The Prairie Catholic - December 2021

Minnesota’s Most Rural Diocese Diocese of New Ulm Vol. 36 No. 3 December 2021

(Photo by Christine Clancy)

The dance of the matachines GLENCOE, Minn. – The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Patroness of the Americas) is celebrated each year on December 12. This feast day is one of the most popular among Hispanic Catholics in the United States. It is customary for the Hispanic community to observe a nine-day novena leading up to the feast day, a devotion celebrated at home. Traditionally, the faithful gather early on the feast day to sing las Mañanitas, a serenade of hymns in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The celebration concludes with celebration of Mass that may include various elements: processions, people placing bouquets of roses on the altar to the Virgin, and costumed native dancers called matachines. Pictured, the congregation of St. Pius X in Glencoe watches as matachine dancers process to the front of the church during Mass on Sunday, December 12 in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

(Photo by Christine Clancy)

Destination - Archdiocese of Nigeria!

Minnesota’s Most Rural Diocese

Diocese of New Ulm

Vol. 36

Thanks to the determination of a Nigerian priest serving in the Diocese of New Ulm, along with volunteers and generous donors, two large containers stuffed with items are currently en route via semi-truck to Nigerians in need.

(Read more on page 6.)

No. 3 December 2021

COR Night attracts over 100 youth from throughout diocese

by Kevin Losleben, director Diocesan Youth Ministry OLIVIA, Minn. – Over 100 youth and their adult leaders gathered at the Jubilee Center of St. Aloysius Church in Olivia on November 14 for an evening full of fun, faith, and food. This was the first of a series of events called “COR Night,” sponsored by the Diocese of New Ulm Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

The night’s featured speaker was Fr. Garrett Ahlers, director of Vocations for the Diocese of New Ulm, who spoke about Purgatory. Drawing an admittedly odd analogy, Fr. Ahlers explained how just as a deep-sea diver needs to have the proper equipment to dive to certain depths, so too does the soul need to be adequately prepared to enter heaven. This is the purpose of Purgatory.

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U.S. bishops vote on Eucharist document

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Diocesan stations find new home up north

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Advent’s prayerful and spiritual preparations

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Many participants cited Fr. Ahlers’ talk as one of the night’s highlights. It was followed by small group discussion, allowing the various parish groups to process the presentation together. This time was one of many intentional “spaces” created during the night to foster group cohesion and relationship building.

After small group discussion time and a meal, participants were led to a period of Eucharistic adoration called Cor Jesu. Music for Cor Jesu was provided by the youth of C.O.R., a group of youth from across the diocese who meet regularly to dive deeper into Christian discipleship and service.

C.O.R. stands for Choir, Outreach, and Reception – the three teams that work together to make COR Night a reality.

The choir team of C.O.R. is directed by Sean Connolly, director of Music for St. Mary’s in Sleepy

“I only heard positive comments from our youth about COR Night,” said Fr. Paul Timmerman, pastor of Holy Family AFC. “Some of the youth told me that the music was their favorite part, some said that the talk was their favorite part, some said that the beautiful church was their favorite part.”

“It didn’t look like we would be able to make the next one,” added Fr. Timmerman. “But after experiencing this one [we are] going to do what we can to make it work!”

From left, Brayden Gass of Olivia and Bella Hoffmann of Sleepy Eye compete in the “5 Second Challenge” at the November 14 COR Night in Olivia. Competitors were given a task to complete in five seconds to win cash prizes. Directing the challenge are C.O.R. member Anna Mendiola and Kevin Losleben, diocesan director of Youth Ministry.

(Photo by Christine Clancy)

Eye, while the reception team is led

by New Ulm Cathedral graduate and a former NET missionary, Hannah Friendshuh. These two teams, along with the Outreach

Team, can be seen throughout the night serving food, acting as emcee, setting up candles for Cor Jesu, and many other tasks. They make the night the success that it is.

The next COR Night will be held on Feb. 6, 2022, and will feature Called For More Ministries, a local apostolate dedicated to chastity talks for youth.

All COR Nights are hosted at St. Aloysius Church in Olivia. For more information, visit www.dnu. org/cor-night.

Pope Francis: Life’s essential ingredient is prayer

by Catholic News Agency

center of things,” he added.

VATICAN CITY – On the first Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis reminded Christians that an essential ingredient for living an alert and joyful life is prayer. “Be awake, guard your heart,” the pope said in his message before the Angelus November 28. “And let’s add an essential ingredient: the secret to being watchful is prayer.”

The pope also emphasized that “prayer awakens the soul from sleep and focuses it on what matters, on the end of existence.”

“In fact, Jesus says: ‘Keep awake at all times praying’ (Luke 21:36).

It is prayer that keeps the lamp of the heart burning. Especially when we feel that enthusiasm is cooling, prayer rekindles it, because it brings us back to God, to the

“Let’s repeat this prayer throughout the day, and the soul will remain alert,” he said.

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“Even on the busiest days, let’s not neglect prayer,” he urged, recommending an easy prayer to say during Advent: “Come, Lord Jesus, come.”

Vatican City - May 1, 2021, Pope Francis’ prays the rosary for an end to the Pandemic.

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“The Gospel of today’s liturgy, the first Sunday of Advent, that is, the first Sunday of preparation

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for Christmas, speaks to us of the coming of the Lord at the end of time,” the pope explained.

“Jesus announces desolating events and tribulations, but precisely at this point he invites us not to be afraid,” Francis continued.

“Why? Because will everything be okay? No, but because he will come. Jesus will come back, Jesus will come, he promised it.

He says thus: ‘Rise up and lift up your heads, for your deliverance is near.’”

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diocesan church

On Good Ground

by Msgr. Douglas Grams Diocesan Administrator I was fortunate to join the Catholic bishops of the United States for the 2021 Fall General Assembly in Baltimore on Nov. 15-18. The bishops of our nation normally meet two times a year in a full session. The Fall Assembly is always in Baltimore; the location of the Summer Assembly changes from year to year.

Since Bishop LeVoir’s retirement 16 months ago, I have taken part in three assemblies. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first two were virtual, which was not ideal, but did allow for dialogue concerning important topics, many of which were dealt with this fall.

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The Fall Assembly was the first time in two years that the bishops gathered in person. There was a great deal of camaraderie, similar to a family reunion or gathering of diocesan priests. Bishop LeVoir was able to attend along with 23 other retired bishops in our country. Although they were not able to vote on issues, they took part in all of the sessions. It was good to see so many retired bishops who faithfully served the Church as shepherds of dioceses.

The first day of the assembly included prayer and reflection, Eucharistic adoration, and an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., shared a reflection on how we are to be sources of inspiration for each other and the people we are called to serve. His presentation noted four “C’s” that he promotes in his diocese: charity, communion, civility, and calm. This helped to set the tone for the assembly.

We ended the first day with Mass at the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of the building’s dedication.

Of note, in the city of Baltimore, masks are currently mandated in all public spaces. All those who attended the conference wore masks except for eating, drinking, or if recognized by the chair to address the assembly. The name badges were most helpful in identifying each other in our informal conversations.

On Tuesday, Nov. 16, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the pope’s ambassador to the United States, spoke about the upcoming Synod on Synodality, stressing that members of the Church journey together. They share a way of life, a way of living the faith, and a common mission. Mary is a model of Christian listening and discernment. She walked humbly with God, listened to God, and responded to God. Christians are called to see, judge, and act – to discern God’s will in each circumstance and to act in accord with God’s will.

On Wednesday, Nov. 17, information was shared regarding the national Eucharistic Revival, scheduled to begin on the feast of Corpus Christi, June 19, 2022, and culminating with a national Eucharistic Congress July 17-21,

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The Prairie Catholic, the official newspaper for the Diocese of New Ulm since May 1972, is published every six weeks, Sept.-June.

Publisher: Msgr. Douglas Grams Editor: Christine E. Clancy Submission deadline is the 1st of each month prior to publication.

Publication office: Diocesan Pastoral Center, 1421 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073; phone: 507-359-2966, Email: dnu@dnu.org Website: www.dnu.org Postmaster: Send notice on Form 3579, “The Prairie Catholic,” 1421 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073-2071.

Periodical postage paid at New Ulm and additional mailing offices.

USPS 926-760.

The Prairie Catholic is available online at www.dnu.org

w w w.dnu.org Plus ... check out your parish’s DMA contribution.

Visit weekly for updates.

Provided by the Diocesan Office of Development (507) 233-5310; mmkeown@dnu.org

Correction to 2020-2021 Bishop’s Guild membership As reported in the Diocesan Ministries Appeal (DMA) Bishop’s Guild membership published in the October-November 2021 edition of The Prairie Catholic, page 8, Walter Kerber, a member of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Winsted, should have been recognized in the Silver catagory (a DMA gift of $2,500 or more).

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Almighty God, Who by the Holy Spirit moves the hearts of Your people, Direct the counsels of those who are appointed to choose a bishop for the Diocese of New Ulm, that we may be given a pastor who in faithfulness and wisdom shall lead Your people in the way of holiness.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us.

To download a prayer card in English or Spanish visit www.dnu.org/diocesan-administrator.

2024, in Indianapolis. The bishops also approved the statement, The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church (a full copy can be found at www.usccb.org/ resources/mystery-eucharist-lifechurch).

on Migration centered on the Church’s efforts to respond to the needs of the poor and presented us with stories and images of these efforts. Catholics across the country generously support these initiatives.

On Thursday, Nov. 18, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, chair of the Pro-Life Committee, gave an update on USCCB efforts to promote and protect life from conception to natural death. Reports from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, and the Committee

During the week, I experienced a spirit of unity and cooperation among the bishops. As we moved through items on the agenda, I was struck by the fact that few institutions are able to remain united in all of their efforts as they shepherd the Church with the heart of a bishop who love and protect the faithful and inspire all of us to do the same.

Pray and wait for the Lord

2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal video is online

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Prayer for a new bishop

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(Continued from page 1.)

guard the heart from acedia.”

The pope warned people not to become “sleepy Christians,” who let their hearts become lazy and “their spiritual life soften into mediocrity.”

Acedia, also called sloth, “is a great enemy of the spiritual life,” he said. “Acedia is that laziness that falls, slips into sadness, which takes away the enjoyment of life and the desire to act.”

“We need to be vigilant so as not to drag the days into routine, so as not to be burdened – says Jesus – by the troubles of life,” he stated.

According to Francis, this negative spirit “nails the soul down in numbness, robbing its joy.”

Francis said Advent is a good time to ask ourselves what is weighing down our hearts and burdening our spirits: “What are the mediocrities that paralyze me, the vices, what are the vices that crush me to the ground and prevent me from raising my head?”

We should also ask ourselves if we are attentive or indifferent to the burdens of our brothers and sisters, he added. “These questions are good for us, because they help

December 2021

He said “precisely in the moments when everything seems over, the Lord comes to save us; await him with joy even in the heart of tribulations, in the crises of life and in the dramas of history. Wait for the Lord.”

“Let us pray to Our Lady: may she, who awaited the Lord with a vigilant heart, accompany us on the journey of Advent,” Pope Francis stated.

diocesan church

U.S. bishops approve long-awaited document on the Eucharist

by Shannon Mullen Catholic News Agency BALTIMORE – At the annual fall assembly in Baltimore (Nov. 15-18), the U.S. Catholic bishops overwhelmingly voted to approve a new document on the Eucharist that highlights the sacrament’s indispensable role in the life of the Church. The vote was 222 to 8, with three abstentions.

The product of months of debate and revisions, the final text avoids any overt references to whether bishops and priests ought to deny Communion to public figures at odds with Catholic teaching on abortion and other moral issues.

Instead, the document aims to initiate a new emphasis on catechizing Catholics about the meaning and importance of the Eucharist, in response to what many bishops see as a worrisome decline in belief in the sacrament as the real presence of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

The document seeks “to present a clear understanding of the Church’s teachings to bring

heightened awareness among the faithful of how the Eucharist can transform our lives and bring us closer to our creator and the life he wants for us,” said Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of Denver.

In addition to approving the document titled “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church,” the bishops approved a strategic plan for a three-year Eucharistic revival campaign.

The vote was 201 to 17 in favor of the revival campaign, with five abstentions. The initiative is to include the development of new teaching materials, training for diocesan and parish leaders, the launch of a dedicated revival website, and the deployment of a special team of 50 priests who will travel the country to preach about the Eucharist.

Bishop-designate Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minn., announced the campaign will culminate with a National Eucharistic Congress in July 2024 in Indianapolis. Cozzens, who is heading the revival effort as chairman of the USCCB’s

Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, said the congress would be the first of its kind in the United States in nearly 50 years.

The two sections of the 30-page Eucharist document are “The Gift,” which centers on the Eucharist as a gift from Christ through his incarnation, death, and resurrection, and “Our Response,” which focuses on gratitude for the gift of the Eucharist, the role the laity play in regards to reception of the Eucharist, and the importance of the Eucharist in conversion.

“The Lord accompanies us in many ways, but none as profound as when we encounter him in the Eucharist,” the document states.

“When we receive Holy Communion, Christ is giving himself to us. He comes to us all in humility, as he came to us in the Incarnation, so that we may receive him and be one with him,” says the text.

While the document does not provide any criteria for denying the sacrament to someone not in communion with Church

teaching, the text does explain the differences between venial and mortal sins and says that a Catholic in a state of mortal sin should not receive the Eucharist until they have gone to Confession and received absolution.

“While all our failures to do what is right damage our communion with God and each other, they fall into different categories, reflecting different degrees of severity,” the document states.

“There are some sins, however, that do rupture the communion we share with God and the Church,” the document states.

“As the Church has consistently taught, a person who receives Holy Communion while in a state of mortal sin not only does not receive the grace of the sacrament, he or she commits the sin of sacrilege by failing to show the reverence due to the Body and Blood of Christ,” the document explains.

The document states, “the reception of Holy Communion entails one’s communion with the

Church in this visible dimension,” and restates the text of the 2006 document from the bishops concerning Catholics in public life.

“If a Catholic in his or her personal or professional life were knowingly and obstinately to reject the defined doctrines of the Church, or knowingly and obstinately to repudiate her definitive teaching on moral issues, however, he or she would seriously diminish his or her communion with the Church,” the new document states, repeating the bishops’ 2006 guidance.

“Reception of Holy Communion in such a situation,” the guidance states, “would not accord with the nature of the Eucharistic celebration, so that he or she should refrain.”

“I think we’re on the cusp and on the verge of something truly impactful and wonderful for the Church in the United States,” said Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City. “I think this might be just what we need.”

Fr. Paulson to retire from assigned ministry Seminarian installed to served in, diocesan positions he director of priest personnel, ministry of acolyte carried out through those years assistant presiding judge of the and in particular these years as a diocesan tribunal, chancellor, senior associate past the age of 70,” Monsignor Grams stated.

Since 2011, Fr. Paulson has served as senior associate for the Church of Our Lady of the Lakes in Spicer and assists in the Jesus Our Living Water Area Faith Community (St. Clara in Clara City, St. Mary in Willmar, and Our Lady of the Lakes in Spicer).

Fr. Jerome Paulson

by Christine Clancy The Prairie Catholic Fr. Jerome “Jerry” Paulson holds a unique place in the history of the Diocese of New Ulm. His ordination to the priesthood was the first priestly ordination for the Most Rev. Raymond A. Lucker, the second bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm (1975-2000).

On Oct. 21, 2021, diocesan administrator Monsignor Douglas Grams announced that Fr. Paulson will retire from assigned ministry, effective Dec. 31, 2021. “On behalf of our diocesan Church, I want to thank Fr. Jerry for his many years of service to our diocese, its many parishes he

Before entering the priesthood he served in the United States Navy (1965-1971).

A native of Sleepy Eye, Minn., he was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of New Ulm on June 6, 1976, at the Church of St. Mary in Sleepy Eye, by Bishop Raymond A. Lucker. Past parish assignments include Willmar, Marshall, Springfield, Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm, Searles, Arlington, Gaylord, Green Isle, Henderson, and Montevideo.

Fr. Paulson received a licentiate degree in canon law, and has held numerous positions on the bishop’s curia: vicar general, coordinator of diocesan staff,

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supervisor of pastoral administrators, and diocesan finance director.

the Diocese of New Ulm, was instituted to the ministry of acolyte on Oct. 25, 2021, by Bishop William M. Joensen of Des Moines during a Mass at the Saint Paul Seminary, St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Paul.

He has served on several diocesan boards throughout the years including the Priest’s Council, the College of Consultors, the Diocesan Pastoral Council, and the Priests’ Pension Board.

In 1991, Bishop Lucker presented Fr. Paulson with the Diocesan Distinguished Service Award to recognize his distinguished service to the people of the Diocese of New Ulm. The award citation read: “For his generous ministry to the priests to whom he reached out with love and understanding beyond the call of duty, and for the many additional responsibilities which he accepted in support of the bishop, the diocesan staff, the priests, and parishes of the diocese.

Fr. Paulson will continue to reside at the rectory in Spicer where he will offer weekday Mass at Our Lady of the Lakes. A retirement party in honor of Fr. Paulson is planned for June, 2022. l

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James Herzog James Herzog, a member of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm who is in his second year of theological studies for

As an acolyte, Herzog is commissioned to serve at the altar at Mass, assist in the purification of communion vessels, and take Holy Communion to the sick.

Herzog has now received the ministries of lector and acolyte in anticipation of his diaconal and the priestly ordination.

Death notice

Sister Kenric Ruppert, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, Minn., died Oct 31, 2021, at Assisi Heights at the age of 85. Mass of Christian Burial was held November 5 at Assisi Heights with burial at Calvary Cemetery.

For 35 years, Sister Kenric lived and worked in New Ulm where from 1986-1996 she served as the director of Religious Education at the Church of St. Mary.

December 2021

diocesan church

En Tierra Buena

por Monseñor Douglas Grams Administrador Diocesano Del 15 al 18 de noviembre tuve la suerte de unirme a los obispos católicos de los Estados Unidos para la Asamblea General 2021 en Baltimore. Normalmente, los obispos de nuestra nación se reúnen dos veces al año. La asamblea siempre se reune cada otoño en Baltimore y durante el verano la ubicación varia cada año.

Desde la jubilación del Obispo LeVoir hace 16 meses, tuve la oportunidad de participar en tres reuniones. Debido a la pandemia COVID-19, los dos primeros fueron virtuales, lo que no fue ideal, pero nos permitió dialogar temas importantes, aunque muchos puntos se abordaron este otoño también.

Este otoño fue la primera vez en dos años que los obispos se reunen en persona. Hubo mucha camadadería, similar a la reunion familiar o una reunion entre sacerdotes diocesanos. Nuestro Obispo LeVoir y otros 23 obispos jubilados asistieron a la reunión.

Los obispos jubilados no pueden votar en cuestiones claves, pero participarón de todas las sesiones.

Me dió mucho gusto ver a muchos obispos jubilados ya que por muchos años han servido a la Iglesia fielmente como pastores en sus respectivas diócesis.

El primer día hubo oración y la reflexión, la adoración eucarística y también oportunidad para recibir el sacramento de la reconciliación.

El Arzobispo Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, compartió una reflexión sobre cómo debemos ser fuente de inspiración hacia nuestro prójimo y por los que somos llamados a servir. Su presentación señaló las cuatro “C” que promueve en su diócesis: la caridad, la comunión, el civismo y la calma. Esto ayudó a establecer el tono de la asamblea. El día terminó con la Santa Misa en la Basílica de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María, y coincidió con el 200 aniversario de la inauguración de la Basílica.

El martes, 16 de noviembre, el Arzobispo Christoph Pierre, embajador del Papa en los Estados Unidos, habló sobre el próximo Sínodo, el camino sinodal enfatizando que los feligreses de la Iglesia caminan juntos. Ellos comparten un estilo de vida, un estio de vivr la fe y vivir una misión común. María es la modelo de escucha y del discernimiento Cristiano. Ella caminó humildemente con Dios, escuchó y respondió a Dios. Los cristianos están llamados a ver, juzgar y actuar - discernir la voluntad de Dios en cada situación y actuar de acuerdo con la voluntad de Dios.

El miércoles, 17 de noviembre, nos comunicarón sobre el avivamiento Eucarístico nacional, que se llevará acabo el 19 de Junio del 2022, la fiesta de Corpus Christi y culmina con el congreso Eucarístico nacional, 17 al 21 de Julio del 2024 en Indianapolis, Indiana. Los obispos también aprobaron la declaración, El misterio de la Eucaristía en la vida de la Iglesia (la copia completa aquí https://www.usccb. org/resources/mystery-eucharistlife-church).

El jueves, 18 de Noviembre, el Arzobispo Joseph Naumann,

Bible in a Year to launch in Spanish in January 2022

Oración para un Obispo Nuevo Dios Todopoderoso, Quien por el Espíritu Santo mueve los corazones de tu pueblo, Ilumina y guía al consejo de aquellos que están designados para elegir al siguiente obispo dela Diócesis de New Ulm, para que se nos conceda un pastor que con fidelidad y sabiduría pueda guiar a Tu pueblo en el camino de la santidad.

Por Jesucristo nuestro Señor.

Amén.

María, Madre de la Iglesia, ruega por nosotros.

president del Comité de Actividades Pro-Vida, informó sobre los esfuerzos de la USCCB para promover y proteger la vida desde la concepción hasta la muerte natural. Los informes de la Campaña Católica para el Desarrollo Humano, Servicios de Católic Relief, Caridades Católicas USA, Inmigración Legal Católica y el Comité de Migración, se centró en los esfuerzos de la Iglesia para responder a las necesidades de los más pobres y presentaron historias e imágenes sobre estas iniciativas.

Los católicos de todo el país apoyan generosamente estas iniciativas.

Toda la semana, experimenté un espíritu de unidad y cooperación entre los obispos. A medida que avanzabamos con la agenda diaria, me sorprendió que pocas instituciones permanecen unidas en todos sus esfuerzos mientras guían a la Iglesia ya que aman y protejen a los feligreses y nos inspira para hacer lo mismo.

Auxiliary bishop named for Twin Cities WASHINGTON – On Dec. 10, 2021, Pope Francis appointed the Rev. Joseph A. Williams as auxiliary bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Bishop-elect Williams is a priest of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and currently serves as vicar for Latino ministry, pastor of Saint Stephen Church, and administrator of Holy Rosary Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The appointment was publicized in Washington,

D.C. on December 10, 2021, by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Father Williams was born May 2, 1974, in Minneapolis. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Minnesota (1996), a Bachelor of Arts degree at Franciscan University of Steubenville, and a Master of Divinity in Theology (2002) from the University of St. Thomas and the Saint Paul Seminary. He was

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ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 2002.

In addition to parish assignments following his priestly ordination, Fr. Williams’ ministry has also included work at the archdiocesan level, serving on the archdiocesan Commission on the Ministry and Life of Clergy from 20032005, and since 2018, he has been vicar for Latino ministry for the archdiocese. Bishop-elect Williams is fluent in Spanish.

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by Catholic News Agency The hit Catholic podcast The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz, director of youth and young adult ministry for the Diocese of Duluth and chaplain of the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota Duluth, will launch in Spanish Jan. 1, 2022.

La Biblia en un año podcast will feature original commentary and a nativeSpanish speaking host.

“The Bible in a Year podcast has been not only a huge success in the podcasting world but it is also touching hundreds of thousands of lives every day and I am sure 2021 will be remembered as a Bible renaissance year for Catholics,” said José Manuel De Urquidi, founder and CEO of the Juan Diego Network (JDN), which will produce La Biblia en un año podcast.

Hispanics will soon be able to join in this biblical revival thanks to the partnership between Ascension and the Juan Diego Network (JDN).

“JDN’s mission to evangelize, form, and entertain Latinos will reach new and very tangible heights with this project, which we pray will be of great blessing to the almost 50% of Catholics in the US: Latinos,” said De Urquidi.

The Bible in a Year is a daily podcast produced by Ascension Catholic Faith Formation, part of Ascension Press. Each episode features two to three scriptural readings, a reflection on those readings by Fr. Schmitz, and a prayer.

Instead of reading the Bible linearly, the podcast follows “The Great Adventure Bible Timeline,” which was developed by scripture scholar Jeff Cavins who is a featured guest on the podcast.

The podcast jumped to the top of Apple podcasts charts within hours of publishing its first episode on Jan. 1, 2021, surpassing secular podcasts produced by organizations including The New York Times and National Public Radio.

Over the past year, The Bible in a Year hit 142 million downloads, and 3.3 billion minutes of listening worldwide. The podcast has about 464,000 daily downloads, of which 90% are U.S.–based listeners.

The Bible in a Year will conclude December 31, but it will remain available on every major podcast app for new users to listen to in the future.

Ascension plans to advertise the podcast in December and January on a billboard in New York City’s Times Square, to capitalize on New Year’s resolutions.

Ascension will also host a virtual retreat in February to support the community that grew around the podcast in 2021.

Official announcement

Effective Dec. 31, 2021 Fr. Jerome “Jerry” Paulson to retired from full-time active ministry, but will provide limited pastoral assistance as needed.

December 2021

faith life

100-year-old Stations of the Cross find a forever home in Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota

by Katie Ballalatak Prairie Catholic correspondent HOYT LAKES, Minn. – For Jim Koepke of the Diocese of Duluth, it all started as a simple spark of inspiration to build a prayer trail during one of his walks through the woods on land owned by his parish, Our Lady of Hope in Hoyt Lakes. Just over a year later, a portion of that land, which is mostly a pine forest, is officially home to the Peace of the Woods prayer trail.

Completed at the end of May and consecrated on Sept.14, 2021, on the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, the quarter–mile–long trail has already been hailed as a success, and it is part in thanks to the Diocese of New Ulm. “I was walking around, and I could just see where the trail would go,” says Koepke, explaining the serpentine shape the trail would follow. “And I could build a trail without removing any of the trees because I sure didn’t want to do that.”

Koepke approached the parish

pastor and the council and the idea was met with enthusiasm.

The planning began in November 2020. Koepke’s vision included clearly marking the path with rocks so no one could accidentally get lost, as well as some benches for people to rest as they walked.

His biggest hope for the trail was to add Stations of the Cross – it also happened to be the biggest challenge.

Finding the stations.

After some research, Koepke quickly realized that Stations of the Cross were far more expensive than he previously thought, particularly for the size he wanted.

“So, I just sat down in my chair in my living room, and I said, ‘Holy Spirit, I think You inspired me to build the trail and to find stations, but if You want them, You’re going to have to tell me what to do. Where can I get them?’”

What happened next could only be described as God’s providence. Koepke was on his computer when he stumbled upon a webpage that mentioned the Diocese of New Ulm. “I don’t know how I came upon that or why, but I wrote an email to the

diocese and asked if they had any used Stations of the Cross. It was sure an odd thing to do. I thought they’d look at the email and say, ‘This guy is crazy.’”

But the very next day, Koepke received a phone call from Earl LaPlante, a longtime chairman of the Diocese of New Ulm Way of the Cross Committee and a lifelong parishioner of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. LaPlante has spent the past 13 years as caretaker of the Diocese of New Ulm’s Way of the Cross shrine and chapel located in New Ulm. LaPlante informed Koepke that the diocese had 100-year-old Stations of the Cross imported from Bavaria that were in storage, and he could simply come and get them. It was only a matter of driving to New Ulm to pick them up.

LaPlante first stumbled upon the stations 15 years ago when then Cathedral of the Holy Trinity rector Monsignor John Richter requested his help cleaning the church attic above the sacristy.

Before the statuary was moved

(Photo submitted) to the attic, they were on display in the cathedral's basement, back when Mass was celebrated in both the first floor of the church and the basement. Despite a fair amount of dust, the stations were in perfect condition.

“I’m really happy it happened,” LaPlante says of the encounter. “It always bothered me that they were just sitting there, not in use.”

(Continued on page 8.)

New Ulm Cathedral parishioner honored for long-term commitment to historic Way of the Cross shrine in New Ulm

by Katie Ballalatak Prairie Catholic correspondent

NEW ULM – On October 6, after 13 years of dedicated service, Earl LaPlante of New Ulm retired as a board member of the Diocese of New Ulm Way of the Cross Committee.

The historic Way of the Cross Shrine located in New Ulm dates back to 1904 and was renovated in 2004 and again in 2018. The shrine’s 14 stations, with statues imported from Bavaria depicting the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus, provide a quiet, reflective walk up a 700-foot brick path to a chapel dedicated to the Mother of Sorrows.

Over the years, while serving on the committee, LaPlante was instrumental in restoration projects for the stations and the chapel. From smaller tasks like painting the chapel and making tiny wooden crosses for visitors to take as souvenirs to big, multi-

faceted projects like restoring the stations, LaPlante unwaveringly dedicated his time, talents, and more to this historic site.

When it comes to his time on the committee, LaPlante says he will miss the challenging restoration projects and working so closely with everyone. “The big thing was the dedication of the people on the committee. If anything had to be done, we’d talk about it at one of our meetings, and everyone would take extra time to show up and do the work.”

“Earl has been everywhere on the Way of the Cross,” says fellow committee member Paul Hillesheim of New Ulm. “Most of the projects up here, Earl is at the front. He’s always been the guy that gets the work done. He’s done a lot of work tirelessly on his own.”

LaPlante says his most significant accomplishment above all else was spearheading the effort to get the Way of the Cross in the National Register of Historic Places, an honor received in December 2020. "That's what I consider to be my proudest accomplishment. It took seven years for that to happen. I worked closely with Dan Hoisington, who did the write-up and got to talk to people at the Minnesota Historical Society. And [the society] even said it was a major

The Prairie Catholic

On Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, Diocese of New Ulm administrator Monsignor Douglas Grams and members of the Way of the Cross Committee presented Earl LaPlante of New Ulm a plaque of gratitude for his 13 years of dedication to the historic shrine. Pictured at the Way of the Cross entrance in New Ulm are front row, left, Deacon Rick Christiansen, Earl LaPlante, Monsignor Grams, and Denise Richter.

Back-left Gary Neubauer, Paul Hillsheim, Eddie Stadick, and Steve Gehrke.

(Photo by Christine Clancy) accomplishment for a site like our Way of the Cross to ever get recognized. I was told many l

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times that I should just give up, but I said, ‘Nope, when I start something, I want to complete it.’”

December 2021

“He’s the kind of guy who can easily be taken for granted because he does so much. But we don’t take Earl for granted.

He works hard. He’s going to be missed,” says Hillesheim.

Editor’s note: Entrusted to the Diocese of New Ulm, the historic shrine is located on the 5th North Hill, behind the New Ulm Medical Center. The pathway is open daily all year round, and the chapel is open from April to October.

social concerns

Local effort aids poverty stricken Christians of Nigeria

Mental health and the holidays

Diocese of New Ulm Catholic Charities offers tips for a healthier, more meaningful holiday season

by Catholic Charities staff Diocese of New Ulm Peace, joy, hope are all words used frequently during the Christmas season. We notice them almost everywhere, on well wishes, Christmas cards, within Christmas decor, in the music of the liturgical season, and liturgical prayer. Yet, amid the Christmas season, feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression are common.

In November, Fr. Cornelius Ezeiloaku and volunteers packed one of two large containers packed tight with items for Nigerians in need. The containers are expected to arrive in Fr. Ezeilozku’s homeland of Nigeria sometime in February 2022. Pictured left, Kent Bloomquist, Dennis Schwarz, Gary Neubauer, Fr. Ezeiloaku, and Joel Schwarz. (Photo by Christine Clancy)

by Christine Clancy The Prairie Catholic NEW ULM – After successful planning and organization and the generosity of countless Christian faithful, two large 40-foot metal containers are on their way via semitruck to aid the less fortunate in the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha in Nigeria, a country where 40 percent of its total population live below its poverty line earning around $382 per year. (National Bureau of Statistics 2019 Poverty and Inequality in Nigeria report.)

“Care 4 Nigeria,” a non-profit charitable organization, was established by the efforts of Fr. Cornelius Ezeiloaku, a native of Nigeria currently serving the Holy Cross Area Faith Community (New Ulm, West Newton Township, and Searles) and Dennis Schwarz and Joel Schwarz, of New Ulm, and Paul Platz of Lafayette.

In 2019, with help from volunteers and open-handed donors, Care 4 Nigeria sent its first container to Nigeria filled with items intended to provide needed equipment for hospitals within the archdiocese, equip the archdiocesan seminary music department, and to help families start a bicycle shop, a sewing business, and a cement mixing business which will provide a sustainable income. The load also included clothing for the poor.

Again, in early November, with the assistance from numerous volunteers and countless donations, two more large shipping containers were

methodically loaded to the brim.

The first container was packed with medical equipment. Items included hospital supplies and beds, stretchers, over 100 wheelchairs, three anesthesia machines, walkers, and canes. Various other donations came from Catholic churches that are now closed, and additional contributions such as commercial table saws and power tools.

The second container stores one power wheelchair, over 150 bicycles, pianos and organs, numerous church items including pews and heavy duty shelves for the hospital in Nigeria, and countless miscellaneous donations. Dennis Schwarz noted the final weight of the last container registered around 40,000 pounds, with each container itself weighing 8,000 pounds.

According to Fr. Cornelius, the shipping containers will not arrive at their destination until at least February 2022. “Sending containers 6,500 miles across the world is very expensive and costs thousands of dollars,” he said.

“We’re only able to do this thanks to the work and donations from many people and businesses as well as Kent and Gail Bloomquist of rural New Ulm, who allowed us to collect and store all these items in their large shed. They have been very helpful and generous.”

If you would like to financially contribute to Care 4 Nigeria to help defray shipping costs contact the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, in New Ulm.

The Prairie Catholic

Sr. Lois Byrne, MSW, LICSW Director and Counselor willois@dnu.org WILLMAR OFFICE

Dorine Reiter, PsyD, LP Counselor dreiter@dnu.org NEW ULM OFFICE

Tami J. Behnke, MS, LPCC Counselor marshtami@dnu.org MARSHALL OFFICE

Sandra Rickertsen, MS, LMFT Counselor hutchsam@dnu.org HUTCHINSON OFFICE

Give yourself the present.

Spend a minute or two being present in your environment.

Take notice of the smells, sounds, and sights of Christmas.

Spend time outside. Pray.

Often people have high deductibles or even no insurance.

Due to the generous donations to the annual Diocese of New Ulm Diocesan Ministries Appeal (DMA), Catholic Charities is able to offer sliding fees and scholarships to clients for any portion of their bill that medical insurance does not cover.

Addictions may also be more challenging to handle. The world can be a divisive place, and the holidays only magnify any existing issues that one may be experiencing.

It is important to acknowledge that all experiences are legitimate. With this in mind, the following are suggestions to try during the holiday season.

Physical Health Eat right. Ensure you have adequate sleep and a nutritious diet. Develop a plan to enjoy the special foods and treats around the holidays while balancing them with healthy eating. Keep your exercise routine (or plan one); exercise reduces stress, improves mood and concentration, and combats depression.

Gratitude Be aware of gratitude. This may include writing in a journal what you appreciate in your life or letting others know the gratitude you feel.

Protect your sleep Get enough sleep. Poor sleep leads to weight gain, additional stress, and irritability.

Feel Emotions come, and they will go. Emotions may be positive, negative, or a combination of the two. Call “time outs” for yourself and check in on your feelings. Write down your feelings in a journal. Be open to talking about grief and the holidays. Share, memorialize; changing a tradition may be helpful.

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Relax This can include listening to soothing music, engaging in an imagery exercise, or other relaxation skills.

Readjust goals so they are specific and attainable.

Negative emotions may be related to unrealistic expectations or goals you place on yourself or others.

Practicing these things regularly can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.

Counseling and financial assistance available If you would like to seek professional help for your mental health, the Diocese of New Ulm Catholic Charities staff is available for counseling.

Counseling services are provided to all, regardless of a person’s ability to pay.

December 2021

A sliding fee takes your income and the number of members in your family into account. Other circumstances are considered with a scholarship application.

Detailed information about sliding fees and scholarships is available on the Diocese of New Ulm website, www.dnu.org.

To schedule an appointment with a Catholic Charities counselor, or if you have questions, please call Paulette at (866) 671-5163.

family life

Raising pro-life children - it starts with YOU!

by Lori Timmerman Holy Redeemer, Marshall Abortion was an issue I did not think about until I was in my early 20s when two parishioners were arrested outside of an abortion clinic as part of Operation Rescue, one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. They chained themselves together in front of the clinic and shut the clinic down, stopping abortions for the day.

Their conviction for life caused me to become active in the pro-life movement.

In the early 1990s, when I was serving as director of Religious Education at my parish, some of the parents were concerned because their high school students were giving speeches in school supporting abortion. In our program, we decided to have the parents preview the video “Eclipse of Reason” with Dr. Bernard Nathanson before we showed it to the students (it is from 1987 and is still on YouTube). The students watched the video, which showed an actual abortion. Afterward, they were asked to write their thoughts about the video. The overwhelming response was, “I had no idea what an abortion was.”

When my husband and I were raising our children, we wanted to teach them that all life was sacred from conception to natural death and that we should protect life. The Catholic faith teaches us

that abortion is a grave violation of human life and we thought it was important for our children to learn about it. When our kids were four years old, they were aware that abortion was the killing of an unborn baby. At that age, we began taking them to the Prayer Service for Life held annually in January at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul followed by the Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) Rally at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Most things went over their head, but they understood that life was a beautiful gift. We continued to attend the annual prayer service and rally when it worked for them to miss school. Over time they realized that prayer and political involvement made a difference for the pro-life movement. We also helped at the MCCL county fair booth and took part in the national Life Chain held on Respect Life Sunday held annually on the first Sunday in October.

I believe the hardest part about teaching children about abortion is that they are unable to comprehend why people would support it. Once they understood that it is wrong to take innocent human life and that life begins at conception, my children were horrified to learn that there was a practice that killed unborn babies.

Perhaps children are less able to rationalize than we are, or perhaps they are more able to relate to the helplessness and dependency of an unborn child. In any case, once

Be a part of the March for Life!

Your presence at the Jan. 22 pro-life events in St. Paul can be an example and encouragement that witnesses to others.

Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life 2017 rally at the State Capitol in St. Paul.

(Photo by Christine Clancy) they learn the truth as children, it is much easier for them to hold it as a conviction for life.

It is impossible to educate without teaching fundamental truths such as 2+2=4, and more so fundamental moral truths. If we don't teach our children the sacred dignity of human life beginning from conception, they will learn instead that certain life is dispensable. Rather than focus on concrete facts such as what abortion is or when it is possible to logically claim a human life comes into existence, keep it simple - abortion is the killing of an unborn baby. As children grow older, they understand more details and see the truth.

My children are adults now.

It saddens them when they

see Catholic students posting comments in favor of abortion.

They question how we let society influence their view on the issue of abortion. If we, as parents, fail to take the time to teach our children that abortion is the killing of an innocent baby, how will they learn to respect life from conception to natural death?

Jan. 22, 2022, is on a Saturday.

It is a great opportunity to take our children or grandchildren to the Prayer Service for Life at the Cathedral of St. Paul and the MCCL rally at the State Capitol.

As parents, we are the primary educators in our children’s faith.

Let’s take the opportunity to teach them respect for all human life.

The Prayer Service for Life will begin at 10:30 a.m. and includes an inspiring homily given by one of our Minnesota Catholic bishops. Following the prayer service, participants walk peacefully from the Cathedral to the State Capitol building where pro-lifers march on the grounds, typically displaying signs of pro-life encouragement.

At 12:30 p.m, participants will gather in front of the Capitol to hear pro-life legislators talk about current pro-life legislative issues. Those who gather will be informed about the accomplishments of the pro-life movement and inspired to keep up their involvement in the fight for life.

Bus transporation available A number of parishes within the Diocese of New Ulm will offer bussing to and from St. Paul on Jan. 22. For a bus schedule and information on how to sign-up, visit the diocesan website www. dnu.org or contact your parish.

God is planting seeds for the future at St. Anastasia parish in Hutchinson

by Jennifer Eckstein, director St. Anastasia Faith Formation “Bad times, hard times, this is what people keep saying, but let us live well, and times shall be good. We are the times: such as we are, such are the times.”

— St. Augustine HUTCHINSON, Minn. – St. Anastasia Catholic Community in Hutchinson has personified this saying of St. Augustine, our spiritual ancestor, to show that times are good, people are generous, and there is hope in our world now and for the future.

For the past two months, the parish has been actively anticipating the annual Hutchinson Community Thanksgiving Dinner. But the Confirmation program of 80 students in grades 8-11 and eleven adult guides gave the most life to this dinner, and most clearly shows that times are good, people are generous, and God is active now and planting seeds for the future.

St. Anastasia and its pastor Fr. Paul Wolf, have hosted the community dinner since 2017. However, this year was unlike the past years. A new coordinator and a new vision meant bringing the Confirmation students into coordinating the various aspects of the dinner.

also wrote and delivered an invitation to parishioners to donate time, talents, and treasures to the Community Dinner. This was the first year where the dinner items were entirely donated and prepared by the parishioners; we received all that was asked for and more!

All too often, students are assigned service project hours for Confirmation, to which they just “show up” and follow directions, with little engagement of their Godgiven gifts and talents, nor learning true leadership or what it takes to bring forth an event. To engage the youth, we must walk with them. The results were beyond expectations, with lessons learned for next year.

The young decorating team created a warm and inviting environment for all who dined in on Thanksgiving, showing that a community can overcome our all too recent times with faces of hope, gratitude, and joyfilled comradery. Overall, 546 people were served on Thanksgiving.

The student publicity team was charged with coming up with a slogan for the poster promoting the Community Dinner. The poster read: “St. Anastasia is Living for Thanksgiving.” One of the students drew the turkey on the poster. The students

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The high school students generously signed up for the numerous volunteer slots including peeling 300 pounds of potatoes done by members of the local football team.

(Photo submitted)

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December 2021

If the Community Dinner reflects generous souls and those who work with and for future generations, then we can be assured that our times are full of hope. Even if there are adversities and a surrounding culture of darkness and doubt, we can be assured of an abundance of God’s blessings in our communities if we but respond to His invitations.

social concerns

Inside the Capitol

Legalizing sports wagers: entertainment or enslavement? by the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) Legalizing sports betting, already a prominent topic of legislative discussion, has been pushed to the front of the 2022 session chatter, with both Republicans and Democrats signaling their support, and Representative Zack Stephenson’s (DFLChamplin) announcement that he would lead a bill in 2022 to legalize sports betting. His decision matters because he can give the bill momentum as the Chair of the House Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over gambling and gaming laws.

The Catholic Church does not strictly prohibit Catholics from participating in games of chance. But modern sports gambling, particularly when available through one’s smart phone, is like an addictive drug that has and will harm lives, families, and the common good.

We must make a commonsense distinction between low stakes fund-raising events sponsored by charitable organizations, and the normalization of a vice industry whose revenues depend upon those who are (or will become) problem gamblers.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2413) warns that “the passion for gambling risks becoming an enslavement,” and that wagers “become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others.” The allure of

quick, easy, big money through sports wagering will be a trap for people searching for a way out of an already precarious financial position.

Gambling addiction causes severe financial, emotional, and even physical problems for the gambler and their family.

Coping with the negative consequences of gambling can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of shame and hopelessness. The National Council on Problem Gambling reports that about 20 percent of those diagnosed with disordered gambling attempt suicide – a higher percentage than any other addictive disorder.

Do we really want to risk having one more form of so-called “entertainment” when the odds are so clear that it can destroy livelihoods and even end lives?

How did we get here?

In 2018 the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated a federal law that banned sports gambling everywhere outside of Nevada.

Since then, several states have expanded gambling laws to permit betting on sporting events. Senator Karla Bigham (DFL-Cottage Grove) and Representative Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington) introduced a bill during the 2021 legislative session to legalize on-site and mobile betting but only in and around tribal casinos. Their bill did not receive a hearing.

The legalization of sports betting would be the biggest change in Minnesota gaming

since compacts were signed with Minnesota’s Native American tribes in 1991.

Governor Tim Walz has said he would sign a sports betting bill only if it has been agreed to by the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association. Tribal communities have opposed previous attempts to bring sports gambling to Minnesota, but their stance may be changing.

Now, Chair Stephenson says he will hold informational hearings and consult with the state’s Native American tribes before introducing a formal bill.

Build Back Better act threatens faith-based child care, education

Where do we go from here?

We should not unleash this addictive and destructive activity on our people so that a privileged few can have more excitement during the increasingly boring spectacles offered by the professional sports leagues.

The MCC will be working closely with stakeholders, such as the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling, to ensure that, to the extent possible, families, the poor, and the vulnerable are not harmed by this latest effort to expand gambling. Urge your legislators to commission a study on the current prevalence of problem gambling in Minnesota and ensure any gambling expansion makes available the proper resources for prevention and treatment of problem gambling.

Editor’s note: the Minnesota Catholic Conference is the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota.

Prayer trail (Continued from page 5.)

For Koepke, it was an answered prayer: “I was just blown away.

I never expected it to be so easy. I think it was something God wanted me to do because everything just fell into place.

And [the stations] are just beautiful. The level of detail, the colors – it’s truly something.”

The finishing touches.

To maintain the stations’ good condition, Koepke contacted Frostbite Furniture located in Iron, Minn., to build custom containers that would keep the stations visible yet protected from the elements.

With the stations ready, all that was left to do was assemble the prayer trail. It took a good two months to complete and some timely help from Koepke’s family due to his sudden need for an open-heart surgery which prohibited him from finishing the project by himself. “[The surgery] was disappointing because, of course, you don't want that to happen to you, but it was also a real lesson for me in humility,” says Koepke. “It’s kind of a guy thing. I was going to build this trail, and I was going to do it by myself. And suddenly I realized,

“The feedback has been more than I ever expected,” says Koepke. “It’s getting a lot of use. And I’m very grateful to the Diocese of New Ulm for donating these stations because they’ve really made a difference in people’s lives.”

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A statement from the U.S. bishops cautioned that the legislation deviates from current federal childcare policy. The bill’s provisions attach “new compliance obligations that would interfere with providers’ protected rights under Title VII and Title IX regarding curricula or teaching, sex-specific programs (such as separate boys or girls schools or classes), and preferences for employing individuals who share the providers’ religious beliefs,” the USCCB stated.

Organizations representing Christians, Muslims, and Jews also signed the letter as the U.S. Senate considers the bill pushed by the Biden administration. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation in November, approving nearly $2 trillion for social programs including universal pre-kindergarten, increased child-care subsidies, and initiatives intended to shift the U.S. away from fossil fuels.

The religious leaders said they have no intention of preventing anyone from receiving early learning rooted in faith. “Faith-based providers strive to serve everyone, especially the less fortunate, whom the BBBA’s child care and UPK [universal pre-kindergarten] programs are specifically intended to benefit,” the letter read. “We simply ask to be allowed to continue our good work in caring for our nation’s children in a manner consistent with our beliefs.”

Catholic Schools Challenge Matching Grant Please consider donating now.

Editor’s note: The prayer trail, located at 319 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Hoyt Lakes, is open free of charge May through October. It is is easily accessible from the church parking lot.

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“The current Build Back Better Act provisions would severely limit the options for parents, suffocate the mixed delivery system for child care and pre-kindergarten, and greatly restrict the number of providers available for a successful national program,” the Dec. 1 letter, signed

by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chair of the Committee for Religious Liberty, and Bishop Thomas A. Daly of Spokane, chair of the Committee on Catholic Education, read.

Faith leaders addressed the letter to Senate leaders on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

‘I need help.’”

The Prairie Catholic

WASHINGTON D.C. – Two U.S. Catholic bishops signed a letter with other religious leaders expressing concern that the child care and universal pre-kindergarten provisions in the Build Back Better Act could exclude faith-based providers.

committee. “While language in the BBBA does not preclude parents from selecting sectarian providers, the subsequent provisions in the bill text make it virtually impossible for many religious providers to participate,” the letter read, referring to providers of child care and prekindergarten.

by Catholic News Agency

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation has offered the Diocese of New Ulm Office of Catholic Schools a Challenge Matching Grant that will help our elementary Catholic Schools enhance educational excellence and grow enrollment. The Challenge Matching Grant is for $50,000 which means the diocese must raise $50,000 by Dec. 24, 2021. If successful, the Schulze Foundation will match the $50,000 totaling $100,000! Learn more at www. dnu.org/csmgchallenge or call the Office of Catholic Schools, (507) 233-5323.

There’s still time to donate! l

December 2021

catholic life

NUDCCW Update

by Barb Mathiowetz NUDCCW president The New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women’s (NUDCCW) newest communication tool “Spark Action” continues to be published and distributed.

Deaneries, parish councils, and CCW members who would like to share upcoming events and information are encouraged to email nudccw.contact@gmail. com. Please provide your name and contact information.

Service Projects The Council is currently seeking suggestions for NUDCCW 20222023 service projects. Suggestions of charitable organizations that could benefit from our organization and whose values in-line with the Church teachings, should be sent to nudccw. contact@gmail.com.

Prayer Ministry The NUDCCW board is developing a prayer ministry that will allow all women in our diocese to take part? It will offer weekly prayer for those who have submitted prayer intentions. Once finalized, further details of this ministry will be provided to CCW members.

Each parish council is encouraged to start its own prayer ministry.

If your parish CCW has assigned service groups, consider using one of them as a prayer group in addition to, or in place, of the service ministries they already provide.

CCW Woman of the Year Submissions are still being accepted for the Woman of the Year award. I encourage each parish to make a recommendation.

The award will be announced at the annual NUDCCW Convention on Saturday, April 30, at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in Marshall.

Nomination forms and rules are available on the CCW website, through your parish CCW president, or by contacting Beth Boyle, 1st vice president, 110 Wilson Street, PO Box 384, Tyler, MN 56178, jimbethboyle@gmail. com. Deadline is Jan. 30, 2022.

Valuable resources Be sure to take advantage of the resources available on the NUDCCW website and the National Council of Catholic Women website www.nccw.org.

If you are not currently a member of NCCW, consider becoming one. They offer many virtual opportunities for enrichment, such as the monthly member call Rosary each month.

Empower yourself! Apply for DCCW scholarships

by Sandra Jerzak NUDCCW Scholarship Coordinator Help is here. Are you looking at a refresher in accounting software that could ease some of your frustrations in providing reports? Perhaps you seek to learn leadership skills to run an effective meeting? Maybe you are struggling with your spiritual life?

The New Ulm Diocese Council of Catholic Women (NUDCCW) has a scholarship program that can help defray the registration cost for educational courses like these in addition to seminars, conventions, or workshops. The maximum request amount is $200 unless you attend the New Ulm Council of Catholic convention for which the registration cost request will not exceed $350.

The scholarship award amounts are dependent upon parish CCW

donations, and the primary requirement is that the applicant’s parish must financially support the NUDCCW Scholarship Program for an applicantion to be considered. Contact your parish CCW board to obtain a copy of the scholarship program and the application form for the 20222023 year or visit www.nudccw. org/scholarship-committee.

All applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2022, to be considered.

The mission of the CCW is to support, empower, and educate its members in spirituality, leadership, and service. The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is here to help you do that through the scholarship program.

If you have any questions, please contact Sandra Jerzak, NUDCCW Scholarship Coordinator, at ks.jerzak@gmail.

The Prairie Catholic

What are we preparing for this Advent? draw close to us and live in us more fully here and now.

by Fr. Aaron Johanneck The holy but short season of Advent is easy to overlook amid the hustle and bustle that often accompany not only the weeks but even the months leading up to Christmas. It used to be that Thanksgiving kicked off the commercial Christmas season.

Now it begins after Halloween at the latest.

One of the tragedies of all this is that we are tired of Christmas by the time December 25 rolls around and ready to move on with life.

Other than lighting a candle on the wreath every week, what role can Advent have in such a hectic time? Isn’t it just one more thing to have to try to squeeze in?

To have a good Advent is to have a good Christmas. When we prayerfully enter into the times of preparation and penance offered to us by the Church, we are better able to enter into and joyfully appreciate the times of celebration.

To have a good Advent, we must remember what we are preparing for during this short, four-week season. Advent is a beautiful and holy time with a purpose: to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. We prepare to celebrate the great gift that God has sent his Son into the world to live among us as one of us, to suffer and die for us, all to show us the love of the Father and to lead us back to him.

We prepare to celebrate Christ’s first coming. We prepare for his glorious Second Coming at the end of time. We also use this time to open our hearts, to “make straight the paths” so Christ can

Along with the question of what we are preparing for this Advent is how we are going to prepare.

One beautiful way to do this is to set up the Nativity scene in your homes gradually. Begin only with Mary, Joseph, the animals in the stable, and the empty manger. On Christmas, add the Christ child and the shepherds. On Epiphany, add the wise men. The empty manger reminds us that we are awaiting and preparing for the coming of Christ. Seeing the empty manger evokes longing in our hearts.

In our days of plenty and immediate gratification, we have forgotten the value of waiting and desire. As we wait for things, our desire for them grows. So does our appreciation and gratitude when we finally receive what we desire.

The empty manger can be an image of the Advent preparation of our hearts and souls. Mary and Joseph had to empty the manger of what it normally contains (the food for the animals) to make room for the Christ child and make it a comfortable place for him to lie down and sleep. During the few short weeks of Advent, we can ask the Holy Spirit to help us empty ourselves of what keeps us from receiving Jesus more fully to make room for him in the manger of our hearts.

In Lent, we are accustomed to giving things up as a way of entering into the penitential character of that season. In Advent, too, we can give something up in

preparation. Advent is a season of longing for the only one who can truly satisfy our deepest desires.

Christ is the one we truly long for.

In these holy days, I encourage you as individuals and families to consider giving up in some way and, to some extent, those things that distract you from this desire and that prevent you from entering into the silence that allows you to hear the voice of God and his invitation to a deeper relationship through union with his Son. Consider limiting your screen time during these weeks to have more time for prayer. Spend time reading and praying with the Sunday Mass readings. Try to incorporate the Rosary, or at least a decade, into your daily prayer life to join Mary in her eager expectation for the birth of Christ.

Do additional good works that are pleasing to the Lord Jesus to show your love for him and your neighbor. Place a piece of straw in your home creche whenever you do a good work to prepare a comfortable place for the Baby Jesus. These actions will also help you to prepare the manger of your heart.

The Advent season is beautiful and a real blessing. The better your Advent, the better will be your Christmas. A prayerful and spiritual preparation will make for a more meaningful and joyful celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Editor’s note: Fr. Aaron Johanneck serves as director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of New Ulm.

The Prairie Catholic seeks freelance writers work to The Prairie Catholic via e-mail by pre-established deadlines.

The Diocese of New Ulm seeks freelance writers to help develop content for its official newspaper, The Prairie Catholic, published seven times a year (every six weeks, Sept. through June).

Writers are needed to cover diocesan and parish events as well as various human interest stories. Phone interviews for stories are acceptable. Freelancers are responsible for submitting their l

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Freelancers will work for the diocese as independent contractors, not as employees. Payment rates are competitive; mileage will be reimbursed at IRS rates. Experience as a journalist is preferred but not required.

Please see The Prairie Catholic’s section on freelancing on the

December 2021

diocesan website, www.dnu. org/communications, for more information.

Applicants should submit a letter of introduction, a sample of work if possible, and at least one reference to Christine Clancy, editor, cclancy@dnu.org, (507) 233-5332.

Positions will remain open until successful candidates are found.

education

Ask a Canon Lawyer This month’s question:

“What happens if a priest breaks the Seal of Confession?”

by Fr. Mark Steffl, STL, JCL

T

he short answer to this question is that the priest cannot and absolutely must never break the “Seal of Confession,” never revealing anything that has been told to him within this Sacrament.

In the Code of Canon Law, a description of the “Seal” is found in canons 983 and 984 (see gray text box).

“Seal” directly, he would be at that very moment automatically excommunicated. In order to restore the priest to ministry, the priest who broke the “Seal” would be bound to approach the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome, an office that can remit the excommunication of the priest and assign a penance to the priest through another priest.

If the “Seal” would ever be broken, canon law defines this as one of the graviora delicta or most serious of crimes that can be committed. This crime is detailed in canon 1388.

A “direct” violation of the Seal would be a priest confessor divulging the confessed sins to another. But a priest must also be careful to not indirectly violate the Seal, by giving hints or acknowledgment of sins or the identity of a penitent or using the information learned in the confession in any way.

(I remember well the Irish Dominican Friar who taught me in the seminary about the canon law surrounding the sacraments liked to say that priests should make the Sacrament of Confession “quick, dark, and anonymous,” knowing how hard it already is for people to approach the sacrament.)

If a priest were to break the

The cited canons also make

The purpose of the “Seal” is so that no penitent should ever have any fear or doubt of approaching any priest in the Sacrament of God’s Mercy, knowing that there can never be any breach in the “Seal” no matter what is confessed.

mention of “interpreters” who would also be bound in the same manner as the priest is to the “Seal,” although such a scenario would be very rare to non-existent in our part of the world. A priest does not have to understand what is confessed to him, but the penitent is bound to confess it completely in his/her own language, even if the priest does not understand.

Added to this, anyone who might overhear the confession of another either deliberately or accidentally is similarly bound to secrecy.

In fact, the only one who is not bound by the “Seal” would be the penitent him/herself, although it is hard to imagine that one would want to divulge his/her sins to another person outside of Confession.

A great film was made in 1953 about the Seal of Confession by the famous director Alfred Hitchcock titled I Confess.

(Hitchcock was a Catholic and even had a brother who was a diocesan priest in England.)

The film recounts the story of a

this inspiring documentary for all to watch and to discover in St. Joseph a powerful example and intercessor.”

“St. Joseph teaches us that we really find ourselves when we live for others,” said Patrick Kelly, supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus. “He models for each one of us the importance of prayer, obedience and courage in our lives. The Knights of Columbus is very pleased to offer

“In choosing Joseph to care with a father’s love for the incarnate Son of God,” said Archbishop William Lori, supreme chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, “the eternal Father recognized in St. Joseph a man of utmost integrity – a man who perhaps had no idea what God had in mind for him

Featuring reenactments, interviews with scholars and inspiring witness stories, the documentary provides an opportunity to learn about Jesus’ foster father from a historical perspective and shows how devotion to him can be lifechanging.

The Prairie Catholic

Canon. 984 §1. A confessor is prohibited completely from using knowledge acquired from confession to the detriment of the penitent even when any danger of revelation is excluded. §2. A person who has been placed in authority cannot use in any manner for external governance the knowledge about sins which he has received in confession at any time. priest who hears the confession of a man who committed murder.

The priest, not being able to defend himself, is suspected and eventually charged with the murder himself and must undergo tremendous humiliations in order to protect the “Seal,” even to be arrested and put on trial, only to be vindicated when the murderer’s wife, seeing the mistreatment of the priest, intervenes to protect the priest. It is a good study of what a priest is taught that he must do in order to protect the “Seal,” to the point of suffering, imprisonment, or even death.

Next Issue: What is an indulgence? For whom can an indulgence be offered? Why are they not spoken of more often?

Do you have a question regarding canon law that you would like to see answered here? E-mail The Prairie Catholic at cclancy@dnu. org. In the subject area indicate “Ask a canon lawyer.”

Fr. Mark Steffl is a canon lawyer and serves as judicial vicar of the diocesan Office of the Tribunal.

End of an era

Knights of Columbus documentary on St. Joseph available for viewing online NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The newest Knights of Columbus documentary film, St. Joseph: Our Spiritual Father, is now available at www.kofc.org to coincide with the end of the Year of St. Joseph (Dec. 8, 202 - Dec. 8, 2021). Produced to increase devotion to the foster father of Jesus, protector of the Holy Family and patron of the Church, the film premiered on ABC affiliates across the United States this fall.

Canon. 983 §1. The sacramental seal is inviolable; therefore it is absolutely forbidden for a confessor to betray in any way a penitent in words or in any manner and for any reason. §2. The interpreter, if there is one, and all others who in any way have knowledge of sins from confession are also obliged to observe secrecy.

Final Mass celebrated at St. Malachy

but nonetheless went about his daily life and work with honesty and reliability.”

The documentary, along with a facts and discussion guide and other resources,is posted at kofc. org/stjoseph.

Become a Knight There are 38 Knights of Columbus Councils in the Diocese of New Ulm. Membership is open to males 18 years of age or older who are practicing Catholics.

CLONTARF, Minn. – Due to membership decline and the shortage of priests, parishioners of the Church of St. Malachy in Clontarf gathered on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, to celebrate Mass for one last time in their church that was built in 1896.

Mass celebrants were Monsignor Douglas Grams, administrator of the diocese and parish pastor Fr. Jeremy Kucera. In 2016, Bishop Emeritus John M. LeVoir celebrated the last weekend Mass with the St. Malachy congregation. Not until a new bishop is appointed to the Diocese of New Ulm will the parish be designated as officially closed.

(Photo submitted)

To join visit www.KofC/Joinus and complete the online form.

A Knight in your area will contact you.

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December 2021

around the diocese

St. Mary’s parishioner writes inspiring children’s book

NCYC helps teens grow in their faith

by Katie Ballalatak Prairie Catholic correspondent NEW ULM – When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in April 2020, homebound people worldwide ventured to try new things. Gail Boe, a media assistant at Jefferson Elementary School library in New Ulm, authored her first children’s book. “Lettuce” features a walking, talking head of lettuce who encourages kids to do what they feel most comfortable doing. “Lettuce is an optimistic little head of lettuce who is trying to share his message with the world: Let us love US!” the book’s promo states.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Christine Pinto, director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry at the Jesus Our Living Water Area Faith Community (Willmar, Clara City, and Spicer), led a group of Diocese of New Ulm youth and chaperones to the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), an exciting, three-day experience of prayer, community, and empowerment for Catholic teenagers and their adult chaperones. This year the biannual gathering was held Nov. 18-20 in Indianapolis. The theme was “Ablaze - Enciende el Fuego.” The days were filled with general and concurrent sessions addressing a wide variety of topics including forgiveness, Catholic spirituality and prayer, global issues, sexuality, and leadership. There were also opportunities for liturgy and special activities such as concerts and exhibits. Diocese of New Ulm 2021 NCYC pilgrims are pictured front row, left, Ashley Grimsley, Shannon Cayler, Isaac Zelaya, Adam Palmer, Carter Herman, Matthew Cayler (laying), Connor Grimsley, Jorge Zelaya, and Rocio Meza Barejas. Middle row: Claudia Reyes, Fernanda Ossa, Heidi Kath, Ila Baumgart, Shayla Grimsley, Erika Pieper, Lauren Erickson, Ethan Caron, and Christine Pinto.

Back row: Jane Wagner, Josie Rohlik, Sophia Bollig, Emma Erickson, Elsa Dingmann, Edna Tena, Priscilla Tena, Sydney Thein, Alejandra Montes, and Curt Palmer.

(Photo submitted)

While the book was written just last year and officially released by Mascot Books on Aug. 3, 2021, Boe’s inspiration for the book dates back to when she was a kid.

“It came to me when I was in church, believe it or not,” says Boe. “The priest said, ‘Let us pray,’ and it just kind of struck me funny because it sounded more like ‘lettuce’ than ‘let us.’”

Reflecting back on that experience as an adult, Boe thought that would be a fun play on words and decided to write a children’s book.

Fantasy novel comes to life during NUACS November performance

Boe submitted her story to a few publishing houses that accepted unsolicited manuscripts. It wasn’t long before the senior acquisition editor at Mascot Books reached out, immediately intrigued by the book’s name and the encouraging story (that wasn’t actually about vegetables or gardening).

Over the past year, Boe has worked closely with her team at the publishing house to ensure the book was everything she expected. She especially dedicated time to collaborating with illustrator, Junica (a derivation of the names of two illustrators who formed a partnership), regarding the appearance of each page.

NEW ULM – In November, the New Ulm Area Catholic Schools (NUACS) theatre students performed their production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. According to play director Michael Koester, this year’s performance consisted of a very young cast and for many was the their first stage performance. The play is based on the fantasy novel by C.S. Lewis which tells the story of four siblings who by curiousity wander through an old wardrobe into the magical world of Narnia which is full of talking animals and other fantasy creatures that are ruled by an evil White Witch. Pictured, the cast of the NUACS production gather in costume on stage, back row, left, Jared Gleisner (Mr. Tumnus), Kate Pippert (Centaur), Shelby Guggisberg (White Stag), Elissa Ries (Aslan), Clare Fischer (Witch), Landon Klawitter (Fenris Ulf), Maddie Schreyer (Mrs. Beaver), and Owen Pyan (Mr. Beaver). Front row, left, Brennan Glawe (Edmund), Brendon Devries (Peter), Helen Fischer (Susan), and Teresa Fischer (Lucy).

(Photo by Clay Schuldt, New Ulm Journal)

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First-time author Gail (Wyffels) Boe, a native of Minneota, Minn. now residing in New Ulm, has written a book that inspires children.

(Photo submitted.)

“It was quite the undertaking, and it was eye-opening to me,” said Boe, thinking that the illustrator would create the art for each page.

“You have to be very descriptive about what you want. So, my one little manuscript turned into five and a half pages of descriptions.”

The result is a vibrant, colorful book with meaningful and purposeful illustrations on each page. “I could go through the whole book and tell you why I put something there,” says Boe. “For example, Lettuce – his blue shoes and his baseball cap is because my son’s favorite color is blue, and he loves baseball.”

Boe hopes that when kids read the book, whether by themselves, in class, or with their parents, they notice that all the characters have a different interest. “I hope they realize that whatever they want to do is okay,” she continues. “You don’t have to be like everyone else. You are encouraged to be as you are. Be proud of your differences and what you love to do.”

To purchase a copy of “Lettuce” visit www.mascotbooks.com or Amazon.com.

Archbishop Lori. “Dobbs v.

Jackson Women’s Health could change that.”

WASHINGTON – Dobbs v.

Jackson Women’s Health Organization, an appeal from Mississippi, is a case argued before the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) on Dec.1, 2021.

ban on most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The ban was struck down by a federal District Court in Mississippi in 2018 and upheld a year later by the New Orleans-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit.

On the same day the court heard oral arguments, Archbishop William E. Lori, the chairman of the United States Bishops’ ProLife Committee, urged Catholics, people of other faiths, and all people of goodwill to unite in prayer that the U.S. Supreme Court will overturn Roe v. Wade in its eventual ruling on Mississippi’s

The Mississippi law is being challenged by the state’s only abortion facility, the Jackson Women’s Health Organization. It’s the first major abortion case the court has heard in decades.

“In the United States, abortion takes the lives of over 600,000 babies every year,” said

“We pray that the court will do the right thing and allow states to once again limit or prohibit abortion, and in doing so protect millions of unborn children and their mothers from this painful, life-destroying act,” he added. “We invite all people of goodwill to uphold the dignity of human life by joining us in prayer and fasting for this important case.”

The court’s ruling is expected in July of 2022. If the ban is upheld it possibly also could overturn Roe v. Wade and send the abortion

issue back to the states to decide abortion laws.

In the meantime, the U.S. bishops direct the faithful to visit www. prayfordobbs.com for Catholic and ecumenical prayers and resources for community engagement and action.

BALTIMORE - At the November meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops held Nov. 15-18, the bishops assigned a September 5 feast date to St. Teresa of Kolkata as an optional memorial on the U.S. liturgical calendar.

They also approved that the

sainthood causes of three laypeople: Auguste Robert “Nonco” Pelafigue, Charlene Richard, and Joseph Dutton should be advanced by their respective dioceses.

The bishops were also invited to a national Church gathering in Chicago in June with young Catholics to dialogue about faith and issues of culture, racism, and inclusion.

In addition, the bishops heard an update on “Walking with Moms in Need,” where parishes connect with pregnant or parenting mothers in need with life-affirming assistance.

The Prairie Catholic staff wish all our readers a Blessed Advent and Christmas Season and a joyous New Year.