Minnesota’s Most Rural Diocese Diocese of New Ulm Vol. 39 No. 3 December 2024
(photo submitted)
Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Patroness of the Americas), celebrated each year on December 12, is a traditional celebration in the Church, especially for the Hispanic Christian faithful. The Church of St. Philip in Litchfield honored Our Lady on December 8, the Second Sunday of Advent, with a procession led by an image of Our Lady and a Mass celebrated in Spanish by Bishop Chad Zielinski. The celebration also featured a performance by the Matachines of St. Pius X in Glencoe in the church social hall following Mass. These dancers, adorned in bright red outfits bearing the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and hundreds of noise-making shells, danced in honor of the Virgin Mary. The traditional dance group has been part of the Guadalupe celebrations in the Diocese of New Ulm for the past 23 years.
On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis will commence a centuries-long Catholic tradition and introduce a first-time, historical addition to the holy ritual. Starting on Dec. 24, the pontiff will open a series of five Holy Doors throughout the Vatican to commence next year’s Catholic Church jubilee — a joyful commemoration of faith that normally occurs every 25 years. (See special report, page 6.)
Diocesan Ethics Conference brings message of Eucharistic hope to the dark areas of life and law in Minnesota
by Deacon Ryan Pope Prairie Catholic correspondent
SLEEPY EYE, Minn. – “If you are not at the table, you’re on the menu,” warned Jason Adkins, the Executive Director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, emphasizing the crucial role of participation in ethical discussions during his presentation at the Diocese of New Ulm-sponsored Ethics Conference held on Oct. 12, 2024, at Schoenstatt on the Lake in Sleepy Eye. Adkin’s comment was in reference to the Physicians-Assisted Suicide Bill that was up for debate during the 2024 legislative session.
Adkins represents the political voice of the Catholic bishops of Minnesota. He talked about how “We have a responsibility … to
create wellbeing and justice for all our neighbors. And physicianassisted suicide ‘turns medical care from healing and restoring to killing.’”
“We are stewards of the gift of life because our life is not our own,” he noted, adding from Pope Benedict XVI, “Every life is a thought in the mind of God.”
Adkins and two other presenters, licensed therapist James Otremba and pro-life advocate Judy Haag were invited to speak at the annual event. Through presentation and discussion, the conference aims to provide the members of the diocese with education and resources concerning moral and ethical issues that challenge the Christian faithful as a society here in Minnesota and beyond, as well as current trends in our Church and world. It also serves as a platform for area healthcare professionals to receive ongoing education, professional support, and networking amongst their fellow healthcare colleagues.
This year’s conference delved into two crucial ethical issues that have sparked intense debate in the 2024 Minnesota State legislature: physician-assisted suicide and the passing of the Equal Rights Amendment. Both topics, as Bishop Chad Zielinski of New Ulm highlighted in his homily during the conference’s opening Mass, are “two dark areas in Minnesota’s legislative agenda, both of which use perceived good to perpetuate the darkness of terror and evil.”
Physician-assisted suicide legislation is gaining traction. Adkins’s presentation referenced healthcare in general and that healthcare professionals are called to be good stewards of life. “Everyone has the right to receive care and refuse care that is extraordinary and disproportionate,” Adkins said. “We need to embrace the ordinary and proportionate. Sending someone home with a bottle of pills is not compassion and choices; it is abandonment,” he said, referring to the physicianassisted suicide bill.
Adkins explained that in a state [Minnesota] with some of the
best healthcare in the world, we propose promoting genuine care: palliative care, which is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. Unlike physician-assisted suicide, which ends life, palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. It’s about improving the quality of life for both the patient and the family.
In addition to the evils of choosing death over life, Adkins said, the legislation of physicianassisted suicide does not provide for a religious exemption and, therefore, forces all healthcare providers, even those opposed to this evil, to be forced to offer the option of suicide.
Equal Rights Amendment trumps religious liberty. Adkins also referenced the socalled Equal Rights Amendment, which he called the erosion of rights amendment. “This particular legislation,” he said, “is rooted in a different vision of the human person, a vision of subjective conception of self. It’s ‘my body, my choice,’ reiterated in gender choice.”
According to Adkins, having passed the Minnesota House of Representatives, this amendment has substantial backing but is said to be “unnecessary and specifically evil to the Church.”
“We already have antidiscrimination and religious liberty in federal law, but this proposed state amendment simply trumps religious liberty, so judges have a new tool to enforce new forms of discrimination,” Adkins said.
The light of Eucharistic hope. With an emphasis on fostering hope and peace in the face of darkness, James Otremba spoke to the Ethics Conference audience of the transformative power of the Eucharist as the “source and summit of our faith.”
Otremba holds a master’s in divinity and applied psychology. He is a licensed therapist who has practiced in Minnesota since 1996.
(Continued on page 11.)
Jason Adkins, Esq. Executive Director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference spoke about moral and ethical issues that challenge the Christian faithful as a society here in Minnesota and beyond during the annual diocesan-sponsored Ethics Conference in October.
(Photo by Deacon Ryan Pope)
by Bishop Chad W. Zielinski
The Heart: A Sanctuary of Peace
On November 24, the Church celebrated the Solemnity of Christ the King, a profound feast that not only marks the end of the liturgical year but also proclaims Christ’s universal kingship. The Gospel focused on Christ the King before Pontius Pilate. Jesus declared that his kingdom was not of this world and Pontius Pilate did not understand that Jesus’ kingdom can only be found within our hearts.
Pontius Pilate represented a Roman rule/kingdom of domination, oppression, and power. In contrast, Jesus speaks of a kingdom that is present in his person (Luke 17:20-21) When asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, he said in reply, “The coming of the kingdom of God
PTHERA RIE CATHOLIC
The Prairie Catholic, the official newspaper for the Diocese of New Ulm since May 1972, is published every six weeks, Sept.–June.
Publisher: Bishop Chad W. Zielinski
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 Bishop’s Column: That they may have life
cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the kingdom of God is among you.”
This concept, often translated as ‘The kingdom of God is within you,’ is a profound spiritual truth. It signifies that the reign of God is not a distant reality but present.
Paul in Romans 14:17 points to the inner sanctuary of the person where we encounter the living presence of Christ, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
As the liturgical year comes to a close, the Church has intentionally invited us to focus on being co-workers with Jesus Christ to establish his kingdom here and now. She also declares that he will return one day in great glory and power as he promised, which we profess in the Nicene Creed every Sunday.
Entering into Advent
The Solemnity of Christ the King postures us to enter Advent, a time of profoundly reflective preparation for the coming of Christ, born into our world on December 25 and born anew into our hearts and homes.
On October 24, Pope Francis released a new encyclical, Dilexit Nos (“He Loved Us”), calling for a renewed understanding of
devotion to the Sacred Heart in the modern era and its many pressing challenges. The Holy Father writes: “Living as we do in an age of superficiality, rushing frenetically from one thing to another without really knowing why, and ending up as insatiable consumers and slaves to the mechanisms of a market unconcerned about the deeper meaning of our lives, all of us need to rediscover the importance of the heart.” The document is the first papal encyclical dedicated entirely to the Sacred Heart since Pope Pius XII’s Haurietis Aquas in 1956.
The Holy Father’s encyclical explains how contemporary society is confused about the ancient Hebrew understanding of the image of the heart. How often do we see heart symbols pop up on a text or social media chat, symbolizing an agreement with a statement or a simple “like” as different colored hearts fill the screen?
The ancient Hebrew word “leb” is translated as “heart.” It reflects the core of one’s being rather than just a seat of emotions or a fleeting feeling. It symbolizes the person’s deeper inner recesses, including intellect, faith, will, reason, and determination. We are reminded of this understanding from the Prophet Joel 2:12-13, “…return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your
garments, and return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment.” There is a personal invitation from the Lord for a reordering of the heart, a call to each of us to transform our hearts. Over the past several months, as the political campaign machine accelerated with ads while Election Day approached, I have sadly witnessed that many hearts were filled with anger, division, and hatred. This is not the divine design of the human heart. “The heart is also the locus of sincerity, where deceit and disguise have no place” (Dilexit Nos 5).
Advent is the perfect season to turn our hearts back into a sanctuary of peace, as Pope Francis’s encyclical prompts us. I truly believe that Advent is an invitation to contemplate the image of the Sacred Heart of Christ. It is a time to ask the Holy Spirit to enter into our hearts and shed light on those things that have crowded out joy, peace, and love.
During this Advent season, let us embrace the transformative power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This sacred act cleanses and purifies our hearts, igniting a fervent desire to draw closer to Christ, especially in the Holy Eucharist. As we create a sanctuary of peace within ourselves, the outpouring of joy and love will naturally flow into
our homes and communities. This is profoundly transformative and hopeful.
The Holy Father’s encyclical reminds us that through this change of heart, we can make present the Kingdom of God. (Dilexit Nos #28) The pope emphasizes, “It is only by starting from the heart that our communities will succeed in uniting and reconciling differing minds and wills so that the Spirit can guide us in unity as brothers and sisters. Reconciliation and peace are also born of the heart. The heart of Christ is ‘ecstasy,’ openness, gift, and encounter. In that heart, we learn to relate to one another in wholesome and happy ways and build up in this world God’s Kingdom of love and justice. Our hearts, united with the heart of Christ, are capable of working this social miracle.”
Please consider opening your heart to receive the transformative healing of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a gift that bears great fruit. This will be the greatest Christmas gift you can give Christ and your family, filling you with a profound sense of joy and upliftment.
Editor’s note: The bishop’s upcoming schedule is online. Visit www.dnu.org/bishop.
Recap of U.S. bishops’ fall plenary assembly in Baltimore
BALTIMORE – The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) convened for their fall plenary assembly in Baltimore, Nov. 11-14, 2024. The bishops, in a significant and spiritually uplifting start, initiated their plenary with a solemn prayer at the Baltimore Basilica. As the public session of the assembly commenced, they conveyed a message to the Holy Father, which was followed by an address from Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio to the United States.
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the USCCB, also shared his thoughts with the bishops.
Attending the plenary as a special guest was Bishop Stepan Sus,
auxiliary and curial bishop to the head of the Ukrainian GreekCatholic Metropolitan of KyivHalych, who shared his testimony of the Church in Ukraine in the midst of war. Bishop Roy E. Campbell, auxiliary bishop of Washington and president of the National Black Catholic Congress (NBCC), gave a brief presentation to the body on the history, mission, and programs of
the NBCC. And as the universal Catholic Church prepares to celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025, Sister Maria Juan Anderson, a Religious Sister of Mercy of Alma, Mich., who currently serves as the coordinator for the Bishops’ Office for United States Visitors to the Vatican, shared information about her office and the services they provide to pilgrims visiting Rome. Mr. Patrick Kelly, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, provided an update on the Order’s Cor initiative.
The bishops received a report on the 2021-2024 Synod of Bishops that concluded in Rome last month; a report on the Eucharistic revival initiative and the National Eucharistic Congress held this summer; and an update on
the interim implementation of Antiquum Ministerium (on the ministry of the catechist).
An update was also given on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) as a follow-up to the bishops’ discussion at their June plenary on the best way for the CCHD to continue the vital work of fighting poverty. The bishops’ migration committee chairman gave an update on the work of the committee, which aims to help reshape the national narrative on migration to be more welcoming and responsive to the needs of migrants and to help the faithful better understand Catholic
(Continued on page 3.)
Miller joins diocesan staff as director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
by Christy Baker
The Prairie Catholic
NEW ULM – Bishop Chad Zielinski has appointed Luke Miller as the Diocese of New Ulm’s new director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. He officially began his work for the diocese on Nov. 4, 2024.
Miller’s passion for youth ministry is evident in his wealth of experience. Since 2018, he has been a counselor at the diocesansponsored summer youth camps – Camp Greatness and Camp Beloved. He has also volunteered with COR and its predecessor, the Diocesan Youth Council, since the fall of 2022.
Miller’s personal journey has deeply impacted his faith. He holds philosophy and Catholic studies degrees from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. He was in the seminary for the Diocese of New Ulm (2018-2022) until he discerned a different vocation. The seminary experience, he believes, has helped form his faith, which he is eager to share with the youth of the diocese.
“Knowing my identity as a beloved son of our Heavenly Father has been life-changing for
As new director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Luke Miller is eager to share his faith with the youth of the diocese.
me,” said Miller. “This knowledge came through many avenues, like my parents, priests, and seminary, but it was mainly taught to me by Jesus in prayer. I want to help Jesus teach our youth that they are beloved sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father because it is this knowledge that sets our hearts ablaze with love for him.”
The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry offers a variety of outreach programs to the diocesan youth to help them grow in their faith, including COR, COR Night,
(Photo by Christy Baker)
The next event offered by the office is COR Night on Feb. 23, 2025, featuring Connor Flanagan speaking on “Finding your Calling.” This event promises to be an inspiring and enlightening evening for youth and young adults throughout the diocese.
Visit www.dnu.org/cor-night or call (507) 233-5327 for more information or to register.
U.S. Bishops’ fall meeting
(Continued from page 2.)
teaching on migration. A presentation was also given on the resources available for diocesan and parish leaders in applying the Vatican’s declaration, Dignitas Infinita (on human dignity) to the specific cultural context of the United States; this effort is an ongoing collaboration among several committees of the USCCB.
Exemplifying synodality, the bishops actively participated in a table discussion during the public session on the pastoral implementation of integral ecology and Laudato si’ which demonstrated their deep commitment to these issues and their collaborative approach. They were provided with prompts to discuss how best to mark the tenth anniversary of Laudato si’
The bishops, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the Church’s mission, approved the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth to move forward with the drafting of a document to guide lay ecclesial ministry. This document, a followup to the bishops’ 2005 document, Coworkers in the Vineyard of the Lord, was passed with 223 votes in favor, 9 votes against, and 6 abstentions.
The bishops also held a consultation on advancing the causes for beatification and canonization for two women: Sr. Annella Zervas, a professed religious of the Order of Saint Benedictor and a native of Moorhead, Minn. (Diocese of Crookston) and the Servant of God, Dr. Gertrude Agnes Barber, a lay woman. The bishops affirmed their support for the advancement of the cause of beatification and canonization at the local level for both women.
A new treasurer and new chairmen of five standing committees were voted on during the assembly. All six elected bishops will serve for one year as the chairman-elect before beginning a three-year term that starts at the conclusion of the bishops’ 2025 Plenary Assembly.
More about the fall assembly, texts of addresses and presentations, and other materials from the 2024 fall plenary assembly are posted at www.usccb.org/meetings.
Knights surpass one hundred million RSVP program milestone
The Knights Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP) helps cover expenses during priestly and religious formation, while strengthening bonds with parishes, councils, and communities.
On November 8, 2024, the Knights of Columbus, one of the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organizations, proudly announced its significant contribution to the future of the Catholic Church. With a total of more than $100 million channeled through its Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP), the Knights are collectively helping to shape the journey of seminarians, postulants, and novices.
Through RSVP, every $500 a local council provides to a seminarian or religious life aspirant is incentivized by a refund of $100
from the Knights’ Supreme Council, up to $400 for $2,000 donated.
This year, the local Knights of Columbus Councils within the Diocese of New Ulm have once again shown their dedication to the RSVP program. To date, they have reported raising over $16,000, with the Montevideo council leading the way with $2,500 and the Marshall and New Ulm councils each contributing $2,000.
The RSVP program, a cornerstone of the Knights of Columbus’ mission, was launched in 1981. It was designed to provide comprehensive support, including financial, moral, and spiritual, to men and women pursuing religious vocations.
The program not only helps cover the expenses incurred during formation but also requires
councils to provide non-financial support, such as correspondence and personal visits to the seminary or religious residence. Their longstanding commitment and efforts are a testament to the Knights’
dedication to nurturing the next generation of priests and religious.
“For more than 40 years, RSVP has supported tens of thousands of men and women as they answer the Lord’s call to serve the Church
and the people of God,” said Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly. He continued, “Our support for vocations speaks to the love Knights of Columbus have for the Eucharist, our parishes, and the Church.”
The RSVP and other vocation scholarships are the Knights’ way of ‘paying it forward’ and supporting the future leaders of the Catholic community, Kelly said.
Become a Knight
Membership is open to males 18 years of age or older who are practicing Catholics. To join visit www.KofC/Joinus and complete the online form. A Knight in your area will contact you.
Totus Tuus, and summer camps.
To date, Knights of Columbus in 29 local councils serving the Diocese of New Ulm have contributed to the RSVP, a program that has donated $100 million to support seminarians, religious postulants, and novices. (Photo by Christine Clancy)
por Bishop Chad Zielinski
El Corazón: Un Santuario de Paz
El 24 de noviembre, la Iglesia celebró la Solemnidad de Cristo Rey, una fiesta profunda que no solo marca el final del año litúrgico, sino que también proclama la realeza universal de Cristo. El Evangelio se centró en Cristo Rey ante Poncio Pilato. Jesús declaró que su reino no era de este mundo, y Pilato no comprendió que el reino de Jesús solo puede encontrarse en nuestros corazones.
Poncio Pilato representaba un reino romano basado en la dominación, la opresión y el poder. En contraste, Jesús habla de un reino presente en su persona (Lucas 17:2021). Cuando los fariseos le preguntaron cuándo vendría el Reino de Dios, él respondió:
“La venida del Reino de Dios no se puede observar, y nadie dirá: ‘Mírenlo aquí, mírenlo allá.’ Porque, sepan, el Reino de Dios está entre ustedes.” Este concepto, a menudo traducido como “El Reino de Dios está dentro de ustedes,” es una verdad espiritual profunda. Significa que el reinado de Dios no es una realidad distante, sino que está presente.
Pablo, en Romanos 14:17, señala el santuario interior de la persona donde encontramos la presencia viva de Cristo: “El Reino de Dios no es cuestión de comida o bebida, sino de justicia, paz y gozo en el Espíritu Santo.”
Al concluir el año litúrgico, la Iglesia nos invita a colaborar con Jesucristo para establecer su reino aquí y ahora. También proclama que él regresará un día en gloria y poder, como prometió y como profesamos cada domingo en el Credo de Nicea Entrando en el Adviento La Solemnidad de Cristo Rey nos prepara para entrar
Para que tengan vida
en el Adviento, un tiempo de preparación reflexiva para la llegada de Cristo, nacido en nuestro mundo el 25 de diciembre y renacido en nuestros corazones y hogares.
El 24 de octubre, el Papa Francisco publicó una nueva encíclica, Dilexit Nos (“Nos Amó”), llamando a una renovación de la devoción al Sagrado Corazón en la era moderna y sus muchos desafíos apremiantes. El Santo Padre escribe: “Vivimos en una época de superficialidad, corriendo frenéticamente de una cosa a otra sin realmente saber por qué, terminando como consumidores insaciables y esclavos de los mecanismos de un mercado que no se preocupa por el sentido más profundo de nuestras vidas. Todos necesitamos redescubrir la importancia del corazón.”
Este documento es la primera encíclica papal dedicada enteramente al Sagrado Corazón desde la Haurietis Aquas de Pío XII en 1956.
La encíclica explica cómo la sociedad contemporánea está confundida sobre la antigua comprensión hebrea del corazón. Hoy en día, vemos símbolos de corazones en mensajes de texto o redes sociales, representando un acuerdo o un simple “me gusta,” llenando la pantalla de corazones de diferentes colores.
El término hebreo “leb” se traduce como “corazón.” Refleja el núcleo del ser, no solo el asiento de las emociones o sentimientos fugaces. Representa lo más profundo de una persona: su intelecto, fe, voluntad, razón y determinación. El profeta Joel nos recuerda esta comprensión: “Vuelvan a mí de todo corazón, con ayuno, llantos y lamentos. Desgarren su corazón, no sus vestiduras, y vuelvan al Señor su Dios, porque él es bondadoso y compasivo, lento para la ira y rico en amor, y se arrepiente del castigo” (Joel 2:12-13). Es una invitación personal del Señor a reordenar el corazón, un llamado a transformar nuestras vidas desde lo más profundo.
Durante los últimos meses, mientras las campañas políticas se intensificaban y se acercaba el día de las elecciones, he visto
tristemente corazones llenos de ira, división y odio. Este no es el diseño divino del corazón humano: “El corazón es también el lugar de la sinceridad, donde no hay lugar para el engaño ni la falsedad” (Dilexit Nos 5).
El Adviento es la temporada perfecta para convertir nuestros corazones en un santuario de paz, como nos invita la encíclica del Papa Francisco. Creo firmemente que este tiempo es una invitación a contemplar la imagen del Sagrado Corazón de Cristo. Es el momento para pedir al Espíritu Santo que ilumine nuestro corazón y revele aquello que ha desplazado la alegría, la paz y el amor.
Durante este Adviento, abracemos el poder transformador del Sacramento de la Reconciliación. Este acto sagrado purifica nuestro corazón, despertando un deseo ardiente de acercarnos a Cristo, especialmente en la Eucaristía. Al convertir nuestro corazón en un santuario de paz, la alegría y el amor se derramarán en nuestros hogares y comunidades, produciendo una transformación profunda y esperanzadora.
La encíclica del Santo Padre nos recuerda que, a través de este cambio de corazón, podemos hacer presente el Reino de Dios (Dilexit Nos #28). El Papa enfatiza: “Solo partiendo del corazón nuestras comunidades lograrán unirse y reconciliar mentes y voluntades diferentes, permitiendo que el Espíritu nos guíe en unidad como hermanos y hermanas. La reconciliación y la paz también nacen del corazón. El corazón de Cristo es ‘éxtasis,’ apertura, don y encuentro. En ese corazón, aprendemos a relacionarnos de manera sana y feliz, y a construir el Reino de amor y justicia de Dios en este mundo. Nuestros corazones, unidos al de Cristo, pueden obrar este milagro social.”
Consideremos abrir nuestro corazón para recibir la sanación transformadora del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, un regalo que da grandes frutos. Este será el mayor regalo de Navidad que podremos ofrecer a Cristo y a nuestra familia, llenándonos de una alegría profunda y duradera.
Diocese represented at national conference in Miami
by Catholic News Agency
MIAMI, Fla. – For the attendees at this year’s conference of the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry (NCADDHM), effective Hispanic ministry has become part of the lifeblood of the Catholic Church.
The 2024 annual conference took place in Miami Oct. 8-11, 2024. This year’s conference was especially important as it was in conjunction with the Eucharistic Revival and the Synod [on Synodality], referring to the 16th General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops that occurred in Rome in October. “The synod is calling for communion, participation, and mission. This conference was a concrete way of communicating with each other about how to do this in our areas,” said Fr. Brian McWeeney, director of Ethnic Apostolates in the Archdiocese of New York.
This year’s theme, “Pathways to Unity from a Synodal Experience,” was intended to “respond to the signs of the times,” as NCADDHM President Ignacio Rodríguez put it. Since synodality emphasizes conversation, Rodríguez said the conference is a place “to share resources, to [enable us to] hear from them firsthand, to help equip them with the right language –so when they go back to their communities, they can better respond to their reality.”
Approximately 200 professionals from 65 dioceses converged in Miami for the conference, which ran with synodality in mind. Speakers from throughout the nation discussed topics related to synodality and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) updated 2023 National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry. Presentations were on a wide range of topics, including ministering to young adults, people with disabilities, immigrants, people with same-sex attraction, and more.
During the “Synodality Through Discernment in the Light of the Gospel” panel on Oct. 9, Alejandro Aguilera-Titus pointed out Hispanic culture’s unique lens regarding the Catholic faith. In doing so, he cited one of the bishops’ statements about Hispanic culture found in the pastoral plan.
“The beauty of our faith, our dynamic involvement in ecclesial movements, our authentic Marian devotion, our Catholic culture, our love for the family — those things have been said many times — but there is something else that they [the USCCB] told us for the first time,” said Aguilera-Titus, who is the lead staff for Hispanic/Latino ministry at the USCCB.
“They said that, by the mysterious ways of God, God has wanted you, the Hispanic/Latino people, to be missionaries to the Church of the United States,” Aguilera-Titus emphasized.
In other words, although the pastoral plan is aimed at serving Hispanics in particular, the Church in the United States has discovered a paradoxical effect: These efforts to serve Hispanics have the potential to enhance the entire Church – to make it better attuned to Christ.
“As we often do from the peripheries of the Church, we are transforming the Church,” AguileraTitus said, “because we see Jesus as the center. That makes it possible for us to be more disposed to creating a Church of communion within the cultural and human diversity of our brothers and sisters in this great nation of the United States.”
Palma invited to speak at conference
Anisabel Palma, the director of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of New Ulm was invited by NCADDHM to serve as a panelist and speaker during breakout sessions at this year’s conference where she addressed the challenges she encounters in Hispanic ministry here in the Diocese of New Ulm. They include Hispanic population growth, clergy shortage, lack of cultural experience of clergy and lay leadership, lack of bilingual lay employees, theological training, and Hispanic lay leadership and volunteers.
To learn more about the Office of Hispanic ministry in the diocese, contact Palma at (507) 233-5302; apalma@dnu.org.
faith life
Longtime pastor, faithful servant, mentor, and friend passes at age 86
by Fr. Mark Steffl, vicar general Diocese of New Ulm
By the time Monsignor John Richter retired from active priestly ministry, he estimated that he had celebrated at least 30,000 Masses and delivered as many homilies, a feat that echoes his firm commitment to his calling. He once said, “Homilies really flow from our prayer life. They come from reflection, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you.” These words echo his deep understanding of priestly ministry and continue to inspire all who knew him.
A native of Bird Island, Minn., Monsignor Richter was born in 1938. He would have turned 87 in January. Diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, he passed away on October 23 while under hospice care at the Divine Providence Community Home/Lake Villa Maria in Sleepy Eye. This was the same place where he had left an indelible mark, serving as chaplain there since his retirement from parish ministry in 2017. His absence will be deeply felt.
In his early years, Monsignor Richter was raised in what today would be called a “blended family.” Both his mother (Clara) and father (William) had been previously married, and each of their spouses had died at young ages and with young children. After their marriage, they had six children together, the future priest being the fourth child of the six.
In clerical circles, he might be called a “lifer,” meaning he began preparing for the priesthood at a young age. In 1952, while in the ninth grade, he attended Nazareth Hall, a high school preparatory seminary in St. Paul, Minn., before moving on to the Saint Paul Seminary (1958-1964), where he earned a bachelor of arts in history.
He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of New Ulm on Feb. 22, 1964, by Bishop Alphonse J. Schladweiler at his home parish of St. Mary in Bird Island. Once quoted as saying he initially felt the call of the priesthood at his First Communion, Monsignor Richter credits the priests and religious in his home parish with significantly inspiring his priestly vocation.
As a new priest, his first assignment was as associate pastor of the Cathedral of the Holy
Trinity in New Ulm, where he would eventually serve as rector for 13 years (2002-2015).
His most extended assignment was at the Church of St. Mary in Sleepy Eye, where he served for 16 years (1982-1998). There, he was known for bringing Perpetual Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament to the parish, a first in the diocese. This Eucharistic devotion has continued at the parish (with a brief COVID-19 pandemic interruption) since it started on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, 1998.
A pastor of souls
Each spring and fall, the diocese hosts a clergy gathering. As part of the agenda, time is given to recognize priests who have or will be marking significant priestly anniversaries. The year he was to be recognized for his 60th anniversary of ordination, Monsignor Richter could not be present. Since I had served beside him for several years, one year as a young deacon and another four years as his assistant at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, I was asked to speak on his behalf.
I spoke about how Monsignor taught me some important lessons about being generous with my time and availability, in words and everything that stewardship as a priest would involve. He also taught me a very broad understanding of what it means to serve as it relates to the priesthood. His understanding of service extended beyond the church walls, as he was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need in the community, showing that priesthood is not just a job but a way of life.
There are many things about being a “pastor of souls” that the seminary cannot teach. I learned many of these important lessons by observing how Monsignor Richter interacted with parishioners and how he provided priestly leadership. I told my brother priests, “Everything I have been successful at I attribute to what I learned from Monsignor Richter.”
In February, Monsignor Richter celebrated 60 years of priesthood. It was a priesthood of continuous pastoral work, always directly in the care of souls, which is the heart of the priesthood.
In recognition of his many years of service, Bishop Chad Zielinski
from
of his legacy is that in 1998, he brought
on October 23,
Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament (the first of its kind in the diocese) to the Church of St. Mary in Sleepy Eye where he served for 16 years. (Photos submitted)
offered a Mass of Thanksgiving on February 22 at the Church of St. Mary in Sleepy Eye. When I first mentioned the idea of a 60th anniversary Mass to Monsignor Richter, his profound humility and selflessness shone through. He was initially against the idea, but I was able to change his mind when I jokingly told him, “We are doing it, and it was up to you to show up or not!” Luckily, he warmed up to the idea.
In his homily, the bishop noted that Monsignor Richter explicitly asked him to preach about the beauty of the priesthood and avoid any personal references to the occasion of his jubilee.
Honoring this request, the bishop referenced one of Pope Francis’s talks to seminarians about a vocation to the priesthood: “This vocation does not belong to you. It belongs to the Church, and the Church, the Bride of Christ, is inviting you to lay down your life in service to the faithful of God.”
“Our ‘yes,” Bishop Zielinski said, “is not rooted in our own will, and when we think it is, we will be humbled. The beautiful thing is that we have Mary, the mother of priests, wanting us to join our ‘yes’ to her ‘yes.’ May it be done to me according to your word. . .’”
(Luke 1:38)
The bishop concluded his homily by expressing his deep gratitude, thanking Monsignor Richter for being a good and faithful servant of Jesus Christ and a brother priest. “Our diocese is changed and blessed as you joined your ‘yes’ to Mary and Jesus,” the bishop said.
Monsignor Richter felt a strong calling to become a priest from a very young age, recognizing early on in life his future path as a faithful servant to God’s people.
Monsignor Richter’s pastoral service extended to numerous parishes throughout the diocese
In the Diocese of New Ulm, Monsignor Richter served the parish communities of New Ulm (Cathedral of the Holy Trinity with teaching duties at Cathedral High School), Hutchinson, Montevideo, Madison, Canby, Sleepy Eye (while also serving as superintendent of St. Mary's Catholic School and chaplain of Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye), Wabasso, Seaforth, Lucan, Wanda, and Searles.
He served as rector of Cathedral in New Ulm from 2002 to 2015, at which time he became senior associate pastor at the Cathedral and also assisted in Holy Cross Area Faith Community (New Ulm, Searles, Lafayette, West Newton Township).
Monsignor Richter would be the first to admit that it was always his sincere hope that he had made a positive impact on the parish communities he served and the people in it. “It was my desire to help you get a little closer to God and, above all, to help you to get to Heaven,” he once was quoted as saying.
On Sept. 14, 2005, he was named chaplain to His Holiness with the title of “Monsignor” by Pope Benedict XVI.
Auf Wiedersehen Monsignor Richter. “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” (The Requiem Prayer)
Editor’s note: A notice of Monsignor’s death and a biographical overview of his pastoral service to the Diocese of New Ulm was published in the October/November 2024 Prairie Catholic. Visit www.dnu.org/ communications.
At the time Monsignor was transitioning into retirement, rather than bidding “goodbye” to his parishioners of the Cathedral and the surrounding parishes in the Holy Cross Area Faith Community where he had last served, he instead chose the German phrase Auf Wiedersehen, which translates to “until we meet again.”
Monsignor John Richter passed away
cancer
2024. Part
Perpetual
Jubilee Year emphasizes the need for “hope” and “strength” Holy Father calls all Catholics to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’
by Christine Clancy
The Prairie Catholic
Pope Francis’ goal for the Jubilee Year 2025 is to offer pilgrims opportunities for reconciliation, indulgences, prayer, and reception of the sacraments in their parish and community.
On May 9, 2024, Pope Francis promulgated the decree, known as a “Bull of Indiction,” for the Jubilee Year 2025, which will begin with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024.
This tradition dates back to 1300 when Pope Boniface VIII instituted the first Holy Year. At that time, the Jubilee Years were celebrated every 100 years. Eventually, the interval was shortened to 25.
In the Papal Bull, Pope Francis said in this Jubilee Year, “We are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardship of any kind.”
The Holy Father emphasized the need for diplomacy to resolve the wars and armed conflicts around the world, called on leaders to address the needs of “the billions” of poor people in the world who lack food and water, and appealed – as Pope John Paul II did in Jubilee Year 2000 – for the
of the upcoming Jubilee Year and what opportunities will be offered.
Q. When will the Jubilee Year officially begin in the diocese?
A. United with dioceses worldwide, Bishop Zielinski will celebrate an Opening Rite and Mass on Dec. 29, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm, officially launching the 2025 Jubilee Year here in our diocese.
cancellation of the debts of poor countries and amnesty or pardon for prisoners.
The theme for the Jubilee Year that ends on Jan. 26, 2026, is “Pilgrims of Hope.” This hope, Pope Francis explained, “has nothing to do with mere human optimism or the ephemeral expectation of some earthly benefit.” It is “a gift daily bestowed upon us until the time when we will be one in the embrace of His love.”
The Holy Father desires that this Jubilee Year may provide an opportunity “to be renewed in hope” not only for the more than 30 million pilgrims who are expected to travel to Rome for the Jubilee but for the countless millions who, unable to do so, will celebrate it in their local churches or through pilgrimages to Marian shrines across the world.
He also presented the Jubilee Year as an opportunity for conversion, reconciliation with God through the Sacrament of Penance, obtaining indulgences through God’s mercy, renewing our faith and love through hope, and proclaiming God’s love to the many people suffering today.
Throughout the upcoming year, the Diocese of New Ulm will plan opportunities related to the Jubilee Year for the diocesan faithful. Leonard Gutierrez, director of the Office of Evangelization for the diocese, sat down with The Prairie Catholic for a Q&A in anticipation
The Mass will include reading a portion of the Papal Bull of Indiction Spes Non Confundit, a solemn procession into the Cathedral with the crucifix as the symbol of hope, followed by Holy Mass. Bishop Zielinski encourages all the faithful of the diocese to attend as we begin this year of grace for our diocese and the Universal Church.
Q. How can the faithful locally participate in the Jubilee Year and stay involved?
A. There will be several ways people can participate in the Jubilee Year here in the diocese. One way is through prayer. The diocesan Office of Worship is developing Behold, Your Mother, a 27-week prayer guide that will be available at the Opening Mass on December 29. The faithful are asked to start their first week of the Jubilee Year by praying and interceding for all of the souls of our diocese to receive the plentiful graces and renewed hope that the Church is offering.
This collective prayer will unite us all in our journey of faith. The weekly prayers will lead up to and conclude on June 29, 2025. For those unable to attend the Opening Mass, the prayer guide will be posted on the Diocese of New Ulm website, www.dnu.org where you can download it. It will also be available in audio on the website.
Walking pilgrimage: Another way to participate will be by taking part in a Diocese of New Ulm-sponsored walking pilgrimage, which is being coordinated by an Evangelization Committee appointed by Bishop Zielinski.
This eight-day pilgrimage will occur within the diocese, from the Feast of Corpus Christi on Sunday, June 22, 2025, through the Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul on June 29, 2025. Pilgrims will begin and end their walk at the Cathedral in New Ulm. As pilgrims walk from Area Faith Community (AFC) to Area Faith Community (route to be determined), they will pray for God to pour out his blessings upon the Christian faithful, our land, and our parishes so that all may encounter Christ anew.
Perpetual pilgrims will walk the approximately 100 miles over the span of eight days while the faithful will be invited to walk at their convenience, pray in unity with the Behold, Your Mother prayer guide, and join in the pilgrimage through various AFChosted holy hours, Masses, and more, during each night of the pilgrimage. As pilgrimage details progress, they will be posted on the Jubilee Year 2025 web page on the Diocese of New Ulm website, www.dnu.org.
Q. Will there be a gathering to celebrate the pilgrims’ eight-day perpetual pilgrimage?
A. Yes. On the final day of the pilgrimage, June 29, 2025, the diocese plans to host a large celebration for the faithful of the diocese to welcome home the pilgrims. More details about the celebration will be forthcoming, announced in parishes, and posted on the diocesan Jubilee Year web page as plans progress.
The Jubilee Prayer Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasurers of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever. Amen
As we approach the Jubilee Year of Hope, may we continue asking Our Lady to prepare our hearts to receive all the Lord has for our diocese during this privileged time of grace.
Editor’s note: Jubilee Year-related events in the diocese will be posted at www.dnu.org. Check back often for updates or call (507) 233-5320.
Within the Diocese of New Ulm, 89 Catholic cemeteries bear the rich history of this south and west central corner of Minnesota. These sacred grounds, established at the time that each parish was founded, stand as a testament to the Catholic faith and traditions.
As parishes have been merged over the last decades because of demographic changes, the care of these cemeteries becomes the responsibility of the newly merged parish (with the cemetery’s money remaining with the cemetery). With this, there are several parishes that have the care of multiple cemeteries, and the Diocesan Committee on Parishes has been working to make sure that these “final resting places” continue to be cared for in a way that is befitting of those who are buried there.
Each cemetery is administered by a committee that acts to advise the pastor of the parish and assists with the care and needs
on Parishes helps parishes plan for the
of the cemetery. Each cemetery committee should meet at least one time each year with the pastor to review the financial condition and expenditures of the cemetery.
Cemetery funds are always kept separate from the parish and maintain their own financial statements. The pastor and cemetery committee members have a fiduciary responsibility to the cemetery. Each cemetery has two separate funds: an operating fund and a perpetual care fund. The “operating fund” pays for expenses relating to the day-to-day care of the cemetery. The “perpetual care fund” is money set aside to be invested in a “perpetual” way in order to provide income on a yearly basis that can be added to the operating fund while leaving the “corpus” of the fund untouched so that it can continue to generate income.
In the Diocese of New Ulm, when a cemetery plot is purchased, 40% of the purchase price is to be added to the “perpetual care fund” to provide for the future of the cemetery.
future
The current goal of each cemetery is to have $25,000 set aside for each plotted acre. Because there is a wide discrepancy in how much each cemetery has for financial resources, the Committee on Parishes has taken up the task of looking into how to best prepare for the ongoing care of the cemeteries that we are responsible for.
The Committee on Parishes suggests a semi-annual second collection, once on Memorial Day
“Such a Place of Rest” - an Advent reflection
by Office of Worship Diocese of New Ulm
During this serene Advent season here in the diocese, we are surrounded by the peaceful tranquility of the winter. The earth slumbers, and for those who toil the fields, their hands find a season of respite. The snow descends in a hushed whisper, and many creatures seek refuge in the warmth of their shelters as we approach the coldest and darkest time of the year. And into this peaceful stillness, the Incarnate Word arrives. Where do we find this little one on Christmas? As we encounter nativity scene after nativity scene in yards, homes, and advertisements, perhaps we have become desensitized to the answer: He rests upon his Mother.
A popular Christmas hymn from the 1800s, dedicated to the Infant Jesus asleep” sings as a lullaby: “Sleep, holy Babe, Upon your Mother’s breast; Great Lord of earth and sea and sky. How sweet it is to see you lie, in such a place of rest!”
This place of rest that our Lord
takes up on Christmas Day, on the heart of his Mother, perhaps is the same that he came to bring us to.
God’s own rest
Throughout the Old Testament, we see all that God did to prepare his chosen people for the Messiah. As he led them to salvation, he intended for them to enter into his own rest (see Psalm 95). That end is at last accomplished through a chosen Virgin, and on Christmas, we behold in Mary’s arms “Christ... who humbled himself to share in our humanity” so that “we may share in [his] divinity” (Collect from Christmas Day Mass).
As we journey through Advent, we ready ourselves to welcome our Savior in a new light. In the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus beckons his disciples, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” On Christmas, Jesus comes to us, bringing a peace that this world cannot provide. In the Child Jesus and Mary, the Psalm is fulfilled: “But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother’s breast; like
a child that is quieted is my soul,” (Psalm 131:2).
Unfortunately, this time of year for many of us is marked by the busyness and noise of planning, ordering, hosting, and packaging. Amidst this activity, maybe the famous words of St. Augustine ring truer than ever: “Our hearts are restless, O Lord, until they rest in Thee.”
The rest that the world so desperately seeks comes to us and to our homes in the Person of Jesus Christ. He accomplishes this work par excellence in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. In the liturgy, we are placed, as children of grace, on the heart of our Mother the Church, and that of our Mother Mary to hear in the stillness what her heart is offering us. And what her heart offers us is just that – God’s own rest. If the Son of God, the “Great Lord of earth and sea and sky,” found rest exactly there, then we can also.
The silence of the Mass In Pope Benedict XVI’s esteemed work on the liturgy, “The Spirit of the Liturgy,” he underscores the
weekend and a second time on the Sunday closest to All Souls' Day (Nov 2nd) each year. This serves as an opportunity to contribute to the care of our cemeteries. If an individual would like to designate a contribution to a specific cemetery, they can indicate which cemetery the donation is to support.
Another suggestion is that cemeteries that are in particular financial need can send out a mailing asking for specific gifts.
significance of silence in the Mass and in our quest for this rest. “We respond, by singing and praying, to the God who addresses us, but the greater mystery, surpassing all words, summons us to silence.”
The silent moments of the Mass are not mere pauses where no one speaks but are designed to “give us a positive stillness that will restore us.” He goes on to say, “Such stillness... giving us an
Recently, this has been done for Calvary Cemetery in Marshall, raising in excess of $65,000 from donors.
Individual cemetery committees are encouraged to keep their plot prices competitive with other local cemeteries and to periodically raise the purchase cost of a plot to reflect the changes in cost of living and inflation.
Pastors of parishes are asked each year to provide a summary of the financial situation of each cemetery to the members of the parish and to make known any needs that the cemetery may have. Additionally, parishioners are also asked to prayerfully consider making a bequest to parish cemeteries as a way to provide for their future upkeep.
Editor’s note: Deacon Ken Noyes is the diocesan liaison for the diocesan Committee on Parishes and can be reached at knoyes@ dnu.org for questions or further information.
inward peace, [allows] us to draw breath and rediscover the one thing necessary, which we have forgotten.”
This Christmas, may we sit in this stillness that restores us. As we come to Mass, may we lean into the silence that our Mother is offering and, with Jesus, participate in the very rest of God himself.
family life
Meet Jesus in a new way Riverbend TEC retreats facilitate spiritual growth and personal encounter with Christ
by Christine Clancy The Prairie Catholic
NEW ULM – The Riverbend TEC Retreats (Together Encountering Christ) in the Diocese of New Ulm, a unique three-day Catholic retreat, have been a spiritual haven since 1977. With a special focus on the Paschal Mystery: the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, these retreats offer a distinctive spiritual experience.
With the support of New Ulm’s bishop, Chad Zielinski, the Riverbend TEC retreats are a testament to the Diocese’s commitment to strengthening the love for Christ. The late Bishop Raymond A. Lucker, the second bishop of New Ulm, once hailed the Riverbend TEC retreats as “The best ongoing evangelization process occurring in the Diocese of New Ulm.”
Teams leading the weekend include a priest and adults and teenagers who have experienced previous TEC weekends. The retreat format is a rich tapestry of music, learning, socializing, recreation, prayer experiences, Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Mass. Reflections will be given by team members, followed by group discussions and activities, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for all.
There are two upcoming opportunities to attend a Riverbend TEC weekend: Feb. 15-17, 2025, at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Winsted, and June 21-23, 2025, at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in Marshall.
Visit www.riverbendtec.org to register or email Andrea Gibbs, Riverbend TEC coordinator at andrealgibbs@gmail.com.
Give a voice to the voiceless!
Join thousands during annual Minnesota March for Life at the State Capitol in St. Paul
by Sr. Candace Fier, ISSM Diocesan Director of Family Life
ST. PAUL – As we look to the 2025 legislative session, we see a balance of power that has shifted from Democratic control in the wake of the extreme pro-abortion laws enacted in 2024. It’s crucial that we, as a united Catholic community, stand together. Join thousands of Minnesotans in St. Paul for a powerful public witness to the value of every human life.
On January 22, 2025, the Prayer Service for Life will begin at 10:30 am at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Following the Prayer Service, a march to the State Capitol will take place for the MCCL March for Life program on the Capitol steps starting at noon. This year’s March is a significant call for a bi-partisan working together in the House of Representatives for the good of all Minnesotans. Your participation is crucial.
Again featured at the March will be a unique and powerful visual commemoration of lives lost. The display on the Capitol steps
will be a solemn and impactful representation of the 12,000 unborn lives lost to abortion in Minnesota in 2022 alone. Each person at the March will have the opportunity to take a lifesize model of an unborn baby (provided by MCCL) and place it on the display, adding to the powerful visual statement.
When we join together as a prolife community, each one of us doing our part, we can build a culture that cherishes life.
FREE bus rides to March y Marshall area. The bus will
leave from Holy Redeemer in Marshall at 6:30 a.m. and make additional stops at St. Catherine in Redwood Falls at 7:15 a.m., St. Aloysius in Olivia at 7:45 a.m., St. Pius X in Glencoe at 8:30 a.m. Transporation to the March for Life is being sponsored by the area Council of Catholic Women and the Knights of Columbus. There is no cost to ride the bus. To reserve a spot on the bus, contact Lori Timmerman at (507) 4760070. Bring a sack lunch along.
y Holy Cross AFC. There will be a Mass for Life at 7 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in
New Ulm. Participants will board the bus at 7:45 a.m. and return to the Cathedral at 3 p.m. The bus is free to ride. Bring a sack lunch.
Note: The trip requires a 1/2 mile walk from the Cathedral of St. Paul to the Capitol. To reserve a spot on the bus, email cathedral@ holycrossafc.org, (507) 354-4158, or Kate Sloot at katesloot@icloud. com with any further questions.
y Spicer area (Our Living Water & Shepherd of Souls Area Faith Community) Bus will depart Our Lady of
the Lakes in Spicer at 6:30 a.m. Other stops include, Kandi Mall in Willmar, St. Philip, Litchfield, St. John, Darwin AND the St. John’s Educational Center west of Cokato. To reserve a seat on the bus contact Tony Lorber at (320) 248-6863.
For more bussing details visit www.dnu.org.
Hutchinson, Marshall, New Ulm, and Willmar
Catholic Charities Counseling Serving over 15,000 people for 17 years! (866) 670-5163 | jgriebel@dnu.org
Providing: Individual, Marriage, and Family Counseling; Pregnancy Counseling, Adoption, Project Rachel, and Respect Life Resources; Parish and Community Response; Transition and Grief Services. Referred Services include: Immigration, Financial Counseling, and Guardianship Resources.
Riverbend TEC weekends in the Diocese of New Ulm invite participants to encounter and integrate the life of Jesus into their daily lives through music, discussions, talks, prayer, Scripture, and liturgy.
(Photo submitted)
Woman of the Year nominations sought
by Sharon Illikman NUDCCW president
“I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot; together, we can do great things.”
― Mother Teresa
How true that is of the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (NUDCCW). Everyone has a talent or skill that contributes to the life of a parish. We all play different roles at different times that help bring out the richness of our faith through prayer, faith study, and service.
Each year, the NUDCCW “Woman of the Year” award stands as a significant opportunity to honor exceptional women in our parishes. These women, through their God-given talents, have enriched their parish, family, and community, making this award a cherished tradition in the Diocese of New Ulm.
Nominations for 2025 Woman of the Year are now being accepted. The award will be presented at the 2025 NUDCCW Convention on Saturday, April 26. The Church of St. Mary in Tracy will serve as the host parish.
The selection of the nominee is a confidential process and is based on participation in parish activities and committees, family commitment, and community activities. A group of three individuals may submit a nominee for this award, and more than one name can be submitted. Names may be resubmitted if
they have yet to receive the award. Nominations must include a summary of the merits of the candidate.
All information submitted will be kept confidential until the honor is awarded, so data should be gathered without talking to the nominee. Current diocesan Council of Catholic Women voting board members are not eligible.
The deadline for submitting the Woman of the Year form is Jan. 31, 2025. For nomination rules or forms, contact your parish CCW president or Jackie Finstad, NUDCCW Immediate Past President, jackief@newtel.net, or visit the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women website, nudccw.org.
DCCW scholarship assistance available for those desiring to enrich their faith life
by Barbara Mathiowetz NUDCCW Scholarship Coordinator
The mission of the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (NUDCCW) is to support, empower, and educate its members in spirituality, leadership, and service. One of the many traditions that NUDCCW has that embraces this mission is the Scholarship Program.
Over the years numerous scholarships have been awarded to the women of our diocese. These scholarships, a testament to the NUDCCW commitment, have not only empowered the recipients but also significantly contributed to the growth and development of our educational institutions, a feat we can all be proud of.
annual convention registration with a maximum award of $350. Scholarships cannot be used to cover college tuition.
obtaining the necessary approvals, and submitting it to your parish CCW president or scholarship coordinator. For more information, you can contact them or visit the NUDCCW website, nudccw.org. Remember, all applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2025.
Editor’s note: Barbara Mathiowetz serves as the NUDCCW Scholarship Coordinator. She can be reached at (320) 5221401, bjmathiowetz@hotmail. com. Applications can be mailed to 77916 US Hwy 71, Olivia, MN 56277.
Year of Mission A call to action for all Catholics
by Leonard Gutierrez
Thoseclosest to Jesus were not mere assistants, co-workers, or colleagues of him. They were friends, as in John 15:14-15. He called them brothers and sisters, as in Matthew 12:50, or they were disciples who responded to Jesus’ call to ‘come follow me,’ as in Matthew 4:19. Each of us is invited to respond to this call.
However, what does it mean to be a disciple? The Greek word the Bible uses for disciple is mathetes, which translates to ‘learner.’ The word discipleship is not just a journey but a transformative process that leads us from where we find ourselves to the place of transformation where Jesus can make us saints.
Renowned Catholic theologian Dr. Edward Sri says that discipleship comes down to one keyword: imitation. St. Paul reminds those he invested in to remember what he had taught them and follow a way of living: “Be imitators of me as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
To be a disciple of Christ means way more than simply doing the right things. It means confirming our way of life to that which is Christ’s life. It means to become like a child, as Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:3, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
It takes the humility of a child to learn, to follow, and to imitate the teacher. Parents know this well. They see firsthand how their toddler seeks to imitate their way of life as it is interesting, new, and life-giving for the toddler. Is this how we see the life of Christ, which we seek to imitate?
Even the first disciples struggled to see this at first. We all do. Something grounded them, though, that can ground us today in how we live our lives as a disciple. The early Christians sought to imitate the life of Jesus in four ways. Acts 2:42 tells us what these were. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers.”
These four habits, the teaching of the Church, community, frequenting the sacraments, and daily prayer, are the pillars that support our journey of discipleship, keeping us connected and supported.
These four habits transformed the disciples’ lives, and their lives gave witness to the Gospel in a pagan world, and the world was changed. We can do the same if we truly walk in the dust of the rabbi, a metaphor that means following Jesus so closely that the dust he kicks up as he walks covers us. It’s about being so close to Jesus that we are covered in his teachings, his actions, and his love.
Leonard Gutierrez is the director of the Office of Evangelization for the Diocese of New Ulm. He can be reached at lgutierrez@dnu.org; (507) 233-5361.
The scholarship program is an opportunity for those who want to attend workshops, institutes, conferences, seminars, or classes that will aid individuals in parish or Catholic school ministry. Scholarships can also be used to pay for a speaker to come to your parish or school. The maximum amount awarded is $200 per individual. Scholarships can also
Parish support crucial Parish support for this NUDCCW scholarship endeavor is not just important, it’s crucial. The number of awards and amounts are determined by parish donations received by the Scholarship Program. Each parish’s financial contribution directly impacts the eligibility of women from that particular parish for a scholarship, making parish involvement vital.
Application process
The application process involves filling out the application form,
Have you been married 65 years or more?
The Prairie Catholic will be honoring couples who will celebrate a 65th or beyond wedding anniversary in the year 2025. Recognized couples must be a member of a parish in the diocese. Complete this form and return it, along with a current photograph (no newspaper clippings, please), no later than Jan. 3, 2025, to The Prairie Catholic, 1421 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073, or e-mail submission to cbaker@dnu.org. Announcements will be featured in the January/February 2025 edition of The Prairie Catholic.
Groom’s Name: _______________________________ Bride’s MAIDEN Name: _____________________________
Parish and City Where You Were Married: _____________________________ Date Married: ___________________
Number of Years Married As of Dec. 31, 2025: _________________________________________________________
Current Parish: _______________________City: _________________ Phone Number or E-mail: ________________
by Fr. Mark Steffl, STL, JCL
AsI mentioned in my October-November 2024 column in The Prairie Catholic, this edition’s question was submitted by a priest who wanted to know how to explain this to a parishioner. The question is a good one because there are indeed “moral implications” that would be serious in the eyes of the Church, particularly in officiating at the wedding of a bride or groom, one or both of whom are Catholics themselves.
We must first begin with what is called “canonical form” in reference to Catholic marriage. Canon 1108 §1 of the Code of Canon Law says that “Only those marriages are valid, which are contracted before the local ordinary, pastor, or a priest or deacon delegated by either of them, who assist, and before two witnesses according to the rules expressed in the following canons ….”
Since the Church holds marriage in such high esteem, and because it is a Sacrament, the Church has
Ask a Canon Lawyer
This month’s question: What are the “moral implications” of a Catholic layperson who becomes a “licensed officiant” for weddings?
this requirement of “canonical form” so that those who have exchanged their vows as the Church requires can have the assurance that they are indeed in a truly valid, sacramental Marriage. This requirement of “canonical form” developed in the Middle Ages because there were those who would challenge whether they were “truly married” because of how they exchanged their vows or what words were used in the exchange of vows.
This requirement of “canonical form,” then, prescribes that a Catholic has an obligation to exchange consent (i.e., exchange wedding vows) in the presence of the priest who is the pastor of the parish where the wedding takes place, or another priest or deacon whom he delegates to receive the vows on the part of the Church, and according to the prescribed “rites” which make use of a standard set of vows that are used for all couples who are married in the Catholic Church. (The “local ordinary” mentioned in the canon means those in a diocese who have jurisdiction over the entire diocese such as a bishop or his vicar general.)
There is a provision for a Catholic
who is marrying a baptized nonCatholic to request a dispensation from “canonical form” under certain circumstances:
Can. 1127 §2. If grave difficulties hinder the observance of canonical form, the local ordinary of the Catholic party has the right of dispensing from the form in individual cases, after having consulted the ordinary of the place in which the marriage is celebrated and with some public form of celebration for validity. It is for the Conference of Bishops to establish norms by which the aforementioned dispensation is to be granted in a uniform manner.
The preceeding canon describes that a Catholic marrying a baptized non-Catholic can, with a good reason, ask the diocesan bishop or his delegate for a “dispensation” to marry in a non-Catholic church or before a non-Catholic ordained minister. Practically speaking, before such a dispensation is given, the couple will complete a Catholic parish’s requirements for marriage preparation, and the priest working with the couple will petition the bishop for this dispensation on the part of the couple. But it should be noted that those dispensations
Faithful citizenship beyond Election Day
Inside the State Capitol
by the Minnesota Catholic Conference
Election Day has passed, and leaders have been chosen at every level of government. So, what happens next? This is when the real work begins.
Responsible citizenship does not end at the voting booth. In fact, the U.S. bishops remind us that responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation, in their document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. Our faith calls us to engage in public life year-round, advocating for policies that promote human
dignity, justice, and the common good.
Our representative republic thrives on active engagement, especially at the local level. Decisions on issues such as education, housing, and public safety are frequently made by city councils, school boards, and county officials. Many of the big moral and cultural issues, such as religious liberty and bioethical matters related to the protection of human life at all stages, are decided in the State Legislature. These local bodies of government can have as much, if
are only given to the couple for them to be married in the presence of the non-Catholic’s pastor/ clergy and in the church of the non-Catholic, and not outdoors nor before someone who is not an ordained non-Catholic clergy.
If a Catholic marries outside of a Catholic church and without a dispensation from “canonical form,” he or she is considered to be in an invalid marriage and, therefore, would be precluded from receiving the Sacraments until such time as the couple would exchange their vows according to “canonical form.”
With our culture and society being shown weddings in movies and on television that are outdoors or even as “destination weddings” at some scenic/vacation spot, there are more and more Catholics who thus find themselves in an invalid marriage. (If you are in such a situation, please call your local parish priest to help you to get things fixed so that you can receive the sacraments and participate in the full life of the Church.)
With that background, I can now address the specific question at the beginning of the article. The “moral implications” of a Catholic layperson who officiates at
not more, impact on daily life than national politics do.
It is essential, therefore, for Catholics to practice faithful citizenship at the local level, where our influence can be profound and immediate.
The key to this ongoing engagement is relationships with elected officials. Yet many citizens do not know who represents them at the state or local level. If we cannot name our elected officials, how can we trust them to make laws that will positively influence society? Thus, it is vital to be in relationship with our lawmakers so we can ensure our values will be represented.
Most elected officials genuinely want to hear from their constituents. Simple actions, such as signing up for legislators’ newsletters, following local
weddings for someone who is Catholic – and who thus has the obligation of getting married according to the “canonical form” set by the Church – would then be assisting the Catholic person or couple to put themselves outside of the Church and sacramental life. This would be acting against the Church to actively help a couple to have a marriage that will be invalid in the eyes of the Catholic Church, therefore acting in an immoral way. While one cannot prevent a Catholic from deciding to marry outside the Church, one can never assist someone in doing that, either. Willingly and knowingly assisting a Catholic to marry outside of the Church (or without the proper dispensation) would be to commit a grave sin against the good of the Sacrament of Marriage.
Next issue: What does the Church teach about cremation? Is it allowed?
officials on social media, and sending legislators a message, can create channels of communication to help start building those relationships. Even better than engaging electronically is meeting with our elected officials in person. Invite them to coffee with you, or with you and a group of friends.
CAN members advocate to elected officials
A great way to begin establishing connections with elected officials is through the Minnesota Catholic Conference’s Catholic Advocacy Network (CAN). CAN members can easily join their voice with other Catholics to connect with lawmakers on important issues through emails, phone calls, or video messages. Making the Catholic voice heard on important issues is a tremendous support for the work of the bishops at the State Capitol.
Fr. Mark Steffl is a canon lawyer and serves as judicial vicar of the diocesan Office of the Tribunal. If you have a question for the Tribunal Office, email The Prairie Catholic at cclancy@dnu. org.
Adoration at the Capitol
Beyond advocacy, prayer is also fundamental to our mission. The Minnesota Catholic Conference invites all Catholics to participate in “Adoration at the Capitol.”
Held each first Friday from January through May, this initiative provides an opportunity to bring Christ to the heart of state governance and to pray for our leaders. By praying together, we bring our hopes and intentions before God and seek the grace to persevere in our civic duties.
Editor’s note: The Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) is the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota. MCC supports the ministry of our state’s Catholic bishops. Learn more at www.mncatholic.org
around the diocese
Families find support through EnCourage family ministry
by Sr. Candace Fier, ISSM
Here in the Diocese of New Ulm, we have a family ministry that is a relatively well-kept secret – it is called Encourage. Since 2016, this confidential support group has been dedicated to providing pastoral support to family members and friends of persons with same-sex attraction (SSA) or gender dysphoria. It has proved to be a real gift to the participants and the diocese as a whole.
As with any diocesan ministry, its ultimate success in serving others depends upon knowing and understanding what the ministry does to further the mission of Christ’s Church – to help us realize our call to holiness and a relationship with God.
In the mind and heart of the Church, there is no reality more beautiful than the fact that each of us is called to holiness, to a sharing in the very life of God, and to the task of bringing others to that same holiness.
And it is within the family that
each of us is first and foremost called to the fulfillment of that task. We are all made in the image and likeness of God, created as male or female. In God's plan, each person's life of holiness begins with their baptism when they become a child of God, and their life as an apostle of Christ is sealed with the cross.
Our lives are meant to be a growing in Christ-like love that fosters our life of holiness, and supports the family we were born into as well as the families we are called by God to create and/or sustain.
As I have worked with the families that come to Encourage over the past eight years, I have seen over and over how the role of the family is crucial in attaining an understanding of the experience of gender dysphoria and same-sex attraction and what it means to embrace a life of chastity.
The Encourage group helps bring this about by helping family members and friends grow spiritually, gain an understanding of the needs, difficulties, and
Ethics Conference
(Continued from page 1.)
Using the Mass as his framework, Otremba talked about bringing hope and a sense of faith to one’s life while dealing with the current issues that tend to divide families, e.g., gender dysphoria and the legalization of physician-assisted suicide. He encouraged attendees to live out of the four pillars of hope contained in the Liturgy of the Eucharist, as represented by the meaning contained in the sign of the cross, the preparation of the gifts, the song of praise of the Holy Holy, and the sign of peace.
Otremba suggested that at each of these points in the liturgy, we place our worries, cares, and stressors on the altar in the sacrifice of the Mass and believe what we proclaim when we sing “heaven and earth are full of your Glory” as the light of hope as opposed to the darkness. To help live out of this relationship to the Eucharist in everyday life, Otremba introduced the practice of Catholic Clinical Meditation.
The Ethics Conference concluded with a presentation by long-time
challenges experienced by men and women with SSA or gender dysphoria, establish and maintain a healthy and wholesome relationship with their loved one, assist other family members and friends to reach out with compassion and truth to their loved one with SSA or gender dysphoria, and to witness to their loved ones by their own lives that fulfillment is to be found in
Jesus Christ through His Body, the Church.
The Encourage meetings foster a strong sense of community among family and friends, offering them the opportunity to give and receive support from one another and guidance in their spiritual development. Each participant’s journey is unique, shaped by the circumstances and relationships
surrounding them and their loved one. In sharing their journeys, those who take part in Encourage share joys and sorrows, successes and failures, and receive guidance in responding to their loved one with the compassion, love, and truth that Christ has exemplified for us.
“Visiting with others who are going through similar situations somehow makes it easier. We're not alone. . . ,” shared one Encourage participant on how the group's support has been crucial for them.
If you have a loved one who is same-sex attracted or experiencing gender dysphoria, know that our Encourage group is a place of confidentiality, understanding, and empathy. We understand your sufferings and will walk and pray with you on this journey.
For more information about the group, contact Sr. Candace Fier, director of the Office of Family Life, (507) 233-5328, cfier@ dnu.org or visit the Diocese of New Ulm website, www.dnu.org/ encourage2017.
pro-life advocate and New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Woman of the Year recipient Judy Haag, a member of the Church of Our Lady in Manannah.
Haag offered practical ways of engaging hope for the prolife movement by activating those around us through prayer, outreach, and presence.
The conference concluded with a panel discussion led by Haag, Otremba, and Sr. Candace Fier, ISSM, director of the Office of Family Life for the Diocese of New Ulm and Ethics Conference coordinator.
Editor’s note: For additional resources related to the conference topics, visit www. mncatholic.org or the MN Alliance for Ethical Healthcare at www.ethicalcaremn.org. To grow in appreciation for the gift of Eucharistic hope, visit www. dnu.org/jubilee2025 to join in the journey to become a Pilgrim of Hope.
(Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. is scheduled for Jan. 24, 2025. The day will begin with the 30th Annual National Prayer Service at Constitution Hall from 8:30-10:30 a.m.This year’s theme for the 52nd annual March is “Life: Why We March.”
Over the past 52 years, the March for Life has collectively united millions of pro-life advocates from every age, background, nationality and faith with a common purpose: to witness to the inherent dignity and worth
of every single human life, especially those endangered by abortion. The March’s powerful presence in the nation’s capital every January has demonstrated the seriousness, conviction and permanence of the movement.
It has also helped educate Americans about the beauty of the lives of unborn children and their mothers so that a majority of Americans now support protections for life in the womb at least by the time a baby can feel the pain of an abortion.
In the two years since the Dobbs
decision, the pro-life community has fought the advancement of relentless and radical proabortion legislation at both the state and federal level; faced attempts to destroy and discredit pro-life pregnancy resource centers; and even battled deadly misinformation campaigns related to state pro-life protections – all which allow medical treatment to save the life of pregnant women.
Pro-life advocates are encouraged to draw renewed energy for this challenging moment in the movement by reflecting on the basic truth that inspires the pro-life cause: every human life – including the unborn and their mothers – is beautiful, has unique dignity, and is worthy of protection. “Life: Why We March” invites all Americans of good will to recognize and unite around this truth.
WASHINGTON – The Christian faithful are invited to observe a nationwide prayer vigil from Thursday, January 23 to Friday, January 24, 2025, and encouraged to pray for an end to abortion and a greater respect for all human life in post-Roe America.
The National Prayer Vigil for Life is hosted each January by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s ProLife Secretariat, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and The Catholic University of America’s Office of Campus Ministry. The vigil has always occurred on the eve of the March for Life, which marks the date of the historic 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.
The Opening Mass will take place in the Great Upper Church at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in
He
JUBILEE YEAR OF
Join Bishop Zielinski for the Opening Mass as we begin the Jubilee Year 2025.
Feast of the Holy Family Sunday, December 29 at 10:00 a.m.
