Catholic Church's teaching on homosexuality.

2. To dedicate our entire lives to Christ through service to others, spiritual reading, prayer, meditation, individual spiritual direction, frequent attendance at Mass, and the frequent reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.

Peter Martin

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

March for Life Washington, D.C. & St. Paul

�e are happy to announce that we are taking

another bus trip out to Washington, D.C. for the March for Life.

This year will be the 45th Annual March for Life, which is both sad and extraordinary; sad that for 45 years our nation has given a mother legal protection to end the life of her own child, and extraordinary that after 45 years, people continue fighting the good fight. See the ad to the right for details about how to join us.

The Diocese of Winona will also have a contingent meeting at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on January 22 for the Prayer Service and March for Life.

Please meet at the Cathedral of St. Paul and look for the Diocese of Winona’s Banner. The Prayer Service begins at 10:30 a.m. Following that, we march to the Capitol for a rally at noon. We hope to see you there!

December, 2017 w The Courier

3. To foster a spirit of fellowship in which we may share with one another our thoughts and experiences, and to ensure that no one will have to face the problems of homosexuality alone.

4. To be mindful of the truth that chaste friendships are not only possible but necessary in a chaste Christian life; and to encourage one another in forming and sustaining these friendships.

5. To live lives that may serve as good examples to others.

If you have questions or need to talk, please email courage@dow.org. Confidentiality is deeply respected.

For more information, go to Courage International at https://couragerc.org.

I am glad that we are talking about "homosexual people" because before all else comes the individual person, in his wholeness and dignity. And people should not be defined only by their sexual tendencies: let us not forget that God loves all his creatures and we are destined to receive his infinite love.

-Pope Francis, The Name of God is Mercy

Fr. Joe Pete is the pastor of St. Mary of the Lake Parish in Lake City and St. Patrick Parish in West Albany.

Coming Soon...

5 Life, Marriage & Family

December, 2017 w The Courier

Lay Formation & RCIA

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The "Community" of Faith in the RCIA Process

This month's column is co-written by my colleague, Camille Withrow, who works with me on RCIA ministry in the diocese. It is Camille Withrow based on an article that was published in the OctoberDecember 2016 issue of The Catechetical Review (pp. 34-35) [review.catechetics.com]. The article is entitled, How to Un-convert a Catechumen: The Need for Community in RCIA, by Drake McCalister.

-T.G.

The people of God, as represented by the local Church, should understand and show by their concern that the initiation of adults is the responsibility of all the baptized. Therefore, the community must always be fully prepared in the pursuit of its apostolic vocation to give help to those who are searching for Christ...

Hence, the entire community must help the candidates and the catechumens throughout the process of initiation.

�

-Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, #9

he need for a strong sense of community in parish life is a critical aspect of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), but it is too often overlooked and not given proper attention. In his article, How to Un-convert a Catechumen: The Need for Community in RCIA, Drake McCalister reflects on the importance of community for those being prepared for, and initiated/received into, the Church.

Mr. McCalister begins the article by briefly reflecting on the recent history of Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he works in the Office of Catechetics and serves as the director of the university’s campus RCIA for students.

In the early 1970s, the university was dramatically different than today. At that time, the campus was consumed with “alcohol, drugs, sex, and destructive anger.” A new president, Fr. Michael Scanlan, arrived in 1974, and one of his most urgent priorities was to develop a real Christian community on campus.

This building of a strong experience of Christian community among the students on campus would be one of the most important factors in transforming Franciscan University into the institution it is today, which is “well known for its charismatic, evangelical orthodoxy and for its culture of Christ-like faith throughout the student body” (p. 34).

In a similar fashion, our parishes can be transformed when there is a focus on forming an authentic and vibrant Christian community. What many members of our parish communities do not realize is the vital role they play in the RCIA process. Sadly, in too many parishes our catechumens and candidates do not find the strong support of a caring community, but rather experience “isolation, lack of zeal, and an environment that can kill any vestiges of Christian joy” (p. 34).

Pope St. John Paul II wrote of the vital need for community in the Church’s ministries of catechesis and initiation. In his exhortation, Catechesi Tradendae December, 2017 w The Courier

(“On Catechesis in Our Time”), he states that if there is no community to welcome our catechumens, all the catechesis that is done will be fruitless: “Catechesis runs the risk of becoming barren if no community of faith and Christian life takes the catechumen in at a certain stage of his catechesis” (#24).

If Christian formation is not connected to an authentic experience of community, then it will not be able to nurture and sustain this new life of faith and discipleship. Absent a true experience of Christian community, McCalister writes, the RCIA may produce “sacramentalized” people, but it will not be able to form and generate lasting disciples of Christ.

In his exhortation, St. Pope John Paul II describes two essential elements needed to provide a fruitful Christian Community: •

•

Continued Formation. A new member of the Catholic Faith must have a place for continued formation outside of Sunday Mass.

An example of this would be a weekly or bi-weekly bible study that includes other members of the parish community. By seeing other members of the parish involved in additional formation opportunities, those new to the faith learn that formation is for everyone, and that it is a lifelong process.

Welcoming the Newly Initiated. The Christian Community is responsible for welcoming catechumens and candidates into a warm and joyful environment that will help those new to the faith live what they have learned through the RCIA process. To create a welcome environment in the parish, there must be fellow disciples who are ready to journey with those newly baptized and received.

It is important not only that our parish communities be able to welcome those new to our Catholic Faith, but also that the members be able to evangelize and bring others closer to Christ by offering a concrete witness to God’s work in their own lives. This relates to our recent popes’ call for a “new evangelization.” By providing rich and diverse opportunities for adult faith formation (bible studies, adult catechesis, etc.) and spiritual development (prayer groups, retreats, etc.), parishes will become communities of evangelization which will nurture discipleship and belonging in the newly initiated and received.

To summarize, if we want to see our catechumens and candidates grow into lifelong, faithfilled, and joyful disciples, all of us must work together to create the best conditions for such growth in our parishes. After all of our work with these individuals during the RCIA process, it can be disheartening to see some of our new members not continue in their practice of the faith.

Todd Graff

Director of Lay Formation & RCIA tgraff@dow.org

By creating a welcoming and vibrant Christian community in our parishes, we can build the foundation to help those newly received and baptized become lifelong disciples. Although it will take work, time, and sacrifice, the fruits will be well worth it! Deo gratias!

[T]he faithful should remember that for the Church and its members the supreme purpose of the apostolate is that Christ's message is made known to the world by word and deed and that his grace is communicated. They should therefore show themselves ready to give the candidates evidence of the spirit of the Christian community and to welcome them into their homes, into personal conversation, and into community gatherings.

-Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, #9

Good Hands, cont'd from pg. 1

of Penance and spend time before the Blessed Sacrament through Eucharistic Adoration, which was offered throughout the event.

For the Church in the United States, an event like NCYC has great value in that it reveals the universality of the faith. The gathering of 25,000 teens in one place helps students to know that they are not alone and that other young people are taking their faith seriously.

The groups were diverse, as they covered every corner of the country, but were united in community; united in the Holy Eucharist; and united in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Faith. For Nagel, this unity is a powerful force for youth ministry.

“The Church is so much bigger than we know, and we do not stand alone.

We were able to stand with 25,000 people!”

As the Diocese of Winona pilgrims return to their local communities, they know that they are not alone in faith. Many friendships were forged, both locally and nationally. The young people were able to deepen their faith. Now we pray that God continues to raise them up into the saints who they are called to be. NCYC 2017 was a blessed experience!

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Youth & Young Adults

follow Jesus, the one who offers true freedom. She shared vulnerably of her brokenness growing up, Ben Frost struggling with alcoholism as a teenager and driftDirector of Youth & Young Adults, ing away from the Lord. She eventually found faith Communications and Public Relations through a priest who was willing to encourage and bfrost@dow.org mentor her. Using her life testimony, she asked the participants to think about the road blocks that were holding them back and to offer them to God. NCYC also had many breakout sessions for the teens to choose from. Angie Nagel said her students really enjoyed the session led by Jason Evert, a national chastity presenter.

“Our youth took pages of notes and never felt judged, but rather inspired,” she said of the session, One hundred twenty pilgrims from the Diocese which touched on topics like relationships, modof Winona participated in the gathering, which esty and human sexuality. featured many of the nation’s top speakers and Other notable presenters were Chris Stefanick performers. For youth minister Angie Nagel of Blue of Real Life Catholic, and musicians Matt Maher and Earth, the life-changing potential of an event like Toby Mac. NCYC is a reason to keep coming back.

Another significant element of NCYC is the “I think it changes lives. I’ve seen it myself,” she many prayer opportunities. There were opportunisaid. “I’ve seen how [the youth's] faith has changed, ties to pray the Rosary, walk in a Eucharistic prohow they are motivated when they come back and cession, attend daily Mass, receive the Sacrament really live their faith at home.”

Many of those life-changing moments come through the keynote and breakout sessions offered throughout the conference.

One of those keynotes was delivered by Sister Miriam James Heidland, a religious sister of the SOLT (Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity) community. In her Saturday morning talk, she challenged the teens to courageously

December, 2017 w The Courier

Catholic Schools

8

Why St. Felix?

By ERIC SONNEK

�s the new guy in town, I won-

dered how long it would take me to get to know the ins and outs of the community. During the first few months, I have noticed, along with my wife, that the community of St. Felix is full of prayer-filled, committed members who want to see St. Felix Catholic School thrive. St. Felix Catholic School has seen some great success over the past few months; for example, we shattered our goals for our Fall Festival and Marathon. Along with the help of generous donors and grants, St. Felix Catholic School will be able to start a STEM program through Lego Education. We are also starting a campaign to help raise money for a new playground for students and the community of Wabasha.

One of the big questions I have received since starting the job at St. Felix is, “Why St. Felix?”

St. Felix Catholic School students receive outstanding instruction from top-notch teachers who enable students to develop character, cultivate passions, and explore the world outside of the classroom. As the principal, I am committed to ensuring that students’ needs and interests help shape instruction and extracurricular opportunities. Through this shared commitment to learning, I am excited to see students engaged in the classroom, participating at Mass, or any other area that peaks student interest and passion. An excellent education is not possible with-

out the great collaboration of students, parents, and staff. One of the greatest takeaways from my recent conversations with staff, students and parents has been the immense enthusiasm and pride for the school and community. It is through that same enthusiasm and pride that I look forward to

becoming an integral part of the community with my own family and to working with each of you to continue the great successes at St. Felix.

Eric Sonnek is the principal of St. Felix School in Wabasha.

St. Peter's School: 100 Years of Memories Left: This fall, St. Peter's School in Hokah celebrated its 100th birthday, with celebrations including a special Mass, potluck brunch, and students and alumni sharing their favorite memories of going to St. Peter's School.

Upper Right: K- though 2nd-graders from St. Peter's School in Hokah spent an afternoon at the Von Arx farm, learning about different farm animals and enjoying the fall weather.

Lower Right: K- through 2nd-graders at St. Peter's School in Hokah thanked their school, church, volunteers, family and friends last week at their special Thanksgiving Mass.

December, 2017 w The Courier

Meanwhile, at Pacelli Schools...

By ALEX HORGEN

� acelli High School, in its recent shift toward the Classical Education model, has begun to place more

emphasis on giving students room to express and refine their knowledge through genuine class discussion. Class discussion is the most impactful method for creating the space for more student-centered analysis of texts and people from the past. Socratic seminars are the most recognizable form of student-driven discussions with which one might be familiar. These seminars involve students investigating a given text through thoughtful discussion.

A genuine discussion in a classroom is one in which the teacher does not participate, or intervenes very rarely.

However, teachers still can be seen as the authority of knowledge for the content being discussed. Paideia, a

Jeans for Jesus

By JEAN MCDERMOTT

�

he past few months have seen countless natural disasters throughout the country and the world, affecting the lives of many families: hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, fires. How do we help our children cope with these events that they see on the news or learn about at school?

Young children often mix up real and pretend. They might not know quite what happened in the disaster, but they will know that people around them are upset or sad. When preschool children see the news on TV, they may not know that the news often shows the same event again and again. They may think the scary event keeps taking place. School-age children can understand more about the disaster than preschool children can.

They may want to hear about what happened from trusted adults and to receive comfort. Children this age can feel personally affected by news stories. Teens aged 12-17 will understand the event much better than younger children. They may want to share their feelings and thoughts about issues raised by the disaster.

How can we help our children, at home and at school, cope as they view these events in the media? We can find the positive and take action! Help children find the good things within the tragedy.

Sing Play Learn at Pacelli Preschool

For example, when people help each other, take heroic action, and donate medicine and food to survivors, we see the positive impact and strength of humankind. We can show our children how the world organizes to work together, for example, through the International Red Cross or the United Nations Relief Fund. We teach children about the science used to predict, stop and deal with natural disasters. You make a family emergency plan, so your kids know your family is ready, and they know what to do. Help your child find ways to show their care for survivors of disaster, especially other children.

Pacelli Catholic School (Austin, MN) grade K-12 students are given the opportunity to show their care for survivors of disasters. Staff and students pray daily for those impacted by disaster. Intentions for survivors and victims are offered up at weekly Mass. Every month, Pacelli students have a special opportunity to make a difference in their world, not just in their school, but globally.

Jeans for Jesus is observed on the last Thursday of every month. On this day, students may choose to be out of uniform and wear “Jeans for Jesus.” In order to participate, students are encouraged to do chores around the house to earn money or put aside some of their allowance and bring in a donation for a different cause each month. In September, students raised almost $400 to help those who have lost so much in the hurricanes.

In October, students raised $330 to help those affected

By JEAN MCDERMOTT

�

acelli Catholic Schools is excited to welcome a new program to our preschool, made possible through collaboration with strategic partners, MacPhail Center for Music and the Hormel Foundation. Sing Play Learn is an early childhood program developed through MacPhail Center for Music that provides developmentally appropriate musical play for three-, four- and five-year-old children. This experience promotes musical awareness and appreciation through play-based integrated activities. This lively class meets the varied needs of each child and promotes social skills, body control, attention spans and appreciation of music. Each of Pacelli’s preschool programs - Tiny Shamrocks, Little Shamrocks, and Kindergarten Prep - participate in the Sing Play Learn program for 30 minutes once a week. Singing,

games, musical instruments and free play exploration are all seamlessly incorporated into this block of time.

Young children are learning music appreciation through the venue they like best - play!

We are fortunate at Pacelli to also have MacPhail Center for Music and the Hormel Foundation as partners in our grades 4-8 band and orchestra programs.

MacPhail Center for Music is located in Minneapolis with more than 200 faculty members serving more than

Socratic seminars typically have a curriculum-focused endgame in mind for the teacher. In contrast, a Paideia seminar is structured around interpretations and opinions on a text that is much more personal to the student, with no particular curriculum in mind other than leaving the student closer to the text, its author and his or her time period. Festina Lente, Latin for “make haste slowly,” is a philosophy in classical education that stresses the value in slowing down for a deeper analysis. This type of seminar, along with Socratic seminars in general, allow students to slow down and develop skills around classical and other great texts that will strengthen skills they will use throughout their lives. Find more information on Paideia seminars and the Augsburg University program at www.augsburg.edu/ paideia/institute/.

Catholic Schools

Festina Lente: Make Haste Slowly

form of a Socratic dialogue, attempts to move away from this teacher-student dynamic in the discussion.

Over the summer, I was able to attend a week-long program at Augsburg University in St. Paul examining the benefits and process of a Paideia seminar. The 28th annual Paideia Institute was held July 24-28, 2017. The theme of this year’s institute - What makes a citizen? explored the great idea of citizen. The Augsburg Paideia Institute is the only affiliated teacher training program sanctioned by the Paideia Group, Inc. (PGI), the national nonprofit organization that works with Mortimer Adler’s Paideia Program for educators. This type of discussion is a particular form of a Socratic seminar, one that is specifically designed to allow more viewpoints on a particular text. The real fun in this type of Socratic seminar is how accessible it is. In fact, once a discussion begins, the teacher, or anyone, should not interject with historical context, or any content, that was not given prior to the discussion. This is to empower students to participate using their interpretations of the text, which is the focus and intent of the discussion. The teacher’s only contribution is typically limited to one or two questions.

9

Alex Horgen teaches social studies at Pacelli High School in Austin.

by the earthquakes in Mexico City. Austin resident Abraham Daza returned to his hometown of Mexico City for several weeks to help with earthquake disaster relief. The funds raised by Pacelli students in October were used to support Daza’s work in Mexico City. With the donations of Pacelli students and other members of the Austin community, Daza was able to assemble 112 bags of supplies for households in Mexico City.

We use these opportunities for our children to show their care for survivors of disaster. We are reminded in Matthew 25:40, “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, you did it to Me.”

Jean McDermott is the president and elementary principal of Pacelli Schools in Austin.

15,500 students. MacPhail provides instruction at more than 132 locations outside of its downtown Minneapolis facility in more than 35 instruments and a variety of musical styles. Through MacPhail’s innovative community partnership programs delivered in the Twin Cities and throughout the state, MacPhail serves more than 8,500 people who would otherwise not have access to music education.

The MacPhail music opportunities at Pacelli would not be possible without the generous fiscal support of the Hormel Foundation. A separate entity from Hormel Foods Corp., The Hormel Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1941 by Hormel Foods Corporation Founder George A. Hormel and his son, Jay C. Hormel. Contributions from the Hormel Foundation directly benefit the Austin area.

Pacelli Catholic Schools is grateful for the positive impact that MacPhail Center for Music and the Hormel Foundation have in developing the musical skills and appreciation of our students.

Jean McDermott is the president and elementary principal of Pacelli Schools in Austin.

December, 2017 w The Courier

Advent: A Fruitful Time for Christian Stewards 10

Monica Herman

Catholic Foundation

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

that extra party may be just what someone needs to unwind and commune with friends, while, for another, it may be the gateway to exhaustion or a temptation to overindulge in food or drink. Ask God which traditions are life-giving for you, and be bold enough to leave the others behind.

“I just don’t have time,” is the frequent lament of the holiday season. But the Christian steward is aware that we all have the same amount of time, and to each is given an opportunity of returning the first fruits of that time back to God. The season of Advent offers just such a grace-filled opportunity.

Stewardship Prayer for December

The following article and stewardship prayers are reprinted with permission from the National Catholic Stewardship Council, now known as the International Catholic Stewardship Council.

Stewardship Prayer for Advent

�

Dear God, Help us to be good stewards of these Advent days.

In this precious time of hope-filled waiting, help us to seek you more intentionally and more often.

Teach us to look for you in the faces of the needy we will be invited to help and the lonely ones we may be called to accompany in new and unexpected ways.

Help us to be still now and then, even in the midst of our busyness, and see you in the beauty of Your creation in the shimmer of sunlight on snow or the crystal blue of the desert sky.

Each morning, may we wake, knowing you love us, and rejoice that you have given us another day in which to share our lives and our blessings.

Each night, before we close our eyes, may we remember to thank you for the gifts and graces of the day.

Make us mindful of your presence, Lord, as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of your Son. In his Holy Name, we pray.

Amen.

robably nothing challenges a Christian steward’s use of time as much as the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

Each year, we marvel at the irony of it: a time to honor and ponder God’s great mystery, the Incarnation, somehow falls prey to a time of stressful shopping, endless “to do” lists, strained checkbooks, and guilt over what’s not getting done. Sometimes those non-stop Christmas tunes begin to grate on our senses.

How does the Christian steward answer this challenge to devote time to reflection and prayer December, 2017 w The Courier

while incorporating the best and most fruitful of our cultural traditions into this festive season?

One suggestion would be to set aside a special time of reflection right at the beginning of Advent for determining what our priorities for the season will be. Set aside an hour and begin by rereading the Christmas story in the Gospel of Saint Luke.

Ask God to help you know what is the most generous and beneficial use of time in God’s service during this season. Ask for help in setting aside time for prayer each day. Don’t be afraid to cross things off your “must do” list if they add stress to what should be a peaceful time.

Only you and God can determine the best use of your time. For instance, some people find annual Christmas cookie baking a reflective, creative time and a wonderful way to share. For others, it’s a self-imposed burden and a sure-fire way to a messy kitchen and a calorie overload. Likewise,

Congratulations!

Since our last printing,

St. Felix, Wabasha has met its goal for the 2017 Catholic Ministries Appeal!

Come Lord Jesus!

Make us good stewards of Advent. Strengthen our faith; calm our fears.

Come Lord Jesus!

We hear John the Baptist’s cry. Open our hearts. Give us the humility to repent.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Let us walk in your light! Show us how we prepare your way; and make straight your paths.

Come, Lord Jesus!

We give you thanks and praise, for the shining star and angelic host, for Mary and Joseph, good stewards, both.

Come, Lord Jesus!

We rejoice and are glad! For the Good News you bring and God’s glory you revealed.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Amen!

Unwrap Your Vocation Rev. Jason Kern Director of Vocations jkern@dow.org

nesses becomes evident. Each year, I wrap less than a handful of presents, and they are notoriously the worst wrapped presents under the tree.

They often look as if one of my elementary grade cousins wrapped them or even worse. Sometimes they are ripped and the gift itself is exposed, or I take the time to wrap more paper around the spot that ripped. Needless to say, they are a sore sight for the eyes. And yet, like any other gift under the tree, after a chuckle about how bad the wrapping looks, the gift is unwrapped and opened and appreciated.

In a somewhat similar fashion, I think vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life can look a little scary on the outside. They often don’t come neatly wrapped and folded. It is in the midst of our hectic lives and the messiness of our sins that God reveals the depths of His love in our heart. God shows us that we are His gift and invites us to see not the superficial outer wrapping but the call that happens in the depth of our heart. We have to look past the exterior imperfections and let the one who

Vocations Day,

Vocations

�very December, I notice that one of my weak-

knows our heart speak to us and reveal the gift of His love and call in our life.

When we are willing to pull back from the exterior and allow God to speak to us from within, we can encounter an invitation to follow Him and to see how He is leading us.

Vocations come from your family - your family which is exteriorly not always perfect and put together, your family which sometimes is ripped apart and whose blunders are apparent.

This is the place from which vocations come, and it's the place from which my vocation came.

In this way, we do not obsess over getting ourselves together before we listen to God and let Him lead us; we simply place our brokenness in His hands and allow Him to show us our true selves. In Jesus we find our human fulfillment and the possibility of human flourishing.

In Jesus we find the true gift and calling for which we are made. This December, please pray for vocations to come forward in the middle of messy times and places and households. God has a plan and destiny that can only be revealed when we unwrap the gift of our lives in quiet prayer and discernment.

11

Sometimes this means working through some messiness and peeling back some layers of superficiality while we receive healing to live as our true selves. God can do all this in us and desires to do it. As you open up to the Lord, realize He loves you as you are and wants to show you everything about what and who He wants you to become.

Jesus, born to us in the flesh, give us an abundance of priests and consecrated men and women for your Church.

cont'd from pg. 1

The day began with the Holy Mass, after which participants gathered together for fellowship and presentations that engaged the children in vocational discernment. Father Jonathan Fasnacht, parochial vicar of Pax Christi Church, and Sister Agnes Mary Graves, of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, MI, spoke to the group, sharing their testimonies and offering practical advice on how to discover God’s call in life. The young people listened intently and had lots of questions for the presenters.

Sister Agnes Mary Graves shared how religious life is an opportunity to respond to the love of God and the love of neighbor.

“We love God, and we love our neighbor, and we do this in many different ways," she said. "Some of our sisters are teachers. Some are doctors. We have health care clinics where people who are sick can come in and see the doctor, like you see the doctor. Some of our sisters are in college, so they are going to study.”

She went on to reflect on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, her experience living in community as a religious sister, and what the daily routine might look like for a sister.

Father Jonathan Fasnacht described the foundation of vocation, which is rooted in love and holiness.

“We are all called to love in different ways, and this is how God made you,” he said. “When you pray, you get closer to God, and when you are closer to God, you can hear Him. ... If we pray, he tells us, ‘I made you for something special,' and He tells us what it is.”

For parent Alyssa Anguiano, the event was a positive way to expose her children to the concept of voca-

Sr. Agnes Mary Graves presents on consecrated life at Vocations Community Day.

tional discernment. She said the gathering reminded her of the parable of the sower and the seed, where seed falls on rich soil and produces life.

“If we start talking about vocations and having kids exposed to religious life early on so that seeds are planted, then the thought is there, and they think, 'This is an option for me.'”

Alyssa Anguiano also appreciated Father Fasnacht’s comments on the universal call to holiness as he challenged the children to grow in love.

“That call to love is essential," she said, "and whichever vocation a person is called to, that love is primary, and everyone is called to love.”

The Vocations Community Day and National Vocation Awareness Week are examples of lay communities striving to respond to the mission and needs of the Church. They provide a platform on which parents and children can discuss the topic of vocation, and the fruit of such dialogue is like that seed which

is sown into rich and fertile ground.

Events like these are supporting an already optimistic future in the Diocese of Winona. This fall, 17 men are studying as seminarians for our diocese, exploring the vocation of priesthood at IHM Seminary in Winona and Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, MI. God willing, this summer of 2018, two of our seminarians are to be ordained to the priesthood, and one as a transitional deacon. The continued increase in local seminarians is encouraging, and it shows that young people continue to respond to the call of holiness and love. May our Almighty Father continue to soften the hearts of our children and prepare them to be holy spouses, holy priests, holy sisters and, ultimately, saints.

Ben Frost is the director of Youth & Young Adults, Communications and Public Relations for the Diocese of Winona.

December, 2017 w The Courier

Catholic Charities

12

Believe

�hile walking the aisles of a department store in

Chicago recently I came across a collection of elves and reindeer. They were holding a sign with one word on it: "Believe." As Christmas approaches, the word “believe” lights up buildings, adorns pillows, and decorates fireplace mantels.

I am reminded of the timeless Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street. Susan, the little girl in the movie who was raised to be a Santa Claus skeptic, and her mother, who has been jaded by life’s disappointments, end up rallying around Kris Kringle after experiencing his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering spirit of compassion. They become believers!

In the film, the words, “I Believe,” decorate buttons on the lapels of those who proudly support Kris Kringle and his authenticity. Radio City and Macy’s flash the word, "BELIEVE," in dazzling lights, and a little girl crayons the words, “I believe,” and tapes the message to her apartment window.

At a much deeper level, the film’s focus on whether or not to believe in Santa and his authenticity can be seen as a metaphor for our belief in God, who has the ability to do all things. While we may struggle with proving that God exists, you and I, through the gift of faith, believe in God, who is real yet unseen. Without the gift of faith, we might adopt a skepticism that hardens our hearts to receiving God’s grace.

Do you remember the influence of the people in the film who advocate on behalf of Kris Kringle?

I am drawn to their resolute support that ripples hope. Their belief is contagious.

Ironically, those steadfast Kris Kringle supporters remind me of a very special group of individuals. Their belief transforms; it is life-changing. They don’t need to wear buttons on their lapels with the words, “I believe;” you can feel their faith alive as they spread a spirit of compassion.

Catholic Charities’ board members embrace a firm belief in God, whose grace works through the mission of Catholic Charities. Because our board members believe in the mission of Catholic Charities, we are able to remove countless obstacles December, 2017 w The Courier

Mary Alessio

Director of Advancement Catholic Charities

I have been involved in the Catholic Worker Movement for over 30 years. Like Catholic Charities, it has a foundation in Catholic social teaching. I strongly believe in these teachings and believe that the work of Catholic Charities puts these teachings into action. They truly make a difference in the lives of all the people they serve. By serving on the board, I want to help give direction to this organization’s mission because as Catholics we are called to help alleviate poverty and advocate for justice. for those we serve. Their leadership and support empowers our efforts to provide help and create hope for the poor and marginalized in southern Minnesota.

I recently asked our board members why they believe so strongly in the mission of Catholic Charities. I am humbled and honored to share a few of their responses with you. Enjoy their reflections; experience their warmth, wisdom and unwavering spirit. We are forever grateful that our board members believe.

I believe in the mission of Catholic Charities because I believe in the words of Matthew 25:40—“As you did it to the least of one of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

-Board Chair Scot Berkley

As a longtime supporter of Catholic Charities and their important work, I was honored and happy to be asked to serve on their board. When I began attending board meetings, however, I soon realized that I had only a very limited awareness of the extent of the significant work that this amazing organization does and the very impressive and dedicated staff that serve the poor and vulnerable in our diocese. Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota is really making a difference in people’s lives. They truly serve Christ daily as they lift up those in need.

-Dr. Jimmy Bickerstaff

I love the Catholic faith and believe in the Church’s mission. I embrace Catholic Charities programs targeted to the needs of local populations, regardless of religious affiliation, ethnic background, age, or ability to pay. Catholic Charities staff is super committed, creative, and compassionate!

-Dr. Sidna Tulledge-Scheitel

-Mary Farrell

As a priest in the Diocese of Winona, it has been a great blessing for me to serve on the Board of Director’s for Catholic Charities. As a pastor, I have had the opportunity to experience the compassionate work of Catholic Charities as they have come to serve the needs of many people in my parishes.

The love and concern that the people of Catholic Charities live out for those who are finding life difficult continues to bring hope to me and many others.

-Fr. Greg Havel

Catholic Charities is an integral part of our diocesan community. I first became aware of Catholic Charities when we moved to Rochester 18 years ago and I volunteered in the Pregnancy Parenting and Adoption Program. The commitment of staff was a beautiful witness to Christ’s apostolic mission to serve the poorest amongst us. I was honored and humbled to be asked to serve on the board four year ago. When I give of myself as a Catholic Charities board member, I receive more than I give.

-Mary Frances Lane

Wishing you and your loved ones the enriching gift of compassion this Christmas! Our staff, board members, and volunteers send our heartfelt thanks for uplifting the mission of Catholic Charities. You are a ripple of faith, hope, and love for those we serve. God bless you for believing!

Mary Alessio Director of Advancement

St. Francis' Tough Words 13 Civic Leaders Need Friends

Rachel Herbeck

Outreach and Policy Coordinator Minnesota Catholic Conference

�butaintoftenFrancis of Assisi is a beloved saint to many, a mischaracterized one. Usually shown with

animals, the mainstream vision of Francis is tame and gentle. However, St. Francis was an intense and radical preacher, consumed with zeal for the Kingdom of God and intent on relaying the truth to others, including Muslim sultans.

Toward the end of his life, St. Francis wrote a letter to all the rulers and leaders of the people. The letter not only was powerful at the time, but provides us with lessons on how to be better citizens and lawmakers. In the letter, St. Francis urges leaders to: not forget the Lord and His commandments, or they will be cursed; put aside all cares of the world and receive the body and blood of Jesus; and give God praise and thanksgiving or render an account to God on the day of judgement.

St. Francis’ words remind us that, like him, we must enter into the public arena to be of service to our public servants. We must remind them of their obligations and the lofty calling of politics—what Pope Francis called one of the highest forms of charity.

Action Alert

Urge Congress to Reject Assisted Suicide Assisted suicide puts the vulnerable at risk and undermines health care for all. Now, Congress is in position to label assisted suicide as the dangerous, unethical practice it is.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has expressed its strong support for H. Con. Res. 80, a resolution of Congress declaring that assisted suicide is a "deadly, discriminatory and non-compassionate practice." Please join your voice with Catholics across the country and urge your representative to support the resolution which calls on the federal government to reject assisted suicide and to ensure that every person facing death has access to the best quality and comprehensive medical and palliative health care.

The resolution, introduced by Representative Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), along with a bipartisan group of members, including Rep. Collin Peterson (MN-7), states that “the Government has a legitimate interest in prohibiting assisted suicide” and explains how assisted suicide endangers everyone, especially those least able to defend against coercion. The resolution warns that “assisted suicide...puts everyone, including the most vulnerable, at risk of deadly harm and undermines the integrity of the health care system.”

Call your representative today and ask him or her to co-sponsor this important resolution:

For citizens, St. Francis sets an example of a way we can relate to our legislators. He wrote these words because he had genuine care for the people to whom he was writing. He did not see them as far away or above him, but as people with whom he had a responsibility to befriend and call to holiness.

His letter is not a laundry list of policy recommendations. Instead, it reminds leaders of the need to keep the commandments and of the judgment to which they are ultimately subject due to their grave responsibilities.

While it may not be prudent to rush out to remind our legislators about the reality of Hell, as St. Francis did, his letter does encourage us to also consider more fully our relationships with legislators. We want to follow the lead of St. Francis and have relationships with our legislators that aren’t utilitarian. As we participate in advocacy, we must not see those in office merely as people who can get us what we want, viewing our interactions with them as solely “transactional.”

Instead, we need to strengthen and encourage those representing us in office. We can be a resource for them in the community, and we can pray for them.

We need to remind them why they are doing their jobs, who they represent, and the good that they can do. And then thank them when they do it.

Our support, not just our demands, as constituents can help our legislators make good and right decisions. And though we don’t ask rulers to remind the people to pray, as Francis did, we can ask them to enact policies that uphold human dignity and foster the common good, which creates the conditions for people and communities to flourish.

Faith in the Public Arena

for Lawmakers and Citizens

that is so politically divided and divisive, St. Francis urges lawmakers to remember that ultimate power belongs to God and God alone.

Ultimately, lawmakers and citizens alike can take St. Francis’ words as a challenge to regain a healthy fear of the Lord. St. Francis does not want those in power to forget that while God is a God of perfect love, He is also a God of perfect justice. Pope Francis describes fear of the Lord as “a joyful awareness of God’s grandeur,” an awareness that reminds us that we are “held accountable to the Just Judge.”

Fear of the Lord convicts and pierces our hearts for what is right, because we know of God’s greatness and power as King. As we deal with legislative issues, let us be convicted to think and act with the mind and heart of God. And then, when prudent, offer yourself as a servant to the servants—providing counsel, prayer, and opportunities to deepen their knowledge of and relationship with the broader community so that they may act for the common good.

Servants, Not Masters

For lawmakers, the words of St. Francis are a reminder that they are servants. Servants of the people, but ultimately, servants of God. In a world

Rep. Timothy Walz (1st District) - 202-225-2472 Rep. Jason Lewis (2nd District) - 202-225-2271 Rep. Erik Paulsen (3rd District) - 202-225-2871 Rep. Betty McCollum (4th District) - 202-225-6631 Rep. Keith Ellison (5th District) - 202-225-4755 Rep. Tom Emmer (6th District) - 202-225-2331 Rep. Rick Nolan (8th District) - 202-225-6211 December, 2017 w The Courier

14

V Encuentro

V Encuentro

Encuentro Diocesano The Diocesan Encuentro �nidos por una misma Fe, la Comunidad Católica,

Hispano/ Latina de la Diócesis de Winona llevo a cabo la celebración del Encuentro Diocesano, el domingo 15 de octubre en el Verizon Center de la ciudad de Mankato con Misa oficiada por el Obispo John Quinn, y conto con la presencia de 8 sacerdotes de esta diócesis incluyendo al Vicario General, el Monseñor Tom Melvin.

El Encuentro Diocesano congrego alrededor de setecientas personas provenientes de las doce parroquias donde tenemos pastoral hispana en la diócesis de Winona. A este encuentro no solamente fueron invitados las personas que participaron en las cinco sesiones de Evangelización - que se llevaron a cabo a nivel parroquial - sino que también fueron invitados todas las realidades del apostolado hispano de la diócesis,

December, 2017 w The Courier

grupos de oración, coros, comunidades, ministerios de música, etc. Por la mañana el Padre Luis Vargas describió lo que es el proceso del V Encuentro y llevo adelante la reflexión sobre lo que significa este llamado a ser discípulos misioneros de Jesucristo. El Encuentro Diocesano se distinguió por ser un día de comunión fraterna, oración, alegría y de reflexión sobre nuestro llamado de ir a alcanzar a los que se encuentras en las periferias.

El Encuentro Diocesano fue animado por el coro Manantial de Vida de la parroquia de St. James y por la pareja de predicadores y cantores Fernando Y Miriam Gómez provenientes de Miami. El día concluyo con la celebración de la Santa Misa cuya liturgia fue organizada y servida por el Rector y párroco Javier Ibarra y los seminaristas del Seminario Menor Santo José Sánchez del Rio de Mankato MN.

� nited in the one Faith, the Hispanic/ Latino Catholic Community of the Diocese of Winona held the Diocesan celebration of the V Encuentro on Sunday, October 15, at the Verizon Center in Mankato. Bishop John Quinn celebrated the Mass together with eight priests of the diocese and one deacon.

The Diocesan Encuentro brought together about 700 people from the 12 parishes that provide Hispanic ministry in the Diocese of Winona. This Encuentro not only included those who participated in the previous five par-

ish-level evangelization sessions, but also included members of the Hispanic groups involved in various apostolates throughout the diocese, such as prayer groups, choirs, faith communities and music ministries.

In the morning session, Fr. Luis Vargas explained the V Encuentro process and presented a reflection about the significance of being called to be a missionary disciple of Jesus Christ. The Diocesan Encuentro was an exceptional day of fraternal communion, prayer, joy and reflection on our call to reach out to those we find on the periphery of society.

The Diocesan Encuentro was enlivened by Manantial de Vida, a music group from St. James parish, and by Fernando and Miriam Gómez, a couple from Miami who led spiritual reflection and singing. The day concluded with the celebration of the Holy Mass, organized and prepared by Fr. Javier Ibarra, pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish and rector of José Sánchez del Río Minor Seminary in Mankato, and by the seminarians.

Companions on the Journey

15

By TOM PARLIN

Obituaries

Sister Jude Van Baalen, formerly known as Jude Marie Van Baalen, died on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, MI. She was 78 years of age and in the 59th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister was born in Detroit, MI, to Edward and Susan (Flanagan) Van Baalen. She graduated from Dominican High School in Detroit; received a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian, MI; and received a Master of Religious Education degree from Seattle University in Seattle, WA. Sister Jude ministered in Michigan; Illinois; North Dakota; Minnesota; and British Columbia, Canada. In Minnesota, she served as a religious education specialist and director for St. Luke Parish in Sherburn (1970-77) and as a pastoral associate for St. Paul/St. Mary Parish in Tracy (1977-82).

Sister Jude was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Edward, and her sister Mary. Sister is survived by two brothers: Paul (of Warren, MI) and Marc (of St. Clair Shores, MI); and two sisters: Ann Bertolini (of Hudson, FL) and Sister Susan Van Baalen (also an Adrian Dominican Sister).

Participants at Catholic Charities Social Concerns Committee's Compañeros de Viaje retreat watch Dying to Live on DVD at St. Charles Borromeo Church in St. Charles on September 27, 2017.

tionally skilled in immediate translation from English to Spanish and Spanish to English Another significant activity was the viewing of the award-winning film Dying to Live, which chronicles the dangers and difficulties undocumented immigrants endure to cross the border, and the desperate situations that lead to this journey. Following the film, small groups, composed of a mix of Anglos and Hispanics, discussed the film. This gave recent immigrants, and some not so recent immigrants, the opportunity to further tell their stories and also gave long term residents of this country a chance to ask questions. Each small group had bilingual facilitators. Many Hispanic people voiced their appreciation that they were heard and that the Anglo people were really trying to understand their experience. This allowed participants to put a human face on the issue of immigration. We were blessed by this encounter with one another.

The parish of St. Charles Borromeo was significant in the success of this retreat. They were gra-

The Funeral Mass was offered in St. Catherine Chapel at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, MI, on Friday, November 17, 2017. The Rite of Committal was in the congregation cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221.

Sister Doreen Van Uden, 68, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes in Rochester, died at Assisi Heights on November 21, 2017.

Doreen was born November 24, 1948, in Marshall to Joseph and Bertha (Louwagie) Van Uden. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1968 from St. Eloi Parish, Ghent, MN, and made first vows in 1970 and perpetual vows in 1976. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, in 1972.

For 19 years, Sister Doreen was an intermediate teacher at schools in Minnesota: Queen of Angels, Austin (1971-75); St. Mary School, Tracy (197680); St. Mary School, Winona (1981-85); and St. Mary School, Olivia (1985-90).

She also taught at Immaculate Conception School, Watertown, SD (1975-76). While teaching, it was important to her to also include education on peace and environmental issues. In 1990, Sister Doreen had a sabbatical during which she did wood-

In the Diocese

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n September 27, 2017, Pope Francis launched a two-year campaign, entitled Share the Journey, to support immigrants and refugees throughout the world.

Pope Francis invited us to an “encounter” with these displaced people. Visit www.sharejourney.org to learn more about the campaign. The Parish Social Ministry office of Catholic Charities will endeavor to provide events to highlight the plight of immigrants and refugees.

On Saturday, October 28, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles, the Social Concerns committee held a retreat, entitled Compañeros de Viaje (Companions on the Journey), with a focus on justice for immigrants. There were 52 in attendance, with the participants in the retreat split evenly between Anglo and Hispanic people.Our desire was to give longterm English-speaking residents and Hispanic people a chance to “encounter” each other as the face of Christ to one another. Familias Juntas Director Lisa Kremer prepared and ran this retreat in the Worthington area four times in recent years, most recently this past August.

This retreat was offered for the first time on the east side of the diocese in St. Charles.

An important element of this retreat was the use of headsets that allowed participants to have instant translation of talks that were alternately given in English and Spanish. Sister Ruth Snyder, OSF, gave a talk in English on the theology of immigration, Father Luis Vargas, the parochial vicar at St. Francis of Assisi in Rochester, followed with a talk on the same subject in Spanish. Francisco Magana, the translator, was excep-

cious hosts, supporting us behind the scene, providing help with facilitators, and creating a welcoming environment.

Musicians from the parish led us in lively music for prayer and during the break times. Special thanks to Pastor Father Tim Biren, his staff, and the parishioners of St. Charles Borromeo.

The Social Concerns Committee was also important to the success of this retreat, having traveled from various parts of the diocese to help with the various aspects of the event. This committee gathers monthly to plan and promote Catholic Social Teaching. We have hopes of continuing to foster a sense of social justice throughout the diocese and to focus on the current issues of the day. We hope to continue to be a voice of justice for immigrants and refugees, providing more events during the two-year Share the Journey campaign.

Tom Parlin is the administrator of Catholic Charities' Parish Social Ministry Program.

working, making furniture with beautiful inlays, picture frames, a jewelry box and reading stand with wood-burned designs.

At the end of her sabbatical, Sister Doreen moved to Rosemount where she went to Dakota County Technical School to study horticulture and landscaping. She had been there 5½ months when she had a stroke in February of 1992. After years of rehabilitation in Rochester and a vocational assessment at Courage Center in Golden Valley, she was linked with the Minnesota Zoo (1996-2014) where she worked in the Horticulture Department.

In her retirement, Sister Doreen enjoyed embroidery, gardening and travel.

Sister Doreen is survived by her Franciscan Congregation, with whom she shared life for 48 years; a sister, Bernadine (Ed) Hennek of St. Cloud; and a close friend, Tanya Kern. Her parents preceded her in death.

A Funeral Mass was held Monday, November 27, 2017, in the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes at Assisi Heights, Rochester. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Development, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55901.

Sister Delphine Klein, 94, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes in Rochester, died at Assisi Heights on Saturday, November 25, 2017.

Lucille Marie Klein was born to Joseph F. and Mary (Mossong) Klein in Dell Rapids, SD, on April 11, 1923. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1944 from Saint Mary Parish in Dell Rapids.

Sister Delphine made first vows in 1947 and perpetual vows in 1950.

For 11 years, Sister Delphine served as an invaluable homemaker at several convents in Minnesota: St. Paul Convent in Fairmont, St. Peter Convent in Caledonia, St. Raphael Convent in Springfield and St. Peter Convent is Rose Creek. She then moved to Winona, where she served for 31 years on the housekeeping staff at the College of St. Teresa. In 1989, Sister Delphine moved to Assisi Heights and participated in Assisi Heights Ministries until her retirement in 1994. She also served in child care at the Northgate Health Club in Rochester (1992-94).

Sister Delphine is survived by her Franciscan Congregation, with whom she shared life for 73 years; a brother, Jerome (Marilyn) Klein of Ballwin, MO; two sisters: Sister Jeanette Klein, OSF, and Sister Judine Klein, OSF, of Rochester; nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death are her parents and two brothers: Norbert Klein and Harold Klein.

A Funeral Liturgy was held on Monday, December 4, 2017, in the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes at Assisi Heights, Rochester. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Development, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55901.

December, 2017 w The Courier

SUBMISSION to the calendar

December 2017

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

All submissions must be sent electronically to nreller@dow.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.dow.org.

Regular Prayer St. Mary’s Church, Winona holds Mass for Life & Marriage the first Thursday each month at 8:30 a.m.

Holy Hour of Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty is held the first Saturday of each month 8:30-9:30 a.m. (after Mass) at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 360 Main Street, Winona. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed and a rosary offered. Gather in the Adoration Chapel. 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 62 E 3rd Street in Winona. Contact: Patti (507) 429-4636 Masses of Reparation for Sins in the Diocese are held daily in parishes throughout the diocese. For times & locations: cb@wabashaemail.com

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 Immaculate Conception Church, St. Clair December 2, Saturday Winter Festival, Celebrating St. Nicholas. Christmas cookie & holiday treat sale 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in gathering area. Cookies $5/ pound. Also, pre-priced holiday treats including fudge, carmels, candies. Cutest cupcake contest cash prize for cutest dozen cupcakes submitted AND for cupcakes bringing highest bid. (Bidding ends 10 a.m.

Sunday 12/3). Details and rules now available in parish office. Luncheon 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in basement. Soup, sandwiches, dessert, beverage.

Lunch is $6 adults. $4 students.

Free 4 & under. Raffle drawing at noon in basement. Gift baskets, cash prizes, quilts, gift certificates to area businesses, and much more! Raffle tickets available now in parish office or in the basement on the day of the festival. Info: 507-245-3447.

St. Mary of the Lake Church, Lake City December 2, Saturday Holiday Bazaar 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Crafts, bake sale, cookie walk, mission sewing, silent auction, breakfast tortillas.

Offered as a service for the homebound and elderly 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, 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 Miguel Eduardo Proaños Vicario Parroquial de St. James, St James frmiguel2005@yahoo.com Tel. 507-375-3542

Padre Luis Alfonso Vargas Vicario Parroquial de St. Francis of Assisi, Rochester frluisvargasdw@gmail.com Tel. 507-288-7313

Padre Ubaldo Roque Vicario Parroquial de St. Mary’s, Worthington el_hermano_roque@hotmail.com Tel. 507-440-9735

Padre Javier Ibarra IVE Párroco de SS. Peter and Paul, Mankato Tel. 507-388-2995 ext. 103

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 Owatonna, Sacred Heart 11 a.m. Sunday 11:45 a.m. Sunday Austin, Queen of Angels 11 a.m. Sunday; 5:15 Pipestone, St. Leo 2:30 p.m. Sunday Friday (bilingual) Lake City, St. Mary 6:30 p.m. each 3rd Saturday Rochester, St. Francis Madelia, St. Mary of Assisi 10 a.m. Sunday 12 p.m. Sunday & 7 Mankato, Ss. Peter & Paul p.m. Thursday 1 p.m. Sunday

St. Charles, St. Charles Borromeo 7 p.m. Saturday St. James, St. James 12 p.m. Sunday Windom,St.FrancisXavier 2:30 p.m. Sunday Worthington, St. Mary 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. Sunday; 6:30 p.m. Tuesday & Friday

St. Anthony Church, Lismore December 9, Saturday Spaghetti supper hosted by the Council of Catholic Women and bake sale hosted by Catholic Daughters Ct. St. Bernard #886, following 5 p.m.

Mass. Free-will offerings accepted.

Home-baked goodies available for purchase.

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona December 12, Tuesday All are welcome to join in the celebration of four Masses being filmed for broadcast to the homebound. Help us capture the experience of a full church for our viewers! 9 a.m. filming Mass to be aired on 12/17 (3rd Sunday in Advent) with Fr. Bill Kulas. 10 a.m. filming Mass to be aired on 12/24 (4th Sunday of Advent) with Fr. Bill Kulas. 1 p.m. filming Mass to be aired on 12/31 (Feast of the Holy Family) with Fr. Glenn Frerichs. 2 p.m. filming Mass to be aired on 1/7 (Feast of the Epiphany) with Fr. Chinnappa Pothireddy.

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona January 5, Friday On the first Friday of the month, the Cathedral hosts Cor Jesu, a night of Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, and Praise & Worship.

The January date is Friday, January 5, from 7-9 p.m. All are welcome to attend; invite your family and friends! The Cathedral is at 360 Main St. in Winona. For details, search Cor Jesu Winona on Facebook, visit winonacorjesu.gitlab.io, or call Leandra Hubka (507-990-3402) or Steven Lehn (507-312-9041).

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona January 15, Monday Registration deadline for Wisdom, an adult faith formation DVD study series that will be held over 8 sessions 1/30-3/21, either Tuesdays 7-8:30 p.m. or Wednesdays 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Gain the peace of knowing God cares for you and can show you a path through any circumstance. Cost is $23 for the series. Register online at cascwinona.org or pick up forms in the Cathedral's Gathering Space and St. Mary's Commons. Contact: Donna 507-454-1296.

St. Thomas More Newman Center, Mankato January 20, Saturday Mankato area Pre-Cana retreat 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Pre-Cana ministry assists couples as they prepare for married life by taking time to reflect on various aspects of the marriage relationship. The Newman Center is located at 1502 Warren Street in Mankato. Register at catholicmavs. org/pre-cana-online-registration.

Pax Christi Church, Rochester February 10, Saturday InterMISSION 5:15-9:30 p.m. An evening rally for high school teens to grow together through prayer, sacraments and engaging programs.

InterMISSION is presented by Partnership for Youth, which also organizes the Steubenville Youth Conference. 4135 18th Ave. NW in Rochester. Register online at partnershipforyouth.org.

It ' s a ll online!

• The Courier

Vist www.dow.org for online access to: The Courier TV Mass Diocesan News Our Events Calendar and more!

Disaster Relief Tell Us What Update You Think The faithful of the Diocese of Winona have raised a current total of $438,060.96 for victims of recent natural disasters.

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$261,566.03 has been raised for victims of Hurricane Harvey, which dealt extensive damage to the Houston, TX, metropolitan area in August of 2017.

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$148,382.20 has been raised for victims of Hurricane Irma, which struck parts of the Caribbean and Florida between the end of August and midSeptember of 2017.

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$10,080.97 has been raised for victims of earthquakes that struck the Mexican state of Chiapas and the Mexico City metropolitan area within two weeks of each other in early September of 2017.

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$18,031.76 has been raised for victims of Hurricane Maria, which swept through the Caribbean in the second half of September, 2017, bringing particular devastation to Puerto Rico, where residents are still struggling to recover.

Thanks to all who have given so generously. Those who still wish to donate to any of these efforts may do so at the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota’s disaster relief webpage: catholicfsmn.org/ Donate/Hurricane-Relief.

Many thanks to all readers who have taken a moment to weigh in on The Courier's proposed transition to a new magazine format. If you haven't yet sent us your thoughts, we encourage you to do so.

An online prototype of the proposed magazine, The Disciple, can be found at faithdigital.org/ Winona/WINSpring17/ This quarterly magazine would place heavier emphasis on catechesis, evangelization, and witness stories from parishioners here in our diocese, while leaving some news and events coverage to our diocesan website (dow.org).

Please keep in mind that, while the online prototype shows a lot of sample material, a real issue of The Disciple would be printed on paper (with an online version available) and would feature stories and columns from within our diocese whenever possible.

Please send any feedback on the magazine prototype, or on your experience as a reader of The Courier, to Associate Editor Nick Reller at nreller@dow.org or 507-858-1257. In your comments, please indicate your parish, age, gender, and whether you consider yourself a regular reader of The Courier. What do you like about the magazine format? What is it missing? How does it compare to The Courier? Finally, if you belong to a parish or diocesan group that would be interested in holding a focus group (of about 20 people) regarding this prototype, please indicate that as well. Thank you!

-Courier Staff