The Courier, March 2016 by Diocese of Winona-Rochester

Special Insert:

Jubilee Year of Mercy

The

Easter Sunday March 27th

March 2016

Elected WORTHINGTON--On February 14, Bishop Quinn concluded a two-part Rite of Election celebration that had begun in Rochester the day before. For the past several years, the diocese has celebrated the Rite of Election as a single event in Austin. This year, however, an eastern location (Resurrection Church in Rochester) and a western location (St. Marys Church in Worthington) were chosen to accommodate the 188 catechumens entering the Church. Elected, cont'd on pg. 5

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Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona, MN

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This year, the Diocese of Winona celebrated its Rite of Election at two locations: Resurrection Church in Rochester on February 13 (top) and St. Marys Church in Worthington on February 14 (bottom).

World Day of the Sick ROCHESTER--Bishop John M. Quinn observed World Day of the Sick with mass at St. Marys Chapel in Rochester on February 13, after worldwide observance on February 11. Those in attendance included patients at St. Marys Hospital and the Mayo Clinic, as well as a number of Rochester Franciscan Sisters. Many came forward for the Anointing of the Sick. This marks the 24th World Day of the Sick since it was instituted

Bishop Quinn anoints Sister Generose Gervais of the Rochester Franciscans

Day of the Sick, cont'd on pg. 17

INSIDE this issue

Pope Francis on Wealth and Power

page 2

How Students Spent Catholic Schools Week pages 10-11

Celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday page 19

Pope Francis Watch

The Courier Insider

Pope: Wealth and Power Are Good, but Only When Used to Serve

Pope Francis eats lunch with the poor in the Cafeteria of St. Francis in Florence (credit: L'Osservatore Romano).

By ELISE HARRIS

Articles of Interest

Be Courageous. Go to Confession!___________page 4 VISION 2016 Update__________________________page 5 Hearts Ready to Love________________________page 6 After Marching________________________________page 6 Stewards Find Hope in the Cross_____________page 8 Together in Faith_____________________________page 9 Catholic Schools Spotlight_____________________page 9 Catholic Schools Week 2016______________________page 10 Jubilee Insert______________________________after page 10 Take an InterMISSION____________________________page 12 Living the Jubilee Year of Mercy___________________page 13 Hearing the Call in College_______________________page 14 St. Vincent de Paul Conferences__________________page 15 Other Diocesan News____________________________page 16 Bringing Christ to the Caucus_____________________page 18 How to Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday_____________page 19 Diocesan Calendar______________________________page 20

explaining that this isn't just "a story of the past, it's a story pursued. of today." Mercy can heal wounds and can change the course of VATICAN CITY, FEB 24, 2016 (CNA/EWTN News)--On It's the story, he said, "of the powerful who, in order to history, the Pope said, and encouraged pilgrims to open Wednesday Pope Francis cautioned that unless wealth get more money, exploit the poor, exploit people; it's the their hearts to God's mercy. He said that divine mercy "is and power are put at the service of society, expecially the story of the trafficking of persons, of slave labor, of poor stronger than man's sin," and that the power of the true poor, they risk becoming instruments of corruption, private people who work in black with the minimum; it's the story king, Jesus Christ, "is completely different" than that of interests and various forms of abuse. of corrupt politicians who always want more and more and the world. "Wealth and power are realities which can be good more." "His throne is the Cross... His going to everyone, and useful for the common good, if they are put at the This, Francis continued, is where authority is exercised especially the weak, defeats the loneliness and fate of service of the poor and of everyone, with justice and with no justice, mercy or respect for life. "And this is what death which sin leads to." charity," the Pope said Feb. 24. brings the thirst for power: it becomes greed However, when they are instead lived "as a privilege and wants to possess everything." Officials with egoism and power, as too often happens, they are Pope Francis pointed to Jesus' declaration transformed into instruments of corruption and death." to the apostles in the Gospel of Matthew that The Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona, Pope Francis spoke to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's "whoever would be great among you must announces the following: Square for his Wednesday general audience, which he be your servant, and whoever would be first Appointments dedicated to his ongoing catechesis on mercy in scripture. among you must be your slave." In his speech, the Pope noted that throughout He cautioned that when the dimension Rev. Mr. Gerald Trocinski, granted Mrs. Marsha Stenzel, appointscripture, stories are told about different prophets, kings of service is lost, "power becomes arrogance, Senior Deacon status, effective ed to the Minnesota Catholic and men who are at the top of the ladder, as well as the domination and abuse. This is exactly what February 10, 2016. Conference Education Committee "arrogance and abuses" they frequently commit. happens in the episode of the vineyard of Turning to the story of Naboth in the First Book of Naboth." Sr. Paul Mary Rittgers, RSM, for an additional three-year term, Kings, who was killed for refusing to sell his vineyard to God, however, is greater than the evil and appointed to serve on the effective February 12, 2016. King Ahab, Francis used the passage as the center of his "dirty games" of humanity, he said, noting that Minnesota Catholic Conference Mrs. Joan Stiller, appointed to the reflections. in his mercy the Lord sends the prophet Elijah Education Committee for a three- Rochester Catholic Schools Board While the king's initial offer to purchase the vineyard to help Ahab convert. year term, effective February 12, of Trustees through the 2017-18 seemed legitimate and even generous, properties in Israel Although God saw the king's crime, "he 2016. school year. were considered inalienable, Francis noted, explaining that knocks at the heart of Ahab. And the king, since Naboth's land was considered a sacred gift from God placed in front of his sin, understands, humbles Corrections to be guarded and preserved, he refused to sell it. himself and asks forgiveness," the Pope said, Ahab reacted with "bitterness and outrage" and was adding that it would be nice if "the powerful The back cover of our February 2016 issue reports that Brother offended because "he is the king, he is powerful! He feels exploiters of today" imitated the king's gesture. belittled in his sovereign authority, and frustrated in his However, Francis cautioned that even Raphael Christianson, of St. Joseph Parish in Owatonna, has taken ability to satisfy his desire for possession," the Pope said. though the Lord accepted Ahab's penance, his Simple Vows. In fact, Brother Raphael has taken his Solemn He noted that as a result, Ahab's wife Jezebel, who was an innocent person was killed, which is an Vows. The Courier regrets this error. involved with cults and had killed several prophets, writes act that will continue to have "inevitable aletter in the king's name to the nobles and elders asking consequences." Child Abuse Policy them to accuse Naboth of cursing God and the king, and "The evil done in fact leaves its painful to stone him. traces, and the story of mankind bears the Diocese of Winona - Child Sexual Abuse Policy "This is how the story ends: Naboth dies and the king wounds," he said, but noted that God's act of Information can take possession of his vineyard," Francis observed, mercy shows us the main path that must be 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 The Courier is the Official Publication of the Diocese of Winona or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 588, Winona, MN 55987 sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 507Vol 107 - 03 454-2270, Extension 255. A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. Individuals are also encouraged Most Reverend John M. Quinn, Publisher to take their reports directly to civil authorities. The Diocese of Nick Reller, Associate Editor Winona is committed to protecting children, young people and Monica Herman, Editor other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. The diocesan policy is available on the diocesan web site at www.dow. Telephone: 507-858-1257 Fax:507-454-8106 E-mail: nreller@dow.org org under the Safe Environment Program. If you have any questions Subscription Rates: $5 per year in the U.S. Parishioners in the Winona Diocese subscribe through their parish. about the Diocese of Winonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s implementation of the Charter for Periodicals postage paid at Madelia, MN Postmaster. (ISSN 0744-5490) the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Peter Publishing Schedule: Monthly - Deadline for advertising & articles is the 10th of the month prior. Martin, at 507-858-1264, or pmartin@dow.org. (ISSN 0744-5490) March, 2016 w The Courier

Adoration in the Lenten Season Lent – 40 Days of Mercy

Rejoice in Hope Bishop John M. Quinn or of our individual lives. There may not be a Lent 2017 for you or for me. If we thought this was our last opportunity to offer our Lenten sacrifices to God and ask forgiveness and mercy from God, what would we do? Let me make a suggestion that has worked well for many people: Adoration. Many of our parishes now offer Adoration of the Blessed

Defending the Dignity of the Unborn Once again this spring, members of the Diocese of Winona will participate in the 40 Days for Life Campaign in Rochester and Mankato. It is a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God’s power through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion. The campaign explains that its mission is “to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40 day campaign of prayer, fasting, and peaceful activism, with the purpose of repentance, to seek God’s favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of

death to a culture of life, thus bringing an end to abortion.” Please check our Family, Life & Marriage section for more information.

Man of God – First Diocesan Men’s Conference It is with great joy that I share with you that the Diocese of Winona is hosting its first annual Men’s Conference. Sponsored by the Office of Life, Marriage & Family, the conference hopes to increase the quality of life for men and their families and increase an openness to vocations in young men. A man's heart has its own unique characteristics that make it identifiably masculine. Man of God, therefore, seeks to inspire men to pursue holiness by structuring their lives with these Four Pillars: Conversion, Discipleship, Evangelization and the Sacraments. The conference seeks to help men in many ways, but especially to help men develop a more intimate friendship and discipleship with Jesus Christ and aid men in developing Christcentered leadership skills to be able to more effectively lead their families and communities. I want to thank Peter Martin, Director of the Office of Life, Marriage & Family for spearheading the event, as well as his conference team: Ben Frost, Director of Youth & Young Adults; and David Kruse, one of our diocesan seminarians currently at IHM. I hope that all men of our diocese will prayerfully consider registering for the conference as it will be a most rewarding event for your lives. Please see the Office of Life, Marriage & Family page in this issue of The Courier for more details.

Year of Mercy The spiritual journey of this most special year continues to unfold before us. I hope you have had a chance to visit one of our designated Holy Doors; if not, there is still time. What better time to seek God’s mercy than during this beautiful and holy season of Lent! There are many special events happening during this unique year; please see the

Year of Mercy insert to learn more about receiving and spreading God’s mercy as well as what is happening in our diocese. I look forward to seeing you at these events.

Thank you I am very touched by the generosity of you, God’s people, in contributing to the 2015 Catholic Ministries Appeal as well as your continued commitment to the diocesan capital campaign, Rooted in Faith, Rejoice in Hope. Thank you for giving from the heart and helping our diocese continue to spread the truth of Jesus Christ and care for those in need. It is your generosity that boosts my faith. I offer you my sincerest gratitude.

Holy Week During the week of March 20 - 27, we will observe the most important events in our faith life. Sunday is Palm Sunday, when we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On Monday, March 21, I will celebrate the Chrism Mass with the priests and the deacons of the diocese. At this Mass, I will bless the oils that will be used by priests and deacons in all parishes of the diocese for the next twelve months, the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil for the Sick and the Oil of Sacred Chrism. The priests of the diocese will also renew their commitment to minister to the people of the diocese. It truly is impressive to see over one hundred priests gathered in one place and reciting their commitment to faithful ministry. If you have the opportunity, please come and join in the Liturgy. It will be an experience that you will never forget. Later in the week, every parish will celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening. Many parishes will have multiple opportunities to worship on Good Friday as we remember how Jesus paid the ultimate price to obtain forgiveness for our sins and to again open the doors of heaven to us. The Sacred Triduum (Three Days) ends with the Easter Vigil celebrated in parish churches after sundown on Holy Saturday. The liturgy is a bit longer than

usual, and has several parts. It begins with the lighting of the new fire, the blessing and lighting of the Paschal Candle symbolizing the Light of Christ spreading into all corners of the church and into all parts of our life. We have a number of readings from Scripture that tell the story of our salvation, starting with Adam and Eve and ending, of course, with the Resurrection. This is the time when new Catholics enter the Church, either through Baptism or, if they already have been baptized, by a profession of faith and through Confirmation. These are truly beautiful liturgies, well worth your time, especially during this Year of Mercy.

From the Bishop

When you read this, Lent will be about half complete. This is a good time to take stock of your progress. Where are you in observing Lent? What have you done to open yourself to God’s graces this Lent? If the answer is nothing or not much, then I encourage you to begin now. We have a tendency to put off things, like repentance and conversion, to another day. But, we don’t know that there will be another Lent – only the Father knows the time of the end of the world

Sacrament. Consider spending up to an hour with Our Lord on a regular basis. Try it for the last weeks of Lent. I suspect that it will so change you that you won’t be able to stop when Easter comes. Adoration is a special time for us to be with God. Just us. In the quiet of the church or chapel. In Scripture, God always spoke in whispers, not in the storms or raging seas, but in the quiet breezes that reach our hearts. Jesus often went into the desert to pray. He sought the stillness and the quiet that we find in adoration. When we sit or kneel quietly in prayer, God will come to us and will speak to us in the quiet of our hearts. Adoration is especially valuable when we have important decisions to make. Many of our diocesan meetings now start with an hour of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. We each offer our own prayers and invite God into our hearts. Then, we meet to discuss whatever it is that God has placed on the agenda for the diocese. I have found this hour of prayer to be very important. I think that getting close to God has helped me to make better decisions. Perhaps more importantly, I always leave Adoration with a sense of belonging to God who loves me more than I can imagine, and who loves each one of us more than any of us can imagine. Consider spending some time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament this Lent. It will change your life.

Easter Sunday, March 27 There are no words to describe this day. Imagine, the Son of God died on the cross and, on this day, He rose from the dead leaving behind the empty tomb. Is this not a day to celebrate? We rejoice at Christmas when we remember the birth of the Messiah. But is it not even more a cause for rejoicing to remember that our Messiah died for us and rose from the dead? Now, He lives forever, continually blessing us and offering us a seat next to Him in the eternal kingdom of Heaven. I pray that your Lenten observances continue to bring you closer to our Lord and God. I will keep you all in my prayers. Happy Easter! Sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev. John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona

Bishop's Calendar March 2, Wednesday 9:30 am – Mass – Loyola Schools, Mankato March 3, Thursday 8:30 am – Winona Radio Live Lenten Message 11 am – Anointing Mass -- St. Anne Extended Health Care, Winona 1 pm – Holy Hour 2 pm – Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting 5:30 pm – Bio-Ethics Committee Meeting – Rochester March 4, Friday 7:45 am – Teach at St. Mary's University 9:45 am -- Midterm Exams, St. Mary's University 1:30 pm -- DOW Finance Council Meeting 4-6 pm -- Confessions -- St. John the Evangelist Church, Rochester, for 24 Hours for the Lord March 5, Saturday 11 am -- Midterm Exams, St. Mary's University March 6, Sunday 8:30 am -- Mass -- St. Mary's Church, Winona 10:30 am -- Mass -- St. Mary's Church, Winona March 9, Wednesday USCCB Subcommittee on Certification for Ecclesial Ministry and Service – Washington D.C. March 10, Thursday USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis – Washington D.C. USCCB Committee on Catholic Education – Washington D.C.

March 11, Friday 7:45 am – Teach at St. Mary's University 10 am-4:30 pm – Winona Seminarian Evaluations March 12, Saturday 11 am – Mass – DOW Women’s Retreat – St. Joseph Church, Owatonna

March 20, Sunday 10:30 am – Mass – Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

March 13, Sunday 8:30 am – Mass – Good Shepherd Church, Jackson 9:30 am – Presentation on The Creed – Good Shepherd Church, Jackson 11:30 am – Bless Religious Sisters of Mercy Convent Proper - Jackson

March 22, Tuesday All Day Interviews with Seminarians – IHM Seminary, Winona

March 15, Tuesday Minnesota Catholic Conference – St. Paul March 16, Wednesday Minnesota Catholic Conference – St. Paul March 17, Thursday 11 am -- Clergy Advisory Committee Meeting 1 pm – Holy Hour 2 pm – Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting March 18, Friday 6:30 am -- Lauds and Mass -- IHM Seminary, Winona 7:45 am – Teach at St. Mary's University March 19, Saturday 1 pm – Confirmation – Assumption Church, Canton

March 21, Monday 7 pm – Chrism Mass – Good Shepherd Church, Jackson

April 1, Friday 7:45 am – Teach at St. Mary's University April 2, Saturday All Day - Sacrament of Penance – DOW Men’s Conference - Lourdes High School, Rochester 4 pm – Mass – DOW Men’s Conference – Lourdes High School, Rochester

March 23, Wednesday 8:30 am – Winona Radio Live Lenten Message 2:30 pm – Holy Hour for Vocations

April 3, Divine Mercy Sunday 10:30 am – Mass – Boy Scout Award Presentations – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona 7 pm – Mass – St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish, Mankato

March 24, Holy Thursday 7 pm – Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

April 4, Monday 2 pm -- Mass -- St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish, Mankato

March 25, Good Friday 12 pm – Liturgy of the Lord's Passion – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

April 5, Tuesday 8:30 am – Winona Radio Live Easter Message 3 pm – Blessing of Madonna Summit of Byron

March 26, Holy Saturday 7:30 pm – Easter Vigil – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona March 27, Easter Sunday 10:30 am – Solemn Easter Mass – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona March 31, Thursday 1 pm – Holy Hour 2 pm – Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting

April 6, Wednesday 7 pm – Confirmation – St. Columbanus Church, Blooming Prairie and Sacred Heart Church, Hayfield – to be held in Blooming Prairie

March, 2016 w The Courier

Be Courageous. Go to Confession!

Faith Formation

death and Resurrection, it is the Sacrament of Reconciliation that is the unique Sacrament of mercy. So be on the lookout for extra hours of the Sacrament of Penance in your parish or cluster. We are blessed with the priests in our Diocese; they know the importance of this Sacrament and want to ensure that the faithful have the opportunity to experience God’s mercy firsthand. In my encounters with people, one thing that seems to discourage them from approaching the true door of mercy in the confessional is that they do not know what St. John Nepomucene hears the confession of the Queen of Bohemia. to do, or they fear the priest will judge them for their sinfulness. Let me just say, that uring this Year of Mercy, the Holy Father is a lie fed to us by the evil one to keep us has emphasized the importance of receivfrom receiving God’s mercy! As St. Therese ing God’s mercy in the Sacrament of of Lisieux said, “…don't listen to the demon, Reconciliation. Pope Francis said: laugh at him, and go without fear to receive The Sacrament of Reconciliation, in the Jesus of peace and love..."

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fact, allows us with confidence to draw near to the Father, in order to be certain of His pardon. He really is ‘rich in mercy’ and extends His mercy with abundance over those who turn to Him with a sincere heart…To be touched with tenderness by His hand and shaped by His grace allows us, therefore, to approach the priest without fear for our sins, but with the certainty of being welcomed by him in the name of God, and understood notwithstanding our miseries. Coming out of the confessional, we will feel God’s strength, which restores life and returns the enthusiasm of faith.

During this season of Lent, the Holy Father has called for “24 hours for the Lord.” In Rome, this will mean churches opening their doors, offering the Sacrament of Penance and exposing the Blessed Sacrament for 24 straight hours. Here in the Diocese of Winona, parish priests will instead offer 24 hours of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this Lenten Season. While all the Sacraments bring us an experience of the mercy that comes from Christ’s March, 2016 w The Courier

The Rite of the Sacrament of Reconciliation 1. The priest gives you a blessing or greeting. He may share a brief Scripture passage.

2. Make the Sign of the Cross and say, "Bless me, father, for I have sinned. It has been (how long) since my last confession."

3. Confess all of your sins to the priest. If you are unsure about how to confess or you feel uneasy, just ask him to help you. Answer his questions without hiding anything for fear or shame. Place your trust in God, a merciful Father who wants to forgive you. 4. Following your confession of sins, say, "I'm sorry for these and all of my sins."

The priest assigns you a penance and offers advice to help you be a better Catholic.

Say an Act of Contrition, expressing your sorrow for your sins. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, then absolves you from your sins.

Here’s a newsflash…I’m a sinner. I remember once when I was teaching high school, our chaplain agreed to spend the entire

Sr. Paul Mary Rittgers, R.S.M. Director faithformation@dow.org

school day in the confessional. Believe me, he was one holy man. I went into the confessional and everything I knew (and had been trying to teach my students) left my mind. I couldn’t remember what to do, my mind was blank! I’m already in the confessional… what am I supposed to do? In my mind, this was a worst case scenario. All I could think to do was to be honest (because my other option of running out of the confessional didn’t seem prudent as the religion teacher). So I said, “I’m so embarrassed, but Father, I can’t remember anything. Can you help me through this?” I must say, that was one of the most beautiful moments I’ve had in the confessional. It was there – in my humility, anxiety, and embarrassment – that the Lord made known His presence in a way more real than I had ever experienced. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, it is then that He will lift us up (James 4:10). Pope Francis addressed the same thing in his homily from February 19, 2014. He said: Do not be afraid of Confession! When one is in line to go to Confession, one feels all these things, even shame, but then when one finishes Confession one leaves free, grand, beautiful, forgiven, candid, happy. This is the beauty of Confession! I would like to ask you… when was the last time you made your confession? And if much time has passed, do not lose another day. Go, the priest will be good. Jesus is there, and Jesus is more benevolent than priests, Jesus receives you, he receives you with so much love. Be courageous and go to Confession! There’s a quote I love by St. Thomas Aquinas which states, “In the life of the body a man is sometimes sick, and unless he takes medicine, he will die. Even so in the spiritual life a man is sick on account of sin. For that reason he needs medicine so that he may be restored to health; and this grace is bestowed in the Sacrament of Penance.” So, let’s follow the advice of Pope Francis. Be courageous. Go to Confession!

VISION 2016: From Planning to Implementation by: Msgr. Richard M. Colletti, Vicar General/ Chancellor, and Leandra Hubka

�he Lord Jesus has certainly blessed the

Pastoral Letter on VISON 2016, we will receive the timeline of how the Plan will be rolled out in our Diocese in order that Bishop Quinn can be present for Mass and parish gatherings at the parishes and parish clusters that are experiencing significant change in VISION 2016. We do realize many do and will experience feelings of loss and deep sadness. These feelings are real, as we have experienced in the listening sessions and cluster meetings. The implementation process will take time and planning will be ongoing. We encourage parishes in close proximity of their neighboring parishes to work to coordinate shared devotional opportunities for adults and youth, efforts to build community, education of parishioners on the reality of changes, outreach to underserved populations, promotion of vocations, and joint meetings of parish committees. As we have throughout the past four years of our planning process, we must remember that it is the Eucharist, Jesus Christ Himself, who is the foundation of what it means for us to be Church. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, where we will continue to encounter each other anew and pray together as one family of God.

Vision 2016

work of our hands this past year throughout our 55 cluster and parish meetings, all beginning with at least thirty minutes of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament before entering the work of the planning sessions. It has been exciting to receive the Cluster and Parish Reports in our Planning Office. Implementation of the Draft Plan that was published in the February 2015 Courier has been slow and deliberate, as we worked with parishes experiencing significant change and the people in the affected parishes. As of mid-February, we are receiving the final Pastoral Plans, which include refinements, additional requests, and proposals for implementing the Recommended Draft Plan. The plans submitted to our DOW Planning Office from clusters or individual parishes have been beautifully completed and we look forward to reading through the remaining plans. I thank all Pastors and parish leaders involved in crafting and submitting these reports. After our Planning Office has received all the Pastoral Plans, Bishop Quinn will promulgate a Pastoral Letter sometime this spring or early summer, which will set forth the Diocesan Plan for VISION 2016, incorporating all the information received in the Cluster and Parish Plans. As we have experienced

throughout the last year, meeting the pastoral needs of people going through change in their parishes is challenging.Through it all we need to keep asking the question, “How can we best come together to serve the Lord Jesus and carry out the mission of the Church?” We need to stand with those who experience the grief that comes from loss of a parish family as it merges into a neighboring parish. We must also be ready for the discomfort that accompanies change and be ready to address that sense of loss with compassion. I have witnessed these feelings throughout our planning process and have also received great hope from the dedicated leaders who are working hard to make these transitions possible. As we move from the submission of Pastoral Plans to Bishop Quinn’s Pastoral Letter and implementation of VISION 2016 for the Diocese of Winona, our planning process transitions into an implementation process. Our Diocesan Planning Team will become the Diocesan Implementation Committee, and we will work to support changes at the parish level. Committee members will be available to attend parish meetings and answer questions or to provide consultation in the areas of creating Transition Advisory Committees, dealing with change, addressing Canon Law issues, managing civil and corporate mergers, as well as financial reporting, property and building issues, creating Liturgical Inventories and transferring Sacramental Registers. In the upcoming

Elected, cont'd from pg. 1 The Bishop reminded catechumens that, in the midst of an often exhausting presidential election year, they must not forget about another election taking place that very day. “God has chosen you,” he said. “The Triune God has been waiting for this election, and for you to say, ‘yes.’” This year's Rite of Election is also the first to feature English-to-Spanish translation equipment. As a result, our Hispanic brothers and sisters were able to hear the entire celebration in their native language. The translation equipment, as well as a mix of songs in both English and Spanish, are a response to our Holy Father’s calls to welcome immigrants. Pope Francis has said, “Migrants and refugees can experience, along with difficulties, new, welcoming relationships which enable them to enrich their new countries

with their professional skills, their social Mass. The Bishop invites the entire diocese and cultural heritage, and, not infrequently, to come and celebrate with all those who their witness of faith, which can bring a new have completed the RCIA process. As he said energy and life to communities of ancient at the Rite of Election: “The Lord never picks and Christian tradition, and invite others to people for an election who He doesn’t think encounter Christ and to come to know the will go all the way with Him to victory.” Church.” A single large celebration for all catechumens and candidates is planned for Pentecost Sunday (May 15) at St. John's in Rochester, with the first D i o c e s a n Bishop Quinn signs the Book of the Elect at Resurrection Church in Rochester. Pentecost March, 2016 w The Courier

Hearts Ready to Love

Life, Marriage & Family

By TOMMY O'DONNELL

�n their recent pastoral letter, "Create in

Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography Use," the U.S. Catholic bishops present authentic love as being rooted in generosity, and they explain how a society that knows how to love authentically is built on chastity and mercy. The sin of pornography turns the user inward on the self. He or she pursues self-gratification rather than generous or self-giving actions. Those who are trapped by pornography start to lose their capacity for healthy human relationships of all kinds. Many even become addicted. In an increasingly individualistic and fragmented society, pornography use increases isolation between individuals and degrades communities. The bishops note that no one can avoid the ripple effect of this sin: "We all suffer negative consequences from its distorted view of the human person and sexuality" (1). "The Church as a field hospital is called to proclaim the truth of the human person in love" (19). Pornography clashes against this truth. As the bishops emphasize, pornography endangers souls and threatens the fabric of relationships. A society turned inward is a society that forgets how to love. A society that has forgotten how to love struggles to be able or willing to care for the most vulnerable among us: the hungry, the sick, the unborn, the elderly.

Since pornography "promotes and even celebrates promiscuity and a view of sexuality devoid of love or openness to new life," it is "implicated in contraception use and abortion" (9). As the bishops note, it also has links with sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, which harm the dignity and lives of countless men, women, and children around the world (11). Cultivating the virtue of chastity means learning to love others with a clean heart, one that refuses to objectify or use them in any way. It is "long and exacting work," but it is a powerful antidote to self-centeredness, individualism, and a throw-away society that objectifies and exploits others, especially the weak (5). To all who are harmed by pornography, the bishops proclaim: "Jesus is with you, and the Church offers you love and support. Trust in and be led by

Peter Martin, STL Director

pmartin@dow.org

the Holy Spirit. The Lord's mercy and forgiveness are abundant!" (26). We receive God's merciful gift of himself in Jesus Christ, the face of the Father's mercy. Jesus is "the way of freedom" who restores our ability to love with a clean heart (20). As Pope Francis writes: "In mercy, we find proof of how God loves us. He gives his entire self, always, freely, asking nothing in return. ... He comes to assist us in our weakness. And his help consists in helping us accept his presence and closeness to us. Day after day, touched by his compassion, we also can become compassionate towards others" (Misericordiae Vultus, 14). This Lent, may we turn outward, away from all selfishness and self-gratification. May we open ourselves to God's mercy. May we love others with a clean heart, caring first, not last, for the hungry and the sick, the unborn and the elderly, the afflicted and the doubtful--all those in need of love and mercy. Be sure to read the words of mercy that the bishops offer to all people affected by pornography at www.usccb.org/cleanheart.

Tommy O'Donnell is a Staff Assistant for the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activists, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. For more information on the bishops' pro-life activities, please visit www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities.

After Marching, Acting as Islands of Mercy By CAITLIN THOMAS

�he annual March for Life in January in Washington,

D.C. and other events like it across the country, such as the "9 Days for Life" novena, raise awareness and bring pro-life supporters together in solidarity. We join in prayer and penance in reparation for the injustices committed against the lives of our brothers and sisters, and to replace what Pope St. John Paul II called a "culture of death"--what Pope Francis terms the "throwaway culture"--with a culture of life. During the other 364 days of the year we continue to march in spirit, celebrating the goodness of human life and sharing the mercy that our Holy Father has brought into special focus in this Jubilee Year, the mercy that must be shown by and shown to everyone. This year, countless people once again flooded Washington, D.C., and many cities across the nation, witnessing to the reality that all human life is precious and merits honor and protection, and reflecting the theme of the March that being pro-life means supporting women and their unborn children together. The night before the March for Life, I had the privilege of attending the Opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life, celebrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and a seemingly endless host of his brother priests, bishops, and cardinals. At the heart of Cardinal Dolan's homily, a brief anecMarch, 2016 w The Courier

dote captured both the theme of this year's March stand against the wind of the throwaway culture, for Life and the quiet work of these other 364 days. and brave its sea of indifference, sustained by Jesus In November a young pregnant woman was livwho is, as Pope Francis has called Him, "the living ing with her aunt in New York. Her child's father was face of the Father's mercy." away in their native country. Poor and presumably After marching together, let us now be merciful uninsured, she delivered her child at home. With wherever we may be, especially towards those who her son's umbilical cord still attached, she placed are most fragile and in need. him in the crèche of the nativity scene in her parish, Holy Child Jesus in Queens, New York. He began crying and was soon found by parishioners. The baby Caitlin Thomas is a staff assistant for the Secretariat of has found a good home, and has been named José Pro-Life Activities, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. For after Jesus' foster father. The mother came forward more on the "Moments of Mercy" we can foster during later and spoke to reporters. Cardinal Dolan cited the Year of Mercy, please visit www.usccb.org/beliefs-andthe mother's own words of faith that in that parish, teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/jubilee-ofwhere she had been welcomed and embraced, she mercy/moments-of-mercy.cfm knew her child would be cared for. This example of a truly Christian community immediately called to mind Pope Francis' message for Lent of last year, announcing the Jubilee Year of Mercy we are now in: "Dear brothers and sisters, how greatly I desire that all those places where the Church is present, especially our parishes and our communities, may Rochester and Mankato become islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference!" February 10 - March 20 This is work that every person can and must do in our parishes, of course, but also in our homes, Sign up for vigil hours at 40daysforlife.com schools, workplaces, and social circles. By radiating charity and mercy to all our neighbors, we provide those much-needed islands of mercy. Together, we

March, 2016 w The Courier

Stewards Find Hope in the Cross �o

Development

you ever think about how you experience the cross of Jesus Christ? Do you ever think about the power of that cross in your daily life? Is the cross even relevant to your life? It is to stewards of the Lord, who recognize the hope Christ brings through the gift of his cross. They acknowledge that the cross is their only hope. Being good stewards of our life in Christ is not easy, but to embrace the cross is not only countercultural, it seems absurd. Then again, we cannot avoid what Jesus said to his disciples: “If you wish to come after me you must deny yourself and take up your cross daily and follow me. For if you wish to save your life, you will lose it; but if you lose your life for my sake you will save it” (Luke 9:23-24). What is preached about the cross from the pulpit sounds good, but in reality something more tangible is desired. The cross is more readily embraced by people of faith who suffer, are poor, broken,

or are the victims of such things as violence, oppression or natural disasters. They see the cross as the hope that no matter what has happened to them, God will see them through. The Father did it for Jesus who hung on the cross, so surely their sufferings will be redeemed by Jesus’ sufferings. Where people possess much material abundance, comfort and leisure, however, there is a tendency to de-emphasize the cross, to draw away from it. They can’t touch it or feel it, so they wish to “save” their lives by looking to other things: power, wealth, fame, relevance, being the center of attention. What is preached about the cross from the pulpit sounds good, but in reality something more tangible is desired. Christ emptied himself completely in humble obedience, allowing himself to suffer and die out of compassion for the world (Philippians 2:6-11). Good stewards follow his example and work day-to-day to empty themselves and live compassionately, most noticeably by sharing their lives with others. As we approach the climax of our liturgical year, the Easter Triduum, let us ask the Holy Spirit for an even deeper awareness of

Monica Herman Director mherman@dow.org

the cross in our lives. Let us find hope in the cross and pray that as we embrace it, we too will experience in a special way the joy of new life in the risen Lord.

Stewardship Prayer for the Easter Season Christ is risen and with him all creation! Light replaces darkness, joy replaces sadness, life replaces death. There is no failure the Lord's love cannot reverse, no humiliation he cannot exchange with blessing, no anger he cannot dissolve, no routine he cannot transform. All is embraced by the victory of his cross and resurrection. May we always be good stewards of Easter's light, see Resurrection as a daily event, and yearn for Jesus' love as intensely as he yearned for ours. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Thank you to all of those who

supported the Catholic Ministries Appeal for 2015! The Catholic Ministries Appeal for 2016 will launch during the weekend of April 3rd. A few parishes have elected to start a little earlier, and some a little later.

March, 2016 w The Courier

Together in Faith �

Bishop Cozzens’ keynote focused on “Gratitude in Our Prayer Life.” He emphasized the importance of gratitude as a virtue. His breakout session, “Growing in Our Life of Prayer,” focused on the practical application of daily prayer life through the method of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Catholic Schools Spotlight

Bishop Quinn ate lunch with several members of the Sacred Heart School Choir.

Sr. Edith Mary Hart’s session centered on the importance of sacred scripture in the life of the faithful Christian. She spoke on the prayer of Lectio Divina.

very strong academic program. In fact, when calculating the high school graduation results for our SCS alumni for the past five years, 77% of these students received honors recognition and 56% also received high honors! Rounding out the core subjects, SCS offers a wide-range of quality programs including computer technology, classroom and liturgical music, concert band, Spanish and daily physical education. In order to continue to meet the desires and needs of the community, SCS implemented two new programs for the current school year—a licensed pre-kindergarten program and Kid Zone, an extended day child care program. “Our Early Childhood program, which includes the sections of Little Saints (pre-kindergarten program) and Little Angels (preschool program) emphasizes the development of the whole child through active learning situations,” states Cherlelynn Bednar, Early Childhood Coordinator. “We strive for a balanced, nurturing, caring developmental approach to education for children who are three to five years old.” Mrs. Bednar also serves as the coordinator and teacher for Kid Zone, which is intended to serve as an educational and recreational program for students who require supervision before and after the regular school day hours as well as on non-school week days. The program is open to all area students who are four years old through grade six. Daily activities in Kid Zone may include homework help, arts and crafts, quiet time, story time and gym or outside play time. With the addition of these programs to the existing kindergarten through grade six class offerings, several options exist which enable parents to take advantage of the possibility of work-day-long child supervision. “With today’s busy families, we are happy to offer the Early Childhood and Kid Zone programs which have been blessings to our school families as well as to families outside of St. Casimir’s,” notes Principal Joanne Tibodeau.

St. Casimir's School, Wells In 1881, there were approximately 25 Catholic families in the Wells area. They were predominantly of Polish descent and first met in homes to celebrate Mass. In 1885, Thomas Yokiel, a pioneer parishioner, visited Archbishop Ireland to obtain permission to begin a parish. When permission was granted, St. Casimir Parish began with a few scattered families. As the parish grew following the dedication of the first church in 1900, a growing need for Catholic education for its youngest members soon became a priority. With the construction of St. Casimir’s School (SCS) in 1915, the first of what would become thousands of children received the gift of local, quality Catholic education. One hundred one years later, that gift continues within the classrooms of the same stately building. With the childhood years serving as a critical time in the formation of faith, choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. As the only source of parochial education in Faribault County, St. Casimir’s stands as a unique, faith-centered community that exists to support parents as the first educators of their children. With its foundation firmly rooted in Christ and the Catholic faith, the school builds upon those teachings by adding a

9 Catholic Schools

he third faith formation session for the 2015-2016 school year was held at Sacred Heart Church and School in Waseca. Most Reverend Andrew Cozzens, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, was the keynote speaker. Sr. Edith Mary Hart, RSM, DO and Todd Graff joined Bishop Cozzens in breakout sessions focused on prayer. 400 teachers and administrators participated in the faith formation development day. Bishop Quinn celebrated Mass with all in attendance. Our gratitude goes to Fr. Leif, LeAnn Dahle, and Sacred Heart staff for their gracious hospitality.

Marsha Stenzel Superintendent mstenzel@dow.org

Many families within the small rural community can boast of generations of students attending SCS. This year there are families that are sending their third and fourth generation to St. Casimir’s. However, you don’t need to come from a long line of Catholic education to attend SCS. “It’s wonderful to see new families choosing our school for their children,” remarks Linda Raimann, SCS alumnus and long-time SCS teacher. “In the last few years, many firsttime parents with no previous connection to St. Casimir’s have chosen our school for their child’s education.” Now in its 101st year of education, St. Casimir’s School remains a valuable resource for families seeking quality, faith-based education for their children. “St. Casimir’s School has been a blessing to our family in so many ways,” says Sarah Oldham, parent of two first-generation students. “The smaller class sizes, one-on-one attention and religious-based learning have helped our children bloom and grow in amazing ways. There is a special feeling of belonging here, like being part of an extended family.” With God’s grace, this blessing will be available to families for another 100 years and many generations to come!

March, 2016 w The Courier

Rochester Catholic Schools

Catholic Schools Week 2016

Each year Catholic Schools Week brings with it a wide variety of activities, from special Masses and prayer services to bowling, bingo, ice cream socials, geography and religion bees, dress-up days, service projects, and hosting a student-led pancake breakfast at each parish. However, the most profound event during this week was our 2nd Annual Catholic Schools Week All-System Mass that included students, faculty, and staff from all four of our sites.

St. Mary's, Owatonna Our Catholic School's Week started with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, and an open house where we celebrated our school with information booths and activities. Students in grades K-8 created a collaborative 4-panel circle art piece: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Circle of Strength and Love - Founded on Faith; Joined in Love."

St. Felix, Wabasha Tommy Lineweaver dressed as his favorite book character, Jessalyn Adams and Lilah Lackey matched up on Twins Day, and the 6th grade class spent the afternoon as kindergarteners on Switch Classrooms Day.

Sacred Heart, Adams Our week's events included Sunday Mass, a CUF matching-grant dinner, the Scholastic Book Fair, a volleyball tournament, Living Rosary, bowling, a religion bee, parents to rolls and various dress-up days.

St. Peter's, Hokah We celebrated Catholic Schools Week by honoring our grandparents, parents and friends with a special mass and talent show. Our school, our church, our family and our friends are the blessings we count each day! March, 2016 w The Courier

St. Mary's, Madelia During Catholic Schools Week our community suffered a great loss, as our main street businesses burned to the ground. St. Mary's School took this picture to support our community and show our support for all the businesses that support us throughout the year!

Jubilee Year

M e rc y

Pope Francis on the Call to Mercy Today I wish to speak to you about the

A Jubilee Audience, Saint Peter's Square, January 30, 2016

close relationship between mercy and mission. As St. John Paul II reminds us: “The Church lives an authentic life when she professes and proclaims mercy... and when she brings people close to the sources of the Savior’s mercy” (Dives in Misericordia, #13). As Christians, we are called to be missionaries of the Gospel. When we receive good news, or when we experience beautiful moments, we naturally seek to share them with others. We feel inside that we cannot hold back the joy that we have been given; and we want to spread it. The joy that stirs within is such that it drives us to share it. It ought to be the same when we encounter the Lord: the joy of this encounter and of his mercy, share the mercy of the Lord. Indeed, the concrete sign that we have truly encountered Jesus is the joy that we show in communicating it to others. And this is not “proselytizing,” this is giving a gift: I give you what gives me joy.

Reading the Gospel we see that this was the experience of the first disciples: after their first encounter with Jesus, Andrew went immediately to tell his brother Peter (cf. Jn 1:40-42), and Philip did the same with Nathanael (cf. Jn 1:45-46). To encounter Jesus is to experience his love. This love transforms us and makes us able to transmit to others the power it gives. We are called to be “bearers of Christ!" For the mercy that we receive from the Father is not given as a private consolation, but makes us instruments that others too might receive the same gift. There is a wonderful interplay between mercy and mission. Experiencing mercy renders us missionaries of mercy, and to be missionaries allows us to grow ever more in the mercy of God. Therefore, let us take our Christian calling seriously and commit to live as believers, because only then can the Gospel touch a person’s heart and open it to receive the grace of love, to receive this great, all-welcoming mercy of God.

The Works of Mercy on the Road of the Jubilee

�

Pope Francis' Message for Lent 2016

… s a man, Jesus of Nazareth is a true son of Israel; he embodies that

perfect hearing required of every Jew by the Shema, which today too is the heart of God’s covenant with Israel: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (Dt 6:4-5). As the Son of God, he is the bridegroom who does everything to win over the love of his bride, to whom he is bound by an unconditional love which becomes visible in the eternal wedding feast. This is the very heart of the apostolic kerygma, in which divine mercy holds a central and fundamental place. It is “the beauty of the saving love of God made manifest in Jesus Christ who died and rose from the dead” (Evangelii Gaudium [EG], #36), that first proclamation which “we must hear again and again in different ways, the one which we must announce one way or another throughout the process of catechesis, at every level and moment” (EG, #164). Mercy “expresses God’s way of reaching out to the sinner, offering him a new chance to look at himself, convert, and believe” (Misericordiae Vultus [MV], #21), thus restoring his relationship with him. In Jesus crucified, God shows his desire to draw near to sinners, however far they may have strayed from him. In this way he hopes to soften the hardened heart of his Bride. God’s mercy transforms human hearts; it enables us, through the experience of a faithful love, to become merciful in turn. In an ever new miracle, divine mercy shines forth in our lives, inspiring each of us to

Special Insert - March, 2016

Inside... Opening Our Hearts to Works of Mercy

read more on page 4

Teaching Our Children the Way of Mercy GRACE MAZZA URBANKSI Director of Children's Ministry at Apostleship of Prayer

The Name of God Is Mercy is a beautiful (and very short!) book. Recently published, this book shares an interview between Pope Francis and the Italian journalist Andrea Tornielli, getting at some of the reasons behind our extraordinary jubilee year. I love that the appendix contains the entire text of Misericordiae Vultus, Pope Francis' declaration of the Year of Mercy. If you're the least bit vague on what mercy is and how we can get busy being merciful, grab hold of this book right away. The 40 days of Lent beg us to reflect on the richness of God's mercy. The Name of God Is Mercy helps us do just that.

One of the last interview questions in the book asks the Pope how to help children celebrate the Year of Mercy. Specifically, Tornielli asks, “How can mercy be taught to children?” Pope Francis, ever the practical man, gives three concrete suggestions: • Read them stories of the Gospel. • Talk with them. • Above all, help them experience mercy. So simple! Let's read stories about Jesus to our children, and then talk about what we read. If there's no Bible handy, no problem! We can stop in to a nearby church for the next liturgy. Jesus is the Word made flesh, so every moment spent with the Gospels is a moment spent in Jesus' embrace. What a very good place for us to bring

Children, cont'd on next page March, 2016 w The Courier

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

Jubilee Year of Mercy

Give Alms to the Poor ~ Admonish the Sinner

"It is my burning desire that, during this Jubilee, the Christian people may reflect on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. It will be a way to reawaken our conscience, too often grown dull in the face of poverty. And let us enter more deeply into the heart of the Gospel where the poor have a special experience of God’s mercy." -Pope Francis, Vultus, #15

Misericordiae

Children,

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

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

Give Alms to the Poor

Admonish the Sinner

Donate money to organizations that have the ability to provide support and services for those in need. Do research and find organizations that put people in need first, rather than profit. • Skip the morning latte and put that money in the collection basket at church. • Find a charity that is meaningful to you and volunteer your time or donate. • This Lent, give up eating out at restaurants. Pack your meals and donate the extra money to charities. • Participate in Catholic Relief Services' “Operation Rice Bowl.”

Do not judge, but be supportive in helping others find their way and correct their mistakes. Together we can learn to walk more closely with Christ. • In humility we must strive to create a culture that does not accept sin, while realizing that we all fall at times. • Don't judge, but guide others towards the path of salvation (see Mt 7:12). • When you correct someone, don't be arrogant. We are all in need of God's loving correction. • We should journey together to a deeper understanding of our shared faith. • "Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye" (Mt 7:5).

cont'd from pg 1 of insert our children. The Pope's third item, helping children experience mercy, is slightly more complicated. How can we give children an experience of mercy? Pope Francis responds: By helping them understand that in life we sometimes make mistakes and fall, but that the important thing is to always get back up. The family is the hospital closest to us: when someone is sick, they are cared for there, where possible. The family is the first school for children, it is the unwavering reference point for the young, it is the best home for the elderly. It is the first school of mercy, because it is there that we have been loved and learned to love, have been forgiven and learned to forgive. (The Name of God Is Mercy, p. 88)

Our homes are the first schools of mercy for our children. That's why this Lent, in the Year of Mercy, promises such fullness. Let's live this Lent like it's the only Lent we'll ever have with our families. Let's "give something up," yes, but let's talk about WHY: because everything we have comes from God, who continues to keep us breathing every second of the day. God is perfect! Perfection lacks nothing. God doesn't need us – God wants us, with a deep thirst. St. Augustine describes prayer as "the meeting of two great thirsts." Let's allow ourselves to experience thirst in these Lenten days: our own thirst for God, and God's deep, tender, merciful thirst for us.

March, 2016 w The Courier

Living the Year of Mercy

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

PERFORM WORKS OF MERCY God call us to be “doers of the word and not hearers only” (Jas 1:22). This year and always, being a “doer” entails performing works of mercy, both corporal and spiritual. The corporal works of mercy involve caring for the bodies and material needs of others: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, healing the sick, visiting the imprisoned and burying the dead. The spiritual works of mercy involve caring for souls and the spiritual welfare of our fellow man: counseling the doubtful, instructing the ignorant, admonishing sinners, comforting the afflicted, forgiving offences, bearing wrongs patiently and praying for the living and the dead.

Jesus, Pope Francis explained, “introduces us to these works of mercy in his preaching, so that we can know whether or not we are living as his disciples” (Misericordiae Vultus, #15). He also tells us that we will be judged on how we cared for the least of our brothers and sisters (Mt 25:3446). But performing works of mercy doesn’t only offer us an escape plan from “eternal punishment;” it also helps us understand mercy from the inside. It reawakens our conscience, “too often grown dull,” and helps us learn to see our own spiritual poverty in the faces of the materially and spiritually poor (Misericordiae Vultus, #15). Accordingly, throughout this Year of Mercy, the Holy Father asks us to heed Christ’s words and reach out to those in need. Practically speaking, that means we can donate food to a food pantry and clothes to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. We can invite a new family in town to supper and donate our spare change to a nonprofit that provides children in Africa with clean water. We can also have Masses said for departed friends and loved ones, visit the sick and the dying in nursing homes or hospitals, offer up Rosaries for the conversion of family members who have lost the Faith, and just hold our tongues (and tempers) the next time someone cuts us off in traffic.

Year of Mercy Calendar of Events

April 1

Diocesan Holy Hour--12 pm Sacred Heart parish, Waseca

April 2

Diocesan Men’s Conference at Lourdes High School, Rochester

In March... In Rome and the Universal Church… Sunday, March 12

Pope Francis' monthly Jubilee Audience – St. Peter’s Square

April 3

Divine Mercy Sunday

April 24

Jubilee for young boys and girls (ages 13-16, Site tbd)

Sunday, March 20 (Palm Sunday)

The Diocesan Day for Youth – St. Peter’s Square

May 6 (or another May

Friday) Diocesan Holy Hour--3 pm (the “Hour of Great Mercy”) [Site TBD]

June 3 (or another June

Friday) Diocesan Holy Hour--3 pm [Site TBD]

"Dear young people, ...Jesus is waiting for you. He has confidence in you and is counting on you! He has so many things to say to each of you... Come to Him and do not be afraid! Come to Him and say from the depths of your hearts: 'Jesus, I trust in You!' Let yourselves be touched by his boundless mercy, so that in turn you may become apostles of mercy by your actions, words and prayers.” --Pope Francis, Message for World Youth Day, 2016

In the Diocese… Season of Lent 24 Hours for the Lord--24 hours of Confession offered at parishes/parish clusters during Lent "Let us place the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the center once more in such a way that it will enable people to touch the grandeur of God's mercy with their own hands. For every penitent, it will be a source of true interior peace." --Pope Francis, Misericordiae Vultus #17

Friday, March 4

Jubilee Year of Mercy

In 2016...

Diocesan Holy Hour--3:00 pm – at Sacred Heart Church, Owatonna

The Sacred Heart Mercy Healthcare Center, in Jackson, and Sacred Heart Church in Adams, also hold Holy Hours on the first Friday of each month at 11:30 am and 3:00 pm, respectively. “In order to be capable of mercy, therefore, we must first of all dispose ourselves to listen to the Word of God. This means rediscovering the value of silence in order to meditate on the Word that comes to us. In this way, it will be possible to contemplate God’s mercy and adopt it as our lifestyle.” --Pope Francis, Misericordiae Vultus # 13

Diocesan Jubilee of Mercy Week • June 3 – Jubilee for Priests (Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona) • June 5 – Jubilee for Deacons (Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona) • June 8-10 – Jubilee of Mercy Days (for laity, religious, and clergy)

July 1 (or another July Friday)

Diocesan Holy Hour--3 pm [Site TBD]

July 26-31

September 25

Catechetical Sunday

October 7 (or another October Friday) Diocesan Holy Hour 3 pm [Site TBD] Date TBD

Women’s Conference (with an emphasis on Our Lady, Mother of Mercy) – “Marian Jubilee”

World Youth Day Krakow, Poland

Date TBD

August 5 (or another August

November 4 (or another

Friday) Diocesan Holy Hour--3 pm [Site TBD]

White Mass November Friday) Diocesan Holy Hour 3 pm [site TBD]

August 29

Catechetical Day--Lourdes High School, Rochester

September 2 (or another

September Friday) Diocesan Holy Hour 3 pm [Site TBD]

March, 2016 w The Courier

Pilgrimage Parish Profile

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

Jubilee Year of Mercy

Diocese of Winona

"With these sentiments of gratitude for everything the Church has received, and with a sense of responsibility for the task that lies ahead, we shall cross the threshold of the Holy Door fully confident that the strength of the Risen Lord, who constantly supports us on our pilgrim way, will sustain us. May the Holy Spirit, who guides the steps of believers in cooperating with the work of salvation wrought by Christ, lead the way and support the People of God so that they may contemplate the face of mercy." -Pope Francis, Misericordiae Vultus #4

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart – Winona 360 Main St.--Winona, MN 55987 507-452-4770 info@cathedralwinona.org www.cascwinona.org

Sacred Heart Church – Adams

�s early as 1876, Catholics living in the area of the Brewster parish were

attended by Father Herman Richards. From 1884 through 1901, the pastors at Heron Lake served the Hersey Catholics. In 1901, Brewster was listed in the Catholic Directory. In the following years Sacred Heart became a mission of Saint Mary Parish in Worthington. In 1946, Brewster was given a resident pastor in the person of Father Warren Ryan. A rectory was built, but on November 7, 1947, the church burned down. The present church was blessed and dedicated on May 24, 1949. In 1952, Father Paul Britz became the new pastor, followed by Fathers John Bergman, Patrick Farrell, Peter Coleman, William Curtis, Wilfred Brandel, and George Smith. Once again, Sacred Heart Parish was under the care of Saint Mary Parish in Worthington. Father Stanley Hale and his assistants, Fathers Charlie Quinn and John Surprenant served the parish. In July 1973, Father Edward Scheuring became the new pastor, followed by Father Thomas Fitzgerald, who suddenly died of a cerebral hemorrhage. Fathers Donald Loosbrock, Donald Olson, Larry Brixius, and Gregory Leif ended our 66 years of a resident pastor at Sacred Heart Parish. In August 1988, Father Quinn returned and became the pastor of the first tri-parish cluster in the Worthington deanery. Sacred Heart Parish, Brewster; Sacred Heart Parish, Heron Lake; and Saint Joseph Parish, Lakefield became sister parishes. Father Jerome Verdick assisted Father Quinn for three years. In 1995, Father Steven Peterson became pastor until 1997. Parishes were realigned again and Father Andrew Olsem became pastor of Sacred Heart, Brewster; Sacred Heart, Heron Lake; and Saint Francis Xavier, Windom. In 2009, Father Olsem retired. Currently, Father Patrick Arens is pastor for the tri-parish.

Jubilee Web Page and Contacts

The diocesan web page for the Jubilee includes information about the meaning of the Jubilee Year and about our diocesan celebration of the year. The address for the diocesan Jubilee web page is: www.dow.org/mercy. If you have any questions about our diocesan plans for the Jubilee, please contact Fr. John Sauer in the Office of Divine Worship (jsauer@dow.org / 507-451-1588), Sister Paul Mary Rittgers RSM in the Office of Faith Formation (faithformation@dow.org / 507-8581273), or Todd Graff in the Office of Lay Formation (tgraff@dow.org / 507-858-1270).

March, 2016 w The Courier

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

Sacred Heart Church – Brewster

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

Sacred Heart Church – Hayfield

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

Sacred Heart Church – Heron Lake

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

Sacred Heart Church – Owatonna

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

Sacred Heart Church – Waseca

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

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

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

Generally, information on Mass times and contact information for each of the parishes is available online at the diocesan web site (www. dow.org) and at the individual parish websites. A group planning a pilgrimage to one of these sites is asked to first contact the pilgrimage parish/institution regarding its plans and the arrangements needed.

Crucifixion, La Crescent

11 Catholic Schools Week 2016

Avery Johnson beat Mr. Harpenau at stacking candy hearts, Mrs. Mickschl performed a song and dance with the first graders, and visiting Viterbo students taught us about works of mercy.

Loyola, Mankato We enjoyed BINGO and Silly Socks & Hat Day, and played "Mystery Hangouts" with St. Patrick Catholic School in Long Island, NY. We gave clues and asked questions over Google Hangouts, and the first class to guess the other's location won!

St. Casimir, Wells St. Mary's, Worthington We raced to find our shoes under a parachute and whistles under piles of whip cream.

Our Catholic Schools week featured Pajama Day, bowling with Fr. Vogel, and stories from Mystery Readers in our community. Our thanks go out to Sheriff Gormley, State Farm Agent Mark Schmitz and Peoples State Bank President Ann Schuster!

Winona Area Catholic Schools WACS kicked off Catholic Schools Week with a Monday Mingle! Pictured are Mr. Feuerhelm's third graders getting to know Ms. Schauer's sixth graders. Grades one and two visited Cotter High School during their week of celebration. Pictured is Ms. Walker's class enjoying a circle time activity presented by Cotter students.

Cotter Schools Cotter Schools celebrated Catholic Schools Week with Career Day, Jr. High Olympics and All School Mass. March, 2016 w The Courier

Youth and Young Adults

Take an InterMISSION

Like many people, I love to attend

sporting events. The energy of the people and the suspense of the game can leave so many of us on the edge of our seats. I also am a big fan of intermission time. Sometimes we can only handle so much activity and energy, and we just need a break. We gather ourselves, grab refreshments and get ready for the next round of intensity! Life, in many ways, is similar to this experience. We are constantly engaged in busy activity and burning energy on the day- today grind. I see this especially in our young people. Youth are incredibly busy with school, sports, activities, trips, friends, music, and the list goes on. While being active is a great thing, the Church offers wisdom in its encouragement for us to slow down and connect with God. The InterMISSION Youth Rallies have been in our diocese for a while now and they offer our youth a great opportunity to hit pause and encounter faith in Christ. This year’s events did not disappoint. During the weekend of February 27-28, young people and their chaperones traveled to Rochester and Adrian for a night that featured Mass, food, dynamic speakers, live music and prayer. Bryan Rodriguez, a local musician, welcomed young people into the church with live music before they took their seats to receive the keynote. Featured presenter Kory LaCroix challenged the students to open their hearts to the transforming power of Christ. His testimony and encouragement transitioned into a time of Eucharistic

Adoration and prayer. A good number of priests were available for confession, and, for an hour, all in attendance were able to have an “intermission” with God! The Lord was present and there was grace abounding. These InterMISSION youth rallies are offered in collaboration with an organization called Partnership for Youth, a Twin Cities based nonprofit that organizes Steubenville North in Rochester. I would encourage those in the diocese to visit www.partnershipforyouth.org and see the great work that this organization provides. Whether you attended InterMISSION or were unable to make it, I invite you to join us this summer for Steubenville North in Rochester, as it is another great opportunity to step back, open our hearts, and allow God to take us deeper.

Pathways TEC 66: Journeying with the Lord

� group of young teens and adults gathered

in Mankato the weekend of February 13-15 for Pathways TEC 66 (Together Encounter Christ). TEC is a wonderful retreat opportunity as it provides a unique experience centered on our Lord’s passion, death and resurrection, otherwise known as the Pascal Mystery. During this recent TEC, people gathered from various towns and backgrounds, but they quickly began to journey together. The group grew in friendship, experienced prayer together, had small group discussions, and ultimately went through the Way of the Cross. This resonates a great deal during the Lenten season. Many of us take time to reflect on Jesus’ passion. Jesus embraced his cross, and sacrificed himself completely for each of us. It is through death that we ultimately find new life, and that is precisely

Ben Frost Director bfrost@dow.org

the path a TECite walks. Confession leads to conversion. Prayer and community lead to new life, and the Holy Spirit then gives us the courage to boldly go forth and grow in love. TEC truly is helping people draw closer to Jesus. Stephanie Vogel, a youth attending TEC 66 said, “It was a great time of renewal in my faith and I learned how to live out my faith in the world through the testimonies of the speakers. I found a group of support in my faith at TEC.” Shannon Reker, an adult leader, was also moved by her experience: “On Saturday night, we had adoration as a group and Father Jonathan started us off with the Latin verses for Exposition; there were many teens who knew the Latin songs, and it amazed me. In our area, adoration wasn’t known to me until my mid 20s, so to see 16-year-olds know about this was just amazing.” This spiritual growth in our young people is something we are seeing more and more in our diocese. The youth of this diocese have a great desire to grow in holiness, and they are growing together. Pathways TEC provides another platform for teens to strengthen their faith and be around others who love God! If you have never made a Pathways TEC retreat, it is something you should certainly consider! Is the Lord calling you to journey with Him? Are you in need of interior conversion so as to rise to new life with Jesus? If today you hear His voice, harden not your heart! For more information about TEC go to www.dow.org.

Pathways TEC 66 - Mankato Row 1: Hanna Shank, Faith Feller, Christina Mangan Row 2:Gabriel Bickerstaff, Jack Broadrick, Amber Konz, Carissa Shank, Taylor Soupir, Cecelia Welch, Ann Full Row 3: Shannon Reker, Fr. Jonathan Fasnacht, Leo Roth, Beverly Miller, Ayla Todd, Kassandra Tellez, Emily Kathman Row 4: Makayla Hubka, Joe MIller, Matthew Misgen, Rachael Spinler, Thomas Cooling Row 5: Jim Cowan, Troy Anderson, Karl Beerman, Justin Taubel, Stephanie Vogel, Logan VanIperen, Brandon Nelson March, 2016 w The Courier

Living the Jubilee Year of Mercy 13 Todd Graff

�ast month, we examined the context for

the Year of Mercy in the Church’s scriptures and tradition as described in Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy (entitled Misericordiae Vultus or “The Face of Mercy”), the statement by which he formally declared the Jubilee Year and described its purpose. To review, Pope Francis describes mercy in this way: We need constantly to contemplate the mystery of mercy. It is a wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace. Our salvation depends on it. Mercy: the word reveals the very mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Mercy: the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us. Mercy: the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life. Mercy: the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness (MV #1).

With this context in mind, we will now look at how the Year of Mercy can find concrete expression and explore the challenge Pope Francis offers to the Church and to her members to proclaim and give witness to Christ – the “Face of Mercy.”

An Oasis of Mercy First, it is most important to understand how Pope Francis identifies mercy as being “the very foundation of the Church’s life.” All of the Church’s pastoral activity “should be caught up in the tenderness she makes present to believers; nothing in her preaching and in her witness to the world can be lacking in mercy.” (MV #10) The Church is to proclaim the mercy of God to every person and to act in a way that gives witness to Christ who ministered to everyone without exception. The Church’s “first truth” is the love of Christ, and her primary mission is to be the servant and mediator of Christ’s love to all people – a love that is both giving and forgiving.

A Program of Life The goal for all of us, as Pope Francis states it, is “to live this Jubilee Year in light of the Lord’s words… ‘Be merciful just as your Father is merciful’" (Luke 6:36). To do so offers us “a program of life as demanding as it is rich with joy and peace” (MV #13). But how do we enter into such a way of living, and how do we become truly merciful in the day-to-day practice of our faith? Pope Francis offers us several ways to guide us along the way: Attend God's Word. To be capable of mercy, we must first open our hearts and listen to the Word of God. To “contemplate God’s mercy and adopt it as our lifestyle” will demand that we take time in silence to meditate on God’s Word as it comes to us in prayer and through reflection on Sacred Scripture (MV #13). Go on Pilgrimage. During the Jubilee, each of us is invited to travel in pilgrimage to one of the Holy Doors established for this year. See the Jubilee insert in this issue for a listing of Holy Door/Pilgrimage sites in our diocese. To make such a trip will require some “dedication and sacrifice” on our part. And, as we pass through the Holy Door, we seek the grace of conversion so that “we will find the strength to embrace God’s mercy and dedicate ourselves to being merciful with others as the Father has been with us.” To be merciful, our Holy Father explains, we must not judge and not condemn, but rather seek to give and to forgive (MV #14). Practice the Works of Mercy. At the heart of the Year of Mercy is an invitation also to embrace anew our practice of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. A listing of each of these can

easily be found online or in a Catholic prayer book or catechetical resource. Critical to engaging in these works is the need for us to open our hearts “to those living on the outermost fringes of society.” We must resist the “indifference” and the “cynicism” that keep us from hearing the cry of our sisters and brothers in need, and seek to “heal [their] wounds” and “to bind them with mercy and cure them with solidarity and vigilant care.” Pope Francis reminds us here of Jesus’ teaching: “[i]n each of these ‘little ones,’ Christ himself is present” (MV #15). Celebrate the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. The Lenten season is an especially fruitful time to encounter God’s great mercy. Central to this experience for Catholics is the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation where we “rediscover a path back to the Lord … [and] touch the grandeur of God’s mercy with [our] own hands” (MV #17). For those who have been away from this sacrament for some time, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a helpful online resource, “God’s Gift of Forgiveness: How to Go to Confession” (www.usccb.org). As Pope Francis exhorts us: “Let us live out the Jubilee by beginning with these signs that carry the great power of love… Take courage and step forward!” (General Audience - 12/16/2015). Deo Gratias!

Lay Formation

Director tgraff@dow.org

Each of her words and all of her actions “must transmit mercy… [W]herever the Church is present, the mercy of the Father must be evident.” And so, whenever people approach the Church and however they do so – in a parish, school, or diocesan setting; at a church institution; or even simply to an individual or small group of her members – they will find Christ’s love and care, and “an oasis of mercy” (MV #12).

March, 2016 w The Courier

Hearing the Call in College ďż˝ orty-four

Vocations

percent of newly ordained men in a recent survey said that they attended a Catholic University. Forty-four percent! That's compared to seven percent of the general population who attended Catholic Universities. This one stat encompasses many of the findings of a summit on vocations that took place in 2013 at Boston College. Many men entering seminary have spent some time in college or have a college degree before entering seminary. Catholic Universities are hotbeds for vocations, but not the only places where one can find their vocation. The primary theme of the summit did not point to Catholic Universities as a cureall for our vocation crisis. It points to the benefits of cooperation at many levels to encourage discernment of one's vocation. The Summit on Vocations to the Priesthood found that college is a significant time for many men in discerning their call in life. This should not come as a surprise. After all, how many times did you or your children change majors before setting it in stone? Just as young men and women are trying to understand their direction in life career-wise, they are also trying to understand their faith. All too often young people feel like they're on their own to figure out their faith once they get to college. It does not have to be this way. Before leaving for college, a good connection to the parish can create a

desire in young people to be active in their faith in college. Encouraging young men and women to view Confirmation as a call to discipleship over graduation helps. Involvement in youth group, Bible studies and service opportunities help. Even on college visits, stopping by campus ministry, the Newman Center or a local parish can go a long way to cementing an ongoing relationship with the Church. Priests, parishioners and family members can help young adults realize that the great excitement of college and adulthood is not in making your own decisions. It's in making the right ones. The summit pointed toward the roles of college leaders, professors and offices of student life. If you work at a college, you have an opportunity to affect the trajectory of a young person's life. Be sure to invite the Holy Spirit to shape that trajectory! When possible, whether through individual contacts or creating a culture of vocations or anything in between, look for the ways that you are able to reach out to college students and connect them with their Catholic family. One area in particular that I have noticed would benefit from concerted brainstorming is how to assist students at community colleges and those who commute to grow in their faith. These settings are ripe with opportunity, but not stability. If you live near a community college or if you have college students living near you,

invite them to grow in their faith. Invite them to discern their vocation! In all things, invite them to an authentic life in Christ. Vocations, and especially to the priesthood, do not happen in a vacuum. We each have a role to play, and when we cooperate, God's work becomes more manifest. How will you support a college student in his faith and vocation today?

Rev. Will Thompson Director wthompson@dow.org

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

Please go online to visit dowcourier.org

to see the complete Mass list. March, 2016 w The Courier

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Conferences Celebrate 5th Anniversary Marty Cormack

ďż˝ate in 2015 and early in 2016, five parish

conferences of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Rochester have been celebrating their fifth anniversaries of service to the poor in their community. These conferences are in the following parishes: Church of the Resurrection, St. John the Evangelist, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Pius X and Pax Christi. Two other conferences were formed later: the St. Michael Conference serving the parishes of Steele County (2012) and the Holy Spirit Conference in Rochester (2015). While in the past there had been some presence of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Diocese of Winona, there were no longer any active conferences at the time of Bishop Quinn's arrival. Bishop Quinn, being the Episcopal Advisor of the society's National Council, encouraged the parishes in Rochester to consider forming conferences. With the help of the Archdiocesan Council of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the society's North Central Region leadership, organization and formation began in the fall of 2010. By the spring and summer of 2011, the conferences had begun to visit homes and assist the poor. Now, after five years, there are seven conferences with more than 100 active members and more than 60 associate members who, last fiscal year, provided nearly $220,000 in direct assistance to the poor in Rochester and Steele County. Members of the society, usually known as Vincentians, are called to grow in holiness through prayer, reflection, friendship and service to the poor in their communities. Once formed in the Christian spirituality of their founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and their patron, St. Vincent de Paul, Vincentians go out,

situational povery events occur, the society is also called to end poverty through systemic change. This can be accomplished through mentorship programs that help walk people out of generational poverty, and through a social justice advocacy program called Voice of the Poor. The society has been challenged to continue to grow in the Diocese of Winona, both by calling members of other parishes to grow in holiness through providing assistance to the poor in their communities, but also by growing the existing conferences so that they are capable of starting and sustaining systemic change mentorship programs. The society also offers the opportunity to form youth and young adult conferences, and will be looking for ways to expand that opportunity. The Vincentians again thank the parishioners and pastors in the Diocese of Winona for their prayers and support. Anyone seeking further information on the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is invited to visit the local website at www.svdp-rochmn.org or the national website at www.svdpusa.org, or email info@svdp-rochmn.org.

In the Diocese

President Society of St. Vincent de Paul District Council of Rochester, MN

two by two, to the homes of the poor and needy. These home visits give our friends in need the dignity and privacy not found at most social service agency centers. The Vincentians listen intently to the needs of the friends they visit, and, through prayer and the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit, decide how best to assist. Vincentians give guidance and encouragement, and often help with rent, utilities, food, clothing, furniture, transportation, etc. Sometimes our friends just need someone who will lovingly listen to their stories. The St. Michael Conference in Steele County has taken on a special ministry they call "Vincent's Table," through which they serve a weekly meal to the hungry in Owatonna, which was previously an unmet need in their community. The society is funded primarily by very generous donations from their fellow parishioners, usually through Sunday second collections. The Vincentians humbly thank their pastors and parishioners for their great support. Also, for the past two years, the Vincentians have held, on a Saturday in September (near the feast of St. Vincent de Paul), a Friends of the Poor Walk that raises both funds for their ministry to the poor, and awareness of poverty in their communities. While Vincentians are well known for the ability to assist our friends in need when

March, 2016 w The Courier

Villa Maria to 16 Close in June In the Diocese

FRONTENAC--The leadership of the Ursuline Sisters, sponsors of Villa Maria Retreat and Conference Center in Frontenac, MN, announced on February 2 that the center will close on June 30, 2016. Villa Maria is owned by the Ursuline Sisters of the Central Province and goverened by a board composed of local residents and Ursulines. "Like many retreat centers in the U.S., Villa Maria has been struggling financially, despite valiant efforts by the staff and board," said Sister Rita Ann Bregenhorn, Ursuline provincial leader. "The Ursuline leadership has come to the difficult decision that we must close Villa Maria in order to remain good stewards of our resources." The 124-acre property originally was home to Villa Maria Academy, a boarding school established by the Ursulines in 1891.

The sisters arrived in Lake City, MN, in 1877 and, three years later, established Our Lady of the Lake, a girls' school in Lake City. By 1883 enrollment exceeded capacity, and the Ursulines built the larger Villa Maria Academy in Frontenac. In 1969, a lightning strike started a fire that destroyed the fourstory structure and forced the academy to close. In 1970, the Ursulines established an ecumenical retreat center on the property. For 45 years, Villa Maria has remained an interfaith retreat and conference center sponsored by the Ursulines to help people, organizations and groups in their spiritual and personal growth. "Villa Maria has always been known as a place where God is center and the world is

Cub Scouts Honored WINONA--Cub Scouts Finn Blagborne and Oscar Heckman, of Pack 13, were awarded the Parvuli Dei (Children of God) emblem on Scout Sunday, Feb. 7, at St. Mary's Church in Winona. The National Catholic Committee on Scouting says the emblem's achievement requirements are designed to "help young boys explore a wide range of activities in order to discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of their families and parishes, and also to develop a good, positive self-image through the contributions they can make to the group or community." Since its creation in 1953, fewer than 450,000 Cub Scouts have earned the emblem nationwide. Blagborne and Heckman worked with their families to strengthen their faith and knowledge of the Church, and enriched their community relationships by spending time with residents at Winona Manor. Father Jim Berning approved the completion of the award requirements. March, 2016 w The Courier

welcome," Sister Rita Ann said. "We cherish our many years in this community and look forward to maintaining our relationship with the many wonderful people we've come to know as students, coworkers and volunteers serving alongside us, and all who have supported our ministry here, in ways too numerous to describe." Plans are being made to put the property up for sale.

Employment Opportunities Holy Spirit, Rochester

Diocese of Winona

Coordinator of Liturgy and Music

Communications and IT Specialist

Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Rochester is seeking a Director of Liturgy and Music to promote and facilitate the full, conscious and active participation of the faith community in the liturgical life of the parish. This individual will oversee all aspects of the liturgical life, including the planning, scheduling and staffing of all worship services. This individual will also oversee all aspects of the parish liturgical music program, including recruiting and training musicians, scheduling and coordinating music ministry, coordinating and/ or forming competent groups of singers, cantors, pianists, and other instrumentalists for participation in liturgy.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona is seeking a Communications and IT Specialist for the diocesan Pastoral Center in Winona. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of information technology systems, website design and maintenance as well as the various social media technology in use today. The chosen candidate will be responsible for leading and facilitating use of social media, coordinating various audio and video projects, maintaining multimedia policies and procedures as well as fulfilling additional duties related to IT support and administration as required. Typically, qualified candidates are effective communicators, highly skilled at multitasking, adaptable to change, effective at interfacing with a diverse group of internal customers and external contacts, and are practicing Roman Catholics. Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and/or Information Technology or equivalent along with experience in an IT and/or Social Media Technology environment.

Candidates should posses a passion for leading others toward Christ, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Ideal candidates will have a masters degree in Theology, Liturgical Theology, music or related field, with some experience in music and/or liturgical ministry. Also, must be a skilled keyboard player and be a skilled choral director, This full time position will include evening and weekend hours. All inquires should be directed to Mark Schluttner at 507-280-0638, ext 3005. Send resume and cover letter mschluttner@holyspiritrochester.org

Qualified candidates are encouraged to view our website at www.dow.org. Please send resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements by March 11, 2016, to: Communications / IT Search Diocese of Winona 55 W Sanborn Street Winona, MN 55987 or email: hr@dow.org

Day of the Sick, cont'd

“do whatever [Jesus] tells you.” “At times this service can be tiring and burdensome, yet we are certain that the Lord will surely turn our human efforts into something divine. We too can be hands, arms and hearts which help God to perform his miracles, so often hidden. We too, whether healthy or sick, can offer up our toil and sufferings like the water which filled the jars at the wedding feast of Cana and was turned into the finest wine.”

In the Diocese

by St. Pope John Paul II in 1992. It is observed on February 11, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, to encourage prayer for both the ill and their caregivers. In his message for the 24th World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis mentioned the feelings of desperation and doubt that sometimes visit the ill. “In these situations,” he said, “faith in God is on the one hand tested, yet at the same time can reveal all of its positive resources.

Not because faith makes illness, pain, or the questions which they raise, disappear, but because it offers a key by which we can discover the deepest meaning of what we are experiencing; a key that helps us to see how illness can be the way to draw nearer to Jesus who walks at our side, weighed down by the Cross.” Pope Francis asked all who serve the sick to remember the story of the wedding feast in Cana, where the servants, out of wine, heard Mary’s instructions to

Fr John Evans and Msgr Donald Schmitz join Bp John M. Quinn as he blesses the holy oils during the World Day of the Sick Mass at St. Marys Chapel.

March, 2016 w The Courier

Faith in the Public Arena

Bringing Christ to the Caucus By MOST REVEREND ANDREW COZZENS

�enturing into the political realm

today can be an unappealing prospect. Sometimes it seems that American politics appeals to our base fears and prejudices, while advancing only the special interests of a powerful few. Often sound bites, faux controversies, and empty gestures take the place of true civil discourse and a deeper understanding of how to pursue the common good. As followers of Christ, we might wonder if participating in the political process is worth our time at all. Why muddy ourselves or the Church in such a seemingly dirty business? Shouldn’t we stay above this ugly fray? Not according to Pope Francis, who reminds us that “a good Catholic meddles in politics.” In fact, rather than lamenting the negative state of things, I believe we are called to do our small part to make a ripple of change. One of the keys is not getting fixated on national and presidential politics. Instead, we should remember the fundamental truth that political change starts in our local communities and in our state. Duties of faithful citizenship Civic engagement is part of the vocation of all God’s faithful, who are called by Jesus to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” Though contemporary politics may indeed be distasteful at times, and darkened by a flawed understanding of the human person, this is all the more reason for Christians to bring the Good

March, 2016 w The Courier

News into public life in whatever way we can. This is not a duty that any of us can delegate. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that it is every person’s responsibility, as far as possible, to promote the common good through participation in public life (CCC 2240). Yes, we are our brother’s keeper, and our social concern for others extends to the public arena, where the lawmaking process can have an important impact in affirming human dignity and fostering the common good. Though each of us is responsible for the care of our community, this does not mean we all have to run for office (thank God!). Nor does it mean that our civic responsibilities are fulfilled after casting our ballot. We all have different gifts and roles to play, and we must discern where we are called. For some, it might be issue advocacy; for others, it might be service in the community, such as volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center or providing meals for the hungry. At minimum, we can—and should—pray! We can pray for our nation, elected officials, and all citizens. Of course, we are all busy with many responsibilities in our homes, schools, and workplaces. But exercising the duties of faithful citizenship need not come at the expense of our more immediate responsibilities. In fact, given the growing number of political and legal threats posed to our religious liberty and way of life, Catholic engagement in politics is necessary to defend our families and consciences. Be the change we seek It’s fair to ask, “Where do we begin?” Like in any work of missionary discipleship, the key is to start with prayer so that we may see better through the lens of faith. Where am I needed? What are my gifts? How do I feel led by the Holy Spirit? Though we can be focused on what we see filtered through national media, I know from personal experience that

even simple engagement at a local level can have a noticeable impact. I was blessed to grow up in a family that believed in the importance of political participation. As a high school student, I would join friends and family members and participate in local precinct meetings, especially when I turned 18 and was able to vote. It was incredible to see and experience how a few individuals who are well organized and of strong conviction can affect the candidates a political party endorses and the positions it adopts. Here in Minnesota, we have a fast-approaching opportunity to be faithful citizens by participating in local precinct caucuses, which will be held on March 1. Though there are many ways to participate in the political process, precinct caucuses are an impactful—but often overlooked—means of shaping our political landscape. A unified Catholic voice at the caucus level can play a large part in ending the “political homelessness” that many Catholics experience by urging all political parties to adopt positions that foster human flourishing from conception to natural death. As you consider ways in which you can exercise faithful citizenship, I encourage you to look to the Minnesota Catholic Conference—the public policy voice of the six Catholic dioceses of Minnesota. They have a wealth of resources to help faithful Catholics better participate in the political process, foster faithful citizenship, and end political homelessness. By entering the public arena, emboldened by the Gospel and the Holy Spirit, we can, little by little, change American politics and be faithful to our Church’s call to foster the common good for all Minnesotans.

The Most Reverend Andrew Cozzens serves as auxilary bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. "Faith in the Public Arena" is a regular column by the Minnesota Catholic Conference.

How to Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday ďż˝or the 22nd year, Divine Mercy Sunday is

being celebrated in the Diocese of Winona. Just what is Divine Mercy Sunday, and how do we prepare for it? In the 1930s, Sister Faustina Kowalska, a devout nun from the order of the Sisters of our Lady of Mercy, began to receive messages and revelations from Jesus. Jesus said, "You will prepare the world for my second coming." When the second coming will be, no one knows, but there seems to be a sense of urgency. Can anyone deny that the world is in crisis and needs God's mercy as never before? God keeps reminding us of that need through many approved apparation sights and messages. Within this article, we'll focus mainly on those given to Sister Faustina. God gave her the title of Secretary of His greatest attriubte, His Mercy. Jesus instructed her on the many aspects of the Divine Mercy devotion. Here are a few of those aspects:

please refer to a pamphlet or to the diary of St. Faustina's words from Jesus. Jesus said, "I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish... I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is the image, with the signature: "Jesus, I trust in You." As we gaze upon the Divine Mercy Image, we see Jesus taking a step forward to come to meet us, his right hand in a blessing position, his left had pointing toward his heart, where two rays come forth: the pale ray stands for the waters of Baptism; the red ray stands for the blood which is the life of the soul--the Eucharist. Jesus desires that every home and church have an Image of Divine Mercy.

The Divine Mercy Novena The Chaplet can be said anytime, but the Lord specifically asked that it be recited as a Novena, especially on the nine days before the Feast of Mercy. He promised, by this Novena (of Chaplets), to grant every possible grace to souls. This Novena is especially beneficial for the dying. The Three o'Clock Hour Jesus told Sister Faustina, "At three o'clock, implore my mercy, especially for sinners... This is the hour of great mercy. In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion." The Image of Divine Mercy There is so much to be said about this beautiful image; for more information,

See our back cover for a schedule of Divine Mercy Sunday celebrations around the diocese.

How to Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy [Optional Opening Prayers] You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself upon us.

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy Our Lord taught Sister Faustina a prayer for mercy that she was to pray "unceasingly," the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. He said if she prayed this way, her prayer would have great power for the conversion of sinners, peace for the dying and even control over nature. Jesus further says that, through the Chaplet, you will obtain anything, if what you ask for is compatible with His will.

Mercy. For this, Jesus gives us this promise: "Souls who spread the honor of My mercy I shield through their entire lives as a tender mother her infant, and at the hour of death, I will not be a Judge for them, but the Merciful Savior." You may contact Mary Zimmerman for information or materials: 507-452-2570.

Divine Mercy Sunday

By MARY ZIMMERMAN

(Repeat 3x) O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You! [Say the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Apostle's Creed] [For each of the five decades, on each "Our Father" bead, pray:]

Jesus, I Trust in You Jesus said of Divine Mercy Sunday, "On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain the complete forgiveness of sins and punishment." This is how we can prepare for the Feast of Mercy: sincerely repent, confess, completely trust in Jesus, receive Holy Communion on that day, venerate the Image, and be merciful to others. Sister Faustina has now reached her heavenly home and was declared a Saint by St. John Paul II in the year 2000, the same day Mercy Sunday was officially put on the Church calendar. Now it's up to us to be the hands and feet and voice for Saint Faustina, to spread the good news of God's

Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. [On each of the 10 "Hail Mary" beads, pray:] For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. [Concluding Prayer] (Repeat 3x) Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. [Optional Closing Prayer] Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Instructions provided by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops March, 2016 w The Courier

March, 2016

• The Courier

Action with Prayer

Diocesan Calendar

St. Mary’s Church, Winona offers a Mass for Life and Marriage on the first Thursday of the month, at 5:15 p.m. Holy Hour of Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty March 5th The monthly Holy Hour of Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty will be held on the first Saturday of the month from 8:30 am to 9:30 am (after the 8:00 am Mass) at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 360 Main Street, Winona. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed and a beautiful rosary will be offered, along with prayer and reflection. Gather in the Adoration Chapel. Everyone is welcome. Prayer Vigil & Public Witness Against Abortion Semcac Clinic is a delegate of Planned Parenthood. Please consider joining to pray from 3-4 p.m. each Tuesday in front of Semcac at 62 E 3rd Street in Winona. Contact: Patti Woodworth (507) 429-4636

Other Events Christ the King, Byron Feb. 19--March 18 Fish Fry every Friday 5-7pm. All-you-can-eat baked or fried fish, potatoes, green beans, slaw, desserts. $10 for seniors (60+), $11 for adults (12-59), $6 for children, and kids under 6 eat free. Family rate is $40. Take out available by calling 507-775-6455. Saints Peter & Paul Church, Mazeppa March 17, Thursday Spring Dinner 5-7pm in church hall. Turkey/gravy over mashed potatoes, coleslaw, dinner buns, desserts, & beverage. Adults $9, Children (5-10) $3, 4 & under $1. St. Mary’s School, Caledonia March 18, Friday Annual Fish Fry 4-8pm in St. Mary’s Gym 3-piece cod dinner, Irish potatoes, coleslaw, bun, and coffee or milk. $10. Several basket and cash raffles available, with a grand prize of $3000. Carry-outs available by calling 507-725-5405.

Traditional Latin Mass Chatfield, St. Mary's, first and third Sunday of the month, 1 p.m. Mankato, Ss. Peter & Paul, first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. Wabasha, St. Felix, weekly. Saturday 8 a.m.

The Televised Mass 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: TV Mass, PO Box 588, Winona MN 55987.

TV MASS UPDATE Effective March 6, 2016, Fox Mankato (Digital Channel 12.2 / Charter Channel 19) will change its broadcast of televised masses from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Sundays. Mankato's CBS affiliate, Channel 12, will continue to air masses at 7:30 a.m. on Sundays.

St. Paul’s Church, Minnesota City March 20, Sunday Palm Sunday Ham Dinner 11am-1pm Ham dinner with homemade desserts. $9. Event includes a bake sale, silent auction & big-ticket raffle. St. John Nepomucene Church, Winona March 23, Wednesday Annual Soup and Sandwich Supper 4:30-6:30pm in St. Stanislaus Church Hall (625 E 4th St.). Vegetable beef soup, ham salad sandwiches, and homemade desserts. Adults $7, Kids 6-12 $3, 5 & under eat free. Tickets at the door. Carryouts available. Open to the public. Info: 507-474-4864.

SUBMISSION for the calendar Please note: submission deadline

is the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. All submissions must be sent electronically on our website: www.dowcourier.org or by emailing: Courier@dow.org and by the deadline in order to assure receipt and possible inclusion in the Events Calendar. We thank you for understanding that due to space limitations, not all events nor story submissions will fit; however, we strive to include as many as possible. Thank you! - Courier Staff

Resurrrection Church, Rochester April 9, Saturday Celebrating 15 years of Perpetual Adoration. 8:30 am Mass, followed by 2 talks by guest speaker Fr. Mark Wheelan, Exposition, Adoration and Confession. Fr. Wheelan was commissioned on Feb. 10 as one of Pope Francis' Missionaries of Mercy! Admission is free and open to the public. Assisi Heights, Rochester April 15-17 Team Beginning Experience Retreat. Call Mary for more information: 507-346-7427

St. Patrick’s Church, Brownsville April 17, Sunday Breakfast following 8am Mass, served until noon, Breza Hall. French toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, fruit, coffee, milk and orange juice. Adults $7, Kids (6-12) $3, Under 6 eat free. Event includes big-ticket raffle, mini raffle, bake sale, silent auction & children’s games. Villa Maria Center, Frontenac April 22-24 Celebrate Women Retreat Keynote speaker Amy Egenberger, M.Ed, CPCC from Spirit Out! Coaching, Minneapolis. Details at www.villamariaretreats.org. Call Mary at 651-345-4582 to register.

April 3, Divine Mercy Sunday Events by Parish Queen of Angels, Austin 1:30 pm Adoration, Readings, Divine Mercy Chaplet Info: 507-433-1888 St. Mary, Caledonia 11 am Divine Mercy Chaplet, Adoration & Confession Info: 507-725-3804 Holy Redeemer, Eyota 2--3:15 pm Veneration of second-class relics of St. Faustina, Blessed Francisco and Blessed Jacinta; Rosary; Confession; Music; Exposition 3 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet Info: 507-358-8288 St. John Vianney, Fairmont 10 am Mass 11 am--12 p.m. Holy Hour 11 am--12:30 pm Confession Info: 507-235-5535

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

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

Spanish Mass Schedule Albert Lea, St. Theodore 11 a.m. Sundays Austin, Queen of Angels 11 a.m & 5 p.m. Sundays Lake City, St. Mary 6:30 p.m. every third Saturday Madelia, St. Mary 10 a.m. Sundays Mankato, Ss. Peter & Paul 1 p.m. Sundays

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

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

Sacred Heart, Hayfield 10:30 am Mass with Adoration until 4 pm 4 pm Sung Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction Info: 507-583-2784 Good Shepherd, Jackson 8:30 am Mass followed by Exposition until Benediction 3:25 pm Benediction, Divine Mercy Chaplet 1--3 pm Confession Info: 507-847-2504 St. Ann, Janesville 8 am Adoration 9 am Divine Mercy Chaplet 9:30 am Mass Info: 507-234-6244 St. Mary, Madelia 3 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet, Expostion 3:30-5:30 pm Confession, Adoration 5:30 pm Benediction Info: 507-642-3064 Saints Peter and Paul, Mankato 2:30--4 pm Adoration, Devotions, Confession Info: 507-388-4558 St. John the Baptist, Minnesota Lake 3--4 pm Adoration, Confession, Divine Mercy Chaplet Info: 507-462-3636 St. Joseph, Owatonna 3--4 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet, Benediction Info: 507-451-4845 Resurrection, Rochester 1 pm Movie on Mercy 2 pm Rosary in Adoration Chapel 2:15-4:30 pm Devotions in Main Church: Adoration, Blessing of Image, Veneration of First Class Relic, Confession, Testimonies, Sung Chaplet, Devotions, Evening Prayers, Benediction Info: 507-287-6481 St. Peter, Rose Creek 3-4 pm Expostion, Readings, Prayers, Divine Mercy Chaplet Info: 507-437-1247 St. Felix, Wabasha 3 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet 3-6:30 pm Adoration 3:30 pm Confession 6 pm Vespers, Benediction Info: 651-565-4727 Sacred Heart, Waseca 2 pm Prayer Hour in the Adoration Chapel for the Divine Mercy. Info: 507-835-1222 St. Mary, Winona 1 pm Movie on the Divine Mercy Devotion 2:15 pm Adoration, Confession, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Testimonies Refreshments and Materials in the commons following the celebration Info: 507-452-2570 St. Mary, Worthington 3 pm bilingual service and Confession Info: 507-376-6005