The Courier - November 2018

The

COURIER

Christ the King November 25

V Encuentro November 2018

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

National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry Held in Texas

Women's Event a Success

By JEANETTE FORTIER

Region VIII delegates to the National Encuentro

By FR. RAÚL SILVA

�ore than 3,000 young and adult Catholic leaders

and delegates representing 165 dioceses across the country met for a four-day consultation and discussion at the Gaylord Texan Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Grapevine, TX, September 20-23, 2018. Most people who attended the gathering work in Hispanic/ Latino Ministry in their own local parishes and dioceses. Many of the attendees were also delegates of ecclesial movements, apostolates, missions, prayer

groups, Catholic organizations, schools, colleges and universities.

The first night of the National Encuentro began with a salutation message from Pope Francis recorded on video. People were filled with excitement and joy to hear Pope Francis address our historic gathering in Texas.

The Pope said, “Through this V Encuentro, you seek to create a culture of encounter that rekindles hope. By gathering with people from different cultures, different Encuentro, cont'd on pg. 4

OWATONNA--85 women attended Look to Mary, the first joint gathering of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women's Convention and the Winona-Rochester Women's Conference, held at Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna on Saturday, October 13, 2018.

Women from the Owatonna Area provided great food and hospitality. Attendees included CCW Province Director Irene Schmidtz and St. Cloud Area President Cheryl Weller.

Deb McManimon, of St. Paul Street Evangelization, was the morning presenter, speaking on the Joy of the Gospel. Deb encouraged attendees to evangelize by listening to people's stories, befriending people, loving people as children of God, proclaiming what they believe, and inviting people to seek a different heart and praying with them in that moment.

Barb Ernster, of World Apostolate of Fatima, gave an afternoon presentation titled Mary at Fatima: the Depth of the Call. Barb spoke to how the events of Fatima affect our lives today.

Erin Drees from St. Ignatius Parish

Women's Event, cont'd on pg. 5

INSIDE this issue

We're All St. Monica... page 7

...National Vocations Awareness Week page 8

The Greatest Blessing page 15

What Is a Youth?

A Synod Glossary

The Courier Insider

2

Articles of Interest

Celebrating 1,775 Years______________________5 Our Call to Holiness..._______________________6 We're All St. Monica..._______________________7 ...National Vocations Awareness Week________8 Evangelization: How Do We Start?____________9 Catholic Schools Updates___________________10 Crimes and Punishments___________________12 The Saint Francis of Assisi Endowment...___13 (Civic) Friendship Is an Apostolate__________14 The Greatest Blessing_____________________15 Works of Justice...________________________16 Making My Dad Proud_____________________17 Diocesan Headlines________________________18 Diocesan Calendar_________________________20 Officials The Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, announces the following appointments:

Opening Mass of the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Credit: CNA

By COURTNEY GROGAN

VATICAN CITY, Oct 22, 2018 (CNA) - The 15th ordinary Synod of Bishops is meeting now to discuss young people, the faith, and vocational discernment. Many have referred to this nearly month-long meeting as the “Youth Synod.” This raises a question: What is a youth?

In the eyes of the Vatican, a youth is defined as a person between the ages of 16 and 35.

This age range extends beyond what is typically considered a “youth” in the United States. Whereas American World Youth Day participants are frequently groups of Catholic high school students accompanied by chaperones, many have observed that World Youth Day participants from European countries tend to be in their 20s and 30s.

With that established, what is a synod?

A synod is a meeting of bishops gathered to discuss a topic of theological or pastoral significance, in order to prepare a document of advice or counsel to the pope.

The Synod of Bishops was created in 1965 by Pope Saint Paul VI, who was canonized earlier this week. Paul VI charted the synod to encourage close union between the pope and the world’s bishops and to “ensure that direct and real infor-

The Holy Father's Intention for

November 2018 In Service of Peace That the language of love and dialogue may always prevail over the language of conflict.

mation is provided on questions and situations touching upon the internal action of the Church and its necessary activity in the world of today.”

Ordinary synods happen every three years on issues voted upon by synod delegates elected or appointed from each continent, and from certain Vatican offices. There have been 15 ordinary synods to date. There are also extraordinary synods and special synods.

What makes a synod extraordinary? It is a matter of timing. Extraordinary synods are called by the pope outside of the usual timing as a matter of urgency.

Special synods address a particular Glossary, cont'd on pg. 19

How Would You Like Your Courier?

�

ears ago, the Courier was delivered in bulk to churches for parishioners to pick up after Masses, rather than individually to homes.

Today, as we continue to evaluate our stewardship of diocesan resources, Courier staff is exploring the benefits and drawbacks of bulk mailings as one option for Courier delivery.

If you prefer to receive the Courier at home, you still can! Let us know, and we'll keep sending it to you, regardless of other changes we may make to our delivery method.

If you'd rather pick up the Courier at church, we'd like to know that as well.

Please send your response along with your name, parish and reader ID (number directly above your name on the mailing label) to: Diocese of Winona-Rochester The Courier 55 W Sanborn St. Winona, MN 55987 OR nreller@dowr.org Thank you!

Courier Staff

Director of Divine Worship Very Rev. Patrick Arens: currently Rector of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka and Pastor of St. John Nepomucene Parish in Winona, and Canonical Administrator of St. Mary Cemetery of Winona; in addition to his current assignments, appointed Director of Divine Worship of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, effective October 1, 2018.

Pastor Rev. Msgr. Gerald Kosse: currently Pastor of St. Leo Parish in Pipestone, St. Joseph Parish in Jasper, and St. Martin Parish in Woodstock, and Dean of the Worthington Deanery; in addition to his current assignments, appointed Pastor of St. Catherine Parish in Luverne for a six-year term, effective October 8, 2018.

Canonical Administrator Very Rev. Patrick Arens: currently Rector of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka and Pastor of St. John Nepomucene Parish in Winona; in addition to his current assignments, appointed Canonical Administrator of St. Mary Cemetery of Winona, effective September 20, 2018.

Pension Plan for Priests Very Rev. Donald J. Schmitz: elected to the Pension Plan for Priests Board of Trustees as the age 70+ representative for a three-year term, effective July 1, 2018.

Presbyteral Council Very Rev. James Russell: elected to the Presbyteral Council as the Senior Priest Representative for a three-year term, effective January 1, 2019.

Very Rev. Glenn Frerichs: elected to the Presbyteral Council as the Winona Deanery Representative for a threeyear term, effective January 1, 2019.

Rev. Timothy Biren: elected to the Presbyteral Council as the Rochester Deanery Representative for a threeyear term, effective January 1, 2019.

Finance Council Br. Louis DeThomasis, FCS: appointed to the Diocese of Winona-Rochester Finance Council for a five-year term, effective July 18, 2018.

Catholic Charities Ms. Heather Lenz: appointed to the Catholic Charities Board of Directors for a three-year term, effective November 1, 2018.

Child Abuse Policy Information The Diocese of Winona-Rochester will provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (employees, volunteers, vendors, religious or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 507454-2270, Extension 255. A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. The Diocese of Winona-Rochester is committed to protecting children, young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. The diocesan policy is available on the diocesan web site at www.dow. org under the Safe Environment Program. If you have any questions about the Diocese of Winona-Rochester’s implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Mary Hamann at 507-858-1244, or mhamann@dowr.org.

The Courier is the official publication of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 588, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 109 - 11

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

Telephone: 507-858-1257 Fax:507-454-8106 E-mail: nreller@dowr.org Subscription Rates: $5 per year in the U.S. Parishioners in the diocese subscribe through their parish. Periodicals postage paid at Slayton, MN Postmaster.

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

(ISSN 0744-5490)

November, 2018 w The Courier

Holy Men and Women, Pray for Us! ear Friends in Christ,

All Saints and All Souls

On November 1, we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints, a day when we rejoice in the many holy men and women who gave their lives wholeheartedly to Christ, and who are now with God in heaven.

The saints are examples to us of how it is possible to put the Lord above everything else, and serve Him amid the various states and circumstances of life. The saints knew that one can only find joy through encountering our Triune God through prayer and the Sacraments, and by serving the Lord and others. May we always count on their intercession as we continue on our earthly pilgrimage.

All you holy men and women, pray for us!

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

November is also the Month of the Holy Souls, those who have died in friendship with God but who require additional purification from sin, in order to attain the purity and perfection necessary to enjoy the presence of God in heaven. The holy souls in purgatory long to be with our Triune God and in this month of November the Church reminds us of the importance of praying for those who have died, so that they may attain the fullness of joy and eternal life. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Responding to the Current Crisis

During the past several months, we have all seen many shocking and scandalous revelations of abuse and cover-up perpetrated by members of the clergy. In response, bishops from across the United States, including myself, have called for action and prayer and fasting, in reparation for the harm done to countless individuals, and to root out the scourge of abuse so that what has happened in the past will never happen again.

Here in the Diocese of WinonaRochester, I asked parishes to hold a Day of Prayer and Reparation in September, and on October 12, I gathered with the priests of our diocese for a day of prayer and fasting. This follows the call of Pope Francis, who in his August Letter to the People of God, explains how, “The penitential dimension of fasting and prayer will help us as God’s People to come before the Lord… imploring forgiveness and the grace of shame and conversion.”

Additionally, the bishops of the United States have taken steps to do what is in their power to ensure that the past systematic abuse and cover-up will never happen again.

In August, the administrative

committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) established three goals: 1.

2.

3.

having an investigation conducted regarding the situation of Archbishop McCarrick, creating new methods of reporting complaints made against bishops, and establishing more effective procedures for resolving complaints regarding bishops.

These goals were to be pursued with a focus on three criteria: independence, so that complaints and investigations are not unduly influenced by the bishop who is the subject of the complaint; authority, that it is both respected and not abused; and laity, involving competent laity and their expertise.

Furthermore, in September the administrative committee took the following actions that were within its scope of authority: 1.

2.

3.

4.

approved setting up a thirdparty reporting system for complaints regarding bishops that would forward information to the appropriate ecclesiastical and / or civil authorities;

asked the USCCB to create guidelines for dealing with bishops who are no longer in ministry due to allegations of sexual abuse or misconduct;

began the process of establishing a code of conduct for bishops, and expressed full support for an investigation into the situation surrounding Archbishop McCarrick. This latter point is under the jurisdiction of the Holy Father, and he has recently asked for a study of the documentation in the various offices of the Holy

November 1, Thursday 8 a.m. - Teach at St. Mary’s University 12:10 p.m. - Mass - Solemnity of All Saints - Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester

November 8, Thursday 8 a.m. - Teach at St. Mary’s University 2 p.m. - DOW-R Christmas TV Mass Taping - Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester

November 2, Friday 7 p.m. - Confessions at Cor Jesu - Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

November 9 - November 14, Friday Wednesday USCCB November Assembly - Baltimore, MD

November 3, Saturday 6:15 p.m. - St. Casimir Church Fall Festival Dinner - St. Casimir Church, Winona November 4, Sunday 10:30 a.m. - Mass - St. Mary’s Church, Winona November 6, Tuesday 8 a.m. - Teach at St. Mary’s University 10:30 a.m. - St. Paul Street Evangelization Corner of Main and Huff Streets - Winona 7 p.m. - Teach RCIA - Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona November 7, Wednesday 11 a.m. - Mass and Lunch at DOW-R Priest Retreat - Alverna Center, Winona 2:30 p.m. - IHM Seminary Finance Council Meeting - IHM Seminary, Winona 5 p.m. - Mass and Dinner with Christian Brothers of the Midwest - Winona

November 15, Thursday 8 a.m. - Teach at St. Mary’s University 11 a.m. - Holy Hour 12 p.m. - Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting November 16, Friday 12:10 p.m. - Mass for Deceased Clergy Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester

See in regard to Archbishop McCarrick.

Pope Francis himself has expressed solidarity with the Church as she reels from the current crisis. He has taken the step of calling a meeting of the presidents of the world’s bishops’ conferences, which will take place in Rome this February, and will focus on the topic of protection of minors and prevention of abuse. The Holy Father has made clear that “there is no such thing as a tolerable level of abuse,” and recognizes that while sexual abuse also occurs outside the Church, it is more scandalous when found in the Church, since the Church “should bring children to God and not destroy them.”

Please know that I, along with my brother bishops, am committed to eradicating all forms of abuse in our Church and society, and offering prayers and fasting for repentance and conversion.

Synod on Youth and Young Adults

As I write this, the Synod of Bishops is meeting in Rome, discussing young people, the faith, and vocational discernment. In his homily at the synod’s opening Mass, Pope Francis called upon the Holy Spirit to renew the Church, reminding participants that, “It is the Spirit who ensures that the richness and beauty of the Gospel will be a source of constant joy and freshness.”

Many topics have arisen in the synodal discussions thus far, including the necessity of leading youth to an encounter with Christ, social media, sports, marriage, Catholic schools, the irreplaceable role of the father in the family, and the Liturgy and the Eucharist. As the synod continues, more themes will continue to be addressed, and the writing commission has already started to shape the final document.

November 19, Monday 3 p.m. - Sacred Heart Major Seminary Board Meeting - Conference Call November 20, Tuesday 8 a.m. - Teach at St. Mary’s University 10 a.m. - Holy Hour 11 a.m. - College of Consultors Meeting

November 27, Tuesday 8 a.m. - Teach at St. Mary’s University 11 a.m. - Clergy Personnel Committee Meeting - Pastoral Center, Winona

November 17, Saturday 5:15 p.m. - Confirmation at St. John the Baptist Church, Mankato, with St. James Church, St. James, and St. Mary Church, Madelia

November 28, Wednesday 5:30 p.m. - Mass at Loyola High School, Mankato 6:30 p.m. - Pizza Dinner at Loyola High School, Mankato 7:15 p.m. - Evening with Sarah Swafford at Loyola High School, Mankato

November 18, Sunday 3:30 p.m. - Confirmation at St. Teresa Church, Mapleton, with Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Easton, St. Casimir Church, Wells, St. John the Baptist Church, Minnesota Lake, St. Matthew Church, Vernon Center, and St. Joseph Church, Good Thunder

November 29, Thursday 8 a.m. - Teach at St. Mary’s University 10:25 a.m. = Real Presence Radio Guest by Telephone 1 p.m. - Holy Hour 2 p.m. - Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting

Each section of this text will need a 2/3 majority vote to be included in the final draft. This document will then be sent to Pope Francis, who can publish and/or use it as an aid to write his own document on the synod, a post-synodal apostolic exhortation.

National Vocations Awareness Week

3 From the Bishop

�

This year, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates National Vocations Awareness Week November 4-10. This week is a special opportunity to highlight vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, and encourage youth and young adults to open their hearts to the Lord and seek His will for their lives. The Church is always in need of men and women willing to serve the Lord as priests, religious brothers and sisters, and consecrated men and women. If you know people who you think might be called to the priesthood or consecrated life, encourage them to consider a religious vocation and pray for their discernment. I also thank you for your continued prayers for our seminarians, and those from our diocese who are in formation for consecrated life, and all our priests and religious. God bless you!

Sincerely in Christ,

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

November 30, Friday 6:30 a.m. - Lauds and Mass at IHM Seminary December 1, Saturday 5 p.m. - Confirmation at St. Mary of the Lake Church, Lake City, with St. Patrick Church, West Albany December 2, Sunday 9:30 a.m. - First Sunday of Advent Mass at Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester 5 p.m. - Evening Prayer with the Christian Brothers of the Midwest and Winona Area Priests - Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona December 4, Tuesday 8 a.m. - Teach at St. Mary’s University 11 a.m. - Presbyteral Council Meeting - St. Theodore Church, Albert Lea December 5, Wednesday 11 a.m. - Minnesota Catholic Conference - St. Paul Chancery, St. Paul December 6, Thursday 8 a.m. - Teach at St. Mary’s University 10:30 a.m. - Annual Meeting with Ascension Health - Pastoral Center, Winona 2:20 p.m. - Confessions at Cotter High School, Winona November, 2018 w The Courier

4

Encuentro,

ways of living, of thinking, of feeling, you encounter one another and walk together in hope.”

He also said, “the V Encuentro is a concrete way for the Church in the United States to respond to the challenge of going beyond what is comfortable, business as usual, to become a leaven of communion for all those who seek a future of hope, especially young people and families that live on the peripheries of society.”

Six people dedicated to Hispanic/Latino Ministry from our Diocese of Winona-Rochester attended the National Encuentro in Texas. Here are some of their experiences:

cont'd from pg. 1

There was a great deal of sharing, discussion, reflection and consultation going on in each of the sessions. Overall, the discussions yielded more than 12,000 pages of information, insights and new initiatives regarding Hispanic/Latino Ministry in America. People at this great gathering were filled with reverence and joy at the daily prayers and celebration of the Mass. Everybody was enthusiastic and eager to become missionary disciples in search of those who live in the peripheries.

Fr. Raúl Silva is the vicar for Hispanic ministry in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and the pastor of Queen of Angels Parish in Austin.

I was very surprised and happy to encounter people from all around the country. It was special for me to see so many bishops attending, listening and participating in the many sessions of the National Encuentro. … I was touched by the words of the Pope when he said that we should become missionaries of the love of God. I truly feel the Lord is calling me to go out to seek people who are far away from the Church.

-Gina

Encuentro Nacional del Ministerio Hispano/Latino

I enjoyed the excellent talks and reflections given by some bishops and cardinals. There was a sincere concern to reach out and minister to our Hispanic youth.

-Jorge

as de 3,000 Lideres/Delegados Católicos jóvenes y adultos representando 165 Diócesis en todo el País se reunieron por cuatro días consecutivos para consultar y conversar en el Hotel Gaylord Texas Resort y Centro de Convenciones en Grapevine, Texas. Esto tomó lugar en septiembre del 20 al 23. La mayoría de los asistentes son personas que trabajan en el ministerio Hispano/ Latino en sus Parroquias y Diócesis. Muchos de los que asistieron eran también delegados de movimientos eclesiales, apostolados, misio-

Listening to the different experiences, opinions and recommendations was a true enrichment for everyone. Many people shared good ideas and initiatives that work in their local communities. … Family is the first place of evangelization. We need to ask for the Holy Spirit to help us be missionaries in our own home.

-Adriana

Por P. RAÚL SILVA

�

nes, grupos de oración, organizaciones católicas, escuelas, colegios y universidades.

La primera noche de nuestro Encuentro Nacional comenzó con un saludo/mensaje del Papa Francisco grabado en video. La gente se lleno de emoción y alegría al escuchar al Papa Francisco haciendo mención de nuestro encuentro en Texas.

El Papa dijo, "A través de este Encuentro, ustedes buscan crear una cultura de Encuentro que reavive la esperanza. El encontrarse con gente de diferentes culturas, diferentes maneras de vivir, de pensar, te encuentras con el otro y caminan juntos en la esperanza.” También dijo, “El V Encuentro es un camino concreto para la Iglesia de los Estados Unidos para responder al desafío de ir mas allá de lo confortable, de lo acostumbrado, para convertirte en levadura de comunión para todos aquellos que buscan tener esperanza, especialmente los jóvenes y familias que viven en las periferias de la sociedad.”

Seis personas de nuestra Diócesis de WinonaRochester asistieron al Encuentro Nacional en Texas. A continuación, algunas de sus experiencias: Yo estaba muy sorprendida y feliz de encontrarme con personas de todo el país. Fue un evento muy especial para mi porque vi como muchos Obispos estaban presentes, escuchando y participando en muchas de las sesiones del Encuentro Nacional… A mi me toco mucho las palabras del Papa cuando dijo que debemos ser misioneros del amor de Dios.

Verdaderamente sentí que el Señor me estaba llamando a salir a buscar a las personas alejadas de la Iglesia.

-Gina

El escuchar las diferentes experiencias, opiniones y recomendaciones fue un verdadero enriquecimiento para todos. Mucha gente compartió sus ideas e iniciativas que funcionan bien en sus comunidades locales…. La Familia es el primer lugar de evangelización.

Necesitamos pedir la ayuda al Espíritu Santo para poder ser misioneros en nuestro propio hogar.

-Adriana Yo disfrute las platicas y reflexiones dadas por algunos de los Obispos y Cardenales. Había una sincera preocupación por alcanzar a los jóvenes y ayudar a nuestra juventud hispana.

-Jorge

Diocese of Winona-Rochester delegates to the National Encuentro (L to R): Adriana Peralta of Sacred Heart Parish, Owatonna; Fr. Raúl Silva, vicar for Hispanic ministry and pastor of Queen of Angels Parish, Austin; Gina Ledesma of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Rochester; Fr. Luis Vargas, parochial vicar of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Rochester; Elva Ramirez of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Mankato; and Jorge Montejo of St. Mary Parish, Worthington.

November, 2018 w The Courier

En cada una de las sesiones se compartió bastante, hubo bastante conversación, reflexión y consultación. En general las discusiones generaron mas de doce mil paginas de información, de entendimiento profundo y nuevas iniciativas con respeto al ministerio Hispano/latino en América.

La gente en este gran Encuentro estaba llena de alegría y tenían mucha reverencia en todas las oraciones de la mañana y durante la celebración de la Misa. Todos estaban muy entusiasmados y deseosos de ser realmente Discípulos Misioneros que salen en buscan de aquellos que viven en las periferias.

P. Raúl Silva es el vicario para el ministerio hispano en la Diócesis de Winona-Rochester y el pastor de la parroquia Queen of Angels en Austin.

Celebrating 1,775 Years

5

Peter Martin

Life, Marriage & Family

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

1,775 . That is the number of years of marriage that were celebrated at the Marriage Anniversary Mass at Good

Shepherd Catholic Church in Jackson on Sunday, September 16. The longest-married couple will celebrate 70 years this month, and the youngest couple was there with their children after just 11 years of marriage. One couple was celebrating their 50th anniversary that day! Their children wanted to do a big celebration, but they said, “No, we want to go and celebrate our anniversary in church, where it all started.� Bishop John M. Quinn blessed each couple's marriage as they rededicated their love in a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist. Praise the Lord for so many faithful marriages throughout the Diocese of Winona-Rochester!

Women's Event, cont'd from pg. 1

in Spring Valley and Ana Bussman from St. Bernard Parish in Stewartville, as the youngest and oldest attendees, presented the gifts at Mass. The collection taken during the liturgy was given to the Steele County St. Vincent de Paul Society, designated for women and children.

All in all, this was a great gathering filled with laughter, prayer and friendship.

Jeanette Fortier is the president of the WinonaRochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.

Deb McManimon

Barb Ernster

Erin Drees and Ana Bussman

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Lay Formation & RCIA

6

Our Call to Holiness To Be Saints and Witnesses

The Lord asks everything of us, and in return he offers us true life, the happiness for which we were created. He wants us to be saints and not to settle for a bland and mediocre existence.

-Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate, #1

Todd Graff

Director of Lay Formation & RCIA tgraff@dowr.org

�theastpresent month, in my reflection on state of our Church and

How truly beautiful! We seek our salvation, and find our path to holiness and sanctity in this life, not alone but together with our sisters and brothers who are our friends in Christ. We seek to be saints accompanied by the saints in heaven, and by the saints we see and share our lives with each day here on earth.

the sexual abuse scandal facing us, I concluded with this challenge:

I would assert that the way out of this darkness is to keep always before us, and to be, who we are.

The Church is to be the Body of Christ in the world, and each of us is called to be the presence of Christ to each person we meet.

A Season of Saints

I would like to follow up on this by reflecting more deeply on what holiness looks like in the life of a Christian disciple today. To guide us in this we have the recent Apostolic Exhortation of our Holy Father, Gaudete et Exsultate (“Rejoice and Be Glad”): On the Call to Holiness in Today’s World. I will plan to explore this document in the coming months to allow Pope Francis to guide us in being a follower of Christ in our contemporary situation.

First, Pope Francis states the purpose of his apostolic exhortation quite simply:

My modest goal is to repropose the call to holiness in a practical way for our own time, with all its risks, challenges and opportunities. For the Lord has chosen each one of us "to be holy and blameless before him in love" (Ephesians 1:4). (#2)

What follows are five short chapters in which the Pope reflects on different dimensions of the call to holiness: 1. The Call to Holiness

2. Two Subtle Enemies of Holiness 3. In the Light of the Master

4. Signs of Holiness in Today's World 5. Spiritual Combat, Vigilance and Discernment.

As I began reading this document, I was struck by its beginning point - a reflection on “the saints.” In the first chapter of Gaudete et Exsultate, Pope Francis offers his reflections on saints in two contexts: those in Heaven “who encourage and accompany us,” and those “next door” who we see and are inspired by in our day-to-day lives.

The Saints Who Encourage and Accompany Us

The Letter to the Hebrews refers to the great Old Testament figures of Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Gideon, and others, and encourages us, in imitation of them, to “run with perseverance the race that is set before us” (12:1). We are “surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses” who spur us on in our journey and accompany us as spiritual companions.

These holy ones, “now in God’s presence,” are not removed and distant from our lives but “preserve

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their bonds of love and communion with us” (Gaudete et Exsultate, #4). We can call upon them as friends and intercessors, especially in the celebration of the Eucharist. We find assurance in this in the words of Pope Emeritus Benedict: “Surrounded, led and guided by the friends of God … I do not have to carry alone what, in truth, I could never carry alone. All the saints of God are there to protect me, to sustain me and carry me” (Gaudete et Exsultate, #4).

The Saints "Next Door”

Pope Francis then reflects on the saints who are with us physically on our spiritual journey in this world – as close as “next door” to us! He refers to the holiness present in the “patience” and “daily perseverance” of “those parents who raise their children with immense love, in those men and women who work hard to support their families, in the sick, in elderly religious who never lose their smile” (Gaudete et Exsultate, #7). In a wonderful phrase, he speaks of these as “the middle class of holiness.”

And, he describes how our salvation is won not in isolation from one another but “as a people.” As the Second Vatican Council instructs us: [I]t has pleased God to make men and women holy and to save them, not as individuals without any bond between them, but rather as a people who might acknowledge him in truth and serve him in holiness. (Lumen Gentium, #9)

My favorite season is the fall, with the cooler weather and the beautiful fall colors all around us. I also treasure the spiritual focus of these days which lead us into Advent and a new church year.

We have wonderful feasts of saints in October - Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint John XXIII, Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Saint John Paul II. And, this year, we also celebrate two new saints, canonized

by Pope Francis on October 14 - Saint Paul VI and Saint Oscar Romero. They are all towering figures in the life of the Church, and powerful intercessors for us in our needs.

Then, in November, we celebrate the twin feasts of All Saints and All Souls, and we can carry the focus and flavor of these feasts with us throughout the coming weeks. We remember all of those who have gone before us in this great Communion of Saints. We call upon the continued guidance and inspiration of our saints, and we pray for those who have died to be granted “eternal rest … through the mercy of God.” What a blessing for us to be accompanied on our earthly journey by this “great cloud of witnesses,” and to have them as our spiritual guides and heavenly friends. Pope Francis reminds us that this is our vocation and calling as well - to strive and, with God’s grace, to become “saints for God’s greater glory” (Gaudete et Exsultate, #4). Deo Gratias!

Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses…. It is therefore primarily by her conduct and by her life that the Church will evangelize the world, in other words, by her living witness of fidelity to the Lord Jesus – the witness of poverty and detachment, of freedom in the face of the powers of this world, in short, the witness of sanctity.

-Saint Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi, #41

The church will always exist as long as there is someone who has been baptized…Where is your baptism? You are baptized in your professions, in the fields of workers, in the market. Wherever there is someone who has been baptized, that is where the church is. There is a prophet there. Let us not hide the talent that God gave us on the day of our baptism and let us truly live the beauty and responsibility of being a prophetic people.

-Saint Oscar Romero

7 Missionary Discipleship

We're All St. Monica Getting Your Family to Return to the Faith

ness, and ask for it if you need to. ingly persistent to Augustine (and others, including her Cultivate hospitality and genuine husband) in her own witness to the love and truth of the Lord. She was, as some say today, a prayer warrior. And interest in a person’s life and pursuits.

Susan Windley-Daoust shortly before she died, Augustine accepted the Christian Then…drop the seeds. A book, a pamDirector of Missionary Discipleship faith and was baptized. phlet, an article online, etc. One can swindley@dowr.org With rare exception, we are all St. Monica: the saint overdo this but sometimes it works! none of us who are parents or family want to be. We want Vogt recommends certain “seed gifts” to be any other saint than the one who persistently pleads as being more effective than others, to God to reach her children and family. But Monica is and encourages you to choose seed perhaps the saint our children need. What can we do? gifts based on what your family memn three weeks, we expect to gather together with famI highly recommend Brandon Vogt’s book Return: ber may be interested in more than ily, as we are able, for the holidays. If you are middle How to Draw Your Child Back to Church (Numinous what you may be interested in (for aged or older, it is very likely you have family members Books, 2015, available at www.returngameplan.com). example, a basic book that winningly (probably children) who have drifted from the Catholic We spend a lot of time scratching our heads and wringdiscusses the relationship between faith. This can be a source of great ing our hands. Vogt does us the great Christianity and science from the perpain and confusion: "Why? Didn't I raise Share your return to reconservice of 1) reminding you that you spective of a Vatican astronomist may him right? We've gone to church every ciliation with The Light Is On are one of many, 2) creating a spiribe the book he is willing to read—not Sunday! How could she not believe in this Lent! This diocesan initiatual and practical game plan, and 3) the Summa Theologiae that you want God? How could she live without the tive aims to encourage people preparing yourself for questions you to give). strength of the Eucharist? What will who have not received sacraare likely to get, especially if you are 4. Start the conversation. This is not nagging...if you happen to her after her death? Why mental reconciliation in years speaking to an adult in their 20s. have been talking his or her ear off for years, you can't he recognize that nothing is more to do so, with stories on our I’d like to focus on the “game may need to take a break to “reset” the relationship important than this - that it's worth website from people who have plan.” Vogt reasonably argues that (work on #3). But at some point, when your relationmore than a morning of sleeping in?" when people are frustrated and afraid, received reconciliation after a ship is more calm and healed, you need to talk about This is an increasingly huge prob- long absence. Are you willing they tend to react in ways that do not this. Begin by listening. Ask if you can set a time for lem in the past 10 years; people who are operate out of a spirit of love and to share your story as a written coffee and listening…you say you just want to know part of the Millennial generation (usupeace.

Love and peace are attractive; narrative or as a video? It may why they do not believe anymore. Promise to not ally in their 20s) have drifted away in frustration and nagging are not. His be possible to do so anonyrespond—it’s just a listening session. And do listen! dramatically large numbers. The teens suggestion is basically to pray and mously. Please contact Susan The reasons why they have left their childhood faith (Gen Z) are even worse, declaring their make a plan. First: Windley Daoust (swindley@ may not be the ones you expect. Sympathize when disbelief at earlier and earlier ages.

1.

Pray, fast, and sacrifice for dowr.org) to discuss.

Initial appropriate. Ask if you can respond to what they There are a wide variety of reasons this your child or family member. This inquiries remain in confidence. said…maybe set another coffee date. is happening, and, as a Church, we can goes without saying, but we often turn this around. (Watch this space!)

5. Move the dialogue forward. This step, as well as the ignore how important this is. Monica But you are likely not as interested next, is shaped by what your family member shared. prayed fervently every single day for in the numbers as you are in the person you love. You But make yourself a safe person for this conversaher family’s conversion. Fasting and sacrifice is are, perhaps, St. Monica. tion. Consider witnessing more than arguing or prayer with your voice and your body. Scripture is If you don't know who St. Monica is, she is the informing, and point the person to charitable arguclear that love calls for all three. mother of St. Augustine—a man who was anything but ments or information.

2. “Always be prepared to give a reaa saint before his conversion to the Catholic faith in his 6.

Invite and connect. Again, this son for your hope.” (1 Peter 3:15) 30s. Monica was a devout Catholic Christian who desSave the dates for Practicing is informed by step 4, but at some Equip yourself with the beauty perately wanted her family to join her in the faith, and point the conversation needs to be & Teaching Forgiveness, a and truth of the faith. There are so taught them about Jesus as best she could. Augustine, broader than you and that person.

24-hour retreat exploring why many resources to go deeper into in particular, was especially resistant. Although he was Offer to connect him or her to another Christ challenges us to forgive, your faith—you don’t need to be inclined to believe as a Christian when faithful Catholic, someone who can what forgiveness does and an expert, but going deeper will he was a young child, he lost that bent address some of your loved one’s doesn't mean, and the spiritual give you confidence and help you as a teenager, resented his mother’s articulated challenges. process of forgiving another. answer the all-important question: interference, and flirted with a why be Catholic? Every person has Jan. 25-26 at Shalom Hill Farm, pagan religious movement called 7.

“Close the loop.” Make a conhis or her own answer to this ques- Windom, with Susan WindleyManichaeism. He was living crete invitation to return to the faith… tion. Find and articulate yours. Be Daoust and Dcn. Bob Yerhot. with a concubine and raising this may be asking the person if he or ready for that question. a child out of wedlock. And she wants to pray with you to accept Feb. 15-16 at Alverna Center, as Augustine himself said the love of Christ, or invite them to 3. Cultivate the soil and plant Winona, with Susan Windleyat length in Confessions, come to confession with you (if that the seeds. This step reminds us Daoust and Fr. Jeff Dobbs. he was living as a drais the block), invite them to Mass, or we’re not about winning an matically public sincome to an event that re-engages the argument as much as we Registration details in next ner. Monica suffered person with the community of faith are offering the love and month's issue! greatly through all (Alpha, ChristLife, a prayer group, a truth of God…and allowthis, and was lovBible study, etc.). ing God to lead to the details. This may We're likely to see our children outside the faith this not be what you expect, but it holiday (or a spouse, or sibling, etc.). Perhaps it pains comes from the life of Christ you to see your family in this reality. But what can you and the original apostles do? themselves: cultivate Although it is true that every person has free will and unconditional love. we cannot force them to accept anything from the Lord, Cultivate forgivethere are many things we can do. We need to make a plan and leave the results in God's hands. The framework of this "game plan" comes from Brandon Vogt's excellent book Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to Church. It is absolutely worth reading, and is an accessible and well argued "Evangelization 101" for the people to whom you are called to speak words of hope: those given to you in Saints Augustine and Monica, Ary Scheffer, 1846 love as family and close friends.

�

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8

November 4-10 Is

National Vocations Awareness Week �his

Vocations

year, National Vocations Awareness Week is November 4-10.

This week celebrates the truth that God is calling each one of us in a unique and unrepeatable way to serve Him and one another. All the more, when we speak of vocations, we are reminded of the unique plan that God has for each of our lives to lead us on a pathway of holiness and fulfillment in Christ. Priests are invited to preach on vocations on one of the weekends, and parish members are invited to look for ways to speak about and hold conversations about each person’s unique calling from God. Our Lord continues to call young men to the priesthood and young men and women to consecrated life. We must have the courage to assist them in answering this call. In addition to this, the holy life of marriage must continue to be held up as a participation in God’s own self-gift to the world.

Marriage is called to be a lifelong outpouring of love even despite the challenges that arise. All vocations and even those who are single must continue to draw near to the heart of Jesus and beg the Lord for the grace to live in fidelity to their state in life.

The Church needs each person’s commitment

to holiness in this time. Your generous response to God is needed in our time!

I think we could ask the question, is now an appropriate time to promote vocations to the priesthood? The answer is a resounding YES! God is the one who calls men to serve the Church. And He is calling! He is inviting the right men for our time in the Church to respond generously and courageously.

I am meeting with one young man whose parents are very wary of him becoming a priest. Have his parents never met a joyful priest? Certainly this young man knows that He is called to follow Jesus, and he is undeterred no matter what troubles the Church faces, because He knows the power of Jesus in His own life and that Jesus Himself has called him and is giving him the grace to purify his own heart and intentions for wanting to be a priest even despite his parents opposition. We will only find authentic fulfillment in following the way of Jesus laid before each of our lives.

As you read this, we can ask the question for you today: How are you doing in following Jesus?

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

Are you witnessing to Christ in your own sphere of influence? Christ calls you to follow Him and love Him in your family, in your ministry, in your life. Perhaps this time in the Church’s history is a time for all of us to renew our spiritual inventory of how we are really doing in living out fidelity to the Person of Jesus and what He has entrusted to us as individuals and members of the Living Body of Christ. Perhaps we can take some intentional time to lay down our burdens at the feet of Jesus and entrust everything we carry more deeply to our Lord and Savior. Give all that you are and all that you are carrying over to the Lord and allow Him to show you how to keep the truth of who you are as a beloved son or daughter before you even as you serve others. We must find our fulfillment in our relationship to Jesus in order to serve from an authentic encounter of love. Let Christ, who is the Way and the Truth and the Life (Jn 14:6) be your fulfillment and joy as you bring His love and truth into the world.

Immaculate Heart of Mary seminarians with (seated L to R) IHM Spiritual Life Director Fr. Jeffrey Dobbs, IHM Vice-Rector Fr. Martin Schaefer, IHM Rector Fr. Robert Horihan, and DOW-R Vocations Director Fr. Jason Kern.

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How Do We Start?

Aaron Lofy

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

�ou may have heard that the Church’s mission is to evangelize, but where exactly do we start if we’re not a theologian or an ordained priest?

Most of the time, I believe that people are fearful of getting out of their comfort zone and meeting new people, or teaching the Catholic faith to people when they themselves don’t know it as well as they should. All of these fears are valid, but this is not where we should start the conversation about evangelization activity.

Jesus tells us in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” Some people, including myself at times, get so caught up in the methods and techniques of evangelization that we fail to see who is in control.

So, who is the leader of the Church’s mission for the salvation of the whole world? I know most may know the answer, but for all of us, we need to be reminded daily that the

there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Spirit and began to Do we believe Holy speak in other tongues, that God has as the Spirit gave them utterance. (2:2-4)

answer is God. Although we willingly participate in the Church’s mission, Jesus gives our “marching orders” for His mission in the Gospel of Matthew: And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)

destined a specific "marching order" for us?

If He has done it with his first apostles, why not us?

If we know this as our “marching orders," how do I, specifically, accomplish it in my present state of life? The early Church gives us the answer we need.

After Jesus gives us the Great Commission and ascends into heaven, the apostles wonder what to do next. As the Book of the Acts of the Apostles tells us: And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And

9 Youth & Young Adults

Evangelization

The Holy Spirit engulfed the apostles and began speaking through them to the crowds about the truth of Jesus. The Holy Spirit, as we read on in the Acts of the Apostles, prepares and sends the apostles to the places that God wants the Gospel to be known. Now remember, most of the apostles were common fisherman by trade. They were not of a well-educated social class; yet, because of each apostle's “yes” to the will of God, we ourselves have received the gift of faith in the present day.

Do we believe that God has destined a specific “marching order” for us? If He has done it with his first apostles, why not us? Let us beg the Holy Spirit to show us our own mission.

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Homecoming, Loyola Style Submitted by ANGIE WINCH

ďż˝

Catholic Schools

omecoming week is typically filled with pep fests, dress up days and hallways decorated to depict school spirit. Loyola Catholic School in Mankato embraces these traditions while adding a very special one of their own, which showcases one of the core values of the school: service.

The Crusaders in the Community annual service project allows students the opportunity to work among their peers while providing service in the Mankato area. The goal is a simple one: for students to discover that everyone, even the youngest among us, can make a difference.

This year's Crusaders in the Community projects, carried out on Thursday, October 4, included sorting clothing at Again Thrift and MRCI Thrift Store, helping with yard work at Jack McGowan's farm, visiting and playing games with residents at Oaklawn and Laurel's Peak assisted living facilities, and roadside clean up along some area highways. Students

Storm Turns Marathon into Service Project Submitted by LYNSEY HULLOPETER

OWATONNA--St. Mary's School in Owatonna participated in its 11th Marathon for Nonpublic Education on Wednesday, September 26. The event was originally scheduled for Friday, September 21; however, storms that came through the area on Thursday, September 20, left the school without power and the town a mess, forcing a change in plans.

With service being a core value to St. Mary's School, there was no question that the

November, 2018 w The Courier

Marsha Stenzel

Superintendent of Catholic Schools mstenzel@dowr.org

returned to Loyola with stories about new friends they made, new skills they learned, and, above all, with a renewed desire to live their faith and work for justice in their daily lives, in their community, and in our world.

Angie Winch is a marketing and communications associate for Loyola School in Mankato.

Walk for Education Marathon needed to be transformed into a Work and Walk Marathon the next week to help with the storm clean-up.

"When people are in need, this is what we're going to do," said Principal Jen Swanson.

"Service is what we believe in."

All St. Mary's School students, from pre-k through eighth grade, were involved to help make the Work and Walk Wednesday a success. Pre-k through first grade stayed around the school, picking up sticks and branches that had fallen in the storm. Second-graders walked to a local public elementary school to help their custodian pick up branches.

Third- and fourth-graders walked to St. Joseph Catholic Church to assist with clean-up. Fifthand sixth-graders walked to a local park to collect debris. And our seventh- and eighthgraders took buses to Morristown to help pick

up the pieces of the destroyed turkey farm of one of their own teachers.

Although the storm was devastating to so many, it provided a great opportunity for students and staff to make a difference in the community, and touched the hearts of both the students and the community.

Lynsey Hullopeter is the marketing and enrollment coordinator for St. Mary's School in Owatonna.

St. Mary's School, Worthington 11 Submitted by JACKIE PROBST

�he staff, students, parents, and alumni at St. Mary’s

School, Worthington, do not just stop in May when the school year ends; they keep going with fundraising activities and school improvements.

In July, the St. Mary’s School Parent Group sponsored two large bouncy houses and games at the Beach Bash Fourth of July celebration. This first-time event was a great fundraiser for the school, and plans are in the works for next year!

In August, two playground work nights were held!

Many parents, both current and former, as well as students, alumni, grandparents, and Deacon Vern gathered with their shovels in hand to remove the old pea rock from the playground area and fill it with new pea rock to ensure the safety of our students. In addition to the playground work, lines were painted on the new parking lot for four square, hopscotch, football, kickball and more! Also, in August The Our Lady of Good Counsel Tractor Cruise fundraiser was held. SMS is very grateful for the blessing of our partnership with OLGC. They not only raise money for their parishioners attending St. Mary’s School, but have also purchased books for reading groups, general office supplies, and a new laminator.

September brought the start of the 2018-2019 school year and the second annual Barn Dance fundraiser put together by the marketing committee of our school board. The annual endowment committee meeting was also held, in which a check in the amount of $74,679.91 for the annual interest earnings was given to the school.

In addition, students marched through the Worthington Turkey Day Parade wearing their green St. Mary’s t-shirts to show off their school pride! On September 21, students once again participated in International Peace Day with a special Mass. They processed in with the pinwheels they had made with messages of peace. After Mass the pinwheels were placed by the Peace Pole outside of church.

Also in September, there was an all school reunion put together by the alumni group. There were many stories and laughter as former teachers and students gathered together.

In October, we found ourselves wrapping up the Marathon fundraiser. The unexpected five inches of snow received in Worthington may have shortened our walking time, but it did not damper our spirit! After the walk, the top five pledge earning families, were made into a Human Sundae on Monday.

We ask for your prayers as we continue the 20182019 school year and thank you for your support. Just as our children begin each day with this prayer, let us all pray:

New Pea Rock

Catholic Schools

Month by Month Human Sunday on Monday

Our Lady of Good Counsel Tractor Cruise

May Christ be the way we walk, the truth we follow, and the life we lead, Amen.

Jackie Probst is the principal of St. Mary's School in Worthington.

November, 2018 w The Courier

Ask a Canon Lawyer

12

Crimes and Punishments �ne topic in canon law that doesn’t often get much attention is the Church’s penal

law, or the laws on crime and punishments. It might even seem surprising that the Church should have punishment as part of its law; but after all, the Church is a type of society, and any society needs rules and consequences for the sake of ensuring good order.

Sins vs. Crimes

With that being said, one important thing to understand about canon law is that it is not meant as a step-by-step, foolproof handbook to becoming a good Christian.

Instead, canon law is more like a guardrail that keeps us from falling too far off the side of the road. While the Church’s teachings as a whole—expressed through various sources such as the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the writings of the saints, various teaching documents from the popes, our Catholic tradition of scriptural interpretation, etc.—provides ample resources for growing in virtue and holiness, canon law itself is generally limited to rules ensuring good order in the Church. The upshot of this is that, while all canonical crimes are sins, not all sins are formally recognized as crimes in canon law.

Some examples of crimes in canon law include heresy, apostasy, and schism (see can. 751 and can. 1364); directly facilitating an abortion (can. 1398); breaking the seal of the confessional (can. 1388); urging people towards animosity or disobedience of their bishop or the Holy Father (can. 1373); or certain ways in which those holding a Church office might abuse their authority.

Still, just because a particular sin isn’t always technically a crime in canon law, this does not mean that canon law ignores the existence of sin even on its own. For instance, canon 916 directs anyone who is conscious of any serious sin—even an “ordinary,” noncrime sin—to refrain from receiving Holy Communion.

Penalties

The main difference between regular sins and sins that are also crimes is that canonical crimes can be punished by canonical penalties, i.e. penalties that are described in the Church’s law and have effects that are specific to life within the Catholic community. Penalties in canon law fall into two main categories: medicinal penalties and expiatory penalties.

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Medicinal penalties are just what the name suggests—that is, penalties that are actually intended for the spiritual well-being of the offender. A medicinal penJenna Cooper alty is a kind of “wake up call” to individuals, meant to Tribunal Coordinator & Judge underscore for them the seriousness of their situation. jcooper@dowr.org Because of this, medicinal penalties are to be lifted as soon as the offender demonstrates a sincere repentance.

The most serious medicinal penalty is excommunication. An excommunicated person is forbidden from Some specific examples of expiatory penalties receiving the sacraments, from administering the sacrainclude loss of ecclesiastical office; for priest-offenders, ments if the offender happens to be a priest, and from the loss of the clerical state (sometimes popularly exercising any ecclesiastical office (can. 1331). However, called “laicization”); or, for priests and religious, the even if an excommunicated person is in this sense cut prohibition from residing in a particular territory. off from the life of the Church for all practical intents and purposes, he or she remains a Catholic and is still Are All Punishments Penalties? bound to fulfill those obligations which are binding on all the faithful. Another medicinal penalty is interdict, Generally, the Church regards formal canonical penalwhich is similar insofar as it prevents an individual ties as a last resort. In the case of medicinal penalties, from celebrating or receiving the sacraments, but still the Code of Canon Law exhorts Church authorities to allows them to function in an ecclesiastical office if try less severe ways of correcting the offender, such as engaging in a serious pastoral dialogue, before resortthey have one. ing to a canonical penalty.

Medicinal penalties can be automatic (techWith respect to crimes that merit nically called latae sententiae) or imposed Do expiatory penalties, it is possible that (ferendae sententiae). An automatic peny ou que hav the appropriate authority might alty is one which an offender incurs in s e tio cano a n strongly encourage the offender the very same instant that he or she n la abo you u w to do or not do certain things in t commits a specific crime with full that to s w o u l d addition to or in lieu of a formal knowledge and freedom. Only a e h e r e answ l i k e penalty. For example, in cirhandful of crimes have a latae sencumstances where a proper j c o o e ? E m ered tentiae penalty attached to them, per@ penal trial might be imposa and this is always spelled out very i l with dow sible or else exceedingly difr. o r g clearly in the law. On the other "Co q ficult (due to factors such u u hand, a medicinal penalty is ferenrier esti o as a lack of readily-available n dae sententiae when it can only " the concrete evidence; the unwillsubj i n be applied by the proper authority e ingness of witnesses to testil i n e ct after a trial or other judicial process. . fy before a Church court; or the Expiatory penalties are penalties advanced age and frail health of the which are meant to restore a sense of jusoffender) a guilty party might be asked tice to the community or to serve as a form of to retire to a life of prayer and penance. reparation for very serious crimes. Unlike medicFor publicly-known crimes, the proper authorinal penalties, an expiatory penalty can never be autoity can also impose a public penance, which the Code matic and can only be applied after a case is formally defines as “performance of some work of religion, investigated and the offender is given the opportunity to piety, or charity.” While a public penance has the same defend him or herself. Also, unlike medicinal penalties, ultimate goal of restoring justice and correcting the it is possible for expiatory penalties to be permanant, offender, it is technically distinct from a penalty per se. enduring for the rest of the offender’s life even Why Is This Important? if he or she has repented.

Hopefully, none of us will ever need to be personally concerned with canonical penalties in our own lives!

Still, having a basic familiarity with the Church’s law in this area can be helpful to us in our lives as Catholics.

For one thing, keeping in mind that the Church’s penal law is nuanced and situation-specific can help us intelligently read certain news stories with a sense of perspective. Additionally, it’s always good to understand the Church’s concern for justice for all the faithful.

The Saint Francis of Assisi Endowment

Creating Opportunities for Continued Religious Education in the West Executive Director Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota mherman@catholicfsmn.org

By SUSAN FISER

�

he parish cluster of St. Adrian in Adrian, Our Lady of Good Counsel in Wilmont, and St. Anthony in Lismore has started an endowment to help increase educational opportunities for both youth and adults, as well as community involvement for the three parishes.

The new endowment, the Saint Francis of Assisi Endowment, is available for members of the parish cluster in support of educational opportunities, such as Faith Formation, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), Adult Education and Youth Ministry.

St. Adrian parish member Pat Henning and her family created the endowment with the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota in honor of her late husband, Cyril “Sonny” Henning, who passed away last year. Shortly after the couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, Sonny was diagnosed with polymyositis. Through the challenges and complications of the disease, he expressed his desire to leave a meaningful gift for his faith community. In discussions with their pastor, Msgr. Richard Colletti, the Hennings decided that the best way to continue to support the parish cluster would be to create an endowment, which would be a perpetual gift with a designated purpose, instead of a one-time donation to the church.

title of the endowment. One parishioner has already donated to the fund in remembrance of his deceased wife.

Pat invites other members to consider financial support of the endowment and to leave a legacy that will benefit the entire parish cluster.

The main goals for the endowment are the continuation of faith education and adult programs. The endowment will help to bring in speakers, to send parishioners to events, and to cover the cost of attending workshops or conferences.

“Adult faith education is very important,” said Pat. “I’m concerned that there aren’t many opportunities for people once they are confirmed.”

She was moved to focus on continued faith education by the number of parishioners who came to listen to a speaker at the church earlier in the year, and the impact she saw the speaker have on those who attended.

Tax-deductible donations to the Saint Francis of Assisi Endowment can be sent to the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota at PO Box 30098, Winona, MN 55987. Please indicate that you want your gift to be designated to this fund.

If you are interested in requesting funds from the Saint Francis of Assisi Endowment, contact the St. Adrian parish office at stadriancluster@ hotmail.com or 507-483-2317.

If you are interested in establishing a fund or endowment for your parish, school or cemetery, contact Executive Director Monica Herman, of the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota, at mherman@catholicfsmn.org or 507-858-1276.

Catholic Foundation

Monica Herman

13

Sonny and Pat Henning

“Sonny really wanted to do something more, something lasting for the church,” said Pat Henning, explaining why they established the endowment. As both Pat and Sonny were longtime CCD teachers and enthusiastic supporters of faith education in their parish, they thought it would be fitting for their endowment to continue this passion.

They named the endowment the Saint Francis of Assisi Endowment in remembrance of the Franciscan nuns who taught in the schools Pat attended while growing up. She was also interested in the name because of the familial ties she has to St. Francis of Assisi, with two aunts and a cousin having been Rochester Franciscans. Pat hopes to make the endowment more inclusive for donors by not including the Henning family name in the

Susan Fiser is a communications and development associate for the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota.

Congratulations!

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

Holy Trinity, Rollingstone St. Columban, Preston St. Rose of Lima, Lewiston

November, 2018 w The Courier

Faith in the Public Arena

14

(Civic) Friendship Is an Apostolate �hen you read this, the 2018 elec-

tions may have passed. The anger will continue to boil, and new opportunities for outrage will undoubtedly abound.

The demonization of political opponents will persist, and the saddling of the American presidency with criminal investigations and threats of impeachment will likely become a permanent feature of our politics.

It is hard to see a way out of our current predicament, other than a new Great Awakening through a tremendous outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Yet, whatever the designs of Providence for the American republic, we know what Catholics must continue to do to foster moral and civic renewal: participate in the public arena as faithful citizens, embodying Pope Francis’s reminder that politics is one of the highest forms of charity because it serves the common good.

In short, we must be true friends to our elected officials and our fellow citizens.

Catholics at the Capitol An Opportunity for Civic Friendship

How does one begin? The bishops of Minnesota created Catholics at the Capitol and Capitol 101 events as a way to grow in faithful citizenship and civic friendship.

Through these opportunities, Catholics are formed and sent to be true resources— friends—to their elected officials and communities.

The next Catholics at the Capitol event takes place in St. Paul on February 19, 2019.

Join over 2,000 Catholics in a day of education, inspiration, prayer, and advocacy. Grow in your knowledge and courage to be a faithful citizen! Join your voice with others to bring a Catholic perspective on issues to our state Capitol.

Tickets are now on sale! Visit CatholicsAtTheCapitol.org for more information and to register. Space is limited; register early!

November, 2018 w The Courier

Friendship, Not Power The idea of politics as friendship seems counterintuitive, given that politics often looks like a power game, in which the primary goal is to defeat our opponents in elections and then impose our will upon them. In this struggle for control, the ends justify the means, and those who do not share our political opinions are not just of a different mind, but of a different kind; they are “one of them,” or “the other.”

But the Church proposes a different idea of politics—one that goes back to the ancients. Politics comes from the Greek word polis, meaning “city.”

Some of us live in the polis of Minneapolis, for example.

Politics, the communal process of deliberation within the polis, was not a wrestle for control; it was first and foremost a task of friendship. This friendship shared among citizens was shaped by the pursuit of virtue, and this made it possible for citizens to come together as equals to deliberate how they ought to order their common life in pursuit of the good.

The Church embraced this understanding of politics, identifying its proper purpose as the pursuit of the common good.

To have strong communities (literally, a sharing of gifts), everyone needs to play a role and offer his or her perspective. We each have unique gifts to share in that great conversation about how we ought to bring about the good in our city. We need to learn to see ourselves as all being fundamentally on the same “side.”

Living Civic Friendship

Yes, political debates can get heated because important issues are at stake.

Our battle for justice and the common good, however, is not against people, but, as St. Paul reminds us, against the powers and principalities (Eph. 6:12). It is a spiritual battle. That is

Jason Adkins

Executive Director Minnesota Catholic Conference

why Cardinal Robert Sarah could say in a recent speech that “A Christian does not fight anyone.

A Christian has no enemy to defeat. Christ asks Peter to put his sword into his scabbard. This is the command of Christ to Peter, and it concerns every Christian worthy of the name.” This is an important lesson: in politics, we may have temporary opponents, but we must never mistake them for permanent enemies.

Our discourse has become so coarse, and so much anger flows through our nation, because our horizons have become political rather than eschatological. When there is no ultimate justice meted out

by God, we look for politics to bring it about. And it cannot. Hence, when we place our hope in princes, we will always be disappointed. And that is where the cycle of anger and political decay begins and sets in.

Christians must model a different way: a model of friendship. Just as any good apostolate must be rooted in relationship, fostering friendship with others through friendship with Christ, faithful citizenship is no different.

We must reach out to both our elected officials and fellow citizens in friendship, offering ourselves as resources and as friends in the important conversations about how we ought to order our lives together.

Sometimes we will disagree, and that is okay.

But disagreements need not lead to division or demonization. Sometimes, people will see us as enemies, and some will even persecute us. But politics lived as true friendship will change hearts, build stronger communities and undo the knots of division and resentment plaguing our communities.

The Greatest Blessing

By BRIAN and JESSIE

push their way into our lives too far?

Would they model poor decision making to our child? Would they turn into the “fun” parents and spoil our child? Or - the absolute worst - would our child love the birthparents more than us?

These fears were washed away the very moment we walked in the hospital room to meet our birthmother for the first time. It was so beautifully clear how much she loved him and wanted the best for him. We could see her tremendous courage, trust, and hope that led her to choose adoption for her son. She cried, and she smiled, too. Her broken heart was being healed by the confidence she had in her choice for adoption. She chose us. We didn’t only fall in love with our son that day, we feel in love with her, too. We hoped for a relationship with her so our son would always know all about his family. She is a private person, so we don’t have that relationship yet, but we may some day. We’ll continue to send her letters and pictures so she knows what a beautiful son she created and choice for adoption that she made.

Adoption is the greatest blessing in the world!

That level of love and trust is guided by God’s hands.

It was the best choice we ever made!

Catholic Charities

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t was surprising and devastating to learn I would not be able to get pregnant. Through reflection with my husband, we came to the question: “Do I want to be pregnant? Or do I want to be a mother?” The easy answer for both of us was that we wanted to be parents, and adoption was the answer.

We chose Catholic Charities because we value the personal connection we would develop with our social worker. We were excited and scared and had no idea what we were doing.

My husband and I were reassured to know that we would have the face-to-face encounters with our social worker to form a relationship.

We also knew there would be so much to learn along the way. Our relationship with our social worker allowed us to be open about our fears, become more aware of our knowledge gaps, and be more receptive to what she had to share for our growth.

Our adoption experience was and is everything wonderful you can imagine! Our son is healthy and full of so much happiness. We did fall in love with him from the moment we met him. I think the most surprising part of our adoption story for both my husband and me is our feelings toward

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our son’s birth mother. We can admit that, in the beginning, we did not want an open adoption. We felt threatened by what this situation could mean.

Would the birth parent undermine our parenting decisions? Would he or she be too needy and try to

November, 2018 w The Courier

Catholic Charities

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Works of Justice A Fund to Aid the Work of Social Justice � ost parishioners are aware of the Catholic Campaign for Human

Development (CCHD) that conducts a collection in our parishes in November. CCHD is the national, anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops. The bishops have given CCHD the mission to address the root causes of poverty in the United States by promoting and supporting communitycontrolled, self-help organizations.

One benefit of the CCHD collection is that 25% of the funds collected remains in our diocese. These funds, entitled Works of Justice, award up to $5,000 for organizations that meet the criteria of operating local anti-poverty programs.

This year, five local organizations were awarded funds under the Works of Justice program. Below are some excerpts from the grant applications of organizations awarded these funds:

Bethlehem Inn in Waseca is opening its doors soon “to allow women and children without permanent housing to find resources and a healthy direction for their lives” by providing temporary housing, while helping them find permanent solutions to their current homelessness.

Manos Latinas, headquartered in Owatonna, exists to “develop and implement participatory trainings in south-central Minnesota on the health benefits of eating wholesome chemical-free food.” There is a growing incidence of “obesity and non-contagious diseases” among Latinos in the area. “Women play the decisive role in food selection in their families and are targeted for ‘awareness-raising programs.'”

November, 2018 w The Courier

Our Lady of Guadalupe Free Clinic “collaborates with many organizations to provide necessary services to patients at no cost.” The patients are of low-income and lack health insurance. Some examples of services provided are help with prescriptions at reduced or no cost, dentistry, counseling, laboratory services at a reduced fee, etc. An important part of this program is sensitivity for the various cultures in need of the clinic services.

The Chatfield Community Food Shelf “exists to provide food supplies in a manner that preserves the dignity and respect of families and individuals who are residents of Chatfield and the Chatfield rural community.” The mission of this organization is for “a hungerfree Chatfield.”

Family Promise Rochester is a holistic approach to families in poverty, providing shelter and meals, providing a Family Stabilization Program for people housed in the shelter, providing long term transitional housing, and finally the Family Mentoring Program, which invites families who have successfully completed the program to give back by serving as mentors for the new families.

These organizations give us a snapshot of the great work being done to combat poverty throughout the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, which includes healthcare, shelter, food security, and formation, with the goal of lifting people permanently into self-sufficiency.

Works of Justice Funds are available for all organizations that are addressing root causes of poverty. To learn more or to apply, please contact Tom Parlin at the Catholic Charities office. The deadline for organizations to apply for funds for the next cycle is April 15, 2019.

Tom Parlin

Director Parish Social Ministry Program Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota

All quotations are taken from the applications of the organizations who were awarded funds from Works of Justice.

Making My Dad Proud Mary Alessio

This essay is an updated version of one Mary wrote in 2015. Before she was the director of advancement, Mary was the director of refugee resettlement for Catholic Charities.

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brisk winter chill is in the air and I am thinking of my dad. I remember vividly an autumn evening when I was four years old and had just cuddled under my pink and white blanket. My eyes were shut and I was just beginning to drift off when I heard the creak of the wooden floor, as my parents walked through my bedroom door.

It was routine for my parents to “tuck us in,” and, before I had the chance to open my eyes, I heard my father’s whisper, “Doesn’t she have the most perfect ears you’ve ever seen? Look at those tiny, perfect ears.” Needless to say, I kept my eyes shut and relished in the thought that my dad was proud of me. I had the sweetest dreams that night, secured in my parents’ love.

Years have passed and times have changed, but two things always remained constant: my dad’s love and my desire to make him proud of me.

Dad was an only child, and friends teased him regarding the irony of raising seven children (six boys and one girl). He served in the Army, Navy and Air Force, and was proud of this country and defended our liberties with passion. He was awarded the Purple Heart and meritorious Air Medal for bravery.

I remember my mom telling us how difficult the war was for him and that, upon his return from duty, his mental and emotional well-being were challenged beyond measure.

My dad was sharp-witted and strong and had an Irish humor that my mom always said would charm the snakes out of Ireland. Although he certainly could have been a great executive, he needed the openness of the outdoors to lift his spirits. Therefore, he became an ironworker upon his return from service to his country.

By many of his colleagues, he was considered to be the best ironworker in the United States, considering he helped build some of the worldfamous skyscrapers in Chicago. I, on the other hand, felt it was because he had the same integ-

All felt welcome at my parents' table and were made to feel part of our family.

Catholic Charities

Director of Advancement Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota

rity on the job as he had at home.

While many are aware of rough language on job sites, I don’t think I ever heard my dad use profanity. And, despite the fact he went to war, he loathed fighting and was a peacemaker by nature. It was a juggling act getting all of us to Mass each Sunday, but I don’t remember my dad ever missing Sunday Mass.

My dad died before I started working with refugees. I often wonder what my dad would think about my profession, given the mixed emotions refugee care evokes in our country.

There are many who would question the issue of caring for refugees when citizens of this country are facing difficult times. I wonder if Dad would be proud of my efforts.

Dad was a straight-shooter. He expected us to respect people of all cultures. I know that because he put his words into practice. He devoted many years of his life to defending this country and the people blessed to live here. But, in doing so, he also defended the rights of others around the world. My dad was a foreman, and he told us stories of men of various backgrounds applying for jobs and his support of their endeavors. His beliefs were not always accepted by his peers. Yet, he remembered the struggle his parents had coming to this country and felt everyone deserved a chance. He expected all his men, regardless of country of birth, to give their best effort and be dedicated to their work. Dad didn’t expect perfection, but he did expect perfect effort.

My toughest presentation was one I gave to the Kiwanis in Rochester. Most of you know this group is similar to a fraternity, composed of men the age of my father. I remember the day of my presentation to the group like it was yesterday. I looked out into the audience and saw dozens of fathers sitting with folded arms, looking intently at me. This was going to be a tough crowd. I saw my dad’s face as I looked at each and every one of them.

When I finished, these fathers did not leave the room quietly. They gave me the toughest Q&A I ever experienced. We reminisced about World War II and the other wars in which these men had left loved ones behind in order to defend our rights and liberty. They were concerned that refugees may be taking jobs from their grandchildren. I told them of the obstacles a refugee incurs when seeking

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employment (lacking job history and fluency, and competing with many who know the ropes). I said if refugees overcome these obstacles and devote every spare minute to learning English, they have the right to apply. I said if your grandchild is the best candidate, that is who should get the job. If a refugee is the better candidate, he or she deserves the opportunity.

We talked about our relatives and the various countries that were represented in the room. For the most part, we talked about my dad and the similarities I saw in all of them. I told them that, as director, I did not take my job responsibilities lightly, and that I felt I was equally responsible to them and this community. We spoke about a document I had created recently, entitled “Rights and Responsibilities,” that each refugee signs upon arrival. This was created to ensure the refugee understands that with rights come responsibilities in this country. It begins the resettlement relationship here with a feeling of mutual respect. We spoke of my theory that refugees who are connected with their community through volunteerism not only begin to cherish their new homeland, but also realize the importance of “giving back.”

We talked about family and their definition of that word. I told them that, when I was little, I thought family just meant my mom, dad, brothers, and me. As I grew, the definition broadened to include my neighbors, classmates, town, country and, now, a world of people. I told them there was always an extra plate at our dining table when I was little. It was for anyone who may be in need of a meal. All felt welcome at my parents’ table and were made to feel part of our family.

When I finished my presentation, a man approached the table, and I froze a bit, thinking I must have said something that struck a chord. His eyes looked serious, and his stance was firm and determined. He reached into his pocket, opened my hand, and stuck a $100 bill in it.

He said, “Your dad would be proud of you! Go use this to take care of those arriving in need.”

Today is the anniversary of my dad’s death.

I talk to my dad often, and I ask him to guide me in the work I do. I take comfort in knowing some things remain constant: my dad’s love and my desire to make him proud of me.

November, 2018 w The Courier

In the Diocese

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National Mankato Author Earns Life Chain CPA Honorable Mention Observed in Winona

WINONA--Pro-life people gathered in Winona on October 7, Respect Life Sunday, to pray for our country and for an end to abortion, as part of the National Life Chain.

The Winona prayer group joined those in more than 1,500 cities across the United States and Canada to witness to the more-than 61 million preborn babies lost to legal abortion since the 1973 Supreme Court Decision Roe v.

Wade.

The Life Chain was started in 1987 in California by the pro-life ministry Please Let Me Live, with a total of approximately 2,000 activists. Since that time, it has expanded across the United States and Canada, with hour-long demonstrations held each year on the first Sunday in October.

Obituaries

Sister Mary Cullen, 88, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus, September 27, 2018.

Helen Frances Cullen was born March 12, 1930, in Worthington to Francis and Helen (Tuttle) Cullen. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1949 from Saint Mary Parish, Worthington.

Sister Mary made first vows in 1951 and perpetual vows in 1954. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, in 1961.

Sister Mary served as an elementary teacher for 21 years at several Catholic schools: St. Juliana School in Chicago, IL, and the following schools in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester: McCahill Institute, Lake City; St. Columba, Iona; Cathedral School, Winona; St. Catherine School, Luverne; and November, 2018 w The Courier

MANKATO--Children's author and St. Joseph the Worker parishioner Terri DeGezelle Michels has received an honorable mention in the Children's Books & Books for Teens category of the Catholic Press Association's 2018 Book Awards for her book Simon of Cyrene and the Legend of the Easter Eggs, published by Pauline Books and Media, of Boston, in March of 2017.

The story incorporates the secular tradition of the Easter egg into the Christian Easter story. It begins with Simon preparing to travel into town with a basket of ordinary eggs to sell--a journey that will prove miraculous by the book's end.

"This book should be in every home and child's Easter basket," states a Catholic Library World review.

"It is one to be read every Easter season."

Michels has published more than 60 children's nonfiction titles as well as 100 magazine articles and several photos in national publications. She describes herself as an active hiker, aspiring chef and Nana to 10 grandchildren. She is a presenter at young writers' conferences around the Upper Midwest and enjoys sharing her skills and inspiring students during school visits.

The Catholic Press Association consists of nearly 250 publication members and reaches 10 million households per year.

Pauline Books and Media is an apostolic ministry of the Daughters of Saint Paul, a Roman Catholic international religious order founded in 1915 in Italy.

St. John’s, Rochester. On receiving a diploma in religious studies in 1970, she did pastoral ministry at St. Rose of Lima, Lewiston; Holy Trinity Parish, Harlan, KY; and Holy Cross Parish, Thornton, CO. From 1981 to 2007, Sister Mary lived in Kentucky and served as an instructor in basic skills at SE Community College, Wallins Fellowship Center, Wallins, KY, and adult literacy coordinator for Harlan County Literacy in Harlan, KY. On retirement, she returned to Rochester and moved to Assisi Heights in 2012.

Sister Mary is survived by her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 69 years; a brother, Fr. Martin Cullen of Fargo, N.D.; a step-sister, Pat Steffes; and other close relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, John and Jerome Cullen; and a sister, Sister Joanne Cullen.

The Funeral Mass was Tuesday, October 2, in Lourdes Chapel. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Rochester.

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

Sister Marga made first vows in 1955 and perpetual vows in 1958. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, in 1962.

Sister Marga served as an elementary teacher for 39 years at several Catholic schools: St. Peter School, North St. Paul, and in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester: Queen of Angels, Austin; St. John, Rochester; and Sacred Heart, Adams. From 1994-2008, she served as the computer lab supervisor at Crucifixion School, La Crescent. She retired to Assisi Heights in 2008.

Sister Marga is survived by her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 66 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Fr. Milo Ernster.

The Funeral Mass was Wednesday, October 24, in Lourdes Chapel. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Rochester.

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

Sister Marga Ernster, 89, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights October 18, 2018.

Adeline Margaret Ernster was born December 9, 1928, in Caledonia to Julius and Felicitas "Flossie" (Schmitt) Ernster. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1952 from St. Peter Parish, Caledonia.

Glossary, cont'd from pg. 2

Submitted by SR. MARY RAPHAEL PARADIS, RSM

JACKSON--Sacred Heart Mercy Health Care Center in Jackson, an apostolate of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, MI, has announced to Bishop Quinn and its patients and many friends that it will close its doors on November 16, 2018. Sanford Health, at its local site of Sanford Jackson Clinic, has graciously accepted Sacred Heart’s invitation to take any patients who desire to transfer care to its providers.

Mother Mary McGreevy, RSM, the superior general of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, MI, stated recently: The Sisters came to Jackson at the kind invitation of Clair Gilmore and several other prominent local citizens, to administer and staff Jackson Hospital in January 1981. Our convent was officially established with the permission of Bishop Loras J. Watters in the spring of 1981. The Sisters provided and stabilized services in the areas of hospital and nursing administration, nursing and respiratory therapy. In 1985, we purchased our Sacred Heart Mercy Health Care Center building from the City of Jackson for our medical services, and are especially grateful to Dr. Paul Wright, MD, who practiced from 1982 to 1996 at Sacred Heart. With the completion of her residency in Family Medicine in July, 1996, Sister Marie Paul Lockerd, RSM, DO, started her practice at Sacred Heart. We are especially grateful to Dr. Wright and to Dr. Lockerd for their longterm commitments to providing Catholic health care in Jackson.

The field of health care has changed dramatically in recent years. In November, 2009, Sacred Heart entered into an affiliation agreement with Sanford Health as independent contractors, in order to have access to an electronic health record system as mandated by law.

We have decided to close Sacred Heart due to the increasing administrative complexity of running a small medical practice.

On behalf of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, I wish to convey our deep gratitude to the people of this area, our wonderful staff and patients.

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MAPLEWOOD--The Benedictine Center is issuing a call to Minnesota artists to participate in its eighth annual juried art show planned for January 30, thru March 2, 2019. Submissions are due January 16. Awards totaling $375 will be distributed to the top winners.

The award for first place is $150; $125 for second; $100 for third. Winners will be announced at the official reception on January 30.

Called Seeing God, this juried art show provides a venue for artists who think deeply about their work and whose creativity helps viewers experience the Divine.

Benedictine Center Director Sam Rahberg said, “We believe art can be an interpretive lens into the mystery of God, so we are looking for works that capture that deep sense of wonder.”

Contest rules, guidelines and submission form can be found at https://benedictinecenter.secure.retreat. guru/program/2019-juried-exhibit/. Or contact Artist/ Coordinator Kathy Fleming at 612-839-4439 or fleming450@ gmail.com.

The Benedictine Center’s Seeing God art show has attracted about 200 local artists in its seven-year history. Its goals are to encourage artists in their ability to give form to God’s revelation in human life, nature and the cosmos; and to show how arts can expand our capacity to encounter God. The Benedictine Center is a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery, which is located at 2675 Benet Road in Maplewood.

In the Diocese

topic and are usually regional. For example, next year there will be a Special Synod on the Pan-Amazonian Region.

Instrumentum Laboris is Latin for “working document.” It is developed before the meeting by a small working committee of Vatican officials and diocesan bishops, and frames synod discussions. During a synod, bishops make comments and observations on the working document, and meet in small discussion groups to propose changes to the text, or to suggest new texts and additional areas for consideration.

A Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation is a document produced by the pope after synod assembly concludes. It generally reflects the recommendations made by the synod in its final document submitted to the pope, along with his own reflections.

The most recent post-synodal apostolic exhortation was Amoris Laetitia, which was released after the 2015 Synod on the Family.

New rules for the 2018 Synod of Bishops say that the pope may approve, as a part of the Church’s magisterium, the final report from the synod fathers instead of producing a separate exhortation. It is not yet determined whether Pope Francis will do this at the conclusion of the synod.

Synod Fathers are the bishops and others who participate and vote in a synod.

Auditors are people appointed by the pope to participate in synod discussions and interventions within the synod hall, but without a vote on documents.

Laypeople and women religious participate in the synod as auditors.

In a historic first, the 2018 Synod of Bishops has invited 34 young people participating as auditors.

Circoli Minori are small discussion groups in which synod participants who speak a common language work together to produce a report on each section of the working document, along with modi, or proposals, to be included in the final document.

At the 2018 Synod of Bishops, there are 14 language groups - four in English, three French groups, three Italian, two Spanish, one German group, and one Portuguese.

Synodality is generally understood to represent a process of discernment, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, involving bishops, priests, religious, and lay Catholics, each according to the gifts and charisms of their vocation. This phrase has been emphasized in Pope Francis’ pontificate. In May, the International Theological Commission released a document on Synodality in Life and Mission of the Church.

Sacred Heart Benedictine Mercy Health Center Issues Care Center Call to Artists to Close

We are grateful to Bishop Quinn, the diocese and the Winona-Rochester guild of the Catholic Medical Association for their support and encouragement of our ministries, especially in the areas of teaching natural family planning, ethical medical treatment of women’s health issues, and morally acceptable palliative/end of life care. The Sisters of Mercy charism and presence will remain in the diocese, centered at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent in Winona.

Sr. Mary Raphael Paradis, RSM is the administrator of Sacred Heart Mercy Health Care Center in Jackson.

November, 2018 w The Courier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Televised Mass

Other Events Crucifixion School, La Crescent November 3, Saturday Roast beef dinner served 3:307:30 in school auditorium (420 S 2nd St.). Roast beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots, coleslaw or apple sauce, rolls, apple pie squares (with La Crescent apples). Autumn boutique and bake sale. $11.50 advance tickets (at parish or school office). $12 at the door. $5.50 kids 12 & under. Info: 507895-4720.

St. Ann Church, Slayton November 3, Saturday Basic evangelization training by St. Paul Street Evangelization in St. Ann's Divine Mercy Hall (2747 29th Street in Slayton). Mass at 9 a.m. Registration at 9:30. Training from 10-4. $10 registration fee covers training, materials and lunch. Scholarships available upon request. Marcie Cowan has information: 507-360-1885 or faith@acmcatholic.org.

St. Mary Church, Geneva November 4, Sunday Soup & Pie Fundraiser 4:307 p.m. Choice of chili, chicken noodle, and ham & bean soups, and a variety of homemade pies.

84970 310th St. in Geneva.

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

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

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

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

Spanish Mass Schedule Albert Lea, St. Theodore Mankato, Ss. Peter & Paul St. Charles, St. Charles Borromeo 11 am Sun. 1 pm Sun. 7 pm Sat. Austin, Queen of Angels Owatonna, Sacred Heart St. James, St. James 11 am Sun.; 5:15 pm Fri. 11:45 am Sun. 12 pm Sun. Windom,St.FrancisXavier Lake City, St. Mary Pipestone, St. Leo 11:30 am Sun. 6:30 pm each 3rd Sat. 2:30 pm Sun. (bilingual) Worthington, St. Mary Madelia, St. Mary Rochester, St. Francis 7 pm Sat.; 11 am Sun.; 10 am Sun. Noon Sun. & 7 pm Thurs. 6:30 pm Tues. & Fri.

November 2018

• The Courier

St. Patrick Church, LeRoy November 4, Sunday Fall Dinner served 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Turkey & dressing, baked ham, potatoes & gravy, vegetable, homemade pie and beverage. $10 adults. $5 kids 5-10. Free 4 & under. Bake sale (proceeds donated to Father's Fund) and bucket raffle (proceeds donated to LeRoy Food Shelf). Handicap accessible.

St. Francis Church, Rochester November 5, Monday 7 p.m. presentation by Scott Weeman, founder of Catholic in Recovery, a nonprofit helping those fighting addictions. Q & A follows. Free.

St. John the Baptist Church, Mankato November 6, Tuesday 7 p.m. presentation by Scott Weeman, founder of Catholic in Recovery, a nonprofit helping those fighting addictions. Q & A follows. Free.

Christ the King Church, Byron November 10, Saturday 10th Annual Fall Expo 9-2.

30+ arts & crafts and homebased businesses. Cash & carry items for purchase from most vendors. Pampered Chef, Avon, Watkins, Scentsy, Tastefully Simple, Tupperware, Thrive, Monat, fine jewelry, decorative & functional home items, holiday decorations, skin care & cosmetics, hand-crafted soaps, baskets, appliqued towels & aprons, candles, purses, toys, and more. Baked goods, beverages & lunch available.

First 50 customers at 9 and first 50 after noon receive gift bags!

202 4th St. NW in Byron.

St. Bridget Church, Simpson November 10, Saturday Catholic Charities Adoption Day Celebration 11-1:30. Bring a dish to share at the potluck lunch.

Cookies and beverages provided.

Magic show for the whole family.

2123 Cty. Rd. 16 SE, south of Rochester. RSVP to Kat (507-2872047 ex. 36 or kwinkler@ccsomn. org) with number attending.

St. Charles Borromeo Church, St. Charles November 10, Saturday Turkey Bingo & Holiday Pie Bake Sale, sponsored by Ct. St. Charles Catholic Daughters #1791, following 5 p.m. Mass. $5 lunch (sloppy joe or hot dog, bar and beverage), turkey bingo at 6:30.

Info: 507-421-0564.

Shalom Hill Farm, Windom November 16-18, Friday-Sunday Worldwide Marriage Encounter.

Revitalize your marriage!

SouthMNWWME.org or 507227-8229.

Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, Winona November 17-18, Sat.-Sun. Fall festival in the parish hall.

Saturday: 4 p.m. Mass with WACS children's choir, followed by festival with raffle, general store, bake sale, candy booth, theme baskets, kids' games, lunches and freshly baked Polish coffee cakes for sale. Sunday: 10 a.m. Mass with St. Stanislaus choir. Roast pork dinner served 11-1 ($10). Same activities as Saturday. Lunches served after 1:30. Big Ticket drawing at 5.

Immaculate Conception Church, St. Clair December 1, Saturday Winter Festival begins with Christmas cookie & holiday treat sale 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Gathering Area. Cookies $5/pound. Other pre-priced holiday treats include fudge, caramels and assorted candies. Lunch 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in basement. Soup, sandwiches, dessert and beverage. $6 adults. $4 kids. Free 4 & younger. Raffle ticket sales conclude at noon, at which time the drawing will begin in the basement. Raffle tickets available at the Parish Office or in the basement on the day of the festival. Cutest Cupcake Contest submissions due by 9 a.m. Sat., and bidding concludes

at 10 a.m. Sun. Cash prize for the cutest dozen cupcakes submitted and for the cupcakes bringing the highest bid. Contest rules at Parish Office.

St. Mary of the Lake Church, Lake City December 1, Saturday Christmas Bazaar 8 a.m. - noon.

Cookie walk, bake sale, Christmas items, silent auction, bucket raffle, vendor tables. Serving egg bake, rolls, coffee, water.

Resurrection Church, Rochester December 9, Sunday 46th Annual Holiday Bazaar 9:302. Pulled pork sandwich lunch with pie. Silent auction, cash raffle, bake sale, bingo, crafts, cake walk, kids' games. Handicap accessible. 1600 11th Ave. SE in Rochester.

St. Thomas More Newman Center, Mankato January 19, Saturday Mankato Area Pre-Cana 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Prepare for married life by taking time to reflect on various aspects of the marriage relationship. Open to any couple interested in an in-depth preparation for marriage in a quiet and congenial atmosphere, and any newly married couple who did not have the opportunity to attend a marriage preparation program before their wedding. $125 per couple.

Registration: www.dow.org/ event-details/543. Contact Anna (anna.weidner@mnsu.edu) with questions or concerns.