December 21, 2023 • Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
TheCatholicSpirit.com
FIRE ON THE HILL 5 | VATICAN ON BLESSINGS FOR COUPLES 9 | 18 PERMANENT DEACONS 10-13 ST. FRANCIS NATIVITY SCENE 15 | ARCHDIOCESAN FINANCES 20-21 | YEAR IN REVIEW 24
2 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
DECEMBER 21, 2023
PAGETWO NEWS notes
Christmas Blessing
On Jan. 12, organist and composer Samuel Backman — who serves as director of sacred music at Holy Cross in Northeast Minneapolis, will debut Symfonia Koled at the parish. The newly-composed, four-movement symphony is based on Polish Christmas carols. It was written to honor the memory of Janusz Zorawski, an immigrant from Poland who served as organist of Holy Cross and was a beloved member of his community. Backman said he was “instantly hooked” upon hearing the Polish carol melodies and that they tell the story of the Incarnation and Jesus’ birth “in such a poignant manner.” “In addition to the intrinsic charm of these songs, it was clear to me that they had such a deep cultural and spiritual significance in the lives of the Polish immigrants I had met,” he said in a statement about composing the symphony. Backman said he was “particularly touched by how these hymns proved meaningful in the life of a man named Janusz — the man to whom I ultimately dedicated this symphony.” The concert will also feature the works of Polish composers Feliks Borowski, Feliks Nowowiejski and Mieczysław Surzylski. The event is free and open to the public; a reception will follow. For more information, visit ourholycross.org/sacred-music.
A
n image of Mary tenderly holding the baby Jesus graces the front page of The Catholic Spirit and the walls of the Carmelite Monastery of Our Lady of Divine Providence in Lake Elmo. Carmelite Brother Christopher Burnside, at the nearby Carmelite Hermitage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, painted the image “Mother of Divine Providence” in 2002 as a gift to celebrate the golden jubilee of the Discalced Carmelite nuns’ monastery. It is loosely based on a painting by Scipione Pulzone in 1594 that is venerated in the Church of San Carlo ai Catinari in Rome. Our Lady’s “yes” to God’s request brings us the gift of our Savior, fully human and fully divine. As we adore the Christ Child this Christmas, let us be grateful that he calls us to be gifts to one another, building Christcentered relationships, parishes and communities. Like our Blessed Mother, may we strive to never lose sight of Jesus, proclaiming in word and deed his wisdom and love, with joy in his saving grace.
NET Ministries, a West St. Paul-based Catholic youth ministry, announced it is expanding its outreach to Hispanic youth through its YDisciple project, according to OSV News. The ministry is collaborating with Juan Diego Network, a Catholic intercultural marketing and communications agency focused on the Latino community, OSV News reports. Content for Spanish-speaking audiences will include videos and resources for adult leaders. Annie Grandell, director of YDisciple, told OSV News that even though studies have shown that approximately 60% of Catholics under the age of 18 in the United States are Hispanic, she sees these young people “incredibly underserved by resources because most of the resources in the Catholic space in the American Church are for Anglo students.”
With every prayerful best wish for a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
PRO-LIFE EVENT Barbara Bittner, a member of St. Bonaventure in Bloomington, front right, talks with Becky Hanel from Pregnancy Choices in Apple Valley, while Karin Millen from Grace Church in Eden Prairie speaks with Lynesha Caron, executive director of Pregnancy Choices, Dec. 7 at Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville. The parish’s Respect Life Committee offered “Save the 12,000,” an evening of information led by Minneapolis-based Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) on pro-life efforts and the status of abortion in Minnesota. The 12,000 refers to the number of abortions in Minnesota in 2022, a 20% increase from the year before. Speakers also included post-abortion ministries and representatives of other Twin Cities pregnancy resource centers. Prior Lake-based Alpha Women’s Center offered tours of its mobile medical clinic, which includes ultrasounds, pregnancy testing and other services.
At its annual Spirit of the Season fundraiser in Minneapolis Dec. 7, Catholic Charities Twin Cities honored a member of Assumption in St. Paul and a family of Catholics for their service to the nonprofit social services agency. Jim Anderson received the Spirit of Community Award for his nearly 17 years of supporting Catholic Charities as a board member, donor and volunteer, particularly at the Dorothy Day Place campus in St. Paul, with its emergency shelter, permanent housing and other services. The Frey family received the Spirit of Solidarity award for their three generations of service at Catholic Charities, including providing funds through the Frey Foundation to help build the agency’s Mary F. Frey Minneapolis Opportunity Center, which like Dorothy Day Place provides shelter, meals and support to those in need. “The Opportunity Center holds a special place in our hearts,” said Gene Frey, a member of Our Lady of Grace in Edina. “We are committed to supporting our neighbors, and we’re pleased to invest in this vital resource for our community.” A 76-page softcover book titled “Victor Cordella: Timeless Beauty in Architecture,” traces the Polish immigrant’s design of 32 churches in Minnesota and Wisconsin from 1904 to 1930. Sales of the book began Dec. 9 at Holy Cross in Northeast Minneapolis, one of the churches designed by Cordella. St. John the Baptist in Vermillion, Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Minneapolis and St. Peter and St. Mary Czestochowa, both in Delano, were among other churches Cordella designed. He also designed rectories, schools, a monastery, homes and commercial buildings. He is noted for working with Ukrainian, Byzantine and Orthodox church designs. Edited by Mark Dillon, a lector at St. Therese in Deephaven, with authors including Father Spencer Howe, pastor of Holy Cross, Michael Retka of Little Falls and Geoffrey Gyrisco of Madison, Wisconsin, the book can be purchased for $25 by calling or texting 952-473-2765 or emailing mglendillon@aol.com. From each sale, $5 will be donated to rebuild the historic Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, Ukraine, which was partially destroyed in a July 23 Russian missile attack on that key port city on the Black Sea.
PRACTICING Catholic COURTESY JANET GORSHE OF MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH
ON THE COVER The painting “Mother of Divine Providence” can be found in the Carmelite Monastery of Our Lady of Divine Providence in Lake Elmo. It is the image chosen for the bishops’ Christmas card this year. COURTESY CARMELITE HERMITAGE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
CORRECTION A Dec. 7 story about Ecuadorian immigrants coming to Minnesota incorrectly dated a photo and interviews as Dec. 3 at Incarnation in south Minneapolis. The correct date is Dec. 2.
The Catholic Spirit is published semi-monthly for The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Vol. 28 — No. 24 MOST REVEREND BERNARD A. HEBDA, Publisher TOM HALDEN, Associate Publisher JOE RUFF, Editor-in-Chief REBECCA OMASTIAK, News Editor
On the Dec. 15 “Practicing Catholic” radio show, Will Peterson, founder and president of St. Paul-based nonprofit Modern Catholic Pilgrim, discussed primary ingredients of a pilgrimage, pilgrimage routes to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in July 2024 and other aspects of his work. Also featured were Father Paul Hedman, parochial vicar at Epiphany in Coon Rapids, who shared how Catholics can prepare their hearts through the sacrament of reconciliation during Advent, and Deacon Eric Cooley, director of the Institute for Diaconate Formation, who talked about his newly ordained brothers and the role of deacons in the Church. Listen to interviews after they have aired at PracticingCatholicShow.com or choose a streaming platform at anchor.fm/practicing-catholic-show.
Materials credited to CNS copyrighted by Catholic News Service. Materials credited to OSV News copyrighted by OSV News. All other materials copyrighted by The Catholic Spirit Newspaper. Subscriptions: $29.95 per year; Senior 1-year: $24.95. To subscribe: (651) 291-4444; To advertise: 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
DECEMBER 21, 2023
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 3
FROMTHEVICARGENERAL ONLY JESUS | FATHER CHARLES LACHOWITZER
Take a second look
I
t has been said that we have never been so divided. Not as a nation, not as a world, not even as a Church. It has been said that we have never been so polarized, so angry, so against someone or something. History would dispute the claim that we are the worst in history. We have been divided, polarized, angry and against someone or something since the beginning when Cain killed his brother Abel. Unfortunately, because of original sin, we will always be an imperfect people in an imperfect world. How we see the world around us is not just a matter of individual personality. Is the glass half full or half empty? The real question is: Is the glass able to be filled? Are we truly open to transformation and the positive changes that come from the very grace of God that opens our eyes to the blessings all around us? We live in a fast-paced world of instant communications. There is a big difference between our first look at things and our second look. Our first look is mostly hardwired. It is part of our instinct. Our first look is automatic and rooted in the seven deadly sins. Our first look is the most judgmental. Our first look is incomplete and because of that, unfortunately, our first judgments are typically wrong. It takes a second look to move us beyond our instant instincts, learned prejudices and quick judgments. Our second look moves past all superficial things. Our second look is only possible because of our spiritual nature. This is the soul — the breath of God at our conception. We are given the hardwired gifts of faith,
Echa un segundo vistazo
S
e ha dicho que nunca hemos estado tan divididos. Ni como nación, ni como mundo, ni siquiera como Iglesia. Se ha dicho que nunca hemos estado tan polarizados, tan enojados, tan contra alguien o algo. La historia cuestionaría la afirmación de que somos los peores de la historia. Hemos estado divididos, polarizados, enojados y contra alguien o algo desde el principio cuando Caín mató a su hermano Abel. Desafortunadamente, debido al pecado original, siempre seremos un pueblo imperfecto en un mundo imperfecto. La forma en que vemos el mundo que nos rodea no es sólo una cuestión de personalidad individual. el vaso esta medio lleno o medio vacío? La verdadera pregunta es: “¿Se puede llenar el vaso?” ¿Estamos realmente abiertos a la transformación y a los cambios positivos que provienen de la misma gracia de Dios que abre nuestros ojos a las bendiciones que nos rodean? Vivimos en un mundo vertiginoso de comunicaciones instantáneas. Hay una gran diferencia entre nuestra primera vistazo a las cosas y nuestra segunda vistazo. Nuestra primera vistazo está mayormente cableada. Es parte de nuestro instinto. Nuestra primera vistazo es automática y está arraigada en los siete pecados capitales. Nuestra primera vistazo es la más crítica. Nuestra primera vistazo es incompleta y
In a world obsessed with what we don’t have, it takes a second look to recognize that God has given us everything we need to meet any real need we have. iSTOCK PHOTO | LIGHT FIELD STUDIOS
hope and love. We are given the desire for the virtues above and beyond our human nature. We seek the deeper value in life and are able to see a person’s heart and soul. Our second look is the most compassionate. Our first look at ourselves is typically in the mirror. We compare ourselves to what the screens of this world show us and we can critically judge ourselves by this world’s standards. Are we a people of success or failure? Winners or losers? Beautiful or well, just old and wrinkled? With a second look at ourselves, we remember that we are created in the image and likeness of God. No sin, not even death, can take away the goodness and value God has given to all God’s children, without exception. In a world obsessed with what we don’t have, it takes a second look to recognize that God has given us everything we need to meet any real need we have. We can’t get rid of our first look. We just need prayer, the grace of the sacraments and the desire for virtue to take that second look. We can miss what God is doing
this Christmas season if we become too preoccupied with the merriment of mere mortals. To grow spiritually we need to continually look past our first reactions.
por eso, desafortunadamente, nuestros primeros juicios suelen ser erróneos. Se necesita una segunda vistazo para llevarnos más allá de nuestros instintos instantáneos, prejuicios aprendidos y juicios rápidos. Nuestra segunda vistazo va más allá de todas las cosas superficiales. Nuestra segunda vistazo sólo es posible debido a nuestra naturaleza espiritual. Ésta es el alma: el aliento de Dios en el momento de nuestra concepción. Recibimos los dones inherentes de la fe, la esperanza y el amor. Se nos da el deseo de las virtudes que están más allá de nuestra naturaleza humana. Buscamos el valor más profundo de la vida y somos capaces de ver el corazón y el alma de una persona. Nuestra segunda vistazo es la más compasiva. Nuestra primera vistazo a nosotros mismos suele ser en el espejo. Nos comparamos con lo que nos muestran las pantallas de este mundo y podemos juzgarnos críticamente según los estándares de este mundo. ¿Somos un pueblo de éxito o de fracaso? ¿Ganadores o perdedores? ¿Hermosa o bien, sólo vieja y arrugada? Con una segunda vistazo a nosotros mismos, recordamos que somos creados a imagen y semejanza de Dios. Ningún pecado, ni siquiera la muerte, puede quitar la bondad y el valor que Dios ha dado a todos sus hijos, sin excepción. En un mundo obsesionado con lo que no tenemos, es necesario echar un segundo vistazo para reconocer que Dios nos ha dado todo lo que necesitamos para satisfacer cualquier necesidad real
que tengamos. No podemos deshacernos de nuestro primer vistazo. Sólo necesitamos la oración, la gracia de los sacramentos y el deseo de virtud para echar esa segunda vistazo. Podemos perdernos lo que Dios está haciendo en esta temporada navideña si nos preocupamos demasiado por la alegría de los simples mortales. Para crecer espiritualmente necesitamos mirar continuamente más allá de nuestras primeras reacciones. Es la segunda vistazo la que forma parte de la conversión espiritual: un cambio en cómo nos vemos a nosotros mismos y cómo vemos el mundo que nos rodea. Miramos el mal y en la segunda vistazo vemos cómo el bien siempre triunfa sobre el mal. Miramos el pecado y en la segunda vistazo vemos el poder del perdón. Miramos la cruz de la crucifixión y al volver a mirar vemos la señal de nuestra fe. Miramos la muerte y en la segunda vistazo vemos nuestra creencia en la vida eterna. Venimos a cada Misa y nuestra primera vistazo es un pedacito de pan y una copa de vino. Pero en nuestra segunda vistazo, vemos la persona y presencia real, cuerpo, sangre, alma y divinidad de Jesús Cristo. Una manera de prepararnos para el cielo que está por llegar es echar un segundo vistazo y ver el cielo que ya está aquí.
It is the second look that is part of spiritual conversion — a change in how we see ourselves and how we see the world around us. We look at evil and on the second look we see how good always triumphs over evil. We look at sin and on the second look we see the power of forgiveness. We look at the cross of the crucifixion and on the second look we see the sign of our faith. We look at death and on the second look we see our belief in eternal life. We come to each Mass and our first look sees a little piece of bread and a little cup of wine. But on our second look, we see the person and real presence, body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. One way to prepare ourselves for the heaven that is yet to come is to take a second look and see the heaven that is already here.
Editor’s Note: Please see page 7 for Officials
Pope Francis: God remains with us through war and poverty By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service The Christmas season is a reminder to Christians that despite hardships, God chose to join himself to humanity and remain by its side, Pope Francis said. “Christmas is a reminder that God loves us and wants to be with us,” the pope told a group of children at the Vatican Dec. 15 during a meeting with
representatives from the Italian Catholic Action movement. The Incarnation, he said, “is a stupendous gift, and it brings with it another: that we may also love one another as brothers and sisters.” “How much we need this today,” he added, “so many people, so many children suffer because of war.” The children, who came from 14 dioceses across Italy, brought with
them large paper stars to remember the children who have died from conflicts. Pope Francis recalled that more than 3,000 children have died in Gaza since the outbreak of war in the Holy Land, as well as the more than 500 children who have died in Ukraine and the thousands who died during the years of war in Yemen. “Their memory, in turn, invites us to be lights for the world, to touch the
hearts of many people, especially those who can stop the whirlwind of violence,” the pope said. Only by loving God and loving one another “can the world rediscover the light and the peace that it needs,” as proclaimed by the angels who announced Jesus’ birth. As a Christmas gift, the children gave the pope sleeping bags and personal hygiene products to be given to the papal almoner and donated to people in need.
4 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
DECEMBER 21, 2023
LOCAL
SLICEof LIFE
Guadalupe feast Members of the Latino community at Our Lady of Guadalupe in St. Paul take part in a procession through the neighborhood and to the church Dec. 11 before a vigil Mass to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Among the participants was Maribel Rangel, left, who brought two items passed down from her late grandmother — an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe (shown) and the coat she was wearing. Rangel, 24, is a lifelong member of the parish. DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
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DECEMBER 21, 2023
LOCAL
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 5
Vicar of charisms echoes the call for a ‘new Pentecost’ in the archdiocese Anna Wilgenbusch For The Catholic Spirit Nearly 150 people gathered at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul Dec. 2 after the 5:15 p.m. vigil Mass. Some held babies, some held canes. Many raised their hands in worship as contemporary Christian music echoed through the cavernous Cathedral. Some clapped spontaneously. Others repeated the name of God out loud. When a monstrance was placed on the altar, the crowd fell into a silent reverence of the Eucharist it held. As praise and worship music resumed over the next hour, prayer teams scattered throughout the Cathedral to pray with anyone who asked. Some participants used a microphone at the front of the Cathedral to share something they felt the Holy Spirit had asked them to share. Since September, this scene has repeated itself every month in the Cathedral at the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis prayer and praise event, called Fire on the Hill. Usually held on the second Saturday of the month, it was moved to the first Saturday in December to accommodate a concert in the Cathedral the following week. The event is part of an effort in the archdiocese to bring about a renewal of the Church that Archbishop Bernard Hebda urged in his November 2022 post-synodal pastoral letter, “You Will Be My Witnesses: Gathered and Sent from the Upper Room.” “Sisters and brothers, the health of this local church depends upon your willingness to share in humility the gifts with which you have been so greatly blessed,” the archbishop wrote. “Please join me in asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to each one of us how we are uniquely equipped to serve the renewal of our Archdiocese in a time such as this. If you are being asked to embrace new ministries or new challenges, do not be afraid. The Lord is never outdone in his generosity.” As part of the Archdiocesan Synod implementation, Archbishop Hebda appointed Father Michael Becker, the pastor of Sts. Joachim and Anne in Shakopee, as the vicar of charisms for the archdiocese. This is a new role for the archdiocese — and as far as Father Becker knows, a new office for any diocese, ever. Father Becker said he sees his role as encouraging a “new Pentecost” in the Church. “(I want) people to become aware of the Holy Spirit, filled anew with the Holy Spirit in a profound way, and then to receive and share their charisms for the building up of the body of Christ,” said Father Becker, who leads Fire on the Hill. Charismatic prayer, which many call the act of praying under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is not a new phenomenon in the Church, Father Becker said. “The raising of hands in the holy place is encouraged all the way back to the Jewish tradition and the psalms,” Father Becker said, “Praising God is part and parcel of the Christian life.” Some people are not comfortable with the outward expression of charismatic prayer and that is OK,
James Shackelford, director of ongoing formation and discipleship at St. Bartholomew in Wayzata, left, and Father Michael Becker, the archdiocese’s vicar of charisms and pastor of Sts. Joachim and Anne in Shakopee, pray with a participant in a Fire on the Hill prayer and praise event Dec. 2 at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul. PHOTOS BY JORDANA TORGESON FOR THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
LIFE IN THE SPIRIT Seminars will be: Jan. 12, 6:30-9 p.m. Jan. 13, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. St. Rose of Lima, Roseville Jan. 19, 6:30-9 p.m. Jan. 20, 8:30 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. Our Lady of the Lake, Mound
SCHOOL OF CHARISM DISCOVERY April 16, 2024 - 10 Tuesday evenings, Feb. 6 Father Becker with the monstrance for adoration of the Eucharist at Fire on the Hill. Father Becker said. Charismatic prayer is just another way of worshipping, he said. Father Becker said he has witnessed prophecies at Fire on the Hill, as well as healing from demonic oppression and outpourings of peace. Joe Roueche — a Catholic speaker, faith formation presenter, consultant and trainer based in Minneapolis — led worship on Dec. 2. Roueche said he witnessed healing during the night of prayer. “Many (people) found freedom and healing, which occurred through the ministry of prayer teams,” Roueche said. Brittany Majeski, 28, who attends St. John Neumann in Eagan, served on one of the prayer teams. “It has been so beautiful, tonight and other nights, really seeing him (God) work through prayer,” Majeski said, adding that confidentiality bars her from sharing specific stories of healing. Megan Myer, 28, attended Fire on the Hill for the first time Dec. 2. She was drawn to the event because she loves praise and worship music. “I’ve always liked music, so to be able to express what is going on in my heart and my soul with music, sometimes you can’t express that with words,” said Myer, a member of St. Mark in St. Paul. Norma Cahill, 74, and Jim Cahill, 84, a married couple who lifted their hands and voices praising God, said they have encouraged others to experience the power of the Holy Spirit since the
early 1970s, when they had conversion experiences through charismatic prayer. “This is what we have been waiting for, an opportunity for everybody to come together,” Norma Cahill said. While the Cahills prayed from a pew at the front of the Cathedral, Damien Leverett paced the side of the Cathedral as he held his 3-year-old daughter, Bailey. He pointed to each picture of Christ and told her “Jesus.” They are Baptist, but Leverett and his wife, Anna, said they attend Fire on the Hill because they “feel the Holy Spirit” at the gatherings. Leverett said he has invited many non-Catholics to the event. “We just stumbled upon it, and it felt like a great gift from the Holy Spirit for our family,” Leverett said. “I hope that people come in who are not Catholic, who would not even call themselves Christians, and feel the Holy Spirit.” Mary Kohlhaas, who works in pastoral ministry at St. John the Baptist in New Brighton, said she “would just encourage everyone to come.” “I see Fire on the Hill as another way of opening those doors to people in the pews who maybe don’t know what is available to them in the Holy Spirit,” said Kohlhaas, who previously worked in youth ministry for 35 years. Upcoming “Fire on the Hill” events after the 5:15 p.m. vigil Mass at the Cathedral will be held on Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 9, April 13 and May 11. Father Becker said he will lead several
St. Peter, Mendota
ARCHDIOCESAN EVANGELIZATION PRAYER Holy Spirit, renew your wonders in our time, as though in a new Pentecost, and grant that this Archdiocese, united in prayer around Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and guided by St. Peter, may spread the Kingdom of the divine Savior, a Kingdom of truth, of justice, of love, and of peace. • Prayer announced in post-synodal letter, “You Will Be My Witnesses.”
other offerings in the archdiocese to promote and help people encounter the work of the Holy Spirit, including Life in the Spirit seminars Jan. 12-13 and Jan. 19-20. A 10-week course will be offered in February and April titled the “School of Charism Discovery.” Each session will introduce one charism and include time for participants to pray. Father Becker said he recommends that people attend a Life in the Spirit seminar before taking the course, and he hopes each participant will discover the charisms of the Holy Spirit in their lives. “God’s gifts are surprising,” Father Becker said. “We think we’ve got it all mapped out and then all of a sudden God does something we didn’t foresee. So, it’s a very exciting opportunity.”
6 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
LOCAL
DECEMBER 21, 2023
Binding together St. Rita in Cottage Grove publishes book of parishioners’ God stories By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit It was after dark in a small hospital room in Denver. Stephanie VillanuevaMontoya sat at the bedside of her 6-yearold son, Santiago, who was suffering severe headaches from a condition called arteriovenous malformation. Her husband, Elias Montoya, was there, too, and he had just fallen asleep. She was tired, not having slept for several days because of her son’s agony and because doctors had yet to figure out what was causing the pain he had been feeling on and off for days. In the darkness of this dire medical situation, she felt led to plead to God for help. “I couldn’t sleep; I was just beside myself,” said Stephanie, 45, a parishioner and employee of St. Rita in Cottage Grove, of that night in April 2007. “I just said, ‘Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Can you hear me?’” Within seconds of uttering those words, she said she heard an audible male voice begin to pray the Our Father. She joined in, and right after finishing, her son began a dramatic turnaround that started with doctors finally figuring out what was wrong with him. He made a full recovery and has suffered no ill effects of the condition since. Santiago is now 22, and, for the first time, his mother’s story is going public, thanks to encouragement from the pastor of St. Rita, Father Mark Joppa. It is one of 142 stories that make up a book Father Joppa first dreamed of publishing in 2022. He wanted to give people in the pews a chance to talk about how God has moved in their lives. An invitation in the parish bulletin June 26, 2022, drew an enthusiastic response. The book is called “Cairn: God Moment Stories” and it was distributed to parishioners the weekend of Dec. 16 and 17, beginning after the 5 p.m. Saturday Mass. The word “cairn” is a Scottish Gaelic word used to describe a human-made pile of stones often used by hikers along wilderness trails to point others to the right path. Father Joppa is hoping the stories in this book will help point the way to God. “I love listening to people’s stories,” Father Joppa said. “When I go to people’s homes, I’m amazed at the things that they share.” When he first pitched the idea, he told parishioners he wanted to get 100 stories. “People laughed at me,” he recalled. Then, 15 people responded and sent stories to him within the first two weeks. Father Joppa continued soliciting essays. His next move was to have some of the first 15 who responded tell their stories during weekend Masses. Along with that, he urged parishioners to “take a risk, go on an adventure with God. Don’t be afraid to be intimate and vulnerable.”
PHOTOS BY DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Amy Trksak, right, buys a copy of the book “Cairn: God Moment Stories” from Rory Gilbert, business administrator of the parish. His wife, Alice, was one of the book’s editors. Trksak, who belongs to St. Paul in Ham Lake, is the sister of the pastor of St. Rita, Father Mark Joppa. “I just think this is such a great idea,” Trksak said of the book project. “I love how he wanted the stories focused on God and not the people who wrote them because that is what our faith is about: just praising God and giving him all the glory and all the thanks. I’m super excited to read my copy.” “Since I’ve been here, I’ve been pushing people to share a little of themselves,” he said. “And I thought this (writing their God-moment stories) was the perfect vehicle for that. But sometimes people need a little encouragement.” In August 2022, Stephanie decided to write and submit her story. By that time, Father Joppa had surpassed his goal of 100. He and another staff member liked hers so much that he later asked her to help with editing, which she started doing in February. She joined three other parishioners who served as editors: Chris Reckinger, Becky Fox and Alice Gilbert. “I love books, I love reading, so it was perfect for me,” she said of becoming one of four story editors. In March, she was hired by the parish as a faith formation assistant. She then recruited her oldest daughter, Arianna, 24, and Santiago to help with the book project. They worked on layout and design, and Arianna found the photo that they used for the front cover. “It was absolutely pivotal, their work and what they’ve done,” Father Joppa said of Arianna and Santiago, who graduated together from Metro State University in St. Paul Dec. 9. “God sent us these two angels … that really got us to the finish line.” Stephanie said “it was really awesome” to work with two of her children on the book and watch their ideas shape the project. Arianna spent lots of time searching for just the right image for the cover, which ended up being a photo of a stack of rocks along the north shore of Lake Superior. “They’re native rocks to us,” she said. “They’re different colors, they’re different shapes and sizes. And I think that’s what represents our Church.” Father Joppa had 1,000 copies printed and hopes to get them all into the hands of parishioners. The launch party after the 5 p.m. Mass Dec. 16 was a good start toward that goal.
From left, Santiago, Arianna and Stephanie Villanueva-Montoya of St. Rita in Cottage Grove hold a copy of a book they helped publish under the guidance of their pastor, Father Mark Joppa. Dozens of people lined up to get copies they had preordered or buy them at a display table. Parishioners Laurie and Gary Rhealt took full advantage of the opportunity. “We preordered seven of them and decided we needed one more,” Laurie said after buying their eighth book at the table. The books, she said, are “Christmas gifts for family members we hope will be inspired to reconnect with the Catholic Church.” Father Joppa hopes other pastors in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis will start their own book project so that more God-moment stories can be told. He plans to give books to all the priests of his deanery, members of the Presbyteral Council and his ordination classmates of 2007, plus other priests he knows. That
part is icing on the cake and the extent for now of reaching people beyond the parish. “First and foremost, this a gift to the people of St. Rita’s,” said Father Joppa, who has read all 142 stories and is giving a book to each writer. “That was what I wanted. As COVID was pulling people apart, I was hoping this could bring us together to share a little bit and do what the cairns do, which is to encourage, guide, keep us on the right path.” Out of the project came a valuable truth that Stephanie has learned. “Everyone has a story,” she said. “Everyone has God in their life in unexpected moments. And it’s a beautiful thing.”
LOCAL
DECEMBER 21, 2023
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 7
OFFICIALS Effective December 9, 2023 Deacon Wayne Bellefeuille, assigned to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of All Saints in Lakeville. Deacon Bellefeuille was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon Robert Burns, assigned to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Excelsior. Deacon Burns was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon Kevin Conneely, assigned to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis. Deacon Conneely was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon John Fischer, assigned to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of Saint Thomas More in Saint Paul. Deacon Fischer was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon Patrick Kirsch, assigned to exercise the ministry of permanent deacon at the Church of Saint Joseph in Waconia. Deacon Kirsch was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon Kou Ly, assigned to exercise the ministry of permanent deacon at the Church of Saint Patrick in Saint Paul. Deacon Ly was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon Michael McGinty, assigned to exercise the ministry of permanent deacon at the Church of Saint Vincent de Paul in Brooklyn Park. Deacon McGinty was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon David Mead, Jr., assigned to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of Saint Ambrose in Woodbury. Deacon Mead was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon Daniel Murphy, assigned to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of Divine Mercy in Faribault. Deacon Murphy was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon Francis Pavlick, assigned to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of Saint
Congratulations to Deacon Tom Utecht
on your ordination to the permanent diaconate. May God Bless your vocation and family.
Jude of the Lake in Mahtomedi. Deacon Pavlick was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon Wilfred Pitts, assigned to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of the Guardian Angels in Oakdale. Deacon Pitts was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon Bruce Richards, assigned to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of Saint Joseph in Waconia. Deacon Richards was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon Christopher Richards, assigned to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of Saint Joseph in Waconia. Deacon Richards was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon John Rogers, assigned to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of Saint Joseph in West Saint Paul. Deacon Rogers was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon Gregory Schultz, assigned to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of Saint Hubert in Chanhassen. Deacon Schultz was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon Patrick Spencer, assigned to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of Saint Vincent de Paul in Brooklyn Park. Deacon Spencer was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon Thomas Utecht, assigned to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of Mary Queen of Peace in Rogers. Deacon Utecht was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023. Deacon Christopher Vance, assigned to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of the Transfiguration in Oakdale. Deacon Vance was ordained to the diaconate on December 9, 2023.
Effective January 5, 2024 Deacon Martin Meyer, granted status of retired deacon. Deacon Meyer has served the archdiocese since his diaconate ordination in 2015, primarily at the Church of Saint John Neumann in Eagan.
DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
From left, newly ordained Deacons Wayne Bellefeuille and Bruce Richards walk down the aisle at the conclusion of their ordination Mass Dec. 9 at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14
Deacon Will Pitts
LOCAL
8 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
DECEMBER 21, 2023
Notre Dame Club honors those buried at Fort Snelling By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit In front of a crowd of silent onlookers at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis Dec. 16, Father Jim Radde, a Jesuit priest, walked solemnly and slowly to a monument for those who have served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He paused at the monument, whispered a prayer, then laid a wreath in front of it. Behind him stood members of the Notre Dame Club, alumni of the South Bend, Indiana, university who came that day to lay wreaths on the graves of military veterans and family members buried there. Father Radde is also a graduate of Notre Dame and serves as the chaplain of the Minnesota chapter of the Notre Dame Club, which has about 2,000 members statewide, including graduates who have served in the military. Father Radde himself came close to making the military a career. He was in the ROTC program at Notre Dame for the Marine Corps, and, in 1962, was thinking about signing on after college. At the same time, he was exploring the Jesuits and the possibility of a religious vocation. “When I was getting ready to graduate from Notre Dame, I had already approached the Jesuits and been interviewed by the Jesuits for entering the novitiate,” he recalled. “And in May (of 1962), I received notice to come sign for a Marine Corps commission (on) Tuesday at 11 o’clock. Nine o’clock that morning, I get an airmail special delivery from the Jesuits saying, ‘You are accepted in our novitiate.’ So, I came that close to signing my commission (to the Marine
DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Jesuit Father Jim Radde lays a wreath on a memorial to the U.S. Marine Corps during a ceremony at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis Dec. 16. Corps), which would have put me, probably, in Vietnam.” He chose the Jesuits, but his tie with the Marine Corps became a lifelong connection that includes mourning classmates at Notre Dame who died in the Vietnam War. So, four years ago, when the Notre Dame Club learned about a nationwide wreath-laying program called Wreaths Across America, he eagerly joined other members of the club to take part in the annual December event. More than a dozen local Notre Dame Club members joined hundreds of others at the cemetery to lay about 15,000 wreaths, which were purchased by people online for $17 apiece. The Minnesota Notre Dame Club, which has about 1,500 members in the Twin Cities, donated funds to sponsor 187 wreaths, said Mike Schnaus, who
coordinates wreath laying for the club and was the catalyst for the club participating in Wreaths Across America. Nationwide, about 2.9 million wreaths were laid in 4,225 locations this year, including Fort Snelling, he said. On its website, Wreaths Across America states, “fresh evergreens have been used as a symbol of honor and have served as a living tribute renewed annually. ... (A) living memorial that honors veterans, active-duty military, and their families.” Every year since 2008, Congress proclaims a Saturday in December as National Wreaths Across America Day. This year’s date was Dec. 16. “It’s just a very rewarding experience,” said Schnaus, 70, who belongs to Our Lady of Grace in Edina. “I have great respect for those (who) served in the military. My father-in-law was a
paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. He served in the Army after World War II. And, I’ve had other members of my family — an aunt and an uncle — who served in the military in World War II. And then we have over 50 members of our Notre Dame Club who are military veterans. They are all great people ... and this is just one way to honor them.” Some club members, like Lisa Schiltgen, have family members buried at Fort Snelling and laid wreaths at their graves after completing the task for Wreaths Across America. Others, like Tom Hayes of St. Odilia in Shoreview and John Cooney of St. Therese in Deephaven, also have personal reasons for coming. “I’m here, really, to honor my father,” Cooney said. “My father flew B-24 Liberators in the Second World War, and I come here to remember him. He’s not buried here, but it’s a good place to remember him.” Hayes said he served in the Navy for six years, as did his wife, Becky, along with other family members, including his father, father-in-law and grandfather. He came for the wreath laying ceremony because he “just wanted to support the people who’ve served.” When their job at the Fort Snelling cemetery is finished, club members take a moment to pause, reflect and look around at what they and hundreds of others have accomplished to honor those who have served their country. “You just kind of go, ‘Wow, this is really quite a scene,’” Schnaus said of his own reflections. “To just look through the landscape and see all the Christmas wreaths sitting on markers on the gravesites is really a neat thing.”
Congratulations to Deacon John “Fish” Fischer on your ordination to the permanent diaconate. Many blessings from your community at Saint Thomas More!
N O T I C E
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DECEMBER 21, 2023
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 9
NATION+WORLD Doctrinal dicastery explains how, when gay couples can be blessed By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service A Catholic priest can bless a gay or other unmarried couple as long as it is not a formal liturgical blessing and does not give the impression that the Catholic Church is blessing the union as if it were a marriage, the Vatican doctrinal office said. The request for a blessing can express and nurture “openness to the transcendence, mercy and closeness to God in a thousand concrete circumstances of life, which is no small thing in the world in which we live. It is a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered,” the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith said in a formal declaration published Dec. 18 and found online at tinyurl.com/3euzcawe. The document, “Fiducia Supplicans” (“Supplicating Trust”) was subtitled, “On the pastoral meaning of blessings,” and was approved by Pope Francis during an audience with Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, dicastery prefect, Dec. 18. In his introductory note, Cardinal Fernández said questions about a priest blessing a LGBTQ+ or other unmarried couple had been sent to the doctrinal office repeatedly over the past few years. The need for a fuller explanation of blessings became clear, he wrote, after Pope Francis responded to the “dubia” or questions of several cardinals in a letter released in early October. In his letter, the pope insisted marriage is an “exclusive, stable and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, naturally open to conceiving children,” which is why the Church “avoids all kinds of rites or sacramentals that could contradict this conviction and imply that it is recognizing as a marriage something that is not.” At the same time, the pope said, “pastoral prudence must adequately discern if there are forms of blessing, solicited by one or various persons, that don’t transmit a mistaken concept of marriage.” Cardinal Fernández said the declaration “remains firm on the traditional doctrine of the
Church about marriage, not allowing any type of liturgical rite or blessing similar to a liturgical rite that can create confusion,” but it also explores the “pastoral meaning of blessings” in a way that opens “the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage.” The Church “remains firm” in teaching that marriage can be contracted only between one woman and one man, he said, and continues to insist that “rites and prayers that could create confusion” about a marriage and another form of relationship “are inadmissible.” But in Catholic tradition blessings go well beyond the formal ritual used in marriage and other sacraments. “Blessings are among the most widespread and evolving sacramentals. Indeed, they lead us to grasp God’s presence in all the events of life and remind us that, even in the use of created things, human beings are invited to seek God, to love him, and to serve him faithfully,” the declaration said. That is why people, meals, rosaries, homes, pets and myriad other things can be and are blessed on various occasions. “From a strictly liturgical point of view,” the declaration said, “a blessing requires that what is blessed be conformed to God’s will, as expressed in the teachings of the Church,” which is why the then-doctrinal congregation in 2021 excluded the possibility of blessing gay couples. But, the new document said, Catholics should “avoid the risk of reducing the meaning of blessings” to their formal, liturgical use because that “would lead us to expect the same moral conditions for a simple blessing that are called for in the reception of the sacraments.” “Indeed, there is the danger that a pastoral gesture that is so beloved and widespread will be subjected to too many moral prerequisites, which, under the claim of control, could overshadow the unconditional power of God’s love that forms the basis for the gesture of blessing,” it said. PLEASE TURN TO DOCTRINAL DICASTERY ON PAGE 14
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TO OUR READERS
May Christ’s peace be with you The first edition of The Catholic Spirit in 2024 will be Jan. 11.
Merry Christmas
ARCHBISHOP HEBDA RESPONDS A Dec. 18 declaration issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) and approved by Pope Francis on blessings of couples living outside the bond of a Church-recognized marriage reminds the faithful of God’s love for all people, and the fact everyone needs his mercy and “would benefit from his blessing as we strive to live out his call more perfectly,” Archbishop Bernard Hebda said in a statement issued the same day. The archbishop’s statement in full: “In these last days of Advent, we are reminded of the amazing love that prompted God the Son to take on human flesh. While the Child Jesus found exceptional welcome, love and support from Mary and Joseph, we cannot deny that he was born at a time and place that epitomized the very messiness of human life. In the course of his public ministry, Jesus was surrounded more often not by saints but by those who struggled with sin, by those who did not always respond to God’s plan for their lives. Jesus came into their world and loved them … indeed loved us. “Today’s declaration from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) on the topic of blessings is well situated in that Advent reality. The statement, approved by Pope Francis, reminds us that all of us are loved by God, and that we all are in need of God’s mercy and would benefit from his blessing as we strive to live out his call more perfectly. It addresses the particular situation of couples who are living together outside the bond of a marriage recognized by the Church — whether they be heterosexual or homosexual — who come to the Church asking for a blessing even when their state in life might prevent them from participating in the sacraments. In particular, today’s Declaration indicates that an ordained minister may privately impart informal, nonliturgical blessings on these persons in these situations. “The Declaration issued today by the DDF was intended to offer nuance to the Church’s teaching on blessings without in any way changing the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage or on sexual morality. The blessings do not imply that the Church is officially validating the status of the couple. Effort is particularly to be taken, moreover, to make sure that such blessings are not confused with the sacrament of marriage. Nevertheless, the hope is that these blessings can assist those who request them to ‘open their lives to God, to ask for his help to live better, and also to invoke the Holy Spirit so that the values of the Gospel may be lived with greater faithfulness.’ “As we prepare to celebrate the greatest blessing bestowed upon humanity — the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh at Christmas — let us continue to pray for each other as brothers and sisters, whatever our state in life, that we all would be increasingly open to the action of grace in our lives.” — The Catholic Spirit
PERMANENTDEACONS 10 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
DECEMBER 21, 2023
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Williams lays hands on Kevin Conneely during the permanent deacon ordination Mass Dec. 9 at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul. PHOTOS BY DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Bishop Williams: 18 permanent deacons have infinite opportunity for ministry
A
By Susan Klemond For The Catholic Spirit s transitional Deacon Nicholas Vance helped his father, Christopher Vance, 58, put on the deacon’s stole and dalmatic vestment during his father’s ordination to the permanent diaconate on Dec. 9 at the Cathedral of St. Paul, the junior Vance thought about how his father helped him get dressed when he was growing up. “And so, it only seemed appropriate that I accidentally messed it up and had him try to put his arm through the (vestment) head hole,” laughed the younger Deacon Vance, who is preparing for priestly ordination for the archdiocese next spring. Deacon Christopher Vance, a member of Transfiguration in Oakdale, wasn’t perturbed by the slightly awkward moment but instead felt “an incredible amount of profound peace,” while focusing on the altar where he looks forward to serving as a deacon. “What a joy it has been, for as my wife (Leila) would say, the Lord, the great architect, has architected this encounter and this path that Nick and I happen to be on during the same year. So, all glory be to God.” A total of 18 men were ordained to the permanent diaconate on Dec. 9 by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Williams — the largest class since 1978.
As the new deacons fully assume their three-fold diaconate ministry of service to the word of God, altar and works of charity, they bring the number of archdiocesan deacons to 178. At the same time, formation leaders say the ministry is gaining the interest of more men. More than 50 ordained deacons and over 50 priests, along with Bishop Emeritus Richard Pates and Auxiliary Bishop Michael Izen, were present at the ordination as Bishop Williams encouraged the ordinands to be set apart for their ministry of serving, preaching and offering charity in the archdiocese. “The opportunity for ministry is infinite,” he said, adding that their service as deacons will come out of their life and prayer. “Live your life and pray the (Liturgy of the Hours).” About 2,100 family members and friends offered support for the new deacons at the Mass on the feast day of St. Juan Diego, a Mexican layman to whom the Virgin Mary appeared in 1531, resulting in millions of Mexicans converting to Christianity and beginning the Church’s devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Like St. Juan Diego, Bishop Williams said, the ordinands heard a call and said, “yes.” In the archdiocese, responding to the diaconate call involves serving in a parish at the altar and in other ways, said Deacon Eric Cooley, director of the Institute for Use this QR code to read about each of the 18 newly-ordained permanent deacons and their faith journeys.
Diaconate Formation at The St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. Deacons may have assignments working with youth, the sick, the incarcerated or may carry out other works of mercy, he said. This year’s ordinands completed five years of formation. Future classes will have an additional half year The laborers of formation to follow new norms, Deacon Cooley said. are less scarce Seven men were ordained today. As of this in 2021, just under the archdiocese’s average of ordination, nine ordinands. At the next ordination in 2026 as many as Jesus has more 15 men may be ordained, he laborers for said. Before their admission as his kingdom. candidates for holy orders, the men participate with Auxiliary Bishop their wives in an aspirancy Joseph Williams or “propaedeutic” year of discernment covering topics including philosophy, the human person and temperaments, Deacon Cooley said. Wives also have ongoing formation on developing a joint ministry with their husband and other subjects, he said. Dawn Spencer, 61, and her husband, ORDINATION MASS CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
PERMANENTDEACONS DECEMBER 21, 2023
Deacon Nicholas Vance, who was ordained a transitional deacon in May, hugs his father, newly ordained Deacon Christopher Vance, after vesting him during the ordination Mass. Deacon Nicholas Vance is in formation for the priesthood, with ordination scheduled for May 2024.
Bruce Richards gives his wife, Pamela, a hug as he prepares to enter the Cathedral sanctuary for the Rite of Ordination.
ORDINATION MASS
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Deacon Patrick Spencer, 63, members of St. Vincent de Paul in Brooklyn Park, experienced much growth during formation, she said, noting that their five children and 16 grandchildren attended the ordination. Dawn Spencer said she felt overwhelmed while escorting her husband to the altar for ordination, but proud and peaceful during the rest of the ordination rite and liturgy. Deacon Spencer said being ordained was humbling. “It’s been amazing,” he said. “God’s love is unending for every person, every man, woman and child, for your family.
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 11
Robert Burns holds his son Isaac at the start of the ordination Mass.
The 18 men lie prostrate during the Litany of Supplication.
And he certainly manifested that today throughout the celebration.” Transitional Deacon Nicholas Vance said ordination is an “amazing gift” given to him and his father. “Just in that moment, all the times that I’ve had to vest for Mass, and I get to be there for the first time (his father) does,” Deacon Nicholas Vance said. “God’s choice and God’s gifts are so amazing and so strange and unexpected.” Bill and Joan Goergen attended the ordination to support their friend, Deacon Greg Schultz. “We’re thrilled for him for this next chapter in his life, how he is going to help people and serve people and support people spiritually and in the Catholic Church himself,” said Joan Goergen, 67, who attends Faith Lutheran Church in Waconia.
Deacon Schultz, 58, will serve at his home parish, St. Hubert in Chanhassen, while his classmates serve in theirs, allowing them to start parish ministry in a familiar place before receiving more permanent assignments next summer, Deacon Cooley said. Gary Noel, 57, who with his wife and daughter came to support Deacon Frank Pavlick, has already seen his friend and fellow parishioner at St. Jude of the Lake in Mahtomedi start a father’s group. Deacon Pavlick’s large diaconate class along with a sizable upcoming priestly ordination class offer hope for the Church in a dark time, Noel said. “I just hope that’s an example of how the Church kind of rebounds,” he said. “When things look dark on the outside
that’s not always the case on the inside.” The new deacons’ average age is 55, but more men in their 30s and 40s are attending diaconate inquiry meetings, which are held periodically in the archdiocese, even if they aren’t ready to pursue it, Deacon Cooley said. There’s no “right time” to pursue the diaconate, he said. Deacons “talk about ways they’ve had to learn to integrate this vocation into already full lives but that the Holy Spirit is the one that arranges things.” The Church has gained laborers for the harvest of souls in the archdiocese, said Bishop Williams near the close of the ordination Mass. “The laborers are less scarce today,” he said. “As of this ordination, Jesus has more laborers for his kingdom.”
PERMANEN
MEET OUR NEW DEACONS
12 • DECEMBER 21, 2023
Deacon Wayne and Margaret (Meg) Bellefeuille All Saints, Lakeville
Deacon Robert and Ashley Burns St. John the Baptist, Excelsior
Deacon Kevin and Katie Conneely Annunciation, Minneapolis
Deacon Mike and Jean McGinty St. Vincent de Paul, Brooklyn Park
Deacon Dave and Kathy Mead St. Ambrose, Woodbury
Deacon Dan and Traci Murphy Divine Mercy, Faribault
Deacon Chris and Sarah Richards St. Joseph, Waconia
Deacon John and Sara Rogers St. Joseph, West St. Paul
Deacon Gregory and Kathleen Schul St. Hubert, Chanhassen
NTDEACONS
ltz
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 13
Deacon John and Maureen Fischer St. Thomas More, St. Paul
Deacon Patrick and Ann Kirsch St. Joseph, Waconia
Deacon Kou and Joua Yang Ly St. Patrick, St. Paul
Deacon Frank and Joan Pavlick St. Jude of the Lake, Mahtomedi
Deacon Will and Sue Pitts Guardian Angels, Oakdale
Deacon Bruce and Pamela Richards St. Joseph, Waconia
Deacon Patrick and Dawn Spencer St. Vincent de Paul, Brooklyn Park
Deacon Thomas and Cara Utecht Mary, Queen of Peace, Rogers
Deacon Christopher and Leila Vance Transfiguration, Oakdale
14 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
DECEMBER 21, 2023
FAITH+CULTURE The crucial pause: How to listen well and learn from all By Christina Capecchi For The Catholic Spirit
arguments. I think of a homily as a kind of closing argument. It’s assembling evidence, which tends to be Scriptures and then life experience, and presenting it in a logical way. It’s oral — people have to be able to hear it, it’s not written.
Deacon Bob Schnell, 75, is a grandfather and a retired attorney who serves at St. Patrick in Edina. As his 20th anniversary of diaconate ordination nears, he looked back on his spiritual journey.
Q Your faith inspired you to do pro
bono work representing a client on death row, and you’ve led Bible studies at a number of jails.
Q You went to Harvard Law School
and then spent 44 years at the Minneapolis firm Faegre and Benson, working with talented colleagues of all stripes. Not everyone has to agree with you.
A Every other Wednesday I go to the
Hennepin County Jail, and we do a Bible study. We read the upcoming readings and talk about them. It’s fascinating. You get folks with all kinds of perspectives. One time a guy showed up and didn’t say anything, just sat there, listening. Finally, about halfway through, he raised his hand and asked: “OK, I have a question. How do you get faith?” I’m sitting here, thinking, and all the other guys in the room start to talk, sharing what helped them — “think about this and that.” Wow! Stuff like that happens, and you experience the Holy Spirit, and you just sit back and watch it play out.
A It’s better not to! I’m happy to be
challenged. I spent so much time doing litigation — that’s the nature of the beast, working with folks who don’t agree with you and trying to come to a resolution. You learn quickly how to have a cordial relationship with parties on the other side. In the Church it’s the same thing: How do we find common ground? How do we stay cordial even if we disagree? It’s concerning how siloed we are. I read The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal — two very different publications. Both have a lot of truth in them and then some stuff where I think, “Hmm, I’m not so sure…” It helps to keep your mind engaged with the possibility that there are two different points of view and to evaluate them.
Q Yes! A One of the best teachers I ever had was at (The Blake School with campuses in Hopkins and Minneapolis). His mantra was: “An ounce of brain power is worth a ton of graphite,” meaning pencil. His point was: When you get a question (on a test), don’t just start scribbling stuff. Think about it. That stuck with me. They give you law school exams and your whole year came down to a four-hour exam, and you’d maybe have four questions — one hour per question. It was always a mistake to start writing too soon. You sat with the question, you read the question again, you made some notes, you had an outline, you read the question again before you wrote. Q That’s kind of a way of living.
A Particularly in these days of texts and
emails. For goodness’ sake — think before you hit send. And sometimes you have to pick up the phone and call them.
Congratulations
to Deacon Gregory Schultz from St. Hubert Catholic Community. Prayers and best wishes to the new deacon. May God’s blessings be upon you as you begin your new ministry.
DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Q Wisdom doesn’t belong to just one set of people.
A Absolutely. Nobody’s got a corner on
Business is about relationships. It’s about trusting other people and connecting with them. There’s no substitute for putting the time in.
fit. Is this working in my life?
Q Your journey to becoming a deacon
formation program, we had a class every Monday night. The rule was pretty strict: You had to be there. Some judges order you to be in court on Tuesday morning, and I traveled all over, so I’d have my online flight reservation and be prepared each Monday night to miss class. But the darnedest thing is the phone would ring, and it’s the judge’s clerk: “Sorry, the hearing has been canceled.” Or, “Sorry, the case is settled so we don’t need you to come.” “Sorry, the witness is sick so no deposition tomorrow.” It happened every time. It was a sign that I was doing the right thing.
Q You learn from others and stay
Q How did being a lawyer prepare you
Q What do you know for sure?
began with your wife joining a Bible study. You later joined and got a lot out of it, but when you were asked to become a leader, you weren’t able to continue because it was a Protestant program.
A I was looking around for something
else, and I was at the office one day when one of my partners said: “Why don’t you become a deacon?” I had no idea where deacons came from! I did some looking and it turned out they were accepting applications for the next class about then. I met with the folks at the diaconate formation program, got accepted and then one thing led to another. It wasn’t like Paul on the road to Damascus and I got knocked to the ground. It was like: We’ll see if this is a
Q And it was? A My first year in the diaconate
to be a deacon?
A Having been a lawyer informs what I
do in the church — particularly because I’m used to being able to formulate
DOCTRINAL DICASTERY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
A person who asks for God’s blessing, the declaration said, “shows himself to be in need of God’s saving presence in his life and one who asks for a blessing from the Church recognizes the latter as a sacrament of the salvation that God offers.” The Church, it said, should be grateful when people ask for a blessing and should see it as a sign that they know they need God’s help. “When people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it. For, those seeking a blessing should not be required to have prior moral perfection,” it said. At the same time, the declaration
the market for wisdom. We all have our human experiences that we can draw from.
young at heart.
A I like to stay involved, and I like to
have something to do. I’m not the kind of person who sits around and watches TV all day. I kept hearing about the need for substitute teachers, so I got my license and I’m subbing in Bloomington. I decided it would be a good thing to stay connected. You hear so much about all the problems in the schools, but the kids are decent, good kids.
A I know for sure that family really
matters, and staying connected with the people you love is the best way to spend your time. insisted that the Mass is not the proper setting for the less formal forms of blessing that could include the blessing of a gay couple, and it repeated that “it is not appropriate for a diocese, a bishops’ conference” or other Church structure to issue a formal blessing prayer or ritual for unwed couples. The blessing also should not be given “in concurrence” with a civil marriage ceremony to avoid appearing as a sort of Church blessing of the civil union. However, it said, a priest or deacon could “join in the prayer of those persons who, although in a union that cannot be compared in any way to a marriage, desire to entrust themselves to the Lord and his mercy, to invoke his help and to be guided to a greater understanding of his plan of love and of truth.”
FAITH+CULTURE
DECEMBER 21, 2023
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 15
Pope marks 800th anniversary of Nativity scene, asks prayers for Holy Land By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
A
way in a cave near Greccio, Italy, St. Francis of Assisi had the first Nativity scene — a live one — staged for the faithful on Christmas Eve in 1223. A 15th-century fresco now decorating the cave inspired the Nativity scene erected in St. Peter’s Square for the 800th anniversary celebrations. Before the scene was unveiled and the Christmas tree in the square was lighted Dec. 9, Pope Francis met with the more than 100 people involved in erecting the creche, officials from the Rieti Valley, which includes Greccio, and from the little town of Macra, in northern Italy, which donated the silver fir tree. For St. Francis of Assisi, who had traveled to the Holy Land, “the caves of Greccio reminded him of the landscape of Bethlehem,” the pope said. The saint asked that a donkey and an ox, some hay and a manger be brought to the cave on Christmas Eve and invited other friars and people from the village, “creating a living Nativity scene. Thus, the tradition of the Nativity scene as we understand it was born.” Remembering Greccio today, the pope said, people should also think of Bethlehem. “And as we contemplate Jesus — God made man, small, poor, defenseless — we cannot but think of the tragedy that the inhabitants of the Holy Land are living, expressing to those brothers and sisters of ours, especially the children and their parents, our closeness and our spiritual support. They are the ones who pay the true price of war.” Whether the Nativity scene is in St. Peter’s Square, in a church or in one’s home, the pope said, people passing one should remember Jesus’ birth 2,000 years ago and be moved to “silence and prayer in our often so hectic daily lives.” “Silence to be able to listen to what Jesus tells us from the unique ‘cathedra’ of the manger,” he said. “Prayer to express grateful wonder, tenderness and perhaps the tears that the Nativity scene stirs in us.” Enrico Bressan, co-curator of the Nativity scene in the square, told reporters that when he and Giovanna Zabotti were asked two years ago to create the Vatican creche for the anniversary, “We felt like Giovanni Velita and his wife, Alticama,” who helped St. Francis of Assisi stage that first scene. Pope Francis, who usually visits the scene after vespers Dec. 31, stopped by Nov. 29 to see the work in progress and bless the workers, Bressan said. “It was a great joy for us and gave us strength.” Among the 103 people who worked on the scene, he said, one of the first was Francesco Artese, a master creche maker, who used the fresco now in the cave to design the scene. Antonio Cantone, who has been making Nativity scene figures in Naples for more than four decades, created the life-sized figures of the Holy
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The Nativity scene is revealed and the Christmas tree is lighted in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Dec. 9. The creche is a reproduction of the scene in Greccio, Italy, where St. Francis of Assisi staged the first Nativity scene in 1223. The baby Jesus will be placed in the manger Dec. 24. Family, St. Francis of Assisi, other friars and the Velita couple. Set and lighting designers from Cinecittà, the famed Rome movie studio, created the cave and the lighting. Cantone also created the figures for Nativity scenes in the square in 2013 and 2017. But those had the facial features and clothes of Neapolitans in the 1700s, which is now the standard for Italian Nativity scenes. However, this year’s figures resemble how people would have looked and dressed in central Italy in the 1200s, he said. “For an artist who lives making Nativity scenes year-round,” he said, being part of the 800th anniversary celebration “is like winning an Oscar for the years of sacrifice and the creches of the past.” The figures include a Franciscan priest celebrating Mass, just as one of St. Francis’ confreres did in the cave on Christmas Eve in 1223.
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Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, head of the office governing Vatican City State, told those gathered in the square in the evening for the unveiling that the representation of the Mass at the manger “emphasizes how the incarnation of the son of God has remained among us through his body and blood in the Eucharist.” Zabotti said that for her, Nativity scenes were always part of a family celebration of Christmas, but the two-year project for St. Peter’s Square made her realize how St. Francis was trying to tell the simple people of Greccio that “whenever in the world people gather on that night in Jesus’ name, there is the Incarnation.” “Whenever someone sets up a Nativity scene,” she said, “there is not just Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. We are there. The people of today. We are the shepherds now.”
FAITH+CULTURE
16 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
DECEMBER 21, 2023
What is the liturgical calendar? By Chene Heady OSV News
T
he liturgical calendar is omnipresent in Catholic life. Many parish bulletins list the liturgical days of the week and corresponding Scripture readings. In December, tables in the narthex may be piled high with free calendars that identify the principal feasts of the Church year (along with civic holidays). And, of course, each holy day of obligation we are reminded that Catholic worship is not simply a matter of showing up on Sundays; there is a larger pattern of feasts and fasts of which Sunday worship is only part. But to say that the liturgical calendar is omnipresent is not to say that we always notice it. We often look past objects, such as streetlights or telephone poles, precisely because they are pervasive. It is easy to treat the liturgical calendar merely as part of Catholicism’s décor, the ornamental mantle clock with Roman numerals that looks nice but which no one really uses to tell time. Many holy men and women through the ages, however, have set their internal clock to the liturgical calendar and have found their lives reshaped in the process — for the purpose of the liturgical calendar is to orient our days around the person of Jesus. This process begins with Sunday worship, which is the cornerstone of the whole liturgical calendar. We celebrate Mass each Sunday — rather than on the Jewish Saturday — in recognition that when Jesus resurrected on Easter Sunday he began the renewal of the whole world and the universe was fundamentally changed. But, while the Resurrection is the central Christian event, every moment of the life of Jesus is a revelation of the nature and character of God. For this reason, we need not merely Sunday worship but the entire Christian year. The Church year is structured around the life of Jesus. It pursues him from the first signs of his coming in Advent to his birth at Christmas, to his trials in Lent and death on Good Friday, to the wonders of his Easter resurrection and ascension, and finally catches an apocalyptic vision of him enthroned as king in glory. As
the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “The Church, ‘in the course of the year … unfolds the whole mystery of Christ’” (No. 1194). The Church leaves nothing out and skips no days; she asks us to meditate on Jesus at all times and in all circumstances. The Church’s desire to see Jesus in all things, and all things in light of Jesus, also influences the scriptural readings chosen for use throughout the liturgical year. Since Jesus is God’s ultimate self-revelation to humanity, the entire human attempt to know God — the complete story of religion and all of salvation history — also culminates in him (see Catechism, No. 102). Inspired by this insight, the Apostolic Fathers in the early days of the Church developed the reading method known as typology. Typology treats events and images recorded in the Old Testament (the type) as prefiguring the life of Christ and the Church (the antitype). The fullness of God’s revelation as expressed in Christ exposes patterns and symbols in his earlier dealings with humanity that we might otherwise miss. To give just two famous examples: Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac, who nonetheless does not die, is a type of Christ’s divine sacrifice and resurrection; Noah’s ark, the vessel in which humanity is saved from physical destruction, is a type of the Church, the vessel in which humanity is saved from spiritual destruction. The Church assigns appropriate scriptural readings — generally an Old Testament passage, a responsorial psalm, a portion of an epistle and a Gospel story — for each day of the year. The Old Testament reading and the responsorial psalm are often chosen because of their typological relationship to the Gospel reading. While the basic pattern of our liturgical observances remains constant each year, our cycle of readings for these observances varies. We follow a two-year cycle for daily Mass and a three-year (A, B, C) cycle for Sundays, primarily so that we might encounter Scripture as fully as possible. The Church uses the liturgical calendar to teach us to see “Christ in all the Scriptures.” Since I have already referenced it, the feast of Christ the King, the final Sunday of the liturgical year, may
serve as a convenient example of this dynamic. The first reading for Christ the King in Year A is 2 Samuel 5:1-3; here the Israelites collectively accept David as their king. In the corresponding Gospel reading, Luke 23:35-43, the good thief on the cross accepts Jesus, the Son of David, as his king, and becomes in death the first person to pass into the heavenly kingdom. David’s divinely ordained but temporal kingship is a type of Christ’s permanent spiritual kingship. The liturgical calendar’s frequent memorials of saints teach us another method of viewing all experience in light of Christ. The saints are a diverse bunch; they include men and women of nearly every race, region, occupation, economic status and psychological temperament. In the roster of the saints, we find a template of the many different ways in which salvation may be worked out, the varied human images that may comprise a reflection of the one Christ, the disparate forms his kingdom may take on earth. By commemorating these saints in the liturgical calendar, the Church presents us with the entire picture of human sanctity and asks us to evaluate our life’s challenges and the people around us accordingly. The liturgical calendar, then, possesses the potential to transform the way we see the world. If we were truly sensitive to its patterns, we would view our own lives, other people, the Bible, human history and the passage of time itself differently. And the decisions we would make while seeing the world in this very different light would change us into different people. In the absence of the liturgical calendar, we will structure our lives around whatever shouts at us most loudly and whatever is most materially tangible, and our lives will be correspondingly hollowed. In the liturgical calendar the Church offers us an important tool for spiritual enrichment and renewal. Heady is associate professor of English at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, and author of “Numbering My Days: How the Liturgical Calendar Rearranged My Life” (Ignatius Press).
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Congratulations Wayne Bellefeuille
All Saints Catholic Church extends our gratitude and congratulations upon your ordination to the Order of Permanent Deacons for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
WAYNE BELLEFEUILLE
You bring honor to our parish and will remain in our prayers.
Lakeville, MN
The Catholic Church of Divine Mercy
congratulates Deacon Dan Murphy
on the occasion of his ordination to the Permanent Diaconate. We extend our prayers to you, and have every confidence of your ministry in the Archdiocese.
DECEMBER 21, 2023
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 17
FOCUSONFAITH SUNDAY SCRIPTURES | FATHER TOM MARGEVICIUS
R. And dwelt among us.
‘The Word was made flesh’
Hail Mary, full of grace …
The familiar dialogue between the angel Gabriel and the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Gospel of Luke is the centerpiece of the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Even the Mass’s Opening Prayer (aka “collect”) sounds familiar, because it’s prayed at the end of the Angelus. Many churches have traditionally rung Angelus bells in the morning, at noon and in the evening, inviting bystanders to meditate on the Incarnation. Here’s an English version of the whole prayer: V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of grace … V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. R. Be it done unto me according to your word. Hail Mary, full of grace … V. And the Word was made flesh. (Genuflect)
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. T hat we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts; that, we, to whom the incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by his passion and cross, be brought to the glory of his resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. St. Thomas Aquinas, perhaps the most brilliant Catholic theologian ever, was a Dominican. Members of this order do not adopt a name recalling a mystery of the faith, as do Carmelites (cf. St. John of the Cross or St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus). But if Dominicans did, many theologians opine that he would have chosen the name “St. Thomas of the Incarnation,” because he realized how that event radically changed humanity. When Mary welcomed Gabriel’s message, the Son of God took a body just like ours. Who are we, that God became one of us?! In a Christmas homily, St. Leo the Great exclaimed: “Christian, remember your dignity! And now that you share in God’s own nature, do not return by sin to your former base condition. Bear in mind who is your head and of whose body you are a member!” Genuflecting during the Angelus invites us to admit our unworthiness to share the same flesh and blood
as the Son of God. Similarly, while reciting the Creed, twice during the Church year — Christmas, and the solemnity of the Annunciation (March 25, 2023) — the Church calls the faithful not simply to bow, but to genuflect during the words, “And by the Holy Spirit (Jesus) was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man.” No theologian could ever fully articulate the profound immensity of this reality; the world’s great artists and musicians, however, have given us hints of its awesomeness. We’re reminded of Fra Angelico’s stunning 15th century fresco “The Annunciation.” Likewise, in 1964, Franz Biebl composed an achingly beautiful musical version of the Angelus. A recording of the piece as performed by Chanticleer in our St. Paul Cathedral can be found on YouTube at tinyurl.com/2m2bkxpm. The incarnation of the Son of God brought Jesus Christ into human history. This event also forever changed the life of the Virgin Mary, her holy spouse Joseph, and countless saints over thousands of years. Let our posture show that it impacts us, too: “At the name of Jesus, every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10–11). Father Margevicius is director of worship for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Why the Magnificat is the perfect prayer in Advent By Kenneth Craycraft OSV News
lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.”
Anyone who says evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours regularly recites the Magnificat from the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke. Named for its first word in Latin, this canticle is one of only four places in the Gospels where the Blessed Virgin’s words are recorded. And the Magnificat contains more words than the other three passages combined. The rarity and brevity of Mary’s words, however, should not diminish their importance. Indeed, the Magnificat is among the most theologically powerful speeches in the entirety of the New Testament. Given its place in the narrative of the birth of Our Lord, the commencement of Advent is the perfect time for meditating on Our Lady’s words. A newly pregnant Mary travels to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. When Mary greets Elizabeth, John leaps in his mother’s womb, prompting Elizabeth’s own contribution to the Christian liturgical tradition. “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb,” exclaims Mary’s cousin (Lk 1:42). “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled” (Lk 1:45). This elicits Mary’s response, that begins, “Magnificat anima mea Dominum”: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s
Echoing the prophet Isaiah Mary’s pregnancy represents our own liturgical experience in the season of Advent. The Lord has arrived in her womb, yet she awaits the fulfillment of his appearance. So, too, we live under the lordship of Christ, while we wait in hopeful expectation of his return. And John the Baptist, who will become the voice from the desert proclaiming the coming of the savior, has already made his presence felt to Elizabeth. The incarnational details of the scene draw our minds to the God who became flesh so that we may become like God. Echoing the hopeful words of the prophet Isaiah, the Magnificat could be called a primer on the Church’s doctrine of solidarity. Here, at the commencement of the Blessed Virgin’s mysterious and wonderful gestation of Our Lord, she proclaims that this birth will upset the order of things. God calls lowly Mary as the exemplar of humility and selfless service. And in that humble submission, her soul is exalted. The last has been made first. Considering all these things, the Magnificat may be the perfect Advent prayer. “A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord!” exclaims the prophet Isaiah. “Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God” (Is 40:3). From the disorder of wilderness will come the
order of restoration. “Every valley shall be lifted up,” the prophet continues, “every mountain and hill made low.” The rugged and rough shall be made smooth and plain. And having made all things level, the Lord “like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, leading the ewes with care” (Is 40:11). Isaiah’s prophecy of God’s mercy echoes through from age to age until it finds its renewed articulation in Mary’s canticle, in which the Lord “has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy” (Lk 1:54). God “has … lifted up the lowly,” Our Lady proclaims (Lk 1:52). “The hungry he has filled with good things” (Lk 1:53). Like Isaiah, Mary’s prophetic voice puts the poor and hungry in the center of theological consideration. To those whom mercy has been denied, mercy now has come.
A song for a fallen world Some commentators have suggested that the Magnificat may be a traditional early Christian hymn, put in the mouth of Mary as a kind of early creedal confession. Part of the explanation for this theory is that the hymn makes no direct reference to Mary’s pregnancy, or the expectation of the coming of the savior. The broader message, these scholars contend, makes it more likely that the hymn came later, and was PLEASE TURN TO MAGNIFICAT ON PAGE 23
DAILY Scriptures Sunday, Dec. 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Rom 16:25-27 Lk 1:26-38
Wednesday, Dec. 27 St. John, apostle and evangelist 1 Jn 1:1-4 Jn 20:1a and 2-8
Monday, Dec. 25 The Nativity of the Lord Mass during the Day: Is 52:7-10 Heb 1:1-6 Jn 1:1-18
Thursday, Dec. 28 Holy Innocents, martyrs 1 Jn 1:5—2:2 Mt 2:13-18
Tuesday, Dec. 26 St. Stephen, first martyr Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 Mt 10:17-22
Friday, Dec. 29 1 Jn 2:3-11 Lk 2:22-35 Saturday, Dec. 30 1 Jn 2:12-17 Lk 2:36-40
Sunday, Dec. 31 Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 Col 3:12-21 Lk 2:22-40 Monday, Jan. 1 Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God Nm 6:22-27 Gal 4:4-7 Lk 2:16-21 Tuesday, Jan. 2 Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors of the Church 1 Jn 2:22-28 Jn 1:19-28
Wednesday, Jan. 3 1 Jn 2:29—3:6 Jn 1:29-34 Thursday, Jan. 4 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious 1 Jn 3:7-10 Jn 1:35-42 Friday, Jan. 5 St. John Neumann, bishop 1 Jn 3:11-21 Jn 1:43-51 Saturday, Jan. 6 1 Jn 5:5-13 Mk 1:7-11; or Lk 3:23-38
Sunday, Jan. 7 Epiphany of the Lord Is 60:1-6 Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 Mt 2:1-12 Monday, Jan. 8 Baptism of the Lord Is 42:1-4, 6-7 Mk 1:7-11 Tuesday, Jan. 9 1 Sm 1:9-20 Mk 1:21-28 Wednesday, Jan. 10 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20 Mk 1:29-39
Thursday, Jan. 11 1 Sm 4:1-11 Mk 1:40-45 Friday, Jan. 12 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a Mk 2:1-12 Saturday, Jan. 13 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1 Mk 2:13-17 Sunday, Jan. 14 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20 Jn 1:35-42
18 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
DECEMBER 21, 2023
COMMENTARY FAITH AT HOME | LAURA KELLY FANUCCI
Let it be done to me! What if the best thing for us to do during Advent is not more, but less? When faced with the coming of Christ — in the most visceral way any human could experience another’s arrival, as a mother welcoming new life — Mary did not say “Let me do it!” or “Let me do all the things!” or “Let me do it better than anyone else!” She said, “Let it be done to me.” Then she waited, for a long time. Mary’s famous fiat — her affirmation to the angel Gabriel who announced the arrival of Jesus — reminds us what Advent means. Many of us adore this slow, simple season of holy waiting. The sacred resistance to consumerist Christmas (that now seems to start in September). The liturgical time of preparation for God’s coming among us again, always Emmanuel in our midst. But we can get caught up in the “doing” of
CATHOLIC — OR NOTHING COLIN MILLER
Personalism St. Chrysostom, the fourth century Archbishop of Constantinople and doctor of the Church, thundered away at his congregation one Sunday morning. There had been a recent influx of immigrants to the city, and the municipal authorities were setting up homeless shelters for them. But, surprisingly, the saint’s exhortation was not that his congregation should join the work, but rather that they should stay away from it. Why? What could possibly be wrong with that? Wasn’t it just the obvious Christian thing to do? Well, yes and no. For St. Chrysostom told them what the even more Christian thing would be to do: Take the refugees into their own homes — into what was then called their “Christ rooms.” This was a room in each household set apart to receive Christ in the poor. St. Chrysostom was concerned that if they started “outsourcing” the homeless to the shelters, they would lose the habit of Christian hospitality. Last month, as a way of continuing to introduce the main ideas of the Catholic Worker Movement, I wrote about Peter Maurin’s insistence that daily community life is essential to Catholic discipleship. This month, I want to highlight another part of that shared life — what Maurin called “personalism”: the call to act directly and personally form relationships, organize community, care for others and practice the Gospel, without waiting for the state, or charitable institutions, or professionals to do it for us. As a Catholic, Maurin saw that this freedom was necessary for the flourishing of both Christian virtue and community. For virtue, because it is only by our own personal, intentional acts that we become more Christlike. For community, because the Church is more than just going to Mass — it’s the laity freely deciding to live intentionally together daily, in a way that our clergy cannot possibly plan out for us. Personalism, for Maurin, is taking the initiative to simply start living the Gospel
Advent, even with best intentions, forgetting the truth that no practice we take on can come close to the power of God at work in our lives. Advent is not about devotionals, novenas, Jesse Trees or Christmas calendar countdowns. It is about the Incarnation: the wild, wondrous love of God to come so close to us, to become human like us, to save us. We don’t need to do, read, buy or make anything extra to welcome this wonder. Believe me, I love Advent more than most. This is the anniversary of when I first learned I would become a mother, after infertility’s agonizing wait. This is my sweet spot in the liturgical year as an introvert (especially now as a mom of many): a time for calm, quiet and waiting in sacred silence. But the greatest work that God has been doing in me lately is teaching me to do less. To wait. To sit in silence. To prepare my soul, not my plans. To humble my expectations. For the first time in many years, I have made exactly zero plans for Advent. Health complications have made me realize I cannot do anything extra this December. But in a strange way, this Advent-I-never-wanted has drawn me closer to the original coming of Christ. I picture Mary, startled by news she did not expect,
right now, without waiting for a blueprint or permission. It’s what St. Chrysostom wanted from his congregation. Yet it is certainly not the philosophy of our day. Rather, Maurin worried, we increasingly look to the state and to institutions to do our living for us. We have long been witnessing the growth of an impersonal world where nearly every facet of life is taken up into a professional organization and subjected to formal, bureaucratic processes and procedures. And over time, Maurin saw, this hyper-institutionalization makes autonomous, personal action, like the kind St. Chrysostom was calling for, increasingly difficult for us to imagine. When we get used to living through institutions, making our own decisions in light of the Gospel can become foreign to us. We come to wonder if we can, or even if we should, think for ourselves and act freely, outside of an agency with a board and a fiveyear plan. We increasingly become a culture of people who feel we must be supervised, that we don’t count, and that we’re not competent unless we’re administered by a professional to manage what we do, keep track of us, and make sure we are plugged in, and in the right way, to the system. Now, let’s be clear that Maurin was not taking issue with any particular institution, much less issuing a blanket condemnation of all institutions. He saw that many continued to be useful and good, and he himself advocated forming properly Christian institutions that really would aid virtue and community formation. And Maurin was, after all, a faithful Catholic, for whom the Church was a — divine! — institution. So, the problem was not the institutions themselves. His worry was about the way that, today, institutions and the institutional mindset have become pervasive. He saw that their formal, calculating, impersonal way of proceeding can dominate our imagination, make us automatons of the status quo, and stifle our ability to freely practice the Gospel by meeting God in the poor and in creative community. Personalism is Maurin’s response to this. It’s a call for a Christianity that puts people first and asks about the consequences later; for a Church with a do-it-yourself laity that at the same time clings resolutely to its clergy, the Church’s teaching and the sacraments. That’s the challenge of personalism today. Miller is director of pastoral care and outreach at Assumption in St. Paul.
hearing that a sword will pierce her heart. I realize how the fiat that made her a mother also meant deepest suffering. Yet she loved God and trusted that the Holy Spirit would guide whatever part she was called to play. When Mary pronounced her fiat — the most powerful prayer a human could utter, a resounding yes to God’s incredible, life-changing plan — the impossible became possible. When we become overwhelmed by Christmas chaos or holiday expectations, may we trust that offering a simple surrender to God can turn everything upside down, too. Mary’s words can become our prayer. Not “let me do it all” but “let it be done to me.” On whatever list you make for this holiday season — decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking — what to-do might you cross off to clear a corner for stillness? Even as you enjoy the bright music of festivity and the happy gatherings of family and friends, where can you keep space for silence, to listen to God’s word in the quiet of your heart? If you do not carve out any space in this sacred season for emptiness, how will you be filled by what comes next? Fanucci is an author, speaker and founder of Mothering Spirit, an online gathering place on parenting and spirituality at motheringspirit.com.
INSIDE THE CAPITOL | MCC
Parenthood and principles The desire for parenthood is natural and good. Yet, infertility is a cross borne by approximately 9% of men and 11% of women, and the pain it inflicts prompts many couples to explore assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The Church in her wisdom teaches that there are ethical bounds to the conception of a child that must be safeguarded, and the scientific ability to create a child through various technological means does not make it just for the parents, child or society. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Techniques that entail the dissociation of husband and wife, by the intrusion of a person other than the couple … infringe the child’s right to be born of a father and mother known to him and bound to each other by marriage. They betray the spouses’ right to become a father and a mother only through each other” (CCC 2376). With these principles in mind, we find ourselves compelled to address a matter of great concern currently before the Minnesota Legislature. Legislation under SF1704 and HF1658 would mandate that health insurance plans, including those provided by religious organizations, cover unethical infertility interventions. The legislation is broad in scope, requiring coverage of testing and treatment of infertility but also interventions that remove the conception of the child from the union of his or her biological parents, such as in vitro fertilization. The risks to children conceived through ART are alarming. According to studies, ART-conceived children face higher rates of premature birth, low birth weight and other health complications compared to naturally conceived children. It also raises concerns that we as a state are promoting eugenic practices that are often associated with genetic testing. For example, because the bill endorses a “single embryo transfer” for in vitro fertilization, genetic testing of that embryo is often integral to the process. This leads to concerns that embryos — the tiniest members of the human race — could be destroyed based on undesirable traits such as being the sex opposite what the parents desire. Let us not repeat history. If the violations of religious liberty through the insurance coverage mandate or the potential funding of eugenic practices do not prompt you to speak out, perhaps the dollar sign will. The bill does not set limits on the number of embryo transfers in IVF procedures to be covered, leading to concerns about the financial burden and increased insurance premiums the public would face. With the average cost of one IVF cycle ranging from $15,000 to $30,000, and with three to four cycles often required for a viable pregnancy, the financial implications are staggering, reaching upwards of $120,000 or more. Those costs would be passed onto insurance premiums that would raise insurance costs for employers and employees. As individuals rooted in faith and compassion, we must carefully consider all the potential consequences of legislation that would compromise religious liberty and contribute to the resurgence of eugenics practices. “Inside the Capitol” is an update from Minnesota Catholic Conference staff.
COMMENTARY
DECEMBER 21, 2023
YOUR HEART, HIS HOME | LIZ KELLY STANCHINA
Cultivating an authentic ‘Advent of the heart’
This Advent, I’ve been spending time with the writing of Father Alfred Delp, priest and martyr (1907-1945). I am studying a collection of his Advent messages written from 1941 to 1944. Some are sermons he delivered to his parishioners in Munich. Others are meditations penned after being arrested in 1944 by the Nazis, who falsely accused him of being a Vatican spy. While in prison, where he was tortured, he wrote with his hands shackled, relying on the tiniest scraps of paper that might be smuggled out in his laundry, all while awaiting execution. I highly recommend his work, though I warn you, it is not for the faint of heart. Father Delp suffers no
CATHOLIC WATCHMEN | DEACON GORDON BIRD
Children who keep Christ in Christmas
Christian families cherish the young intensely in this festive season — and for good reason. Children direct adults to the importance of being childlike. Yet, at the same time, kids help us examine, meditate on, and contemplate the joy of Christmas. They help us learn how to be his children — to keep Christ in Christmas — and to remind those closest to us and others to do the same. Sure, they look forward to the gifts that come with the season. But children who come from Christian families learn about self-giving when lifting the hearts of others. Children make this happen out of their innocence and simple nature. As Jesus taught, “He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, ‘Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven’” (Mt 18:2-4). I was reminded of Jesus’ teaching recently on the humility and kindness of children. I was reading Christmas cards to be delivered to the elderly, the
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fools or fakery. Advent was a topic dear to the German Jesuit, and he wrote compellingly about living life with a continual “Advent of the heart,” always preparing for an encounter with the Lord. But these are not the sweet, easy sermons about babes in mangers and angels singing that we often associate with the season. These are filled with reminders that prophets are often hated, and John the Baptist lost his head for the truth he professed. Delp’s thought is consumed with the kind of raw challenges necessitated by being a devout Catholic priest living in Nazi Germany during World War II — he was an important part of the Resistance movement — but his work also possesses a rare and much needed prescience. His observations about how evil works are easily applied today. One of his thoughts that stands out is this: Integrity and authenticity are critically important to living life with an Advent heart. For one, there’s the simple fact that nothing inauthentic will be able to stand in the presence of the Almighty. He writes that “All compromise shatters (in the presence of God). All cheap negotiating shatters there … all half-truths … double-meanings ... poses shatter there.” Only what is truly authentic can stand in the presence of the Lord. A formidable thought to bring with you to your next Holy Hour. Two, the energy we spend on inauthenticity is a grotesque waste. He writes of our sweeping need to strip
our lives of lies, fakery, posturing, hubris and arrogance. “How much of our lives disappears with these things,” he exclaims. It is easy looking at our Photoshopped culture to see the many attempts to hide the reality of our weaknesses, our sin, our duplicities. Of course, the first place we want to look for evidence of inauthenticity or a lack of integrity is in the mirror. Who among us hasn’t slid into an oily bit of justification in the confessional? “It is time for an awakening,” writes Father Delp. “It is time that someone places things again in the order that they were given by God … Where life rebels before your very eyes, you must set it right … even if (you) are hunted off the face of the earth.” Advent is a grace-filled time to ask, am I living authentically? Am I pursuing holy integrity, even at the risk of my comfort, safety or popularity? In December 1944, writing from Tegel prison several months before he was hanged, Father Delp exhorted his flock: “We need to fold our hands again, to bend our knees and bow our egos in adoration before God.” Indeed. I can think of no tonic more fitting to our Church and our time. Father Delp, pray for us that we may live with authenticity and integrity as you did, despite the cost.
homebound and to senior living centers. Designed by elementary school students, the cards contained Nativity scenes, holiday stickers and creative thoughts of Christmas joy. Many of the students added their own seasonal, spiritual thoughts such as, “Keep Christ in Christmas and to all a good holiday;” “Merry Christmas, I know you’re loved, please believe in yourself;” “Have an awesome Christmas, never try to change who you are;” “Peace, goodwill, and happiness for you at Christmas, and always.” Yes, I edited some of the examples for clarity, but their hearts were in the right place and the originals created by these children went out “as is.” One of the unique cards with Christmas decor contained a blurb that said, “Thank you for driving the bus!” To me, it was a message of gratitude from this young student simply for being there in school. Jesus taught that being childlike when it comes to our faith can open our hearts, charitably transform us — moving the hearts of others toward him. Perhaps as another child profoundly expressed in her card (unedited), “The night Jesus was born was the most important night of all, and which is why we celebrate Christmas. And I wish I could spend Christmas with you.” I admire and highly respect parents who take responsibility in forming their children to keep Christ in Christmas. Mom and Dad are the first, and are expected to be the best, teachers of their children as they learn how to keep Christ in Christmas. Children often return the favor. As my wife and I watch our own grandchildren help decorate our Christmas tree, engage with the Nativity scene and sneak some treats, we cherish these simple,
formidable moments to help them grasp (or tell us) what this celebration of Christmas is truly about: the gift of ourselves. The child Jesus is to be deeply encountered by all. Starting with the home front by word, deed and decorations can teach the very young how to embrace the love of God in their own domestic church. Through the example of the first holy, domestic church, Mary and Joseph brought the reason for the season humbly and quietly into the world, exemplifying that God always had the plan of salvation in mind. By God’s grace, they were his holy, human vessels as they helped fulfill the plan God designed for all of us. Even through difficulties, their trust, obedience and humility were evident from the first moment with the fully divine, fully human, joyful presence of Jesus in their midst. We must try imitating them, with God’s grace, as spiritual leaders in our responsibility as fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, godparents and simply as good Christian friends and neighbors. We must try to not be afraid and “proclaim the good news of great joy for all the people” (Lk 2:10). And do it in a way that teaches and demonstrates the good news to the young, so they can grasp this Christmas message of hope, peace, joy and love.
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Stanchina is the award-winning author of more than a dozen books. Visit her website at LizK.org or follow her on Instagram at LizKToday.
Deacon Bird ministers to St. Joseph in Rosemount and All Saints in Lakeville and assists with the archdiocesan Catholic Watchmen movement. See heroicmen.com for existing tools supported by the archdiocese to enrich parish apostolates for ministry to men. For Watchmen start-up materials or any other questions regarding ministry to men, contact him at gordonbird@rocketmail.com.
Congratulations to our Head of School
Dcn. Mike McGinty! Ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on December 9, 2023
With prayers and blessings, the Our Lady of Grace Community
20 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
DECEMBER 21, 2023
ARCHDIOCESAN CHANCERY CORPORATION ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT • 2023 FINANCIAL OFFICER REPORT By Thomas Mertens, Chief Financial Officer, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
INTRODUCTION Fiscal year 2023 for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis began July 1, 2022, and ended June 30, 2023. We generated a surplus during fiscal year 2023 from operations as a result of investment income from a market rebound during the year. We had not anticipated a surplus for THOMAS MERTENS the year as it has been our practice to not budget investment income or loss due to the unpredictability of the markets. We had anticipated a slight deficit for the year due to spending related to the important work of the Archdiocesan Synod. We were challenged this fiscal year as our parish assessment revenue for 2023 was down significantly from the prior year. Leadership and staff at the ACC closely monitor costs and manage expenses as we help meet the needs of pastors and their staff in parishes — and principals and teachers in Catholic schools — as they provide spiritual and temporal service to people across the Archdiocese. I am profoundly grateful for the support of the women and men of this local Church. I promise that we will continue to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.
OPERATING RESULTS For the year ending June 30, 2023, we generated a surplus from operations of $160,000 as compared to $62,000 in 2022. Total operating revenue in fiscal year 2023 was $22.4 million, up from $21.2 million in fiscal year 2022. The current year increase primarily resulted from investment income of $900,000, as compared to investment losses in the prior year of $1 million. The increase in investment income was due to favorable market conditions experienced by the broader market in the second half of the fiscal year. Offsetting this increase is a decrease in parish assessment revenue. Parish assessments, our primary source of revenue, decreased by approximately $820,000 from 2022. Parish assessments are generated from the 185 parishes within the Archdiocese and are calculated and billed on a two-year lag, which means the parish financial results for the years ending June 30, 2021, and 2020 formed the basis for the parish assessment revenue we received for the years ended June 30, 2023, and 2022, respectively. The decrease of $820,000 from the prior year is the result of lower parish plate and envelope revenues during the pandemic in 2021. We also experienced an increase in fees and program revenues as a result of youth and young adult programs, the bi-annual presbyteral assembly, accounting services provided to parishes, and increased Catholic Spirit advertising revenue. Our operating expenses increased $1.2 million or 5.5% over the prior year due to contributions to the Leo C. Byrne Residence for retired priests and The Saint Paul Seminary to support diaconate formation. Other factors were increased Byrne residence expenses related to facility repairs and upgrades, expenses related to the Archdiocesan Synod kick-off, electronic scanning of archives documents, and expenses related to World Youth Day that we did not have in the previous year. In addition, we felt the overall effects of the inflationary pressures within the economy that impacted all of our expense categories. It is important to note that our general and administrative expenses decreased significantly, by almost $750,000, as a result of the $1 million pledge in the prior year to the Joyful Catholic Leaders capital campaign benefiting The Saint Paul Seminary and Saint John Vianney College Seminary. The pledge was made during the year ending June 30, 2022, and was recorded as contribution expense. The pledge will be satisfied through five equal annual payments, which started in 2023, with each annual contribution reducing the pledge payable on our balance sheet. This decrease was offset by the $250,000 contribution to the Leo C. Byrne Residence Trust noted in the next section.
NON-OPERATING ACTIVITY In October 2022, the Archdiocese entered into agreements with the Leo C. Byrne Residence Trust and an assignment of ground lease with The Saint Paul Seminary that transferred the Byrne Residence building, fixtures and personal property owned by the Archdiocese to a newly formed irrevocable tax-exempt trust. The Seminary and the Archdiocese entered into a 99-year ground lease agreement in 1995 in which the Seminary leased to the Archdiocese, rent free, exclusive use of the land upon which the Byrne Residence is located. The trust received all of the Archdiocese’s rights, title and interest in the ground lease as part of the agreement. The transfer of assets resulted in a non-cash loss on disposition of $646,000. The trust established a designated fund at the Catholic Community Foundation and certain donors are anticipated to contribute approximately $11 million for the initial renovations to the Byrne Residence and for on-going capital expenditures, maintenance, and operating expenses in perpetuity. In October, the Archdiocese entered into a Byrne Residence Funding Agreement with the trust and committed to funding an initial contribution of $250,000 in the current year and up to $500,000 annually, with an annual escalator, for operating costs and standard maintenance. The Archdiocese coordinates a self-insured health and dental benefit fund for priests, seminarians and certain religious order sisters within the Archdiocese with stop-loss coverage. The Archdiocese invoices parishes, Catholic schools and other Catholic entities based on clergy assignments and pays benefit providers directly for any claims. The priest benefits program was transferred to a separate entity effective July 1, 2022, and, as a result, our Fiscal Year 2023 did not include any activity from this program. In the prior year, priest benefits generated a loss of $491,000.
FINANCIAL POSITION Net assets of the Archdiocese were approximately $23.6 million as of June 30, 2023, as compared to $24.1 million on June 30, 2022. The $485,000 decrease was due to the $646,000 deficit generated from non-operating activity offset by the $160,000 surplus from operations. The total cash balance as of June 30, 2023, was $4.8 million, a decrease of $1.76 million from June 30, 2022. The decrease mainly resulted from a combination of $700,000 provided to the Priest Benefits Plan in the form of an advance to assist them with the transition to a separate legal entity, capital expenditures of approximately $400,000, a $200,000 payment required annually under the pledge to The Saint Paul Seminary and Saint John Vianney College Seminary, and timing of cash collections during 2023. Our existing cash balance at June 30, 2023, consisted of $2.3 million of cash without donor restrictions, $1.8 million of Board designated cash, and $690,000 of cash with donor restrictions. The Board designated cash represents funds set aside for capital projects of $1 million and the Joyful Catholic Leaders capital campaign remaining pledge payable of $800,000. The other significant change to the balance sheet as of June 30, 2023, includes an increase in accounts receivable due to the advance made to the Priest Benefits Plan, a decrease in land, property and equipment as a result of the Leo C. Byrne Residence asset transfer, a decrease in pledge payable as a result of the annual payment of $200,000, and a decrease in reserve for priest benefit claims as this program was moved to its own separate legal entity. As of June 30, 2023, we were contingently liable as guarantor for approximately $3.2 million in principal amount on three loans with three Catholic entities within the Archdiocese. This compared to a contingent liability in 2022 of more than $16 million. Our balance sheet continues to remain strong as a result of our continued focus on being good stewards of the assets entrusted to us.
CONCLUSION The Archdiocesan Synod and its implementation is key to shaping the future of this Archdiocese. The process is helping to identify needs in our 185 parishes that once met can help pastors and staff, principals and teachers, better serve the faithful and people in our wider communities. I am hopeful that our financial position and resourcefulness will continue to help us grow and deepen in our primary mission: making the name of Jesus Christ known and loved.
YOUR GENEROSITY MAKES A DIFFERENCE Each day when I walk through the Archdiocesan Catholic Center lobby doors, I glance at the memorial plaque on the wall with the picture of James and Florence Trainor, the couple whose generous estate gift allowed us to purchase in 2022 the former ARCHBISHOP 3M headquarters that we had BERNARD HEBDA been renting since 2017. In that moment, I always remember to pray for the Trainors, and for their family members, some of whom were here to help us dedicate the building to the memory of James and Florence. I feel that same profound gratitude whenever I reflect upon your generosity — the generosity of the faithful of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis — which enables the Archdiocese to fund all of our operations and all that we do to support your parishes, our nearly 100 Catholic schools, and the many other Catholic initiatives that help the residents of the 12 counties of our Archdiocese to encounter Jesus Christ and his love. When I look at the annual financial report, I see not only numbers and statistics but also your generosity, and the great work that has been undertaken by the staff of the Archdiocese. At the Archdiocesan Catholic Center, I am blessed by nearly 130 collaborators, most of them laity, who are passionate about sharing their gifts with our Church. Some of them are longtime employees who’ve served the Archdiocese for decades, but there is also a growing number of young people who have come on board because they desire to serve the mission of the Church. They come to us from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, but all have in common great professionalism, energy, love for Christ, and hearts for service and mission. As we come to the end of the year and review our 2023 annual report, please join me in giving thanks to God that he has blessed us with the resources and people to do his work.
SUPPORTING THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis serves Catholics and the greater 12-county Twin Cities community. The following narrative briefly explains the function of each department and the funding level for FY 2023. Total department expense below includes allocations of depreciation, occupancy, and archbishop expenses.
CATHOLIC EDUCATION – $1,720,837 The Office for the Mission of Catholic Education (OMCE) provides vision, support and direction to Catholic schools and parish catechetical programs so that they can achieve their mission to proclaim Christ and form authentic disciples of Jesus Christ through an integrated Catholic education developing the spirit, mind and body. OMCE is divided into a Department of Parish Catechesis, Department of Educational Quality and Excellence, and Department of Catholic Schools. Major responsibilities for Catholic schools and parishes are aligned with the Roadmap for Excellence in Catholic Education and include strategically assisting pastors, principals and parish catechetical leaders; implementing a comprehensive talent management framework; encouraging and acknowledging quality and excellence in Catholic education; serving as a FINANCIAL REPORT CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
The Archdiocese’s fiscal year 2023 Financial Statements along with the Independent Auditor’s Report will be posted at archspm.org at the Finance and Accounting page Dec. 21.
DECEMBER 21, 2023
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 21
THE ARCHDIOCESE OF SAINT PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS
THE ARCHDIOCESE OF SAINT PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS
Chancery Corporation • Statements of Activities (Audited) Years Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022
Chancery Corporation • Statements of Financial Position (Audited) As of June 30, 2023 and 2022
2023
2022
$3,090,593 15,057,822 3,292,113 905,030 101,500 22,447,058
$3,424,586 15,882,686 2,793,649 (1,033,023) 103,000 21,170,898
1,720,837 6,107,672 5,342,295 2,196,897 447,457 844,134 1,434,888 382,651 18,476,831
1,728,631 5,399,026 4,662,285 2,157,271 299,216 223 719,710 1,420,605 354,301 16,741,268
3,525,925 283,951 3,809,876
4,265,914 101,709 4,367,623
LIABILITIES Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Amounts Held for Others Under Agency Transactions Deferred Revenue Reserve for Priest Benefit Claims Pledge Payable Total Liabilities
22,286,707
21,108,891
NET ASSETS
Change in Net Assets from Operations
160,351
62,007
NON-OPERATING ACTIVITY Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Paycheck Protection Program Revenue Priest Benefits Revenue Priest Benefits Expense
(645,659) -
(256,093) 3,267,646 (3,758,262)
$23,619,466
$24,104,774
OPERATING REVENUE Contributions Parish Assessments Fees and Program Revenues Investment Income (Loss), Net Other Income Operating Revenue OPERATING EXPENSE Program Services: Catholic Education Central Services Clergy Services Communications Community Services Evangelization Marriage, Family and Youth Parish Services and Outreach Latino Ministries Total Program Services Support Services: General and Administrative Mission Advancement Total Support Services Total Operating Expense
2023
ASSETS Cash - Board Designated and Undesignated Cash - With Donor Restriction Contributions Receivable Estates Receivable Accounts Receivables, Net of Allowances Loans Receivable Investments Without Donor Restrictions Investments With Donor Restrictions Beneficial Interest in Perpetual Trusts Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets Land, Property and Equipment, Net
FINANCIAL REPORT CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE resource for those involved in the essential work of parish catechesis; maintaining policies that support the work of Catholic education; representing the interests of Catholic education to a diverse set of stakeholders; and working with community partners to ensure the sustainability of programs, including the Drexel Mission Schools, which serve those in most need.
CENTRAL SERVICES – $6,107,672
The Department of Central Services provides support and services to Archdiocesan staff and the parishes. The department includes the offices of the chancellors for civil and canonical affairs, information technology services, the metropolitan tribunal, human resources and benefits, records and archives, the office of financial standards and parish accounting. Also covered in this category are the payment of assessments to the Minnesota Catholic Conference and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
CLERGY SERVICES – $5,342,295
The role of this office is to provide support and formation for priests and deacons in all aspects of ministry and pastoral care. Services provided by this office include the following: Seminary Formation: There are currently 51 men in formation for the priesthood for service of our Archdiocese. While the number changes throughout the discernment process, our Archdiocese has one of the largest enrollments of seminarians of any diocese in the country. The Archdiocese funds the medical and dental insurance coverage of the seminarians at The Saint Paul Seminary, as well as tuition, room and board not covered through donations from the Catholic Services Appeal Foundation. The Archdiocese also covers the cost of tuition, room and board of those attending the North American College in Rome. Center for Clergy Formation: Institute of Ongoing Formation for Clergy and the Institute of Diaconate Formation comprise the Center for Clergy Formation. Each entity of the center provides an integrated approach to priestly and diaconate formation, including gatherings and support for newly ordained priests and deacons, programs to assist new pastors in their role and ongoing formation opportunities for priests and deacons throughout the archdiocese. Continuing Education: This includes continuing education opportunities, a sabbatical program, international enculturation,
$4,127,407 690,151 246,618 3,377,406 651,566 6,435,780 1,188,444 1,595,701 249,267 8,459,022
$5,803,925 776,728 316,685 151,734 2,381,145 657,066 5,826,438 1,148,113 1,506,511 215,920 9,035,056
$27,021,362
$27,819,321
1,825,321 388,071 388,504 800,000 3,401,896
1,864,344 361,750 337,255 151,198 1,000,000 3,714,547
17,937,888 1,860,571
18,127,569 2,184,396
1,988,157 1,832,852 23,619,466
2,049,148 1,743,661 24,104,774
$27,021,362
$27,819,321
Total Assets LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Without Donor Restrictions - Undesignated Without Donor Restrictions - Board Designated With Donor Restrictions: Restricted by Time and/or Purpose Restricted in Perpetuity Total Net Assets
Total Liabilities and Net Assets Change in Net Assets from Non-Operating Activities (645,659) (746,709 CHANGES IN NET ASSETS ($485,308) ($684,702) Net Assets - Beginning of Year 24,104,774 24,789,476 NET ASSETS - END OF YEAR
2022
and the biennial presbyteral assembly. Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment: The mission of the Office of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment is to work with our community to prevent the sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults through a number of initiatives including implementing abuse prevention programs, immediately reporting allegations of abuse to law enforcement or child/adult protection officials and cooperating fully with their investigations, and helping those affected by abuse in their healing journey. Priest Support: This includes support for priests who are not in ministry due to personal health issues or leave of absence, and those who have been permanently removed from ministry who do not have other means of support. Chaplaincies: There are several priests in full- or part-time ministry at hospitals and correctional facilities throughout the Archdiocese who are supported by the Archdiocese. There are many other priests throughout the Archdiocese who provide pastoral care at health care, correctional facilities or schools, either as a ministry of their parish or through their outreach work. They offer the sacraments and spiritual support during some of the most difficult times in people’s lives. Last year, a large number of people throughout our community, experiencing COVID-19, were served by chaplains. Specialized Ministries: This includes the Office of Vocations, support for international clergy, and retired clergy, which includes the operation of the Leo C. Byrne Residence for retired priests.
COMMUNICATIONS – $2,196,897 The Office of Communications helps convey the teachings of the Church and fosters communications between the Archdiocese and the faithful, parish and school leaders and staff, and others in our community. It does this through The Catholic Spirit, multiple websites, social media, e-newsletters, printing services, video production and other communications. The office also conducts media consultation and training for clergy, parishes and other representatives of the Archdiocese, and works with secular TV and radio stations, as well as print and online publications.
COMMUNITY SERVICE – $447,457 The Archdiocese helps men, women and children most in need within our local community, including the poor, hungry, and homeless.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY AND YOUTH – $844,134 The Office of Marriage, Family and Youth assists the laity and parishes through programs supporting marriage preparation, family education programming, respect life, pro-life groups, biomedical ethics, and outreach for people with disabilities. The office also sponsors the annual Archdiocesan Youth Day that brings together hundreds of local high school aged teens to praise God, grow in the faith and find fellowship. In addition, this office helps coordinate local representatives attending World Youth Day, the National Catholic Youth Conference, and the March for Life and other youth events.
PARISH SERVICES AND OUTREACH – $1,434,888 The Office of Parish Services provides consultation, planning and leadership development opportunities to parishes throughout the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese supports outreach ministry to various groups and members of the Archdiocesan community, including American Indian ministry, Delegate for Consecrated Life, the Venezuelan mission, the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women and other groups and coalitions. LATINO MINISTRIES – $382,651 The Office of Latino Ministry develops and offers formation and evangelization programs for youth, young adults, family and parish leaders. These programs serve the growing Latino community in the 25 parishes that offer Masses, sacramental preparation and pastoral care in Spanish.
SUPPORT SERVICES GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE – $3,525,925 The offices of the retired archbishops, auxiliary bishop, vicar general, accounting, finance and general administration are included in the General and Administrative category. Over half of this category of expense supports salaries and benefits of staff.
MISSION ADVANCEMENT – $283,951 This office works with parishes and Catholic schools to help grow a culture of stewardship in local communities and to support parish and school development efforts. The office also engages in outreach to benefactors who wish to support specific ministries or programs of the Archdiocesan Catholic Center.
22 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
DECEMBER 21, 2023
Why I am Catholic By Kristina Beer
A
DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
situation in which someone explicitly asks, “Why are
intrigued. But sometimes I can’t stand the content, morally speaking.
you Catholic?” has rarely happened to me. But even if
Cinema is an art that can captivate and move audiences. Any work of
I don’t always say why I do something, Catholicism lies
art that fails to inspire a beautiful thought does not reflect the Creator
at the heart of my actions. Teachers in my Catholic
as it should. If it models poor behavior, it does more harm than good.
grade school weren’t lying when they said,
I leave more unsettled than refreshed, and I wish I had spent that
“Jesus is always the answer.” He’s all there is to live for, and I found that to be true in the
highest and lowest points of my life. In periods of extreme suffering, I feel empty and only God can fill me. In moments of utter joy, I still somehow wonder if there’s something more. A quiet invitation from within seems to pull me outside of myself. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t ignore that. I’m Catholic because loving God and loving others is all that matters. Many have asked me, “Why do you wake up so early?” In college, I was the odd duck who woke up at 5:20 a.m. almost every day. I enjoy the peaceful calm of morning, but that’s not what dragged me out of bed in the dead of winter. It was knowing who waited for me after my brisk walk to the chapel. Morning prayer time is when I meet God, before the craziness of the day sets in. I get up so I can exercise, pray and attend Mass before turning to other tasks. Otherwise, God doesn’t get the best of me. I love a good sunrise, and a good night’s sleep, but neither means much without recognizing the divine artist who grants them. And while prayer time is crucial, God doesn’t disappear afterward. My faith is integral to everything I do, even leisure. Another common question I receive: “Why didn’t you like that movie?” Maybe the acting was good, maybe the plot kept people
time living my life, instead of watching someone else’s. People often ask me, “Why don’t you party every weekend?” I’m in my early 20s, extroverted and energetic. I love dancing, people and a good drink, so it doesn’t seem to make sense. But parties make me feel dead inside. I see all the hurt that people try to cover up with noise and consumption. All of us battle temptation or want to escape sometimes, but “the way, the truth, and the life” fills me with abundant life (Jn 14:6, 10:10). I would rather live in a way that fulfills me, not in a way that makes me feel empty and exhausted. Catholicism is my “why” to everything. Faith adds profound purpose to everything I do, even if I am not conscious of it. I know all I do matters, both temporally and eternally. My life centers on glorifying God, getting to heaven and bringing as many people with me as possible. That’s the goal. Beer, 23, graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio, with a degree in theology and catechetics and evangelization in May 2023. She works at St. John the Baptist in Savage and loves swing dancing, outdoor adventures and being with people. “Why I am Catholic” is an ongoing series in The Catholic Spirit. Want to share why you are Catholic? Submit your story in 300-500 words to CatholicSpirit@archspm.org with subject line “Why I am Catholic.”
DECEMBER 21, 2023 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • 23
CALENDAR PARISH EVENTS Special Mass for People with Memory Loss — Jan. 11: 1:30-3 p.m. at St. Odilia, 3495 Victoria St. N., Shoreview. Special Mass for those with memory loss and their caregivers. All are welcome. stodilia.org Symfonia Koled — Jan. 12: 7:30 p.m. at Holy Cross, 1621 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis. Organist and composer Samuel Backman will premiere a newly composed four-movement symphony entitled Symfonia Koled. Based on Polish Christmas carols, it was written to honor the memory of Janusz Zorawski, an immigrant from Poland and a beloved pillar in his community. Free and open to the public. A reception will follow. ourholycross.org/sacred-music Pro-Life Memorial Mass — Jan. 26: 6 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo, 2739 Stinson Blvd., St. Anthony. Join ProLife Across America for a Memorial Mass. Father Marcus Milless will celebrate Mass.
WORSHIP+RETREATS
Washington Schools, Stepping Stone Emergency Shelter, The Experience of Neshama, and The Connect. Free event, RSVP appreciated. guardianangels.org/event/22857726-2024-02-15-homelessnessseminar
OTHER EVENTS MCCL Presents Save the 12,000 — Jan. 11: 6:30-8 p.m. in St. Frances Hall at Guardian Angels, 215 W. Second St., Chaska. Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life will offer a brief presentation about new laws that threaten unborn and newborn babies, and what can be done to build a pro-life culture. mccl.org/12k Healing the Wounds of Abuse Retreat: Grief to Grace MN — Jan. 30-Feb. 4: Five days of professional, trauma-informed care with attention to each one’s experience of isolation, abandonment and suffering — a true therapy for the soul in a safe and secure environment. For more information, email info@grieftogracemn.org or call Diane at 612-440-7247. grieftogracemn.org Cor Jesu — Feb. 9: 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m. at St. Mary Chapel at The Saint Paul Seminary, 2260 Summit Ave., St. Paul. Cor Jesu is a First Friday devotion for college students and young adults that takes place during the academic year. saintpaulseminary.org/ event/cor-jesu-adoration-confession-praise-and-worshipand-more-4
Ignatian Men’s Silent Retreat — ThursdaySunday most weeks at Demontreville Jesuit Retreat House, 8243 Demontreville Trail N., Lake Elmo. Let God meet you at a beautiful retreat location in Lake Elmo. Freewill donation. demontrevilleretreat.com
SPEAKERS+SEMINARS What is the Mass? Vatican II Series: Sacrosanctum Concilium — Jan. 12: 6 p.m. at Guardian Angels, 8260 Fourth St. N., Oakdale. Mass greatly changed after Vatican II. But what did the Council actually say? Christian Washburn, professor from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, will talk about deepening the understanding of the liturgy and Vatican II’s teachings. guardian-angels. org/event/22876583-2024-01-12-what-is-the-mass/ Communicating Faithfully in the Digital Age — Jan. 26: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Emmaus Hall, St. John’s University, 2966 Saint John’s Road, Collegeville. Reflect with Daniella Zsupan-Jerome as she examines what it means to remain rooted in the word and the call to lend a faithful presence in our communication practices in digital spaces. Free event. Registration is required. csbsju.edu/sot/sem/ alumni-and-friends/attend-events/theology-day Helping those Experiencing Homelessness Seminar — Feb. 15: 6:30-8 p.m. at Guardian Angels, 8260 Fourth St. N., Oakdale. Participants include Washington County Human Services, South
Guiding Star Wakota’s Grow with Us Gala — Feb. 24: 5:30 p.m. at 484 Inwood Ave. N., Oakdale. Featuring Archbishop Bernard Hebda, emcee Matt Birk, client testimonials and The John and Paula Campbell family. guidingstarwakota.org/gala
ONGOING GROUPS Calix Society — First and third Sundays: 9-10:30 a.m. First Sunday via Zoom, third Sunday in person hosted by the Cathedral of St. Paul, 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul. In Assembly Hall, Lower Level. Potluck breakfast. Calix is a group of men, women, family or friends supporting the spiritual needs of recovering Catholics with alcohol or other addictions. For the Zoom meeting link call Jim at 612-383-8232 or Steve at 612-327-4370. Career Transition Group — Third Thursdays: 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus, 155 County Road 24, Wayzata. The Career Transition Group hosts speakers on various topics to help people looking for a job or a change in career and to enhance job skills. The meetings also allow time for networking with others and opportunities for resume review. hnoj.org/career-transition-group
Caregivers Support Group — Third Thursdays: 6:30 p.m. at Guardian Angels, 8260 Fourth St. N., Oakdale. For anyone juggling the challenges of life, health, career and caring for an aging parent, grandparent or spouse. guardian-angels.org/ event/1392201-2019-09-19-caregivers-support-group Secular Franciscan Meeting of St. Leonard of Port Maurice Fraternity — Third Sundays: 2:15-3:45 p.m. at St. Olaf, 215 S. Eighth St., Minneapolis. General membership meeting of Secular Franciscans who belong to the Fraternity of St. Leonard of Port Maurice. Any who are interested in living the Gospel life in the manner of St. Francis and St. Clare are welcome. Gifted and Belonging — Fourth Sundays: 6-8 p.m. at St. Matthew, 510 Hall Ave., St. Paul. Providing Catholic fellowship for young adults with disabilities. Gather to share a time of prayer and reflection, followed by games and social activities. Invite friends and bring a caregiver as needed. For more information on monthly activities and/or volunteer opportunities, call Megan at 612-456-1572 or email giftedandbelonging@gmail.com.
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. Priority is given to events occurring before the issue date. LISTINGS: Accepted are brief notices of upcoming events hosted by Catholic parishes and organizations. If the Catholic connection is not clear, please emphasize it in your submission. Included in our listings are local events submitted by public sources that could be of interest to the larger Catholic community. ITEMS MUST INCLUDE: uTime and date of event uFull street address of event uDescription of event uContact information in case of questions u The Catholic Spirit prints calendar details as submitted. TheCatholicSpirit.com/calendarsubmissions
Natural Family Planning (NFP) — Classes teach couples Church approved methods on how to achieve or postpone pregnancy while embracing the beauty of God’s gift of sexuality. For a complete list of classes offered throughout the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, visit archspm.org/family or call 651-291-4489. Order Franciscans Secular (OFS) — Third Sundays: 2-4 p.m. at St. Leonard of Port Maurice, 3949 Clinton Ave. S., Minneapolis. Learn more about this group of lay Catholic men and women striving to observe the Gospel by following the example of St. Francis. 651-724-1348 Restorative Support for Victims-Survivors — Monthly: 6:30-8 p.m. via Zoom. Open to all victims-survivors. Victim-survivor support group for those abused by clergy as adults — first Mondays. Support group for relatives or friends of victims of clergy sexual abuse — second Mondays. Victimsurvivor support group — third Mondays. Survivor Peace Circle — third Tuesdays. Support group for men who have been sexually abused by clergy/ religious — fourth Wednesdays. Support group for present and former employees of faith-based institutions who have experienced abuse in any of its many forms — second Thursday. Visit archspm.org/healing or contact Paula Kaempffer, outreach coordinator for restorative justice and abuse prevention, at kaempfferp@archspm.org or 651-291-4429.
MAGNIFICAT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 retroactively put into the mouth of Our Lady. While the theory has some merit, I believe that it misses the overall messianic tone of the canticle. The song is not simply about Our Lady’s pregnancy, but rather about what that pregnancy means to a fallen world. Just as the birth of Christ is about much more than a baby in a feeding trough, so the Magnificat accounts for the expansive — indeed, eternal — message of the Incarnation. A lowly birth to a lowly woman ushers in the magnificent fulfillment of God’s offer and promise of salvation. This puts the Magnificat squarely in the context of the Incarnation, which has commenced in Mary’s womb. Craycraft is an associate professor of moral theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and School of Theology in Cincinnati.
Marketplace • Message Center Classified Ads Email: classifiedads@archspm.org • Phone: 651-251-7714 • Fax: 651-291-4460 Next issue: 1/11/23 • Deadline: 3 p.m. 1/3/23 • Rates: $8 per line (35-40 characters per line) • Add a photo/logo for $25 ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTIONS
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES The Glenn Hopkins Catholic Community has an opening for an accompanist and/or cantor who will plan and provide weekly music for Sunday Catholic Masses at 11:00am and 11:45am ($75.00 per Mass). Ability to direct a resident choir weekly for practice and a monthly Mass is also desirable. Please contact Teri at 952-960-5567. GREAT CATHOLIC SPEAKERS CD of the Month Club Lighthouse Catholic Media, Scott Hahn, Jeff Cavins and more! $5/month includes shipping. Subscribe online at www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/cdclub Please Enter Code: 1195
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24 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
DECEMBER 21, 2023
THELASTWORD
2023 Milestones
STILLWATER PASTOR INSTALLED AS AN AUXILIARY BISHOP With his Jan. 5 appointment and April 11 ordination Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, Bishop Michael Izen joined Bishop Joseph Williams as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Bishop Izen also serves as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi in Lake St. Croix Beach. Bishop Izen’s appointment came as he was pastor of the Churches of St. Michael and St. Mary in Stillwater, parochial administrator of St. Charles in Bayport and canonical administrator of St. Croix Catholic School in Stillwater.
ABORTION RIGHTS PLACED INTO STATE LAW DESPITE CATHOLIC, PRO-LIFE OUTCRY The Minnesota Legislature passed, and Gov. Tim Walz signed, a bill Jan. 31 placing a right to abortion into state law, a move preceded by the U.S. Supreme Court last year overturning its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide. The Legislature also approved, and Walz signed, a measure March 7 widely known as “Driver’s Licenses for All,” allowing undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses. The Catholic bishops of Minnesota, the Minnesota Catholic Conference and other pro-life groups lobbied hard to prevent the codification of abortion. The bishops and MCC had long argued that Driver’s Licenses for All would keep roads safer and allow undocumented immigrants to drive to meet basic needs while not fearing each time they got behind the wheel to be separated from their families by potential deportation if they were pulled over.
From ordaining a new auxiliary bishop to ordaining 18 permanent deacons; from Pope Francis choosing a local parishioner as a non-bishop voting delegate for the Synod of Bishops in Rome to the annual Tekakwitha Conference being held in the Twin Cities — 2023 was a memorable year for the local Church. The Catholic Spirit staff chose these events as significant and worthy of review. More memories of 2023 can be found at TheCatholicSpirit.com. Photos by Dave Hrbacek unless noted.
NATIONAL TEKAKWITHA CONFERENCE HONORED INDIGENOUS CATHOLICS’ SPIRITUALITY The Twin Cities hosted the 84th annual Tekakwitha Conference July 19-23, which honored Indigenous Catholics’ culture, spirituality and traditions. The conference drew several hundred people from across the country. The conference also addressed the difficult issues of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and the generational trauma brought by American Indian boarding schools. A designated culture day included a morning water ceremony with prayers and hymns recognizing God’s gift of the precious resource, a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Hebda and, later, a powwow with drumming, chanting and dancing.
RELICS ON TOUR Six parishes in the archdiocese took turns Sept. 18-23 hosting relics of St. Jude, including St. Jude of the Lake in Mahtomedi. Its pastor, Father Chad VanHoose, called the moment historic and said having relics of the parish’s patron saint, “let alone one of the 12 Apostles … is unbelievable.” In a separate tour Oct. 4-15, the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her parents, Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin, were publicly displayed and venerated at St. Mary in Stillwater, the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis and St. Therese in Deephaven. Thousands of people lined up in a full Cathedral to kneel and venerate the relics Oct. 6. Veneration was preceded by hundreds of people walking a half-mile from the Minnesota State Capitol to the Cathedral in the annual Candlelight Rosary Procession.
LOCAL AND VATICAN SYNODS MOVED FORWARD Inspired by the three-year Archdiocesan Synod process, parishioners chosen by pastors to form Synod Evangelization Teams gathered in January for three kickoff events. Then in May, more than 1,500 people from across the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis gathered in Minneapolis for Mass, speakers, music, prayer, adoration of the Eucharist and personal testimonies as implementing the Archdiocesan Synod took a big step forward. The process continues as the archdiocese becomes the first diocese to use a process for relational evangelization via small groups in parishes called the Parish Evangelization Cells System. In a separate development, Cynthia Bailey Manns, adult learning director at St. Joan of Arc in Minneapolis, was chosen by Pope Francis as one of 10 non-bishop voting delegates to represent the North American region at the first general assembly of the Vatican Synod of Bishops on synodality in October. She is one of four laypeople from the United States appointed by the pope. Discernment continues for the Vatican synod, and a second session of the Synod of Bishops will be held in October 2024.
ORDINATIONS AND CONSECRATIONS Four women were consecrated for life as virgins in the world by Archbishop Bernard Hebda at a March 25 liturgy at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. Two more women were so consecrated in subsequent months. In addition, four men were ordained priests May 27 at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul. Thirteen men were ordained transitional deacons at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis May 13, the last major step in formation for ordination to the priesthood. And 18 men were ordained permanent deacons Dec. 9 at the Cathedral — a number that ties the previous high for the archdiocese set in 1978. PHOTO BY JORDANA TORGESON