The COURIER
'God Is the Most MaGnIfIcent artIst!'
A Q&A with the Artist Behind the Chancery's Bishop Portraits
A highlight of the open house at the new diocesan chancery in Rochester last September was the unveiling of nine photorealistic color portraits of our bishops, past and present, hanging in the second floor conference room. The artist responsible for these portraits, LOUIS FRANÇOIS MARTIN, recently answered questions from EMILY SMITHLEY, media specialist for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, offering a closer look at this young man of deep faith.
How did you get started as an artist?
I have always loved drawing ever since I was born. I was brought up on drawing coloring pages and would trace their outlines on a window lighted by the sun. After many years of drawing coloring pages, I moved on to finding more complicated ways to draw and, eventually, I got to a level of being able to draw off of pictures and became good at that. I realized I had a gift. I have never taken any art classes other than watching Bob Ross videos and following along with a canvas and oil paint.
How would you describe your artistic style?
I believe that many would place my artwork within the category of realism. I like to see the realness of someone and bring that to life on the canvas. I believe it is the flaws that make someone most beautiful - most uniquely them.
What is your preferred medium and why?
The pieces that Bishop Barron commissioned were done in pencil pastel. Those create the most realistic portraits. However, I enjoy using charcoal the most. I can add my own artistic flair, and the ranges of shades you can develop and the depth that it creates are just fantastic.
Are there any significant experiences that shaped your artistic vision?
[Theresa, Louis’ mother, answers:] Louis was born with an extremely rare disease. It is a genetic mutation that only one in a million get. It is CAPS/ NOMID (Cryopyrin Associated Periotic Syndrome/ Neonatal Onset of Multisystem Inflammatory Disorder). He went five years without the proper diagnosis, and this left his body flooded with inflammation on a daily basis. It was terribly painful. Every other night, he would wake up around 1 or 2 a.m. screaming in pain, and then he would scream, cry, and vomit until he crashed around 9 a.m.every other night, for five years.
I believe that the suffering he went through separated him a bit from the average child. He saw people differently; he saw life differently. When he was feeling well, he lived life to extreme - the craziest stunts, the wild wrestling matches, and the unapproved adventures. The neurologist who examined him (after his proper diagnosis) said Louis sustained damage from the years of cranial inflammation, and that the physical
Pope Was a Pastor First, Cardinal Says
By CINDY WOODEN, Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis was a pastor first, "so consistently, so spontaneously and with such deep conviction," that it will remain a gift to the Catholic Church, said Cardinal Michael Czerny.
The cardinal, who served as prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, spoke with Catholic News Service April 22, the day after Pope Francis died at the age of 88.
"Pope Francis will be remembered as a pastoral pope," he said. "The word 'pastoral' is easy to use, and you can apply it to many things, but to see it lived consistently by the person with the highest responsibility in the church is a really important contribution."
Cardinal Czerny, 78, said it is not that previous popes were not pastoral, but Pope Francis excelled at "showing how the church was first and foremost interested in the welfare, the salvation, the happiness, the development of people and ready to reach out as far as possible, to accompany people in their path of salvation and of development."
Making the pastoral a priority - learning "to go out and bring the Gospel to reality, to all creation" - is something the church needs
Magnificent
Pastor First, cont'd on pg. 2
Photo credit: Heidi Wisniewski, HW Portraits
Pastor First,
"to relearn" with every generation, the cardinal said. "And Pope Francis showed us how."
Cardinal Czerny, a Jesuit like Pope Francis, said the late pope clearly embodied the Jesuit ideal of "finding God in all things."
"He was able to find God and to hope to meet God in every circumstance and in every person," the cardinal said. "He never gave up on 'these people' or on 'that situation,' and that's also a gift of our spirituality, which, in a sense, overcomes a false distinction between what's religious and what isn't."
One of the aims of the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order, is to help believers focus on finding "the freedom to serve God and to serve people free from the forces, the powers, the confusions that can lead us in the wrong way," the cardinal said.
"I will personally remember him for his freedom," he said. "I found him so free in his attitudes, in his reactions and his responses."
Officials
The Most Rev. Robert Barron, Bishop of the Diocese of WinonaRochester, announces the following:
Tribunal
Rev. Matthew Wagner: appointed Adjutant Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of WinonaRochester, effective August 1, 2025.
Rector
Very Rev. Patrick Arens: appointed Rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, in addition to his current assignments, effective July 1, 2025.
Very Rev. Robert Horihan: appointed Rector of the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Jason Kern: appointed Rector of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, effective July 1, 2025.
Unlike his two predecessors, St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis did not participate in the Second Vatican Council. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1969, four years after the council ended.
But, Cardinal Czerny said, "his legacy to the church at large will be his renewal of the implementation of Vatican II, and precisely the implementation of Vatican II as a pastoral council. This is something that we urgently needed, and which he began wholeheartedly and developed in many interesting directions, but always very, very faithful to the council, always rooted in the council."
Pope Francis advocated tirelessly for the people and issues Cardinal Czerny's dicastery focuses on most: migrants, refugees, the poor, peace and the environment.
Asked if people accepted the pope's teaching on the Christian requirement to "listen to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth," the cardinal said, "In fact, the people have accepted it. The governments haven't."
"I think he has reached people - ordinary people, parishes, other communities, Christian movements, and also groupings and movements of people outside the church," the cardinal said. "He has reached them widely and deeply."
"And it's a real pity that governments are opting for short term gain, populism, with their eye only on the next election and on the bottom line," Cardinal Czerny said. "It's up to people to correct their governments, and I really hope
Articles of Interest
Pastor
Rev. Joachim Anumba: appointed Pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Rochester, effective July 1, 2025.
Very Rev. Patrick Arens: appointed Pastor of St. Casimir Parish in Winona, in addition to his current assignments, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Nicholas Gawarecki: appointed Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Chatfield, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Canton, and St. Columban Parish in Preston, effective July 1, 2025.
Very Rev. Mark McNea: appointed Pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Mankato, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Joshua Miller: appointed Pastor of St. Catherine Parish in Luverne and St. Leo Parish in Pipestone, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Gregory Parrott: appointed Pastor of St. Ignatius Parish
2907 Jeremiah Lane NW, Rochester, MN, 55901 Vol 116 - 5
Most Reverend Robert E. Barron, Publisher Nick Reller, Associate Editor
Telephone: 507-361-3068 E-mail: nreller@dowr.org
Publishing Schedule: Monthly - Deadline for advertising & articles is the 10th of the month prior. (ISSN 0744-5490)
in Spring Valley, St. Finbarr Parish in Grand Meadow, and St. Patrick Parish in LeRoy, effective July 1, 2025.
Very Rev. Raúl Silva: appointed Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Worthington, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. James Starasinich: appointed Pastor of Queen of Angels Parish in Austin, effective July 1, 2025.
Parochial Administrator
Rev. Shawn Haremza: appointed Parochial Administrator of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Mazeppa, effective July 1, 2025.
Vocations
Rev. Brian Mulligan: appointed Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and member of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester Curia, effective July 1, 2025.
Seminary
Rev. Matthew Wagner: appointed Assistant Dean of
this will happen."
The cardinal said the migrants, refugees and poor people he works with have reacted to Pope Francis' death much like he has.
"First of all, we're shocked because we didn't expect it; seeing the Holy Father on Sunday doesn't prepare you for hearing that he died on Monday morning," he said.
But "at the same time, the real feeling is not the shock or even the sorrow, but gratitude," he said. "We can't help thinking of him without gratitude, without thanking God for this pastor, this pastor with the smell of the sheep, who has guided and encouraged the church so much over the past 12 years and who leaves us with hope and with a lot to do."
Formation for the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, effective August 1, 2025.
Parochial Vicar
Rev. Michael Churchill: appointed Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, St. Casimir Parish, and St. John Nepomucene Parish, all in Winona, in addition to his current assignments, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Shawn Haremza: appointed Parochial Vicar of Pax Christi Parish in Rochester, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Miguel Proaños: appointed Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish in Owatonna, effective July 1, 2025.
Permanent Diaconate
Deacon Scot Berkley: appointed Coordinator of Pastoral Formation for the Permanent
Child Abuse Policy Information
Diaconate in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, effective April 1, 2025.
Deacon Robert Yerhot: appointed Director of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, effective July 1, 2025.
Diaconal Ministry
Deacon Sean Costello: appointed to Diaconal Ministry at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Rochester, effective April 1, 2025.
Deacon Michael Zaccariello: transferred to Diaconal Ministry at Christ the King Parish in Byron, Holy Family Parish in Kasson, and St. John Baptist de la Salle Parish in Dodge Center, effective April 1, 2025.
Catholic Daughters
Rev. James Starasinich: appointed to a two-year term as State Chaplain for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, effective April 2025.
The Diocese of Winona-Rochester will provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (employees, volunteers, vendors, religious or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 507-454-2270, Extension 255. A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. The Diocese of Winona-Rochester is committed to protecting children, young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. The diocesan policy is available on the diocesan web site at www.dow.org under the Safe Environment Program. If you have any questions about the Diocese of Winona-Rochester’s implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Michael Gerard at 507-361-3377, or mgerard@dowr.org.
The Courier is the official publication of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester
May Saint St. Damien of Molokai
Feast Day: May 10
From Catholic News Agency
�he Catholic Church remembers St. Damien of Molokai on May 10. The Belgian priest sacrificed his life and health to become a spiritual father to the victims of leprosy quarantined on a Hawaiian island.
Joseph de Veuser, who later took the name Damien in religious life, was born into a farming family in the Belgian town of Tremlo in 1840. During his youth he felt a calling to become a Catholic missionary, an urge that prompted him to join the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
Damien's final vows to the congregation involved a dramatic ceremony in which his superiors draped
The Holy Father's Intention for May 2025
For Working Conditions
Let us pray that, through work, each person might find fulfillment, families might be sustained in dignity, and society might be humanized.
These 5th and 6th grade Faith Formation students from St. Patrick's Parish in Lanesboro oversee a "mini-rummage sale" after Sunday Mass before Lent. Their mission was to give the proceeds to the Diocese of Port Vila in the nation of Vanuatu, one of the world's poorest dioceses, and they raised $97.55 from the sale. They are students of Maureen Andersen, who explains that the children "did this small service project as a part of their outreach to other Christian people beyond our small parish community." From left to right are Michael Graner, Erin Jandro-Scott, Andrew Gudmundson and John Johnson.
Reprinted from May 2000.
him in the cloth that would be used to cover his coffin after death. The custom was meant to symbolize the young man's solemn commitment, and his identification with Christ's own death. For Damien, the event would become more significant, as he would go on to lay down his life for the lepers of Molokai.
His superiors originally intended to send Damien's brother, a member of the same congregation, to Hawaii. But he became sick, and Damien arranged to take his place. Damien arrived in Honolulu in 1864, less than a century after Europeans had begun to establish a presence in Hawaii. He was ordained a priest the same year.
During his ninth year of the priesthood, Father Damien responded to his bishop's call for priests to serve on the leper colony of Molokai. A lack of previous exposure to leprosy, which had no treatment at the time, made the Hawaiian natives especially susceptible to the infection. Molokai became a quarantine center for the victims, who became disfigured and debilitated as the disease progressed.
The island had become a wasteland in human terms, despite its natural beauty. The leprosy victims of Molokai faced hopeless conditions and extreme deprivation, sometimes lacking not only basic palliative care but even the means of survival.
Inwardly, Fr. Damien was terrified by the prospect of contracting leprosy himself. However, he knew that he would have to set aside this fear in order to convey God's love to the lepers in the most authentic way. Other missionaries had kept the lepers at arms' length, but Fr. Damien chose to immerse himself in their common life and leave the outcome to God.
The inhabitants of Molokai saw the difference in the new priest's approach, and embraced his efforts to improve their living condi tions. A strong man, accus tomed to physical labor, he performed the Church's tradi tional works of mercy – such as feeding the hungry, shel tering the homeless, and giving proper burial to the
dead – in the face of suffering that others could hardly even bear to see.
Fr. Damien's work helped to raise the lepers up from their physical sufferings, while also making them aware of their worth as beloved children of God. Although he could not take away the constant presence of death in the leper colony, he could change its meaning and inspire hope. The death-sentence of leprosy could, and often did, become a painful yet redemptive path toward eternal life.
The priest's devotion to his people, and his activism on their behalf, sometimes alienated him from officials of the Hawaiian kingdom and from his religious superiors in Europe. His mission was not only fateful, but also lonely. He drew strength from Eucharistic adoration and the celebration of the Mass, but longed for another priest to arrive so that he could receive the sacrament of confession regularly.
In December of 1884, Fr. Damien discovered that he had lost all feeling in his feet. It was an early, but unmistakable sign that he had contracted leprosy. The priest knew that his time was short. He undertook to finish whatever accomplishments he could, on behalf of his fellow colony residents, before the diseased robbed him of his eyesight, speech and mobility.
Fr. Damien suffered humiliations and personal trials during his final years. An American Protestant minister accused him of scandalous behavior, based on the contemporary belief that leprosy was a sexually transmitted disease. He ran into disagreements with his religious superiors, and felt psychologically tormented by the notion that his work had been a failure.
In the end, priests of his congregation arrived to administer the last sacraments to the dying priest. During the Spring of 1889, Fr. Damien told his friends that he believed it was God's will for him to spend the upcoming Easter not on Molokai, but in heaven. He died of leprosy during Holy Week, on April 15, 1889.
St. Damien of Molokai was beatified in 1995. Pope Benedict XVI canonized him in 2009.
Trying to make an impact - The Office of Communications prepares and puts on radio a fiveminute program called "Impact." The format is a comment on issues facing churches today and is given by Msgr. Magee. Three stations, KWNO-Winona, KROCRochester and KQAQ-Austin, carry "Impact." Msgr. Magee (right) makes the tapes for the program with John Will Bernadot as technician using the facilities provided jointly by JWB Enterprises and the Office of Communications.
Reprinted from May 2, 1975.
Winona - His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edward A. Fitzgerald, D.D., Bishop of Winona, breaks ground for the start of construction on the new residence building for the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary on Monday, May 1. Witnessing are members of the seminary faculty, the college faculty and priests from the city of Winona.
Actual work began immediately and the residence hall is expected to be ready for occupancy by mid-September. The seminarians of the Diocese, now residents of St. Mary's College, took part in the initial ceremonies.
Reprinted from May 14, 1950.
Bishop Barron Is in Rome
4
From the Bishop
Bishop Barron's column will re�urn in June. At the time of this printing, he is traveling to Rome to provide commentary on the next papal conclave.
On the morning of Pope Francis' passing, Bishop Barron wrote:
Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, has reached the end of his earthly pilgrimage. Pope Francis was a great pastor who spoke from the heart and with tender affection. I had the pleasure of meeting with Pope Francis several times during his papacy. On the occasions when he and I spoke, his comments would burn their way into my heart and mind. During a meeting with my fellow bishops, he reminded us that “the first task of a bishop is to pray.”
Pope Francis’ papacy was marked by two master themes: mercy and evangelization. In an interview, he famously
*indicates event is open to the public
May 1, Thursday
St. Mary's University Board of Trustees Meetings - St. Mary's University, Winona
May 7, Wednesday Coverage of Papal ConclaveRome
Bishop Barron was in Rochester on April 3, where he prayed outside Planned Parenthood as part of 40 Days for Life.
On April 5, he spoke at the diocesan men's conference at Resurrection Church, Rochester.
He celebrated a Young Adult Mass on April 6, at the St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish in Mankato, and answered questions afterward.
April 14 took him to Sacred Heart Church, Heron Lake, for the Chrism Mass, where representatives from across the diocese collected the holy oils and sacred chrism that will be used in their churches for the year ahead.
remarked that the Church is a field hospital to those wounded by our postmodern, relativistic society. It must, first and foremost, heal the wounds. Pope Francis had a keen awareness of the destructiveness of sin, and he encouraged the Church to show the world the merciful face of Christ. He also emphasized the importance of our personal witness to the light of faith, drawing others to the life-giving joy of the Gospel.
As we celebrate Pope Francis’ life and legacy, please join me in praying for the repose of his soul..
On Thursday, April 24, Bishop Barron celebrated Mass for Pope Francis at 7 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, with priests, deacons and laity from around the Diocese present.
May 13, Tuesday
*8:30 a.m. - Staff Mass - The Chancery, Rochester
10:30 a.m. - College of Consultors - The Chancery, Rochester
May 14, Wednesday
7 p.m. - Loyola Catholic School Baccalaureate Mass - Loyola Catholic School, Mankato
May 15, Thursday
12 p.m. - Pension Plan for Priests Board of Trustees - The Chancery, Rochester
May 17, Saturday Commencement SpeakerCatholic University of America, Washington, DC
May 21, Wednesday
*8:30 a.m. - Staff Mass - The Chancery, Rochester
11:30 a.m. - Senior Priest Luncheon - Pax Christi, Rochester
May 23, Friday
5 p.m. - Mass - Christian Brothers Residence, Winona
May 24, Saturday
*10 a.m. - Diaconate Ordination - Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona
May 28, Wednesday
4 p.m. - Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota Board Meeting - The Chancery, Rochester
7 p.m. - Confirmation - St. Bernard, Stewartville Friday, May 30
*2 p.m. - Presbyteral Ordination - Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, Winona
Bishop's Calendar
Non Nisi Te Domine
Bishop Robert Barron
Magnificent Artist,
activity of reading and writing would be more taxing on him than on the average kid. Doodling and drawing always came easy! And with all the challenges, it was a blessing to find something enjoyable! And then this unique perspective on the world collided with his enjoyment of drawing - and you have seen the results! He looks at people and sees the real, and his gift is the ability to see it and to bring it to life!
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
[Louis continues:] I don’t have a specific artist that I can point to as my own influence. I love nature; I love everything from grass to the trees to the birds and all the colors of the skies - there is so much magnificence! So, I guess my biggest artistic influence is the Artist par excellence! God is the most magnificent artist!
How does your Catholic faith influence your artistic style and subject matter?
I am, first and foremost, a Catholic. The closer in communion I am with Christ, the better the art is. There’s a constant connection between the two, and I’m sure there will always be.
The Portraits
2022 - Present
Bishop Robert Emmet
• Born in Chicago
• Ordained in 1986
• Appointed Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2015
• Appointed Ninth Bishop of Winona-Rochester in 2022
• Oversaw the Diocese of Winona-Rochester's 2022 Eucharistic Congress in Mankato
• Oversaw the opening of the new diocesan chancery in Rochester in 2024
Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. And one thing that I am most passionate about is the truth. What does truth have to do with art? Truth is the knowledge of what is, finding the purpose of being. It is finding the truth of a person that gives us a way to appreciate or love him or her better. The truth is within us.
I believe that what makes something or someone beautiful is not what we consider the "perfection" of features - a face perfectly ordered with features completely even to each other. Instead, it is in the uniqueness, in the particular order of this special person. It is in the imperfections that the truth and beauty is found. All of what God created, he created it for its own sake. We all have a beauty that is completely beautiful in itself. The reason someone's face is so striking is not because it's perfectly even on each side, but because every face has, in a way, its own standard of perfection, its own style of beauty.
I hope people can enjoy in my art the fact that God made the structure of all our faces beautiful, and when you embrace the tears and cracks of sin for the sake of God’s glory, then your face expresses the deepest truths of your soul's purpose.
Can you tell us about a piece of art you are particularly proud of and why?
I enjoyed doing the bishops’ portraits, especially Bishop Fitzgerald and Bishop Barron. I am working on a commission of young saints right now for a school, and the one of Francisco and Jacinta (who saw Our Lady
• Born in Detroit
2009-2022
Bishop John Michael Quinn
• Submitted a petition to the Vatican for the elevation of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Winona to a minor basilica, which was granted by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011.
• In 2018 Bishop Quinn, with the approval of the Vatican, elevated St. John the Evangelist Parish in Rochester to a Co-Cathedral.
• Born in Cresco, IA
1949-1969
Bishop Edward Aloysius Fitzgerald
• A "Master Builder" - During his 19-year tenure, almost every existing church facility was expanded, restored, or replaced. Population growth created the demand for new buildings and parishes. The Catholic population of the diocese grew by 57 percent. Most of the diocesan buildings we use today were designed, constructed, and paid for during his tenure.
• Born in Detroit
1998-2009
Bishop Bernard Joseph Harrington
• Oversaw Church of Winona "Alive in the Spirit," a celebration for which 6,000 people from 118 parishes, and all diocesan and religious institutions and religious houses within the diocese, gathered in Mankato.
• Introduced the permanent diaconate to the diocese. The diaconate had been a transitional step for seminarians on their journey to priesthood; now it was to be “a proper and permanent rank of the hierarchy.”
1928-1949
Bishop Francis Martin Kelly
• Born in Houston County, the only native of the diocese to become its bishop.
• A better-than-average guard on the Saint Thomas varsity football team.
• Transferred Saint Mary College to the Christian Brothers in 1933.
• Suffered a paralytic stroke in 1941 and had to learn to celebrate Mass all over again. His recovery was only temporary; within a year, he suffered a second stroke which confined him to Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester for over eight years until his death on June 24, 1950.
of Fatima) is turning out especially nice. I enjoy being able to bring back to life these young saints!
Where have you found support in the Church for your vocation as an artist?
My parents are my number-one fans. They have always encouraged my artwork, even when I get overly focused on it and drive my mom crazy. Many people are very complimentary, but the best support is through commissioned pieces, and that is why it was such a blessing and a huge honor to receive the commission from Bishop Barron to do the portraits of the bishops for the new chancery.
What are your plans for the future?
I have been accepted to the Stabat Mater Atelier a Catholic art institute in Tyler, TX, and will begin as an apprentice (student) at the school next fall. This is where I will follow the traditional art training to bring me from sketching to Renaissance-style oil painting.
Where can someone purchase or learn more about your artwork?
Please visit my website: leadandpaper.com I welcome new commissions and also sell signed prints of past pieces.
• Born in Chicago
1987-1997 Archbishop John George Vlazny
• Six months after becoming Bishop of Winona, Bishop Vlazny had laid out his priorities: “comprehensive pastoral planning: the life and ministry of our priests, The Courier, a host of rural issues; involvement of the laity in ministry and decisionmaking; our commitment and support of Catholic schools; and liturgical life.”
1909-1927
Bishop
• Born in Dubuque
1969-1986 Bishop Loras Joseph Watters
• Had a doctorate in education
• Very humble person. Dispensed with official driver and drove himself around the diocese.
• Attended the fourth session on the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) in Rome
• Ordered home from Rome while studying as a seminarian when the Germans invaded Poland in 1939.
• One of the bishops to form the Minnesota Catholic Conference in 1968.
• Born in New York City
• On August 27, 1915, Heffron was shot twice by Fr. Laurence M. Lesches, a diocesan priest, while celebrating private Mass. Lesches was angry at Heffron for denying him his own parish due to Lesches' arrogant behavior and emotional instability. Heffron survived due to the assistance of Dr. William Mayo, who traveled to Winona to assist in his care.
• Five months into his episcopacy, he established a diocesan newspaper, whose purpose was to stimulate good reading among the Catholic people in their homes.
1899-1909
• Born in Liverpool, England
• When he became bishop, the new diocese included 45 priests, 8 churches, 15 parochial schools, and 2 hospitals. Approximately 38,000 Catholics resided in the diocese.
• Cotter High School, now Cotter Schools Inc., was named in his memory.
• Moved by the effects of alcohol on families and young people, he was among the foremost voices in the temperance movement.
Recapping the St. Mary Retreat and Prayers for the Walk to Mary Pilgrimage
By BRIAN HANSEN
[Thus says the Lord God:] "I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them. I will multiply them and put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling shall be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. Then the nations shall know that I, the LORD, make Israel holy, by putting my sanctuary among them forever."
-Ezek. 37:26-28
on Saturday, April 12, Catholics from across the Diocese of Winona-Rochester gathered at Ss. Peter & Paul Parish in Blue Earth to partake in and experience the St. Mary Retreat. This was the final retreat in a series entitled The Holy Family Retreats & Pilgrimage Fr. Jeff Dobbs was the retreat’s keynote speaker and spiritual leader. More than 35 retreatants were in attendance to experience and participate in prayer, faith formation, and fellowship. During this time, Fr. Dobbs taught these retreatants about the theological significance of Jesus Christ’s mother, St. Mary. When teaching on the Mother of God, Fr. Dobbs structured his formation talks around various prayers, scripture passages, litanies, and meditations related to Jesus and his blessed mother. For each of his talks, Fr. Dobbs first led retreatants through the Prayer of Entrustment to the Womb of Mary. Afterwards, Fr. Dobbs had retreatants read and ponder moments from Sacred Scripture where Mary and her motherly role in Jesus’ life were on display. In these instances, Fr. Dobbs also connected and interwove the Marian themes and messages from Sacred Scripture to his personal life experiences. The purpose for this exercise was to help retreatants relate their life stories to that of St. Mary’s.
Retreatants would then recite aloud, with Fr. Dobbs, a litany. For his first talk, the Litany to Jesus Christ Living in the Womb of Mary was prayerfully recited together; in the second talk, retreatants prayed through the Litany of Powerlessness. Fr. Dobbs did an excellent job in guiding the retreatants through these litanies at a steady and reflective pace that enabled participants to seriously contemplate the words that they were praying. What followed from the recitation of these litanies were peaceful and powerful meditative experiences. For each meditation, Fr. Dobbs invited retreatants to close their eyes; in the first meditation, participants imagined themselves as a baby dwelling alongside baby Jesus in the womb of Mary. The second meditation was focused on Jesus’s crucifixion; in this meditation, participants were placed in the role of the Beloved Disciple, who stayed by Mary’s side while being an up-close and personal witness to Jesus’ Passion. As a result of these meditations, the retreatants received a deeper and fuller understanding of Mary as mother - a mother who has experienced both joyful and sorrowful mysteries.
According to Fr. Dobbs, these faith formation talks were intended to help the retreatants realize that as Christians, we are called by Jesus Christ to entrust ourselves to his blessed mother, who is also our mother (John 19:26-27). This includes entrusting our life’s personal joys and sorrows to her. Why? Because, St. Mary, the Mother of God, knows firsthand of the joys and sorrows of human life, which enables her to relate to Christians in profoundly intimate ways. Meanwhile, she is a model for today’s Christians in how we should respond to these life
moments. In the face of her life’s joys and sorrows, St. Mary remained ever-faithful to God and ever-hopeful in his redemptive power and grace. May Christians throughout our diocese rise to this holy challenge and, through the intercession of St. Mary, receive God’s grace to become men and women of immense faith, hope, and love!
What was most beautiful about Fr. Dobb’s faith formation talks was that, when communicating these important ideas and messages, he always connected them to his personal life experiences, particularly ones from his early childhood. Not only did these stories help retreatants better comprehend the theological concepts he was conveying, they also were very relatable and invited listeners to be vulnerable. In fact, after listening to Father’s stories, some retreatants, during large group discussion time, felt inspired to share personal testimonies of their life’s joys and sorrows. When hearing these testimonies, some retreatants became emotional and were brought to tears. It is in moments like these that I am especially grateful to the good Lord Jesus because I know that he is tending to the hearts of His beloved ones and is seeking to pour into them His unfathomable love, mercy, and healing grace. I pray that the hearts and minds of these retreatants were both renewed and transformed through this retreat experience!
In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to Fr. Dobbs and all those who participated in this final retreat of The Holy Family Retreats & Pilgrimage. I also would like to extend a personal invitation to all Catholics living throughout our diocese to pray for the culmination of this diocesan event: the Walk to Mary Pilgrimage. On Friday, May 2, 31 pilgrims from the Diocese of Winona-Rochester will be traveling to Wisconsin to participate in the annual Walk to Mary. On Saturday, May 3, our diocese’s pilgrims will walk 21 miles to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion; this shrine is the only Church-approved Marian apparition site in the United States of America. Please join us in praying for these pilgrims by praying the following Novena to Our Lady of Champion with the specific intention included. Thank you for your prayers and God bless!
Novena to Our Lady of Champion
O dear Lady of Champion, you revealed yourself as the Queen of Heaven to your servant Adele. You gave her a mission to pray for the conversion of sinners, to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to others and to prepare children for the reception of the sacraments.
I trust that, as you called Adele to holiness, you are calling me, in my station in life, to live a holy life, devoted to Jesus Christ, with the help of your maternal love. I bring before you now my worries and anxieties. I abandon my attachments to them and place them at your feet. I ask you to hear the deepest longings of my heart as I pray most earnestly for (mention request here...). Dear Lady, you told Adele, and you say to all of us, “Go and fear nothing. I will help you.” Help me now as I place this intention with complete confidence and trust. Amen.
Novena Intention to OLC (April 23 - May 1)
For the 31 DOWR pilgrims participating in the 2025 Walk to Mary Pilgrimage, that these pilgrims may have a safe, joy-filled, and spiritually fruitful pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. As these pilgrims witness their Catholic faith, may they have profound and loving encounters with the Lord Jesus Christ while growing in deeper relationship with Him through greater devotion to His earthly father, St. Joseph, and His Immaculate Mother, St. Mary. May this pilgrimage be a transformative experience for these pilgrims that leaves a lasting impact on their lives.
Brian Hansen is the coordinator of Adult & Lay Formation for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.
Fr. Dobbs celebrates Mass during the St. Mary Retreat at Ss. Peter & Paul Church in Blue Earth on April 12.
Ministry Days 2025
June 10-11 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
By BRIAN KUSEK
at the conclusion of the Synod on the vocation and mission of the laity, Pope Saint John Paul II reflected on the parable of the vineyard from Matthew’s gospel. With a sense of urgency, John Paul the Great repeats often Christ’s words, “you go into the vineyard too” (Mt. 20:3-4). All of us, priests, deacons, religious, lay faithful, are called into the vineyard of our Lord to take an active and responsible part in the mission of the Church. The saintly pontiff is unambiguous: “If lack of commitment is always unacceptable, the present time renders it even more so. It is not permissible for anyone to remain idle” (Christifidelis laici, 3).
In the midst of the preparatory phase of the diocesan synod, Bishop Barron has repeatedly echoed Pope John Paul’s words, calling for each of us - whether lay, cleric, or religious - to serve as his evangelists and vocation directors. The reason should be obvious to anyone who’s been paying attention. Thirty-six years after the holy father’s exhortation, we have half as many priests in our local Church as we have parishes, and, according to Vatican statistics, there has been a steady decline of seminarians globally since 2012. This is likely in no small part thanks to a rapid decline in religiosity. A recent Pew Research study showed that for every 1 person joining the Catholic Church, 8.5 are leaving; Christianity broadly has declined 10% since 2012.
Second Annual St. Joseph's Family Camp Planned for August
By PETER MARTIN
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he Diocese of Winona-Rochester is excited to announce the second annual St. Joseph’s Family Camp! This day-long camp for Catholics living with disabilities will be hosted on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch in Stewartville, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Ironwood Springs is an open-access camp offering those with limited mobility or other disabilities the opportunity to experience a summer camp atmosphere without the limitations often associated with attending outdoor camps. Paved trails, adaptive activities, and medically sensitive food options make this a great option for families looking to relax and unwind this summer while nurturing their faith and connecting with other Catholic families affected by disability. This camp is open to any family that has a son or daughter of any age, including adult, living with a disability (cognitive disability, physical disability, or on the autism spectrum). Although the entire family does not have to attend, we do encourage it; we want this day to be a renewal day for the whole family!
This year, our camp will offer tractorpulled wagon rides, an animal encounter/ petting zoo, adaptive zipline, swimming, arts and crafts, and optional fishing (catch and release only with valid MN Fishing License). Lunch is included for all regis tered families.
Families are encouraged to register early as spots are limited. The cost of this camp is generously covered by the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and other benefactors. First priority will be given to families that belong to the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Interested families outside of the Diocese will be waitlisted and notified of registration status approximately three weeks prior to camp. Register at www.dowr.org
Yet, for the Christian, there is always hope. Pope Francis himself affirmed the accessibility of the mission for every Catholic: “Anyone who has truly experienced God’s saving love does not need much time or lengthy training to go out and proclaim that love” (Evangelii Gaudium, 120). We all have the capacity to contribute to the vision of our bishop to double the number of people in our pews, and to double the number of seminarians. All we have to do is proclaim the love that we have experienced ourselves. We can and should, however, accompany one another in this endeavor; we can and should properly form ourselves well to provide a reason for the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15).
From June 10-11 Catholic leaders from across our diocese will gather at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona for Ministry Days. This year’s focus will be on the third year of the Eucharistic Revival: The Year of Mission. Our keynote speaker Kristin Bird, of Burning Hearts Disciples, will help us reflect on the ways we can strengthen our identities as disciples both personally and corporately through accompaniment and organizational mission.
We will look at how each one of us has a role to play in sharing the Gospel, and we will grow together in prayer and community.
Having been involved in several Ministry Days throughout the past few years, I have personally found the event to be a great time of professional development and personal enrichment. It is a unique opportunity to meet “co-workers in the vineyard” from across our diocese, to learn from one another, and to continue to pray for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as we work to spread the Gospel in Southern Minnesota. The Diocese welcomes all to this year’s Ministry Days June 10-11 at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Register by May 30 at www.dowr.org.
Brian Kusek is the director of evangelization for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.
Our camp relies on the help of our fantastic volunteers! Interested volunteers are encouraged to email our Camp Coordinator, Katie Netzel, at stjosephfamilycamp@dowr.org to learn more about available volunteer opportunities.
We hope to see your family at the St. Joseph’s Family Camp in August!
Peter Martin is the director of Life, Marriage & Family for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.
Those who attended Ministry Days 2022 will remember Kristin Bird, pictured here presenting alongside Fr. Tom MargeviČius.
Baptized at Easter
A Visual Sampling of Easter Vigil Baptisms in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester
Ss. Peter & Paul, Blue Earth
St. Thomas More Newman Center, Mankato
Christ the King, Byron Holy Family, Kasson
St. John Baptist de la Salle, Dodge Center
St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Holy Redeemer, Eyota
St. Gabriel, Fulda
St. Francis of Assisi, Rochester
St. Theodore, Albert Lea
St. Peter, Rose Creek
Sacred Heart, Adams
Queen of Peace, Lyle
St. John the Baptist, Johnsburg
St. Joseph the Worker, Mankato
Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester
A Journey of Faith
Growing Together in God's Love at Cotter Schools
Submitted by JANA KORDER
at Cotter Schools, faith is more than something we practice - it is something we live, breathe, and share as a community. This year, students from St. Luke Hall are embracing the beauty of God’s grace in profound ways, deepening their connection to Christ and one another.
Fifteen students, along with their families, have begun preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. Each Wednesday, they gather in prayer, learning about God’s mercy and the Eucharist. Their journey will culminate in May at Saint Mary’s Church, where they will receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for the first time.
Nine of these students recently took their first steps in faith through Baptism, embraced by God’s love and the Cotter community.
Westin, one of the newly baptized, shared: "I asked my teacher if I could get baptized and take Communion, and then so many other kids wanted to as well. When Father Russ poured the oil on my head, I felt so clean in my soul - like I had no sin at that moment."
Mrs. Donahue, a fourth-grade teacher at Cotter, describes this movement of faith: "The Word of the Lord is on fire here - our students want to learn about God."
She recalled a student eagerly asking how to receive Communion, showing the deep faith growing in these young hearts.
Charlotte, another student preparing for Communion, said, "I love learning Bible stories because they help me know who God is and that I am in His family forever."
This sense of faith and community was also present when St. Luke students joined friends from St. Mary’s Church for a Eucharistic activity night. Through a partnership with St. Mary’s Parish, led by Father Russ, Cotter students explored the Eucharist, shared in fellowship, and strengthened their spiritual bonds.
Father Russ affirmed, "Yes, this is the Pope’s direction. We want to bring people to our Church."
"I felt so clean in my soul - like I had no sin at that moment."
Nathan, another student in the First Communion class, reflected: "Every time I receive the Body and Blood of Jesus, I feel closer to God. I know He sacrificed Himself for me so I can live with Him forever."
Jesus' words -“Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”ring especially true for these students. Their faith is inspiring those around them, and we know God has great plans for them.
Jana Korder manages communications, marketing and brand identity for Cotter Schools in Winona.
Crucifixion School principal, Doug Harpenau, loves to play practical jokes on people. He will hide a cookie, a coffee cup, books, etc. He loves April's Fools Day. In the past, he's had us (the teachers) put the students' desks in the bathrooms, other classrooms, or on top of one another.
This year, we got Mr. Harpenau. All students and staff dressed like him: white shirt, tie, black pants, mustache and coffee tumbler!
Photo and caption submitted by LORI DATTA, who teaches sixth grade at Crucifixion School in La Crescent.
Nine Cotter students recently received the Sacrament of Baptism at St. Mary's Church in Winona. They pose here with their families and St. Mary's Pastor Fr. Russ Scepaniak.
The newly baptized students
School Sister of St. Francis with DOW-R Ties to Celebrate 75 Years of Consecrated Life
Submitted by MICHAEL O'LOUGHLIN
MILWAUKEE, WI – On June 21, 34 School Sisters of St. Francis in the United States will celebrate milestone anniversaries of service as women religious. In addition, one lay woman in Associate Relationship with the community will celebrate her 50-year Jubilee, and another will celebrate 40 years. One sister’s ministries include service in the Diocese of Winona.
Sister Clare Korte is celebrating 75 years of consecrated life.
Sister Clare was born in Pierron, Illinois. She has a bachelor's degree from Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a master's degree from St. Mary's University in Winona.
In the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Sister ministered at St. Mary’s University as an instructor (1975-78, 1979-81), associate professor (1981-90), and as professor and chair of the Biology Department (19902012). Sister also served as a retired volunteer with Serra Club and Catholic Daughters of America (2012-17). She is retired and ministers through her prayer and presence at Our Lady of the Angels Convent in Greenfield, WI.
Note: Cards may be mailed to sister’s name, ATTN: Jubilee Committee, 1515 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215. Michael O'Loughlin is the director of marketing and communications for the School Sisters of Saint Francis.
S�. Pius X Parish, Roches�er, took its faith into the world on Palm Sunday by bringing its procession with palms out onto the street. Pictured are Father Jim Starasinich and Deacon Pat Fagan with parishioners.
Photo submitted by Kris DeVilbiss, the office coordinator for St. Pius X Church in Rochester.
Forgive One Another
By FR. KURT FARRELL
p
ope Francis declared a “Year of the Jubilee,” which started on the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. In the Old Testament a year of Jubilee meant that there would be a time of equaling the playing field. All debt would be forgiven, slaves would be set free, and there would be a time for raising the poor and downtrodden to the level of the rich. A theme of Pope Francis’ life was a call to eliminate what separates us from one another. Things such as economic and social classes; racial, religious and other types of discrimination and prejudice; unforgiveness; resentment; and grudges. A declaration of Jubilee by the Pope means it is time for all of us to forgive and love one another. The importance of being able to say, “I am sorry,” and “I forgive you” can’t be emphasized enough. Jesus tells us in the Gospel that before you go to the altar to offer sacrifice make sure you have reconciled with your brother. He also tells us that if we are unwilling to forgive our brother and sister from our hearts, our heavenly father will not forgive us. He even has us pray to God that he would forgive us as we forgive those that have offended us. I have experienced many families ripped apart due to the unwillingness to forgive, and the placing of emphasis on material goods over love for one another. Many are planning to make pilgrimages this jubilee to receive plenary indulgences. I
would suggest that before spending a lot of time and money making these pilgrimages, that we all make a pilgrimage into our hearts. WE need to discover all those that we have not yet reconciled with and make a pilgrimage to do so. May all have a very blessed Easter. Happy Jubilee Everybody!
Some Other News
We are encouraging each church to have a Seven Sisters Apostolate to cover your parish priest in daily prayer. If you have questions about what this is, how to start or want more information, please view Seven Sisters Apostolate and/or contact Lola Baxter at SevenSistersWinonaRochester@gmail.com.
Diaconal Ministry
in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester
By DEACON JOHN HUST
one change implemented at the end of Vatican II was the restoration of the permanent diaconate in the Roman Catholic Church. At the close of Vatican II, St. Pope Paul VI in his apostolic letter Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem reestablished the Order of Deacons as a permanent ministry in the Catholic Church. In May of 1968, the United States Bishops responded to the Holy See, requesting permission to restore the permanent diaconate in the United States. In August of 1968, St. Pope Paul VI granted permission. In 1971, the National Council of Bishops approved and authorized the publication of the document “Permanent Deacons in the United States: Guidelines to Their Formation and Ministry.” Diaconate formation programs then began.
In our diocese we only had a few deacons serving in our parishes and diocese until 2005, when our first class of deacons were ordained. I would like to acknowledge three of these men. First, I would like to acknowledge Deacon Len Fuller and his wife Bobbie. Len was ordained on May 11, 1975, in the Diocese of Tucson. He is celebrating 50 years of ordination. A second deacon is Deacon John DeStazio, who was ordained on May 19, 1986, in the Diocese of Toledo and will be celebrating 39 years of ordination. The third deacon is Deacon Justin Green and his wife Dina. Justin was ordained on February 26, 2000, in the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana. He just celebrated 25 years a few months ago. We are most grateful for their witness and sacrifice for the Church and the
The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is hosting a leadership training by the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women On the Road team for all women who would like to know more about CCW, are an officer or commission chair or would like to be. You don’t have to be a member to attend, and this would benefit anyone in a leadership role within any women’s church organization. The training will be on July 12 at St. Bernard in Stewartville beginning at 1 p.m. There is no cost, however, registration is required for the team to bring enough materials. Please call Shelly Holt, 507-381-2842 or email shellyholttotalwellness@gmail.com by June 1 to register.
Fr. Kurt Farrell is the spiritual advisor for the WinonaRochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.
diaconate community.
On August 5, 2025, we will be celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the first Winona-Rochester ordination of deacons. Of the eleven who were ordained, five remain incardinated in our diocese. In August we will hear more about those deacons and their wives.
Looking to the Future
We have eight men who are finishing up the second year of Aspirancy, which will end with a June 2025 retreat. After this they will petition Bishop Barron to be accepted into Candidacy which lasts for three years. Lord willing, they will request ordination to the diaconate. Please keep these men, their wives and families in your prayers please.
Recruitment of a new cohort of men to discern vocation to the diaconate will begin soon. During this inquiry phase, there will be informational meetings and prerequisites discussed. The application process begins in January of 2026. Any man who is discerning a diaconate vocation should contact me and I would be happy to visit with him about the process.
Finally, it was announced that I will be stepping down as the Director of the Diaconate of the WinonaRochester diocese on July 1, 2025. I just want to thank all of those who have supported me in this ministry for the last five years. It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the Church and the diaconate community. A special thanks to my wife Nancy for her prayers and support during this time. May we proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and his Church.
Deacon John Hust serves the parishes of St. Felix in Wabasha and St. Agnes in Kellogg. He has been the director of the diaconate in the Diocese of WinonaRochester since 2020. On July 1, 2025, he will pass the title to Deacon Robert Yerhot.
Rev. Msgr. Gerald Kosse with attendees of the W-RDCCW Lenten Retreat
Obituaries
Father Paul J. Breza, 87, of Winona, died peacefully at Valley View Healthcare in Houston, on April 7, 2025. He was born June 23, 1937, in Winona to Joseph and Alice (Pehler) Breza. Father attended St. Stanislaus Grade School and Cotter High School, Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona from 1955-59, and Saint Paul Seminary in Saint Paul from 1959-63. He was ordained at
the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona on June 1, 1963.
Father sometimes declared “I love to work.” He loved to walk into the bluffs, hunting or not. He loved to row himself and his father to the places on the Mississippi where they knew the fish would bite.
He worked as an assistant, pastor, and grade school and high school religion
The Televised Mass Is Offered Every Sunday
Sioux Falls - ODLT Channel 7 at 7 a.m.
Sioux City - KPTH Channel 44 at 8:30 a.m.
Mankato - KEYC Channel 12 at 7:30 a.m.
Digital Channel 12.2 or Charter Channel 19 NEYC at 9:30 a.m.
Digital Channel 7 (DirecTV) or Channel 11 (DISH) KMNF at 9 a.m.
Rochester/Austin/Mason City
KIMT Channel 3 at 7:30 a.m.
MyTV 3.2 at 9 a.m.
Twin Cities - WFTC Digital Channel 29 or Channel 9.2 at 11:30 a.m.
Southeastern MN - HBC Channel 20 at 3 p.m. (repeated Wed. at 3:30 p.m.)
Winona/La Crosse/Eau Claire - WLAX/WEUX Channel 25/48 at 7:30 a.m. and on our website, dowr.org (click "Weekly Mass")
teacher across the Diocese: at St. Stanislaus, Winona; St. Columbanus, Blooming Prairie; Pacelli High School, Austin; St Francis of Assisi and Lourdes High School, Rochester; St. John the Baptist and Loyola/Good Counsel, Mankato; St. Mary’s College, Winona; St. Anthony, Altura; St. Aloysius, Elba; St. Peter, Hokah; St. Patrick, Brownsville; Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona; and St. Joachim, Plainview.
For several years he sponsored “truck trips” that allowed his students to travel for $1 a day for gas and $1 a day for food. Those stories are still being shared.
He loved his childhood community in the East End of Winona, singing in the Polish Choir with his mother (where he also said his first Mass and was first assigned). As the first and second generations from Poland began to age, he started to collect their stories and, with his mother, he wrote a Kashubian Language Dictionary. He organized a celebration of Polish Heritage to address the painful aspects of immigration and bias that many experienced. These efforts evolved into the Polish Museum, as well as a student exchange program with our Sister City, Bytow Poland. The city of Bytow took the rare step of making him
an Honorary Citizen. He treasured his friends there.
In the same years he began to collect artifacts and photos of parishes that were closed. He understood that many parishioners treasured their parish and considered it "home." This evolved into a collection of religious articles from across the Diocese that he displayed for education and he sent some back to parishes. Perhaps his favorite work was the care of his apple orchard. In all these endeavors he recruited so many of us to volunteer and enjoy. And in this way he expanded his pastoral care.
In recent years he was less able physically and he mourned his ability to work hard, but appreciated the home care he received right in his orchard and treasured the many visitors. He enjoyed gifts from gardens, fishing trips and baking; mostly treasuring the stories of former students and parishioners. The family is grateful for the kind and expert care he received at Valley View Health Care and Rehab in Houston for the last week of his life.
He is survived by his nieces and nephews, David Mrozek, Paula (Roger) Sandsness, Gary (Linda) Mrozek, Joe (Doreen) Mrozek, Maureen (Steve) Alms, Tom Mrozek, Russell Rice and Ted Rice; and many great nieces and nephews. He was
preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Teresa (Robert) Mrozek and Marianne (Don) Rice Morrison; and brother, Thomas Breza.
Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, April 15, at St. Stanislaus Basilica in Winona, with the Most Reverend Robert E. Barron, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester celebrating with the priests of the Diocese of WinonaRochester concelebrating. Burial followed in St. Mary's Cemetery, Winona.
Father was not a flowers guy, but he suggested memorial donations to the Diocese of Winona-Rochester so that his brother priests would know he did not forget them, and, of course, to the Polish Museum. Condolences may be sent to: Father Paul Breza, McCormick Funeral Home, 205 E. Main St., Caledonia, MN 55921.
Never Losing Sight of What Matters Catholic Charities Mother's Day Weekend Appeal
By KRISTINA HAMMELL
for over 75 years, Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota has stood beside the people of our region, through joys and heartbreaks, challenges and triumphs. Our mission is rooted in love and service, and each day we work to ensure no one walks alone, especially those facing life’s most difficult moments.
This coming Mother’s Day Weekend, we invite you to be a part of something deeply meaningful through our annual Mother’s Day Weekend Appeal May 10 and 11.
The heart of Catholic Charities beats strongest in our commitment to walk with others through life’s most difficult moments. Whether it’s helping a mom secure necessary baby items such as a crib, car seat, or diapers and wipes; offering shelter to someone without a home; supporting a senior through free health, wellness and community connection; or guiding a family through crisis - our work is deeply personal and always centered on meeting real needs.
Each of our services is a lifeline. And while you may never need them yourself, countless others rely on us every day to meet their most basic needs.
Rooted in Southern Minnesota
We’re proud of our roots in southern Minnesota. From bustling cities and towns to quiet rural corners, our staff and volunteers live and work in the same places we serve. This connection keeps us grounded in what matters most. With your support, Catholic Charities remains more than just a service provider—we remain a trusted presence, ready to respond with compassion and action whenever our southern Minnesota neighbors are in need.
I have to say, the staff here, they are so great because it’s not always easy working with some of these people, you know? They're so patient and kind, and they treat everyone with such respect. It always blew me away how patient and loving the staff were here. You know, dignity can be hard to come by when you're homeless.
- Johnathan, a guest of our Community Warming Center
They have so many resources including helping with applications to needing a pack of diapers. I’ve been successful in the nursing program while still being able to be the best mom possible for my sweet baby boy.
-Jaycie, served through our Onward & Upward Program
This coming Mother’s Day weekend, we invite you to give in honor of the mothers who work tirelessly to build stability for their children. Whether through the second collection in your parish, by responding to our mailer, or donating online, your gift—of any amount— will support the programs and services that uplift women, families, and individuals facing difficult circumstances. Because when a mother is supported, a family thrives. And when families thrive, entire communities grow stronger.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota remains a lifeline for those in crisis, a voice for the vulnerable, and a source of hope for those who feel forgotten. But we didn’t get here alone— and we can’t continue without you. Take comfort in knowing that we remain steadfast in our commitment to never losing sight of what matters most.
To learn more about Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota and the services we provide throughout the Diocese, please visit www.ccsomn.org.
Kristina Hammell is the director of development and outreach for Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota.
Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota (EIN: 41-0721636) is a 501(c)(3) local nonprofit organization, operating independently of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota. All donations directly support the staff, operations, and services of our local Catholic Charities.
Parish Events
May 9, Friday
Sacred Heart Parish, Waseca, will hold a 25th Anniversary of Ordination Celebration for Father Glenn Frerichs, beginning at 6 p.m. with a Mass of Thanksgiving in the church (111 4th Street NW in Waseca). Following Mass is dinner at The Mill Event Center (310 2nd Avenue SW in Waseca). Kindly reply by May 1 to parishoffice@ sacredheartwaseca.org, or by calling the parish office at 507-835-1222.
May 10, Saturday
Calvary Cemetery, Rochester, will be the location of a Living Rosary for the Unborn at 11 a.m., sponsored by the Bishop Edward A. Fitzgerald Assembly 548 of the Knights of Columbus. The cemetery is located at 500 11th Ave NE in Rochester. All are invited to participate. Call Alan Peterson with any questions: 507-421-3205.
