The
COURIER
Ash Wednesday February 14
February 2024
Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona-Rochester, MN | dowr.org
Surrogacy Is an Injustice to All Involved,
Minnesota Catholic Conference
Inside the Capitol
Bishop Barron Says in Support of Pope Francis
Putting Families First at the Capitol
�ycles of abuse, addiction, poor health out-
From usccb.org
�ishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, chair-
comes, academic under achievement, and crime seem impossible to end. All too often, at the heart of these issues is the breakdown of the family. While there is no single cause nor solution, we know that these outcomes exacerbate the breakdown of the family and when families are economically stable many of these issues can begin to heal. The Families First Project, an initiative of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, serves to advocate for removing barriers to family stability and economic security so that Minnesotans can get married, stay married, and raise a family. The first fruits of the Families First Project will be seen by many of Minnesota’s families when they file their taxes this year. Through legislation spearheaded by our Families First Project and supported by the testimony of families like yours, Minnesota’s legislature passed a nationleading, permanent state-level child tax credit. So, what does this mean for eligible families? The Child Tax Credit is a reduction in the amount owed on state taxes for a given year. For those who do not owe taxes, the credit is refunded through their tax return. But to receive the credit, it is imperative to file an individual income tax return, regardless of earned income. This credit and other tax benefits like the Working Family Credit, education tax credit, and education subtraction for children's schooling expenses help
man of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, issued this reflection in support of the Holy Father’s January 8 remarks to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, which included a specific mention of the harms of surrogacy: Pope Francis strongly condemned the practice of surrogacy calling it ‘a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child.’ He emphasized that a child is a gift and as such can ‘never (be) the basis of a commercial contract.’ Surrogacy represents the commodification and instrumentalization of a woman’s body, treating her as a ‘carrier’ rather than a human person. And just as troubling is the fact that the child is reduced to terms of buying and selling as an object of human trafficking. The commercialization of women and children in surrogacy is underlined by the belief that there is a right to have a child. The child becomes an object for the fulfillment of one’s desires instead of a person to be cherished. In this way, the genuine right of the child to be conceived through the love of his or her parents is overlooked in favor of ‘the right to have a child by any means necessary.’ We must avoid this way of thinking and answer the call to respect human life, beginning with the unborn child. It might be the case that couples earnestly want to have children without resorting to surrogacy, but painful and even life-threatening medical
Pope Francis speaks to Georgios Poulides, ambassador of Cyprus to the Holy See and dean of the Vatican diplomatic corps, as diplomats accredited to the Holy See gather in the Sistine Chapel for a group photo on Jan. 8, 2024. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
obstacles make childbirth hazardous or impossible. The serious prospect of a life without biological children has been dismissed by some, but we have a responsibility to accompany these couples in their suffering. The Church teaches that married couples are not obliged to actually have children, but to be open to any life that might be the fruit of their union. The desire to utilize surrogacy might feel like the desire to form a family naturally, but no matter how well-intentioned, surrogacy always does grave injustice to the child, any discarded embryos (who are our fellow human beings), the commodified birth mother, and the loving union of the spouses.
Families, cont'd on pg. 7
INSIDE this issue
Pointing to Signs and Wonders page 5
Thank God for Principals page 6
Should We Go on a Marriage Retreat?
page 7
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Protecting the Environment Is Part of Articles of Interest New Year's Reflections & Rite of Election_____4 Protecting Human Life, Pope Says By CINDY WOODEN
The Courier Insider
VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The obligation to care for creation is not only about the environment, "it has to do with human life, as the Creator conceived and arranged it," Pope Francis told a group from northern Italy dedicated to remembering the 1,910 people who died from the Vajont dam disaster. "One thing is striking," the pope said; "it was not mistakes in the design or construction of the dam that caused the tragedy, but the very fact of wanting to build a reservoir in the wrong place." In October 1963 a landslide on an unstable mountain on the southern side of the reservoir set off a massive tsunami, wiping out entire towns and villages and killing 1,910 people. The dam, built to generate power, remained intact. The decision to build and use the dam, despite cautionary studies about its surroundings, put "the logic of profit before the care of people and the environment in which they live," the pope said during a meeting Jan. 19 with pilgrims from the Diocese of Belluno-Feltre and from the association "Vajont: The Future of Memory." The support survivors showed one another and the way people in the region built new towns and have continued to work together to protect the land have set off a "wave of hope" motivated by fraternity whereas the "wave that brought despair was caused by greed. And greed destroys, while fraternity builds," the pope said.
Renovating St. Anne
"This is extremely relevant today," the pope said. "The care of creation is not simply an ecological factor, but an anthropological issue: It has to do with human life, as the Creator conceived and arranged it, and it concerns the future of everyone, of the global society in which we are immersed." The earth, "the common home, is crumbling," the pope said, "and the reason is once again the same: greed for profit, a frenzy to earn and possess that seems to make people feel omnipotent" when being creatures should mean learning to respect limits. Pope Francis noted that 2024 marks the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi writing most of the "Canticle of the Creatures," the hymn of praise to God for the gifts of creation, a hymn in which he addresses as brother or sister the sun, moon, stars, wind, fire and other elements. Calling them brothers and sisters, the pope said, makes it clear that all creation is "part of a single 'living web of good,' lovingly arranged by the Lord for us." In the canticle, St. Francis praises the Lord for "Sister Water, which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste." And it is useful and humble, the pope said, "yet it became tremendous and destructive in the case of the Vajont and is inaccessible for so many in the world today who suffer thirst or have no drinkable water." "We need the contemplative gaze, the respectful gaze of St. Francis to recognize the beauty of creation and to know how to give things their proper order, to stop devastating the environment with the deadly logic of greed and to collaborate fraternally in development," he said.
A Call to Care
Submitted by MARK METZLER
“There is a pressing need to transform Benedictine Saint Anne for present and future residents,” said Tim Dalton, Benedictine Winona Foundation Board Chair. The Foundation has been charged with raising funds. The renovation of Saint Anne – A Call to Care: A Better Home, A Better Life – is projected to cost $10 million. The Foundation Board is looking to raise $2 million to make the renovation a reality.
Most Reverend Robert E. Barron, Publisher Nick Reller, Associate Editor Telephone: 507-858-1257 Fax:507-454-8106 E-mail: nreller@dowr.org Publishing Schedule: Monthly - Deadline for advertising & articles is the (ISSN 0744-5490)
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Should We Go on a Marriage Retreat?_____7 CMA 2024________________________________8 Diocesan Headlines______________________9-12
The Holy Father's Intention for
January 2024 For the Terminally Ill We pray that those with a terminal illness, and their families, receive the necessary physical and spiritual care and accompaniment. Officials The Most Rev. Robert Barron, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, announces the following: Pastor
Rev. Jonathan Fasnacht: appointed Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in St. Charles and Holy Redeemer Parish in Eyota, effective February 1, 2024.
Parochial Administrator
The Courier is the official publication of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 588, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 115 - 2
10th of the month prior.
Catholic Schools News_____________________6
Rev. James Starasinich: appointed Pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Rochester, effective February 1, 2024.
� ising at the west end of Broadway, Benedictine Saint Anne has been part of the
Winona skyline since 1962. In that time, thousands of our area’s older adults have been served by a staff dedicated to help them make the best of each day. “Almost everyone in our community has had someone they know stay with us or work with us - parents, grandparents, family members or friends. Saint Anne is part of so many peoples’ stories and lives,” said Cheryl Nash, Director of Nursing at Saint Anne. Now, the story needs revision. Despite dedicated stewardship over the years, Saint Anne is starting to show its age. Plus, the way services are delivered to residents and therapy clients has changed dramatically since Saint Anne was first opened in 1962.
Pointing to Signs and Wonders___________5
St. Anne, cont'd on pg. 12
Rev. Msgr. Thomas Cook: in addition to his current assignment as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Owatonna; appointed Parochial Administrator of St. Joseph Parish in Owatonna and Christ the King Parish in Medford, effective February 1, 2024.
Rev. Kurt Farrell: in addition to his current assignment as Pastor of St. Theodore Parish in Albert Lea; appointed Parochial Administrator of St. Casimir
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 507-454-2270, 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.
Parish in Wells, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Easton, and St. John the Baptist Parish in Minnesota Lake; effective January 10, 2024.
Rev. Dharmendra Pasala: appointed Parochial Administrator of Good Shepherd Parish in Jackson, St. Joseph Parish in Lakefield, and St. Luke Parish in Sherburn, effective March 1, 2024. Presbyteral Council
Very Rev. Raúl Silva: reappointed to the Presbyteral Council for a three-year term, effective January 1, 2024. Senior Priest Status
Rev. Gregory Havel: granted Senior Priest status, effective December 22, 2023. Where to Find The Courier
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Hard copies are distributed at DOW-R parishes on the first weekend of each month.
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An online version may be viewed at www.dowr.org/offices/ courier/index.html
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To be added to the home delivery list free of charge, readers should send their names and addresses to: Diocese of Winona-Rochester The Courier 55 W Sanborn St. Winona, MN 55987 or nreller@dowr.org
It's Not Your Life; It's Not Your Death; It's Not Your Choice
Bishop Robert Barron
� hen I was an auxiliary bishop in the LA Archdiocese
some years ago, the state of California was militating in favor of physician-assisted suicide. During the campaign, while driving through my pastoral region, I saw a pro-euthanasia billboard with the following message: “My Life, my Death, my Choice.” Immediately I thought of St. Paul’s diametrically
among other things, have been gradually lifted. In many of those places, the elderly, those with dementia, those experiencing depression or severe anxiety can all be candidates for this form of “treatment.” Though the advocates of medically-assisted suicide will deny it until the cows come home, this law places the entire state directly on the slipperiest of slopes. And in regard to the second point, we’re back to the California billboard. Though we place a huge premium on it in our culture, I don’t consider autonomy the supreme value. Authentic freedom is not radical self-determination; rather, it is ordered to certain goods that the mind has discerned. I become free, for instance, to play golf, not inasmuch as I swing the club any way I want, but instead in the measure that I have interiorized the rules that properly govern the swing. A purely “autonomous” golfer will be a failure on the course. In precisely the same way, a sheerly autonomous moral agent will wreak havoc all around him and lose his ethical bearings. If I speak obsessively of “choice,” but never even raise a question regarding the good or evil being chosen, I find myself in a moral
and intellectual wasteland. True freedom is ordered toward moral value and ultimately to the supreme value who is God. Some advocates of physician-assisted suicide will argue that autonomy over one’s body is of utmost importance for those who face the prospect of a dreadfully painful demise. But this consideration is largely beside the point, for palliative care is so advanced that in practically all cases, pain can be successfully managed. I say this with special emphasis in the state of Minnesota, which is justly famous for the high quality of its hospitals, including and especially the Mayo Clinic. The deeper point is this: even if a dying person found himself in great pain, actively killing himself would not be morally justifiable. The reason is that the direct killing of the innocent is, in the language of the Church, “intrinsically evil,” which is to say, incapable of being morally sanctioned, no matter how extenuating the circumstances or how beneficial the consequences. I have argued before that when this category is lost sight of, a dangerous relativism holds sway. And when even the direct taking of innocent life is a matter of
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personal choice, the entire moral enterprise has in fact collapsed into incoherence. And so, could I ask all of my fellow citizens of Minnesota, especially those who are Catholic, to oppose this legislation (SF 1813/HF 1930) in any way you can: call your representative or senator, write to the Governor, talk to your friends and neighbors, circulate a petition. The easiest way is by sending a note through our Minnesota Catholic Conference Catholic Advocacy Network (mncatholic.org), which will send your message directly to your legislators. And to those in other parts of the country, I would urge vigilance. If this legislation hasn’t come to your state yet, it probably will soon enough. If you stand for the culture of life, fight it!
From the Bishop
Non Nisi Te Domine
opposite remark in his letter to the Romans: “We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” I do believe that in regard to the issue of assisted suicide, it comes down to this: did the billboard get it right, or did St. Paul? Does my life belong to me or is it a gift from God? Is my death a matter of my personal choice, or is it under God’s providence and at his disposal? This great question has come to the forefront of my mind once again, since my current home state of Minnesota is considering legislation very similar to the one that California did indeed adopt. The proposal is couched in language designed to assuage moral anxieties: it will be offered only to those who have a terminal diagnosis and who are making the decision in complete autonomy. In regard to the first point, color me very skeptical. In many countries in Europe and in Canada, where physician-assisted suicide was approved in a similarly limited way, the restrictions on who can access it and the safeguards in place to prevent elder abuse,
-Most Rev. Robert Barron, Bishop of Winona-Rochester
No es tu vida; no es tu muerte; no es tu elección Minnesota, está considerando publicitario de California. sobre el propio cuerpo es de vista esta categoría, se impone � ace algunos años, cuando una legislación muy similar Aunque en nuestra cultura le suma importancia para quienes un peligroso relativismo. Y era obispo auxiliar en la a la que California sí adoptó. damos mucha importancia, no se enfrentan a la perspectiva cuando incluso la eliminación archidiócesis de Los Ángeles, el estado de California militaba a favor del suicidio asistido por médicos. Durante la campaña, mientras conducía por mi región pastoral, vi un cartel publicitario a favor de la eutanasia con el siguiente mensaje: "Mi vida, mi muerte, mi elección”. Inmediatamente pensé en el comentario diametralmente opuesto de San Pablo en su carta a los Romanos: "“Ninguno de nosotros vive para sí mismo, ni muere para sí mismo. Si vivimos, para el Señor vivimos; y si morimos, para el Señor morimos”. Creo que, en el tema del suicidio asistido, todo se reduce a esto: ¿Estaba en lo cierto el cartel publicitario o lo estaba San Pablo? ¿Mi vida me pertenece o es un don de Dios? ¿Es mi muerte una cuestión de elección personal, o está bajo la providencia de Dios y a su disposición? Esta gran pregunta ha vuelto a ocupar un primer plano en mi mente, ya que mi actual estado de residencia,
La propuesta está redactada en un lenguaje diseñado para calmar las ansiedades morales: sólo se ofrecerá a aquellos que tengan un diagnóstico terminal y que tomen la decisión con total autonomía. En cuanto al primer punto, soy muy escéptico. En muchos países de Europa y en Canadá, donde el suicidio asistido por un médico se aprobó de forma igualmente limitada, se han ido eliminando gradualmente las restricciones sobre quién puede acceder a él y las precauciones adoptadas para evitar el abuso de ancianos, entre otras cosas. En muchos de esos lugares, los ancianos, las personas con demencia, las que sufren depresión o ansiedad grave pueden ser candidatos a esta forma de "tratamiento". Aunque los defensores del suicidio médicamente asistido lo negarán hasta el cansancio, esta ley coloca a todo el Estado directamente en la más resbaladiza de las pendientes. Y con respecto al segundo punto, volvemos al cartel
considero que la autonomía sea el valor supremo. La auténtica libertad no es la autodeterminación radical, sino que se ordena a ciertos bienes que la mente ha discernido. Soy libre, por ejemplo, para jugar al golf, no en la medida en que golpeo el palo como quiero, sino en la medida en que he interiorizado las reglas que rigen adecuadamente el golpe. Un golfista puramente "autónomo" será un fracaso en el campo. Del mismo modo, un agente moral puramente autónomo causará estragos a su alrededor y perderá su orientación ética. Si hablo obsesivamente de "elección", pero nunca planteo siquiera una pregunta sobre el bien o el mal que se elige, me encuentro en un páramo moral e intelectual. La verdadera libertad se ordena hacia el valor moral y, en última instancia, hacia el valor supremo que es Dios. Algunos defensores del suicidio asistido por médicos argumentarán que la autonomía
de una muerte terriblemente dolorosa. Pero esta consideración no viene al caso, ya que los cuidados paliativos están tan avanzados que, en prácticamente todos los casos, el dolor puede tratarse con éxito. Digo esto con especial énfasis en el estado de Minnesota, que es justamente famoso por la alta calidad de sus hospitales, incluida y especialmente la Clínica Mayo. El punto más profundo es el siguiente: incluso si una persona moribunda se encontrara con un gran dolor, suicidarse activamente no sería moralmente justificable. La razón es que el asesinato directo de un inocente es, en el lenguaje de la Iglesia, "intrínsecamente malo", es decir, incapaz de ser aprobado moralmente, por muy atenuantes que sean las circunstancias o por muy beneficiosas que sean las consecuencias. He argumentado antes que cuando se pierde de
directa de una vida inocente es una cuestión de elección personal, toda la empresa moral se hunde en la incoherencia. Por ello, pido a todos mis conciudadanos de Minnesota, especialmente a los católicos, que se opongan a esta ley (SF 1813/HF 1930) de todas las formas posibles: llamando a su representante o senador, escribiendo al gobernador, hablando con sus amigos y vecinos, haciendo circular una petición. La forma más fácil es enviando una nota a través de nuestra Red de Defensa Católica de la Conferencia Católica de Minnesota (mncatholic. org), que enviará su mensaje directamente a sus legisladores. Y a los que están en otras partes del país, les pido que estén atentos. Si esta legislación aún no ha llegado a su estado, probablemente lo hará muy pronto. Si defienden la cultura de la vida, ¡luchen por ella!
The Bishop's Calendar is on Page 12.
February 2024 w The Courier w dowr.org
Lay Formation & RCIA
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New Year's Reflections & Rite of Election In a society so often intoxicated by consumerism and hedonism, wealth and extravagance, appearances and narcissism, this Child calls us to act soberly, in other words, in a way that is simple, balanced, consistent, capable of seeing and doing what is essential…. Amid a culture of indifference which not infrequently turns ruthless, our style of life should instead be devout, filled with empathy, compassion and mercy, drawn daily from the wellspring of prayer.
�
-Pope Francis, Midnight Mass Homily, Christmas Eve, 2015
reetings of Peace in these winter days! As I write this, it is the day of the Iowa Caucus, and the election year has officially begun. And, as I mentioned in a previous column, the thought of experiencing the year ahead makes me feel very anxious and concerned. I haven’t always felt this way in my life, and even at times enjoyed following the political campaigns and the presidential election process as it unfolded in our country. Our country and our political process feel very different to me today. I don’t need or wish to dwell on the anger, vitriol, and divisiveness that are now a prominent part of our political life. They are apparent, and their effects are destroying our nation’s ability to maintain our democratic system and for us, as citizens, to live together in peace and unity. Today is also the day on which our country honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He offers us a very different vision of our common life: “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” I believe that this quote - taken from a sermon of Dr. King’s on “Loving Your Enemies” - captures the essence of our Christian Faith simply and eloquently. It speaks of the Way of the Cross, Jesus’ way of selfsacrificing, reconciling love - even for our “enemies.” On the occasion of Dr. King’s birthday celebration in 2021, Pope Francis sent a letter to his daughter, Rev. Bernice King, in connection to the “Beloved Community Summit.” In the brief letter, he referenced his encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, writing: “Each one of us is called to be an artisan of peace, by uniting and not dividing, by extinguishing hatred and not holding on to it, by opening paths of dialogue” [#284]. This will be my “resolution” for this new year - to heed the wisdom of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and of Pope Francis. To be “light” and to be “love” in this “night devoid of stars” which surrounds us. To strive to live “in a way that is simple, balanced, consistent,
February 2024 w The Courier w dowr.org
capable of seeing and doing what is essential.” To embrace a “style of life” that is “devout, filled with empathy, compassion and mercy, drawn daily from the wellspring of prayer.” As followers of Christ, let us strive, together, to be “artisans of peace” for our broken American society, “‘by uniting and not dividing, by extinguishing hatred and not holding on to it, by opening paths of dialogue’ … to create a community built upon justice and fraternal love.” Deo Gratias!
In today’s world, which increasingly faces the challenges of social injustice, division and conflict that hinder the realization of the common good, Dr. [Martin Luther] King’s dream of harmony and equality for all people, attained through nonviolent and peaceful means, remains ever timely. ‘Each one of us is called to be an artisan of peace, by uniting and not dividing, by extinguishing hatred and not holding on to it, by opening paths of dialogue’ (Fratelli Tutti, #284). In this way we will be able to see ourselves, not as ‘others’, but as neighbors, in the truth of our shared dignity as children of Almighty God. Only by striving daily to put this vision into practice can we work together to create a community built upon justice and fraternal love. -Pope Francis, Message to the Beloved Community Summit, January 18, 2021 Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion
Our diocesan Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion, celebrated by Bishop Barron, will take place on Sunday, February 18 (the First Sunday of Lent), at 3:00 p.m., at Queen of Angels Parish in Austin. All members of our diocesan Church are invited to participate in this significant liturgy of our local Church of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. This rite marks a significant moment in the spiritual formation of those people who are preparing to become members of the Church. Their journey takes place within the Church’s Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), a process which prepares and forms women and men for initiation and entrance into the Catholic Church. As the Church’s guiding text for the RCIA states, “the rite of Christian initiation is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts” (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults [RCIA], #1). This journey of formation in the life of faith unfolds in several stages and is marked by several liturgical rites. After completing an initial time of inquiry into the Faith, called the “Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate,” an unbaptized person is accepted into the “Order of Catechumens” and enters the “Period of the Catechumenate.”
Todd Graff
Director of Lay Formation & RCIA tgraff@dowr.org
In this period, the faith of the catechumens, and their conversion to God, is nurtured and grows. They are “given suitable pastoral formation and guidance, aimed at training them in the Christian life” (RCIA, #75). The completion and conclusion to this period is celebrated liturgically in the Rite of Election as the Church “formally ratifies the catechumens’ readiness for the sacraments of initiation.” For those participating in the RCIA who have already received the Sacrament of Baptism and are preparing to enter the Catholic Church (called “candidates”), the Church celebrates the “Call to Continuing Conversion.” Celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, the rite also “marks the beginning of the period of final, more intense preparation … during which the elect [which the catechumens are now called] will be encouraged to follow Christ with greater generosity” (RCIA, #121). For the baptized candidates as well, this rite marks the beginning of their final preparation to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, and to enter into the full communion of the Church. The faith community plays an important role in this rite. During the rite, the bishop asks parish members present if they support the testimonies of both the catechumens and the candidates. Not only is it important that we take the time to come to know those who are going through the RCIA process so that we can confidently answer this question, but we are also charged with an even greater task – to support them with our prayers and to accompany them as they journey closer to the Easter Sacraments. Following the Rite of Election, the elect (formerly the catechumens) enter into the “Period of Purification and Enlightenment,” which takes place during the Lenten season and includes the celebration of the “scrutinies” on the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent. This period, which immediately precedes their reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil, “is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion.” I invite you to join our diocesan Church for this year’s celebration of the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion. And, whether you are able to be present there or not, please do pray for these sisters and brothers of ours in Christ who are preparing to become one with us in our Catholic faith community.
Pointing to Signs and Wonders
A Way to Evangelize within the Eucharistic Revival 5
This month, we continue working through The Four Ways Forward: Becoming an Apostolic Parish in a Post-Christian World, in creating evangelizing parishes, especially in light of the parish year of the Eucharistic Revival. Last month we focused on the power of small group spiritual multiplication. This month we focus on how paying attention to signs and wonders in our midst is an evangelical act.
�ften, I do not think we pay enough attention
to the Book of Acts. The Acts of the Apostles is an absolute barnburner of sacred literature, as the Holy Spirit raced like wildfire through the people of Israel and beyond, beginning with Pentecost. It is, I would argue, our first handbook for evangelization. If you read the Book of Acts, it is replete with the phrase “signs and wonders.” Entirely through the power of God, the apostles drew people to awareness of the power of God through signs and wonders: the descent of the Holy Spirit in the gift of tongues and Peter’s anointed preaching that resulted in 3000 getting baptized that day; “silver and gold I have none, but I give you what I have: In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6); Philip sharing the gospel message with the Ethiopian on the road, baptizing him, and vanishing; Peter in chains, delivered by an angel hours before a public trial (Acts 12); Paul and Silas imprisoned but divinely released through an earthquake - where they walked out of the
1. The power of witness. Every adult Christian disciple has a story of God’s goodness in their lives. Maybe it was the felt presence of God at the birth of a child. Maybe it was a powerful experience of sacramental reconciliation. Maybe it was an experience of being a child of Abraham and awed by God’s promises, while stargazing in the desert. Maybe it was an answered prayer when you were in deep need. Sharing that story – with your children, your family, your friends, your parish – cracks the cultural lie that God is not real. It speaks God’s truth into the public world. It is evidence that God loves you and his creation. Your witness, in a small group or larger venue, is a sign to the world that God is love. 2. The power of the Eucharist. The mystery of the Eucharistic Lord is deep, and challenges us to faith and reliance on his word: this is my Body, broken for you; do this in remembrance of me (Luke 22:19). The more we believe, and act like we believe, that this is true, the more God’s power is made manifest. The reality of
the Eucharistic Lord - the consecrated bread and wine is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ - is true whether we act on it or not. But, as disciples, we are called to worship, receive, and carry the reality of the Eucharist into the world. Through right worship, adoration, and service, we embrace the wonder that is the Eucharistic Lord in private and in public. This translates into intentional worship in the Mystery, striving for liturgical excellence, Christ-centered and Spirit-anointed preaching, greater opportunities for sitting in the rich silence of God’s presence at adoration, and serving others by giving out what we have received.
Missionary Discipleship
Susan Windley-Daoust
Director of Missionary Discipleship swindley@dowr.org
prison rubble and then converted their jailer (Acts 16); the witness of Saul, who had zealously thrown Christians in jail and consented to Stephen’s murder, now claiming Jesus Christ as his own (and everyone’s) Lord and Savior to all of Asia Minor (Acts 9). Now, if you are thinking, "Yikes! THAT’S parish evangelization?" Well, in general, yes. But what parishes should focus on are two things: the power of God in the resurrected Christ is real, and just as real today as it was in Acts. “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever,” amen! (Hebrews 13:8) When we see the power of God in our midst, we need to point to it, honor it, and share it. THAT is what they did in Acts, and there are two ways to do that today.
In the end, people outside of our faith should say, “Those Catholics act differently, and seem like different people, based on what they believe. They say God is real. Maybe…he is?” And we should recognize that the power of God is not held by us, it is wielded by God – so when we invite people to pray at adoration, or offer to pray with someone for a miracle, etc. - we can hope and expect that our good God will work in the open heart of that person and give him or her what is needed. We are simply opening a door for that person to see with new eyes what God can do. That is why God works through signs and wonders in Acts and today. God is, in fact, truly wondrous, and our experience of him is a hint, or sign, that points to the fullness of God’s presence in heaven. And parishes, of all places, need to be places where people openly rejoice in that truth and share it outside the parish walls.
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Thank God for Principals 6 �it twas was 1984, but I remember it like yesterday. I was sitting in Mrs.
Catholic Schools
Garnsey’s classroom, and I heard the worst news that any third grader could hear, “Sean Costello, please report to the principal’s office.” This was the first time I had ever been called to the principal. What have I done? I racked my brain trying to figure out what criminal act I was involved in. I wasn’t aware of breaking any major laws or starting riots, but this was going to be bad. Being called to the principal’s office meant that you were now Public Enemy #1. There was no escaping this reality for my classmates or me. Mrs. Garnsey excused me from class, and I could have sworn a student uttered under his breath, “Dead Man Walking.” We all knew that no good could come from this, and there was probably a chance that I might never return to our classroom alive again. I could feel my feet getting heavier and heavier as I walked to his office, only to have him meet me at the door to tell me that I needed to bring this packet of envelopes to my mother when I got home. This was the first time I realized that principals were not just the judges and executioners of students. Sometimes they’re just the person who is trying to make sure the school fundraiser is successful. To be honest, it wasn’t until I began to work under a Catholic school principal as an educator that I began to realize just how complex and difficult
their role is. We often forget how the principal, who is usually the first person to school everyday and the last to leave, has a hand in everything that is going on at school. They are responsible for ensuring that our students are formed and ready to take the light of the Gospel out into the world. They coach-up teachers to ensure that they are up to the great task of forming our students to be disciples. They have the responsibility to hear everyone’s complaints, concerns, and questions regarding everything that takes place, often being the last to find out. They are also asked to make real decisions in real time with limited information about the circumstances. As my father would say, “Nobody bats a thousand, but we sure expect them to.” Being a principal is a demanding profession that has become increasingly difficult over the last few years. It’s no wonder why fewer and fewer people are willing to step into this profession. However, after having been a school leader for many years, I can also assure you that it is a role that can be tremendously rewarding. It is a role in which you can have an incredible impact on our society, our community, and in the life of every student that we serve. Principals are often Christ for many with whom they interact, and they direct others to His Church. It is a position in which people share some of the most private parts of their life, seeking counsel, and principals are there to serve. It is a profession that is privileged in the ability to change lives, both for the students served in the building and through leading the community as a whole. This rare breed, that holds this title of principal, ought to be held in the highest of esteem, but often is not remembered by many. We often forget that in all those great memories we have of our school
Crucifixion School Wages Penny War Submitted by LORI DATTA
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rucifixion School in La Crescent does a service project for Advent. In the past, we have collected money for those in need. We have also collected food items, toilet paper, toiletries, diapers, clothes, socks, and shoes for those who were in need of these items. This year, we had a Penny War to collect money for our local food shelf. Each grade had a jar outside of the principal’s office. Students brought coins and bills to put in the jars. Pennies were the best as they counted toward a positive amount. Bills also counted towards a positive amount. Quarters, nickels, dimes, and half-dollars counted as a negative amount. So students would put their pennies and bills in their class jar and put the dimes, nickels, etc. in a different
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class jar. Some students got sneaky by hiding bills under the coins. Some students put silver in their brother’s or sister’s class jar. Fun was had by all. The result of this Penny War was amazing. The students raised $1,126.20 for our local food shelf! The students were thrilled by the amount, and they were even more thrilled by the amount their class made. The fifth-grade class raised the most in pennies and bills, but unfortunately, they came in second place after subtracting the silver. The first place overall winner was the first grade class. We have many blessings in our life, and our students (and their families) once again helped others during the Advent Season. Lori Datta teaches sixth grade at Crucifixion School in La Crescent.
Fifth Grade
Deacon Sean Costello
Superintendent of Catholic Schools scostello@dowr.org
years, there is a principal in the background of those memories who made sure that we had the opportunity to live those experiences. This February, for the first time in our diocese, all the principals will be coming together at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo, MN, for two days. This will be an opportunity to spend time with our Lord growing in their relationship with Him through prayer and grace, and to spend time together as colleagues. This is meant to be an opportunity for them to step back from the burdens of their labors and to just be present to the One who has called them to this work. In your charity, I ask you to please remember them in your prayers daily throughout the remainder of this month, and if you have the opportunity, please take a moment to reach out to one of our Catholic school principals and thank them. Show your appreciation for these men and women who work so hard to ensure that the Faith is passed on to our next generation, so they are ready to set the world ablaze with the love of our Lord. ROCHESTER CATHOLIC SCHOOLS is thrilled to announce RCS middle school students have taken home First Place, two shared Second Place, and a Fourth Place out of 62 students, in the Minnesota Junior High Math League, Rochester Division, on January 8. This was the last of five meets stretching from October to January. Congratulations to: David, St. Francis of Assisi School (FIRST PLACE!); Ian, St. Francis of Assisi School, and Kylie, Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Middle School (tying for SECOND PLACE!); and Ari, St. Francis of Assisi School (FOURTH PLACE!) In addition, the St. Francis of Assisi School "PIthons" came in FIRST for “Team”! Led by coaches Sandra Tischer and Jessica Wilkes, Rochester Catholic Schools’ two middle school teams meet once a week at their respective schools for practice outside of regular school hours from September until January. Coach Sandra believes that Math League offers an excellent opportunity for students to forge connections, engage their intellect, and acquire new skills! “A lot of students think that Math is only about getting the answers right, but it is so much more than that. Collaboration, learning from your mistakes and not giving up when it gets hard are skills they will need their whole life,” she said. Photo and caption submitted by Marketing & Communications Manager KAT BESTOR.
Team PIthon
Should We Go on a Marriage Retreat?
7
Peter Martin
�ontinuing education units, annual
seminars, monthly company newsletters, license renewals, work-place safety videos… and that’s just a short list of the things that are required of us at work so that we might offer the highest quality of service. What things are we doing in order to ensure that our marriage is of the highest quality? Employers know that their employees need a break from the day-to-day grind in order that they can learn new tricks of the trade and get a chance to sharpen their skills. They know that sometimes their employees need to be reminded of the things they may have learned in the past, but have forgotten (or have neglected to put into practice.)
How much more important is it, then, for you and your spouse to take some time together! As you are the co-CEOs of your family, your children need the stability of your relationship. In The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis recognizes that “[t]he family is experiencing a profound cultural crisis, as are all communities and social bonds. In the case of the family, the weakening of these bonds is particularly serious because the family is the fundamental cell of society, where we learn to live with others despite our differences and to belong to one another; it is also the place where parents pass on the faith to their children” (66). We hope you will consider joining us at our Annual Married Couples Retreat!
Life, Marriage & Family
Director of Life, Marriage & Family and Communications pmartin@dowr.org
Families, cont'd from pg. 1 put more money back into the pockets of our most important producers- parents. Navigating tax laws can be challenging, so the Minnesota Catholic Conference has curated a list of resources on the Families First Project website at FamiliesFirstProject.com/CTC. The Minnesota Child Tax Credit is just the first of the policies we hope to enact through our Families First Project with your help. Because we all come from families, we are all subjectmatter experts on the needs of families. No matter your family dynamic nor your current state in life, you have unique expertise that legislators need to hear so they can propose legislation that supports the health, stability, and growth of families across Minnesota. One such proposal is the Baby Items Sales Tax Exemption Expansion. First-time parents encounter substantial upfront expenses on essential items such as car seats, cribs, strollers, bassinets, mattresses, and more that can easily tally up to nearly $2,000. To alleviate this burden, we are advocating for the elimination of state sales tax on these big-ticket items, providing parents with nearly $130 in savings.
While that may not seem like much in comparison to the full amount spent, we can all appreciate the need to make a dollar stretch further these days. Another one of the Families First Project proposals seeks to create a lifetime exemption on state income tax for women who give birth to four or more children. Recognizing the invaluable contribution of mothers in shaping the future, this initiative aims to provide tangible support for larger families, acknowledging the unique financial challenges they face. Take Action
Join us in championing the cause of family economic stability. Help us begin to end the cycle! Ask your legislator to pass the Baby Items Sales Tax Exemption in 2024 by visiting mncatholic.org/action. Together, let's build a state where families flourish! The Minnesota Catholic Conference has been the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota since 1967. The voting members of the MCC's board of directors are Minnesota's Catholic bishops.
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Catholic Foundation
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An Update on the Jesus, I Trust in You Latest Diaconate 9 Formation Cohort � By SHELLY HOLT
Deacon John Hust
� e began the official formation of nine men with their wives in September of 2023. At the time you
read this, they will have had five weekends together. Topics covered to date are: Prayer, Theology of the Church, Diaconate Spirituality, Advent Reflection and the Sacraments. The Diaconate program is five years in length. For the first two years, participants are called Aspirants, and in the final three years they are Candidates for the Order of Deacons. We meet one weekend a month from September through June. This is the fourth class of men discerning the vocation to the Diaconate for the Winona-Rochester Diocese. Men were ordained in 2005, 2009 and 2020. Please keep these men and their families in your prayers. The Aspirants and their parishes are: Steve Breiter, St. Teresa in Mapleton Justin Carlin, St. Pius X in Rochester
Tim Clements, St. John Vianney in Fairmont Arlo Drees, Queen of Angels in Austin
Mark Engesser, Sacred Heart in Adams Tim Gossman, St. Mary in Chatfield
Julio Letona, St. Joseph in Owatonna Joe Mytych, Holy Spirit in Rochester
Brian Zogg, St. Theodore in Albert Lea
We are looking at beginning an inquiry phase for a new class for the Diaconate in the fall of 2025. Men who might be interested in the diaconate are encouraged to participate in the diocesan Institute of Lay Formation or a similar program to prepare for the Diaconate. If you have any questions, I would be happy to visit with you. May the Lord bless you this new year!
Thank You from the SPOF!
By FR. TIMOTHY BIREN
�
want to thank everyone in the Diocese of WinonaRochester for his or her continued generosity to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith (SPOF). These monies are put together with gifts from all the dioceses of the world and make up the General Fund. Pope Francis works in consultation with the national directors of the SPOF from around the world to divide and share with over 1,000 dioceses that need assistance. Each eligible diocese will receive about $40,000 to use for the spread of the Gospel through their missionary
work! In addition to the donations sent to the SPOF for the years of 2022-2023, $258,345 was sent to the various missionary groups who did appeals in our diocese the past two summers as part of the Missionary Cooperative Program! As a reminder, Bequests/Legacies for the Propagation of the Faith remain one of the main sources of income for the missionaries in the needy dioceses. Please continue to pray for the missions and to help the missions financially. I would especially ask you to remember “The Society for the Propagation of the Faith” in your wills and in estate planning. There is certainly peace of mind and heart knowing that we can leave a lasting legacy to support missionary activity throughout the world. Thank you for providing that blessing! On behalf of all the missionaries serving around the world – Thank you!
In the Diocese
Director of the Permanent Diaconate jhust@dowr.org
esus, I Trust in You is a simple prayer I say throughout my day-to-day life. I am sitting here writing this newsletter column with a sense of both disappointment and relief. On the one hand is disappointment that our first quarterly board and member meetings of the year were canceled due to the weather this weekend. Also, disappointment in not hearing the speakers or seeing my colleagues and friends for fellowship, and missing the spiritual enrichment I receive through saying the rosary and participating in Mass. On the other hand, it is a relief because no lives are in danger trying to get to a meeting. It is also a relief since it has been personally a busy, emotional week with family and work, and I can rest this weekend. It really is part of being human, isn’t it? We hold it all loosely with a “both/and” instead of an “either/or,” as my former spiritual director Lori used to say. Jesus I Trust in You to give me what I need each moment of each day. Jesus, I Trust in You. I trust in You to get the important information passed through the channels to whomever needs to see it. I trust in You to know You are always in control in ALL circumstances. Jesus, I trust in You to heal the broken-hearted, cure the sick, care for the dying, soothe the pain, and lift each of us up. It is through our interactions with each other that we can find You. Let us remember that we are the hands and feet of Jesus and Mary here on this earth. Each one of us as a woman of our individual parish, are also included in an area, which is in the WinonaRochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, which is an organization of the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) which is part of the World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations (WUCWO). Our mission must be spreading the joy of both Jesus and Mary with everything we do on our faith journey. Each of us is a stone which makes a ripple in the pond! Even if your parish does not have an active Council of Catholic Women, you can belong. Go to the National Council of Catholic Women website (NCCW.org) to explore and join.
Some future events include our next Winona-Rochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women general meeting on Saturday, April 13 at Sacred Heart Church in Brewster. The St. Paul and Minneapolis Province Conference is at St. Mary’s Church in Sleepy Eye on June 25. The National Council of Catholic Women Convention is in Oklahoma City, OK, August 13-17. If you desire to know more about our vital presence in the churches, areas, and diocese and would like to know how to get personally involved in the Council, you can receive the Connecting Catholic Women e-newsletter by sending your request to our editor at wdccw@dow.org. As always, you can connect with me by phone 507-381-2842 or email shellyholttotalwellness@ gmail.com with any questions or concerns. May your upcoming Lenten Journey be a time of fruitful introspection and growing closer to our Lord. Jesus I Trust in You. Shelly Holt is the president of the WinonaRochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.
For more information about the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, visit dowr.org/offices/spof/ index/html Fr. Timothy Biren is the director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in the Diocese of WinonaRochester.
2022/2023 Society for the Propagation of the Faith
Pitzl/Krost
Anna/Fred
Rochester
Estate
$45,015.87
Galles
Msgr. Francis
Preston
Masses
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Obituaries
Sister Una O'Meara, OSF, 93, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights on Thursday, December 7, 2023. Agnes Mary O’Meara was born on September 4, 1929, in St. Charles to Charles and Theresa (Sauer) O’Meara. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1951, received the name of Sister Una, and made perpetual vows in 1957. She received her Master’s in Elementary Education from the Catholic University, Washington, D.C., in 1967. From 1954-77, Sister Una dedicated 23 years serving as an elementary school teacher in various locations. She taught at St. Priscilla School in Chicago, IL (1954-59); St. Raphael School in Springfield (1959-60); and St. Andrew School in Silver Spring, MD (1960-63). She also served as the superior/principal at St.
Lawrence School in Ironton, OH, from 1963-69, and later as the principal of Mary McCahill School in Lake City, from 197072. Her teaching career also included positions at Cathedral School in Winona (1972-73), St. Francis School in Rochester (1973-76), and Sacred Heart School in Adams (1976-77). Sister Una then worked as an assistant at the Tau Center in Winona from 1977-80, and later as a receptionist and shuttle driver at Assisi Heights in Rochester from 1980-85. She then served as a hospital chaplain from 1985-87, at St Mary Medical Center in Gary, IN; and as the Pastoral Care Director for the Sisters of the Holy Cross, St. Mary’s Convent in Notre Dame, IN, from 1987-92. Sister Una returned to her role as a hospital chaplain at St. Clare Hospital and Health Services in Baraboo, WI, from 1992-98, before retiring, in 1999, at Assisi Heights in Rochester. Survivors of Sister Una O’Meara include her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 71 years, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Francis O’Meara, and sisters Helen Kronnebush and Marian Schloegel. Sister Una made the gift of an anatomical bequest to Mayo Clinic. A Memorial Liturgy was
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held at Assisi Heights January 4, 2024. Burial will take place at a later date. To view the funeral, go to www.rochesterfranciscan. org. Suggested memorials are to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Mission Advancement, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901.
Sister Mary Ann Snyder, OSF, 93, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights, Monday December 18, 2023. She was born Mary Ann Snyder, on September 10, 1930, in Portsmouth, OH, to Julian and Helen (Price) Snyder. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1949, received the name of Sister Angelitta, and made perpetual vows in 1954. She received her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, in 1963. Sister Mary Ann served as an elementary teacher for 46 years. Her ministry began in 1951-60, at St. Juliana and St. Priscilla schools in Chicago, IL. She then served
at Sacred Heart in Adams from 1960-63, followed by St. Andrew the Apostle in Silver Spring, MD, from 1963-69, before traveling back to Chicago, in 1969, where she served at Holy Angels school until 1997. Sister Mary Ann also served as a receptionist and interviewer with the Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs (J.O.I.N.) out of Columbus, OH, in 1997, until her final move to Assisi Heights, serving in prayer ministries. Survivors of Sister Mary Ann include her Franciscan Sisters with whom she shared life for 74 years; two sisters, Barbara Maxey and Jane Eschleman; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother John Snyder. A Private Resurrection Liturgy was held at Assisi Heights on Thursday, January 11, 2024, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. To view the funeral, go to www.rochesterfranciscan.org. Suggested memorials are to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Mission Advancement, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901.
Sister Mary (Mark) Tacheny, SSND, 99, died December 22, 2023, at Benedictine Living Community - Windermere, in Shakopee. A Memorial Mass was held January 29 in the Windermere Chapel with Father Joe Fogal as presider. Sister Mary was born in Mankato in 1924. She graduated from Mankato Loyola High School in 1942 and entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mankato that same year. Following profession of first vows in 1945, she taught and served as principal in several Minnesota and Iowa Catholic secondary schools, including Grace (later Totino-Grace) in Fridley, where she was the initial principal. In 1976, she joined the Minnesota Catholic Conference as staff adviser to the diocesan rural life directors. She was instrumental in the publication of Strangers and Guests: Toward Community in the Heartland in 1980. She became a lobbyist for rural issues in 1985. In 1994, she and Sister Kathleen Storms co-founded the School Sisters of Notre Dame’s Center for Earth Spirituality and Rural Ministry (CESRM) on Good Counsel Hill in Mankato. She retired from CESRM in 2003 and spent the
next 12 years in volunteer ministry at St. John the Baptist Parish, Jordan. In 2014, Sister Mary retired to Good Counsel in Mankato and continued her earth-advocacy ministry. She moved to Windermere in fall 2022 with other School Sisters of Notre Dame. Sister Mary is survived by a sister, Eleanor Caven; a brother, Tom (Jolee); nieces and nephews; and sisters in community, the School Sisters of Notre Dame and SSND Associates. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Magdalen (Scheurer) Tacheny; her sisters, Delphine Lovell and Louise Czaplewski; and her brother, Cletus. A longer obituary is available at www.ssndcp.org/ obituaries.
Sister Virginia Bieren, SSND, 85, died December 23, 2023, at Benedictine Living Community - Windermere, in Shakopee. Funeral services were held January 8 at Windermere Chapel, Shakopee. Originally from Clarkston, WA, in 1956 Sister Virginia entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mankato and professed first vows in 1958. She taught in and served as principal in Catholic schools in Minnesota, North Dakota and Washington State. In 1989, she became the development director for the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mankato and originated several long-standing events, including the SSND Gala, SSND Christmas ornament, a donor calendar, and the Quilt Auction. She also directed fund-raising efforts for the 1994 Good Counsel Chapel renovation and Johnson Organ restoration. In these varied activities, she formed lasting relationships with the greater Mankato community. She retired to Good Counsel in Mankato in 2014 and moved to Benedictine Living Community in fall 2022. Sister Virginia is survived by nephews, and her sisters in community, the School Sisters of Notre Dame and SSND Associates. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Veronica (Fuchs) Bieren; her sisters, Barbara Knop, Beverly Gregg, Catherine Behlau and Lillian Parker; and her brother, Cletus. A longer obituary is available at www.ssndcp. org/obituaries.
Sister Louise Romero, OSF, 95, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights on Friday, December 29, 2023. Mary Louise Romero was born on September 2, 1928, in La Jara, CO, to Joseph and Rose (Chavez) Romero. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1948, received the name of Sister Chavela, and made perpetual vows in 1953. She received her Master's in Elementary Administration from Winona State University, Winona, in 1966. Sister Louise served as an elementary school teacher for 33 years in many schools, including St. Raphael, Springfield (1950-53); Queen of Angels, Austin, (1953-55); Immaculate Conception, Watertown, SD (1955-60) and as principal (1973-76); St. Columba, Iona (1960-61); St. Juliana, Chicago, IL, as directress (1966-68), teacher (1961-66), and principal (1966-72); St. Andrew, Silver Spring, MD (1972-73); St. Pius X, Glencoe (1976-81); and St. Mary, Sleepy Eye (1981-83). She also served at the Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Santa Ana, CA, as an enrichment teacher (1983-99) and librarian (198999), and at St. Bartholomew, Bethesda, MD, (1999-2008). Sister Louise retired to Assisi Heights, Rochester, in 2008, volunteering in various ways and serving as the house treasurer. Survivors of Sister Louise Romero include her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 75 years, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Margaret Stratten, and Sr. Mary Jane Romero. A Resurrection Liturgy was held at Assisi Heights on January 24, 2024, followed by burial at
Calvary Cemetery. To view the funeral, go to www.rochesterfranciscan.org. Memorials are suggested to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Mission Advancement, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901.
Deacon Richard B. Aho passed away peacefully on January 10, 2024, at Sacred Heart Care Center, Austin, surrounded by his wife Jo Ann, family and the special caregivers of Sacred Heart. Rich was born on December 31, 1944, to Ahti and Irene (Oikarinen) Aho in Laurium, MI. Richard attended elementary schools in Centennial Heights, and Calumet High School in Calumet, MI. While in high school, Richard was in ROTC from 1960-1964, earning the title of Cadet Captain Richard Aho. He married Jo Ann Kovachich on March 26, 1966, after meeting her in study hall when she was a sophomore, and he was a senior. Rich and Jo Ann were lucky enough to know each other for 61 years and be married partners in life and love for almost 58 years. Richie went on to attend Michigan Technological University. In his second year of college in 1966, the Vietnam draft was on, and Richard enlisted in the United Stated Marine Corps to ensure he was able to choose his own path and serve his country as he saw fit.
Rich arrived back from Vietnam in 1967. He finished his time with the Marine Corps in Cuba, finally returning home in 1968. While working nights with Mercy Ambulance and Quality Foods to support himself and his young family, he went back to Michigan Tech and graduated in June of 1972 with his degree in Business Administration. After graduating, Richard accepted a position at Hormel Foods in June of 1972 in management. He moved his young family to Austin, where he built his life with his wife Jo Ann and their children. He worked for Hormel for 35 years, prospered and enjoyed the many friends, colleagues, and associates he encountered. This was the foundation that shaped his life, and his faith in God that he shared with many through his years. Richard’s faith in God was always strong and he became an active member of St. Edward Catholic Church in 1972. He enjoyed participating and bringing his family to church activities, gatherings, and teaching confirmation. He later attended the Institute of Lay Ministry, his faith was strengthened, and he felt a calling from God to join the Diaconate Formation Program. He was ordained as a Deacon on August 22, 2009. This was Rich’s true calling in life. His faith led him to help countless others, inspire his family, and serve his community even when his own health began to fail. Richard was a keen hockey lover and played the sport from grade school through high school. He was a coach for in house and a travelling coach for the Pee Wees in Austin. He loved coaching, refereeing, and spending time with his children on and off the ice. His love of the outdoors lasted throughout his
life. Rich was an avid gardener, camper and hunter. He most of all enjoyed traveling to the UP to spend summers with his beloved family. He would often be found cheering on his favorite team Michigan Tech, Minnesota Gopher Hockey and Minnesota Vikings with his sons. Richie was preceded in death by his parents, Ahti and Irene (Oikarinen) Aho; in-laws, Rudy and Clarice (Stafford) Kovachich; sister and brotherin-law, Karen (Aho) and Jim Roberts; nephew, Kevin Roberts; sister-in-law, Jean Kovachich; son, Colin Aho; grandson, Jacob Aho; along with many beloved aunts and uncles. Richie is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Aho, of Austin; sons, Bryan Aho (Stephanie Aho), of Austin, Darren Aho (Margaret Schmitt Aho), of Naperville, IL; daughter, DeAnna Aho, of Austin; many beloved grandchildren, Jocelyn, Benjamin, Christopher, Jennifer, Megan, and Kyle; great grandchildren, Camille, Jaylene, Maxie Mae, Landon, Austin, and Hannah; sister, Joanne (Keith) Klobuchar, Calumet, MI; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; sister-inlaw, Claire (Bruce) Waananen, Ishpeming, Michigan; nephews, Scott and Kyle. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, January 19, 2024, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Austin, with The Most Reverend Bishop Robert Barron presiding, followed by interment in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91, Olaf B. Damm Post #1216, and the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Diocese of Winona-Rochester Diaconate and Seminary; calsangels.org; Cameron Can Foundation c/o Rory Dominick, 388 Kent Road, Riverside, IL, 60546.
Deacon Gerald Freetly passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024, in Rochester. He had received last rites from Fr. Loomis and was surrounded by loved ones. Gerald Francis Freetly was born July 22, 1933, in Fulda, to the late Glen and Anne Freetly. After graduating high school in 1950, he went on to serve in the Navy. Following his service, he attended Dunwoody College of Technology. He began his professional career at IBM, where he worked until his retirement in 1991. Early in his career, one of his proudest professional achievements was serving as an IBM engineer for NASA working on the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs. Jerry was proud of doing his part to help the United States reach the moon. In 1961, he met Carmela Garfalo while participating in a Catholic singles group at their parish’s Newman Center. In 1962 they were married in Merritt Island, FL. They moved to Rochester in 1975, where the couple lived until the passing of his wife in 1997. After the passing of Carmela, Jerry went on to pursue a vocation as a deacon. He was ordained in 2005 and went on to serve as a deacon at St. John’s in Rochester for 15 years. Through his work as a deacon, he supported parish members, worked with those incarcerated, and was a help to many in the Rochester community. In addition to serving as a deacon, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on cars, and spending time with family. Jerry is survived by his four sons: Glen (Susan) of Iron, MN; James of Rocklin, CA; Paul (Melissa), and Neil (Missie), both of Rochester. He is also survived by nine grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Carmela; his sisters, Colletta and Betty; and brother, Harold. A Funeral Mass in Jerry’s honor was held on January 18, 2024, at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, with Bishop Robert Barron officiating, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Seeds of Wisdom (sowsouthsudan. org).
February 2024 w The Courier w dowr.org
February 2024
St. Anne,
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The goal is to provide a more familial atmosphere. Renovated spaces will be meticulously designed to provide a sense of safety, security, and belonging to our cherished residents and their families. "From the day my parents moved into a lovely apartment in Callista Court to the day when beloved chaplain Dennis Kunkel (pictured below with Fr. Don Lovas) held a final memorial service for Mom on the fifth floor (Memory Care) of Saint Anne, the staff displayed not just terrific professional care, but also warm and loving personal care to Mom and Dad and our family. We are excited as a family to learn about the proposed renovations at Saint Anne that will
The Televised Mass
Is Offered Every Sunday Sioux Falls - ODLT Channel 7 at 7 a.m. Sioux City - KPTH Channel 44 at 8:30 a.m. Mankato - KEYC Channel 12 at 7:30 a.m. Digital Channel 12.2 or Charter Channel 19 NEYC at 9:30 a.m. Digital Channel 7 (DirecTV) or Channel 11 (DISH) KMNF at 9 a.m. Rochester/Austin/Mason City KIMT Channel 3 at 7:30 a.m. MyTV 3.2 at 9 a.m. Twin Cities - WFTC Digital Channel 29 or Channel 9.2 at 11:30 a.m. Southeastern MN - HBC Channel 20 at 3 p.m. (repeated Wed. at 3:30 p.m.) Winona/La Crosse/Eau Claire - WLAX/ WEUX Channel 25/48 at 7:30 a.m. and on our website, dowr.org (click "Weekly Mass")
Bishop's Calendar *indicates all are welcome to attend February 1, Thursday *9:30 a.m. - School Mass Sacred Heart, Waseca February 2, Friday *11 a.m. - Mass for Consecrated Life - Saints Peter & Paul, Mankato
help the physical facility more accurately reflect the excellent care consistently provided by the outstanding staff," said Arlene Compton. Compton’s parents, Harland and Pauline Knight, were residents of both Saint Anne and Callista Court, the assisted living apartments on campus. The Challenge
Benedictine looked carefully at Saint Anne to determine the best course of action. After careful deliberation and exploring various options, including closely examining new construction, it was determined that renovation made the most sense. The renovation project will redefine the resident experience at Benedictine Saint Anne. “The intent is to foster a true sense of community in an environment that our residents can call home,” said Carol Ehlinger, Executive Director at Benedictine Winona. Residents have rooms on floors 2-5. Each of those floors will provide a homey environment where caregivers will be true partners in the residents’ daily lives. One of the key improvements will be dining areas and serving kitchens on each floor. Space on the floors will be re-configured so that staff can better serve the residents. Plus, the first floor will be converted to a bistro and common space to make it more appealing to residents and families. The basement area will undergo extensive renovation for the therapy area, making it more appealing and accessible to the general public, as well as residents at Saint Anne and Callista Court. “The common and most important thread among the improvements is how it will serve those we have privilege and responsibility to care for in the next 60 years,” Nash said.
February 4, Sunday *8 a.m. - Mass - St. Mary, Chatfield February 6, Tuesday 6 p.m. - Mass and Gathering with SMU and WSU College Students - Alverna Center, Winona February 7, Wednesday *8:15 a.m. - Cotter Elementary School Mass - St. Mary Parish, Winona
Like almost all other not-for-profit organizations, Saint Anne relies on the generosity of the local community, and the help of grateful families and friends of residents to help us meet goals, like this renovation. Getting to $2 million in donations is a challenge. Fortunately, the project has received $500,000 from generous past donors who have offered their support to the Foundation, leaving a balance $1.5 million from the community. Donations have already started. “We hope community members will support us,” Dalton said. “Beyond that, because so many know the good work we have done in the community, we hope they share that good word with others when talking about the renovation.” For those involved in the project, it is important to make Saint Anne a cherished home for our seniors for the next 60 years. “I can’t think of anything more noble or important as caring wholeheartedly for those who have cared for us,” Ehlinger said. You are invited to help make Benedictine Saint Anne a cherished home for our seniors for the next 60 years. Your contribution to our renovation project will demonstrate our continued appreciation for our current and future residents. You can give in a number of ways. You can send a check to “A Call to Care” at 1347 W. Broadway, Winona MN 55987, or you can give online by going to https://www.benedictineliving.org/winona-mn/ foundation/. If you have questions, you can reach Foundation Director Mark Metzler at (507) 2056345 or mark.metzler@benedictineliving.org. Mark Metzler is the foundation director at Benedictine Winona.
February 7, Wednesday St. Catherine Parish, Luverne, will host a Eucharistic Presentation by Father Leo Patalinghug at 7 p.m. in the church. Fr. Leo is an author/ speaker, creator and founder of an international food and faith movement called Plating Grace. He is a host for radio, podcast, and a weekly international food and faith show on EWTN, Savoring our Faith. The mission to see food as a gift from God to nourish your family and to strengthen relationships is making this world a better place one meal at a time. All are welcome, from sixthgraders through adults; we would love for you to join us! 203 E Brown St. in Luverne.
February 9, Friday
The Courier
Join the Journey
Events
February 3 - March 18 The Tri-Parish of Christ the King, Byron; Holy Family, Kasson; and St John Baptist de la Salle, Dodge Center, will offer a sevenweek small group study entitled "Jesus and the Eucharist." Four options for meeting times: Saturday evenings from 6-8 at St. John Baptist de la Salle in Dodge Center. Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, March 2, 9 & 16. Sunday mornings from 9:4511:45 at Holy Family in Kasson. Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, March 3, 10 & 17. Sunday afternoons from 3-5 at Christ the King in Byron. Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, March 3, 10 & 17. Monday evenings from 6-8 at Holy Family in Kasson. Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4, 11 & 18. Contact Kathy Lieburn (507775-6455) for more information.
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February 16, Friday Holy Family Parish, Kasson, will host its annual Fish Fry & Bake Sale from 4-7 p.m. $17 adults, $10 kids 6-12, free 5 & under. Takeouts available. 1904 Mantorville Ave N in Kasson. St. Mary's School, Caledonia will host its annual Fish Fry in the gym from 4-8 p.m. 3 pieces of cod, Irish potatoes, coleslaw, bun, and coffee or milk. $14. Pie also available for purchase. Several baskets and cash raffles available, with $3,000 grand prize. For carry-outs, call 507-7253355. 308 E South St. in Caledonia. February 23 & March 1, 8 & 15, Fridays
Christ the King Parish, Byron, will host its famous Fish Fry Fridays. Call the parish office for details: 507-775-6455
February 18-21, Sunday6:30 p.m. - Brew Ha-Ha St. Wednesday DOW-R Priest Retreat James Coffee Fundraiser - Dunrovin Retreat Center, Rochester Marine on Saint Croix
February 25, Sunday *10:30 a.m. - Mass and Installation of Fr. Jim Steffes as Pastor - Resurrection, Rochester
February 24, Saturday February 29, Thursday NEXT Post-Confirmation Event 2 p.m. - Clergy Personnel *3 p.m. - Rite of Election - Queen - St. Thomas More Newman Committee - Winona of Angels, Austin Center, Mankato February 18, Sunday
