The Central Minnesota Catholic

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THECT EH NE TC RE AN LM IN ON TAC AT H OAT L I CH.O TR AN LE MSI N ESO TAC O LRIG C .O R G

SEPTEMBER 2019

‘WE’RE STILL STANDING’ S T. E L I Z A B E T H A N N S E T O N F I R E HASN’T DETERRED SCHOOL SPIRIT INSIDE THIS ISSUE ASK FATHER TOM

Guiding children back to the Church

SPECIAL REPORT

South America’s Amazon: Culturally diverse, globally important

FEATURE STORY

Casa San Benito: St. John’s Abbey brings new life to Latino outreach program

A LETTER TO YOUTH

AT THE START OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR

BISHOP KETTLER’S CALENDAR September 2019

September 1

• Mass, Sacred Heart Parish Bazaar, Urbank

September 2 Dear young people of the diocese, It’s hard to believe a new school year is already FROM THE BISHOP upon us! Summer vacation always seems to go by so quickly. I hope you were able to enjoy many of the warm, sunny days with your friends and family. Although you may be a little sad that summer is ending, I hope you’re also excited about your new classes, extra-curricular activities and reconnecting with teachers and classmates.

Some of you, however, may be anxious about the new school year, especially if you’re attending a new school, are worried about BISHOP DONALD making new friends and aren’t sure what to J. KETTLER is the ninth expect. Maybe you’re concerned about a difficult bishop of the class schedule. Or maybe you’re stressed about Diocese of balancing responsibilities at school and at home.

As a student many years ago, I also worried St. Cloud, Minnesota. about these things. What I found helpful — and what I recommend to you — is spending time every day with Jesus in prayer, even for just a few minutes. Jesus himself knew how important prayer was. He prayed often, frequently going off by himself to be with his Father.

Just like Jesus, it’s important for you to spend quiet time with God every day. You can say a familiar prayer like the Our Father or Hail Mary, but you can also talk to God like you would talk to your best friend. God made you and loves you, and he knows you better than anyone else. In prayer, you can tell him about your joys and struggles.

You can seek his wisdom. And you can ask for his help when you are sad, angry or confused. Don’t forget to set aside some quiet time, too, so you can also listen to what God might be saying to you.

It’s also good to pray with your family. Praying together at Sunday Mass, before meals, before going to bed, and at other times will help your family members to deepen their relationship with God and one another. Making daily prayer a priority will set a strong and lasting example for every member of your family.

Prayer is an essential part of being a Christian. But, if you continue to feel anxious or stressed, if you are being bullied or mistreated by another person, if you are worried about the welfare of another classmate or friend, please let an adult whom you trust know — one of your parents, a teacher, a youth minister or pastor.

They love you, too. They want what’s best for you and those you love, and they will help.

I hope you have a wonderful school year. Maybe I’ll see you during one of my visits to parishes and schools around the diocese.

If you see me, please stop and say hello. I care deeply for you and all the young people of our diocese, and I will be praying for you.

Please pray for me, too.

May God bless you,

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• St. Stephen Parish Festival, St. Stephen

September 3

• Diocesan Curia meeting, Pastoral Center, St. Cloud • Religious leaders meeting, Chancery, St. Cloud

September 15

• Catholic Daughters of the Americas 100th anniversary, St. Henry, Perham

September 17

• Diocesan Presbyteral Council meeting, Chancery, St. Cloud • Boy Scouts board meeting, TBD

September 19

• Catholic Foundation board of directors meeting, Pastoral September 4 Center, St. Cloud • Minnesota Catholic • Regional Ministry Gathering, Conference Study Day, St. Paul St. Louis, Paynesville

September 5

• Diocesan Culture Development Team meeting, Pastoral Center, St. Cloud • Serra Club luncheon, Speltz House, Sauk Rapids • Greater St. Cloud Faith Leaders meeting, Chancery, St. Cloud • CHS auction winner Chancery Tour, St. Cloud

September 7

• Cathedral of St. Mary annual Block Party, St. Cloud

September 8

September 21

• DCCW fall convention, St. Boniface, Cold Spring • Greater St. Cloud Faith Leaders circles of understanding, Discovery School, Waite Park

September 22

• Father Leo Moenkedick installation Mass, St. Mary of the Presentation, Breckenridge • Catholic Foundation “Actoberfest”, Sauk Centre High School, Sauk Centre

• Mass, St. Mary of Mount September 24 Carmel Parish festival, • OSB leadership and CSB/ Long Prairie SJU presidents luncheon, • Race car raffle for vocations, College of St. Benedict, St. Ann, Wadena St. Joseph

September 10

• Principals and Pastors Day, St. Mary Help of Christians, St. Augusta

September 12

September 26

• USCCB audit workgroup subcommittee video conference

September 28

• Diocesan Planning Council • Mass and Mission Office barn meeting, Pastoral Center, dance, Christianson Family St. Cloud Farm, Battle Lake • CentraCare Health/St. Cloud Hospital board meeting September 29 • Diocesan Blue Mass, • Latino youth retreat, Melrose Cathedral of St. Mary, Public School, Melrose St. Cloud • Beer, Brats and Bishop, Brother Willie’s Pub, September 13 St. John’s University, • Ecumenical/Interreligious Collegeville Commission meeting, Chancery, St. Cloud September 30 • Diocesan Ministry Day, September 14 St. John’s University, • Diocesan Pastoral Council Collegeville meeting, TBD

The Central Minnesota Catholic | SEPTEMBER 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org

INSIDE THIS ISSUE The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of St. Cloud SEPTEMBER 2019 VOLUME 1: ISSUE 9

www.thecentralminnesotacatholic.org Bishop Donald J. Kettler PUBLISHER

Joe Towalski EDITOR AND DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Kristi Anderson ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Dianne Towalski MULTIMEDIA REPORTER

Carol Jessen-Klixbull Nikki Rajala COPY EDITORS

Barbara Simon-Johnson GRAPHICS

Paula Lemke CIRCULATION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

4 FROM THE EDITOR

A synod for the Amazon

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SAINT OF THE MONTH PRAY FOR PRIESTS PRAY WITH POPE FRANCIS LITURGICAL CALENDAR

6 WHAT CAN WE SAY ABOUT DIOCESAN MINISTRY DAY?

8 ASK FATHER TOM

Guiding children back to the Church

10 GOOD IDEA

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‘We’re still standing’ St. Elizabeth Ann Seton fire hasn’t deterred school spirit

Attention in an age of distraction

12 FEATURE STORY CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH JESUS AND HIS CHURCH WWW.FAITHCATHOLIC.COM

Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg VICE PRESIDENT / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Jose Luis Mendez GRAPHIC DESIGNER For advertising information: Contact Joe Towalski at 320.258.7624 For subscription information:

Minnesota parishes move to bring ‘Laudato Si’’ into parish life

14 FEATURE STORY

Casa San Benito: St. John’s Abbey brings new life to Latino outreach program

16 COVER STORY

‘We’re still standing’ St. Elizabeth Ann Seton fire hasn’t deterred school spirit

Call 320.251.3022 The Central Minnesota Catholic (USPS 475-840) is a membership publication of the Diocese of St. Cloud, 305 7th Ave. N, St. Cloud, MN 56303.

Published monthly. Send address changes to: The Central Minnesota Catholic, 305 7th Ave. N, St. Cloud, MN 56303. Periodical postage PAID in St. Cloud or additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Central Minnesota Catholic, 305 7th Ave. N, St. Cloud, MN 56303. ©2019 The Central Minnesota Catholic, Diocese of St. Cloud.

18 SPECIAL REPORT

Amazon Synod

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LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS

24 WHAT’S HAPPENING 25 SEPTEMBER PARISH FESTIVALS

26 NATIONAL/WORLD NEWS 27 LAST WORD

Faith, family and firefighting

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Special Report: South America’s Amazon: Culturally diverse, globally important

S2 COMENTARIOS DEL OBISPO CALENDARIO 2019

S3 ARTICULO DE FONDO

La Pastoral Migratoria capacita a otras diócesis sobre cómo acompañar a nuevos inmigrantes

S4 ARTICULO DE FONDO

St. John’s Abbey inaugura Casa San Benito

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Casa San Benito: St. John’s Abbey brings new life to Latino outreach program

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A SYNOD FOR THE AMAZON

FROM THE EDITOR

Two years ago, Pope Francis announced he would convene a special Synod of Bishops in 2019 to focus on the Amazon region of South America. This monthlong gathering takes place in October at the Vatican.

Why a special meeting focused on this area of the world? The Amazon region encompasses more than 3 million square miles and touches nine countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, JOE TOWALSKI Suriname and French Guiana. It’s an area rich in natural resources, including is the editor and the world’s largest rainforest, and holds a significant percentage of the planet’s the director of fresh water. communications It’s also an area of the world that faces a host of challenges: environmental for the Diocese exploitation, corruption, human rights violations and a Church seeking to of St. Cloud. evangelize and be prophetic in the midst of these trials. Living the faith under these circumstances comes with an extra set of challenges, including a lack of priests, which makes it difficult to celebrate the Eucharist in many areas, and the need to better recognize the gifts of women so they can take on more ministry roles.

Preparations for the synod have not been without controversy. The preparatory document for the synod has suggested the possibility of having married priests serving the remotest indigenous communities, although Pope Francis has voiced his opposition in the past to the idea of optional celibacy for the priesthood.

The discussions and decisions at the synod promise to ripple beyond the Amazon to the rest of the Church. This is why it’s important to understand and follow news about the gathering. You can read an overview about the meeting on pages 18-20 and receive the latest updates on our website: www.TheCentralMinnesotaCatholic.org.

REGISTER NOW FOR DIOCESAN MINISTRY DAY Are you a parish staff member, volunteer or schoolteacher in need of some spiritual refreshment?

Would you like to learn practical skills to help you in your ministry? How about having an opportunity to share your ministry experiences with others from around the diocese?

You can do all of the above at this year’s Diocesan Ministry Day on Sept. 30 at St. John’s University. Keynoter Laura Kelly Fanucci, director of the Communities of Calling Initiative at the Collegeville Institute, will present “Serve, Speak, Lead: Our Baptismal Call to Be Priest, Prophet, and King.” More than 30 workshops and lunchtime conversations will touch on a wide array of ministry topics. Bishop Donald Kettler will kick off the day with Mass.

To get started on the right foot, all are welcome to attend a pre-DMD evening retreat at St. John’s focused on our baptismal call, followed by a “Beer, Brats & Bishop” social with Bishop Kettler at Brother Willie’s Pub. You can read more about Diocesan Ministry Day on page 6 and register for all the events at: www.stcdio.org/dmd2019. I hope to see you there!

OFFICIALS The Most Reverend Donald J. Kettler, Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Cloud, makes the following appointment in the Diocese of Saint Cloud effective January 1, 2019:

Reverend David Maciej to continue as Chaplain for Central Minnesota Koinonia.

This assignment is effective until December 31, 2022.

••• The Most Reverend Donald J. Kettler, Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Cloud,

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makes the following appointment in the Diocese of Saint Cloud effective immediately:

Deacon Lucio David Hernandez as Associate Director for the Permanent Diaconate of the Diocese of Saint Cloud.

Given at the Chancery Jane M. Marrin, Chancellor Saint Cloud, Minnesota August 8, 2019

The Central Minnesota Catholic | SEPTEMBER 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org

FOR REFLECTION As you flip through the pages of The Central Minnesota Catholic, we hope you will consider spending some time in reflection. The questions below apply to articles in this edition and are intended to help you think more deeply.

Feel free to use these questions for silent reflection, with family or friends, or come up with some of your own.

• On pages 16 and 17, you will read about the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School fire. Have you ever been faced with a tragedy? Where did you find God amid the difficulty?

• Laura Kelly Fanucci shares a good idea about paying attention on pages 10 and 11.

Who needs your attention right now? What is one concrete thing you can do to make a little extra space in your day, week or month to give attention to a person, group or issue?

• Local volunteer firefighter Brian Knapek shares how his faith connects with his service on page 27. How do your daily activities reflect your faith? Consider inviting a first responder in your community to attend the Blue Mass on Sept. 12.

FAMILY CORNER Father Tom Knoblach points toward the theme of Catechetical Sunday (Sept. 15) in this issue. Talk as a family about who has helped form and shape your faith. Thank a catechist, volunteer, teacher, priest or lay person who has made an impact in your faith formation.

STORY IDEA? Did anything you read in this issue spark a question or idea you would like featured in an upcoming issue? Send your thoughts to kbanders@gw.stcdio.org.

SAINT OF THE MONTH

PRAY FOR A PRIEST EACH DAY Clip and save for September

ST. HILDEGARD OF BINGEN FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 17

The lives of saints are so instructive, in part, because they teach the basic truths of God’s will for us in often vivid fashion. The life of St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098– 1179) is no exception.

St. Hildegard was a Benedictine abbess in Germany.

Although she has never been formally canonized, she was declared to be a doctor of the Church by then Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. She was one of the first great German mystics and a real “renaissance” woman. She produced 69 musical compositions; wrote 400 letters to popes, emperors, abbots and abbesses; authored two volumes of material on natural medicine and cures; invented a language; wrote Gospel commentary and hagiography; produced three volumes of visionary theology; and composed perhaps the oldest surviving morality play, Ordo Virtutum (Play of the Virtues).

At the same time, her story stands as a dramatic exhortation to trust God and to courageously persevere in doing his will, even in the face of opposition. For example, in 1136, St. Hildegard was elected to lead her monastery community. She felt compelled by God to move the monastery from a well-established stone complex to a more impoverished temporary edifice. However, the move was opposed by the abbot under whose authority the monastery operated.

Then, St. Hildegard fell victim to an illness that paralyzed her. No one could move her, including the abbot. St. Hildegard attributed the condition to God’s unhappiness at not following his will regarding moving the monastery. The abbot relented and granted his permission for the move, and she recovered shortly thereafter.

At another time, St. Hildegard hesitated to obey God’s directive, with equally severe consequences. She received visions throughout her life and had always been cautious about sharing them with others. At 42, however, she received a vision in which God instructed her to record all that she saw and heard. When she failed to do so out of fear, she again became physically ill until she complied.

In the end, her physical health was tied directly to her willingness to “be not afraid” when it came to obeying the will of God. It is a lesson we would all do well to learn – and live.

Sept. 16 Rev. Laurn Virnig Sept. 1 Rev. James Maderak Sept. 17 Rev. Gerald Dalseth Sept. 2 Rev. Harold Pavelis Sept. 3 Rev. Edwin Kraemer Sept. 18 Rev. Gerald Mischke Sept. 19 Rev. Kenneth Riedemann Sept. 4 Rev. Kenneth Thielman Sept. 5 Rev. Richard Leisen Sept. 20 Rev. Eberhard Schefers Sept. 21 Rev. William Vos Sept. 6 Rev. Arthur Vogel Sept. 7 Rev. Mark Willenbring Sept. 22 Rev. Paul Folsom Sept. 23 Rev. Frank Tomasiewicz Sept. 8 Rev. Nicholas Zimmer Sept. 9 Rev. Silverius Schmitt Sept. 24 Rev. James Remmerswaal, OSC Sept. 10 Rev. Roger Botz, OSB Sept. 25 Rev. Robert Harren, JCL Sept. 11 Rev. Eugene Plaisted, OSC Sept. 26 Rev. Roger Klassen, OSB Sept. 12 Rev. Anthony Kroll Sept. 27 Rev. LeRoy Maus Sept. 13 Rev. Nicholas Landsberger Sept. 28 Rev. Timothy Wenzel Sept. 14 Our deceased priests with Sept. 29 Rev. Stephen Beauclair, OSB

September anniversaries Sept. 30 Rev. Vincent Lieser Sept. 15 Rev. Gregory Lieser Sponsored by Serra Club, of St. Cloud. For information on joining Serra Club, call Joanne Benson at 320-654-8386.

PRAY WITH POPE FRANCIS The following is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for September:

THE PROTECTION OF THE OCEANS

that politicians, scientists and economists work together to protect the world’s seas and oceans.

LITURGICAL CALENDAR Memorial of St. Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the Church September 3 | Memorial of St. Peter Claver, priest September 9 | Most Holy Name of Mary September 12 | Memorial of St. John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor of the Church September 13 | Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross September 14 | Memorial of Sts. Cornelius, pope and Cyprian, bishop, martyrs September 16 | St. Robert Bellarmine, bishop and doctor of the Church September 17 | St. Januarius, bishop and martyr September 19 | Memorial of Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gon, priest and Paul Chong Ha-sang, and companions, martyrs September 20 | Feast of St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist September 21 | St. Pius of Pietrelcina, priest September 23 | Sts. Cosmas and Damian, martyrs September 26 | Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul, priest September 27 | St. Wenceslaus, martyr; St. Lawrence Ruiz and companions, martyrs September 28 | Memorial of St. Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church September 30 5

Š Getty Images/kostins

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The Central Minnesota Catholic | SEPTEMBER 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org

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THE CHURCH:

© Getty Images/Juanmonino

GUIDING CHILDREN BACK TO

PRAYER, PATIENCE, GOOD EXAMPLE ARE KEY TO KEEPING DOORS OF FAITH OPEN ASK FATHER TOM

Q:

My adult daughter claims she has faith in God but does not attend Mass or affiliate with any church community.

What can I, as a parent, do to encourage and engage her in the life of the Church?

A:

FATHER TOM KNOBLACH

is pastor of three parishes in St. Cloud: Holy Spirit, St. Anthony and St. John Cantius. He also serves as consultant for healthcare ethics for the Diocese of St. Cloud.

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One of the most common sufferings of parents is anxiety for their children and grandchildren — that they be kept safe, healthy, have steady employment and solid relationships.

For many in the Church, an added worry is loved ones who no longer practice their faith.

If they had a solid foundation in earlier years, they are often good people, generous and sincere, dedicated to their families. They may profess a “spiritual but not religious” identity. But church attendance, faith formation, family prayer and parish community are not a consistent part of their lives. Parents often agonize over this; they are at a loss to understand why or how to lead them back to the faith of their youth.

Parents perhaps feel they somehow failed in their vocation.

Ample research shows that this is not an isolated problem. The

nationwide study “Going, Going, Gone” (conducted between 2015 and 2017) surveyed youth who left the Church. It suggests that, on average, young people “disaffiliate” from organized religion by age 13. By age 17, 81% of those who consider themselves “no longer Catholic” have left. They may still be in the pews in their teens, though in dwindling numbers, due to family rules; but their belief and convictions are elsewhere.

Though generalizations, the study suggests three main categories of disaffiliation: the Injured, the Drifter, and the Dissenter.

The Injured have felt coerced, disillusioned or alienated, found prayers unanswered or encountered hypocrisy; faith “failed” them and trust was eroded.

The Drifters find no meaningful connection of ritual and doctrine to “real life.” Their friends,

The Central Minnesota Catholic | SEPTEMBER 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org

companions, and sometimes, other family members are likewise disconnected, so Drifters find no support or value in organized religion. Our increasingly secular culture and a fad of “new atheism” also impacts the Drifters.

The Dissenters are more intentional in their rejection of particular teachings that clash with values of secularism and scientific views. They raise challenging questions and dislike when they are ignored, dismissed or answered poorly.

This study demonstrates that people still search for truth, meaning, purpose and belonging; these are basic human needs and secular culture cannot erase them.

While the results are sobering, they also point to a path forward.

Among the lessons one might glean: our own integrity, honesty, commitment and sincerity bear a powerful witness. Listening and taking questions seriously opens doors that are easily closed by indifference, haste or superficial replies. Inviting and creating a sense of belonging and welcome for those whose faith is tenuous can be a tipping point for searchers. Personal connections are invaluable, but referring young people to reliable Catholic sources is also helpful, as they are more likely to research questions online before asking someone, especially if they feel the question will be perceived as challenging or reflecting poorly on their knowledge.

A few years ago, our parish cluster did a book study of Brandon Vogt’s “Return: How To Draw Your Child Back to the Church.” While the book contains a wealth of practical advice and tools, several points can be summarized.

First, prayer is pivotal. The Holy Spirit can reach hearts that no human power can. Prayer also deepens our own spiritual lives, brings peace and perspective and makes us more credible witnesses to others.

Second, patience is essential.

St. Monica prayed for decades

learning skills of apologetics and keeping doors open for a return are approaches that respect the freedom and responsibility of each person’s soul. Remember that, theologically, it is not possible for any parent to care more deeply about a child’s spiritual life than God does. We are servants, not masters, of the faith.

Fourth, give good example.

As Acts notes, the early Church grew primarily because of the attractiveness of Christian faith, hope and love. Seeing the peace, resilience, courage and generosity of believers, others wanted to learn and experience it for themselves.

The Church is a community that speaks of and loves God in CATECHETICAL SUNDAY IS SEPT. 15. THE a secular world; THEME THIS YEAR IS “STAY WITH US.” that offers in FOR MORE INFORMATION the sacraments visit https://bit.ly/1pHOplh. meaningful and

for her son Augustine (his book, “Confessions,” is a spiritual classic and well worth reading for profound insights into the journey of conversion. The words of an unnamed bishop to Monica consoled her, and console us, 1,600 years later: “Go in peace. It cannot be that the son of these tears should be lost.”)

Third, arguing and nagging can arise spontaneously out of the depth of concern, but they tend only to aggravate the situation.

Taking questions and concerns seriously, offering to research them,

On average, young people “disaffiliate” from organized religion by age 13. By age 17, 81% of those who consider themselves “no longer Catholic” have left.

effective spiritual practices that put us in direct touch with the Redeemer; that has a vast history of models and intercessors in the saints from every age, place and walk of life; that offers moral guidance and stable values in a fractured world; that says every human life is sacred and all are equal in the sight of God; that goes beyond the self-focus of the contemporary age to point us to something greater than ourselves, to Someone who asks our trust only so we can become fully ourselves.

In a troubled and troubling age, what the human heart most longs for we find in the Body of Christ.

Many of our problems are too great for human wisdom alone; thus the Church begins its prayers each day with: “God, come to our assistance; Lord, make haste to help us.” God has opened the door of faith to us, and invites us to walk through it, together.

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GOOD IDEA

ATTENTION

IN AN AGE OF DISTRACTION “Behold” is my favorite word in Scripture. Every time it shows up, we’re summoned to snap to attention and take notice. God is about to do something new. Let’s not miss it.

But how can we behold what them and witness what they wanted God is doing when we’re caught in me to see. a culture of constant distraction at The first few rounds were our fingertips? delightful. But after an hour of I could cite statistics for you; interruption after interruption, I we’ve all read them. If you’re like started to get annoyed. Agitation me, your stomach sinks whenever crept into my voice: “Guys, I have to you hear how much time we now finish this. Can I work for 10 minutes spend on screens. and then take a break to see what I could draw from neuroscience you’ve made?” or psychology, the latest findings on Blank stares, as if I were speaking how our closest a foreign relationships and language. basic interactions All they are being You can start small. Simply wanted was my reshaped by our stop once a day and notice attention in the technology habits. present moment. those around you as they But instead I will If I couldn’t give are. Not as you hope they tell you a story. it then, did it will be in the future or as While I was matter? trying to finish So I sighed and you wish they were in the this column on a left my computer past. But beholding them steamy summer to watch the fully in the present and afternoon with same line of noticing God alive in them dominos knock a house full of today.” children, I was down neatly, one interrupted every by one, as kids three-to-five cheered. Right minutes to witness their latest then it clicked in my mind, too: Why elaborate domino race. not ask the ones who wanted my “You have to see this!” a attention what it meant to them? messenger would insist at my office “Use an example from a baseball door. “It’s so much better than the game,” suggested my oldest son. “You last one.” have to pay attention or you might get So I’d smile, leave my work, follow hit in the face by a foul ball.”

LAURA KELLY FANUCCI

Laura Kelly Fanucci is a mother, writer and director of a project on vocation at the Collegeville Institute in Collegeville, Minnesota. She is the author of several books, including “Everyday Sacrament: The Messy Grace of Parenting,” and blogs at www.motheringspirit.com.

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lic.org The Central Minnesota Catholic | SEPTEMBER 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org

© Getty Images/ThomasVogel

Fair enough.

But then his younger brother knocked it out of the park: “You just have to look at someone and stay focused on them.”

Beholding is holy looking, the spiritual practice of paying attention. Trying to glimpse with God’s eyes. Seeking the goodness in each other and the sacredness of the present moment.

You can start small. Simply stop once a day and notice those around you as they are. Not as you hope they will be in the future or as you wish they were in the past.

But beholding them fully in the present and noticing God alive in them today.

Beholding is one of the most profound gifts we can offer to each other — in our marriages, families and friendships. The simple act of seeing with love softens our gaze, smoothing the rough edges of our imperfections.

We notice something new about our spouse or we see how our children are changing and growing.

We discover the difference it makes when we offer uninterrupted attention to a friend.

Our screens are slick and clear. No wonder they are dangerously alluring, when humans are difficult and sinful, muddled and messy in words and actions. We have to pay attention to understand people, not just scroll by with the flick of a finger.

But if we try to behold, if we look up and set down our screens, if we let ourselves gaze upon those we love even for a few meaningful moments each day, our eyes can start to adjust to God’s light — a new way of seeing.

Our attention is a holy gift. Where do we let it land?

DON’T MISS KEYNOTER LAURA KELLY FANUCCI AT DIOCESAN MINISTRY DAY SEPT. 30. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT STCDIO.ORG/DMD2019.

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MINNESOTA CHURCHES MOVE TO BRING ‘LAUDATO SI’’ INTO PARISH LIFE

FEATURE STORY

By DENNIS SADOWSKI Catholic News Service

L

iving in rural central Minnesota, JoAnn Braegelman and her neighbors in the Diocese of St. Cloud know that disrespecting the natural resources “right outside our window” would quickly make life very difficult.

It’s imperative, they realize, that the soil be kept healthy so it can continue to produce corn, soy beans and other important crops that have supported farm families for generations.

“Caring for God’s creation has been a part of who I am for really all of my life,” said Braegelman, who serves as rural life coordinator for the western region of the diocese under Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud.

While the Church has long supported the work of farmers and agricultural workers across the diocese, Braegelman is adopting a new tool in her ministry: Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’, on the Care of Our Common Home.”

The four-year-old document stresses the integral nature of individual practices, protecting creation and the importance of building relationships with other people, particularly the poor and vulnerable, in order to protect the planet.

Braegelman said she believes the encyclical can be indispensable in her work by giving people the opportunity for study, prayer and discussion so that parishioners can accept the pope’s call to be better stewards of Earth.

“Praying for God’s creation is the greatest pro-life movement there is,” said the member of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Belgrade.

Braegelman was among 230 people from U.S. parishes

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We’re not meant to take, take, take, take all the time without realizing there’s a consequence and realizing the consequences have not been good.

and dioceses who attended the first of three biennial gatherings meant to insert the encyclical more deeply into parish life. The late June conference at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, was co-sponsored by the school and Catholic Climate Covenant, which is affiliated with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

She attended sessions on the encyclical and faith formation and returned to St. Cloud with a sense of urgency to create greater awareness of climate change and its global impact. Forming and training parish social ministry teams is a major part of Braegelman’s responsibilities and she said she believes that parishioners can benefit by understanding their role in protecting creation.

Separately from the Omaha gathering, the Minnesota Catholic Conference is rolling out an educational resource, “Minnesota, Our Common Home.” It focuses on the encyclical’s core messages and bringing them into parish and community life.

“The publication of ‘Laudato Si’’ and the deepening of the Church’s engagement of ecological principles and integral ecology prompted our work,” explained Jason Adkins, Minnesota Catholic Conference’s executive director. “It’s also an opportunity for evangelization. We’re trying to present Catholic social teaching in an ecological framework and people really find it compelling.”

Accompanying the guide is a separate guide, what Adkins called an examen. “We wanted to give people more principles to help them discern and undergo that ecological conversion,” he said.

Nicole Henrichs, parish social ministry coordinator of Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota in the Diocese of Winona, plans to use the Catholic conference’s document as she develops parish-based discussion groups examining the encyclical.

In reviewing the resource, Henrichs found it poses worthy questions to guide discussions on practical steps people can take.

Dan Misleh, executive director of Catholic Climate Covenant, told CNS that such efforts are necessary to ensure that the pope’s document becomes an integral part of parish life.

The Central Minnesota Catholic | SEPTEMBER 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org

JOANN BRAEGELMAN

Catholic Charities’ rural life coordinator for the western region of the St. Cloud Diocese

The Omaha gathering focused on eight tracks, including energy management, advocacy, liturgy, young adult ministry, education in schools and higher education. Misleh said increased emphasis will be made to reach minority communities, particularly Latinos.

The next gathering is set for 2021 at Creighton and Misleh said he hopes that during the next two years, diocesan and parish attendees will share resources, discuss efforts that work and do not work, and identify resources to allow “Laudato Si’” to be implemented throughout a diocese.

Other representatives of the Catholic Church in Minnesota returned from the conference with renewed energy to bring the encyclical to people in the pews in various dimensions of parish life.

Mary Dahl, director of the Office of Worship in the Diocese of Crookston, learned that liturgy can energize parishioners to understand their call to protect the environment. She said she is hoping that she can help priests utilize homilies to connect the encyclical with Church teaching on creation care.

“It’s teasing out from the Scriptures the fact that God created the world in which we live and God called us to not just be stewards but to bring that into more of a perspective that is a little more in living what our faith actually calls us to be,” Dahl said. “We’re not meant to take, take, take, take all the time without realizing there’s a consequence and realizing the consequences have not been good. We’ve all contributed and we are still contributing to the demise of our planet.”

At St. Thomas More Parish in St. Paul, Steve Thomas, a member of the church’s Care for Creation Committee who participated in the Omaha gathering, is exploring ways to “localize” the encyclical so that parishioners can “put their arms around” it.

“I think we see the interconnection between Mother Earth as a gift from God and as an object to be loved and respected,” he said.

Along the way, the parish already has taken steps to reduce energy consumption by replacing the 80-plusyear-old windows in the parish school and installing LED lightbulbs in place of traditional versions.

Still, Thomas would like to see wider efforts undertaken and believes the encyclical can be the starting point.

“There’s awareness and energy (here) to do something,” he said. “We want to do more. I think the conference provided the energy for us.” © Getty Images/Travel Wild

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT “MINNESOTA, OUR COMMON HOME” AND TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE DOCUMENT, VISIT WWW.MNCATHOLIC.ORG/OURCOMMONHOME.

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Casa San Benito ST. JOHN’S ABBEY BRINGS NEW LIFE TO LATINO OUTREACH PROGRAM

Casa San Benito — a center for Latino ministry — is the name of a new program under the umbrella of St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville.

But not everything about it is new. In fact, one could argue the whole concept dates as far back as the mid-1800s.

FEATURE STORY

“Our monastic community was founded in 1856 to be of service to the Church, especially to the German settlers in the area,” said Benedictine Abbot John Klassen. “Over time, the missionary effort expanded in many different directions, in a variety of manifestations, including our commitment to parish ministry, to publishing materials for theological reflection, catechesis, liturgy and spirituality, and the educational apostolates of prep school, university and the School of Theology and Seminary.

“In our time, there is a strong need for ministry to the Latino community,” he continued. “We want to make sure we do a really good job of listening, of understanding the variety of needs this community has, as well as collaborating with the Diocese of St. Cloud and others who are involved in this ministry.”

In 1997, both St. John’s Abbey and St. Benedict’s Monastery formed a hub with St. Boniface Church in Cold Spring to minister among the Latino population in Central Minnesota. There was an established presence of Latinos in the area, and it was a natural center for outreach, expanding to communities near and far including: Montevideo, Rockville, Melrose, Willmar, Pelican Rapids, Waite Park and St. Cloud.

The ministry evolved over time, and an organization called Casa Guadalupe was formed. It served thousands of Latino families in Central Minnesota through its location in Cold Spring. The organization closed in 2014.

According to Benedictine Father Efrain Rosado, even though the doors closed, the mission of Casa Guadalupe has continued. For nearly a year now, he has been working on relocating the services that Casa Guadalupe provided to the Abbey. Therefore, its new

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT FATHER ROSADO AT EROSADO@CSBSJU. EDU OR CALL OR TEXT 320-761-0942.

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story by KRISTI ANDERSON

photography by PAUL MIDDLESTAEDT

Benedictine Father Efrain Rosado sends forth Hispanic/Latino children for Liturgy of the Word during Mass Aug. 4 at St. Boniface in Cold Spring.

name is Casa San Benito, or House of St. Benedict.

His primary goal as coordinator of the program is to revitalize the ministry to Latino persons, mainly immigrants, who need support for spiritual, economic and social needs around Central Minnesota.

“One of the great values of the Benedictine order is hospitality. We are not considered a missionary order. … Our monasteries are like magnets that are attractive to people to seek spiritual formation, to receive sacraments, to get an education, to get a job. We, the monks, are to provide for the needs of others, to offer hospitality and to receive all guests as we receive Christ. That is what Casa San Benito can do,” Father Rosado said.

As a monk of Tepeyac Abbey in Mexico City, Father Rosado was sent by his community to study at St. John’s School of Theology and Seminary. There, he was introduced to the work of Casa Guadalupe in 2008.

As an immigrant himself, Father Rosado saw the need for ministry to Latino immigrants in the area and requested a transfer from his home community in Mexico to the community in Collegeville. He was granted permission and received a permanent visa which allows him to be a member of St. John’s Abbey.

“As Benedictines, this type of outreach fits very well with our charism, our mission. And also for myself.

I realized that there was a great need for someone who could understand the language, the culture, and minister and serve these people here,” he said.

Abbot Klassen noted that the community is “strongly supportive of this ministry because the needs of the Latino community are so compelling.”

“In a matter of years, Latinos will comprise over 50% of the Church in this country,” Abbot Klassen said. “This is an astounding transformation. And the migration of Latino people into this country is as complex as the migration of European immigrants 100 and more years ago. We have to listen and learn, so that we are aware of the nuances. Why do this ministry? Because it is

The Central Minnesota Catholic | SEPTEMBER 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org

exciting to open ourselves in the Church to a whole new group of peoples.”

This center will grow slowly, Abbot Klassen said, in order to fit with everything else that is being done in the parishes, in the cooperative effort between the Diocese and the School of Theology and Seminary, and in their schools.

“It will require new learning and a transformation of our multicultural abilities,” he said. “Our resources are slim but our desire for moving in this direction is strong. This initiative is reaching back to our roots, to our earliest days. We will have to be brilliant at collaboration.”

Father Rosado invites everyone to be part of this project.

“This program is for the benefit of every community.

It is a blessing to live in a multicultural environment.

Immigrants enrich our lives in every aspect — culturally, technologically, economically as well as in our religion and spiritual life,” he said. “We are helping the immigrants to become productive in every way for the whole community. We are not only filling up the pews, we are building up the Church.

“If you give a donation of even $10, you are not just giving some extra money that is in your wallet. You are becoming part of the same endeavor, the same work that we are doing. Come visit us or ask us to come visit you. We can work together. We are all part of the same family.”

CASA SAN BENITO SCOPE OF SERVICES Providing ministerial assistance for Sunday and holy day Masses and other sacraments and prayer services for Latinos: choir at Mass, liturgical feasts, groups of prayer at church and at homes, groups of lectors, acolytes, altar servers, eucharistic ministers.

Assisting with sacramental preparation classes.

Assisting with retreats and faith formation classes for adults, children and youth, and offering financial assistance for the SOT Youth in Theology and Ministry (YTM) program and other educational programs of the diocese.

Supporting adult ESL classes for Spanish-speaking immigrants.

Providing charitable assistance for individuals (clothes, food, etc.), translation services for filling out health care and legal forms and applications, and guidance for persons in need to contact appropriate charitable organizations.

Supporting the education of Latino/a teenagers who want to attend classes at St. John’s Prep School.

Promoting the integration of the Latino community into local parishes and schools, with a goal of interculturalism, in which groups of people come together in a spirit of mutual respect and appreciation for who they are and the gifts they bring.

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‘WE’RE STILL STANDING’ S T. E L I Z A B E T H A N N S E T O N F I R E HASN’T DETERRED SCHOOL SPIRIT

Principal Kelly Vangsness looks over the damage at the source of the fire which occurred at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in St. Cloud July 4.

COVER STORY

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story by

photography by

KRISTI ANDERSON

PAUL MIDDLESTAEDT

I

T’S THAT TIME OF YEAR — students are filling their backpacks with shiny new pencils and brightly colored notebooks. Teachers are putting up vibrant bulletin boards and creating welcoming spaces to inspire learning.

But back-to-school looks a little different this fall for the students, families, faculty and staff of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in St. Cloud after a fire damaged the building in the early hours of July 4.

Principal Kelly Vangsness had just returned from a vacation to Iceland the night before and was at her parents’ home in western Minnesota picking up her kids when she got the call from a school custodian.

“Kelly, we have a fire.” The words echoed in her head.

“It was the longest two-and-ahalf-hour drive back to St. Cloud,” she said. “When I got here, there were still a few fire trucks and some of the teachers had gathered.

That was the last time I really felt panic. From the moment I stepped out of my vehicle, it has been gogo-go mode. There is so much the teachers are feeling, so much loss. I want to be strong for them.”

Barb Knafla walks her dog past the school every morning around 5 a.m. However, since it was the Fourth of July, she went a little later than normal, around 5:30 a.m.

That’s when she noticed flames

in the southeast entrance of the building.

“I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me,” Knafla said. “But then my dog started barking and I knew it was real.”

The fire reportedly began sometime around 5:10 a.m., which investigators confirmed using a security camera that captured smoke in the building. The fire was reported about 5:40 a.m. after Knafla flagged down a driver to call it in.

“I believe I was put there for the right reason. God had a plan and has a plan for all of this,” she said.

“Hopefully, through his mercy and grace their beloved school can be restored.”

Investigators ruled the fire an accident, likely caused by a fault in the wiring. The vast majority of the impact was smoke and soot damage, according to Father Tom Knoblach, pastor of the school.

“The west wing will be restored in time for the opening of school Sept. 4. The east wing, where the fire started, may take more time. We should be able to

The Central Minnesota Catholic | SEPTEMBER 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org

accommodate all our programming without using the east wing immediately, if necessary,” he said.

Clean-up and reconstruction is likely to cost in excess of $1 million, he said. An insurance settlement is pending.

The building will be certified as safe with no health risks before it is occupied. Vangsness will be compiling a list of needs for the school to be shared with those who wish to contribute.

“We are blessed not only by the generosity of so many, but also the great teamwork and support of all involved,” Father Knoblach added.

Vangsness feels she has seen the movement of the Holy Spirit throughout the entire journey — from astute neighbors to the outpouring of community support and the nearly-unscathed wooden crucifix that hung near the source of the fire.

“I get goosebumps when I talk about it,” Vangsness said. “The light above the crucifix and the camera above it were completely melted. The fire was suctioned down the hallway and the crucifix

hung right where the most intense flames were. It’s very emotional — the cross is the premise of our community. It’s just such a solid symbol of who we are, and it is still standing. We’re still standing and we will continue to move forward.”

After the fire, the school was completely emptied. Outside, at least a dozen trailers were filled with items marked “salvageable” and “non-salvageable.”

“It’s just heartbreaking to see what had to go. Especially, the teacher’s personal libraries,” Vangsness said. “It’s different than the school library. The teachers worked for years to collect the books they use in their rooms.

Many of them were purchased with their own money or were gifts from students. That really gets to me.”

But she also feels a lot of hope and support from the Catholic Community Schools family, of which St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is a member. CCS superintendent Lynn Grewing said the summer was a difficult time for the school’s faculty and staff.

“This incident and aftermath … has certainly demonstrated the value and support of the CCS community,” Grewing said. “Even the day of the fire, several of our other principals were the first on the scene to support Kelly. They have all rallied around her with many offers of assistance and support.”

Erin Hatlestad, principal of St. Katharine Drexel School in St. Cloud, was among the first to reach out to Vangsness.

“What I really feel strongly about is that, because we are CCS, we are all in this together. I think this fire is almost everybody’s worst nightmare as an administrator. It was so nice the day of the fire that those of us who were available came to offer support,” Hatlestad said. “It could’ve happened to any one of us.”

Christina Van Heel has taught music at St. Elizabeth’s for about 13 years and has two children who attend the school.

“It was almost surreal. The week after the fire when we were allowed to go in, I didn’t think it would be that emotional, but I cried like a baby,” Van Heel recalled.

“In some ways, it was a little scary only because I kept thinking

about all the things that were in my classroom and how I will have to problem solve [to] make things work this year without them. But we have a really strong community, the parents have been really good, the teachers have been really good, and we will do it together.

We have no choice but to go up from here.”

After the fire, the summer kids’ program was moved to St. Anthony in St. Cloud. Families and teachers from other CCS schools collected donations to accommodate the kids in their new, temporary location.

“The needs we had were met within the first 12 hours,” Vangsness said. “Everyone has just been so incredibly generous.”

Vangsness was onsite at St. Elizabeth’s nearly every day since the fire. As she walked through the hallways, she was pleasantly greeted by the ServiceMaster crews, many of whom she now knows by name.

As many as 35 workers have been meticulously cleaning for up to 13 hours each day.

Thousands of feet of cables and wires were restrung, all the ceilings completely removed and replaced, carpet torn up, every nook and cranny cleaned and cleaned again, brick by brick. Even the cupboards, sound system, whiteboards and corkboards all had to go. Despite the loss, Vangsness remains positive.

“We will definitely lose some of the character of the building and that is heartbreaking. But it’s also an opportunity to give the school some much needed updates,” she said.

The greatest lesson she said she has learned, and what she wants people to know, is that the Catholic Church is strong.

“Here in our school, this is where we grow the Catholic Church,” she said. “There are so many bad things in the news and, yes, this fire was bad news. But everything else about this process — from the workers to friends and families to my colleagues and parishioners and the whole faith community — has shown what the Church is really all about.

“You think of ‘church’ as going to Sunday Mass, and that is vital.

But the support this community has shown is also ‘church.’ This is the domestic church living out its mission.”

Kids from SEAS summer care program made a seamless transition to St. Anthony Church in St. Cloud. Generous donors provided toys, games and supplies in less than 12 hours.

As many as 35 workers cleaned brick by brick, up to 13 hours each day.

WAYS TO HELP: Plans for meeting the needs of the school are developing. Currently, cash donations are being accepted at Catholic Community Schools, 207 7th Ave N., St. Cloud, MN 56303.

An Amazon store has been set up with the items that the teachers have requested. These range from toys to fans to classroom rugs, at all price points. Go to this link: http://a.co/dMXYo74 and purchase an item. It will be delivered directly to the school and will be removed from the list to avoid duplication.

Stay tuned on social media for more information about dates for Barnes & Noble book fairs to help replenish the teachers’ libraries.

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SPECIAL REPORT

outh SAmerica’s Amazon:

Children practice flying during school recess in Hiowa, Guyana. (CNS photo/Paul Jeffrey)

CULTURALLY DIVERSE, GLOBALLY IMPORTANT

BY BARBARA J. FRASER

Catholic News Service

W

hen Pope Francis came face to face with more than 2,000 Amazonian indigenous people in Peru in January 2018, he told them the place where they live is holy ground, and that they and the Amazon region are important to the Catholic Church and the entire world.

For most of October, more than 100 bishops will meet at the Vatican to wrestle with what that means for the church’s ministry in a politically, culturally and ecologically complex region where indigenous people face increasing threats.

The task for the bishops at the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon is to lay out, as the synod’s title puts it, “new paths for the church and for an integral ecology.”

The decisions they make will reverberate not only in the Amazon region, but elsewhere in the world.

Pope Francis is calling for a church with “an Amazonian face — not a white face, but the face of the indigenous person, the river dweller, the black person, the person of mixed race,” said retired Bishop Erwin Krautler of Altamira, Brazil.

MINISTRY CHALLENGES The diversity of faces reflects the complexity of issues in the region.

The Amazon region covers an area more than five times the size of Alaska. Although most of it is in Brazil, eight other countries share parts of the region. The national boundaries, which are generally heavily forested and far from capital cities, are often lawless areas where drug traffickers, human traffickers, illegal loggers and illegal miners operate with impunity.

Even away from borders, areas inhabited by indigenous people are coveted by miners, loggers and ranchers eager to expand into the Amazon region. Community leaders who speak out and defend their territories risk harassment, death threats and assassination.

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The Central Minnesota Catholic | SEPTEMBER 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org

His face painted red with urucum, Tumi Make Matis, a leader of an organization of Matis people in the Javari Valley Indigenous Territory, participates in a march by indigenous people through the streets of Atalaia do Norte in Brazil’s Amazon region. They were protesting a central government plan to turn control of health care over to municipalities, in effect destroying a federal program of indigenous health care. (CNS photo/ Paul Jeffrey)

At least 300 indigenous groups live in the region. A single parish may include scores of widely scattered villages accessible only by boat, and it could take several weeks to reach the most distant community. The difficulty and expense of travel, and the relatively small number of priests and sisters, makes it virtually impossible to visit communities frequently.

As a result, unless they live in cities or in towns where a parish team lives, Catholics in Amazonia have little access to the sacraments. In some places, a priest visits only once a year, celebrating the Eucharist, marriages and baptisms.

Some communities almost never see a priest.

That is likely to be a key point on the synod agenda.

The working document contains a proposal for a type of ordination for village elders who are in stable relationships. They would not have all the attributes of priests, but they would be able to preside over eucharistic celebrations.

When the synod document was released, that proposal grabbed headlines worldwide, as some observers saw it as a first step toward allowing married priests. But the pope has said that is not on the table, and the document makes clear that the functions of the ministers would be limited to celebrating the Eucharist for Amazonian Catholics.

The bishops are also likely to explore new roles for women in the church in the Amazon region. The document calls for them to “identify the type of official ministry that can be conferred on women, taking into account the central role that they currently play in the Amazonian church.�

Pope Francis announced the synod in 2017 and launched it with an initial meeting in January 2018,

A woman walks along a raised sidewalk in Islandia, a town in the Peruvian Amazon. (CNS photo/Paul Jeffrey)

Young women practice a school play that recalls their troubled history in the Escola Sao Joao in Quilombo Tiningu, near Santarem, Brazil. Quilombos are Brazilian hinterland settlements founded by people of African origin, mostly slaves.

(CNS photo/Paul Jeffrey)

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during his visit to the town of Puerto Maldonado, in the Peruvian Amazon. More than 40 assemblies were then held in church jurisdictions throughout the Amazon, so Catholics in the nine countries could discuss the issues that most affect them.

Those topics — ranging from threats from oil production and mining to alcohol and drug addiction and domestic violence — were included in the synod working document and are likely to be discussed when the bishops meet.

ECOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY The document highlights the importance of the Amazon basin as an ecosystem that provides 15 percent of the fresh water on the planet and helps regulate the global climate. By holding the synod in Rome, Pope Francis is stressing the importance of the Amazon for the world, as he did in the encyclical “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home,” published in 2015.

As one of the most biologically diverse areas of the earth, the Amazon region has given rise to great cultural diversity. About 3 million of its 31 million inhabitants are indigenous.

Throughout Latin America, indigenous people generally are among the poorest. The lack of jobs and decent schools in their villages spurs steady migration from rural areas to cities, where indigenous people face discrimination and struggle to maintain their traditions.

At the synod, the bishops are also likely to consider new forms of urban ministry, especially ministry among indigenous people who have settled in cities.

Another group of Amazonian people who suffer prejudice are those of African descent. In Brazil, before slavery was abolished in 1888, some slaves escaped and fled into the forest, forming communities called “quilombos.”

Their territorial rights are even more precarious than those of indigenous people, because the “quilombos” lack official recognition as traditional communities.

Pope Francis is not the first pontiff to focus the church’s attention on the Amazon. In an encyclical to the bishops of Latin America in June 1912, Pope Pius X decried the slavery and brutality that accompanied the rubber trade, in which tens of thousands of indigenous Amazonians died.

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Bishops from church jurisdictions in the Brazilian Amazon have gathered periodically since 1954, Bishop Krautler said. When they met in 1972 in the Amazonian city of Santarem, Pope Paul VI sent a message of support.

When the bishops from Latin America and the Caribbean met in the Brazilian city of Aparecida in 2007, they discussed environmental issues, and a section on the Amazon was included in the final document of that assembly.

The synod will continue that trend, this time highlighting the importance of the Amazon region for the universal church, Bishop Krautler said.

“It will be a great event of dialogue, of discussion, of proposals,” he said. “We do not hope for pious counsel from the synod. We hope that the synod will be a source of renewed impetus for the Church throughout the world.”

The Central Minnesota Catholic | SEPTEMBER 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org

Antonia Silva Lima, a farmer in the Brazilian Amazon, prays at the grave of U.S.-born Sister Dorothy Stang in Anapu, Brazil.

Sister Stang was assassinated in 2005. The red cross beside her grave bears the names of 16 local rights activists who have been murdered since her killing. Church activists say the killings continue, and they’re about to erect a second red cross with even more names.

(CNS photo/Paul Jeffrey)

A fisherman peddles his catch at the dock in Santarem, a city alongside the Amazon River in Brazil’s northern Para state.

(CNS photo/ Paul Jeffrey)

LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS

‘BY HIS MERCY 2: LIVING ALL IN’ SECOND BOOK BENEFITS VOCATIONS A second book of short stories written by mostly local authors is ready to hit shelves. The book, “By His Mercy 2: Living All In,” is an extension of the first book, “By His Mercy,” which was published in late 2018. Both books were coordinated by Tricia Walz, who lives in St. Cloud and attends St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Like the first book, the chapters are carefully crafted by people who have experienced God’s mercy in their lives.

The authors include: Sophie Cash, St. John, Foley; Kate Shermach, St. Patrick, McHenry, Illinois; Lucas Gerads, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud; Theresa Lieser, Sts. Peter and Paul, Gilman; James Uthmeier, St. Thomas More, Tallahassee, Florida; Mary Solarz, All Saints, Holdingford; Sarah Dvoracek, St. Lambert, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Ryan Myklebust, Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Rockville; Lisa Cash, St. John, Foley; Heather Pfannenstein, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud; Ben Owen-Block, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud; Sister Anne Thérèse Wilder, O.P., (originally from the St. Cloud Diocese); and Colette Jemming, St. Francis Xavier, Sartell. The cover was designed by Rachel Warner, St. John Cantius, St. Cloud.

Books are available for $15. All proceeds benefit the St. Cloud diocesan Vocation Office. The books can be found in St. Cloud at: Christian Corner Books & Gifts, St. Cloud Book Shop, St. Mary’s Cathedral parish office, St. Augustine parish office and the diocesan Vocation Office.

ACT-OBERFEST VARIETY SHOW IS SEPT. 22 Musical and comedy acts will be performed by Bishop Donald Kettler, priests, parishioners and youth groups at the annual Act-oberfest Variety Show on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Sauk Centre High School Auditorium.

Admission, refreshments and popcorn are free. There will be cookies for sale. Donations accepted at the event will benefit diocesan youth faith formation activities.

This community and fellowship-building event is cosponsored by the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of St. Cloud and the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.

SECOND COLLECTION WILL BENEFIT ANTI-POVERTY PROGRAMS The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is the national anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Church.

CCHD, a part of the Office of Justice, Peace and Human Development of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, works to break the cycle of poverty by helping low-income people participate in decisions that affect their lives, families and communities.

On Sept. 14 and 15, a second collection will be taken in parishes of the St. Cloud Diocese to benefit CCHD. Twentyfive percent of funds collected will remain in the diocese to fund anti-poverty projects through small local grants. The remaining 75% will be sent to the national office to fund largescale grants across the nation.

Recent local and national grant recipients within the diocese include the Greater Minnesota Worker Center, Catholic Charities, Oasis of Central Minnesota, Wellness in the Woods and Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota.

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STUDY DAY WILL FOCUS ON RESPONSE TO COLLAPSING COMMUNITIES, SOCIETAL DIVIDES Catholics from across Minnesota are invited to join Minnesota’s bishops and their advisers on Wednesday, Sept. 4 for their annual study day. This year’s event focuses on how to respond to the collapse of communities and the growth of societal divides.

Keynote speaker Tim Carney, author of “Alienated America: Why Some Places Thrive While Others Collapse,” will provide an in-depth look at the data he gathered while visiting communities across America.

The event, sponsored by the Minnesota Catholic Conference, runs from 9 a.m. to noon at the Carondelet Center in St. Paul. It is free and open to the public, but online registration is required.

For more details and to register, visit www.MNCatholic.org/ AlienatedAmerica.

WALK WILL HONOR LOCAL MARTYRS A walkathon planned for Sunday, Sept. 29, will raise funds for three causes and honor the memory of two martyrs with roots in the Diocese of St. Cloud — Benedictine Sister Adelaide (Agnes) Koetter and Mill Hill Father John Kaiser.

The walkathon begins at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Parish in Freeport and ends at Seven Dolors Parish in Albany around 11:30 a.m., where there will be a holy hour at the church. The event concludes at 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will drive walkers back to their cars in Freeport.

Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. at Sacred Heart followed by prayers in the parish cemetery at 9 a.m. While the walkathon is limited to 30 people who have each donated $100 for a ticket,

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anyone can join for prayer at either location and other donations are also accepted. To purchase tickets for the walkathon or give a gift, send funds to Father Tony Kroll, 308 3rd St. S., Sauk Rapids, MN 56379. Make checks out to one of the three causes: Mother Mary Fund for Life, which supports crisis pregnancy centers within the diocese; Father John Kaiser Social Justice Fund, providing microloans for people in Central America; or La Asamblea Derechos Civiles, which works with immigrants to help them understand their civil rights. For more information, contact Father Kroll at 320-493-7873 or tonykroll@hotmail.com.

DIOCESAN PRIEST OBITUARY: FATHER SYLVESTER KLEINSCHMIDT Father Sylvester Matthias Kleinschmidt, 97, died July 18 at Fairway Pines Senior Living, Sauk Centre. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 23 at Our Lady of the Angels Church in Sauk Centre with burial in the parish cemetery.

Father Kleinschmidt was born on March 22, 1922. He was the son of Joseph, Sr. and Margaret (Laubach) Kleinschmidt. He was ordained to the priesthood June 3, 1950, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. He was a priest of the Diocese of St. Cloud for 69 years.

Father Kleinschmidt was associated with many churches throughout his pastoral ministry, including St. Olaf in Elbow Lake, Sacred Heart in Glenwood, St. Bartholomew in Villard, St. Ann in Brandon, St. Francis Xavier in Sartell, St. Henry in Perham, St. Francis De Sales in Belgrade and Sts. Peter and Paul in Elrosa.

The Central Minnesota Catholic | SEPTEMBER 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org

IN MEMORIAM Benedictine Father Hilary Donald Thimmesh, 91, March 2, 1928-Aug. 11, 2019, English professor, St. John’s University president.

Deacon Jerome Roth, 93, Dec. 21, 1925Aug. 7, 2019, ministry at St. Stanislaus Kostka in Bowlus and surrounding area.

Benedictine Father Corwin John Collins, 89, Oct. 3, 1930-July 25, 2019, educator, administrator, pastor.

Benedictine Father Knute Deane Anderson, 90, May 28, 1929-July 20, 2019, linguist, translator, researcher.

For full obituaries, visit WWW.THECENTRALMINNESOTACATHOLIC.ORG/OBITUARIES

WHAT’S HAPPENING

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Little Falls • Taize Prayer 6 p.m. in Gathering Space at St. Francis Convent.

Belle Prairie • Central Minnesota Koinonia weekend retreat for adults at TEC Center 5:30 p.m. /ends Sept. 15. ($70, scholarships available.) Information: Kathy at 320-6301880 or cmkoinonia@gmail.com. Register: centralmnkoinonia.org.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Dent • Sacred Heart Parish “Seeds To Grow” hosts craft/bake sale after 8:30 a.m. Mass.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Farming • Mass 8 p.m. at St. Catherine Parish Oratory.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

St. Cloud • Holy Spirit Parish breakfast buffet of ham, sausage, pancakes, scrambled eggs, 8 a.m.-noon. (Mass/9:30 a.m.)

Spring Hill • St. Michael Parish serves CUF matching grant breakfast of sausage, eggs, fried potatoes, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Pierz • Patriotic rosary prayed 12:45 p.m. at St. Joseph Church.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

St. Cloud • Discipleship gathering at Christ Church Newman Center (meal, presentation, faith sharing) 6:30 p.m. Free.

(Also Sept. 19 and 26.)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

St. Cloud • St. Cloud Widowed Persons’ Breakfast 9:30 a.m./Brigitte’s Café. (320492-1945)

St. Joseph • Fare for All food distribution 3:30-5:30 p.m at Resurrection Lutheran Church. Open to all. No registration.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Little Falls • Centering prayer and lectio divina 6 p.m. in Gathering Space at St. Francis Convent.

Paynesville • Diocesan Regional Ministry Gathering 6-8:30 p.m. at St. Louis Church features speakers on parish hospitality, servant leadership skills and estate planning/taxes. Free. Register at http:// stcdio.org/regional-ministry-gatherings/.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Cold Spring • DCCW fall conference “Servants of God, Guiding Our Youth” registration 8:30 a.m. at St. Boniface.

Mass, speakers Jeff Kaster and Anna Marie’s Alliance. Information: stclouddiocesanccw@gmail.com or 612804-5629. Send registration ($15) by Sept. 11 to Marlene Statz, 27586 Co. Rd. 9, Richmond, MN 56368.

Sartell • St. Cloud Widowed Persons’ Lunch 11:30 a.m./Drake’s. (320-255-0467)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

St. Cloud • Bouja served 9 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Primary School. Ticket sales 6 a.m. Take-home kettle service only.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

St. Cloud • 40 Days for Life Fall Campaign begins today (and runs through Nov. 3) 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday, in front of Planned Parenthood. Opening rally Sept.

28, noon-2 p.m., at St. Augustine Church.

Contact Judy Haag at 320-453-7592 or judy4life@meltel.net to sign up.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Collegeville • St. John the Baptist Parish hosts rummage sale 7 a.m.-7 p.m (Also Sept. 27, 7-11 a.m. $1/bag.)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

St. Cloud • Newman Pub Night 6:30 p.m. at Christ Church Newman Center.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Little Falls • Blessing of Animals noon at Washington Park.

Sauk Rapids • Waffle It-Belgian waffle breakfast 8:30 a.m.-noon at Sacred Heart Church.

Waite Park • St. Cloud Widowed Persons’ Dinner 4 p.m./Olive Garden (320-253-6942)

SUBMITTING EVENTS FOR CALENDAR Email information for the online calendar and “What’s Happening” section to cmccalendar@gw.stcdio.org or mail to Calendar, The Central Minnesota Catholic, P.O. Box 1068, St. Cloud, MN 56302-1068.

To be considered for the upcoming magazine issues, event information must be submitted by the following dates:

NOVEMBER ISSUE, DEADLINE IS NOON,

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12.

Visit thecentralminnesotacatholic.org and click on the calendar to view all events. For more information about the calendar, call Carol at 320-258-7626.

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The Central Minnesota Catholic | SEPTEMBER 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

Harding • Holy Cross Parish Bazaar polka Mass (Dale Dahmen and The Polka Beats) at 10 a.m. Chicken/ham dinner — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include music (The Polka Beats, The Waltzateers).

St. Rosa • St. Rose of Lima Parish Fall Festival outdoor polka Mass (LaVerne & The Starlites) at 10 a.m. Chicken/ ham dinner — 11 a.m. Activities include music (Steve Mages, Kally Herdering and Katelynn Toenyan, Slew Foot Family Band, Donny Brang).

Urbank • Sacred Heart Parish Bazaar indoor polka Mass (Nathan’s Old Time Band) at 10:30 a.m. Chicken/ham dinner — 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Activities include music (Nathan’s Old Time Band).

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

St. Stephen • St. Stephen Parish Festival starts at 11 a.m. Chicken/ham dinner.

Activities include music (JJ’s Band, LaVerne & The Starlites).

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Waite Park • St. Joseph Parish Septemberfest — 4:30 to 8 p.m. features Legendary Fish Fry with beer/wine. Drivethrough. Activities include music (Nathan’s Old Time Band).

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

St. Cloud • St. Mary’s Cathedral Block Party begins with outdoor Mass at 4 p.m.

Activities include music (Jazz Dot Combo and DiamondBack).

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Alexandria • St. Mary Parish Community Block Party — Mass at 8 and 10 a.m.

Pancake/sausage breakfast — 8:30 a.m. to noon at St. Mary’s School. Event at Runestone Community Center — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities include music (Live Wire and The Red Letter Band) and Vikings on widescreen TV. Butler • Father Robert Rolfes presides at 10:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Parish. Chicken and ham dinner — 11:30 a.m. Activities.

Kent • St. Thomas Parish Fall Bazaar begins with Mass at 10 a.m. Turkey/ham dinner — 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Activities.

Long Prairie • St. Mary of Mount Carmel

Parish Fall Festival starts with indoor polka Mass (Jerry and Joyce Band) at 10 a.m.

Gorka’s fried chicken/ham dinner with pie — 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Activities include music (Jerry and Joyce Band). Mass also at 8 in English and in Spanish at 11:45 a.m.

Onamia • Holy Cross Parish Fall Fun Fest begins with indoor polka Mass (Nathan’s Old Time Band) at 10:30 a.m. Baked chicken dinner. Activities — noon to 3 p.m.

Wadena • St. Ann Parish Family Festival — 3 to 7 p.m. Roast beef/ham dinner — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Activities. Tickets ($100) sold for replica of 1965 Shelby “Cobra” built

by Father Aaron Kuhn and parishioners.

Car raffle/4 p.m. — Bishop Donald Kettler attending. (Catholic United Financial matching grant event.)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Meire Grove • St. John Parish Harvest Festival begins with Meire Grove Band concert at 2:30 p.m. Outdoor Mass at 4 p.m. Grilled burgers, brats, refreshments at city hall after Mass. Music by Father Marvin Enneking, Donny Brang, and Marcie Welle.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Brandon • St. Ann Parish Fall Bazaar begins with Mass at 10:30 a.m. Chicken/ ham dinner with pie — 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Activities.

Brooten • St. Donatus Parish Dinner/ Raffle begins with Mass at 10 a.m. Roasted turkey/ham dinner with homemade pies/ desserts — 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the BBE Elementary School.

Buckman • St. Michael Parish Bazaar starts with polka Mass at 10 a.m. Chicken/ham dinner with homemade coffee cakes — 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Activities include music (The Walzateers).

Elk River • St. Andrew Parish Fall Festival begins with Masses at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Stands open at 11:30 a.m. Activities include music (Kenny and Diane Janson and son Zach from Nashville, Father Mark and the Angels and LaVerne & The Starlites).

Fergus Falls • Our Lady of Victory Parish Fall Festival begins with Masses at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Turkey dinner with pie or cake — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities.

Herman • St. Charles Parish serves Fall Festival Turkey Dinner — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — at Herman Community Center.

Kimball • St. Anne Parish Fall Festival starts with indoor polka Mass (LaVerne & The Starlites) at 9 a.m. Breakfast — 9 a.m. to noon. Stands open at 10 a.m. Activities.

Mora • St. Mary Parish Fall Festival begins with Mass at 10 a.m. Chicken dinner with pie/ice cream — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities.

Morris • Assumption Parish SeptemberFest starts with Mass at 10 a.m. Roast beef/ ham dinner — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities include music (Josh Fischer), classic car show, Vikings vs. Packer game on big screen.

Princeton • Christ Our Light Parish, of Princeton and Zimmerman, hosts Fall Fest, starting with outdoor Mass at 10 a.m. at the Christ Our Light-North campus. Bring lawn chair. Pork chop dinner — 11 a.m. Activities include live music, Vikings game on big screen.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Braham • Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Fall Festival, Auction and Downhill Derby — 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Activities include music (Rick Lyke Karaoke and The Arcades band).

Sartell • St. Francis Xavier Parish FrantoberFest children’s 1K Fun Run (8:30 a.m.) and Franny Flyer 5K/10K Walk/ Run (9 a.m.) Mass at 4 p.m. Food booths/ activities, including live music, begin at 5 p.m. Event continues tomorrow.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Big Lake • Mary of the Visitation Parish SeptemberFest Masses at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Activities — 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. — include entertainment and vintage car show — noon to 2 p.m.

Bluffton • St. John the Baptist Parish Fall Bazaar Mass at 10:30 a.m. Chicken/ham dinner with homemade pies. Activities — noon to 3:30 p.m. — at Bluffton Community Center.

Kensington • Our Lady of the Runestone Parish Fall Dinner — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — broasted chicken, sausage/sauerkraut, homemade desserts. (Mass at 8:30 a.m.)

Sartell • St. Francis Xavier Parish FrantoberFest Masses at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Dad’s Belgian Waffles — 8:30 a.m. to noon at school.

Sobieski • St. Stanislaus Parish Bazaar Mass with polka music at 10:30 a.m. Polish meal at Sobieski Community Center at 11 a.m. Activities include music (Jerry Bierschbach).

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Clear Lake • St. Marcus Parish Harvest Festival breakfast — 9 a.m. to noon.

Activities. (Mass at 10 a.m.)

Motley • St. Michael Parish Harvest Dinner — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Mass at 10:30 a.m.)

SEE THE ONLINE “Events Calendar” at thecentralminnesotacatholic.org for additional information about the festivals listed above.

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NATIONAL/ WORLD NEWS

ALL CATHOLICS MUST BE MISSIONARIES, POPE SAYS IN MESSAGE

(Catholic News Service) — By virtue of their baptism, all Catholics are called to be missionaries, sharing the good news of salvation in Jesus by their actions and their words, Pope Francis said.

The pope’s message for World Mission Sunday Oct. 20 and for the special celebration in 2019 of October as “Missionary Month” is “Baptized and sent: the church of Christ on mission in the world.”

The special “Missionary Month” will mark the 100th anniversary of Pope Benedict XV’s 1919 apostolic letter “Maximum Illud” on the church’s missionary activity.

The document, Pope Francis said, has two key messages that Catholics need to hear today: every Christian has a responsibility to share the Gospel; and the universality of salvation in Jesus means that all people are children of God and brothers and sisters to each other, which means rejecting “all forms of nationalism and ethnocentrism or the merging of the preaching of the Gospel with the economic and military interests of colonial powers.”

Watch for more on World Mission Sunday in the October issue of The Central Minnesota Catholic.

Dr. Tom Catena, a Catholic lay missionary from the United States, examines a patient during rounds in late April at the Mother of Mercy Hospital in Gidel, a village in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan. By virtue of their baptism, all Catholics are called to be missionaries, sharing the good news of salvation in Jesus by their actions and their words, Pope Francis said. (CNS photo/Paul Jeffrey)

WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES IS SEPT. 29

(CNS) — The excluded, especially migrants and refugees, are the ones who ultimately pay the price for humanity’s greed, Pope Francis said.

In a new video message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which the Vatican will celebrate Sept.

29, the pope warned that “today’s world is increasingly becoming more elitist and cruel toward the excluded.”

“Those who pay the price are always the little ones, the poor, the most vulnerable, who are prevented from sitting at the table and are left with the crumbs of the banquet,” the pope said in the message released July 2.

LAST WORD

FA I T H , FA M I LY A N D

lives near the community of Marty with his wife, Andra, and their children: Julia, Bryce and Natalie. They attend St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in St. Augusta.

BRIAN KNAPEK

V

olunteering for the Rockville Fire/Rescue Department has strengthened my Christian values by enabling me to serve the members of my community. For example, it has given me the opportunity to become involved with the Polar Plunge, allowing me to work alongside the Fraternal Order of Police and members of the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department.

I also have developed many friendships through my involvement on the department. I am blessed to serve side by side with great individuals who I consider to be friends — using the gifts that God has given us to help others and give

I grew up on a family farm by back to the communities that our Gilman. We did many things department serves. together as a family and going to The camaraderie within the church together each week was department is what makes us feel most important. But as a young like a “big family.” Similar to the adult I fell away from the Church. support system within families, My faith was restored when I members of the department watch became involved in the TEC out for each other during calls and (Together Encountering Christ) are always there to back up one program; I also met my wife another. The same holds true for through my participation in TEC. I the members of law enforcement often share my personal story that who meet us on calls.

I believe God led me back to him Unfortunately, there are times so that I could serve him with a when our response to an emergency very specific purpose. call doesn’t go as planned or there There have been numerous is an unfavorable outcome. It is situations when I have put my on these occasions that we really training to use dig deep into — both as a our faith, and member of the members of JOIN US FOR THE department and the department DIOCESAN BLUE MASS in my personal struggle with A CELEBRATION OF life. I’ve prayed the question of FIRST RESPONDERS that God would “why?”

Thursday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m. give me courage Knowing and strength as that we can St. Mary’s Cathedral I serve in this pray to God for 25 8th Ave. S., St. Cloud calling, and that support and he would give guidance during me the gift of these times is serving another day. I am blessed to phenomenal; it is also critical for be able to continue to do God’s will. the well-being and stability of our I have grown in my faith over the members. The amount of prayer and years, and I am proud to support support our department receives my wife and three children in their from the community is extraordinary spiritual journeys. We attend Mass and greatly appreciated. I am together each week and make it a thankful knowing that there will priority to simply spend quality always be support and people time together. I take time every sending prayers my way when the day to pray about the important pager goes off. My biggest supporters things going on in my life; I thank are my family: my wife, Andra, and God for all the amazing people he children, Julia, Bryce and Natalie. has put in my life. My faith has I am most grateful to have God helped me overcome many difficult watching over me because nobody situations in my life and continues knows what the next call will entail to be my strength and guidance as I or how it will end. serve on the Rockville Fire/Rescue Our Catholic faith was an Department. important part of my upbringing.

© Getty Images/Joesboy

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ST. JOHN’S ABBEY

Inaugura Casa San Benito Casa San Benito, un centro para el ministerio latino, es el nombre de un nuevo programa bajo el auspicio de St. John’s Abbey en Collegeville. Pero no todo es nuevo. De hecho, uno podría argumentar que todo el concepto se remonta a mediados de 1800.

ARTÍCULO DE FONDO

“Nuestra comunidad monástica fue fundada en 1856 para servir a la Iglesia, especialmente a los colonos alemanes de la zona”, dijo el abad benedictino John Klassen. “Con el tiempo, el esfuerzo misionero se expandió en muchas direcciones diferentes, en una variedad de manifestaciones, incluyendo nuestro compromiso con el ministerio parroquial, con la publicación de materiales para la reflexión teológica, la catequesis, la liturgia y la espiritualidad, y los apostolados educativos de la escuela preparatoria, la universidad y la Escuela de Teología y Seminario.

“En nuestro tiempo, existe una gran necesidad de ministrar a la comunidad latina”, continuó. “Queremos asegurarnos de que hacemos un buen trabajo escuchando, entendiendo la variedad de necesidades que tiene esta comunidad, así como colaborando con la Diócesis de St. Cloud y otros que están involucrados en este ministerio”.

En 1997, tanto la abadía de St. John como el monasterio de St. Benedict formaron un centro con la iglesia de St. Boniface en Cold Spring para ministrar entre la población latina en el centro de Minnesota.

Había una presencia establecida de latinos en el área, y era un centro natural de extensión, expandiéndose a comunidades cercanas y lejanas, incluyendo: Montevideo, Rockville, Melrose, Willmar, Pelican Rapids, Waite Park y St. Cloud.

El ministerio evolucionó con el tiempo, y se formó una organización llamada Casa Guadalupe. Sirvió a miles de familias latinas en el centro de Minnesota a través de su ubicación en Cold Spring. La organización cerró en 2014.

Según el padre benedictino Efraín Rosado, a pesar de PARA OBTENER MÁS INFORMACIÓN, COMUNÍQUESE CON EL PADRE ROSADO A EROSADO@CSBSJU.EDU O LLAME O ENVÍE UN MENSAJE DE TEXTO AL 320-761-0942.

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El Padre Benedictino Efraín Rosado se reúne con miembros de la comunidad hispana/latina en St. Boniface en Cold Spring.

story by

photography by

KRISTI ANDERSON

PAUL MIDDLESTAEDT

que las puertas se cerraron, la misión de Casa Guadalupe ha continuado. Durante casi un año, ha estado trabajando para reubicar los servicios que Casa Guadalupe proporcionó a la abadía. Por lo tanto, su nuevo nombre es Casa San Benito. Su objetivo principal como coordinador del programa es revitalizar el ministerio para las personas latinas, principalmente inmigrantes, que necesitan apoyo para las necesidades espirituales, económicas y sociales en el centro de Minnesota.

“Uno de los grandes valores de la orden benedictina es la hospitalidad. No somos considerados una orden misionera. ... Nuestros monasterios son como imanes que atraen a las personas que buscan formación espiritual, recibir los sacramentos, recibir educación, conseguir un trabajo. Nosotros, los monjes, debemos satisfacer las necesidades de los demás, ofrecer hospitalidad y recibir a todos los invitados mientras recibimos a Cristo. Eso es lo que puede hacer Casa San Benito”, dijo el Padre Rosado.

Como monje de la abadía de Tepeyac en la Ciudad de México, el Padre Rosado fue enviado por su comunidad a estudiar en la Escuela de Teología y Seminario de St. John. Allí, fue presentado a la obra de Casa Guadalupe en 2008.

Como inmigrante, el Padre Rosado vio la necesidad de ministrar a los inmigrantes latinos en el área y solicitó una transferencia de su comunidad de origen en México a la comunidad de Collegeville. Se le concedió permiso y recibió una visa permanente que le permite ser miembro de la abadía de St. John.

“Como benedictinos, este tipo de obra encaja muy bien con nuestro carisma, nuestra misión. Y también conmigo. Me di cuenta de que había una gran necesidad de alguien que pudiera entender el idioma, la cultura y ministrar y servir a estas personas aquí”, dijo.

El Abad Klassen señaló que la comunidad “apoya firmemente este ministerio porque las necesidades de la comunidad latina son muy evidentes”.

“En cuestión de años, los latinos constituirán más del 50% de la Iglesia en este país”, dijo el Abad Klassen.

“Esta es una transformación asombrosa. Y la migración de personas latinas a este país es tan compleja como la migración de inmigrantes europeos hace 100 años y más. Tenemos que escuchar y aprender, para que

The Central Minnesota Catholic | SEPTIEMBRE 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org

seamos conscientes de los diversos matices. ¿Por qué este ministerio? Porque es emocionante abrirnos en la Iglesia a un grupo completamente nuevo de personas”.

Este centro crecerá lentamente, dijo el Abad Klassen, para adaptarse a todo lo que se está haciendo en las parroquias, en el esfuerzo cooperativo entre la Diócesis y la Escuela de Teología y Seminario, y en sus escuelas.

“Se requerirá un nuevo aprendizaje y una transformación de nuestras habilidades multiculturales”, dijo. “Nuestros recursos son escasos, pero nuestro deseo de avanzar en esta dirección es fuerte. Esta iniciativa está llegando a nuestras raíces, a nuestros primeros días. Tendremos que ser inteligentes en la colaboración”.

El Padre Rosado invita a todos a ser parte de este proyecto.

“Este programa es para el beneficio de cada comunidad. Es una bendición vivir en un ambiente multicultural. Los inmigrantes enriquecen nuestras vidas en todos los aspectos: culturalmente, tecnológicamente, económicamente, así como en nuestra religión y vida espiritual”, dijo. “Estamos ayudando a los inmigrantes a ser productivos en todos los sentidos para toda la comunidad. No solo estamos llenando los bancos, estamos construyendo la Iglesia.

“Si dona una cantidad de incluso $10, no solo está dando algo de dinero extra que está en su billetera. Se está convirtiendo en parte de este esfuerzo, el mismo trabajo que estamos haciendo. Venga a visitarnos o pídanos que le visitemos. Podemos trabajar juntos.

Todos somos parte de la misma familia”.

VARIEDAD DE SERVICIOS EN LA CASA SAN BENITO Se brinda asistencia ministerial para las misas dominicales y días de precepto y otros sacramentos y servicios de oración para los latinos: coro en misa, fiestas litúrgicas, grupos de oración en la iglesia y en los hogares, grupos de lectores, acólitos, monaguillos, ministros eucarísticos.

Se ofrece clases de preparación sacramental.

Se asiste en retiros y clases de formación de fe para adultos, niños y jóvenes, y ofrecer asistencia financiera para el programa SOT Youth in Theology and Ministry (YTM) y otros programas educativos de la diócesis.

Se apoya con clases de ESL para inmigrantes adultos de habla hispana.

Se ofrece asistencia caritativa a personas (ropa, alimentos, etc.), servicios de traducción para llenar formularios y solicitudes de atención médica y legales, y orientación para personas que necesitan comunicarse con organizaciones caritativas apropiadas.

Se apoya la educación de los adolescentes latinos que desean asistir a clases en la Escuela Preparatoria St. John.

Se Promueve la integración de la comunidad latina en las parroquias y escuelas locales, con el objetivo de interculturalidad, en el que grupos de personas se unen en un espíritu de respeto mutuo y aprecio por quienes son y los regalos que traen.

ACTUALIZACIÓN DE LA CAMPAÑA ANUAL:

SE NECESITAN MÁS DONACIONES PARA ALCANZAR LA META A principios de agosto, las contribuciones a la Campaña Anual del Obispo de 2019 alcanzaron poco más de $1 millón entre donaciones y promesas de donación.

“La Diócesis de St. Cloud está verdaderamente agradecida por beneficiarse con las contribuciones de una comunidad comprometida y generosa”, dijo Anna Kampa, asociada de la Oficina de Administración y Desarrollo de la Diócesis de St. Cloud.

La campaña de 2019, que se lanzó en febrero, tiene una meta de $1.3 millones. La Campaña Anual del Obispo recauda fondos para apoyar ministerios vitales en los 16 condados de la diócesis.

“Los fondos recibidos a través de la Campaña Anual del Obispo son esenciales para el funcionamiento de los ministerios diocesanos que impactan diariamente la vida espiritual de las personas en nuestras parroquias”, dijo Kampa.

La campaña apoya el crecimiento espiritual, los sacramentos y la sanación de decenas de miles de personas en toda la diócesis, incluyendo los

estudiantes en las clases de formación en la fe y las escuelas católicas, parejas, padres, familias y aquellos que se están recuperándose de un divorcio.

Los educadores, el matrimonio y la vida familiar, las vocaciones al sacerdocio, el diaconado y la vida religiosa también se benefician, así como los pastores, el personal de la parroquia y los voluntarios. La misa televisada para los se encuentran confinados en el hogar, la Oficina de Ministerios Multiculturales y la Revista Católica de Minnesota Central reciben dinero a través de la campaña.

“Estos ministerios no serían posibles sin la participación de los fieles en nuestra diócesis”, dijo Kampa.

Si aún no ha dado un obsequio a la Campaña Anual del Obispo, visite stcdio.org y haga clic en la Campaña Anual del Obispo (solo en inglés) o envíe un cheque a la Campaña Anual del Obispo, P.O. Box 1538, St. Cloud, MN 56302. Los sobres también estarán disponibles en septiembre en las parroquias que celebran misas en español.

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UNA CARTA A LOS JÓVENES

Hispanic/Latino Ministerios

AL COMIENZO DE UN NUEVO AÑO ESCOLAR COMENTARIOS DEL OBISPO

Queridos jóvenes de la diócesis, ¡Es difícil creer que un nuevo año escolar ya está ante nosotros! Las vacaciones de verano siempre parecen pasar muy rápido. Espero que hayan podido disfrutar muchos de los días cálidos y soleados con sus amigos y familiares. Aunque es posible que estén un poco triste porque el verano está terminando, espero que también estén entusiasmados con sus nuevas clases, actividades extracurriculares y con la posibilidad de reconectarse con maestros y compañeros de clase.

Sin embargo, algunos de ustedes pueden estar ansiosos por el nuevo año escolar, especialmente si asisten a una nueva escuela, o les preocupa hacer nuevos amigos y no están seguros de qué esperar. Quizás les preocupe OBISPO DONALD un horario de clase difícil. O tal vez estén estresados por equilibrar las J. KETTLER responsabilidades en la escuela y en el hogar. es el noveno Como estudiante hace muchos años, también me preocupaban estas cosas. obispo de la Lo que encontré útil, y lo que te recomiendo, es pasar tiempo todos los días Diócesis de con Jesús en oración, incluso si solo son algunos minutos. Jesús mismo sabía St. Cloud, lo importante que era la oración. Oraba con frecuencia, y con frecuencia se Minnesota. iba solo para estar con su Padre.

Al igual que Jesús, es importante que pasen un tiempo tranquilo con Dios todos los días. Pueden decir una oración familiar como el Padre Nuestro o el Ave María, pero también pueden hablar con Dios como hablarían con su mejor amigo. Dios les hizo y les ama, y les conoce mejor que nadie. En oración, pueden contarle sus alegrías y sus luchas.

Pueden buscar su sabiduría. Y pueden pedirle ayuda cuando estén tristes, enojados o confundidos.

No se olviden de reservar un momento de silencio, para que también puedan escuchar lo que Dios les está diciendo.

También es bueno rezar con la familia. Orar juntos en la misa dominical, antes de las comidas, antes de acostarse y en otros momentos ayudará a los miembros de la familia a profundizar su relación con Dios y entre ellos. Hacer de la oración una práctica diaria es una prioridad que establecerá un ejemplo fuerte y duradero para cada miembro dentro de la familia.

La oración es una parte esencial de ser cristiano. Pero si orar no lo tranquiliza, si continúan sintiéndose ansiosos o estresados, si están siendo intimidados o maltratados por otra persona, si les preocupa el bienestar de otro compañero de clase o amigo, infórmele a un adulto en quien ustedes confíen: uno de sus padres, un maestro, un ministro juvenil o pastor. Ellos también les aman.

Quieren lo mejor para ustedes y sus seres queridos, y les ayudarán.

Espero que tengan un maravilloso año escolar. Tal vez les vea durante una de mis visitas a parroquias y escuelas de la diócesis. Si me ven, por favor deténganse y salúdenme. Me preocupo profundamente por ustedes y por todos los jóvenes de nuestra diócesis, y rezaré por ustedes y todos los estudiantes. Por favor, oren por mí también.

CALENDARIO 2019 SEPTIEMBRE 6, 7 y 8

• St. John’s — Formación para ministros eclesiales y deácoos

SEPTIEMBRE 28 y 29

• Avon — Primer Retiro Diocesano Juvenil Latino

SEPTIEMBRE 30

• St. John’s campus — Día de Ministerio Diocesano

OCTUBRE 1, 2 y 3

• Bloomington, Minnesota — NCADDHM National Catholic Association for Hispanic Ministries

OCTUBRE 4, 5 y 6

• St. John’s — Formación para ministros eclesiales y deáconos • OCTUBRE 11, 12 y 13 • Belle Prairie — Koinonia

NOVIEMBRE 1, 2 y 3

• St. John’s — Formación para ministros eclesiales y deáconos

NOVIEMBRE 8

NOVIEMBRE 9

• Melrose — Hispano/Latino junta diocesana • Centro Pastoral — Preparación para Matrimonios

DICIEMBRE 6, 7 y 8

• St. John’s — Formación para ministros eclesiales

DICIEMBRE 12

• Diocesis — Celebraciones Parroquiales a la Virgen de Guadalupe de Guadalupe

Que Dios les Bendiga,

oficiales El Reverendo Donald J. Kettler, Obispo de la Diócesis de Saint Cloud, hace que el siguiente nombramiento en la Diócesis de Saint Cloud entre en vigencia a partir del 1ro. de Enero del 2019:

Reverendo David Maciej continuará como capellán en Minnesota Central de

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Koinonía. Ėsta asignación es efectiva hasta el 31 de Diciembre del 2022.

••• El reverendo Donald J. Kettler, Obispo de la Diócesis de Saint Cloud, hace efectivo el siguiente nombramiento en la Diócesis de Saint Cloud inmediatamente:

El Diácono Lucio David Hernández es nombrado Director Asociado para el

The Central Minnesota Catholic | SEPTIEMBRE 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org

Diaconado Permanente de la Diócesis de Saint Cloud.

Dado en la Cancillería Jane M. Martin, Canciller Saint Cloud, Minnesota 8 de Agosto del 2019

Delegates to the Instituto Pastoral Migratoria workshop receive certificates and a blessing during a commissioning ceremony at Mary Queen of Heaven Parish in Cicero, Illinois, July 14, 2019. (CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Chicago Catholic)

LA PASTORAL MIGRATORIA

Melrose. Los participantes también vinieron de Atlanta; Baltimore; Chicago; Fresno, California; Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri; Los Ángeles; Nueva York; Richmond, Virginia; Salt Lake City; San Petersburgo, Florida; Stockton, California; y Washington, D.C., un representante de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de EE. UU. asistió al instituto, que se realizó principalmente en español. story by MICHELLE MARTIN “En el Antiguo Testamento, Dios urge clara y consistentemente la Catholic News Service hospitalidad y la generosidad hacia el extranjero y la Iglesia ás de dos docenas de representantes de 13 diócesis Católica da la bienvenida a de los Estados Unidos se unieron recientemente los migrantes y se solidariza con ellos”, dijo el Cardenal de a los asiduos participantes de la Arquidiócesis de Chicago Blase Cupich a los Chicago, en las afueras del centro de detención de asistentes.

Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de Estados Unidos en “El Instituto Pastoral Broadview, Illinois, para rezar el rosario un viernes.

Migratorio responde al llamado que tenemos todos a regresar a nuestras herencia El grupo era del Instituto de ARTÍCULO DE bautismal y ancestral que nos llama Pastoral Migratoria y estaba FONDO a apoyar los derechos humanos conformado por participantes de todas las personas y brindarles al segundo taller anual de cuidado pastoral, dignidad humana capacitación para líderes y apoyo social, sin importar las diocesanos, pastorales y laicos circunstancias de entrada a este que desean comenzar sus propios país, especialmente para aquellos ministerios basados en el ministerio que se encuentran en circunstancias de inmigrante-a-inmigrante de desesperadas”, dijo. la arquidiócesis, el mismo que El Cardenal Cupich dijo que es comenzó en 2008. “un honor que la USCCB reconozca La Pastoral Migratoria con sede a la Pastoral Migratoria como la parroquial utiliza la enseñanza mejor práctica para el desarrollo social católica para capacitar a del liderazgo de los inmigrantes y el los inmigrantes para apoyar a las discipulado misionero”. personas en sus propias parroquias.

“La diócesis de San Cloud se El taller del 10 al 14 de julio beneficiara de las enseñanzas incluyó delegados de la Diócesis de recibidas durante el entrenamiento St. Cloud: Mayuli Bales, directora que el Instituto Nacional de Pastoral de ministerios multiculturales; y Migratoria ofreció el pasado Julio Ana Salgado, de St. Mary Parish en

CAPACITA A OTRAS DIÓCESIS SOBRE CÓMO ACOMPAÑAR A NUEVOS INMIGRANTES

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implementando la metodología de Escuchar, aprender, Proclamar que va de la mano con las necesidades presentadas durante el V Encuentro diocesano y nacional. Este es un plan de trabajo de pastoral de acompañamiento, organizado y planeado para crear parroquias vivas en el evangelio, donde se reconoce la dignidad del ser humano está en haber sido creado por Dios a su imagen y semejanza.

Los primeros pasos la Diócesis de San Cloud los ha dado y es llevar a los seres humanos por el camino de Jesús y con la fuerza del Espíritu santo Padre entrar en el reino de Dios. Los trabajos a futuro continuaran organizándose en las tres dimensiones fundamentales de la iglesia, profética, litúrgica y social. Esta es una Pastoral de Acompañamiento que todos los bautizados estamos llamados a vivir como colaboradores en la obra de Dios,” dijo Bales de San Cloud.

El Padre Eric Cruz, director de los servicios de Catholic Charities para el Bronx, un distrito de la ciudad de Nueva York en la Arquidiócesis de Nueva York, dijo que la arquidiócesis es una de las pocas diócesis en todo el país que ya está en camino de replicar la Pastoral Migratoria. Otras diócesis incluyen Kansas City-St. Joseph y Stockton.

Benito Medrano, el coordinador del ministerio hispano para la Diócesis de Fresno, dijo que el Valle Central donde sirven “está lleno de trabajadores migrantes”.

La diócesis ha sido bendecida con mujeres religiosas que les ministran, pero un modelo como Pastoral Migratoria podría permitir que más católicos se involucren, dijo.

“Queremos conectar a todas las personas que sufren y a todas las personas que quieren ayudar”, dijo.

Claudia Bartolini, coordinadora de desarrollo de recursos para la Oficina de Diversidad y Alcance Cultural de la Arquidiócesis de Washington, dijo que asistió al instituto para aprender cómo su arquidiócesis puede apoyar mejor a los inmigrantes.

Durante los talleres del instituto, los asistentes también visitaron algunas de las 40 parroquias de la Arquidiócesis de Chicago, donde existe Pastoral Migratoria, y asistieron a un círculo de paz restaurativa por la noche.

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SEPTIEMBRE 2019

EN ESTA EDICIÓN ARTÍCULO DE FONDO

La pastoral migratoria Capacita a otras diócesis Sobre cómo acompañar a Nuevos inmigrantes

ST. JOHN’S ABBEY INAUGURA Casa

San Benito

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