The Catholic Spirit - August 24, 2017

Inspiring stewardship 7 • Catholic social teaching 15 • Gender ideology 17 August 24, 2017 Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

Catholics urged to contribute to state’s water quality conversation By Bridget Ryder For The Catholic Spirit

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innesota may be the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but half are too polluted for swimming and fishing. Gov. Mark Dayton wants that to change, and he’s calling on Minnesotans to help by attending water-focused, town hall-style meetings underway across the state. The Minnesota Catholic Conference hopes Catholics participate. The 10 meetings are “an opportunity to discuss the water quality issues facing their local communities and our state, to hear from experts and to engage with policymakers,” said Shawn Peterson, MCC associate director for public policy. “I hope people will be able to learn about issues facing this precious resource, connect with others in their community around the issue and offer a compelling Catholic voice for improving the state’s water quality,” he said. The meetings are part of Dayton’s 25 by 2025 Water Quality Goal, which seeks to improve the state’s overall water quality 25 percent in the next eight years. There are three town halls slated for the metro area: Sept. 26 in Minneapolis, Oct. 4 in Burnsville and Oct. 5 in Stillwater. (See information on page 6.) Current regulation aims to improve the state’s water quality slightly, but long-term overall water quality will decrease unless something is done, experts warn. Quantity is also a concern; at the rate some aquifers are being drawn down, water supply could become an issue for future generations.

Why water? “Water is not just another commodity. It is essential for life, and flows through the most basic staples of human activity,” MCC states on its website with resources for Catholics on the issue, including a twopage handout, “Making Sure our Water Works.” The document acknowledges that it’s easy for Minnesotans to take water for granted because it’s ubiquitous and part of the state’s cultural heritage. It calls water “a gift from the Creator that has been entrusted to our stewardship.” “Water runs through every aspect of human activity,” it states. “It is the common ingredient in all food growth and preparation. It’s used to clean both our clothes and our bodies. And it provides an enjoyable medium for recreation, as we spend quality time swimming, fishing and boating with our loved ones. In fact, 60 percent of our bodies are water. There can be no life without water.”

What to do about

water?

Minneapolis city employees head back to shore after checking on sailboats on Lake Calhoun Aug. 20. In an effort to help keep the water clean on the Minneapolis city lake, which has seen both high levels of pollutants and an infestation of Eurasian watermilfoil, Minneapolis has prohibited the use of outboard motors, except by its employees. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit The document points to Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’, On the Care of Our Common Home,” in which the pope called water “a basic and universal human right.” The MCC document includes alarming statistics from reports of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Center for Rural Policy and Development and the Minneapolis Star Tribune, including that rising salt levels may make it impossible for metro lakes to sustain native fish and plants by 2050. “Water pollution and inadequate treatment facilities may seem like localized problems, but they can affect us all,” the document states. “If left untreated, polluted water can flow downstream, affecting our urban areas. And polluted lakes and rivers will take a toll on tourism in rural Minnesota, creating a broader ripple effect that

could negatively impact Minnesota’s economy.” The public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota, MCC backed several pieces of proposed legislation during the last legislative session that aimed to fund clean water initiatives and recognize it as a basic human right.

Pollution, infrastructure problems The most pressing problems, Peterson told The Catholic Spirit, are pollution and aging water infrastructure. In the next 20 years, upgrading and meeting the demands placed on water infrastructure — such as Please turn to WATER on page 6

ALSO inside

Latinos talk faith, evangelism

A place for faith at the Fair?

Volunteers prep for classroom

V Encuentro process features small group discussions and strategies for local ministry. — Page 5

Memories of closed Epiphany Diner and Bulldog Lodge raise questions about Church’s presence at the State Fair. — Pages 10-11

Communal living is a core part of Teach for Christ, a fledgling local ministry that places recent college grads in Catholic schools. — Page 12

2 • The Catholic Spirit

PAGE TWO

August 24, 2017 OVERHEARD

in PICTURES

“We have basically eradicated, almost, Down syndrome from our society.” Icelandic geneticist Kari Stefansson, the founder of a genetic group named deCODE Genetics, which looks at the people of Iceland’s genomes, in an interview with CBS news correspondent Elaine Quijano. Nearly 100 percent of women in Iceland choose abortion following a positive prenatal testing for Down syndrome. In the U.S., that number is between 67 and 90 percent, depending on the study. Through a social media campaign, the March for Life organization in Washington is asking CBS to “air a segment about the happiness and benefits Down syndrome children bring to families.”

NEWS notes

Retreat for the grieving Sept. 15-17 in Prior Lake

SUNBLOCK University of St. Thomas graduate student Prerana Sawant views the Aug. 21 eclipse through a telescope set up by the physics faculty and staff on the university’s St. Paul campus. Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno, director of the Vatican Observatory, told Catholic News Service that an eclipse provides an opportunity to contemplate the rhythms of the universe and the continuing nature of creation, and to have an experience “that fills the soul with joy.” “We can come to know the Creator by seeing the things of his creation,” he said. Brother Consolmagno viewed the eclipse in Hopkinsville, Tennessee, on the path of totality. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit

Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center will host its fifth annual Retreat for the Grieving Sept. 15-17 at the center, 16385 St. Francis Lane, Prior Lake. The interdenominational retreat will focus on grief caused by the loss of a child, spouse, parent or sibling; loss through suicide; and pregnancy and infant loss. For more information, visit www.franciscanretreats.net.

Symposium to address health care issues Heath care reform, the opioid crisis and gender theory will be the central topics of Healthcare in Minnesota: A Symposium Considering Contemporary Challenges 9 a.m.­­–noon Sept. 20 in Woulfe Alumni Hall, Anderson Student Center at the University of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Ave., St. Paul. Co-sponsored by the Minnesota Catholic Conference and Catholic Health Association of Minnesota, the event will include the state’s bishops, expert speakers and Catholic health care professionals. The event is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register, visit www.mncatholic.org/healthcareevent.

Holy Name Society to meet in Minneapolis The Archdiocesan Association of the Holy Name Society is hosting the annual National Holy Name Society Convention Sept. 20-24 at St. Olaf in Minneapolis. The organization seeks to help members grow in holiness through devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. For more information about the convention, visit www.nahns.com.

in REMEMBRANCE

Deacon Berghoff served St. Richard IRISH PRAYERS From left, Anne Kiernan, her daughter Erin Werneke and grandson Seamus Werneke, all of St. Odilia in Shoreview, join a crowd of several hundred for Mass Aug. 13 at Irish Fair. The annual three-day event took place at Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit

ONLY ON THE WEB and social media Most Holy Trinity in Veseli celebrated its 50th annual Ho Down parish festival Aug. 20, which included music, dancing and family fun.

Sharon O’Connell Wilson reflects on the anniversary of the death of her cousin, historian Father Marvin O’Connell. “My connection to him was through blood and faith, it was only later that I learned of his academic notoriety,” she wrote. Any priest who violates vows and fathers a child has a “moral obligation” to step aside from ministry and care for the mother and child, said Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley in response to a Boston Globe story about children of Catholic priests.

The Catholic Spirit is published semi-monthly for The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Vol. 22 — No. 16 MOST REVEREND BERNARD A. HEBDA, Publisher TOM HALDEN, Associate Publisher MARIA C. WIERING, Editor

Deacon William Berghoff died Aug. 11 at age 88. He was ordained a permanent deacon in 1986 and retired in 2005, serving his entire ministry at St. Richard in Richfield. A funeral Mass was offered Aug. 21 at St. Edward in Bloomington with internment at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. A 1950 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Berghoff worked with Traveler’s Insurance Company Deacon William in Connecticut and Minnesota. He retired at age 58 BERGHOFF and then pursued ministry. He was known for his love of the outdoors and devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; three children; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

CLARIFICATION In the Aug. 10 issue, The Catholic Spirit reported that the archdiocese contributed $66,892 to the 2017 Retirement Fund for Religious campaign. The fund actually has not kicked off its 2017 campaign; the funds were raised during the 2016 campaign but submitted after the National Religious Retirement Office closed its books on last year’s appeal. They will be applied to the 2017 total. People in the archdiocese contributed a total of $452,445 during the 2016 appeal. Materials credited to CNS copy­righted by Catholic News Service. All other materials copyrighted by The Cath­olic Spirit Newspaper. Subscriptions: $29.95 per year: Senior 1-year: $24.95: To subscribe: (651) 291-4444: Display Advertising: (651) 291-4444; Classified Advertising: (651) 290-1631. Published semi-monthly by the Office of Communications, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, 777 Forest St., St. Paul, MN 55106-3857 • (651) 291-4444, FAX (651) 291-4460. Per­i­od­i­cals pos­tage paid at St. Paul, MN, and additional post offices. Post­master: Send ad­dress changes to The Catholic Spirit, 777 Forest St., St. Paul, MN 55106-3857. TheCatholicSpirit.com • email: tcssubscriptions@archspm.org • USPS #093-580

August 24, 2017

FROM THE MODERATOR OF THE CURIA

The Catholic Spirit • 3

FaceTime vs. face time

FaceTime vs. tiempo de cara Recientemente escuché una historia sobre el padre que llegó a casa del trabajo y descubrió que los tres niños habían sacado la basura, limpiado la cocina y sus dormitorios. El padre estaba impresionado y preguntó: “¿Qué te hizo hacer todo este maravilloso trabajo de casa?” Los niños contestaron, “El WiFi está abajo.” Una amiga mía comentó una vez que ella sabe más sobre su nieta de lo que ella sabía de su hija. Yo respondí: “Sí, los jóvenes hoy hablan más fácilmente de tantas cosas.” Mi amigo dijo simplemente: “Bueno, no sé nada de eso. Acabo de ir a la página de Facebook de mi nieta y toda su historia de vida está todo allí!” Hubo un tiempo en que una hoguera de verano fue una oportunidad para contar historias. Este verano estuve en el fuego al aire libre de una familia y compartimos videos de YouTube. Cuando yo era un pastor joven, oh tantos años atrás, si la parroquia necesitaba reprogramar una reunión, la secretaria de la parroquia pasó la mayor parte del día en el teléfono llamando a todos los participantes para fijar una nueva fecha. Recuerdo el alboroto en la oficina parroquial para reunir los paquetes del consejo parroquial (agenda, minutas, informes financieros y otros documentos importantes) y enviarlos al correo por lo menos una semana antes de la reunión. Recuerdo los mensajes telefónicos escritos en un formulario pre-impreso titulado, “While You Were Out.” Los correos electrónicos y los textos han reemplazado los mensajes de voz. Es posible, aunque

We are to build our relationships with one another just as we build our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ — through the real presence of each other’s company.

iStock/MorganDDL

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ecently I heard a story about the parent who came home from work and discovered that the three children had taken out the trash, cleaned the kitchen and tidied their bedrooms. The parent was impressed and asked, “What made you do all this wonderful housework?” The children replied, “The WiFi is down.” A friend of mine once commented that she knows more about her granddaughter than she ever knew about her daughter. I replied, “Yes, young people today talk more easily about so many things.” My friend said simply, “Well, I don’t know about that. I just go to my granddaughter’s Facebook page and her entire life story is all there!” There was a time when a summer bonfire was an opportunity to tell stories. This summer I was at a family’s outdoor fire and we shared YouTube videos. When I was a young pastor, oh so many years ago, if the parish needed to reschedule a meeting, the parish secretary spent most of the day on the phone calling all the participants to set a new date. I remember the scramble in the parish office to put together the parish council packets (agenda, minutes, financial reports and other important documents) and get them into the mail at least a week before the meeting. I remember the handwritten phone messages on a pre-printed form titled, “While You Were Out.” Emails and texts have replaced voicemails. It is possible, though still not a good idea, for agendas, minutes and attachments to be sent out the day of any particular meeting. Rescheduling is as simple as sending an email or one of those e-calendar alerts. So much has changed in how we communicate with one another, even as a Church. In a world of expeditious and efficient electronic messages, the convenience of instant communications is at the expense of meeting face to face. In the Church, electronic communications would be fine if, in the living out of our faith, all we needed was a way to exchange ideas. Yet we not only follow a set of spiritual ideals and central teachings, we are also in a relationship with a real person — Jesus Christ. The movement of the Holy Spirit transforms people into one body, not into an anthology of great thoughts. In our conversations with one another, there is a noticeable difference when I can see the person’s face. I notice the raised eyebrow or the silent nod of the head. But when I’m reading an email, sometimes I have to try to read in-between the sentences to really know what is being communicated. Let’s face it. We get a lot more out of face-toONLY JESUS face conversations than from any email or text — even if the Father Charles Lachowitzer text is loaded with emoticons.

St. Thomas Aquinas wrote about the “beatific vision” — the experience of coming into heaven and meeting God face to face. If the end of our earthly pilgrimage is the opportunity to behold with perfect love the very face of God, then shouldn’t we be practicing for this face time in this life? Masses, confessions, times in adoration, daily prayer and meditations with the Scriptures are all examples of face time with God. Yet we know from the two great commandments of Jesus that we are to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. We are to build our relationships with one another just as we build our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ — through the real presence of each other’s company. If our eyes are truly windows into our souls, then what do I “see” in an emotionally charged icon? There are times when in the gathering of family and friends, more is communicated than could ever be written in an email, let alone a text. There are times in the life of the Church when the meeting’s agenda is secondary to the gathering of disciples. During these times, it is important to put away the phones, laptops and electronic pads. If anyone wonders why, just say, “I’m practicing for the beatific vision.”

todavía no es una buena idea, que las agendas, actas y anexos sean enviados el día de cualquier reunión en particular. La reprogramación es tan simple como un correo electrónico o una de esas alertas de calendario electrónico. Tanto ha cambiado en cómo nos comunicamos unos con otros, incluso como iglesia. En un mundo de mensajes electrónicos rápidos y eficientes, la conveniencia de las comunicaciones instantáneas se hace a expensas de la reunión cara a cara. En la Iglesia, las comunicaciones electrónicas estarían bien si en el vivir de nuestra fe, todo lo que necesitábamos era una forma de intercambiar ideas. Sin embargo, no sólo seguimos un conjunto de ideales espirituales y enseñanzas centrales, también estamos en una relación con una persona real — Jesucristo. El movimiento del Espíritu Santo transforma a las personas en un cuerpo, no en una antología de grandes pensamientos. En nuestras conversaciones una con otra, hay una diferencia notable cuando puedo ver la cara de la persona. Noto la ceja levantada o el asentimiento silencioso de la cabeza. Pero cuando estoy leyendo un correo electrónico, a veces tengo que tratar de leer entre las frases para saber realmente lo que se está comunicando. Seamos sinceros. Obtenemos mucho más de las conversaciones cara a cara que de cualquier correo electrónico o texto, incluso si el texto está cargado de el sentimiento. Santo Tomás de Aquino escribió sobre la “visión beatífica”: la experiencia de entrar en el cielo y encontrarse cara a cara con Dios. Si el fin de nuestra peregrinación terrenal es la oportunidad de contemplar con amor perfecto el mismo rostro de Dios, entonces ¿no deberíamos estar practicando para esta cara en esta vida? Las misas, las confesiones, los tiempos de adoración, la oración diaria y las

meditaciones con las Escrituras son ejemplos de tiempo de encuentro con Dios. Sin embargo, sabemos por los dos grandes mandamientos de Jesús que debemos amar a Dios y amar a nuestros vecinos como a nosotros mismos. Debemos construir nuestras relaciones unas con otras, así como construimos nuestra relación con nuestro Señor Jesucristo, a través de la presencia real de la compañía del otro. Si nuestros ojos son realmente ventanas en nuestras almas, que lo que “vemos” cuando enviamos mensajes de correo electrónico para ponerse al día sobre las cosas? Hay momentos en que en la reunión de la familia y amigos, más se comunica entonces nunca podría ser escrito en un correo electrónico, y mucho menos un texto. Hay momentos en la vida de la Iglesia cuando la agenda de la reunión es secundaria a la reunión de discípulos. Durante estos tiempos, es importante a guardar los teléfonos, las computadoras portátiles y las almohadillas electrónicas. Si alguien se pregunta por qué, sólo decir, “Estoy practicando para la visión beatífica.”

OFFICIALS Archbishop Bernard Hebda has announced the following appointment in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis:

Effective July 15, 2017 Reverend Peter Williams, appointed Archdiocesan Minister to Clergy and formator at St. John Vianney Seminary. This is a transfer from his assignment as Vice Rector and formator at the Saint Paul Seminary.

4 • The Catholic Spirit

LOCAL

August 24, 2017

Chicken plop All eyes are on a chicken wearing a bow tie during the game Chicken Plop at the St. Mary of the Purification parish festival in Marystown Aug. 20. Wagerers bought spaces on a board, with the winner determined by where the chicken left its droppings. Lisa Valiant started the game in 1983 as a parish fundraiser and ran it for years until passing it down to two of her children, Jess and Kate, who now run the game together. At right is Jess’ son, Alex, who has become the fourth generation of Valiants to participate. Lisa’s parents helped make the board at the game’s inception. “It’s very fun. People laugh about it,” Lisa said. “We’ve had lots of bishops come out and try it. They all thought it was very fun and very entertaining. We average about $3,000 a year on this Chicken Plop.” St. Mary of the Purification is part of Sts. Joachim and Anne in Shakopee. Dave Hrbacek/ The Catholic Spirit

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Annual Vianney Cup Your support helps Saint John Vianney College Seminary fulfill its mission of providing essential formation today for tomorrow’s Catholic priests. Midland Hills Country Club September 18, 2017 Celebrity golfers Matt Birk and Brian Bonin will be on the course, and great prizes will be given away!

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LOCAL

August 24, 2017

Through V Encuentro, Latinos explore sharing the Gospel as ‘missionary disciples’ By Susan Klemond For The Catholic Spirit Sandra Ramirez is glad to tell how the Lord healed her son after he suffered a stroke seven years ago and how her family has returned to the Church, but she’s realized that when she evangelizes, listening comes first. “We can talk and tell them, ‘Let’s go to church,’ but we need to listen because they have many needs,” she said. Ramirez, 38, a parishioner at Assumption in Richfield, shared her experience with about 190 Latino Catholics representing 10 parishes at an Aug. 12 archdiocesan event at St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights. It was part of a national process called V Encuentro Missionary Disciples: Witnesses of God’s Love. Listening is part of the process of V Encuentro, or “Fifth Encounter,” that started in local parishes, said Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens, who helped facilitate the daylong event of prayer and discussion of evangelization experiences and priorities for ministering to Latino Catholics. “It’s a process of encountering one another and also encountering Jesus, and listening to each other to try to discern the voice of Jesus in ourselves, speaking through his word,” he said, “the voice of Jesus speaking through my brothers and sisters.” The four-year V Encuentro process convened by the U.S. Bishops emphasizes involving young, and second and third generation Latinos as it seeks to discern ways the Church in the United States can better respond to Latino Catholics, and to help Latinos live the call to the new evangelization by serving the entire Church as “missionary disciples,” a term used by Pope Francis. V Encuentro is the fifth national Encuentro process. The first was held in 1972. Archbishop Bernard Hebda, who presided at the closing liturgy, said he was inspired by the participating families’ strong commitment to spreading the faith, which makes them models for the archdiocese. “One of my hopes,” he said, “is that we help develop leadership in the Latino community, and we see that already, but that it’s something that expands. Also, that they would be able to share the experience they’ve had with Encuentro with the rest of the archdiocese.” Starting in small groups in parishes, lay ecclesial movements, schools and universities, and other Catholic organizations, V Encuentro participants learn to better serve the growing Hispanic population, especially those in the “peripheries.” This spring, parishioners at 23 parishes in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis that serve

in BRIEF BLOOMINGTON

Catholics express prayers, peace, solidarity after mosque attack The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet were among religious organizations that sent condolences to the Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center after it was bombed Aug. 5, extensively damaging the imam’s office. “On behalf of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province, and Consociates, please know that our thoughts and hearts are with you and Minnesota’s entire Muslim community at this most challenging time,” the sisters wrote to the center’s Executive Director Mohamed Omar and its Muslim community Aug. 7. “We are heartbroken that you experienced this egregious violation of your sacred space. As a community of faith, we are committed to peace, unity and love. You are and will remain in our prayers.” Father Erich Rutten, chairman of the Commission on Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, represented the archdiocese at a solidarity event Aug. 8 at the mosque.

ABOVE From left, Sandra Vargas of St. Gabriel the Archangel in Hopkins talks with Javier Baltazar of St. Stephen in Anoka during small group discussion at V Encuentro Aug. 12 at St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit

RICHFIELD

Holy Angels hosts Hill-Murray, Archbishop Hebda for football opener

RIGHT Maria Sinchi of St. Stephen in Minneapolis pauses for a moment of contemplation during small group discussion at V Encuentro. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit

the Latino community were invited to participate in five sessions focusing on Gospel reflection, listening and evangelizing as outlined in Pope Francis’ encyclical, “The Joy of the Gospel.” They then sought to evangelize neighbors and others, some for the first time, and shared about their encounters. Event participants, many in their 30s and 40s, also identified archdiocesan priorities for Latinos including prayer, formation and pastoral care for families and youth, evangelization, and immigration assistance. Delegates selected at the archdiocesan event will attend a regional event next April before the process culminates in a national meeting near Dallas in September 2018. Refugio Ramirez, 37, a parishioner at Assumption in Richfield, recounted sharing his faith with a coworker last year. Ramirez, his wife and their two children have visited and prayed for the woman and her family. The woman now attends Mass, he said. “We are called to accompany the troubled,” he said. “Jesus teaches us how and he takes the first step.” V Encuentro seeks to reach archdiocesan Latino Catholics who aren’t practicing their faith and walk with them through their life issues, said Estela Villagrán Manancero, 56, archdiocesan Latino Ministry director. She hopes 20,000 new Latino Catholic leaders will emerge nationwide. “We have already seen the results,” she said. “People are very energized in going out and sharing their faith.”

The Catholic Spirit • 5

Deacon Ramon Garcia remembers the last Encuentro in 2000 that focused on appreciating Latino and other cultures. V Encuentro looks at those who are on the existential as well as physical peripheries, including those who attend Mass but don’t feel part of the Church, said Deacon Garcia, who serves the Hispanic community at St. Stephen in Anoka and elsewhere in the archdiocese. V Encuentro encourages parishioners to take ownership of the process, said Luz Zagal, 48, Latino ministry director at St. Alphonsus and a V Encuentro leader. She said she hopes Latinos will find their home in their parishes so they no longer feel like visitors — a commitment they have started to make. Miguel Salas-Rea, 14, was one of about 150 youth at the event. A parishioner of St. Gabriel the Archangel in Hopkins, he shared about a conversion experience which helped him forgive his father and continue healing after a car accident. He said he was participating in V Encuentro to show people Christ is real. “I denied him just like one of the disciples did, and he was there for me and he saved me,” he said. Becoming a missionary disciple means experiencing a life-changing encounter with Christ and then going forth to share the Good News without fear, Bishop Cozzens said. “Why go forth without fear?” he asked. “Because I know the love in my heart. I know the Good News and I have to share the Good News.”

Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield will kick off its high school football season against Hill-Murray of Maplewood Sept. 1 with Archbishop Bernard Hebda celebrating Mass for both teams at 4 p.m. and joining them for dinner before the 7 p.m. game. The archbishop will also lead a pre-game prayer at 6:50 p.m. at the Stars’ stadium. Another matchup of Catholic high schools will start the new season the day before, Aug. 31, at 7 p.m. in St. Paul. Defending state Class 6A champion TotinoGrace of Fridley will visit Cretin-Derham Hall at the University of St. Thomas. It will mark the first meeting between the two Christian Brothers-run schools and longtime football powers, owners of 12 state championships combined.

ST. PAUL

Center for Mission sends $58K to Syria The Center for Mission in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis recently sent $58,000 to the Catholic Archeparchy of Damascus, Syria, following a special Good Friday collection for the war-torn Maronite archdiocese. The annual Good Friday collection is taken to help Franciscan-supported ministries in the Holy Land, but this year the center committed funds received above last year’s Holy Land contribution to the Damascus church. Earlier this year, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis initiated a partnership with the archeparchy, which reports significant suffering, including Christian persecution, among its members amid a civil war.

PRAYING FOR PEACE Front row, from left, Paul Dieser of Christ the King in Minneapolis, Andria Canty of Transfiguration in Oakdale, and Chris Eckman, Greta Wentzlaff and Eberlyn Wentzlaff of St. Peter Claver in St. Paul clap to music at Come Together, an interfaith service for peace, Aug. 13 at St. Joan of Arc in Minneapolis. Come Together launched last year in response to violence in the city, and events have been held at multiple churches. The August event included a prayer walk with “peace caroling” around the parish’s neighborhood. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit

6 • The Catholic Spirit

LOCAL

WATER Continued from page 1 wastewater treatment plants or stormwater systems — will require $20 billion. This is expected to hit rural communities hardest, he said. Meanwhile, nutrient contamination from nitrates and phosphorous have made as many as half of the lakes in southern Minnesota unsuitable for swimming, according to a 2015 report by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. These nutrients cause the notorious blue-green algae that can plague lakes in summer, killing dogs and sickening swimmers. The algal blooms also have repercussions on treated drinking water, forcing facilities to adapt their process to reduce taste and odor issues. Jodi Wallin, public information officer for St. Paul Regional Water Services, said its process has been successful “to the point where most customers are unaware of any changes in the source water quality before treatment.” New technologies are also needed to address emergent contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals including antibiotics and mood stabilizers, that are passed into waterways through treated wastewater. The dirtier rivers and lakes are, the more effort and money it takes to clean water for drinking. In the metro region, excessive nutrient pollution hasn’t become a problem yet, but in Minnesota 159 public water supply wells — 6.3 percent — have concerningly high nitrate levels, and 30 percent of the public water supply is at risk for contamination. One of the biggest sources of nutrient pollution statewide is chemical runoff from farms. Within the Twin Cities’ urban watershed, however, households are the greatest culprit, causing 10 times more nitrate and phosphorous pollution than golf courses and college campuses, according to a University of Minnesota study published in April. Substances such as detergents contribute to pollution, but the main contributions come from nitrogen fertilizer and pet waste.

Not ‘organic vs. conventional practices’ Learning these facts — as well as regular contact with farmers — has compelled Jim Ennis to change his lawn care habits. “I had never thought of how I could reduce runoff on my lawn until I started working with farmers,” said Ennis, executive director of St. Paul-based Catholic Rural Life. Because of their many impermeable surfaces, cities have fewer areas that can absorb excess chemicals before they reach rivers and lakes. In a city, a heavy rain washes lawn chemicals and pet waste straight into storm drains. Farmers, however, are usually careful to watch the weather when applying fertilizer, because they don’t want it to be washed away. Ennis now watches the weather, too, and also applies less fertilizer, sacrificing some lushness of his lawn for the sake of water quality. Farmers, meanwhile, are working to improve their methods.

August 24, 2017

Archbishop Hebda, Bishop Cozzens condemn violent attacks; say Christ is answer to despair

Water quality town halls Minneapolis 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 26 Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N.

The Catholic Spirit

Burnsville 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 4 Diamondhead Education Center, 200 W. Burnsville Pkwy. Stillwater 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 5 Stillwater High School, 5701 Stillwater Blvd N. For more information about water quality and public policy, visit www.mncatholic.org. The agriculture industry — from researchers to seed companies to farmers on the land — are just beginning to integrate and support practices that contribute to water quality, said Matthew Fitzgerald, a member of the Central Minnesota Young Farmers Coalition and a former parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Paul. “We are just at the forefront of this conversation,” he said. “We are just at the beginning of learning what to do about clean water.” After attending college and then working as a corn merchant and later in financial services in the Twin Cities, Fitzgerald, 25, purchased an 80-acre organic grain farm earlier this year near his parents’ farm in Glencoe. As a farmer, he is learning better practices and just began the process of becoming a Clean Water Certified Farm, a voluntary process through the state’s Department of Agriculture. A number of farms in the Metro Region Soil and Water Conservation District have already become certified. Through the process, farmers receive feedback on improving practices to protect water quality. Farms are then scored; a high score earns certification and regulatory shelter for 10 years. The proactive measure aims to help improve water quality and gives farmers support and security as they face changes needed to address growing water challenges. Fitzgerald compares the “water movement” to the local and organic food movement and his own experience living in the city, including the growing pains of figuring out how to buy local food and stay within budget. Fitzgerald hopes the conversation around water doesn’t fall into the false tension of conventional versus organic farming. Depending on specific practices, an organic farmer may contribute more to water contamination than a conventional farmer, he said. What’s needed, he said, are bridge builders. “People of faith are especially poised to build coalitions, to go beyond ourselves,” he said. “We’re all in this together.”

Saint Gianna’s Maternity Home,

Warsaw, ND seeks a faith-filled woman to be one of three housemothers: A unique opportunity to take part in the pro-life cause in a very personal way and chance to live a life of prayer and service while preparing for a vocation and discerning the path God has laid in front of you. A live-in position, daily tasks vary from errands and chores to spending quality time with residents and visiting former residents. Applicants must be committed to the teachings of the Catholic Church, especially regarding human sexuality and abortion. They must also be able to work well with people in various situations and circumstances. Qualified applicants must also have a driver’s license. Please send your resume and cover letter to: saintgiannahome@hotmail.com. Feel free to email your questions or call (701) 248-3077 to visit with Director Mary Pat, or with one of our current housemothers.

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CatholicHotdish.com

Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Bishop Andrew Cozzens “join men and women of good will around our archdiocese and around the globe who condemn all senseless violence and expressions of hatred,” they said in a joint statement Aug. 18. “The recent attacks in Charlottesville and Barcelona, as well as the bombing at a Bloomington mosque earlier this month, have forced all of us to confront the existence of evil in this world,” they said. “While we cannot know or judge what is in the heart of another, we know that we need to confront any evidence that racism and hateful prejudice reside in our hearts. The temptation to hopelessness is all too real, but we know that we have in Christ the answer to despair.” They quoted Pope Francis: “The Christian’s real force is the force of truth and of love, which Flowers and candles are involves renouncing all placed in front of the forms of violence. Faith Spanish Embassy in and violence are Warsaw, Poland, Aug. 18. incompatible. Instead, CNS faith and strength go together. Christians are not violent; they are strong. And with what kind of strength? That of meekness, the strength of meekness, the strength of love.” The bishops encouraged people to be “people of encounter who look for opportunities to engage others in ways that acknowledge the dignity of each human person.” “Living in such a diverse community, the possibilities are real and endless,” they said. “We need to be witnesses of peace, hope, kindness and charity, which should begin in our homes, neighborhoods and parishes.” They also encouraged people to “acknowledge and promote the power of prayer.” “We ask the faithful of this archdiocese and our neighbors of good will to join us in praying for those who have been killed and injured, as well as for all who have experienced the scourge of racism and discrimination,” they said. “Let us pray for peace, patience and solidarity in our community and among all peoples.” The Mass for Reconciliation and the Mass in Time of War or Civil Disturbance, the bishops said, “would both be appropriate for parishes to celebrate in the days to come.”

Church of St. Patrick’s

Fall Festival in September Inver Grove Heights, MN The Church of St. Patrick’s Fall Festival will be the weekend of Sept.14-17

Thursday’s events start with a rummage sale. Saturday will feature a taco dinner, hot dogs, bingo, silent auction and other games & activities. Sunday begins at 11:30 a.m., after Mass, and includes a roast pork dinner, festival food court, silent auction, kids’ games, a beer tent, bingo, bottle shoppe, pull tabs, country store, cookie and bar walk. There will also be a Classic Motor Show from noon to 4 p.m. All activities on the parish grounds 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights

LOCAL

August 24, 2017

The Catholic Spirit • 7

Gratitude brews stewardship best, speaker says By Matthew Davis The Catholic Spirit After years of marketing suds, Dave Baranowski now pitches stewardship. The director of stewardship education for the Archdiocese of St. Louis moved to his position after working 29 years for Anheuser-Busch. Sparking the transition was a 2007 retreat where the leader encouraged participants to listen to God’s guidance — something he said he hadn’t earnestly done before. The experience convinced him to deepen his faith and focus on Christ. While praying about God’s gifts in his life, “this wave of gratitude rushed over me,” Baranowski said. “It was at that moment that I decided that I wanted to get to heaven, and I want to take as many people with me as possible. My priorities had to change. I had to put God first in everything I did, and I had to put complete trust in God.” That led to Baranowski leaving Anheuser-Busch for stewardship work with the St. Louis archdiocese in 2013. “I was fortunate to work for the ‘King of Beers’ for 29 years, and now I hope to work for the King of Kings for the rest of my life,” Baranowski told more than 250 people gathered for the International Catholic Stewardship Council conference for Region VIII at St. Ambrose in Woodbury Aug. 17, hosted this year by

Dave Baranowski delivers a keynote address during the Stewardship Conference for Region VIII at St. Ambrose in Woodbury Aug. 17. He is the director of stewardship education for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Baranowski gave the keynote address for clergy and parish, school and diocesan staff members from the 10 dioceses comprising Region VIII, which covers Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Since joining the St. Louis archdiocese, Baranowski has dedicated time to reaching out to fellow stewardship leaders with a focus on souls, not just a collection envelope. “Everything we have and everything we are is a gift from God,” he said. “We really aren’t owners of anything. We’re really stewards of those gifts that God has given us, and all God is asking is that we return a portion in gratitude for all that he has given.” He emphasized that having a prayer life is essential in stewardship work. He asked his audience to reflect on the question, “What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?” Baranowski challenged attendees to consider

Friends of the Little Sisters of the Poor

replacing “time, talent and treasure” with the terms “prayer, participation and generosity.” He said Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis, a former auxiliary bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, developed the new terms for stewardship in his archdiocese, and they help people think differently about discipleship, parish life and stewardship. Kay Mottaz, stewardship director and liturgy coordinator for Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Maplewood, could see that as an effective move for her parish, as it “gives a broader understanding of stewardship.” Baranowski gave other practical ideas, drawing from his experience at Anheuser-Busch. He recommended maintaining an all-parish calendar and holding an annual all-parish ministry meeting to strengthen collaboration. He also emphasized that parish councils and committees need to enlist a variety of people who reflect their parish’s demographics. Limiting committee terms and encouraging participation in a range of ministries also benefit a parish, he said. On a stewardship level, he encouraged attendees to write out an annual stewardship plan to aid communication and execution. The two-day conference provided breakout sessions on stewardship principles and engaging different demographics. “For effective stewardship and development to take place, I feel we can all learn from each other and grow in understanding,” said Margaret Slawin, director of the Office of Stewardship and Development for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. “It isn’t just about raising money or collecting names. It is helping leaders connect with people, engage one another in meaningful conversation and the work of the Gospel.”

Holy Land • October 16-27, 2017 • Still space available

English High Tea

Fr. Robert Fitzpatrick, Spiritual Director Pastor at St. Rose of Lima and Corpus Christi; Roseville, MN

Saint Paul Hotel • 350 Market Street • Saint Paul, MN 55102

Shrines of Our Lady of Good Help and Our Lady of Guadalupe (Champion and LaCrosse) Sept 18-20th, 2017

September 17, 2017 • 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Motor coach — 8 am departure from Our Lady of the Lake, White Bear Lake Fr. Ralph Talbot, Spiritual Director

This five course, two hour event is fashioned after England’s Traditional Afternoon Tea. Hats and gloves optional. Silent Auction included.

Our Lady of Guadalupe ... Mexico City • September 25 – October 3, 2017 Still space available

$50.00 per person or a table of 8 for $400.00 Please include any reservation requests with your check. No requests can be honored after September 12.

Guided Winter-Getaways • Get out of Minnesota Winter 2018 Hawaii or Florida or Arizona?

Questions: Call Libbie Sellors (612) 789-1811 or Anna Mae Marschall (651) 484-0599 Please send reservations to: Betty Schadeck: 2710 Dale St. N. #109; Roseville, MN 55113

JeriCo Christian Journeys • 19091 Island View Drive • Mora, MN 55051 Call Colleen at 1-877-453-7426 E-mail: Colleen@jericochristianjourneys.com • www.jericochristianjourneys.com

COUNTRYFEST JOIN US!

Fun For The Whole Family!

Weekend of September 8, 9 &10 Friday, September 8 8 p.m. & 11 p.m. – Youth Block Party 6th-12th grades – tickets $10, at door $15

Saturday, September 9 9 a.m. – Midnight

Win 14, over

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5K Run/Walk, Raffles, Children’s Games, Fabulous Food, Bingo, Silent Auction, BBQ Ribfest Contest, 5 p.m. Mass, Fireworks!

Sunday, September 10 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. Mass, Children’s Games, Fabulous Food, Silent Auction, Classic Car Show, Quilt Auction, Raffle and More! Music: Powered by BOB Total Country, DJ Bill Lage, Shane Martin St. Patrick Catholic Church • 19921 Nightingale Street NW • Oak Grove, MN 55011

www.st-patricks.org/countryfest

Fall Festival Sept. 17 Activities begin following Mass from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meal will be served from 10:30 am to 1:30pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5.00 for 10 and under. Raffle with great prizes each ticket is $5 or 5 for $20. Our festivities include live music, bingo, blackjack, country store, silent auction and fish bowl and many other fun adult and children’s games. Sacred Heart Church • 415 West 5th Street • Rush City, MN www.sacredheartrcmn.org

8 • The Catholic Spirit

U.S. & WORLD

Pope leads prayers for an end to ‘inhuman violence’ of terrorism By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service “Let us beg the Lord, God of mercy and peace, to free the world from this inhuman violence,” Pope Francis prayed after a week of deadly terrorist attacks in Africa and Europe. Reciting the Angelus prayer at midday, the pope asked an estimated 10,000 people in St. Peter’s Square to pray in silence and then to join him in reciting the Hail Mary for the victims of the attacks the previous week in Burkina Faso, Spain and Finland. At a restaurant in Ouagadougou Aug. 13, gunmen opened fire on people eating outside. Authorities in Burkina Faso said 18 people died and 20 were injured. The gunmen were believed to be part of a group known as “al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb.” In Spain, 13 people died after a van mowed down pedestrians Aug. 17 on Barcelona’s famous Las Ramblas street, and another woman died in a vehicle attack the next day in Cambrils. Five suspects were killed by police, and other members of what authorities described as a 12-man terrorist cell were being sought. In Turku, Finland, Aug. 18, two women were stabbed to death and eight other people were injured in what police described as a terrorist attack. In his main Angelus talk, the pope spoke about the day’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew about the Canaanite woman who persistently asks Jesus to heal her daughter. “This woman’s interior strength, which allows her to overcome every obstacle, can be found in her maternal love and in her trust that Jesus can fulfill her request,” the pope said. “This makes me think of the strength of women. With their strength they are able to obtain great things. We’ve know many women like this.” In the Gospel story, when the woman first cries out, Jesus seems to ignore her, the pope noted. But she is not discouraged and continues to call out to him. “The Lord does not turn away from our needs and, if sometimes he seems indifferent to our requests for help, it is to test us and strengthen our faith,” Pope Francis said. “We must continue to cry, like this woman: ‘Lord, help me. Lord, help me.’”

After deadly acts, bishops ask for peace By Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service In the aftermath of a chaos- and hate-filled weekend in Virginia Aug. 11-12, Catholic bishops and groups throughout the nation called for peace after three people died and several others were injured following clashes between pacifists, protesters and white supremacists in Charlottesville. A 32-year-old paralegal, Heather Heyer, was killed and at least 20 others injured when a car plowed into a group in Charlottesville Aug. 12. The driver was identified as James Alex Fields, who allegedly told his mother he was attending a rally for President Donald Trump. Reports say the car allegedly driven by Fields plowed into a crowd during a white nationalist rally and counter-rally Aug. 12. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said early Aug. 14 the “evil attack” meets the legal definition of domestic terrorism and suggested pending federal charges for Fields, who was arrested and was being held without bail. Fields was formally charged Aug. 14 by a Charlottesville judge with seconddegree murder, three counts of malicious wounding and failure to stop in an accident that resulted in death. Two Virginia State Police troopers also died when a helicopter they were in crashed while trying to help with the violent events on the ground. CNN reported that 19 others were injured and remained hospitalized Aug. 14 but were listed in good condition. Bishop Francis DiLorenzo of Richmond, Virginia, was among the first to call for peace following the violence in Charlottesville late Aug. 11, which only became worse

50th Annual

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September 9th and 10th

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White nationalists carry torches on the grounds of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., Aug. 11 over a plan to remove the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from a city park. CNS the following day. “In the last 24 hours, hatred and violence have been on display in the city of Charlottesville,” he said. “I earnestly pray for peace.” Charlottesville is in the Richmond diocese. Bishop DiLorenzo died Aug. 17 from heart and kidney failure. Virginia’s governor declared a state of emergency Aug. 12 when violence erupted during the “Unite the Right” white nationalist protest against the removal of a statue of a Confederate military leader, Gen. Robert E. Lee. But the trouble already had started the night before on the grounds of the University of Virginia. “Racism is evil,” President Donald Trump said in an Aug. 14 statement. “And those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans. ... As I said on Saturday (Aug. 12), we condemn in

the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry, and violence. It has no place in America.” Trump was excoriated by many across the country for his Aug. 12 statement, because he condemned hatred, bigotry and violence “on many sides” in Charlottesville and did not specifically target white supremacists then, his critics said. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, called the events “abhorrent acts of hatred.” Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, which covers Northern Virginia, tweeted on what was happening in Charlottesville and followed up with a lengthy statement, calling the events “saddening and disheartening.” Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia called racism the “poison of the soul,” and said in a statement that it was the United States’ “original sin” and one that “never fully healed.” He added that, “blending it with the Nazi salute, the relic of a regime that murdered millions, compounds the obscenity.” On Aug. 13, Cardinal DiNardo, along with Bishop Frank Dewane of Venice, Florida, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, stated: “We stand against the evil of racism, white supremacy and neo-Nazism. We stand with our sisters and brothers united in the sacrifice of Jesus, by which love’s victory over every form of evil is assured.” Read Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Bishop Andrew Cozzens’ response on page 6.

U.S. & WORLD

August 24, 2017

The Catholic Spirit • 9

Polish archbishop thinks Vatican will recognize Medjugorje apparitions

in the Marianas Islands and has been home to several U.S. military bases for many decades.

By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY

A Polish archbishop who inspected BosniaHerzegovina’s Medjugorje shrine for the pope predicted the Vatican will soon recognize its Marian apparitions. “The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has passed all documentation to the Secretariat of State — everything suggests the apparitions will be accepted before the year ends,” said Archbishop Henryk Hoser. “It’s difficult to believe the six visionaries have been lying for 36 years,” the archbishop said. “What they say is coherent, and none is mentally disturbed, while the apparitions’ faithfulness to Church doctrine is also a powerful argument for their authenticity.” The archbishop spoke as he completed a report from his spring mission to the hilltop shrine, which has not been officially recognized by the Church despite 2.5 million pilgrims annually. He told Poland’s Catholic Information Agency, KAI, he had found an “exceptional atmosphere” of “spiritual creativeness” at Medjugorje, characterized by “prayer, silence, meditation, Eucharist, adoration, fasting and reconciliation.” He added that the shrine was seeing “huge, dynamic growth,” in contrast to older sanctuaries in Portugal, France and Poland, and had succeeded in remaining “a true place for pilgrims.” “Everything is moving in a good direction. My mission wasn’t aimed at closing Medjugorje down, but at evaluating whether pastoral work is being properly organized there in line with Church teaching,” Archbishop Hoser said. Six teenagers claim to have seen the Virgin Mary June 24, 1981, near Medjugorje. Since then, they have reported more than 42,000 apparitions at the site, which was largely untouched by the 1992-95 war in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Pope prays for ‘devastating’ mudslide victims in Sierra Leone

DRUG EFFECTS Protesters and residents hold a wake Aug. 21 in Caloocan City, Philippines, for a 17-year-old high school student who was among the people shot dead last week in an escalation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. CNS

in BRIEF

Pope Francis offered his condolences and his prayers to the people of Sierra Leone after flooding and a major mudslide Aug. 14 led to the deaths of hundreds of people and displaced thousands. “Deeply saddened by the devastating consequences of the mudslide on the outskirts of Freetown, His Holiness Pope Francis assures those who have lost loved ones of his closeness at this difficult time,” said a message sent to Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles of Freetown by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state. Pope Francis “prays for all who have died, and upon their grieving families and friends he invokes the divine blessings of strength and consolation,” said the message, which was released by the Vatican Aug. 16.

WASHINGTON

HAGATNA, Guam

Supporters of young migrants ask for DACA protection at rally

Catholics pray for peace amid threats by North Korea The Catholic Church on Guam is urging its members and all people on the island to be prayerful and stay centered on Christ amid threats of missile attacks by North Korea. Coadjutor Archbishop Michael Byrnes of Agana asked all priests to promote prayers of peace at all Masses Aug. 13 as tensions continued, following threats by North Korea dictator Kim Jong Un to attack this American territory. “Please also offer prayers for the men and women of our military, especially those whom we host on Guam, that they might find grace for diligence and courage as they execute their respective duties,” he added. Guam has long had a high strategic military importance to the United States because of its location

Catholics from organizations including Faith in Public Life and the Franciscan Action Network, members of the Sisters of Mercy and from Network, a Catholic social justice lobbying organization, joined religious leaders from other faith traditions Aug. 2 to publicly voice their support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The 2012 policy, popularly known as DACA, was implemented under thenPresident Barack Obama. It gives recipients a temporary reprieve from deportation and employment authorization in the United States. DACA is under attack this summer as officials from nine states joined Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in urging the Trump administration to end it.

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10 • The Catholic Spirit

A loss of faith at the fair? Less than a decade ago, Catholic diners and Theology on a Stick fed hungry fairgoers — in body and soul. Why they left, and the challenges facing a Catholic return to the Great Minnesota Get-Together By Matthew Davis • The Catholic Spirit

rdained at 26, Father John Paul Erickson was still shy of 30 when he took a stage at the Minnesota State Fair just yards from the main gate to take questions on Catholicism. He can still imagine what fairgoers in 2008 and 2009 thought when they saw priests in their 20s or 30s speak at Theology on a Stick, an event at the St. Bernard Bulldog Lodge. “‘Gosh, you know what, here’s a couple of young whippersnapper priests. I didn’t know that they made them that young,’” quipped Father Erickson, now the pastor of Blessed Sacrament in St. Paul and director of worship for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. He and fellow priests fielded random questions about the Catholic faith at the evening gatherings, while other Catholic experts spoke on topics ranging from love and atheism to movies and conversion. Run by the Cathedral Young Adults of the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, the event drew steady attendance as people digested the Q&A sessions, talks and music in 20-minute chunks. “Many people passing through the State Fair, perhaps former Catholics [and] non-Christians, were able to hear the faith presented in a way which was understandable, approachable and attractive,” said Father Erickson, who served as parochial vicar at the Cathedral of St. Paul 2006-2008 and worked with CYA. “It alerted them to the fact that the Church is not just a sanctuary for the retired. In fact, it is a living thing.” Theology on a Stick ran three evenings in 2008 and five evenings in 2009. CYA volunteers helped with hospitality and offered fans to heat-weary fairgoers. “Just having the presence of the religious and the clergy there, I think, itself was a great witness,” said Jeremy Baer, a parishioner of All Saints in Minneapolis who served as the event’s chairman in 2009. Cathedral Young Adults launched the event in 2008 as a State Fair version of the ministry’s Theology on Tap series that was then bouncing around bars in St. Paul. For years, more than 100 young adults have been regularly attending Theology on Tap, now held at O’Gara’s Bar and Grill on Snelling Avenue. Theology on Tap’s popularity and the growing interest in Theology on a Stick made a third year look promising in 2010. “We were kind of on the cusp of really getting something going in terms of enthusiasm at the State Fair and even on the fundraising side,” Baer said. But then it lost its venue. After a 50-year run, the St. Bernard Bulldog Lodge went up for sale following the 2010 closure of St. Bernard School in St. Paul, which ran the lodge. The next year saw the loss of the other Catholic mainstay, the Epiphany Diner. That closure marked the end of an era for a major Catholic presence at the Great Minnesota GetTogether, which has drawn an average of 1.7 million people per year. Ten years later, the absence has some Catholics wondering: What would it take to get it back?

Essential manpower

TOP Father Dennis Zehren, then-pastor of Epiphany in Coon Rapids, talks with a fairgoer outside the Epiphany Diner in 2008. MIDDLE A mother and daughter enjoy a meal inside the Epiphany Diner. BOTTOM Jennifer Cassidy and Michelle Ponsolle pose in 2008 at St. Bernard’s Bulldog Lodge, another former fixture at the State Fair. Cassidy served as president and principal of St. Bernard’s School in St. Paul at the time, and Ponsolle was the development and alumni director. Photos by Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit

Sustaining volunteers was a main obstacle for keeping the St. Bernard Bulldog Lodge open. With a closing school and a small parish, Father Mike Anderson, St. Bernard’s pastor at the time, decided with the parish council to close the Lodge. St. Bernard’s final principal and longtime Lodge volunteer, Jennifer Cassidy, said it was a difficult closure. “We certainly tried everything to keep it open,” Cassidy said of the lodge. “The fair also has direct oversight so we were limited on what we could change or try to do differently.” The parish closed its elementary school in 2009 and high school in 2010. Michelle Ponselle, who served as the Lodge’s final coordinator, said the Lodge depended on students and their families to run it as a fundraiser to reduce their tuition. Ponselle served as the school’s development director in its final year.

The Lodge “w said Ponselle, a S parishioner at St Demand for v demise of the Ep largest parish in Minneapolis, the meatloaf dinner an aging volunte “You either ha where it was har down there and parishioner of Ep as the diner’s fin Epiphany lead time to outdated customers and n improvements. Theology on a place to relocate wasn’t a whole l that fire alive,” B that we had just unfortunately.”

Religious pre

Other Minnes numerous ways ministries Crossr offer religious go Blocks of Islam p Both of the fair’s an ecumenical w Crossroads Chap At one time, a and Catholic, ra St. Bernard. Sinc two, Hamline Un St. Paul. The hal build connection Teresa Rennek United’s dining proximity has h volunteers, with annual fundraise to the front of th “We try to hav Renneke said. “A church-related fl elderberry … an that kind of fits Hamline Unit boost interest. H attraction. Renn style restaurant a “It’s kind of a have real china, Both the Epip Lodge stood the before closing. T on-a-stick craze, dining hall, said parishioner who years. Rhonda, his w “We want to be eat it on a stick, keep going,” she Epiphany, Cra breakfast hours b on a stick. “We h Not a lot of peop said. “We fed a l The diner serv volunteers. It be a source of parish Lodge also had a location, now ho “Lots of heart for decades with of working the f Cassidy, who, as volunteered at th my brother and keep an eye on i St. Bernard ser

was part of the culture of the school,” St. Bernard School alumna and a t. Jerome in Maplewood. volunteers also played a role in the piphany Diner in 2011. Run by the the Archdiocese of St. Paul and e diner — famous for its turkey and rs — shut down after 54 years due to eer base and dwindling numbers. ad elderly or the younger families, rd for them to leave the kids to be volunteer,” said Ruth Dillon, a piphany in Coon Rapids who served nal coordinator. ders also attributed the closure at the d kitchen equipment, dwindling needed church building

a Stick, meanwhile, never identified a e. “Without an available venue, there lot that we could do to try to keep Baer said. “All those opportunities t kind of died on the vine,

esence

sota faith communities have found to engage fairgoers. Protestant roads Chapel and Bible Land Crafts oods throughout the fair. Building provides information about Islam. s Sundays include Prayer at the Fair, worship service, and a service at the pel. around 20 churches, both Protestant an dining halls like Epiphany and ce 2012, that number has been only United and Salem Lutheran, both of lls raise funds for the churches and ns for the faith communities. ke, a 25-year volunteer with Hamline hall, said the church’s close helped keep a steady stream of h around 65 working daily for the er. She said adding Izzy’s Ice Cream he diner in 1999 has helped traffic. ve a [special] flavor every year,” A couple of them have been very flavors. Our first year we had nd we’ve had mini donut crunch, so a fair theme [too].” ted has varied its burger menu to Ham loaf, however, remains a big neke sees the benefit of a sit-down at the fair. break [for fair goers],” she said. “We silverware.” phany Diner and St. Bernard Bulldog e test of time for five decades each That included navigating the foodwhich took a toll on the role of the d Craig Dillon, an Epiphany o volunteered at the diner for many

wife, attributed it to a “‘now’ society.” able to eat and keep on going — just keep walking, keep looking and e said. aig said, found a niche in the before someone would want lunch had less competition for breakfast. ple want a Pronto Pup at 7 a.m.,” he lot of workers of the fair.” ved food all day with the help of 100 ecame a popular fair destination and sh community building. The Bulldog a following and enjoyed a prominent ousing O’Gara’s at the Fair. and soul went into the dining hall h generations of families with stories food line and doing dishes,” said s a St. Bernard alumna, also he Lodge as a child. “And some, like his classmate, stay[ed] overnight to it.” rved a variety of food in a sit-down

setting but added a take-out option in its later years. Aside from St. Bernard and Epiphany, St. John the Evangelist in Little Canada had a diner until the early 1980s. St. Joseph in West St. Paul also had a diner in Epiphany’s location before the Coon Rapids parish took over. “They are really a lot of work,” said Father Robert Fitzpatrick, who served as pastor of St. John a year after the parish closed its diner. “Some of them [the volunteers] were basically worn out for the rest of the year.” Now pastor of Corpus Christi and St. Rose of Lima in Roseville, Father Fitzpatrick is responsible for the last remaining Catholic presence at the fair: the 9:15 a.m. Sunday Mass, held at the Family Fair Stage at Baldwin Park. Volunteers from Corpus Christi help with the liturgical logistics. He said attendance ranges from 300 to 400 people each Sunday. Both Corpus Christi and St. Rose of Lima also host parking for the fair, except on Sunday mornings.

Friday, September 8

August 24, 2017 • 11

Saturday, September 9 Shakin’ Drawing

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Revival challenges In recent years, different Catholic organizations have looked for ways to bring the Gospel to the other 10 days of the fair. The St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity has spent a day at the University of St. Thomas booth in the Education Building as an evangelization opportunity. Seminarians passed out “Fans of Pope Francis” — paper fans with a picture of the pope — to fairgoers. Karen Laird, seminary communications coordinator, said the seminary is taking a break this year. St. Paul Street Evangelization, a Catholic nonprofit dedicated to sharing the faith in person, has worked with smaller-scale fairs but doesn’t have plans for the State Fair due to cost. Its members ministered at the Hopkins Raspberry Festival this summer. State Fair veterans caution that setting up shop at the fair takes loads of work. “It took a very dedicated team,” Baer said of Theology on a Stick. “You need a small group of core people that are willing to live and breathe it for a while to make it happen.” That includes fundraising — and waiting. While the State Fair doesn’t have an endless waiting list to get in, there is a wait ahead for any potential vendor — one with no definitive time line. The fair offers spots to the previous year’s vendors. If a vendor decides to not return, then the fair administration explores its pool of applicants who match the opening. Jim St. Clair, State Fair deputy general manager, said what the vendor offers has high consideration in the process. The previous vendor’s product and those of nearby vendors also factor in to how an applicant gets chosen. Experience and presentation play prime importance in applicant consideration. Food-related vendors have low turnover rates, St. Clair added, but the fair overall has a 25-33 percent turnover rate. Dining halls buy property from the State Fair and are required to sell it back if vacating. Buying property, operating costs and paying for volunteers’ State Fair tickets all add up. Baer said it took substantial fundraising for Theology on a Stick, even without buying a venue. With the reality of vending costs, Rhonda Dillon said a parish would need to carefully weigh the decision to have a booth or venue for fundraising purposes. Craig Dillon said Epiphany drew 1 percent of its cash flow from the Epiphany Diner, and it was still profitable when the church decided to sell it. He said that having a daily large Catholic presence at the fair really weighed on the decision. Cathedral Young Adults hasn’t abandoned the idea of resurrecting Theology on a Stick. Its leaders have been in conversation about the event with other Catholic young adult groups. Melissa Kaintz, Cathedral Young Adults core team chairwoman and a St. Bernard alumna, experienced the event as a college student and saw the value. “It would be reaching, hopefully, a whole new demographic at the fair [that Theology on Tap can’t],” Kaintz said.

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12 • The Catholic Spirit

BACK TO SCHOOL

August 24, 2017

Teach for Christ invites young adults to serve in Catholic schools By Matthew Davis The Catholic Spirit

E

ight young adults will embark on a new ministry this fall at four Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Teach for Christ, a volunteer ministry that launched this year, offers the services of trained young adults to tutor students, assist teachers, coach and serve in support roles for a school year. The missionaries — known as “educators” — will serve this year at Ascension School and St. John Paul II Catholic Preparatory School in Minneapolis, St. Mark’s Catholic School in St. Paul and Chesterton Academy in Edina, where the program is based. The program aims to have a spiritual and educational impact on its schools and educators, said Richard Vigilante, 60, Teach for Christ’s board chairman. Vigilante, who previously served on Chesterton Academy’s board of directors, has had the vision in mind for years. He sought input from leaders in Catholic education around the archdiocese as he discerned how to form a ministry that could serve Catholic schools. “We designed the program based on what we were told,” said Vigilante, a parishioner of St. Anne in Hamel and Holy Name of Jesus in Medina. “I’m a great admirer of ACE and Teach for America, but what we were told was ‘serve.’” Both the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education and New York-based nonprofit Teach for America train people to serve as classroom teachers, which can lead to long-term careers in education. Teach for Christ trains people to work in education, but its educators don’t lead classrooms.

Instead, they work as tutors or in areas outside the classroom, such as marketing. Vigilante said the ministry is for any young adult, whether or not he or she is considering education as a career. Requirements include being a college graduate with strong academic achievement, experience serving young people and a committed faith life. This year’s Teach for Christ educators are from Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Vigilante and the staff received around 300 applications the first year. “It was very gratifying,” Vigilante said about the interest. Lucas Berke, 26, applied after working as a mission staff member for two years with NET Ministries in West St. Paul. He’s considering a teaching career. “I was looking for options, and this one kind of came up,” said Berke, who has a degree in biology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Fellow educator Betsy Peloquin also has education in mind after completing degrees in literature and education this year at Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, Florida. A parishioner of St. Henry in Monticello, she returned to her home state for Teach for Christ. “This year, I did not feel like I was ready for my own classroom,” Peloquin, 22, said. “I was really excited about this opportunity to be working in the classroom, working with students and working with professional teachers as well, so I can learn from them.” Leaders from the schools who will host Teach for Christ educators look forward to the extra support. St. John Paul II Principal Edgar Alfonzo said it fills a “big need” at his school. “Every year, we get five, six students with almost no English at all,” Alfonzo

Teach for Christ educators Cecilia Miller, left, of Holy Family in St. Louis Park and John Eilen of St. Agnes in St. Paul go over training material Aug. 16 for their upcoming work at St. Mark’s Catholic School in St. Paul. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit said. “One-on-one work with these teachers is going to really benefit them, because you can see that they progress faster when they receive adaptation, not only one-on-one but also in a small groups.” Vigilante said he could see the program expanding beyond the four pilot schools to serve anywhere in the archdiocese and beyond. The Catholic Schools Center of Excellence assisted Teach for Christ in choosing schools “that already had a strong record in successfully using volunteers to enhance student achievement,” he said. Chesterton Academy was chosen because of the initial connections with Teach for Christ. Living in community is also a central aspect for Teach for Christ educators, as they live in separate households in St. Paul during their year of service. Men live with the Pro Ecclesia Sancta priests and brothers, who serve St. Mark, while the women live in a house leased by the ministry. Peloquin said the households have “a plan of life” that consists of

community prayer, meals, service and mini retreats with Pro Ecclesia Sancta. “Then we bring that out to the larger communities that we’re going to be a part of,” Berke said. It ties into the Catholic witness they also hope to bring to their schools. “If you are praying, and you have a personal relationship with Jesus, you can’t fail to witness him,” Berke said. “You’ll end up doing ministry whether you meant to or not.” The households are also open to young and single Catholic teachers. Isabel Brown, a teacher at Chesterton Academy, serves as the house leader for the women. Training began for the educators June 20 with a three-day silent retreat led by the Pro Ecclesia Sancta brothers. The order became involved through PES Father Adam Tokashiki’s connection to Chesterton Academy as the school’s chaplain. Theresa Krueger, Chesterton Academy’s dean of women and a former headmaster and teacher in Arizona’s Great Hearts charter schools network, led the training. Educators worked with Holy Family Academy in St. Louis Park during its summer school program, offering individual tutoring for the students. “It was just a shot in the arm. The students enjoyed having the one-on-one instruction and the youthful charisma of the TC people,” said Jim Grogan, Holy Family’s principal. Educators haven’t worried about fundraising on top of training, since Teach for Christ doesn’t require it. Private donors fund the ministry, and the educators receive a small stipend for basic needs. “We’re able to just say, ‘Here I am, put me to work,’” Peloquin said.

h of St. Luke’s Churc Parish Festival Sunday, August 27

Quilt Auction 2 p.m.,

Sunday Mass • 10 a.m. from baby to queen Pork Chop Dinner size & Outdoor Activities • 11 a.m. Adults $9 • Children 5-12 $5 • Under 4 Free Raffle Drawing • 4 p.m. Baskets from Heaven • Silent Auction Food Booths, Cake Walk, Bingo, Craft Booths, Pop & Beer, Kids & Adult Games, Inflatables, Games with Father

The Church of St. Luke 17545 Huber Ave. NW, Clearwater, MN 320-558-2124

Your Church. Your stories. Your newspaper.

August 24, 2017

Faithful Beginnings aims to help preschools grow By Michael P. Kassner For The Catholic Spirit As preschoolers return to classrooms this fall, many attending Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis are heading into programs newly branded as “Faithful Beginnings.” The initiative is part of the Catholic Schools Center of Excellence’s mission to strengthen Catholic education and student enrollment in grade schools and early childhood programs in the archdiocese by creating a network of preschools with similar goals. Developed by CSCOE, Faithful Beginnings’ name indicates participating schools are focusing on CSCOE’s pillars of excellence. It’s not a new early childhood curriculum, but an optional system for schools to improve their existing programs, said Maureen Lodoen, CSCOE communications manager. Participating preschools receive standards guidelines on areas ranging from Catholic identity and teacher training to the preschool’s relationship to the grade school and parent communications, as well as marketing seed grants, consistent logos and branding, and participation in a Faithful Beginnings website. The initiative includes Catholic schools’ child care, daycares, pre-kindergarten and preschool programs. There are 73 early childhood programs in the archdiocese. Of them, 52 have chosen to adopt the Faithful Beginnings initiative and change the organization’s name to include “Faithful Beginnings.” Regardless of whether or not programs opt in, all can receive training and apply for CSCOE grants. They also gain access to communications and enrollment support from CSCOE, as well as participation in its Preschool Network of Excellence.

BACK TO SCHOOL

The Catholic Spirit • 13

What’s new in Catholic schools The Catholic Spirit The Catholic Spirit asked principals of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to share their new initiatives, buildings and leadership. The following is a selection of their responses. • Our Lady of the Lake School in Mound is adding a third classroom to accommodate an expanding preschool program. • St. Croix Catholic School in Stillwater welcomes a new principal, Sister Martha Ann Titus, a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia. The school is implementing an ecclesial method approach to its religion courses, and in the middle school, it is fully implementing the digital portfolio element of the Created for Greatness virtuous leadership program. • Totino-Grace High School in Fridley is launching a new advisory program, TG Connect, to help adult professionals in the school build relationships with students. The program is designed to help students have a mentor to go to when they encounter social, academic or other challenges. • After taking the helm of Benilde-St. Margaret’s School in February, Adam Ehrmantraut will begin his first full school year as the school’s president. Archbishop Bernard Hebda will install Ehrmantraut during the school’s opening Mass Sept. 6. • St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights is opening an Innovation Center. Scheduled for completion in late September, the 6,000-square-foot space will give students access to technology — such as 3D printers, hand tools, saws and drills — for creating and evaluating prototype objects. The academy is also adding a sixth grade to its middle school, and its students will be worshipping in a newly remodeled chapel. • The Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield is

completing a major renovation of its 1931 building. It’s also replacing its grass sports field with an artificial surface to create a state-of-the-art practice facility. • Mike Brennan is the new president of Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria. • As it begins its second year as a member of Ascension Catholic Academy, St. Peter Claver Catholic School in St. Paul will be undergoing the accreditation process to become re-certified through the MNSAA and aims to become a Top 20 School. • Students at St. Agnes School in St. Paul welcome a new director of the lower school, Emily Minton, who holds a bachelors and masters degree from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. The school is also opening three new combination lab and classroom spaces. • Chromebooks will be in the backpacks of each middle school student at Blessed Trinity Catholic School in Richfield in an effort to allow teachers to teach in innovative ways, including “flipping” — watching a video lesson at home for homework, and working on the lesson’s homework the next day in the classroom with the help of the teacher. • Carrie Hackman is the new principal of St. Jude of the Lake Catholic School in Mahtomedi, which is adding an outdoor classroom to its monarch garden. • Providence Academy in Plymouth will be making more use of its new, state-of-the-art performing arts center during the school year. Kyle Rickbeil is also the school’s new middle school director. • Holy Spirit Catholic School in St. Paul is partnering with Groves Academy in St. Louis Park, a school for students with learning, disabilities such as dyslexia and attention disorders, which is also home to a center for literacy instruction, education and advocacy. Holy Spirit will be implementing the Groves Literacy Framework to help increase reading fluency in its kindergarten and first grade.

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14 • The Catholic Spirit

BACK TO SCHOOL

August 24, 2017

St. Pascal student prepares to be principal for evening By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit

E

very student’s fear is to be sent to the principal’s office. Mario Esteb may be doing much more than that after school begins Sept. 5. The soon-to-be eighth-grader at St. Pascal Baylon Catholic School in St. Paul could end up hanging around Principal Laurie Jennrich for a good chunk of a school day. That’s just fine with him. The experience will serve as research for an upcoming event in which he will serve as emcee, portraying a school principal for the evening. The Aim Higher Foundation recruited him for its fifth annual Night of Light fundraiser Sept. 22 at the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America in Bloomington. The foundation, which provides scholarshps to Catholic school students, wanted to pick someone attending a Catholic school who also has acting ability and experience. Esteb, 13, fits the bill. He began acting professionally when he was 10, performing in productions for the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul and Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis. His experience being around a principal, however, is limited. “I’ve never been in the principal’s office,” he noted. “We’ve always gotten good reports on him, that he’s a good student,” said his mother, Rose, of her youngest child’s record since enrolling at St. Pascal in kindergarten. “He’s never gotten into trouble in almost eight years.” He once played principal for a day while in third

Mario Esteb sits in the office of Principal Laurie Jennrich at St. Pascal Baylon Catholic School in St. Paul Aug. 17. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit grade. His parents won the role in a fundraising auction. Unfortunately, Mario remembers little from that experience. But, what he lacks in material he more than makes up for in talent. Both his mother and his principal are confident he will learn what he needs for the role. Jennrich said she will do what it takes to help him along. “You better follow me around for a day, really learn the ropes,” she told him on a quiet summer afternoon in her office during an interview with The Catholic Spirit. “We better have a shadow day, so he gets it all down. They’ve got a superstar if they’ve got Mario in their production, that’s for sure. He’s been in a lot of performances, and what amazes me is he always keeps up with his schoolwork.”

Esteb started out as a dancer, and was doing well when the Ordway called his dance studio looking for young boys who could dance. He and three other boys auditioned, and he was the only one called back, eventually landing a role in “A Christmas Story.” “He’s been busy ever since. It’s been kind of cool,” said Rose, a St. Pascal alumna, who went on to attend Hill-Murray High School in Maplewood where she met her husband, Kris. “Since he was little, he’s always been putting on a show. So, I think [acting] fits him.” Though Mario is excited about the upcoming role, he doesn’t entertain thoughts of making education his career someday. Another passion has been growing, which connects with his theater work. “I want to be a sports broadcaster when I’m older,” he said. “He’s been saying that,” Rose noted. “He likes sports. He knows a lot of information about a lot of players on a lot of different teams, college [and] professional.” Jennrich, however, wonders if playing the role might change his mind about the profession. For now, she will remain content watching him perform. In December, he will be in the Children’s Theatre production of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” “We’ve already got all our tickets ordered, and we are all going to get on the bus and go watch the performance — the whole school and all the teachers,” Jennrich said. “We’re really proud of Mario,” she added. “It’s very fun keeping up with his productions, and we’re really excited to have him be principal” at Night of Light. For more information about Night of Light, visit www.aimhigherfoundation.org.

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FROM AGE TO AGE

The Catholic Spirit • 15

Frustrated with politics? Then this course is for you Blessed Sacrament to host classes on Catholic social teaching basics By Maria Wiering The Catholic Spirit It’s been said that Catholic social teaching is the Church’s best kept secret. Richard Aleman wants it out of the bag. “The social question cannot be solved apart from the Gospel,” he said, and that’s something he hopes to help other Catholics understand through a 12-week course on Catholic social thought he’s teaching at Blessed Sacrament in St. Paul, beginning Sept. 21. The social question, or how one ought to respond to political, economic and cultural challenges, is where people put into practice the two great commandments — to love God with one’s whole heart, soul and mind, and one’s neighbor as oneself, he said. The Catholic Church offers a wealth of teaching — primarily through encyclicals and other documents — that explores a person’s rights and responsibilities in their family, work and society, which collectively is called Catholic social teaching. Organized chronologically with most of the material focusing on the period from the French Revolution to present day, the course, Living Catholic Social Teaching, aims to tell the story of the Church’s social teaching as a framework for building a just society and living holy lives. A parishioner of St. Agnes in St. Paul, Aleman designed the course to combat dry and piecemeal approaches to the topic, as well as to rise above the political left-right divide. He hopes to inspire people who primarily view policy issues through the lens of a political party to instead draw first from the wisdom of the Church. The course is also for Catholics who find themselves

increasingly “politically homeless,” or disconnected from either major political party, he said. Father John Paul Erickson, Blessed Sacrament’s pastor, said he “is eager to have a good teacher on a subject that is greatly misunderstood.” “There is a tremendous amount of confusion about what are the principles of politics for a Catholic, especially in our current era,” he said. “Having some clarity of what we believe regarding non-partisan political principles can only be a good thing.” After the Enlightenment, Aleman said, politics, economics and culture became fragmented from one another and separated from religion and faith — a false vision of reality in the Church’s eyes. “Everything is interrelated,” Father Erickson said. The Church is interested “in building up a Richard society that authentically ALEMAN nurtures true human flourishing, the authentic common good, [and] supporting economic systems, social media that truly raises up human dignity and provides the soil from which authentic family life can grow.” Class topics include the Church and agriculture, the sexual revolution and the meaning of good work. The class will also include two Saturday events, including volunteering with the Little Sisters of the Poor. Among Aleman’s goals is to help participants apply the Church’s teachings to the real world. “This is not just a mental exercise,” he said. “The Church has the answer.” Registration for Living Catholic Social Teaching closes Sept. 11. For more information, visit www.blessedsacramentsp.org.

Catholics to be honored with Champions for Life Awards The Catholic Spirit Seven people will be recognized this year with St. John Paul II Champions for Life Awards, an initiative of the Office of Marriage, Family and Life of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The awards recognize people who strive to protect life at all stages. This year’s winners are Jack Dorcey, Sharon King, Jo Tolck, Brad and Sara Hackenmueller, and Dana and Shelly Zahler. Dorcey won the youth and young adult award. He serves as a sidewalk counselor at several abortion centers around the metro and chaperones annually for the archdiocese’s trip to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. Dorcey is a parishioner of St. Pius X in White Bear Lake. King won the pro-life volunteer award for her service as a full-time housemother with Philomena House in St. Paul, which cares for pregnant women at risk for homelessness and abortion. She cares for the women and stays on call to respond to their needs day or night. She is a parishioner of St. Agnes in St. Paul. Tolck, the pro-life professional award winner, is executive director of Human Life Alliance in Minneapolis. She expanded the organization’s services from pro-life education for colleges to chastity for teens and pregnancy center support. She is a parishioner of St. Raphael in Crystal. The Hackenmuellers and Zahlers won the couples, family or Catholic-affiliated group award. The couples are longtime volunteers of the St. Michael Foundation in St. Michael, which serves children and adults with special needs. They recently opened a house for men with special needs to live independently. The couples are parishioners of St. Michael in St. Michael. Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens will present the awards at a luncheon Oct. 27 at St. Peter in Mendota. For more information, visit www.archspm.org/C4L.

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The Catholic Spirit wants to hear your take.

Letters to the Editor should be limited to 150 words and sent to CatholicSpirit@archspm.org with “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line. Please include your name, parish and daytime phone number in case we need to contact you.

16 • The Catholic Spirit

FOCUS ON FAITH

SUNDAY SCRIPTURES

Sunday, Aug. 27

Nell O’Leary Alt

Readings

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

• Is 22:19-23 • Rom 11:33-36 • Mt 16:13-20

Letting our story sit in our hearts “Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Messiah” (Mt 16:20). Have you ever had the most wonderful secret? On the tip of your tongue, front of your mind, edges of your pumping heart? You can taste it. You can almost see the mirroring of joy in the faces of your beloved friends and family when you spill it out. In today’s Gospel, Christ asks his disciples who people say he is, and follows up with the show-stopping question of who they say he is. St. Peter responds with his divinely inspired answer of “the Messiah, the Son of the Living God” (Mt 16:16). Trumpets blast! The longyearned-for savior has arrived! God has made good on his covenant with his people, and they are ready to be saved. But instead of great fanfare and cheering and shrieking through the streets, Jesus instructs them to tell no one. Not a soul. Not the mourning widow, not the begging child, not the smug Pharisee, not a quick note home to their mothers. Jesus asked his disciples not to tell, and whether they understood the reasons or not,

August 24, 2017

they obeyed him. Maybe the reason, the lesson in waiting, in delaying our story ensures it can sink into us, through the fibers of our early fall cotton sweater, past those busy veins and arteries, into our gut. It sinks to the bottom. Without rush or fanfare, we can examine it. We can listen for how God is going to teach us through this, even this. Maybe what you’re holding on to, what I’m holding on to, that we are so desperate to share, the good and the ugly, needs to sit. Maybe it needs to stretch out inside us so we can know it and ourselves more fully before divesting ourselves of it. I’m holding back some good news in my life. I know if I had spilled it out as it was unfolding, it wouldn’t

have come out right. It would have been diluted, marred by my swirling feelings. Now that I have kept it in, it has had the chance to percolate. And God’s gift to me in this tumultuous time has been clarity and peace, gifts that come only with deliberation and reflection. Can you and I sit with our story for a few more minutes before releasing our news in a tweet, a text or an email? Let God work with us on it in our hearts. Let him tenderly help us. He loves us so. O’Leary Alt is managing editor for Blessed is She, a ministry for Catholic women, as well as a “recovering lawyer” married to her law school love. They live and breathe baseball with their four children in St. Paul. She blogs at www.wholeparentingfamily.com.

DAILY Scriptures Sunday, Aug. 27 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 22:19-23 Rom 11:33-36 Mt 16:13-20 Monday, Aug. 28 St. Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church 1 Thes 1:1-5, 8b-10 Mt 23:13-22

Tuesday, Aug. 29 Passion of St. John the Baptist 1 Thes 2:1-8 Mk 6:17-29 Wednesday, Aug. 30 1 Thes 2:9-13 Mt 23:27-32 Thursday, Aug. 31 1 Thes 3:7-13 Mt 24:42-51

FAITH FUNDAMENTALS Father Michael Van Sloun

Spiritual effects and benefits of baptism Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, and it has powerful and long-lasting effects. It changes the spiritual character of a person forever, and the mark of transformation is so permanent that it is indelible; it can never be erased. What follows is a concise list of nine of the most important effects and benefits of the sacrament of baptism. The gateway sacrament. Baptism is the first of the sacraments. It is the beginning and the foundation of the Christian life of faith, and it provides access to the other sacraments. Sacramental grace. The grace of baptism is a rebirth in Christ, opens a channel of blessing from God to the believer, grants a share of God’s divine life, delivers spiritual energy and power, provides nourishment and enables growth in virtue and holiness.

Friday, Sept. 1 1 Thes 4:1-8 Mt 25:1-13

Monday, Sept. 4 1 Thes 4:13-18 Lk 4:16-30

Saturday, Sept. 2 1 Thes 4:9-11 Mt 25:14-30

Tuesday, Sept. 5 1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11 Lk 4:31-37

Sunday, Sept. 3 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Jer 20:7-9 Rom 12:1-2 Mt 16:21-27

Wednesday, Sept. 6 Col 1:1-8 Lk 4:38-44 Thursday, Sept. 7 Col 1:9-14 Lk 5:1-11

The gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes to a person through baptism. The Holy Spirit is the ongoing indwelling presence of God, which makes the person a temple of the Holy Spirit and assures the constant companionship of God for the entire duration of the journey of life. The Holy Spirit offers inspiration, enlightenment and guidance, as well as the courage, strength and motivation to live according to God’s ways. A child of God. Baptism makes a person an adopted son or daughter of God. Baptism consecrates a person to God. God owns the baptized person, and the person belongs to God. With this realization there is an evergrowing deep longing to know, love, obey and serve God. Church membership. Baptism grants admission into the body of Christ, the Church, the army of light, a spiritual family in which the other members become one’s brothers and sisters in Christ. It establishes a bond of fellowship with the community of believers and full partnership with the communion of saints of the living. The pilgrimage to God is not to be walked alone, but with the help and companionship of other disciples. Spiritual status. The baptized person is elevated as priest, prophet and king: a person who prays alone and worships with the Church, praying both for one’s self and on behalf of others; lives a good and holy life and calls others to greater holiness; and enjoys royal status before God, and who honors God as supreme, submits

Friday, Sept. 8 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mi 5:1-4 Mt 1:1-16, 18-23 Saturday, Sept. 9 St. Peter Claver, priest Col 1:21-23 Lk 6:1-5 Sunday, Sept. 10 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Ez 33:7-9 Rom 13:8-10 Mt 18:15-20

to God’s authority and obeys God’s law and will. Forgiveness. Baptism is a spiritual cleansing. All sins, both original sin and personal sin, are washed away and forgiven, and purified. The person is in the state of grace. Liberation from sin gives the freedom and fosters the desire to conform one’s life to Jesus and his gospel. Apostolic zeal. Baptism makes a person a laborer in Christ’s vineyard and a minister of the Church, one who proclaims the Gospel to others in deed and word; gives strong and bold witness; assists in liturgical roles; teaches and shares the faith; serves one’s neighbors, particularly the poor and disadvantaged; is a good steward of time, talent and treasure; seeks, speaks and defends the truth; works for justice and peace; and upholds the common good. Salvation. Baptism clothes a person with immortality, gives a person a share in the redemption that Christ won on the Cross, and makes salvation, eternal life and everlasting glory with God in heaven possible. It unites a person to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. St. Paul explained that those who are baptized in Christ are baptized into his death (Rom 6:3), and that, “If we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection” (Rom 6:5). Father Van Sloun is pastor of St. Bartholomew in Wayzata. This is the fifth column in a series on baptism. Read more of his writing at www.catholichotdish.com.

THIS CATHOLIC LIFE • COMMENTARY

August 24, 2017

YOUR HEART, HIS HOME Liz Kelly

Revealed with fire Bedouins are an exceptionally hardy, hospitable people. I learned this in the Holy Land from my friend Tony, a Catholic archaeologist who grew up in Jerusalem and is presently completing his dissertation on King David, examining his life in the rock and ruins. Tony tells me that he will sometimes employ Bedouins to work on his archaeological digs, especially during the blistering summer months. He hires them in particular for their work ethic, but also for their ability to withstand the crushing desert heat. He speaks of them with sincere admiration when he says, “I am a son of the desert, I know what 120-degree heat is, and even I can’t work past about 10 a.m. some days. But the Bedouins,” he adds, nodding his head in approval and a touch of disbelief, “they can work all day.” They have their methods. One day while working

alongside them, Tony was about to collapse due to the rising temperature. About midday, he told the Bedouin workers to quit for the day. Instead, they made a roaring fire and sat around it, close, drinking very hot tea. Curious, Tony joined them. After about 20 minutes next to the blaze, he said, “I’m cooked! I can’t take any more!” and he got up to move away from the fire. As he stepped away from the blaze, he stopped short — he suddenly felt completely cool. It was over 120 degrees, but sitting next to the fire, drinking the hot tea raised his body temperature such that he actually felt cool when he returned to the dig. And he was able to work vigorously the rest of the day alongside his Bedouin desert brothers. God’s method of mercy is often just like this: a roaring fire in the desert heat. Sometimes, Jesus brings us a little bit closer to the blaze, asks us to drink just a little more of that hot cup of suffering, whatever it might be — persecution or poverty, loneliness or rejection, illness or isolation — but it is to prepare and strengthen us, that we might go back out into the heat of spiritual battle and continue to fight with fresh courage. The question becomes, will I trust his method or will I run for shade? Am I just too attached to my own comfort that I refuse to drink that burning cup? In his word, you cannot miss the multiple

The Catholic Spirit • 17

references to the Lord as a consuming fire, or his curious choice to lead the Israelites by night as a pillar of fire, or to appear to Moses as a burning bush, or the tongues of fire that descended upon the trembling first faithful in the upper room. I could go on. Yahweh seems rather smitten with his creation of fire — for its power, for its heat, for its refining properties, for its dancing illumination. Who could possibly know the effects of fire better than our God? How’s the heat where you are? Is the Lord offering you a seat close to the roaring blaze? Is he handing you a miserable burning cup when all you long for is a sip of cold water? Can you trust his method just a little bit longer until he releases you into cool, blessed relief? Lord, you are a consuming fire. Devour my fears in the flames of your Sacred Heart. Give me the grace to withstand your refining holy heat just as long as you know I need it. Fire of Heaven, I trust you. Kelly is the author of six books, including “Jesus Approaches: What Contemporary Women Can Learn about Healing, Freedom and Joy from the Women of the New Testament” (Loyola Press, 2017). This fall, she is leading an eight-week women’s Bible study to teach participants how to pray with Scripture. For more information, visit www.rediscover-faith.org.

FAITH IN THE PUBLIC ARENA

in the broader culture, all the while punishing those who dissent.

Jason Adkins

We all agree that public schools should be places that are welcoming to all students, regardless of personal challenges that they bring to the classroom. Persons struggling with gender dysphoria or who identify as transgender should be treated with compassion and sensitivity, and reasonably accommodated. These steps should be taken to create an environment where students can participate in the pursuit of truth, unhindered by things that might hold them back, such as bullying or fear and anxiety. But the advance of gender ideology in the mask of anti-bullying programs undermines the heart of the educational enterprise by injecting a false vision of reality into the language and culture of schools. It requires students and faculty to speak and accept actions in contrast to plainly observable fact, namely, that boys are boys and not girls (or some other thing), and vice versa. As First Things editor R.R. Reno notes, gender ideology forces students to accommodate themselves to lies knowing that truthful words will be punished. Gender ideology has no credible scientific basis. It requires people to perpetrate falsehoods and is a clear example of the triumph of the subjective will taking precedent over objective reality; it has no place in a setting serious about intellectual inquiry.

Denying reality

Gender ideology: colonizing — not cultivating — student minds Our schools should be places where children are trained to pursue the true, the good and the beautiful — or, at the very least, equipped to honestly and rationally engage with objective reality. A school should be a place of education, not ideological instruction. But a “transgender toolkit,” approved on July 24 by the state’s School Safety Technical Assistance Council (SSTAC), is a clear instance of that vital mission being flipped on its head. The recommendations of the toolkit, advertised as a means of combating bullying, instead distort reality and impede real education. The falsehoods of gender ideology — essentially, the view that gender is unrelated to biological sex and can be chosen at will — are not fit to be disseminated anywhere, least of all in our schools. The council’s decision to distribute this toolkit to public schools throughout Minnesota reveals that state bureaucrats are more concerned about colonizing students’ minds than forming them to seek the truth.

Ideological colonization Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has drawn attention to what he calls “ideological colonization,” or the imposition of secular values on religious societies through threats or incentives. We typically think of ideological colonization in places like Africa, where Western nations and NGOs attempt to impose contraception and abortion on countries in exchange for development dollars. But Pope Francis has also linked it to gender ideology being taught in the classroom. The Pope told the Polish bishops in 2016 that gender theory is the “exact opposite of God’s creation,” and that this “sin against God the Creator”

Ask senators for changes to protect young people from unnecessary deportations Ask Minnesota senators to co-sponsor the Dream Act of 2017 The Dream Act of 2017, S. 1615, was recently introduced in the U.S. Senate. It is intended to protect immigrant youth who entered the United States as children and know America as their only home. Many of the estimated 780,000 individuals this bill would protect are contributors to our economy, veterans of our military, and leaders in our parishes and communities. The bill would offer qualifying immigrant youth “conditional permanent resident status” and a path to full, lawful, permanent residency and eventual citizenship. As Catholics, we have long supported DREAMERS as we believe in protecting the dignity of every human being, especially our children. The legislation helps prioritize border enforcement resources toward those who actually present a danger to our communities. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken have yet to co-sponsor this legislation. Call them at the numbers below and ask them to co-sponsor and support the Dream Act of 2017. Sen. Klobuchar: 612-727-5220 Sen. Franken: 651-221-1016 is an example of “ideological colonization” funded by powerful institutions. “Today, children are taught this at school: that everyone can choose their own sex. And why do they teach this? Because the books come from those people and institutions who give money,” the pontiff said, calling the situation “terrible.” The transgender toolkit is a clear instance of ideological colonization in our own backyard. Through the threat of lawsuits against schools, wellfunded activists work to enact anti-bullying measures that are instead vehicles for making disordered views of the human person and human sexuality normative

Our response When we see gender theory imposed by public officials, or perpetrated in schools, we have the responsibility to respond, proposing instead the reality of our created nature and the beauty of sexual difference — man and woman, made for each other and made for life. If the Church is to be a field hospital, as Pope Francis calls us to be, prospective patients need to know that things like gender theory that are peddled by the culture as elixirs of happiness are really poison, and that there is a place that offers healing and hope. In addition, we must continue to assert that the facts of objective reality, and the task of pursuing the truth of things should guide our public discourse and our education system. Otherwise, our discourse becomes mere sophistry and our public policies become tools of oppression and exploitation by those in power. Adkins is executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference.

18 • The Catholic Spirit

THIS CATHOLIC LIFE • COMMENTARY

CATHOLIC WATCHMEN

Vincenzo Randazzo

Fathering at Mass I remember how the Church I grew up in did not have statues or artwork or anything really interesting to look at, so as a small child I would kind of rotate between watching the ceiling fans and playing with my brother, or I would lean on my Dad and just doze off. On the other hand, a friend who grew up attending a beautiful church said that he would observe the stained glass, often from his father’s arms, during the whole liturgy. Now he has his own children, and he was telling me how difficult it is to pay attention on Sundays because he’s split between his little ones. What’s a father to do? Two recent studies comparing cognitive skills in children and adults found that while adults are better than children at remembering concepts they were told to focus on, they do it at the expense of remembering secondary things. In contrast, it was found that while children often forgot what they were told to pay attention to, they would more often than adults have a better understanding of seemingly unimportant things in the information presented.

The little things children pay attention to are often unimportant, but their attention to details — so to speak — can often be the foundation for something more substantial.

In short, children notice things that adults don’t catch. But that’s obvious, isn’t it? This explains why I saw a little boy at Mass rub his hands together eagerly as if trying to warm them. I thought, “He must be excited about something.” But then I saw that he was watching someone — his mother putting on hand sanitizer with all of the other extraordinary ministers of holy Communion before they would receive the vessels for distribution. This child helped me see something I hadn’t ever really noticed — when the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world is held high by the priest, there are often a few people flanking the altar, rubbing their hands together with sanitizer. That’s the sort of thing a child notices. Another friend who has a few kids told me that he will tell his son at every Mass to watch the priest’s

August 24, 2017

hands. I think this is a beautiful practice, and it is something his son is bound to remember when he recalls his relationship with his father. It is a simple thing a child can do, and a simple way a father can love his child. My friend said his son watched the priest’s hands at the elevation during consecration. He also mentioned, with a smile, that his son noticed the priest constantly turning on and off his microphone. And that’s the point. The little things to which children pay attention are often unimportant, but their attention to details — so to speak — can often be the foundation for something more substantial. Even St. Paul says, “I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it.” It’s obvious we cannot expect a child to engage in the Mass fully, but the father can engage while the child observes him. The child watches when you cross your head, lips and heart at the Gospel. The child watches when you make the Sign of the Cross and also, unfortunately, when you rub your hands with sanitizer at the Agnus Dei. It is a father’s job to ensure that placed in his children’s view is always something true, good or beautiful, so even if they don’t understand it, his children will still end up somewhere better than where they started. Randazzo is an evangelization manager in the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and director of development at St. Stephen in Minneapolis.

LETTERS

Share your perspective by emailing CatholicSpirit@ Please limit your letter to the editor to 150 words and include your parish and phone number. The Commentary page does not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Catholic Spirit. Letters may be edited for length or clarity.

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I hate waiting in lines. Unless there is just a single line for people who want to check in or out, get gas,

Father John Bauer Pastor of the Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis

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Judge not

This is pure genius. I am surprised that no one thought of this before. By narrowing down the issues that Jesus articulated in Matthew 25:31-46 to a single question: “Did you question/wonder about/believe in same sex marriage?” — in effect, by doing some pre-judging in this world — it will save God time at the end of the world. In fact, the line at the judgment at the end of the world should move along quite swiftly. We won’t have to worry about whether or not we fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty,

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Everett Dehmer Cathedral of St. Paul, St. Paul

Given my abhorrence to waiting in lines, you can perhaps appreciate how surprised I was to read the letters to the editor in the Aug. 10 edition of The Catholic Spirit. The issue they were writing about concerned an Illinois bishop’s decision to prohibit Catholics in same-sex marriages from receiving Communion or having their funeral in a Catholic Church. One of the writers was clear that God “does not have a place in heaven for those who decide his rules are outdated and don’t fit the current whims of individuals.” Another suggested that “those who claim they are loving others by allowing forbidden practices may just be loving them into hell.” As I read these comments, I couldn’t help but think that these writers had found a way to expedite the judgment line at the end of world.

welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, comforted the ill or visited the imprisoned. Of course, though, if we narrow down the criteria for judgment to a single issue or question, it does make it difficult to explain why Jesus told that parable in the first place. We need to be clear. The idea that we can save God time at the end of the world by doing some prejudging here is complete nonsense. God searches our hearts, our minds and our souls, and God — and God alone — is the only one who is qualified to do any judging. And while I can’t say for sure, I suspect God is not all that appreciative of those who think it is right and proper to save time at the end of the world by doing some pre-judging here. As for me, I am grateful that judgment belongs to God alone, and that it is something God doesn’t need any help with — however well intended. I am also hopeful that at the end of the world God will grade on a curve. I say this because the older I get, the more I realize how much in need of God’s mercy I am.

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The article “Unity but truth” (July 27) featured the founder of the Protestant “deformation” that divided Christianity into two hostile camps for 500 years. Throughout biblical history, God chastised his people when worldly pursuits became dominant: The deluge, Babylonian captivity, the destruction of Jerusalem ending animal sacrifices to this day, the Eastern schism and then, the most world-changing events, the revolt of Luther and Henry VIII, throwing Catholic Europe into political and social turmoil, culminating in the Thirty Years’ War, bloodshed, disunity and endless religious fractioning that ended, for many, the eucharistic sacrifice as offered at Mass the previous 1,500 years after the Last Supper, changing bread and wine into his body and blood (Jn 6:51, 61). The latest chastisement can be seen in the July 27 edition’s letters to the editor calling for Catholic teaching to accommodate contemporary worldly whims, [as well as] adulterous marital arrangements, abortion, the collapse of social restraints, massive clergy and lay exodus, scandals, denial of the true presence by most Catholics as commissioned by messiah Jesus, to be offered till he comes again.

pay for their groceries or whatever, I always choose the wrong line. I inevitably end up behind someone who is sure they have the exact change — if only they can find it, or someone who can’t find their credit card, or someone who doesn’t quite understand why they can’t use a coupon that expired three weeks ago.

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Costs of the Reformation

CALENDAR

August 24, 2017

each month: 7–8:30 p.m. at the archdiocesan chancery, 777 Forest St., St. Paul. For those who are living apart from their spouses because of separation or divorce. 651-291-4438 or faithfulspouses@archspm.org.

CALENDAR submissions DEADLINE: Noon Thursday, 14 days before the anticipated Thursday date of publication. We cannot guarantee a submitted event will appear in the calendar.

E., St. Paul. Register by September 11. 651-738-0677 or jmhoffman@blessedsacramentsp.org or www.blessedsacramentsp.org.

Career Transition group meeting — Third Thursday of each month: 7:30 a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus, 155 County Road 24, Medina. www.hnoj.org/career-transition-group.

LISTINGS: Accepted are brief no­tices of upcoming events hosted by Catholic parishes and institutions. If the Catholic connection is not clear, please emphasize it in your submission.

Dementia Support Group — Second Tuesday of each month: 7–9 p.m. at The Benedictine Center at St. Paul’s Monastery, 2675 Benet Road, Maplewood. 651-777-7251 or www.stpaulsmonastery.org.

Women’s Mid-Week Retreat — Sept. 12-14: Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center, 16385 St. Francis Lane, Prior Lake. www.franciscanretreats.net/womens_retreat.aspx. Retreat for those in grief — Sept. 15-17: 16385 Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center, St. Francis Lane, Prior Lake. www.franciscanretreats.net/ retreatforgrieving.aspx

Parish events Grandparent-Grandchildren Ministry — Aug. 28: 6:30–7:30 p.m. at St. Patrick, 3535 72nd Street E., Inver Grove Heights.

calendarsubmissions

FAX: 651-291-4460 MAIL: “Calendar,” The Catholic Spirit 777 Forest St., St. Paul, MN 55106

Conferences/seminars/ workshops

Reformation panel discussion — Sept. 8: 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Basilica of St. Mary, 1600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis. Includes speakers, refreshments and evening prayer with a welcome from Archbishop Bernard Hebda. The event is the first in a series commemorating the Reformation’s 500th anniversary. www.mary.org.

More online:

www.thecatholicspirit.com/calendar

Music African Children’s Choir — Aug. 30: 7–8:30 p.m. at the Basilica of St. Mary, 1600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis. www.mary.org.

Ongoing groups Faithful Spouses support group — Third Tuesday of

Aging with Dignity — Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5: 7–9 p.m. at The Benedictine Center at St. Paul’s Monastery, 2675 Benet Road, Maplewood. 651-777-7251 or www.stpaulsmonastery.org.

Psalms Bible Study — Sept. 12-Dec. 5 (except Oct. 31 and Nov. 21): 9–11 a.m. at Transfiguration, 6133 15th St. N., Oakdale. Registration deadline is Aug. 31. 651-238-0645 or JCStudy@transfigurationmn.org. How to be Married and Stay Engaged — Sept. 18: 7–9 p.m. at St. William, 6120 5th St. N.E., Fridley. Dr. James Healy will present. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Cost $25/couple. engagedcouples.wixsite.com. Living Catholic Social Teaching — Thursdays, Sept. 21-Dec. 14 (except Thanksgiving Day): 6:30–8 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament, 2119 Stillwater Ave.

Taize Prayer — Third Friday of each month: 7 p.m. at The Benedictine Center at St. Paul’s Monastery, 2675 Benet Road, Maplewood. 651-777-7251 or www.stpaulsmonastery.org.

Retreats

Friday Night at the Friary — Third Friday of each month: 7–9 p.m. at Franciscan Brothers of Peace, 1289 Lafond Ave., St. Paul. Men ages 18-35 are invited for prayer and fellowship. www.facebook.com/queenofpeacefriary.

ONLINE: www.thecatholicspirit.com/

Prayer/worship

Taize Prayer — First Friday of each month: 7:30 p.m. at St. Richard, 7540 Penn Ave. S., Richfield. www.strichards.com/first-fridays.

CARITAS cancer support group — Wednesdays: 10:30 a.m.–noon at St. Joseph’s Hospital, second floor, maternity classroom 2500, 45 W. 10th St., St. Paul.

ITEMS MUST INCLUDE the following to be considered for publication: • Time and date of event • Full street address of event • Description of event • C ontact information in case of questions

The Catholic Spirit • 19

Spiritual Direction and the Journey with God — Sept. 19: 7–9 p.m. at The Benedictine Center at St. Paul’s Monastery, 2675 Benet Road, Maplewood. 651-777-7251 or www.stpaulsmonastery.org.

at 9100 93rd Ave. N. Gather for a potluck supper, conversation and games. 763-425-0412.

Speakers Panel of three USCCB convocation delegates — Sept. 12: 7–8 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran, 700 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul. Three of the delegates from the archdiocese to the USCCB convocation in July will give their impressions with Q&A. Hosts are Catholic Coalition for Church Reform (CCCR) and Council of the Baptized.

Other events Knights of Columbus bingo — Wednesdays: 6–9 p.m. at the Solanus Casey Council Hall, 1920 S. Greeley St., Stillwater. Art and Spirituality Art Exhibit — Aug. 20-Nov. 1: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. at The Benedictine Center at St. Paul’s Monastery, 2675 Benet Road, Maplewood. 651-777-7251 or www.stpaulsmonastery.org. Pottery classes: Shape of the Divine — Sept. 14, 21 and 28, Oct. 5, 12, and 19: 9:30–11:30 a.m. at The Benedictine Center at St. Paul’s Monastery, 2675 Benet Road, Maplewood. 651-777-7251 or www.stpaulsmonastery.org. Women’s Life Care Center Family Fun Festival — Sept. 16: 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. at 2900 Rice St., Suite No. 380, Little Canada. www.wlccforlife.com/volunteer. Friends of the Little Sisters of the Poor English High Tea — Sept. 17: 1–3 p.m. at the St. Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul. RSVP for the five course event to Betty 651-483-5101 by Sept. 12.

Find fall festivals in the

Singles

2017 Parish Festival Guide

Sunday Spirits walking group for 50-plus Catholic singles — ongoing Sundays: For Catholic singles to meet and make friends. The group usually meets in St. Paul on Sunday afternoons. Kay at 651-426-3103 or Al at 651-482-0406.

thecatholicspirit.com/festivals

Singles group at St. Vincent de Paul, Brooklyn Park — ongoing second Saturday each month: 6:15 p.m.

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NOTICE: Prayers must be submitted in advance. Payment of $8 per line must be received before publication.

VACATION/FAMILY GETAWAY

Knotty Pines Resort, Park Rapids, MN. 1, 2 & 3 bdrm cabins starting at $565/week. www.knottypinesresort.com (800) 392-2410. Mention this ad for a discount! C12598

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED C12327

Dennis Heigl Painting Interior/Exterior Serving Mpls. & suburbs. Free Estimates. (763) 543-0998 • Cell (612) 819-2438. C12048

2018 PILGRIMAGE TRAVEL World Meeting of Families next year in Ireland: Aug 23 – Sept 3 w/ Fr. Michael Johnson. BOOK NOW! www.celtic-journeys.com/ world-meeting-of-families/4593934209

We have an urgent and ongoing need for volunteers to help serve evening meals for LOAVES AND FISHES at 2 south Mpls. parishes: St. Stephen’s School - 2123 Clinton Ave. S, and Holy Rosary - 2424 18th Ave. S. Looking for groups or individuals. Contact Rachel (816) 206-4505 or rfriesen@loavesandfishesmn.org.

WANTED TO BUY Estate & Downsizing: I buy Van Loads and Bicycles. Steve (651) 778-0571. C6158

Build your business with The Catholic Spirit display and web advertising. Call 651-291-4444 for information.

20 • The Catholic Spirit

THE LAST WORD

August 24, 2017

Garden party Many hands create beautiful landscape at St. Nicholas in Carver By Abby Vakulskas For The Catholic Spirit

O

n a half-hour’s drive southwest from Minneapolis, the scenery transitions from the freeway’s Renaissance Festival billboards to rolling hills and farmsteads. It is here in the historic town of Carver, with some 4,000 people, that members of St. Nicholas are working on a project that is strengthening the community and drawing visitors from across the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The idea for a prayer garden took root when parishioners wanted to add a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the entrance of the parking lot to welcome people to the church. Through more conversations, the statue turned into a grotto. Finally, after several location changes, additions and discussions, the prayer garden was born. Parishioners broke ground in June 2015. “It’s been a design-build kind of thing, where we’ve taken everybody’s ideas and suggestions over the years, and we keep building and improving,” said Jodee Korkowski, the parish’s business administrator. Located behind the historic church, the project has been an enormous community effort and is the product of countless hands working together to create something meaningful. “It’s mind-boggling how many people helped with this that were in our parish, out of our parish, people who are not Catholic,” said Jerry Anderson, a parishioner who helped organize much of the construction. “Just an absolutely amazing number of people have helped with this process.” St. Nicholas parishioners have played a major role in the project, but the garden drew volunteers from Carver, Chaska, Jordan and elsewhere who have pitched in with physical labor, donations and fundraising to make the space possible. “It is not one man’s idea,” said Father Thomas Joseph, pastor of the 400-family parish. “It is a collective people. Everything we do, we want to do the best for the glory of God.” The one-acre garden has been carefully designed, with several significant features to inspire visitors. In addition to the grotto, the garden’s manicured lawns and pathways include the Stations of the Cross and a rosary walk amid flowers, benches and trellises.

Donna Jarosch of St. John the Baptist in Savage does some weeding and trimming in the garden at St. Nicholas in Carver. Though not a member of the parish, she comes twice a week to work in the garden. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit “The whole thing is that one thing leads to another,” Father Joseph said of how visitors can move through the garden and its different paths. For example, the gravel path by the Stations of the Cross is purposely rugged as opposed to the more polished rosary path. A row of boulders provides places to sit and rest, as well as symbolizing the Twelve Apostles. A particularly important piece, Father Joseph and Korkowski said, is the grotto for Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was constructed with several different types of stone and will eventually be completed with bronze statues of Our Lady and Juan Diego by Twin Cities artist Glenn Terry. “Our congregation is about 50-50 English and Spanish-speaking,” Korkowski said. “So, we felt that Guadalupe is a huge part of what we do here … and that was part of our initial inspiration, too — to have the statue of [Our Lady of] Guadalupe.” The parish hopes the grotto will be especially meaningful to the large Hispanic community at St. Nicholas. Likewise, Father Joseph and Korkowski say they hope to add more statues that represent the diversity of the Church. “With a lot of different cultures and different backgrounds, different groups have certain saints who are very inspirational to them. So, we’re trying to have something different for everybody,” Korkowski explained. The people of St. Nicholas hesitate to say when the garden will be finished. Some statuary, including a piece representing the Resurrection at the end of the Stations of the Cross, have yet to be selected; Korkowski said they are still waiting for divine inspiration. However, the project will continuously be a work in progress. “It will be complete enough for people to come, which they are, but also big enough for continual growth,” Father Joseph said. “In a way, it never will be done.”

The parishioners and staff of

proudly congratulate

Fr. Bill Murtaugh on the 45th Anniversary of his Ordination.

48th

Stones placed on a pathway create a rosary walk in the garden. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit The parish hopes the garden will be an educational and spiritually meaningful space for all visitors, regardless of background or belief. Parishioners have already noted high traffic in the garden, and Archbishop Bernard Hebda has visited. Those involved are optimistic about the garden’s future. “There’s something for everyone there, and they can feel at peace,” said contributor Dave Siwek, who has seen many similar prayer gardens around the country. “This is something people from all over the world are going to visit.” Parishioner Stephanie Svoboda agreed. “I would invite anyone and everyone to stop by, and I am confident they will also find the prayer garden as comforting as we do.”

ANNUAL WILD RICE FESTIVAL AND CHICKEN DINNER

Germanfest at St. Mary’s Church

Friday, Sept 8, 2017 Food, Beer, Music 5:00 p.m.~10:00 p.m. 21 and older Celebrate 150+ years of our German national parish on the Friday before the Wild Rice Festival outside under the tents and stars!

St. Mary’s Church

423 S. 5th St., Stillwater

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017 Dinner served from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Adults $10 • Children 4-10 $5 • 3 & under FREE • Wild Rice • Chicken • Potatoes • Relishes • Rolls • Fruit Pie Kids and Teens Games, Crafts, Homemade Quilts, Bingo, Silent Auction