The COURIER
Faith amid the Storm
By NICOLE WENINGER
�ach year, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary hosts the Bishops and Rector Dinner, an opportunity for clergy, religious, laity, and seminarians alike to gather at the Rochester International Center for an evening of faith, fellowship, and philanthropy. Thanks to the generosity of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester community and IHM Seminary supporters, this year’s dinner was another success.
On April 17, 2026, the evening began dramatically, as thunderstorms, hail, and two tornados swept through the area. During setup, Catholic Foundation staff, seminarians, and Event Center personnel took shelter in the kitchens as the tornado touched down near the Rochester Airport, less than a mile from the venue.
Despite the stormy start, the evening proceeded with grace and gratitude. Monsignor James Shea, president of the University of Mary in Bismarck, was honored with the Immaculate Heart of Mary Award. This elegant statue recognizes a bishop, priest, religious, or layperson who has made significant contributions to the formation and discernment of young people, particularly in supporting diocesan seminarians as they pursue vocations to the priesthood.
Throughout his career, Msgr. Shea has distinguished himself in numerous ways: becoming one of the youngest university presidents in the country, serving with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity at the Gift of Peace AIDS Hospice, ministering as a chaplain in various schools, and contributing to several boards of directors. His lifelong dedication to education and the formation of young people made him a fitting recipient of this year’s award.
The evening was filled with conversation, laughter, and generosity. With the largest seminary class in a decade, guests had ample opportunity to meet the men they have been supporting both spiritually and financially. Seminarians, in turn, were grateful for the chance to thank their benefactors personally.
IHM Seminary’s new rector, Father Jason Kern, hosted the evening with Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Other bishops in attendance included Bishop David Tencer of the Diocese of Reykjavik, Bishop James Powers of the Diocese of Superior, and Bishop Patrick Neary of the Diocese of St. Cloud, last year’s award recipient. The seminary also recognized Bishop Gerard Battersby of the Diocese of La Crosse and Bishop Scott Bullock of the Diocese of Rapid City, who were unable to attend due to the weather.
'I Will Make You Fishers of
Men'
Supporting the Mission of the Church through the Catholic Ministries Appeal
By MARK DOCKERY
�n the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls his first disciples with a simple but powerful invitation: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19). With these words, Christ invites ordinary people to take part in his extraordinary mission of bringing the Gospel to the world.
That same mission continues today in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester through the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA). Each year, the appeal invites the faithful across our 20 counties in southern Minnesota to come together in support of ministries and services that extend far beyond the boundaries of any one parish. Through the generosity of parishioners throughout the diocese, the CMA helps sustain the work of evangelization, support our priests and seminarians, strengthen Catholic education, and provide assistance to those most in need.
This year marks an important transition for the Catholic Ministries Appeal. After several years of being administered by the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota, the CMA has returned to the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and is now being coordinated directly through the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development. Bringing the appeal back to the diocese allows us to more closely connect the appeal with the pastoral priorities of Bishop Barron and the mission of our local Church.
IHM SeMInary HonorS MSgr. JaMeS SHea at BISHopS and rector dInner
Fishers of Men, cont'd on pg. 6
Bishops and Rector, cont'd on pg. 6
Pope Warns Against Profaning God's Name Through Domination
By ANDREA GAGLIARDUCCI and MARCO MANCINI, EWTN News
MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, April 21, 2026 - Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday warned against invoking God to justify oppression and violence, telling civil authorities and diplomats in Equatorial Guinea that “his holy name must not be profaned by the will to dominate, by arrogance, or by discrimination; above all, it must never be invoked to justify choices and actions of death.”
Speaking at the presidential palace in Malabo on April 21, the pope framed his address around the Church’s social doctrine, calling it a guide for addressing the “new things” destabilizing human coexistence, including widening inequality, the exploitation of natural resources, and the misuse of technology.
Leo said the world is facing developments that “shake the very foundations of the human experience” and reiterated that it is “the imperative duty of civil authorities and of sound politics to dismantle the obstacles to integral human development - a mission grounded in the fundamental principles of solidarity and the universal destination of goods.”
The pope pointed to rapid technological development as one factor worsening global imbalances.
“It cannot be ignored, for example, that the rapid technological evolution we are witnessing has accelerated speculation regarding raw materials,” he said. “This shift seemingly overshadows fundamental imperatives such as the safeguarding of creation, the rights of local communities, the dignity of labor, and the protection of public health.”
Recalling Pope Francis on the first anniversary of his death, Leo repeated his predecessor’s condemnation of unjust economic systems, saying: “Today we also have to say ‘thou shalt not’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills.”
He added that armed conflicts are increasingly tied to the exploitation of oil and mineral reserves.
“In fact, it is even more evident today than in years past that the proliferation of armed conflicts is often driven by the exploitation of oil and mineral deposits, occurring with no regard
for international law or the self-determination of peoples,” he said.
Leo also warned that new technologies are often developed and deployed chiefly for military purposes rather than for the common good.
“On the contrary, the destiny of humanity risks being tragically compromised without a change of direction in the assumption of political responsibility and without respect for institutions and international agreements,” he said.
The pope arrived in Malabo to a festive welcome from crowds lining the streets of the capital. He later held a private meeting of about 30 minutes with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has led the country since 1979 and also received St. John Paul II during his 1982 visit.
In his address, Leo recalled that John Paul II had described the president as “the symbolic center to which the living aspirations of a people converge” for liberty, justice, and respect for rights - words Leo said “remain timely and that challenge anyone entrusted with public responsibility.”
The pope also reflected on St. Augustine’s image of the “city of God” and the “earthly city,” noting that every person shows by daily decisions to which city he or she belongs.
Referencing Equatorial Guinea’s planned new capital, Ciudad de la Paz, Leo said its name “seems to echo the biblical city of Jerusalem” and should prompt each person to ask “which city they wish to serve.”
He said Christians are called to live in the earthly city while keeping their hearts fixed on their true homeland, the heavenly city, and urged freedom from “the pursuit of unjust wealth and the illusion of dominion.”
Leo presented the Church’s social doctrine as a resource not only for Catholics but also for all seeking to respond to modern upheavals while putting “the kingdom of God and his justice” first.
“This is a fundamental dimension of the Church’s mission: to contribute to the formation of consciences through the proclamation of the Gospel, the provision of moral criteria, and authentic ethical principles — all while respecting individual freedom and the autonomy of nations and their governments,” he said.
Calling Equatorial Guinea “a young country,” Leo said the Church stands ready to help form “free and responsible consciences” to build a just future.
• Hard copies are distributed at DOW-R parishes on the first or second weekend of each month.
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“In a world wounded by arrogance, people hunger and thirst for justice,” he said. “It is necessary to encourage those who believe in peace and to dare to engage in ‘countercurrent’ politics - those which place the common good at their very center.”
He concluded with an appeal for youth formation and moral courage: “What is urgently needed is the courage of new visions and an educational pact that gives young people space and trust.”
“Let us walk together, with wisdom and hope, towards the city of God, which is the city of peace,” the pope said.
In remarks welcoming the pope, Obiang noted that the visit comes during the 170th anniversary of evangelization in Equatorial Guinea, where he said about 90% of the population is Catholic, making it “a favorable enclave for Christianity in central Africa.”
This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
Child Abuse Policy Information
117 - 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)
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 2907 Jeremiah Lane NW, Rochester, MN, 55901 Vol
May Saint St. Nunzio Sulprizio
Feast Day: May 5
from EWTN
�t. Nunzio Sulprizio was born on April 13, 1817, in Pescosansonesco, Italy. His early life was marked by hardship. After the death of his father and mother, he was placed in the care of his maternal grandmother. When she died, he was sent to live with an uncle who apprenticed him to work as a blacksmith.
The labor was heavy and often beyond the strength of a young boy. Nunzio endured harsh treatment and long hours, and he eventually developed a painful bone infection in his leg, aggravated by the difficult working conditions. The disease caused constant suffering and left him physically weakened.
The Holy Father's Intention for May 2026
That Everyone Might Have Food
Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.
These Cub Scouts, all from St. John's Parish in Rochester, Pack 27 Den 5, recently completed their Parvuli Dei religious emblem projects. The Parvuli Dei (Boys of God) medal is given to Scouts who demonstrate a greater awareness of God in their lives and communities. From left to right with their pastor, Msgr. Gerald Mahon, are: Daniel Chantigan, Alex Shepherd, Timothy Kehoe, Ben Vockley, Michael Ereth, Matthew DeRuyter, Nicolas Suarez, Alex Van Galder and Nick Shen.
Reprinted from May 2001.
Yet amid his trials, Nunzio’s faith deepened. He attended Mass whenever possible, prayed fervently, and placed his trust in Jesus and the Blessed Mother. He did not allow bitterness to take root in his heart.
His paternal uncle introduced him to a friend, Colonel Felice Wochinger. The colonel noticed Nunzio’s quiet virtue and took him under his care, ensuring he received medical care and spiritual guidance. Over time, their friendship developed into a father-son relationship. The colonel introduced him to the future St. Gaetano Errico, who invited him to join his order when the time was right.
Through it all, Nunzio bore his sufferings with great fortitude and confidence in God’s Providence. The doctors attempted various treatments, including amputation, but his illness progressed. Later, he entered the Hospital for Incurables, and although the colonel did all he could to help him, his health deteriorated.
St. Nunzio Sulprizio died from his disease at just 19 years of age in 1836. Canonized in 2018, he is honored for his steadfast trust in God, profound faith, and heroic courage amid immense suffer ing. He is a model for young people and a patron saint of workers and the disabled.
What Illness Did St. Nunzio Suffer from?
St. Nunzio suffered from a severe bone disease, commonly identified as osteomyelitis, a painful infection of the bone. The condition developed or worsened due to the intense physical labor required in the blacksmith’s work shop and inadequate medical care. In the 19th century, treatment options were limited and often ineffective. His illness caused chronic pain, swelling, and progressive deterioration, eventually leading to his early death. Despite this, he bore his suffering with remarkable patience and spiritual maturity.
What Was the Duration of St. Nunzio's Illness, and How Did It Progress?
The duration of St. Nunzio Sulprizio’s illness was about five years. When he first complained of a sore and extreme pain in his leg, his uncle ignored it, and he was forced to go to work. When the condition worsened and he could no longer stand up, he was admitted to a hospital in L’Aquila in April 1831 for a leg infection. Doing all they could for him, the hospital dismissed him, and he went to stay with Colonel Felice Wochinger, who continued to care for him like a father. When his infection spread, doctors amputated his leg in 1835, but his condition continued to decline. Nunzio Sulprizio passed away on May 5, 1836, at age 19, following a long, painful illness caused by a bone infection and gangrene. Before dying, he asked for and received Holy Communion. He asked the colonel to bring him the crucifix, and after kissing it, he died.
How Is
St.
Nunzio a Model for Young Workers Today?
St. Nunzio’s life speaks powerfully to young people who face difficult circumstances, whether in the workplace, at school, or at home. As an apprentice laborer, he experienced injustice and physical hardship, yet he responded with forgiveness and faith rather than resentment. He demonstrates that dignity is not defined by social status or comfort, but by integrity and trust in God. For modern workers, especially young apprentices and laborers, he offers encouragement to unite daily struggles with Christ’s own suffering.
Six hundred Polish Americans celebrated Polish Constitution Day May 3 with a Mass at St. Stanislaus Church, Winona, and a banquet at St. Mary's College Center.
[...] Polish hymns were sung by the St. Stanislaus Senior choir and Latin and English hymns by the St. Mary's College Chapel Choir. Concluding the Mass, the Polish national anthem was sung, followed by "America the Beautiful."
[...] The dinner held at the SMC center following the Mass featured Polish style sauerkraut, Polish sausage, roast pork, potato dumplings and a variety of coffee cakes, doughnuts and cookies baked by the women of St. Stanislaus.
Reprinted from May 14, 1976.
Since November 26, 1889, the Diocese of Winona has been looking forward to having a Cathedral Church. That long coveted wish was brought closer to actuality on April 29 when His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edward A. Fitzgerald, D.D., LL.D, Bishop of Winona, officiated at the laying of the cornerstone of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
[...] The following is a list of the articles placed within the cornerstone: medal of Pius XII; copy of decree establishing the diocese, 1889; list of bishops appointed to diocese by Holy See; list of bishops born in territory now included in diocese; list of priests of the diocese, 1951; list of officials of the diocese, 1951.
Reprinted from May 6, 1951.
From the Bishop
Final Remarks to the Religious Liberty Commission
This past year, I was privileged to serve on the presidential Religious Liberty Commission; as we reach the conclusion of the commission's mandate, below are my thoughts on the current status of religious liberty in the United States.
� firmly believe that the principal enemy of religious liberty in our country is the ideology of selfinvention. This is the philosophical program that denies the objectivity of moral values and the stability of human nature and which proposes, consequently, that individual choice alone is the determiner of purpose and meaning. This dictatorship of relativism has taken hold in many of our institutions of government, education, and healthcare, and its advocates correctly recognize that their most important intellectual opponents are those who
Bishop's Calendar
*indicates event open to public
May 1, Friday
*9-10 a.m. - Adoration at the Capitol - State Capitol, St. Paul
2 p.m. - Bishop's Cabinet - The Chancery, Rochester
May 2, Saturday
Baccalaureate Mass - St. Mary's University, Winona
May 3, Sunday
2 p.m. - Confirmation - Sacred Heart, Adams
May 5, Tuesday
Senior Priest Luncheon - Pax Christi, Rochester
Officials
The Most Rev. Robert Barron, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, announces the following:
Pastor
Rev. Michael Churchill: appointed Pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Lewiston, Holy Trinity Parish in Rollingstone, and St. Joseph Parish in Rushford, effective June 22, 2026.
subscribe to traditional religion. It is no exaggeration to say that the proponents of the culture of self-invention want religion out of the pivotal institutions of our society. We should be clear-eyed about this.
This philosophical opposition manifests itself in a number of concrete ways. I would mention, first, the antireligious violence that has been increasing dramatically in our country over the past five or ten years. Attacks on churches, statues, and, most terribly, on religious people themselves constitute a direct threat to religious liberty.
The rise of anti-Semitism, encouraged by figures on both the left and right sides of the political spectrum, is of particular concern.
In regard to health care, the culture of self-invention expresses itself in an aggressive attitude toward those physicians and nurses who refuse on religious grounds to participate in certain medical procedures. Conscience protection for such individuals is of crucial importance. This extends to, among other issues, the HHS mandates regarding abortion and contraception; IVF insurance mandates, to which Catholics strenuously
May 6, Wednesday
7 p.m. - Confirmation - Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, Winona
May 8, Friday
7 p.m. - Confirmation - St. Peter, Hokah
May 9, Saturday
10:30 a.m. - Confirmation - St. Mary, Winona
May 10, Sunday
*8 am. - Mass - St. Francis of Assisi, Rochester
May 12, Tuesday
12 p.m. - Deans Meeting - The Chancery, Rochester
Parochial Vicar
Rev. Jordan Danielson: appointed Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish in Brewster, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Currie, St. Gabriel Parish in Fulda, Sacred Heart Parish in Heron Lake, St. Ann Parish in Slayton, St. Anthony Parish in Westbrook, and St. Francis Xavier Parish in Windom, effective July 1, 2026.
object; and the requirement to perform so-called "gendertransition" surgeries. And the entire gender-ideology, which proponents endeavor to insert into programs of education across the country, represents a very real threat to the religious liberty of those who find such ideas repugnant to their beliefs about the human person. Finally, we should continue to advocate for prolife demonstrators who simply want the right to pray at sites where abortions are being performed. Criminalizing such righteous activity is a gross violation of religious liberty.
Threats to religious freedom, both at home and abroad, are not disappearing anytime soon. I believe it is in the national interest to persevere in monitoring them.
children, they should not be penalized through the tax code for choosing religious schooling. Also, the attempt in a number of states to require priests to break the seal of confession should be exposed for what it is, namely, a gross violation of the free exercise clause of the First Amendment. Finally, though it is somewhat oblique to my central argument, I would like to say something about immigration.
We must also be vigilant with respect to religious social service organizations, such as Catholic Charities, that receive federal funding. Their financial support should not be contingent upon a repudiation of traditional teaching regarding marriage and family. Furthermore, since parents are the first and most important educators of their
May 13, Wednesday
7 p.m. - Confirmation - St. Pius X, Rochester
May 15, Friday
7 p.m. - Confirmation - Pax Christi, Rochester
May 16, Saturday
10:30 a.m. - Confirmation - St. John Vianney, Fairmont
2 p.m. - Confirmation - St. Joseph the Worker, Mankato
May 19, Tuesday
9 a.m. - Fr. Andrew Whiting, IVE Provincial Superior - The Chancery, Rochester
10:30 a.m. - College of Consultors - The Chancery, Rochester
Rev. Brian Klein: appointed Parochial Vicar of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka and the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, both in Winona, effective July 1, 2026.
Parochial Administrator
Rev. Kurt Farrell: appointed Parochial Administrator of St. Casimir Parish in Wells, Our
The Catholic Church strongly holds that a nation has the right to defend its borders and enforce its immigration laws, but it insists that such defense and enforcement be conducted in a morally upright way. Accordingly, it insists that those Catholics who are incarcerated in connection to immigration violations have a right to humane treatment and access to the sacraments. It furthermore requires that immigration agents should not
May 21, Thursday
1 p.m. - Communio Board Meeting - Zoom
May 23, Saturday
*10 a.m. - Transitional Diaconate OrdinationCo-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester
May 24, Sunday
*10:30 a.m. - Pacelli Baccalaureate Mass - St. Augustine, Austin
May 26, Tuesday
12 p.m. - Presbyteral CouncilThe Chancery, Rochester
Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Easton, and St. John the Baptist Parish in Minnesota Lake, effective March 21, 2026.
Chaplain
Rev. Brian Klein: appointed Chaplain for Cotter Schools and St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center in Winona, effective July 1, 2026.
disrupt worship services in the carrying out of their duties. In a word, the religious liberty of detainees should always be respected.
By way of conclusion, I would say that religious liberty is rightly called the first of our liberties and the linchpin of our fundamental rights. Threats to religious freedom, both at home and abroad, are not disappearing anytime soon. I believe it is in the national interest to persevere in monitoring them.
4 p.m. - Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota Board Meeting - The Chancery, Rochester
May 27, Wednesday
8:30 a.m. - School MassSacred Heart, Waseca
12 p.m. - Pension Plan for Priests Board of Trustees - The Chancery, Rochester
May 29, Friday
2 p.m. - Bishop's Cabinet - The Chancery, Rochester
Sunday, May 31
2 p.m. - Confirmation -St. Mary, Worthington
Administrative Leave
Rev. Pratap Salibindla, OFM: currently Pastor of St. Casimir Parish in Wells, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Easton, and St. John the Baptist Parish in Minnesota Lake; placed on administrative leave, effective March 20, 2026.
Non Nisi Te Domine
Bishop Robert Barron
Observaciones finales ante la Comisión de Libertad Religiosa 5
El año pasado, tuve el privilegio de formar parte de la Comisión Presidencial de Libertad Religiosa; ahora que el mandato de la comisión llega a su fin, a continuación expongo mis reflexiones sobre la situación actual de la libertad religiosa en Estados Unidos:
�reo firmemente que el principal enemigo de la libertad religiosa en nuestro país es la ideología de la autoinvención. Se trata de un programa filosófico que niega la objetividad de los valores morales y la estabilidad de la naturaleza humana y que, en consecuencia, propone que solo la elección individual es lo que determina el propósito y el sentido. Esta dictadura del relativismo se ha afianzado en muchas de nuestras instituciones gubernamentales, educativas y sanitarias, y sus defensores reconocen acertadamente que sus oponentes intelectuales más importantes son quienes profesan la religión tradicional. No es exagerado afirmar que los defensores de la cultura
de la autoinvención quieren expulsar a la religión de las instituciones fundamentales de nuestra sociedad. Debemos ser lúcidos al respecto.
Esta oposición filosófica se manifiesta de diversas formas concretas. En primer lugar, cabe mencionar la violencia antirreligiosa, que ha aumentado de forma alarmante en nuestro país en los últimos cinco o diez años. Los ataques contra iglesias, estatuas y, lo que es más terrible, contra los propios creyentes, constituyen una amenaza directa para la libertad religiosa. El auge del antisemitismo, alentado por figuras tanto de la izquierda como de la derecha del espectro político, es motivo de especial preocupación.
En lo que respecta a la asistencia sanitaria, la cultura de la autoinvención de uno mismo se manifiesta en una actitud agresiva hacia aquellos médicos y enfermeros que, por motivos religiosos, se niegan a participar en determinados procedimientos médicos.
La protección de la conciencia de estas personas reviste una importancia crucial. Esto se extiende, entre otras cuestiones, a las disposiciones del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos (HHS) relativas al aborto y la anticoncepción, a las obligaciones de cobertura de la fecundación in vitro - a las que los católicos se oponen enérgicamente - y a la exigencia de realizar las denominadas cirugías de «transición de género». Y toda la ideología de género, que sus defensores se esfuerzan por introducir en los programas educativos de todo el país, representa una amenaza muy real para la libertad religiosa de quienes consideran que tales ideas son repugnantes para sus creencias sobre la persona humana. Por último, debemos seguir defendiendo a los manifestantes provida que simplemente quieren el derecho a rezar en los lugares donde se practican abortos. Criminalizar esta actividad legítima constituye una grave
violación de la libertad religiosa. También debemos estar atentos a las organizaciones religiosas de asistencia social, como Catholic Charities, que reciben financiación federal. Su apoyo financiero no debería estar supeditado a que renieguen de las enseñanzas tradicionales sobre el matrimonio y la familia. Además, dado que los padres son los primeros y más importantes educadores de sus hijos, no deberían ser penalizados a través del código tributario por elegir la educación religiosa. Asimismo, el intento en varios estados de obligar a los sacerdotes a romper el secreto de confesión debería ser denunciado como lo que es, es decir, una grave violación de la cláusula de libre ejercicio de la Primera Enmienda. Por último, aunque se aleja un poco de mi argumento central, me gustaría decir algo sobre la inmigración. La Iglesia católica sostiene firmemente que una nación tiene
derecho a defender sus fronteras y a hacer cumplir sus leyes de inmigración, pero insiste en que dicha defensa y aplicación se lleven a cabo de manera moralmente íntegra. En consecuencia, insiste en que los católicos que se encuentran encarcelados por infracciones de inmigración tienen derecho a un trato humano y al acceso a los sacramentos. Además, exige que los agentes de inmigración no interrumpan los servicios religiosos en el desempeño de sus funciones. En definitiva, siempre debe respetarse la libertad religiosa de los detenidos.
A modo de conclusión, diría que la libertad religiosa se considera, con razón, la primera de nuestras libertades y el pilar de nuestros derechos fundamentales. Las amenazas a la libertad religiosa, tanto en nuestro país como en el extranjero, no van a desaparecer a corto plazo. Creo que redunda en interés nacional seguir vigilándolas de cerca.
On Mar�h 30, B��hop Barron visited Loyola Catholic School in Mankato ahead of the Chrism Mass, for a Q & A session with upperclassmen. Pictured near right. Photo credit: EMILY SMITHLEY
On Apr�l 4, he celebrated the Easter Vigil at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka in Winona. Pictured far right. Photo credit: WORD ON FIRE
On Apr�l 5, he celebrated Easter Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. Pictured below. Photo credit: WORD ON FIRE.
Bishops and Rector,
As keynote speaker, Msgr. Shea reflected on the importance of strong institutions in Christian life and the essential role of priests in leading parishes. He emphasized the value of seminaries like IHM, noting the importance of generous donor support and the need for formation programs that model Christ’s kingship. Attendees were moved by both his insight and his engaging sense of humor.
The dinner featured a blend of beloved traditions and new additions. IHM Seminary’s jazz ensemble, Immaculate Jazz, performed during the social hour,
joined this year by a piano and strings trio. For the first time, seminary merchandise was available for purchase, and a silent auction was introduced to further engage the community in fundraising efforts.
After dinner, Westin Gourneau, a graduating senior from the Diocese of Crookston, shared his personal journey at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. In a particularly moving reflection on the four dimensions of formation (spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and human), he spoke about his experiences visiting the Federal Medical Center and the Buddies Program which allowed him to interact with residents and
create memories that would stay with him forever. Following his remarks, the Schola choir performed two beautiful Latin songs, Hoc Corpus by Melchor Rebledo and Non Nobis Domine by Patrick Doyle, arranged by Graham Preskett.
With more than 500 guests in attendance and over $100K raised to support the formation of seminarians, IHM Seminary extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who participated and contributed. The seminary looks forward to welcoming you to next year’s Bishops and Rector Dinner on April 16, 2027!
Nicole Weninger is the marketing and communications associate for Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary and the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota.
Fishers of Men, cont'd from pg. 1
Because of this transition, the appeal is launching later than usual this year. Normally mailed in mid-February, the 2026 Catholic Ministries Appeal was mailed in late April. The delay was necessary as the diocese recently completed a major database conversion, moving to a new diocesan system that will better serve our parishes and donors. This transition required extensive work to clean and update thousands of donor records to ensure greater accuracy and improved communication in the future. (Better communication was one of the priorities that surfaced in last year’s diocesan synod.)
Along with the new database, the diocese has also partnered with several new vendors to improve the experience for donors. We are now working with Cathedral Letter Concepts, a company that specializes in Catholic fundraising services. They are assisting with the design, printing, mailing, and processing of all mailed CMA gifts. In addition, the diocese has implemented GiveCentral as our new online giving platform, providing a secure and convenient way for parishioners to support the appeal digitally.
Both Cathedral Letter Concepts and GiveCentral will enter gifts directly into the diocese’s new database, MinistryPlatform, allowing for faster processing, improved recordkeeping, and more accurate reporting. These improvements, once fully implemented, will help ensure that gifts are acknowledged more quickly and that donors receive clearer communication about the impact of their generosity.
While the systems behind the appeal are evolving, the mission of the Catholic Ministries Appeal remains the same. Each year the CMA supports a wide range of ministries throughout the Diocese of WinonaRochester. These include the care and formation of our priests and seminarians, Catholic education and faith formation programs, parish services and pastoral support, evangelization efforts, and charitable outreach through Catholic Charities. Together, these ministries help bring Christ’s love and message to people throughout southern Minnesota.
An important feature of the appeal is that every parish shares directly in its success. Each parish is assigned a fair-share goal, and once that goal is reached, 100% of all funds raised beyond the goal are returned directly to the parish to support local needs and initiatives. In this way, the CMA strengthens both the wider diocesan mission and the individual parishes that make up our local Church.
The theme for this year’s appeal, “I Will Make You Fishers of Men,” reminds us that every baptized Christian shares in the mission of the Church. Just as Jesus called the first disciples to follow him, he continues to call each of us to participate in spreading the Gospel. One of the ways we answer that call today is through stewardship - sharing the gifts God has entrusted to us for the good of others.
When you receive your Catholic Ministries Appeal mailing, I invite you to prayerfully consider how you might respond to Christ’s call.
Your generosity helps support the ministries that form our children in the faith, care for those in need, strengthen our parishes, and prepare future priests to serve the people of God. Every gift - large or small - helps strengthen the mission of the church throughout the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Participation is important! If you have not made a gift to the CMA in the past, I encourage you to consider a gift this year.
If you are ready to make your gift online, please visit www.givecentral.org/cma2026gen or simply scan this code.
Together, as faithful stewards of God’s gifts, we can continue the mission Christ entrusted to his disciples and truly become fishers of men in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.
Any questions about the Catholic Ministries Appeal can be directed to Mark Dockery, Director of Stewardship and Development, at (507) 361-3364 (office) or mdockery@dowr.org. I am here to help! Mark Dockery is the director of development for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.
To Those Baptized or Initiated into the Church at the 2026 Easter Vigil,
Welcome Home!
Seeds of Wisdom Students from South Sudan Need Your Help!
By FR. JERRY MAHON
�wenty years ago, Father John Lasuba arrived in Rochester to join the Sudanese community at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. He was seeking asylum in the United States after having experienced years of war in South Sudan, and he was in need of a sponsor. At that time, I was serving as pastor of St. John’s, and I was happy to respond to this need and to welcome Father John. Our entire St. John's community joined me as they reached out to him with open arms. The bishop then appointed him to serve as our parochial vicar. Father John’s peaceful presence was a witness for the community as he announced Christ by his way of being. He inspired parishioners who were moved into action as they pondered the possibility of starting a school in his hometown of Pakuka, South Sudan. Their discussions truly represented a grassroots effort as they begged for the gift of the Spirit to guide them on a journey with grand possibilities. Lay people carried the banner of missionary zeal as they desired to serve the poor through the gift of education, thousands of miles from downtown Rochester.
The school became a reality and was named St. John the Evangelist, as we were not the Co-Cathedral at that time. As the pastor, I traveled to Africa to bless the land where the school would be built and to meet with the local people who would generate the energy and foundations for creating the school. A family from our parish also traveled there to give direction and to learn from the people about their customs and culture. The actual school building was designed and manufactured near Rochester and shipped to South Sudan. On my second trip, I blessed the school as it opened for the students. Together, we celebrated Mass with the joy and awareness that this new school was shared by a broad community of believers from Rochester to Pakuka, who put into action the Church's mission to communicate God's love through Catholic education and family life. Honestly, it was magnificent to unite our school community here at home with our new mission school in Africa
through the efforts of our exceptional administrator in Pakuka, George Okidi Okot, and his dedicated teachers. We named our endeavor Seeds of Wisdom (SOW) as we observed the planting of seeds in the hearts and minds of these beautiful children as they discovered the love and wisdom of Christ in bringing about peace and change.
During these days of growth and development, the youngest country in the world was facing the possibility of a civil war, and, in 2017, war broke out. A million and a half people walked to Uganda, including our students, families, and teachers. They settled in six refugee camps as they tried to stay together and live without the violence of war. I have visited these camps, and we have established a school in each of them. Our administrator travels between the camps, as the families are scattered across the miles near Arua, Uganda. The conditions in the refugee camps are a bit brutal as the land is poor.
It is difficult to cultivate, and thus, food is scarce. However, the parents have a passion to educate their children, knowing this is the only path forward out of poverty and the long-standing local rivalries that led to distrust and violence in South Sudan. There is a cry in the people for new life and possibilities.
I stated the truth at the beginning of my article: students from South Sudan need your help. We are currently educating 400 students from South Sudan as they live in Uganda. There are 325 students in our schools in the camps; when they graduate from our elementary schools, they must pass an exam given by the government of Uganda in order to enter secondary school (the US equivalent of middle and high school, amounting to six additional years of education). Presently, we have 78 students attending this level of secondary school. This secondary level requires that the students attend boarding schools in Arua, and Seeds of Wisdom provides the financial support for tuition and supplies.
The cost of sending students on to this secondary level of education presents a difficult situation. The Seeds of Wisdom board has found it necessary to allow only one student from each family to move on to the next level of education, which is only offered at a boarding school.
We do not have the money to support more than one student from each family, and we are turning students away. Our goal is to raise $500,000 which will allow us to accept students for boarding school
for the next ten years and no longer limit secondary education to only one child per family. Tuition (and supplies) is currently $1,100 per year. We also have a need to support students entering vocational school. We have four students in that category, which teaches them a trade and prepares them for employment. SOW pays for this vocational education/training. To finance these initiatives, SOW hosts an annual fundraising benefit. We are grateful to all, including the current rector of the Co-Cathedral, Father Bob Horihan, who enthusiastically supports this important event which covers the cost of our schools providing elementary education in the refugee camps. The fact that these schools have been so successful in preparing students for further education is wonderful. We see this growth and desire for further education as a blessing. But the fact is that to do and offer more costs more and makes it necessary for us to broaden our fundraising efforts. We are inviting you to participate and help this extremely important mission to continue. Please also join us as we pray for our students. Visit our website where you’ll see the joy on their faces radiating the love of Christ and their trust in his promise of a future full of hope. We share in this hope that does not disappoint. Please ask the Spirit of Christ to lead us in our discernment of generosity.
Go to sowsouthsudan.org for information, or to secure.myvanco.com/L-YRSW/campaign/C-13PFS to make your gift online. Checks may be made payable to Seeds of Wisdom and mailed or delivered to: Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 11 4th Avenue SW, Rochester, MN, 55902.
When we look at our own way of living, we all know that we have an abundance of blessings and gifts to share. Please make some sacrifice and offer these young people who are yearning for this secondary level of education an opportunity to discover the promise Christ makes when we are united in a purpose greater than ourselves.
What is the worth of life if not to be given?
-P. Claudel
Thank you for your generosity.
Fr. Jerry Mahon is the former rector of the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, and a Seeds of Wisdom board member.
Heroes of Faith
God Uses Ordinary People in Super Ways at St. Mary's School, Caledonia
Submitted by REBECCA STUTZMAN
�
t. Mary’s School in Caledonia has had an exciting, eventful, and knowledgeable school year! The theme for this school year is Heroes of Faith: God uses Ordinary People in Super Ways. Jesus is the ultimate hero! He sacrificed himself for us. In Catholic tradition, there are many examples of ordinary people who had strengths that helped them be heroes. All humans have weaknesses, but we don’t need to be perfect or have special powers to be a hero. All we need is a relationship with God. Everyday heroes use their faith and strengths to make sacrifices for others, just as Jesus did for us. Each month, the school focuses on the qualities and story of a biblical hero of faith.
Throughout the school year, students, teachers, and staff members have been grateful to have several opportunities for both learning and fun! We had a very successful marathon, which concluded with an afternoon of celebrations. Teachers participated in a door decorating contest, and the whole school took part in the 12 Days of Giving to our local food shelf during the month of December. Each grade also has an upcoming spring field trip to celebrate all the hard work they have done this year!
Sister Annella
Canonization Cause Opened for MN Native
Submitted by AMANDA ZURFACE
�ervant of God Annella Zervas, OSB, affectionately known as “Sister Annella,” was a Benedictine sister whose life continues to speak powerfully to the Church today. Born Anna Cordelia Zervas on April 7, 1900, in Moorhead, she entered the Benedictine convent in St. Joseph at just 15 years old, already determined to belong entirely to God. Though she died at only 26 years old on August 14, 1926, her brief life became a radiant witness of complete surrender to Christ. Sister Annella’s canonization cause, which officially opened on October 9, 2025, is especially significant because she is the first candidate for canonization from both the Diocese of Crookston and the state of Minnesota.
Sister Annella is remembered in a special way for how she embraced suffering. She endured a mysterious illness, a painful skin disease, and severe stomach problems that left her able to eat very
The St. Mary’s Student Council has put in a lot of time and effort to plan events and activities for the school. They have led trivia days and dress-up days, and have given back to the community with a very successful Penny Wars to raise money for our local Thanksgiving dinner. They also hosted a Winter Snowball Fun Night and are currently working on a Spring Middle School Dance.
Catholic Schools Week was celebrated with lots of energy and school spirit! Throughout the week, students participated in different whole-school activities. We kicked off the week with a Pancake Breakfast and continued with Spoons, a Rock-PaperScissors Tournament, Olympics, St. Mary’s Got Talent, and BINGO! The week ended with a Snowball Fun Night for St. Mary’s students and families.
Another highlight of the year was our Curriculum Fair. We are incredibly proud of our students for the hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm they put
little. Her condition caused violent chills, high fevers, intense itching, and daily skin loss. Yet instead of turning inward, she offered her suffering to God in love, uniting it to the Passion of Christ for her own salvation and for the salvation of oth ers. In her, we see a profound witness to the redemptive value of suffering and to the truth that nothing offered to God is ever wasted.
But Sister Annella is not only a witness of suffering. She is also a witness of joy, kindness, and holiness in ordinary life. She was known for her sweet smile, her sense of humor, her musical gifts, and her deep love for Jesus in the Eucharist and for the Blessed Mother. Even in great pain, she remained peaceful and joyful. Her life shows that sanctity is not reserved for the few. It is possible in youth, in hiddenness, in weakness, and in daily fidelity. You can read about her in her official biography, Ticket for Eternity, by James Kritzeck.
into sharing their learning. From engaging projects to thoughtful presentations, they truly shined and represented our school so well! Another special tradition at St. Mary’s is the 8th grade class mural. Each year the 8th grade class paints a mural that is then displayed in our hallway. This year they painted The Good Samaritan. It is such a memorable tradition that decorates our hallways and leaves a lasting legacy for future students.
Throughout the various activities and events during the school year, St. Mary’s students and staff have modeled what it means to be heroes in our faith. We look forward to continued growth academically and spiritually as we grow stronger in our faith. St. Mary’s School has been blessed with another wonderful school year!
Rebecca Stutzman is the principal of St. Mary's School in Caledonia.
of Sister Annella and helping provide the resources necessary for the canonical process and for presenting her life to the Holy See.
Today, the guild is offering a great deal to help people take part in the cause. Through the guild website, sisterannella.org, people can join as members, sign up for updates, support the cause financially, access free downloadable prayers, use parish and school resources, and attend prayer gatherings. The guild is also leading efforts to mark the centennial of Sister Annella’s death, including a recollection day, a special centennial celebration, and a pilgrimage to Rome.
The Sister Annella Guild was established under the leadership of Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Diocese of Crookston, by whom the cause has been opened, to share Sister Annella’s story and to help secure the financial support needed for her cause. The guild describes its mission as sharing the story
As the Church continues the diocesan phase of her cause, Sister Annella’s story is reaching more and more people. Her life reminds us that God truly desires our good, that suffering can become prayer, and that a life fully given to Christ bears lasting fruit. In an age searching for meaning, courage, and hope, Sister Annella stands as a witness not only for Minnesota, but for the whole Church.
Amanda Zurface is the postulator and project manager for the cause of Servant of God Sister Annella Zervas, OSB.
Walking the Palm Sunday Path
Rochester and Mankato Catholics Join Ecumenical Expression of Love for God and Neighbor
By MARY VLAZNY
�
hristians and others of good will have come together to stand for and with our neighbors by being available to feed the hungry, help the sick, and welcome the stranger. There is nothing foreign or alien about these acts of mercy from hearts of compassion. We stand by the truth of honoring the dignity and worth of every child of God.
On Palm Sunday 2026, Christians across the country, including Catholics in Mankato, Rochester, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis, and elsewhere across our state, were present to show the country that our central commandments, love of God and love of neighbor, are our way forward.
On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, a symbol of a just, humble leader who cares for the poor, the hungry, the sick, and the stranger. This celebration embodied our love for God and love for our neighbors, regardless of where we come from or what we look like.
Mankato’s Palm Sunday Prayer Walk and Public Witness
On March 29, about 350 participants from multiple Christian denominations in the greater Mankato area joined thousands across the state and the nation in peacefully affirming our Christian values as Jesus defines them in Matthew 25:31-46.
The event was a 1.5 mile walk through downtown Mankato. Participants paused at seven relevant locations to listen to reflections by local leaders, followed by communal prayers led by area pastors. Each location had a specific connection with welcoming the stranger, visiting the prisoner, providing water to the thirsty, sheltering the homeless, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.
Cimarron Burt, School Sister of Notre Dame Associate and Academic Director for Good Counsel Learning Center, was the first speaker.
“Christians are implored time and time again to love the stranger, champion the cause of the stranger, and extend hospitality to strangers," Burt said. "As an Associate of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, I am further compelled to respond to the crises of this age, excluding no one from my concern. People cannot learn until they are sheltered, fed, clothed, and loved. At Good Counsel Learning Center we
teach English AND connect families with rent support. We teach math AND deliver groceries. We teach the USCIS civic exam AND fit students with winter coats. We teach workplace literacy AND attend iftars, suhoors, graduations, and recitals. I challenge all of us to witness unity in a divided world, practice radical compassion, discover unsuspected ways of befriending neighbors. Let’s not let the stranger pass.”
Comments from other Mankato participants: It was a delight to pray with dozens of local clergy from all denominations and hundreds of our faithful parishioners in an ecumenical plea for living the Gospel. Our world needs it! It felt like “family” - sharing song, prayer, tears and joy in a common bond asking God for healing in our aching world. There was no anger, shouting, or derision, rather a prayerful procession through the downtown community. The Holy Spirit was very present!
-Father Joe Fogal, Senior Priest of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and SSND Associate
As we walked, prayed, and sang with people of various faiths in Mankato, the image that came to mind was the women who followed Jesus on the way to Calvary. We lamented the injustice that people and Earth are experiencing. It felt like a contemporary Way of the Cross. And because we know that Jesus rose from death, it gave me hope that, as I walked with others who also believe in the resurrection, we can make a difference through prayer and action.
-Sister Brenda TeVogt, SSND, a St. John the Baptist, Mankato, Parishioner
Rochester's Palm Sunday Procession
In Rochester, lay Catholics and Franciscan Sisters joined Christians from at least 10 congregations at Soldiers Field Memorial Park. As 150-200 people gathered, it was clear that many more were in solidarity who were not able to attend. Many more, those most in need, were silently and carefully being served by courageous, faithful people. Many others watched the witness of those who celebrated, knowing there will be other ways to stand together in feeding the hungry, healing the sick, welcoming the stranger and caring for our common home.
The Rochester procession and gathering was an outpouring of prayer, music and food, with representatives of faith communities and organizations who have upheld the life and dignity of our Rochester neighbors in a time of threats, violence, fear and uncertainty. It is also a call to continue these new relationships of caring for one another as the face of Christ in a remarkably challenging time. Pope Leo XIV, in his Urbi et Orbi 2026, reminds us:
Let us allow our hearts to be transformed by his immense love for us! Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!
Reflections from Rochester Catholics:
On Palm Sunday, we joined others and walked carrying our palms from the Co-Cathedral of St John the Evangelist to Soldiers Field to participate in a community wide ecumenical service filled with music, prayer and talks. … to acknowledge support and solidarity for the entire community during these challenging times. The speakers’ messages reflected on caring for the sick, feeding the hungry and caring for all creation.
A Prayer for Easter
God of Infinite and Generous Love, we thank you for the gifts you shower upon us each day.
The gift of community
The gift of compassionate friends
The gifts that meet our basic needs.
Remind us to see Your face in all people we encounter.
Enliven our creativity in making Your love known.
Inspire those in positions of political or religious authority to lead with compassion, humility, and true commitment to the common good.
Strengthen us all with Paschal Joy to build communities of peace.
We make this prayer in the name of Your son, our Lord, Jesus.
Amen
-Laudato Si Movement, Minnesota Chapter
During times of painful adversity and inequality, these messages of peace, love and connectedness offer an alternative to the current incendiary rhetoric.
We each share fundamental values which without a sense of community, the current climate may continue to escalate. Yes, there is hope, there is a better way…and that includes all of us to work together.
-Peggy Menzel
My Catholic faith tradition pairs the Gospel with Justice because the Gospel without justice is incomplete. We cannot receive the Eucharist (Body of Christ) and overlook or dismiss the suffering bodies in my own neighborhood who are crushed by violence, poverty or neglect. We cannot be silent when dignity is denied.
Faith propels me to be public and on the streets. The Gospel message translates into the Works of Mercy for the streets! Thus, I need to stand up in solidarity and stand with other Christian and non-Christian faith traditions to improve the quality of life for the suffering in my community and world. The Works of Mercy are simply a very practical means of Ministry to the Collective.
-Sister Marly Jax, OSF
Laudato Si Movement at the Capitol
The Minnesota Chapter of the Laudato Si Movement has lifted up our responsibility to care for our earth, our common home, as a primary life concern. Much of our global upheaval is being inflicted on the poorest and most vulnerable first. These realities of social and ecological injustice, war on peoples and our common home, are inextricable and are most powerfully addressed from the rich tradition of our Catholic faith. Our care for God’s gift of creation, will ultimately allow for all the hungry to be fed, the sick to be healed, and the stranger to find welcome in our common home.
On the steps of the State Capitol in St Paul, School Sister of Notre Dame Kathleen Storms spoke before the more than 7,000 people gathered.
Josh McGovern of The Catholic Spirit reported:
“Our faith demands that we act together,” Sister Storms said. “Archbishop Bernard Hebda sends his regrets that he cannot be with us today. He promises his prayers for those gathered to express publicly our commitment to the Gospel and our connectedness to people of faith charged with serving Christ by lovingly serving the most vulnerable of his brothers and sisters among us.”
“When policies wound the poor, creation groans with them, and our faith compels us to respond,” Sister Storms said. “I am here today because we are here today, people of faith, refusing to be silent when human dignity is threatened.”
The Palm Sunday Path was an act of resistance, she said, by walking into places of power to challenge policies that keep food from the hungry, snatch safety from strangers and deny health care. True security, she said, comes from trust, justice and solidarity among people.
We will continue together to act as a faithful witness to the truth, to invite, feed, heal, and welcome those who are made to feel least. Because as Jesus tells us in Matthew 25, “..whatever you did to the least of these you did to me.”
Mary Vlazny is the director of social action for the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester.
Minnesota Catholic Conference Inside the Capitol
The Halfway Mark: What Is and Is Not Moving Through the Session
�he Christian life is a marathon. As Matthew 24:14 reminds us, “the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” This message resonates with Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) staff as we reach the midpoint of the legislative session. While the speed and intensity at the Capitol have increased, the number of bills with the momentum needed to pass this year has shrunk now that the March 27 policy bill deadlines have passed.
Deadlines are the Legislature’s way of funneling thousands of introduced bills into a workable list. Think of them as the chopping block for legislation with little to no movement. These deadlines are necessary because there is only so much time in a legislative session. For context, of the more than 9,000 bills introduced this year, only around 50 will reach a final vote.
This year, for a policy bill to stay “alive,” these three things had to be true before 5 p.m. on March 27:
1. The bill was scheduled for a committee hearing in both the House and Senate.
2. It was heard in a committee in both chambers.
3. It received a favorable committee action (i.e., passed out of committee) in both chambers.
Finance bills involving the appropriation of funds have until April 17 to receive favorable action.
For MCC staff, deadlines serve as motivation, mile markers, and encouragement to persevere in the race. And while important, deadlines are not absolute. As a certain captain of the Black Pearl once said, “The code is more what you’d call ‘guidelines’ than actual rules.” In other words, the legislative process has ways to circumvent the normal path bills must follow when exigencies arise.
A stalled bill can re-emerge in new ways. It could, for example, be amended to a bill that is still progressing or put into an omnibus bill. Because an urgency can be declared to bring a bill immediately to the floor, we must remain ever vigilant, even when some “bad” bills are supposedly dead.
Still, not meeting deadlines generally means that a bill will not pass this year. It focuses legislative resources and enables legislators to concentrate on negotiating the things that may actually get done.
Bills That Passed (and Didn’t)
Due to the 67-67 tie in the House and close split in the Senate, most of the bills MCC is focused on passing did not meet deadlines, strictly speaking. The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit and the Stop the Harms of Addictive Social Media Act, while technically “dead” because they only got movement in one body, not both, still have a chance to move forward during end-of-session negotiations or through
an extraordinary procedural move. Remember, the deadlines sometimes are more like guidelines than actual rules, and we will continue to advocate for those legislative priorities until the end.
Staying Vigilant: The Race Isn’t Over Yet
The halfway point is significant, but there is still much to do. Your participation in the Catholic Advocacy Network makes real success possible. The thousands of messages sent to legislators over the last month have been inspiring and have made a genuine difference at the Capitol. These messages help bills get hearings, show public opposition to harmful legislation, and help inform legislators about what their constituents are actually thinking. As said in the halls of the Capitol, it’s not done until the gavel falls.
Persevere!
Be sure you are a part of the Catholic Advocacy Network, where you will be formed in the faith, informed on the issues, and take action to transform our state. Visit MNcatholic.org to join.
Protecting Kids from Social Media Addiction
a solution to minors spending too much time on social media without parental guidance is gaining traction at the Capitol. It’s called the Stop the Harms from Addictive Social Media Act (H.F. 4138 / S.F. 4696). This bipartisan bill would help alleviate the problems surrounding addiction through two key parts: 1) It would require verifiable parental consent for child accounts, and 2) it would require that social media platforms be less addictive by design for youth under 16. In practice, this means that features such as auto-play video, infinite scroll, targeted advertising, and others would be prohibited for youth accounts.
Consumed by Social Media
When, as a society, did we begin to allow young, impressionable minds to hand over nearly 20 per cent of their time to billion-dollar corporations? Twenty percent of Minnesota high school students spend time online between midnight and 5 a.m. five nights a week. Ninety-seven percent of youth report using their phones during the school day. Between waking up in the middle of the night to check their feeds and receiving an average of 240 notifications throughout the day, one wonders when children have time for in-person friendships, rest, and the mental capacity to retain classroom knowledge?
Nowhere else do we allow minors to enter a contract - not for sports, camps, or school outings. Yet they are allowed to sign
over their data to Big Tech, and sometimes without their parents even knowing. The kids, then, become the products from which the platforms can profit.
Supporting Parents
Although one could argue that parents should just be better parents and limit their kids' time online if they feel the need, the reality is that parents need help. Not all parents are in a position to monitor their children as closely as they would like - they may work long hours or be a single parent just trying to keep up. And even parents who do their best to protect their children online often find themselves at a loss in an environment of rapidly advancing technology and tech-savvy kids.
Ensuring that the platforms are designed to be less addictive will help all children. If a parent provides consent, he or she can do so knowing that the most addictive features will be unavailable on child accounts. This puts all children on the same playing field while simultaneously stifling the addictive appeal.
Even the kids themselves recognize they face problems with social media use and have testified in support of this bill.
A 2025 Pew Research Study shows that 48 percent of teens say that social media has a mostly negative effect on people their age, a 16 percent increase in just three years. Additionally, studies link Instagram usage, especially in teen girls, to struggles with body image and self-worth. Instagram also has the highest percentage of adolescent users reporting cyberbullying.
Passing H.F. 4138 / S.F. 4696 would help curb some of the addictive appeal these platforms present, which should, in turn, help alleviate some of the mental health struggles today’s youth face, all while putting parents back in the driver’s seat.
Both are looking for a solution. Let’s urge the Legislature to deliver. Take action: mncatholic.org/protectkidsonline
The Minnesota Catholic Conference has packaged this bill with two others, putting forth a threetiered approach to protecting youth from gun violence. You can learn more about that package at mncatholic.org/protect_all_kids-parishes
The Minnesota Catholic Conference has been the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota since 1967. The voting members of the MCC's board of directors are Minnesota's
The Empty Tomb
I am borrowing the following article from the National Council of Catholic Women's monthly e-newsletter, NCCW President's Pen. It is written by FR. TOM WASHBURN, the chair of NCCW spiritual advisors. On a related note, I would like to express my deep appreciation for our own diocesan spiritual advisor, Fr. Kurt Farrell, who undergirds our diocesan CCW with prayer, dedication and spiritual guidance as we carry out our mission!
-Shelly Holt, president of the Winona-Rochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women
�ear Sisters in Christ,
We are the people of the empty tomb. That simple truth is the heart of Easter - and it is the heart of who we are. We are not people of the grave, or of despair, or of fear. We are a people who have looked into the darkness and discovered that it is not the end. The stone has been rolled away. Christ is risen. And because he lives, everything changes.
In a world that can so often feel heavy - marked by division, uncertainty, and suffering - we carry within us a different story. We carry hope. Not a fragile or passing hope, but the deep and abiding hope that comes from knowing that life is stronger than death, love is stronger than hatred, and God’s light can never be overcome. This is the gift entrusted to us, and it is a gift the world so desperately needs.
You live this Easter faith in powerful and quiet ways each day - through your service, your leadership, your compassion, and your unwavering commitment to the Gospel. You are witnesses to the Resurrection in your families, your parishes, and your communities. You are, in a very real way, bearers of the good news.
So this Easter, stand with confidence in who you are. Go forth with joy. Let your lives proclaim what the empty tomb declares: Christ is alive, and because he is alive, there is always reason to hope. May the risen Lord fill your hearts with his peace, renew your spirits with his joy, and strengthen you to continue his work in the world.
What People Are Asking For A Hunger for Community and Purpose
By ELIZABETH WILLIAMS
o
ver the past year, I’ve had the privilege of sitting with pastors, parish staff, school leaders, parents, young adults, and older parishioners from every corner of our diocese. These conversations became the basis of a 24-page listening report that identified five key themes shaping parish life in Southern Minnesota today. One of the themes we heard was the growing reality of loneliness and social isolation in Southern Minnesota - something affecting people of every age and parish size.
Yet even with the differences between our communities, the same longings kept rising to the surface. People are longing for community and they want a deeper sense of purpose in their faith and parish life.
These aren’t abstract ideas. They’re the quiet, heartfelt hopes of Catholics who love their communities and parishes and want to see them flourish.
A Hunger for Community
One consistent thing I heard this year was a desire for deeper community. Many people spoke about loneliness, isolation, or simply feeling disconnected
The Televised Mass Is Offered Every Sunday
Sioux Falls - ODLT Channel 7 at 7 a.m.
Mankato - KEYC Channel 12 at 7:30 a.m.
from others. We can scroll and “like” all we want on social media, but if we’re honest with ourselves, we know that real community happens in a phone call on a day you’re feeling blue, in the stands of a little league game or over a cup of coffee.
Others talked about how much they value the moments when they do feel known - a warm greeting after Mass, a small group that checks in on each other, a pastor who remembers their family by name.
Community doesn’t require big programs or complicated structures. It grows through simple acts of welcome and genuine care. And when parishes nurture that sense of belonging, people come alive. They feel rooted. They feel part of something bigger than themselves.
This longing is not unique to our diocese. National research shows that loneliness has become one of the most widespread struggles in American life today. Our listening exercise this past year confirmed that Southern Minnesota is no exceptionpeople are craving connection, and they are looking to their parishes to help them find it.
A Hunger for Purpose
People also shared a deep desire for purpose - a sense that their faith matters in their daily lives and that their parish has a mission worth investing in. Young adults want to know how to use their gifts. Families want to feel that their parish is helping them grow. Older parishioners want to know that their lifetime of faith still has something to offer.
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")
Purpose gives people direction. It helps them see how their time, their prayer, and their generosity contribute to the life of the Church. And when a parish has a clear sense of mission, people naturally want to be part of it.
In our listening, many parishioners said they want to understand why their parish exists, where it is going, and how they can help. This desire for purpose is a sign of hope - people want to belong to something meaningful, something rooted in Christ.
What This Means for You
These themes are shaping how the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota is preparing for the future. They are guiding our Board’s strategic planning and influencing the new programs we’re launching in 2026, 2027 and beyond. But they also speak directly to parish life, and to each of us.
Here are a few simple ways you can help strengthen community and purpose in your parish:
• Welcome someone new at Mass. A warm greeting can change someone’s entire week.
• Invite a friend or neighbor. Most people come to church because someone personally invited them.
• Ask your pastor how you can help. Parishes thrive when people offer their gifts, even in small ways.
• Share your hopes. Pastors and parish leaders want to know what you’re longing for! Your voice matters.
• Pray for your parish. Prayer is the foundation of every renewal effort in the Church.
A Hopeful Path Forward
What gives me hope is that these longings are not signs of decline. They are signs of life. People want more from their parishes because they believe the Church has something beautiful and essential to offer. And they’re right!
As we look ahead, the Foundation will continue listening, learning, and adapting, always with the goal of strengthening the mission of the Church in Southern Minnesota. I invite you to stay connected, share your own hopes, and walk with us as we continue this work together.
Elizabeth Williams is the executive director of the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota.
The 2026 Youth Group Gathering of St. Felix Parish, Wabasha, is an example of genuine community.
From Field to Offering How Parishes Should Record and Manage Grain Donations
By BREANNE SCHEID
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n rural communities, stewardship often comes not just in envelopes, but in bushels. Grain donations are a meaningful way parishioners share the fruits of their labor, especially in agricultural regions. However, while the gift may come from the field, the responsibility to record and manage it properly rests firmly in the parish office.
Handling grain donations correctly is essential for financial transparency, donor acknowledgment, and compliance with diocesan and IRS guidelines. Here’s a clear, practical guide for parishes navigating this unique form of giving.
Understanding Grain Donations
Grain donations typically occur when a farmer directs a portion of their harvested crop to be sold in the name of the parish, with proceeds benefiting the church. In many cases, the grain is delivered to an elevator or cooperative, and the check is issued directly to the parish.
This distinction matters:
The parish is receiving proceeds from the sale of grain, not the grain itself in most cases.
The donor is making a non-cash contribution, which has specific acknowledgment requirements.
1. Establish a Clear Process
Parishes should proactively communicate a standard process for grain donations. This includes providing instructions to parishioners on how to designate the parish as the recipient at the elevator, identifying who in the parish office should be notified when a donation is made, and ensuring the check is made payable directly to the parish—not routed through the donor.
Clarity upfront prevents misreporting and protects both the donor and the parish.
2. Recording the Donation
When the parish receives the check, record the donation as income at the full amount of the proceeds.
Journal Entry Example:
Debit: Cash (Bank Account)
Credit: Contribution Income (Grain Donations or General Offertory)
If the parish tracks donation categories, it can be helpful to create a separate line item such as Grain Donations or Non-Cash Agricultural Gifts. This allows for better reporting and year-over-year comparison.
3. Donor Acknowledgment
Because grain is considered a non-cash donation, the parish should acknowledge the donation in writing and not assign a dollar value in the acknowledgment letter.
Correct Example:
“Thank you for your generous donation of grain on [date]. No goods or services were provided in exchange for this contribution.”
The value of the donation is determined by the donor, often based on the sale price at the elevator. Assigning a value on behalf of the parish could create tax reporting issues.
4. Special Considerations for Pre-Sale vs Post-Sale Donations
There are two common scenarios:
A. Pre-Sale Donation (Preferred Method)
The farmer transfers ownership of the grain to the parish before it is sold. The elevator issues payment directly to the parish, the donor may receive favorable tax treatment, and the parish records the full proceeds as contribution income.
B. Post-Sale Donation
The farmer sells the grain personally and then donates cash to the parish. The donation is treated as a standard cash contribution, the donor reports the income and then takes a charitable deduction, and the parish records it like any other offertory gift.
Parishes should encourage the pre-sale method, but avoid giving tax advice and instead recommend donors consult their tax professional.
5. Internal Controls and Documentation
To maintain accountability, parishes should keep copies of all grain settlement sheets or donation
My nam� �� Br�Ann� S�h���, and I live on a farm outside of Easton with my husband Nate and our four children.
I’m the owner of Veritas Financial Solutions, a business dedicated to helping Catholic parishes, schools, and cemeteries strengthen their financial management and stewardship.
In addition to my work with Veritas, I also write articles on my LinkedIn page that highlight the bookkeeping and accounting topics I most often see within our parishes. My goal is to make these articles both educational and relatablesometimes even adding a little humor to the dayto-day realities of parish financial life.
confirmations, match each check received with supporting documentation, ensure proper separation of duties, and include grain donations in financial reports to the finance council. Transparency builds trust, especially when dealing with larger or irregular gifts.
6. Budgeting and Reporting
Grain donations can fluctuate significantly year to year based on crop yields and market prices. Because of this, parishes should avoid over-relying on grain donations in operating budgets, consider treating them as supplemental or non-recurring income, and report them clearly in financial statements so leadership understands their variability.
Final Thoughts
Grain donations are a beautiful example of stewardship rooted in vocation. For farming families, it’s a tangible way to give back from what God has provided. For parishes, it’s an opportunity to receive that gift with gratitude and responsibility. By establishing clear processes, recording donations accurately, and acknowledging them properly, parishes can honor both the donor’s generosity and their obligation to good financial stewardship.
Why Mother's Day Weekend? The Catholic Charities Annual Appeal
By KRISTINA HAMMELL
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ach year the Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota Annual Appeal is held on Mother's Day weekend. The Diocese set this date aside for us as far back as the 1950s, recognizing that an organization rooted in serving mothers and children, inspired by the tender love and faithful "yes" of the Blessed Mother, Mary, belonged on this weekend above all oth ers. That foundation has never changed. It is still the heart of everything we do.
Over the decades our services have grown, but the spirit behind them has not. Guided by faith, we strive to see Christ in every person, especially those who are often unseen or strug gling, from families facing financial hardship and peo ple experiencing home lessness, to older adults seeking improved mobil ity and connection, all across our diocese.
And the work looks as real and as human as it always has.
It looks like a box of diapers handed to a mother with young children at home who has been quietly
agonizing over whether she can afford both groceries and her children’s needs. By being able to provide a simple thing we send a big message: we see you,
It looks like a phone call answered by our staff from a parent desperately trying to keep the lights on or a roof over their family's head with a newborn at home. Our rental and utility assistance program steps in not to solve every problem, but to keep a family from falling apart while they find their
It looks like a single parent who is working, parenting, exhausted, and still dreaming, who finds their way to us and discovers we can walk alongside them not just through the immediate crisis, but toward something more lasting. Through education support, mentoring, and financial assistance, our graduates go on to earn dramatically more than before. That is not a statistic. That is a parent who can pay the rent, feed the kids, and look at their future differently because someone believed in them.
And it looks like an older adult living alone in a rural part of our diocese who shows up to an exercise class and finds not just mobility, but community.
This year the need is greater than ever. Federal and state funding has all but disappeared, but the calls haven't stopped and the needs haven't diminished. What we hope means something to you is this: every dollar you give stays right here in Southern Minnesota, going directly to your neighbors, the family down the road, the single mother across town, the senior who came looking for better mobility and found they weren't as alone as they thought.
On this Mother's Day weekend - May 9 and 10 - we ask you to prayerfully consider a gift through our mailer, at your local parish, or online at www. ccsomn.org. And as always, if you or someone you know is in need of our services, please contact us at 507-454-2270.
We began more than 75 years ago with a simple act of care for mothers and children, and that is still who we are. Guided by Mary's example, her trust, her courage, and her tender love, we carry that same mission forward today, so that through this shared mission, Christ's compassion remains visible right here in Southern Minnesota, one child and one family at a time.
Thank you. And God bless you.
Kristina Hammell is the director of development and outreach for Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota.
God Becomes Man
By DEACON ROBERT YERHOT, MSW
� here are two things that confound believers and unbelievers alike. The first is: God wills every moment of life. The second is: every moment is vitally important in God’s plan for the entire world.
God directly wills all that is good, and he permits all the rest. While it is of great importance to theologians to differentiate between God’s direct willing of the good and his permissive willing of the bad, for the rest of us such distinctions are of little concern. Be it good or bad, every moment, however small or passing, is very important in God’s salvific plan for the world. Nothing can thwart his plan. He has foreseen everything and from all eternity brings the good and allows the bad into that plan. Your life, unfolding as it is, is vitally important.
This does not mean you should be indifferent to sin and evil. Nor does it mean evil is desired by God. Evil is to be abhorred and good embraced. No, the evil that befalls us has been conquered and drawn up into God’s mysterious life-giving plan of salvation for us and the world. God wills your life as it is. Your life has an eternal meaning.
Just think of the implications. Small as we are, we have a part to play. If we devalue our lives through sin and rejection of God’s will, God has foreseen this and raises up a new life to bring to completion the plan he has made. It has been said that God’s will is often shaped by resistance to it. God is one and unchanging in all that is about him. You were created in God’s foreknowledge of your part in his eternal plan.
Perhaps this truth is most difficult for those in their older years. As cultural norms demand a “usefulness” for human life, and disavows the importance of what seems useless, many of our seniors live with the question, “Why am I still around? What purpose does my life have anymore?” The younger healthier generation often asks, “Why should we sustain the lives of our frail elderly or chronically ill, who need so much more medical care? Shouldn’t it be spent on the young and useful?”
The Christian response must account for God’s mysterious will which renders every human life good, and transforms bad into good, for the salvation of the world. To think differently is to deny the central belief of the Christian faith: God became man, bore the evil of the world, conquered it, and used what is evil to give eternal life to the whole world. Evil gives way to God. God remains. Evil breaks. God is whole.
Think of that the next time you see someone helpless, poor, unemployed, addicted, near death, chronically ill, mentally ill, disfigured, or unable to speak. If we deny their dignity and the importance of their lives in God’s salvific plan for the world, we, in fact, are denying the Incarnation of God Who became Man. The Incarnation has always been a stumbling block for believers and non-believers. Many say they believe until the implications of that belief are before them, in the lives of those deemed useless by so many of us. We will be judged someday by our response to this. How will you respond? God bless each of you.
Deacon Robert Yerhot is the director of the diaconate for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.
Albert Lea KCs Promote Two June Events
Submitted by BRAD KRAMER
ALBERT LEA - Knights of Columbus Council 1590 in Albert Lea encourages readers to attend the following events in June, at which the Knights will play a role.
St. Theodore Parish Eucharistic Procession
June 7, Corpus Christi Sunday
St. Theodore Parish invites the community to join a solemn Eucharistic Procession on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 10 a.m, following 9 a.m. Mass. The procession will begin at the church and proceed down Clark Street, Broadway, Fountain Street, Bridge Avenue, and back to Clark Street before returning to St. Theodore’s.
A Eucharistic Procession is a centuries-old Catholic tradition in which the Blessed Sacrament - the real and living presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist - is carried reverently through the streets in a monstrance, accompanied by prayers and hymns from the faithful. It is a public act of worship and thanksgiving, expressing the belief that Christ is truly present among his people and desires to bless the community.
The Knights of Columbus Council 1590 will provide the Honor Guard and assist with the procession, walking in full regalia alongside Fr. Kurt Farrell and parishioners. The route is approximately 2/3 mile and will move at a prayerful pace so all may participate.
“Corpus Christi, Latin for 'Body of Christ,' is a beautiful opportunity for our parish and the wider community to honor the Real Presence of Christ and ask his blessing upon our city,” said Brad Kramer, evangelization & faith formation director for Knights of Columbus Council 1590. “We warmly welcome everyone - Catholic and non-Catholic alike - to walk with us in prayer or simply to watch and receive the blessing as the procession passes.”
The procession will conclude with benediction at St. Theodore Church. All are welcome to join or observe along the route. For more information, contact St. Theodore’s at 507-373-0603.
St. Theodore’s is a vibrant parish in Albert Lea dedicated to the worship of God, the formation of families, and service to the community.
Albert Lea Faith & Family Festival June 20, Saturday
The Albert Lea Faith & Family Festival Committee invites all families and residents to the first annual Albert Lea Faith & Family Festival - Heritage, Hope & Humility on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Fountain Lake Park in Albert Lea.
The free, family-friendly celebration will honor Albert Lea’s rich heritage and traditional family values through a joyful day of live Christian and patriotic music, inspirational speakers, children’s games, and great food. Highlights include:
• Live music in the gazebo featuring local Christian and patriotic performers
Sister Margaret Mewhorter, OSC, a Poor Clare of Rochester, died at Assisi Heights on April 8, 2026. Margaret was born on March 12, 1939, in Minneapolis, to George Washington Mewhorter and Sophie Barbara (Zawadski) Mewhorter, the youngest of five children. She attended Holy Rosary Parish School and Holy Angels Academy. She entered the Poor Clare monastery in Bloomington on October 27, 1957, and professed her final vows on May 25, 1962. Sister Margaret is remembered for her work ethic, love of her Polish heritage, appreciation of nature, and her attentiveness to prayer. She is preceded in death by her parents and her four brothers. She is survived by her Poor Clare Sisters and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral liturgy was held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Lourdes Chapel, Assisi Heights, in Rochester, followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights.
Memorials are suggested to the Poor Clare Sisters, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Online condolences are welcome at mackenfuneralhome.com
• Inspirational talks on faith, family life, and community heritage
• Family games and activities including sack races, tug-of-war, and Bible trivia relay
• Popular food trucks: Chick-fil-A, La Borinqua Puerto Rican Cuisine, and Just Add Syrup mini pancakes, plus fresh popcorn provided by Knights of Columbus
• Informational booths from local churches, civic organizations, and service groups
• Evening hymn sing-along with candles and closing prayers
“We are excited to bring families together for a day that celebrates the faith, hope, and humility that built our community,” said Brad Kramer, event organizer. “This is a positive, welcoming festival - a chance to enjoy good music, good food, and good company while honoring the values that make Albert Lea strong.”
The event is sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 1590. Admission is free, and all are welcome. For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Brad Kramer at 507-369-6050 or brad@provenioconsulting.com. Pastor Brian Mitchell, of New Life Christian Church in Albert Lea, will be coordinating with local churches, so if your church would like to get involved, he can be contacted at 507-373-1533.
Brad Kramer is the evangelization and faith formation director for the Knights of Columbus Council 1590 in Albert Lea.
St. Joseph's Family Camp Now Accepting Registrations!
By PETER MARTIN
� he Diocese of WinonaRochester is excited to announce our third annual St. Joseph’s Family Camp for families affected by disability! This year’s camp will be hosted at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
The beautiful Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch is an open access, accessibilityfocused retreat and conference center on the banks of the Root River near Stewartville.
Our open access family camp is designed for families to enjoy together as a more accessible approach than the traditional summer camp or individual camp experience. This year, the camp will feature Mass, Reconciliation, and a variety of activities including crafts, wagon rides, scavenger hunts, animal encounters, a shared meal, adaptive zipline, and plenty of time for fellowship and making great memories together in a supportive environment.
St. Joseph’s Family Camp is open to families of all ages affected by disability or special needs.
Any interested family is encouraged to register; priority will be given to DOW-R families with non-diocesan families waitlisted pending approval based on camp capacity. This camp is free to attend for DOW-R families thanks to the
Assisi Heights Spirituality Center to Host Weeklong Retreat
Submitted by EMILY WATKINS
ROCHESTER - The Assisi Heights Spirituality Center invites the public to a transformative, week-long retreat, Meditating with the Mystics: How Wisdom from the Past Inspires Spiritual Growth Today , led by acclaimed spiritual teacher Carl McColman. The retreat will take place Thursday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. through Wednesday, May 20 at noon, with both inperson and virtual options available.
What can the great mystics of the past teach us today? This retreat explores how the wisdom of spiritual visionaries across centuries can guide participants toward deeper healing, insight, and a more meaningful relationship with the Spirit of Life. While the word “mystic” may seem intimidating, the retreat emphasizes that mysticism is simply about cultivating an experiential and loving connection with God and bringing healing and compassion into the world.
The retreat is offered in two parts. Part One (May 14-17) focuses on Franciscan
Diocese of Winona-Rochester and our generous donors. More information is available on our website at dowr. org/events/st-josephs-familycamp, or by scanning the code below. Space is limited; we encourage interested families to register early to secure their spots for this faith-filled and fun family day!
Our volunteers help make the day extra special for our families by providing support throughout the day. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer for the St. Joseph’s Family Camp, or helping to sponsor this camp through a monetary or in-kind donation, please contact our Camp Coordinator, Katie Netzel, at stjosephfamilycamp@dowr.org All volunteers over the age of 18 must be VIRTUS trained with a current background check on file; training can be provided if needed.
Peter Martin is the director of life, marriage & family for the Diocese of WinonaRochester.
mystics, drawing inspiration from figures such as Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi, Thea Bowman, Ilia Delio, and Richard Rohr. Part Two (May 17-20) highlights the wisdom of great women mystics, including Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Ávila, Evelyn Underhill, and Cynthia Bourgeault.
McColman, a respected author, speaker, scholar, and spiritual director, is known for making ancient mystical traditions accessible to modern seekers. His work draws primarily from the Christian contemplative tradition while also engaging insights from Buddhist, Indigenous, and other global wisdom paths. He is the author of several books, including Eternal Heart: The Mystical Path to a Joyful Life and The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism, and co-hosts the popular podcast Encountering Silence.
McColman will offer two daily conferences at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., along with liturgy at 11 a.m. A detailed schedule will be provided upon registration.
Whether attending for the full week or a portion of the retreat, participants will encounter a rich and welcoming space to explore timeless spiritual wisdom and deepen their inner life.
For more information and to register, visit the Assisi Heights Spirituality Center website at rochesterfranciscan.org/events/.
Emily Watkins is the program director at the Assisi Heights Spirituality Center in Rochester.
Parish Events
May 6-8, Wednesday-Friday
St. Mary of the Lake Parish, Lake City, invites you to their annual rummage sale at the church from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Something for everyone! Great quality and selection. Food, too! Pastries, cookies, beverages and famous BBQ lunch. 419 W Lyon Ave in Lake City.
May 19, Tuesday
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Wilmont, will host the Catholic Foundation of Southern MN for an Investment & Philanthropy Seminar for Catholic Leaders at the church (605 4th Ave in Wilmont). 5 p.m. meal followed by 5:30 p.m. seminar. Contact Elizabeth Williams for info: 507-218-4098.
May 20, Wednesday
St. John the Baptist Parish, Mankato, will host the Catholic Foundation of Southern MN for an Investment & Philanthropy Seminar for Catholic Leaders at the church (632 S Broad St in Mankato). 5 p.m. meal followed by 5:30 p.m. seminar. Contact Elizabeth Williams for info: 507-218-4098.
