“As we begin the Lenten season on this Ash Wednesday, and we reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus and the mystery of his death and resurrection, there is no better time for this landmark law to be approved.” The Catholic Conference of Illinois, in a March 9 statement issued the same day Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law a bill to abolish the death penalty
Overheard 24
Quotes from this week’s newsmakers
The Catholic Spirit
More than 600 take part in the Rite of Election
Cadets capture hockey title with comeback win
The Basilica of St. Mary and Cathedral of St. Paul welcomed 157 catechumens (the unbaptized) and 486 candidates (baptized) for the Rite of Election, which is part of the process The leading up to full Catholic Spirit communion in the Catholic Church during Easter Vigil Masses Saturday, April 23. Catechumens, who are preparing for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and first Eucharist, signed their names in the Book of the Elect and came forward to greet the archbishop/bishop. The candidates, who are already baptized and preparing to become Catholics, also participate in the event.
From left, St. Thomas Academy hockey players Michael Ferriera (partially visible), Andrew Commers, Matt Kroska, Wyatt Schmidt (behind), AJ Reid and Zach Schroeder celebrate their state Class A championship March 12 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The Cadets won a thriller, defeating Hermantown 5-4 in overtime, a game in which they never led until the final goal was scored by senior defenseman Taylor Fleming. Kroska, Reid, Schroeder and Ferreira are seniors, Commers is a junior, and Schmidt is a sophomore. For more photos, visit THECATHOLICSPIRIT.COM.
News Notes
Planned to pledge? If you need a reminder about supporting this year’s Catholic Services Appeal, consider yourself reminded! Pledges and donations continue to be accepted to help fund seminary education, community services, Catholic schools and the ministries at your own parish. Drop your pledge in the collection basket at Mass, mail it to your parish, send it directly to the Development and Stewardship Office, 328 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul MN 55102, or make a donation online at HTTP://APPEAL.ARCHSPM. ORG/GIVING.HTML.
Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit
on YouTube. Go to HTTP://TINYURL.COM/ 4DNO6ZK to see the video.
Jerry and Ursula Choromanski, members of St. Raphael in Crystal, received the 2011 Trustee of the Year Award from Aging Services of Minnesota for their volunteer board service to Saint Therese, a senior care and housing organization in New Hope, Brooklyn Park and Shoreview.
of the fundraiser’s promotions, printing and prizes. Students, parents and educators sold nearly 69,000 raffle tickets from Jan. 24 to March 4. The raffle drawing took place March 10. Winners will be announced as soon as they are verified. Prizes also are given to top student ticket sellers. All winners will be posted on the CUF website WWW.CATHOLICUNITEDFINANCIAL.ORG.
Spencer Howe of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis was among 53 seminarians at the Pontifical North American College in Rome who were instituted to the Ministry of Acolyte on March 6.
Catholic ed up $344,956
Basilica youth take honors
Hill-Murray’s top teacher
Catholic United Financial helped Catholic students and schools raise $344,956 this winter, smashing the $250,000 goal. CUF, formerly Catholic Aid Association, underwrites all the costs
Basilica of St. Mary Youth Group won the Downtown Congregations to End Homelessness/Interfaith Youth Leadership Council video contest. The video was shown at the Basilica and put
Shane Rose, a teacher at Hill-Murray School in Maplewood, was named the 2011 Social Studies High School Teacher of the Year by the Minnesota Council for the Social Studies. The MCAA lauded
Award to trustee couple
Hearing Tests Set for Senior Citizens Announcement — Free electronic hearing tests will be given all next week Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. The tests have been arranged for anyone who suspects they are not hearing clearly. People who generally feel they can hear, but cannot understand words clearly are encouraged to come in for the test, which uses the latest electronic equipment. Everyone, especially those over age 55 should have an electronic hearing test once
MARCH 17, 2011
a year. Demonstrations of the latest devices to improve clarity of speech will be programmed using a computer to your particular needs — on the spot — after the tests. See (and HEAR) for yourself if newlydeveloped methods of correction will help you understand words better. Tests will be performed at one of 20 convenient Greater Twin Cities Avada Hearing Care locations.
Call 1-800-435-5189
www.avada.com ©2011 HHM, Inc. 304
New acolytes instituted
his “dedication to homeless advocacy and involvement of Hill-Murray students in that advocacy.”
New Maronite patriarch Church bells rang, horns blasted and firecrackers echoed throughout Lebanon as it was announced March 15 that Bishop Bechara Rai of Jbeil, Lebanon, had been elected the new patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church. Patriarch Rai, 71, known for his courage to speak the truth, is seen as someone who can unite Maronite Catholics, who have been divided among political party lines. He replaces Cardinal Nasrallah P. Sfeir, 90, who retired.
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Fr. Schneider Join Fr. Robert Schneider on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land! October 31 - November 11, 2011 This Pilgrimage also includes visits to Brussels, Bruges, Leuven and Cologne Germany. For more information go to: www.as-ic.org and click on pilgrimage or call Fr. Schneider at 507-469-9979