The Catholic Spirit - July 25, 2024

Bernard

PAGETWO

parish’s patroness. The potluck picnic was held after 10 a.m. Mass.

GUATEMALA MISSION Benilde-St. Margaret’s (BSM) students use a truck for transportation in Guatemala as part of an eight-day service and learning mission trip in June. Organized and led by BSM Spanish teacher Matthew McMerty-Brummer with three other faculty members at the St. Louis Park school, the trip was undertaken in collaboration with the God’s Child Project, which has an office in Golden Valley. Thirty-one Red Knights built four houses and four outdoor kitchens, spent time with the families receiving the homes, worked on their Spanish and stayed with host families in Antigua. Students visited several sites in Guatemala, including the Mayan ruins of Iximche, Lake Atitlan, a textile and chocolate cooperative and a marketplace. Similar trips over the years have brought a total of 277 BSM students and faculty to Guatemala and they have built 36 homes.

The July 19 “Practicing Catholic” show on Relevant Radio 1330 AM included a conversation with Father Tom Margevicius, the director of the Office of Worship for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and pastor of four parishes in Le Sueur County, on what listeners can expect in year two of implementing Archbishop Bernard Hebda’s pastoral letter. In addition, Sister Linda Soler, the sub-prioress for St. Paul’s Monastery in St. Paul, helps listeners understand who St. Benedict is following his feast day on July 11. And Tim Healy dives into the story of acquiring the Extreme Faith Camp property in Trego, Wisconsin. Listen to interviews after they have aired at archspm org/faith-and-discipleship/ practicingcatholic or choosing a streaming platform at Spotify for Podcasters.

Only if we learn how to rest can we have compassion. Indeed, it is only possible to have a compassionate gaze, which knows how to respond to the needs of others, if our heart is not consumed by the anxiety of doing, if we know how to stop and how to receive the grace of God, in the silence of adoration.

Pope Francis, before praying the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican July 21 and reflecting on the day’s Gospel reading from St. Mark (6:30-34) about Jesus telling the Apostles to rest after their return from their mission of preaching and healing. However, when Jesus saw the vast crowd that had gathered his heart was moved with pity and he began to teach them many things. Resting and being compassionate “may seem like two incompatible things, while they actually go together,” the pope said.

NEWS notes

The Center for Discipleship and Evangelization (CEND) in the Twin Cities, which was founded to foster the faith among young adults, will hold a 5:30 p.m. Aug. 3 Mass at St. Helena in Minneapolis with Archbishop Bernard Hebda presiding. A social gathering will follow with information tables about various young adult groups and activities in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. John Boyle of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul will speak at the event, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will cap off the evening.

A book awarded honorable mention in 2023 as best Catholic novel from the Catholic Media Association has received a gold medal as winner of the religious fiction category in the 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. “The Doctor of Bellechester” was written by Marge Blenkush, a parishioner of St. Matthew in St. Paul. In the same category, Blenkush’s sequel in her Dr. M.E. Senty series, “Welcome to Bellechester,” was a finalist and received a silver medal. Blenkush flew to San Diego to attend the June 27 awards ceremony, which coincided with the American Library Association’s annual conference. “It was an honor to have not one, but both my books recognized by the judges” and it was an opportunity to meet other authors, Blenkush said in a news release. The books can be found at margaretablenkush com, Itasca Books in Minneapolis, St Patrick’s Guild in St. Paul, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

As students of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis break for the summer, a large construction project at the school is underway. According to the school, a $5 million donation from the Minnetonka-based WEM Foundation will go toward improving and expanding space on the school’s third floor for faculty and student use. The work will include new cafeteria space, enhanced kitchen facilities and designated meeting and prayer spaces. Minneapolis-based Ryan Companies is leading the work, which started in June and will take place over several months.

in REMEMBRANCE

Deacon Urbanski served two parishes, was a chaplain with Catholic Charities

The Catholic Spirit

Deacon Roger Urbanski, who was ordained in 1982, served two parishes and was a chaplain with Catholic Charities, died July 12 at age 90. A four-year Navy veteran of the Korean War, he led Boy Scout Troop 15 in Newport, where he supported dozens of scouts in the 1970s, including two of his sons as they achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, his obituary states. Before retiring from active ministry in 1995, Deacon Urbanski served at St. Rita in Cottage Grove from 1982 to 1987 and at Catholic Charities from 1985 to 1993. He ministered at St. Thomas Aquinas in St. Paul Park from 1987 to 1993 and took a personal leave of absence from 1993 to 1994. Deacon Urbanski’s survivors include his wife of 70 years, Donna, five children, eight grandchildren, a great-grandson and two siblings. Funeral arrangements were pending.

COURTESY BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S

COURTESY JAMES PIKE, OUR LADY OF PEACE

PARISH PICNIC Members of Our Lady of Peace in Minneapolis get ready to enjoy barbecue, salads and desserts at the annual OLP Day parish picnic July 14. OLP Day is part of the parish celebrating the feast of Mary, Our Lady of Peace, the

FROMTHEVICARGENERAL

ONLY JESUS | FATHER MICHAEL TIX

Eucharist: Nourishment for the journey

We are hearing much in these days about people’s experience of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress that took place in Indianapolis. While thousands attended, there were many who were not in Indianapolis, but experienced the National Eucharistic Revival closer to home. Opportunities included the Source and Summit Eucharistic procession on Memorial Day in St. Paul and many other events hosted by parishes in our archdiocese that were along the Marian Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.

One moment that will long be engraved in my memory is the Eucharistic procession at St. John the Baptist in Vermillion. It is one of the parishes I serve, and our Catholic elementary school students lined the street opposite the church to silently and attentively watch as the procession went by. Any parent with elementaryaged children will readily know that this is no small feat. Their reverence was deeply motivated by something that they couldn’t necessarily explain but clearly knew and recognized as uniquely present before them. It reminded me of Jesus’ words about the kingdom of God belonging to children. Students followed the Blessed Sacrament into the church, where our fourth graders prayerfully led the rosary before Benediction for the many people who gathered for this local event.

In addition to the Eucharistic congress and processions, we’ve heard in recent days about Blessed Carlo Acutis and the intent of Pope Francis to canonize him as a saint. Blessed Carlo was born in 1991 and died in 2006 at the age of 15 from leukemia. His tomb is in Assisi, Italy. While I was on a recent pilgrimage with a group of Catholic school principals from our

Eucaristía: alimento para el camino

En estos días escuchamos mucho sobre la experiencia de la gente en el Décimo Congreso Eucarístico Nacional que tuvo lugar en Indianápolis. Si bien asistieron miles de personas, hubo muchos que no estaban en Indianápolis, pero experimentaron el Avivamiento Eucarístico Nacional más cerca de casa. Las oportunidades incluyeron la procesión Eucarística de la Fuente y la Cumbre en el Día de los Caídos en St. Paul y muchos otros eventos organizados por parroquias de nuestra arquidiócesis que se encontraban a lo largo de la Ruta Mariana de la Peregrinación Eucarística Nacional. Un momento que quedará grabado en mi memoria por mucho tiempo es la procesión eucarística en San Juan Bautista en Vermillion. Es una de las parroquias en las que sirvo, y nuestros estudiantes de la escuela primaria católica se alinearon en la calle frente a la iglesia para observar en silencio y con atención cómo pasaba la procesión. Cualquier padre con hijos en edad de primaria sabrá fácilmente que esto no es poca cosa. Su reverencia estaba profundamente motivada por algo que no necesariamente podían explicar, pero que claramente conocían y reconocían como presente de manera única ante ellos. Me recordó las palabras de Jesús sobre el reino de Dios que pertenece a los niños. Los estudiantes siguieron el Santísimo Sacramento hasta la iglesia, donde nuestros alumnos de cuarto grado dirigieron en oración el rosario antes de la Bendición para las muchas personas que se reunieron para este evento local.

Además del Congreso Eucarístico y las procesiones, en los últimos días hemos oído hablar del Beato Carlo Acutis y de la intención del Papa Francisco de canonizarlo como santo. El Beato Carlo nació en 1991 y murió en 2006, a la edad de 15 años, a causa de leucemia. Su tumba está en Asís, Italia. Mientras estaba en una peregrinación reciente con un grupo de directores de escuelas católicas de nuestra arquidiócesis, tuvimos la oportunidad de

St. Augustine talks about our becoming what we receive in the Eucharist. This is in the sense of our being instruments of God’s love and peace for our world. As we renew our belief in Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist, we pray for the grace to become what we receive in ways that point to ordinary Eucharistic miracles that are changing the world.

archdiocese, we had the chance to visit Blessed Carlo’s tomb and learn his story, which includes a deeply Eucharistic life and Marian devotion. As the first millennial expected to be canonized as a saint, Blessed Carlo, like many of his generation, was engaged in a world of computers to the extent that some have suggested him as the patron saint of the 21st century, young people and technology. Blessed Carlo was known to use his computers to learn about Eucharistic miracles that he then catalogued. Blessed Carlo’s goal in life was, “To always be close to Jesus, that’s my life plan.” It’s a good life plan for all of us.

Appropriately enough, there has been a great focus on the Eucharist these days, whether in the form of the Eucharistic Revival or the life of Blessed Carlo. Each of these is an opportunity for all of us to renew our belief in Jesus being present –– body, blood, soul and divinity –– in the Eucharist we receive at each Mass. As we focus on the Eucharist, on some occasions we also hear about Eucharistic miracles as extraordinary experiences. But we sometimes forget that the Eucharist is nourishment for

visitar la tumba del Beato Carlo y conocer su historia, que incluye una vida profundamente eucarística y devoción mariana. Como el primer milenario que esperaba ser canonizado como santo, el Beato Carlo, como muchos de su generación, estaba involucrado en el mundo de las computadoras hasta el punto de que algunos lo han sugerido como el santo patrón del siglo 21, de los jóvenes y de la tecnología. Se sabía que el Beato Carlo usaba sus computadoras para aprender sobre los milagros eucarísticos que luego catalogaba. La meta del Beato Carlo en la vida era: “Estar siempre cerca de Jesús, ese es mi proyecto de vida”. Es un buen plan de vida para todos nosotros.

Muy apropiadamente, estos días se ha prestado gran atención a la Eucaristía, ya sea en la forma del Avivamiento Eucarístico o en la vida del Beato Carlo. Cada una de estas es una oportunidad para que todos renuevemos nuestra creencia en que Jesús está presente ––cuerpo, sangre, alma y divinidad–– en la Eucaristía que recibimos en cada Misa. Al centrarnos en la Eucaristía, en algunas ocasiones también escuchamos sobre los milagros eucarísticos como experiencias extraordinarias. Pero a veces olvidamos que la Eucaristía es alimento para nuestro camino de vida que resulta en milagros que ocurren rutinariamente a nuestro alrededor todos los días.

San Agustín habla de convertirnos en lo que recibimos en la Eucaristía. Esto es en el sentido de que somos instrumentos del amor y la paz de Dios para nuestro mundo. Al renovar nuestra creencia en la presencia de Jesús en la Eucaristía, oramos para que la gracia se convierta en lo que recibimos de maneras que apunten a milagros eucarísticos ordinarios que están cambiando el mundo.

Consideremos, por ejemplo, a quienes alimentan a los hambrientos o cuidan a los enfermos. Alimentados por la Eucaristía, hay personas a nuestro alrededor que están poniendo la fe en acción de maneras milagrosas para mostrar el rostro compasivo de Cristo a aquellos que podrían estar perdidos y olvidados. O pensemos en aquellos que dan la bienvenida al extraño o trabajan por

our journey of life that results in miracles that routinely happen around us every day.

St. Augustine talks about our becoming what we receive in the Eucharist. This is in the sense of our being instruments of God’s love and peace for our world. As we renew our belief in Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist, we pray for the grace to become what we receive in ways that point to ordinary Eucharistic miracles that are changing the world.

Consider, for example, those who feed the hungry or care for the sick. Nourished by the Eucharist, there are people around us who are putting faith into action in miraculous ways to show the compassionate face of Christ to those who might be lost and forgotten. Or consider those who welcome the stranger or work for peace and justice. With August nearly here and the beginning of a new school year soon to come, we can consider those who educate students, whether in a Catholic school or a parish faith formation program.

Each of these examples, and many more that we might add, remind us that the Communion we share sends us out each day in miraculous ways to share the love of God with others. The Eucharist is a miracle that transforms our lives, and through each of us, transforms our world. The Eucharist also calls us to greater conversion in our own lives as we seek to grow closer to Jesus and continue the mission entrusted to us –– of bringing something of the kingdom of God to our time and place.

May our “Amen!” to the words, “the body of Christ” and “the blood of Christ” in these summer days acknowledge the gift of the Eucharist and the many miracles that arise out of this gift of heaven, which continue to feed us as manna in the desert for our journey of life.

la paz y la justicia. Con agosto casi aquí y el comienzo de un nuevo año escolar pronto, podemos considerar a aquellos que educan a los estudiantes, ya sea en una escuela católica o en un programa parroquial de formación en la fe. Cada uno de estos ejemplos, y muchos más que podríamos agregar, nos recuerdan que la Comunión que compartimos nos envía cada día de maneras milagrosas a compartir el amor de Dios con los demás. La Eucaristía es un milagro que transforma nuestras vidas y, a través de cada uno de nosotros, transforma nuestro mundo. La Eucaristía también nos llama a una mayor conversión en nuestras propias vidas mientras buscamos acercarnos a Jesús y continuar la misión que se nos ha confiado: traer algo del reino de Dios a nuestro tiempo y lugar.

Que nuestro “¡Amén!” a las palabras “el cuerpo de Cristo” y “la sangre de Cristo” en estos días de verano reconocemos el don de la Eucaristía y los muchos milagros que surgen de este don del cielo, que continúa alimentándonos como maná en el desierto para nuestro camino de vida.

OFFICIAL

Archbishop Bernard Hebda has announced the following appointment in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: Effective July 10, 2024

Reverend Matthew Northenscold, assigned as sacramental minister for the Church of Saint Pius V in Cannon Falls, and the Church of Saint Joseph in Miesville. This is a transfer from his current assignment as sacramental minister for the Hmong community at the Saint Vincent de Paul campus of the Cathedral of Saint Paul. This is also in addition to his assignment as Defender of the Bond for the Metropolitan Tribunal.

Scuba (faith) diving

From left, Vera Thimmesch, Charlotte Bormann, Abigail Murphy and Linus Ricker pray July 19 during St. Bart’s Catholic Kidz Camp: SCUBA Vacation Bible Camp at St. Bartholomew in Wayzata. The theme of the camp, which went from 9 a.m. to noon July 15-19, was SCUBA: diving into friendship with God. Activities and décor helped bring the theme to life for the 57 pre-K through fifth grade boys and girls who attended. Murphy, who served as a station co-leader, was one of 42 sixth- through 12th-grade volunteers who helped staff the camp. They were joined by a handful of adults, including the two co-directors, Sarah Lenz, a parent volunteer who has helped for the last seven years, and Susie Osacho, director of faith formation at the parish. Osacho noted that many who attend the camp serve as staff when they get older. “I have always enjoyed this because it’s a way for our faith to come alive,” said Osacho, who has worked with the program at other parishes. “There are beautiful spiritfilled moments that happen. ... You just feel the joy.” Lenz has two daughters who serve as staff, plus a son who was a camper this year. “I’m very invested,” she said. “I love this ministry because it’s just the body of Christ at work.”

National forum in Minneapolis seeks solutions to homelessness

By Rebecca Omastiak

The Catholic Spirit

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has estimated that, on a single night in early 2023, more than 650,000 people in the United States were experiencing homelessness — a 12% increase from 2022.

“It’s no secret that there is a lack of affordable housing in the U.S.,” said Lucreda Cobbs, deputy vice president of administrative and regulatory affairs with Catholic Charities USA. “However, it takes time and money to increase the housing supply. So, what happens in between? What are we doing, and what can be done, to help our brothers and sisters who are without homes and living on the streets?”

Seeking these answers, leaders and staff from nationwide Catholic Charities agencies; members of Catholic organizations, Catholic parishes and other faith communities; and members of local and federal agencies have been convening to discuss solutions to homelessness both on a national and local level.

One such gathering will take place Aug. 8-9 at Catholic Charities Twin Cities’ Minneapolis location.

“Our focus is to raise awareness at the federal level around the homeless crisis and to offer legislative solutions that can translate to the work of local and state governments and impact communities across the country,” said Cobbs, who is presenting at the forum. “To make an impact at the federal level, we believe that it must come from people on the frontline providing help and creating hope, communities affected by the issue, and all people of goodwill willing to lend their voice and time to tell the story, share challenges and solutions with policymakers, and to call on them to make change.”

The Minneapolis gathering –– Catholic Charities

USA’s Advocacy Forum: Convening on Practical Solutions to Homelessness –– is among a series of nationwide events. Four meetings have taken place so far in Oakland, California; St. Petersburg, Florida; Dallas; and Philadelphia. In addition to Minneapolis, Phoenix is an upcoming forum location. A virtual forum will also take place later this year, with a date

Father Ryan remembered for love of

By Dave Hrbacek

The Catholic Spirit

Father Patrick Ryan, who helped build a church in Venezuela and once told two close friends he would serve in ministry as long as he was physically able, died July 14. He was 91.

Dr. Michael and Sharon Bowen first met Father Ryan in 1988 when they moved from Shoreview to Roseville and were looking for a parish to join. Both vividly recall going to Mass at St. Rose of Lima in Roseville for the first time that year, and listening to Father Ryan, who served as pastor of the parish from 1981 to 1994.

“We walked out (after Mass) and Michael looked at me and said, ‘He’s a real holy man,’” Sharon, 74, recalled.

“I just felt a real connection there,” said Michael, 72.

Michael had grown up as a Methodist in Mississippi, but attended Mass regularly with Sharon, a lifelong Catholic, after they married 45 years ago. After just two more Masses at St. Rose, Michael decided to convert to Catholicism.

“I was very busy” working as a pulmonologist, Michael said. “And he (Father Ryan) took the time to meet with me one-on-one for a year.”

“I think, right there, it shows what kind of person Father was,” Sharon said. “He just always was available for everyone. That’s such a gift he gave us. We’re forever grateful for that.”

Michael’s conversion to the Catholic faith was the start of a lifelong friendship the couple had with Father Ryan, who regularly came over for dinner on holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, and led them to switch to

yet to be determined, inviting those who attended and those who weren’t able to attend an in-person forum.

The locations were selected for several reasons, Cobbs said, including that they are locations with PLEASE TURN TO CATHOLIC CHARITIES

people and helping build church in Venezuela

St. Andrew in St. Paul when Father Ryan moved there in 2002. For several years, they helped him with a meal for eight he would auction off once a year as a fundraiser for the parish school. They said cooking was one of his many hobbies. Others were fishing, photography, carpentry, gardening and reading. They also singled out humility as one of his greatest attributes.

Father Ryan grew up in south Minneapolis and belonged to Incarnation. He later attended Nazareth Hall preparatory school in Roseville before enrolling in the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. After that, he went to Rome for two years to complete his doctoral studies. He used that education while serving on the faculty of The St. Paul Seminary from 1964 to 1976.

His first assignment after ordination in 1958 was at St. Agnes in St. Paul, from 1958 to 1964. Other parish assignments were at Transfiguration in Oakdale (1976-1981) and St. Charles in Bayport (1988-1999). He also served twice in Venezuela, from 1994 to 1998, and again from 1999 to 2002.

“Father always spoke about the people (of Venezuela) and his love for the people, his concern for the people,” Sharon said.

That’s why Father Ryan decided to return for a second assignment in the poverty-stricken country. He wanted to help build a church for the parish of Jesucristo Resucitado, a mission outreach of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The church was completed and dedicated in 2002. Father Ryan helped with fundraising and oversaw the construction. He also worked with government officials to keep the project

going. The church features a few personal touches by Father Ryan.

“He had Celtic crosses put in the church,” Sharon said. “He said, ‘They’ll know that there was an Irishman there.’ He also had three bells that he purchased. And he said, ‘The Ryans will be calling people to church for a long time.’

Inscribed in these bells were his mother’s name (Ligouria), his father’s name (Edward) and his sister’s name (Mary).”

After retiring from active ministry in 2008, Father Ryan went to live at a lake cabin he helped build in Wisconsin, with the Bowens coming frequently to visit. He had a flourishing garden, Sharon

said, and he often would drop off at their home potatoes and other vegetables, which he transported in the trunk of his car.

During this time, he became known in the Diocese of Superior in Wisconsin as the “traveling priest,” Sharon said, as he routinely celebrated Masses in rural parishes of Polk County. She was not surprised that he continued to stay active in ministry, based on what he had told her years earlier, shortly after he returned from his second stint in Venezuela.

“I said, ‘Father, are you going to retire?’” she said. “He looked at me with a look I’ll never forget. And he said, ‘Sharon, I will be an instrument in God’s hands until I can’t anymore.’”

In later years, Father Ryan lived at the Leo C. Byrne Residence for retired priests in St. Paul. Michael and Sharon would regularly pick him up and take him to his cabin. They noted that he always loved dogs and once tried to sneak a dog into the Byrne Residence. Of course, staff found out and reminded him that no dogs were allowed. So, he simply befriended a dog owned by a neighbor near his cabin. Whenever Father Ryan came to the cabin, the dog would come over and sit with him, Sharon said.

Another favorite “animal” was a stuffed tiger given to Father Ryan as a gift by the people in Venezuela as a token of their appreciation for his ministry there.

“It’s a white tiger with blue eyes and they’re very rare,” Sharon said. It was a gift of great significance, she said, as it was meant to express that Father Ryan was “a rare gem.”

The funeral Mass for Father Ryan was July 23 at St. Rose of Lima. Interment is at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights.

COURTESY DR. MICHAEL AND SHARON BOWEN Father Patrick Ryan in the rectory of St. Rose of Lima in Roseville in 1992.

COURTESY JEREMY MINES | CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA

Timothy Crawl-Bey, senior director of housing strategy at Catholic Charities USA, speaks at an advocacy forum in Dallas earlier this year.

Bishop Williams stresses gratitude, seeks the Lord’s guidance at farewell Holy Hour

By Joe Ruff The Catholic Spirit

Thanking God and all those who have helped him in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Bishop Joseph Williams presided at a Holy Hour of Thanksgiving July 14 as he prepares to depart for Camden, New Jersey, and serve as bishop there.

“Dear brothers and sisters, in a moment like this, there’s not much else to do but give thanks,” Bishop Williams said in his homily at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul. “And our Church ... has given us the perfect context to do that.”

The bishop reflected on Psalm 118, which was included in the liturgy, saying it holds both thanksgiving and a cry to God for assistance when in danger. The Lord rescues those in need, Bishop Williams said.

Joined in the sanctuary by Archbishop Bernard Hebda, Auxiliary Bishop Michael Izen, Bishop Emeritus Richard Pates and others, and in the pews by hundreds of faithful, including his parents, Dr. Gary and Mary Williams; his brother, Father Peter Williams; other family members; and parishioners from the many parishes he served, Bishop Williams thanked all those who supported him in the archdiocese where he grew up and has long called home.

“A week doesn’t go by as a bishop when somebody doesn’t ask me, ‘Are you Father Peter’s brother?’” Bishop Williams said. “I try to remind them that I’m his older brother.”

In remarks before the Holy Hour began, Archbishop Hebda said he was blessed to labor in the vineyard for more than two years with Bishop Williams at his side. The archbishop noted Bishop Williams’ work on the Archdiocesan Synod and his

help implementing the archbishop’s resulting pastoral letter.

“The Lord knows just what we need. (Bishop Williams’) strong sense of mission and culture made him the perfect person to lead us in that endeavor,” the archbishop said.

“May God bless you as you begin in this new phase of your ministry,” he said.

Many in the congregation spoke Spanish as their first language and parts of the liturgy were in English and Spanish. Bishop Williams delivered his homily in both languages. Bishop Williams’ ministry in the archdiocese included serving at parishes with many

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

agencies already addressing homelessness or the location has been identified by HUD as having higher levels of homelessness.

The forums, including the upcoming event in Minneapolis, include presenters suggesting ways to engage in advocacy. Attendees discuss how to develop best practices as people doing frontline work to end homelessness share their experiences of what has worked and what hasn’t. Cobbs said some of the forum sessions can include conversations about case management, mental health and substance use. There are conversations about navigating, and tapping into, community resources and discussions on collaboration and collective impact models.

Federal agencies invited to attend the forums include the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, HUD, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Cobbs said although not all representatives are able to participate in every forum, “for the most part, we’ve had at least three to four agencies that we invite to participate.”

“We hope to bring together people who both work in spaces where people are experiencing homelessness as well as those interested in getting more involved,” said Mike Rios-Keating, director of culture and belonging with Catholic Charities Twin Cities. “In this work it is important to take moments, in the spirit of community and the common good, to gather

Latino and Hispanic parishioners. He also served as the archdiocese’s vicar for Latino Ministry beginning in 2018.

Carlos Pinos, 45, a member of St. Stephen in Minneapolis, where Bishop Williams was pastor from 2008 until being appointed a bishop in 2022, said he came to the Holy Hour to thank God for Bishop Williams and “to pray for him so he can keep leading our Church the way he has been leading it.”

“We know we will miss him: his light, his leadership,” Pinos said. But now, he said, “other people need him.”

Bishop Williams’ parents reflected in a similar way before the Holy Hour.

“I truly believe his charisms are

ADVOCACY FORUM

WHAT: Catholic Charities USA’s Advocacy Forum: Convening on Practical Solutions to Homelessness

WHERE: Catholic Charities Twin Cities, 1007 E. 14th St., Minneapolis

WHEN: 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Aug. 8 and 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 9

HOW TO REGISTER: Registration for the forum is free. More information, including a registration link, can be found at tinyurl com/axc4yrde

MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED: Those interested can sign up for Catholic Charities Twin Cities’ action alerts, which notify subscribers about ways to connect with lawmakers, how to attend Homeless Day on the Hill, and opportunities for educational events. Learn more at cctwincities org/advocate

with the goal of learning from each other how we can better walk alongside those in need and help them on their journey toward stability.”

Rios-Keating, who will be attending the forum with several colleagues, will welcome attendees on the convening’s first day with prayer and notes on how to frame the event using Catholic social teaching. Cobbs said while the forum includes a Catholic social teaching framework, “we also want to know why others do this work as well. So, all people of goodwill, they’re welcome to attend the convening.”

needed in Camden and he will serve the people of South Jersey well,” Mary Williams said. “He is dearly loved by our whole big family in Minnesota, but the good and faithful of Camden have assured me, they will love him well.”

Gary Williams said the moment is bittersweet, but “he’s excited. We’re excited for him.”

Appointed coadjutor bishop in May, Bishop Williams is preparing to leave the archdiocese in August. A welcome Mass in Camden is planned for Sept. 10. He will succeed Bishop Dennis Sullivan as the ninth bishop of the diocese on March 17 as Bishop Sullivan retires.

Rios-Keating said attendees will also have opportunities to visit Dorothy Day Place in St. Paul and Hope Street for Youth in Minneapolis “where we will be able to highlight the work we are doing to support our neighbors in need in the Twin Cities.”

Though a final attendee count for the Minneapolis convening has yet to be determined, “the forum could easily get up to 50 people,” Cobbs said, adding that organizers typically cap the events at 75 people.

“People should come to the forum to learn, share and hear from others of like minds interested in addressing homelessness, but it’s also a way for them to get connected, hear ideals and learn (about) available resources and efforts taking place locally, regionally and nationally,” Cobbs said.

Cobbs said the ideas and information gathered at the convenings “will help guide the creation of a white paper of recommendations to support our advocacy efforts” to be delivered to the U.S. Congress “and also inform preparations for a national summit on homelessness in 2026.”

Rios-Keating suggested the upcoming Minneapolis forum “will be of interest to those who want to learn more about homelessness and about ways they can build support for people experiencing homelessness in their own communities and neighborhoods.”

It is “an opportunity to connect with others interested in learning about approaches to advocacy rooted in human dignity and caring for our most vulnerable neighbors,” Rios-Keating said. “The program answers our call to walk with both feet of loving service: charity and justice.”

DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT Bishop Joseph Williams greets people after the Holy Hour of Thanksgiving.

Energy, faith grow for archdiocesan attendees of Eucharistic congress

By Josh McGovern The Catholic Spirit

Andrea Gibbs, a freelance writer and parishioner of Divine Mercy in Faribault, was part of a group of 90 from her parish –– including 46 teenagers ––who attended the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis July 17-21.

After the very first day, Gibbs said the congress exceeded all expectations.

“I didn’t even realize yesterday was Sunday,” Gibbs said July 22. “When you are in the middle of 53,000 people, moving from one event to the next and crashing on the gym floor for a few hours of sleep, all the days start to blur together. One of the teens checked her watch yesterday and saw we had hit 30 miles of walking in five days.”

As for the 46 teens who went from Divine Mercy, Gibbs said the impact has been huge and will be long-lasting. While there, Gibbs and other Divine Mercy parishioners encouraged the teens to engage with the religious brothers, sisters, priests, bishops and cardinals in attendance.

“Our guidance was that they introduce themselves and ask how they could pray for the sister/priest and then later in their own prayer time, do pray through those prayer intentions,” she said.

One of her favorite moments from the congress occurred while in line at a taco truck, Gibbs said. She and others spotted some of the teen boys from Divine Mercy laying their hands on the shoulders of a group of Franciscan friars. The boys were praying over the friars.

“A few minutes later, still standing in the long line at the taco food truck, we saw another group of our teens with heads bowed praying with Dominican Sisters,” Gibbs said. “There had been a shift –– our teens had taken it upon themselves to pray on the spot aloud rather than just pray in the evening during their own personal prayer time.”

Katie Opsal, a youth minister at Divine Mercy, said her favorite moments were watching the youth fall in love with Christ even more.

“They shared many moments where the Holy Spirit spoke to them and they could feel our Lord’s presence in the Eucharist. Their match has been lit and they are fired up to go out on mission,” Opsal said. She described the teens as being quiet, reserved, closed off and anxious during the 10-hour bus ride to Indianapolis. The 10-hour ride home was a complete transformation, Opsal said.

“We could hardly keep them in their seats, they were so lit up with God’s love,” Opsal said. “Each evening of the conference, on the way back to the school where we were staying, they shared testimonies and encounters of how God spoke to them that day. These witness accounts not only helped them process their own feelings and emotions, but they also helped the rest of us to see how God works through others to help us.”

“The Lord is present in the Eucharist and is bringing heaven to earth each time Mass is celebrated, but we have become selfish and ungrateful,” Opsal said. “It is time to go out on Eucharistic mission and bring people to Christ, just like the Twelve Apostles did.”

“God is a God of beautiful surprises,” said Emily Dahdah, the director of the Department of Educational Quality and

COURTESY KATIE OPSAL

A group of young adult parishioners from Divine Mercy in Faribault raise their hands in praise and worship during the National Eucharistic Congress. Forty-six teenagers were part of the 90 total parishioners from Divine Mercy who made the trip to Indianapolis July 17-21.

Excellence in the Office for the Mission of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, when asked how the National Eucharistic Congress was faring one day in.

In those first hours alone, Dahdah and her sons had the chance to meet Oscar Rivera Jr., an impact session emcee and director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Fall River in Massachusetts. The family also saw Archbishop Bernard Hebda, and stopped for photos with each of them. Dahdah attended the congress with her husband, Peter Dahdah, a teacher at St. Agnes School in St. Paul, and their three sons. They made the trek to Indianapolis, along with those from Divine Mercy and parishioners from across the archdiocese, to experience Jesus as well as history. The event marked the first National Eucharistic Congress since 1941 in St. Paul; an International Eucharistic Congress was held in 1976 in Philadelphia.

“Everyday life as a family often feels like battling strong headwinds,” Dahdah said. “This weekend, to be together with so many Catholics, it feels like we are family together moving with the wind at our back.”

Peter Nguyen of St. Hubert in Chanhassen described seeing pilgrims from the four routes of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage that preceded the congress come together as one in Lucas Oil Stadium on the first night of the congress. The pilgrimage’s northern Marian Route included its launch in Minnesota May 19 from Lake Itasca in the Diocese of Crookston, and a May 27 Source and Summit procession in St. Paul that drew 7,000 people to the Eucharist.

Will Peterson — founder and president of St. Paul-based nonprofit Modern Catholic Pilgrim, which helped coordinate the four, national pilgrimage routes that crossed the United States to converge in Indianapolis — said the Source and Summit procession was the largest single event of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage prior to the congress.

“I do not know of any other procession or event that eclipsed the size of the Source and Summit procession in

congress also provided an opportunity to meet new people and share stories of how important the Eucharist has been in the lives of everyone there.

Nadine Friederichs, the director of mission at All Saints in Lakeville, said the speakers at the congress were “high rate.”

“They did an amazing job getting the best speakers possible into it for these sessions,” Friederichs said. “We’ve heard from religious, we’ve heard from cardinals, bishops, monsignors, religious sisters, brothers and laypeople who are doing different apostolates.”

More than 60,000 people attended the congress. Speakers included popular Catholic speakers such as Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of WinonaRochester, Father Michael Schmitz of the Diocese of Duluth and Matt Maher, a musician from Nashville, Tennessee.

Deacon Michalak presented a talk July 20 along with Deacon Omar Gutiérrez of the Diocese of Omaha, Nebraska, titled “The Deacon as Mystic, Servant in Liturgy, and Eucharistic Bridge,” as part of the congress’ Deacon Luncheon Experience.

St. Paul,” Peterson said. “It was a gift to participate in it.”

Deacon Joe Michalak, director of the archdiocese’s Office of Discipleship and Evangelization and a presenter at the congress, said he was informed that the July 19 Mass that Archbishop Bernard Hebda offered in a hotel ballroom for people from the archdiocese drew more than 600 people, the largest diocesan Mass at the congress.

“It was so shocking to see the large delegation from here in our separate diocesan Mass as the group could not be contained by the largest ballroom available,” Gibbs said. “Our diocese and parishes are already so alive with a love of the Eucharistic Lord, and the congress helped us see that others are walking alongside us from all over the United States with the same focus: Christ. We were encouraged repeatedly to remember we are not alone in our mission to continue to bring Christ to the world. We are walking this path together.”

As pilgrims from all four routes converged in Indianapolis, Nguyen said, Jesus in the Eucharist was the center of everyone’s attention. Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston helped lead the procession carrying the monstrance.

Bishop Cozzens spearheaded the U.S. bishops’ initiative of the three-year National Eucharistic Revival, which included the congress.

“We just saw the focus of God,” Nguyen said. “Then from there, Bishop Cozzens brought up the largest monstrance I’ve ever seen in my life, and we all gathered as one just admiring Jesus. … We all genuflected for a while and kneeled and from then on out, we just prayed together as one, listened together as one.”

For Nguyen and Dahdah, the days were packed with speaker and revival sessions. Despite some sessions being listed as full, Nguyen said, congress employees were lenient with letting people experience any session they chose.

“Everyone came from such long ways to get to this congress,” Nguyen said. He described the feeling there as “very joyful” with everyone in attendance “happy to be here.” Nguyen said the

Friederichs said one day during the congress there was an examination of conscience that resulted in an hour-long wait in confession lines, despite having over 1,000 priests present. Every inch of space, she said, was covered with people. There were crowds for the Shroud of Turin exhibit, Eucharistic miracles and perpetual adoration.

“Finding time to be with him (Jesus) present in Eucharist, not just receiving him but being with him in adoration and surrendering yourself to him when you are sitting with him or in his presence, that’s what I think has changed for me, is how to experience that relationship,” Friederichs said.

At the congress, a nearby church was open for perpetual adoration. In addition, before each night’s final session in the stadium, there were 20-minute periods dedicated to adoration.

“This congress is much more than an event,” Bishop Cozzens said. “It’s part of the missionary conversion of the Church in the United States as part of our National Eucharistic Revival. How do we go boldly on mission into our world to invite people to a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ in his Church? We do this when we are healed, formed, converted and unified through a renewed encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist so that you and I can be sent on mission for the life of the world.”

Also from the archdiocese, Phil Ervin, the communications director at The St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, traveled to the congress with 20 seminarians, several priests and the seminary rector, Father Joseph Taphorn. Father Tim Tran, the archdiocesan point person for the National Eucharistic Revival and associate pastor of St. Stephen in Anoka, also attended.

At the end of the congress, attendees reported a sense of amazement when departing Indianapolis and returning home across the country. Friederichs said her group left the congress “on fire” and eager to return home with that flame, to pass it on to others.

“Our leaving (the) congress needs to be outward facing, praying and then walking with others who have fallen away from their faith,” Gibbs said.

NATION+WORLD

Congress sends forth Catholics to ignite new Pentecost as Eucharistic missionaries

By Peter Jesserer Smith OSV News

As five days of the National Eucharistic Congress concluded with one final revival and a beautiful solemn Mass, Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, board chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress Inc., stood in Lucas Oil Stadium.

“I have a question for you,” he told the crowd in Indianapolis. “This is the 10th National Eucharistic Congress — do you think we should do an 11th one?”

Some 60,000 congress participants — representing 50 U.S. states, 17 countries, and various Eastern and Western churches, and speaking over 40 languages — cheered wildly in the stadium.

They again rose to their feet to give the U.S. Catholic bishops an enthusiastic standing ovation for making possible the five-day congress with its impact sessions, breakout sessions, special events, revival nights with Eucharistic adoration and Benediction and beautifully celebrated reverent Masses.

The event reflected the diversity of a Church all united in the same Eucharistic Lord and eager to use their gifts for a new Pentecost in the Church.

The first day of the July 17-21 congress began with an evening revival as the 30 perpetual pilgrims, who had walked the four National Eucharistic Pilgrimage routes, took their final official steps of their eight-week journey into the stadium carrying icons of each route’s respective patron saints — St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, St. Junípero Serra, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the Blessed Virgin Mary — that were put around the altar where the Blessed Sacrament was placed.

“How will we know that we are experiencing Eucharistic revival?”

Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio to the United States, asked in his keynote speech July 17, encouraging everyone to surrender their hearts to the Lord over the next few days. “When we are truly revived by the Eucharist,” he said, “then our encounter with Christ’s real presence in the sacrament opens us to an encounter with him in the rest of our life” and “spills over in our daily life, a life of relating to others, our way of seeing others.”

Every day of the congress began with most congress-goers joining in beautifully and reverently celebrated Eucharistic liturgies in the stadium — including a July 20 Holy Qurbana, the Syro-Malabar form of the Eucharistic liturgy, prayed in English. Additional morning and evening Masses at nearby sites were offered in different languages, such as Spanish or Vietnamese, or in different forms, such as the Byzantine rite or the older usage of the Roman rite.

Three days of the congress, July 1820, were split between seven morning impact sessions and nearly 20 afternoon breakout sessions on a variety of topics meant to form, equip and inspire people, including clergy, to live more deeply in their faith, in light of Jesus making himself truly present in the Eucharist — and to practically bring what they have learned into their parishes, ministries, groups and families.

families, where children were invited to get close to the Eucharist, put a flower in a vase near the monstrance, and just adore as beautiful, simple melodies filled the packed church.

More than 1,200 religious sisters and brothers, 1,170 priests, 630 deacons, 610 seminarians and 200 bishops participated in the congress, according to congress organizers. At a press conference July 19, Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson Pérez said he had never seen anything like the congress, as a non-papal event, in his 35 years of priesthood.

“You can sense the energy of what’s happening here, which is touching hearts,” he said, adding the experience was making him think about how to respond to the need for the Church’s sacraments to be more accessible.

The exhibit halls in the Indiana Convention Center were packed throughout the congress, as long lines formed for exhibits such as the Shroud of Turin or Eucharistic miracles. Religious sisters provided a kind of spiritual air traffic control that guided people to the lengthy confession lines.

The convention center was also a place where joyful spontaneity could be seen and felt. Young people marched through chanting their love for Jesus, while further on, a group of Catholic women, dressed in traditional apparel from Cameroon, sang and danced their love for Jesus and Mary to the delight of people who gathered around them.

Congress-goers had the opportunity to attend off-site events such as The Catholic Project’s panel discussion July 19 that explored the challenges of navigating the dating landscape as Catholics.

Tens of thousands of congress-goers at the revivals — and the liturgies as well — eagerly joined their voices in singing beautiful hymns and chants, both traditional and contemporary, in English, Spanish, Latin and other languages. The congress saw the musicianship of Dave and Lauren Moore, Sarah Kroger and Matt Maher, as well as the talents of the men’s ensemble Floriani and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

“The reverence was just awe-inspiring, and that’s something I would like to take back to our parish,” Deacon Robb Caputo of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, told OSV News.

The nightly revival sessions created a sensory experience of awe around the Eucharistic Lord, as tens of thousands prayed in silent contemplation before the Eucharist on the altar — illuminated in the dark stadium by spotlights. Adoring Jesus in the stadium, concluding with Benediction, was the pinnacle movement of each evening.

Keynote speakers and testimonies helped keep people’s eyes fixed on Jesus’ personal love for them and his desire to be close to them.

One such nightly revival, focused on healing, indicated that the problem with Catholic belief in the Eucharist was more about the heart than the head, and needed Catholics to repent of their indifference to Jesus.

“Knowledge can make us great, but only love can make a saint,” said Father Michael Schmitz of the Diocese of Duluth, who is known for chart-topping podcasts “The Bible in a Year” and “The Catechism in a Year.” Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart, who survived four wars in the Middle East, recounted how during her own personal suffering she heard Jesus say in her heart: “That even on the cross and through the cross, we can still choose to love.”

Jonathan Roumie, the actor famous for his portrayal of Jesus in the hit miniseries “The Chosen,” told the audience at the final revival night July 20, after reading Jesus’ Bread of Life discourse from John 6, “The Eucharist for me is healing. The Eucharist for me is peace, the Eucharist for me is my grounding. The Eucharist for me is his heart within me.”

Congress organizers also made intentional efforts to be inclusive of families and those with disabilities, particularly those with sensory disorders, so they could also experience the congress and participate fully in the experience.

Murielle and Dominic Blanchard of Gallup, New Mexico, navigated the congress with six children aged 8 and under, including 20-month twins, and a baby on the way. They said the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium was key for them, because it provided both formation for their older children and had space for the twins to play.

Throughout the congress, the historic and stately St. John’s Catholic Church across from the Indiana Convention Center’s main entrance fulfilled its role as a spiritual hub. A steady flow of pilgrims came and went from the main church during 24-hour adoration throughout the congress. It had times for silence as well as times geared toward

One highlight came July 20 as tens of thousands of Catholics followed behind the truck-pulled, flower-rimmed float carrying the Blessed Sacrament accompanied by Bishop Cozzens and Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson. They walked 10 blocks from the convention center through downtown Indianapolis to the Indiana War Memorial Plaza for what Bishop Cozzens said “might be the largest Eucharistic procession in the country in decades.”

Nancy Leuhrmann of Cincinnati told OSV News the experience, which culminated in Eucharistic adoration and Benediction at the plaza, was “really wonderful, seeing all the people just quiet, reverent and joyful.” Leuhrmann said the security presence didn’t have much to do and she noted that officers thanked the crowd for making their jobs easy.

At the sending-forth Mass July 21, Pope Francis’ special envoy to the congress, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, delivered a homily with warmth, joy and humor that made participants both laugh and feel inspired as he told them, “A Eucharistic people is a missionary and evangelizing people.”

“We should not keep Jesus to ourselves,” he said, exhorting them not to use their time in church to escape others, but to “share Jesus’ tender love” with “the weary, the hungry and suffering ... the lost, confused and weak.”

“Go and share Jesus’ gift of reconciliation and peace to those who are divided,” he said, emphasizing, “Let us proclaim Jesus joyfully and zealously for the life of the world!”

Bishop Cozzens revealed there would be another National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in 2025 from Indianapolis to Los Angeles, and possibly an earlier National Eucharistic Congress than 2033.

But he invited people to take this experience of the congress and — echoing Cardinal Tagle’s call for Eucharistic “missionary conversion” — join the congress’s “Walk with One” initiative.

“Commit yourself to walking with one person,” he said. “Commit yourself to becoming a Eucharistic missionary, someone who lives deeply a Eucharistic life, and having received that gift, allows themselves to be given as a gift.”

OSV NEWS | BOB ROLLER

Bishop David Toups of Beaumont, Texas, swings a censer in front of the monstrance during Eucharistic adoration July 20, at the final revival night of the National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

HEADLINES

uPresident Joe Biden ends his 2024 reelection bid. In an announcement July 21, President Joe Biden said he made the historic decision to end his 2024 election bid, ending several weeks of speculation about Biden’s political future and viability in the November election and his ability to serve another four-year term in the White House, after his performance at a June 27 debate raised concerns about his physical and mental stamina heading into the general election campaign. In a letter posted on X, formerly Twitter, Biden said, “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.” In a subsequent social media post, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee in November. Harris in a statement praised Biden for “his extraordinary leadership” and called it “a profound honor” to be his vice president. Biden, who was previously the first Catholic vice president, and later became the second Catholic president in U.S. history, has previously been at odds with the U.S. bishops over his administration’s abortion policy but has won some bishops’ praise on refugee and climate-related policies, as well as mixed responses to his policies on immigration.

uA Eucharistic pilgrimage is planned for 2025, the next congress before 2033. A Eucharistic pilgrimage from Indianapolis to Los Angeles is being planned for spring 2025, Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston announced July 21 at the end of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress’ closing Mass. Few logistics have been determined, but the route will likely travel through the American Southwest, culminating in a Corpus Christi Mass in Los Angeles with Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles. With more than 4 million Catholics, Los Angeles is home to the nation’s largest Catholic population. Congress organizers also had been considering holding an 11th National Eucharistic Congress in 2033, the “Year of Redemption,” 2,000 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection, but they’re now discerning organizing an event sooner at the enthusiastic urging of supporters, said Bishop Cozzens, board chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress Inc., which organized the five-day congress and preceding eightweek Eucharistic pilgrimage. The pilgrimage and congress are part of the National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year initiative of the U.S. bishops launched in 2022 to increase understanding of and love for Jesus in the Eucharist. The close of the congress launches the Year of Mission, during which the bishops are encouraging Catholics to “walk with one” by sharing their faith and accompanying another person to better know Jesus and his love.

uPope calls for Olympic truce, cessation of conflict among nations. With world peace under serious threat, Pope Francis called on all nations to observe the Olympic truce and cease all conflicts for the traditional period before, during and after the Olympic Games in Paris. “As is the custom of this ancient tradition, may the Olympic Games be an occasion to call for a cease-fire in wars, demonstrating a sincere desire for peace,” he said after praying the Angelus with visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square July 21. “I hope that this event may be a beacon of the

inclusive world we want to build and that athletes, with their sporting testimony, may be messengers of peace and authentic models for young people,” he said. The Olympic truce tradition, originating in Greece in the 8th century B.C., asked that all wars and conflict be suspended during the games and seven days before and after the games as a way to make sure participants could travel to and from the venue safely. The Olympic Games begin July 26 and run until Aug. 11, followed by the Paralympic Games, which will take place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.

uVatican offers indulgence for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Any Catholic who participates in the celebration July 28 of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly can receive a plenary indulgence, the Vatican announced. “Grandparents, the elderly and all the faithful who, motivated by a true spirit of penance and charity,” attend Mass or other prayer services as part of the day’s celebration can receive the indulgence, which “may also be applied as a suffrage to the souls in purgatory,” said the announcement published July 18 by the Apostolic Penitentiary, the Vatican court charged with granting indulgences. The Vatican said the indulgence also can apply to those who “devote adequate time to actually or virtually visiting their elderly brothers and sisters in need or in difficulty,” such as those who are sick, lonely or disabled. To receive a plenary indulgence, which is a remission of the temporal punishment due for one’s sins, a person must show detachment from sin, go to confession, receive the Eucharist and pray for the intentions of the pope. The announcement also urged priests “to make themselves available, in a ready and generous spirit,” to hear confessions. The indulgence also is available to “the elderly sick and all those who, unable to leave their homes for a serious reason,” spiritually join the celebrations, which will be broadcast through various media, and offer “to the merciful God their prayers, pains or sufferings,” the Vatican said.

uTexas AG appeals after state judge rejects effort to shut down Catholic border ministry. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a direct appeal July 15 to the Texas Supreme Court seeking to revive his effort to shut down Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas, a Catholic nonprofit serving migrants, after a state judge earlier the same month dismissed his lawsuit. Paxton was widely expected to appeal the ruling, but it remains to be seen whether the Texas Supreme Court will accept the case on appeal, or what if any action the court would take. In court filings and press statements, Paxton’s office alleged Annunciation House runs “stash houses,” facilitates illegal border crossings, conceals “illegally present aliens from law enforcement” and did not turn over documents in its investigation. But Annunciation House and its attorneys denied wrongdoing or illegal conduct and said Paxton’s office did not adhere to appropriate legal processes for requesting documents from them. In a July 15 statement, Paxton said, “For too long, Annunciation House has flouted the law and contributed to the worsening illegal immigration crisis at Texas’s border with Mexico.” “I am appealing this case and will continue to vigorously enforce the law against any NGO engaging in criminal conduct,” he added. A spokesperson for Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, which represents Annunciation House, declined to comment. A spokesperson

for the Diocese of El Paso did not immediately respond to a request for comment. uIconic French priest known for care of the poor accused of abuse, his community says. French Catholics were shocked to learn July 17 of the “sexual assault or sexual harassment” allegations against the famed priest Abbé Pierre, who, inspired by a story of a woman who had frozen to death on the streets of Paris with an eviction notice in her hand, created the most vibrant ministry for the poor in the entire country and made laws changed so that the poor don’t suffer by eviction. The priest, who died in 2007 at the age of 94, was a former Resistance fighter and member of parliament. In 1949, he founded the Emmaus Community for the poor. Well-known in France, the association went on to expand and become international. Abbé Pierre was admired at home and abroad far beyond the Church. It was his own community, Emmaus — both its International and French branch, along with the Abbé Pierre Foundation — that released information about the accusations and results of an investigation into the allegations committed against “several women” between “the end of the 1970s and 2005,” the organizations said in a joint July 17 statement. “The Emmaüs Movement is making public (the) facts that may be similar to sexual assault or sexual harassment, committed by Abbé Pierre,” that concerned “employees, volunteers and volunteers from some of our member organizations, or young women in Abbé Pierre’s personal entourage,” the statement said. One of the women “was a minor at the time of the first events.”

uTrump is safe but grazed in an assassination attempt; Catholic bishops call for prayers for peace. Former President Donald Trump is reported to be “fine” after a bullet grazed his ear from shots fired at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, July 13. U.S. Secret Service rushed the presumptive Republican presidential nominee offstage with visible blood on his face and ear, as he paused to pump his fist at supporters. “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” Trump later posted on social media. “I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.” Several hours after the incident, Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office, described the shooting as an “assassination attempt.” The FBI later identified the deceased gunman as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Earlier that evening, the Secret Service confirmed that “a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue” and that it “neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased.” One spectator was killed during the shooting and two spectators were critically injured. In an Oval Office address the evening after the shooting, President Joe Biden condemned political violence and urged Americans to “lower the temperature in our politics.” Biden also expressed his condolences to the family of Corey Comperatore, the rally attendee who was killed in the shooting. Biden called Comperatore a “hero” who reportedly shielded his family as shots rang out. “A former president was shot and an American citizen killed while simply exercising his freedom to support the candidate of his choosing,” Biden said. “We can not, we must not, go down this road in America.” Bishop David Zubik of the

Diocese of Pittsburgh, which includes Butler, was among bishops who issued statements condemning the violence and calling for prayers for peace. Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a statement, “Together with my brother bishops, we condemn political violence, and we offer our prayers for President Trump, and those who were killed or injured.” Politics professor John White of The Catholic University of America in Washington told OSV News, “The political temperature is at the boiling point” and “our religious leaders can help to turn down the temperature.”

uNative Americans gathered in North Carolina to celebrate Catholic faith and traditional culture. The Tekakwitha Conference “is the world’s largest gathering of Catholic, Native Americans,” said Jody Roy of Chicago, who was in Raleigh to attend the 85th annual conference. “We represent more than 500 different tribes in the United States. Here, we share how we integrate our traditional culture with Catholic faith,” she told NC Catholics, the magazine of the Diocese of Raleigh. Roy, who attended her first Tekakwitha Conference in 2005, was among people from states such as South Dakota, New Mexico, Colorado, New York and Louisiana who gathered July 3-7 at the Raleigh Marriott City Center for the 2024 conference. Attendees also traveled from Quebec, Canada, organizers said, and programming was offered for both youth and adults. Roy is Ojibwe, which, she said, is one of the Great Lakes tribes. As she constructed a bookmark of fresh sweetgrass and black ash during an afternoon conference session, she noted that her favorite part of the five-day conference was praying as a group. The conference offered attendees sunrise services, a trip to Fourth of July fireworks at nearby Dix Park and sacraments such as reconciliation. It also presented an opportunity to focus on the life of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, known as Lily of the Mohawks. The first North American, Indigenous saint in the Church, she was canonized in 2012.

u St. Peter’s Basilica hires two women to its elite team of artisans. St. Peter’s Basilica hired two women to its team of “sanpietrini,” the church’s specialized artisans and workers, for the first time since the basilica’s maintenance office was established 500 years ago. The Fabbrica di San Pietro, the office responsible for the upkeep of the basilica, has a special team of about 80 people who are in charge of the cleaning, maintenance, surveillance and reception services at the world’s largest Christian church. About 60,000 people come through the basilica each day, the Fabbrica said on its website. The “sanpietrini” are made up of carpenters, masons, electricians, plumbers, blacksmiths, plasterers, decorators, sculptors, stone cutters, scaffolders and general laborers. The two new female hires, who are 26 and 21 years old and from Italy, are recent graduates of the basilica’s recently relaunched School of Fine Arts and Traditional Trades where they specialized in masonry and decorative and ornamental plastering, Vatican News reported July 11. It is the first time in 500 years, since the founding of the Fabbrica di San Pietro, that women have been hired as sanpietrini, Vatican News said.

Many hands give major facelift to place in St. Paul retired priests call home

Story and photos by Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit

FFather Patrick Kennedy retired from active ministry in 2019. He moved to the Leo C. Byrne Residence for retired priests in St. Paul in 2020.

He didn’t like what he saw.

“A kind way to put it is it was dilapidated,” said Father Kennedy, 74. “I think the window bays were probably the most disturbing. They had had a lot of water damage over the years.”

Early in 2021, Father Kennedy brought his concerns to Father Michael Tix, now a vicar general for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Father Kennedy told Father Tix: “This place is in deep trouble.”

The two priests decided it was time to act. The result is $6.5 million worth of renovations made possible by a fundraising campaign that featured several large donations and many smaller ones.

Some of those donors attended a Mass June 17 in the newly renovated chapel, in which Archbishop Bernard Hebda lauded both the upgrades and those who helped finance them.

That the campaign raised the necessary funds for the project, paving the way for the work to be done in 2023 and 2024, was both a powerful statement about how Catholics love their priests and an inspiring affirmation to the residents who have served the Church for decades. The project is now in its next phase: raising money for future repairs.

“I think it’s a miracle,” said Father Kennedy, the on-site leader of the project, who worked with crew members of McGough Construction of North St. Paul to carry out the renovation plan. “There’s a deep appreciation for priests and the service that they have rendered.”

In the early stages of the project, which Archbishop Hebda enthusiastically endorsed, leaders of the effort asked Bill Lentsch, chief operating officer of the archdiocese, to spearhead the fundraising. Lentsch, who served as an executive for Delta Air Lines before joining the archdiocese, gladly accepted the role.

“When I started in October of ‘21, I

‘It’s a miracle

FATHER PATRICK KENNEDY

BILL LENTSCH

archdiocese over decades –– and came up with an estimate of $6.5 million to complete all the necessary repairs. A Catholic couple, Patrick and Michelle Fox of St. Olaf in Minneapolis, started the fundraising process and raised about $1 million before reaching a plateau, Lentsch said.

In April 2022, Lentsch sat down with the Foxes and a few others to figure out how to “breathe some (more) life into the fundraising,” he said. They decided to ask priests to bring the fundraising need to every parish in the archdiocese right after Easter of that year. As the message spread, money started coming in from the parishes.

Then, the campaign took a huge step forward when a longtime priest friend of Lentsch’s made a strong pitch during a homily. Someone in the pews heard the message and talked with Lentsch the very next day. He wanted to get involved financially.

Turns out, this gentleman had a friend he also wanted to involve. The two of them met with Lentsch and Father Kennedy. That conversation led to discussing the idea of creating a charitable trust that would cover the project’s cost and provide funding for all future needs of the Byrne Residence.

“We did this in a 90-minute conversation,” said Lentsch, noting that the two donors asked to remain anonymous. “We started talking about ways to raise money around this and what would be the most effective. We thought the best way to do it was to create a perpetual, irrevocable, charitable trust.”

There was one key caveat: Doing so would take ownership of the Byrne Residence out of the hands of the archdiocese and transfer it to the trust and its trustees. Lentsch took the proposal to Archbishop Hebda.

“His view about this was, ‘It’s not building ownership that I’m interested in; I’m just interested in making sure that my brother priests are well cared for in their retirement,’” Lentsch said.

selflessly for so many years, have a safe, comfortable place to call home in their retirement,” he said.

Lentsch recalled his own experiences of being served by priests and highlighted Father Bob White, who was at St. Mark in St. Paul while Lentsch was growing up in the parish. Father White now is the pastor of St. Victoria in Victoria.

“He was an associate at St. Mark’s,” Lentsch said. “I knew Father Bob back then quite well. He supported all of the athletics, and he was at nearly every one of my basketball games, every one of my football games, every one of my baseball games. He was like that.”

Lentsch, and many others, it turns out, don’t want priests who have served the archdiocese faithfully for years to be forgotten. They are putting their dollars into this campaign to make that simple point. Those donations have warmed the heart of Archbishop Hebda, who likewise carries a concern for retired priests.

“I was overwhelmed by the generosity of our lay faithful in supporting this project,” he said, “and am delighted that a number of individuals have stepped forward to make sure that the Byrne Residence will be maintained and cared for in the years to come.”

This commitment is why priests like Father Bob Hart, who retired in 2018 and

has lived at the Byrne Residence since then, can enjoy nice accommodations and step outside to beautiful landscaping — another donation made when a contractor did the work at reduced cost — and then take a stroll along Mississippi River Boulevard, along which the Byrne Residence sits.

He said he has taken note of the improvements, including the exterior brick that has been given a deep cleaning, and he particularly appreciates the heartfelt generosity of the many people who have contributed to the campaign.

“It’s humbling to have that kind of support,” said Father Hart, 75, who was ordained in 2000 and recently accepted the role of parochial administrator at Annunciation in south Minneapolis. “I think it proves that the people love their priests, and they want to see them taken care of as they get older.”

Father Kennedy, who stepped forward to draw attention to the need for renovations, is deeply moved by the results.

“I’m overwhelmed (by) how it all turned out,” he said. “It was the work of many people and every one of us did our part.”

For more information on the Byrne Residence and to donate, visit archspm.org/leo-c-byrne-residence.

CORN DAYS

honestly didn’t even know that the archdiocese owned the Byrne Residence,” Lentsch said. “Father Kennedy reached out to me (in 2022) and shared with me that there were some needs at the Byrne Residence: The building was in disrepair, the roof was leaking, there were windows that were leaking, there was mold in a number of the units, the HVAC system was unreliable, the lighting was outdated, the elevator was unreliable.”

Father Kennedy began working with McGough Construction –– which has done numerous projects in the

With approval secured from both the archbishop and the Archdiocesan Corporate Board and Finance Committee, the Leo C. Byrne Residence Trust was created, with stewardship support from the Catholic Community Foundation in St. Paul. The two donors raised enough money — much of it their own — to cover the remaining $5.5 million for the project, plus a good chunk for an ongoing, dedicated maintenance fund. Lentsch said the goal is to put several million dollars into the fund so that the facility, which was built in 1995 and sits next door to The St. Paul Seminary, never falls into disrepair again.

For Lentsch, it is only fitting to provide a much-needed update of a building that 24 retired priests currently call home (there are 29 apartments available for priests).

“I am so pleased to see that these retired priests, who have given so

Fr. Doug

Fr. Derek

Fr. Peter

Fr. Steve

Fr. Kevin

Dcn Mick

ABOVE The Leo C. Byrne Residence underwent interior and exterior renovations as part of a $6.5 million project. On the outside, the original stone was cleaned and extensive mold removed, plus new windows were installed in priests’ apartments.

LEFT Archbishop Bernard Hebda, center, celebrates a Mass June 17 for donors in the newly renovated chapel at the Byrne Residence.

FAITH+CULTURE

At 94, Sister Rosalind still brings healing touch

By Christina Capecchi

For The Catholic Spirit

Sister Rosalind Gefre, 94, the Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet who founded a massage school and rose to fame as the beloved masseuse of the St. Paul Saints, is receiving special recognition this summer. She will be honored at the Aug. 10 Saints game with an appreciation night, when the first 1,500 fans will receive a bobblehead called “The Massaging Nun.”

“You never know!” she said. “My life has been unbelievable –– for a farm girl with an eighth-grade graduation. God has been so good to me, and people are so good to me.”

Although Sister Rosalind no longer gives massages at Saints games, she occasionally massages friends. And she remains an ardent believer in the healing touch, dispensing hugs and kisses to everyone she encounters as she scoots around with her walker at Carondelet Village, the retirement center in St. Paul where she lives –– attending Mass, socializing in the dining room and working out twice a week on a recumbent elliptical.

Q You grew up during the Great Depression, one of 13 kids, and helped run the family farm after your dad died

A I remember those dust storms. We would cover up the windows with plastic, wrapping two layers and pasting it around the ridges. But no matter how well you covered it, the dust could get in.

We wore jean overalls –– we called them prairie pants. They were almost always worn out and patched up. My mother would take the old patch off and put a new one on.

We had no running water or electricity, so we used kerosene lamps. We lived on the money we earned selling cream and eggs. One day my mom came to me and said, “Margaret, come, I want to show you: I hid $50. If I should die, I want you to know so you can use it for the family.”

I remember I was always cold. There’d be four of us in one bed. I’d crawl

between the girls so I would be warm. We prayed before and after every meal. In the summers, we were always praying for rain. We’d get up early to milk the cows.

Q Today we live in an age of excess, but back then, you lived simply.

A We girls each had one doll –– that was our plaything. We usually didn’t play with it because we were supposed to keep it nice and clean. I remember one Christmas I got a beautiful, flowered handkerchief. That was my present. I treasured it. I showed everyone.

Q Your faith took root on the North Dakota prairie.

A When I was 10, on a beautiful summer day, I said, “Jesus, I’m going to be a sister and a saint.” I remember the sun was so beautiful. That was my desire.

Q One thing stood in your way: a boyfriend. At age 19, you asked him to take you to the train station, and you boarded a train that took you to a cloistered convent in St. Paul, where you would enter religious life.

A I just felt if I would’ve put it off another day, I probably would not have entered. We usually had a goodnight kiss –– a little peck on the cheek. That’s all we did. I feel that if I had given him that kiss that last time, I probably would not have left.

Q He went on to marry your sister.

A She wrote me a letter asking if she could start dating him, and I said, “Oh, yes! He’s a prince of a man!” I was so happy for her.

Q You knew you had a different call. And though it took some time to adjust, religious life exceeded your wildest dreams, allowing you to become a nurse, found an acclaimed massage school, advocate for the

profession and minister to the masses at baseball games. You were tireless, standing and massaging the entire game.

A My hands are unusual. All that milking of cows.

Q Some of those strangers at the stadium poured their hearts out to you.

A It’s both a privilege, but it’s also hard, because after the game, you won’t see them again.

Q You had a long run with the Saints.

A I quit when the (COVID) virus started. I sort of regretted it, but I thought it might make some of the people here uncomfortable.

Q Do you miss it?

A Oh yes. I still do some massage for my friends here –– maybe they have a headache or a backache. Whatever they need. I don’t do table massage, but I do chair massage.

I still feel my life is rich. I go to Mass and say my private little prayers as I walk up and down the corridor. I pray a lot ––

not formal, but just, “Jesus, I love you.” My life is basically praying all day.

I’ve been watching the Eucharistic Congress on EWTN. There are loads of priests! It is so beautiful and so orderly. It makes me feel so hopeful.

I’m sort of getting quite blind. And of course, the hearing is going. No matter how hearing aids work, they break, or things go wrong, and then I don’t hear at all. But I do what I can, and people are always good to me and helping me. I feel very blessed. I’m still alive, and my mind is still good. I’ve had an aneurism in my heart for 10 years. They’re dangerous. I’ve been waiting for it to burst. But I’m still here.

Q Do you look forward to heaven?

A Yeah, I think of it a lot –– to meet my mom and dad again. I was so young when (my father) died. I remember very, very little about him. I used to have nightmares, and I’d scream, and he’d come running to my bed and scoop me up and carry me over and lay me down between (my mother and him). I will never forget the warmth and loving I got.

Q Maybe heaven will feel like that.

A Oh, I could imagine! Our heavenly Father –– to be near him. Yes.

Q What do you know for sure?

A I believe that I am loved tremendously by our heavenly Father and by Jesus. Many people are hurting. They’ve never been touched with love. When I walk by people here, I always pat them on the back or rub their arm or say something silly just to let them know there’s someone who cares. I remember one time I hugged a waitress and she broke down sobbing. She’d had a horrible day. In my mind, that is what I want to be: Be Jesus to others. And they are Jesus to me. Whatever I do to them is done to Jesus –– that, I have grown to be very aware of.

DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Basilica Block Party makes 2024 return at new location

By Rebecca Omastiak The Catholic Spirit

The Basilica Block Party music festival is returning to Minneapolis this year with a twoday event in August.

Held Aug. 2-3 at Boom Island Park, the event will feature both well-known and emerging musicians. Proceeds will go toward restoration efforts at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis and the parish’s St. Vincent de Paul outreach, which includes caring for those experiencing homelessness and assisting those in need.

The Basilica Block Party was held near the Basilica for years. It was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but returned in September 2021. Organizers said attendance was down that year as COVID-19 uncertainties continued. Organizers placed the festival on a hiatus both in 2022 and 2023 as they sought “to reimagine the event for

future years.”

“We are thrilled to bring back the Basilica Block Party in 2024,” Father Daniel Griffith, pastor of the Basilica of St. Mary, said in a statement. “This event has become a cherished tradition

In July, watch this blockbuster sci-fi

By Bishop Robert Reed OSV News

If you like a good science fiction flick, “Independence Day” is an engaging movie worth viewing again –– and thinking about from a faith perspective. Released in 1996, it stars a youthful, charismatic Will Smith and an impressive roster of well-regarded actors. And it has a great soundtrack.

For those unfamiliar with the movie, or who haven’t seen it in a decade or more, here’s a quick refresher: Like global fireworks, skies around the world are ignited and humanity is overshadowed as a fleet of extraterrestrial crafts emerge from a mothership suspended over the White House. They travel to major city capitals all over the world, and there hover quietly. There is no immediate action, but their silence feels more menacing than peaceful.

Studying the data, a technician realizes he’s seeing a countdown, and that the entire world is in danger of an imminent and coordinated attack. He is too late getting the message out and

we watch as each spacecraft fires great beams of light, and the great cities of planet Earth –– New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and more –– instantly fall, becoming theaters of death and human powerlessness in the face of an inescapable chaos. For persons of faith, it is easy to imagine the fiery end to St. Peter’s Basilica and the churches of Rome, all the glories of human artwork, engineering and faith to which the great city gives witness, wiped out in an instant. In Jerusalem, the very streets upon which Jesus walked, preached, healed and bled would be similarly vanquished and, over time, erased from human memory.

The otherworldly visitors sought the total annihilation of humanity, and they would very nearly succeed, save for an unlikely group of individuals –– people of different backgrounds, skill sets, gifts and faults who are brought together through pure circumstance and manage to save the day.

Human race: 1 –– Aliens from another world: 0.

Sometime this month, after the actual

Christian music label brings festival to St. Paul

By Joe Ruff

The Catholic Spirit

Twin Cities-based, Christian music label Dayton Avenue has put together an Aug. 4 music festival at a coffee shop in St. Paul that features its own Connor Flanagan and nationally known, Grammy nominated Christian pop artist Britt Nicole.

Two high energy bands from Minneapolis –– Wonderstate and Harbor and Home –– will also be among the artists at the 6-10:30 p.m. event at 526 Coffee Shop and Music Cafe on Selby Avenue in St. Paul. Nicole was nominated at the 55th annual Grammy Awards in 2013 for best contemporary Christian music album for her 2012 album “Gold.”

“We want to share what we’ve been given” through Christian music, said Flanagan, a member of St. Mary in the Lowertown neighborhood of St. Paul

and a hip-hop artist with songs including “Won’t Give Up,” “Fulltime Dreamer” and “Be Not Afraid.”

“We believe in the space we’re creating, a place to receive really awesome, Christian music,” Flanagan said.

It is the first music festival hosted by Dayton Avenue, which was founded in 2020 with the goal of impacting culture through music by investing in and encouraging artists who convey a positive message.

A key motto for Dayton Avenue is “kingdom over competition,” and its mission statement reads: “Dayton Avenue exists to be a tide that raises all ships, a house of encouragement to all those we meet, and a force for the Kingdom of God, using music as a way to engage culture and turn hearts toward the creator.”

Tickets for the festival can be found at tinyurl com/e58c6wen

for both our community and the city of Minneapolis. Not only does it provide incredible entertainment for attendees, but it also plays a vital role in supporting the Basilica’s mission and outreach to those in need.”

According to organizers, the Basilica Block Party is one of the longestrunning nonprofit music festivals in the United States. It has featured a variety of musical acts since it was first introduced in 1995.

Xcel Energy owns the parking lot that had been the site of the music festival’s main stage in the past and needs the lot for several construction projects taking place, hence the Basilica Block Party’s move to Boom Island Park this year, organizers said.

Held on two stages at Boom Island Park, this year’s event will include performances from artists such as the Goo Goo Dolls, The Fray, Counting Crows, NeedToBreathe, Dean Lewis and Judah and The Lion. Local vendors will supply food and beverages, according to organizers.

More information about the Basilica Block Party, its lineup and tickets can be found online at basilicablockparty org

and remember the battle

Fourth of July, try to watch “Independence Day” once more, but this time through the lens of faith, considering the story of mysterious annihilation from unseen forces against the even greater mystery of our human ability to hope and believe, virtues that court real power, especially within this supernatural and sacramental Church, to assist in the constant battle between light and darkness in play all around us, all the time.

Bring to the viewing all that you know of sin and goodness, prayer and humanity, dread and courage. And remember that, no matter how finite the best efforts of humanity can seem, or how readily the things we value can crumble –– including the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and commemorate with each new Independence Day –– God desperately wants us to be united with him for all eternity.

But God’s desire requires our assent, our fiat, our longing matched to his.

That is what will ensure the final score showing: Human salvation: 1 –– Satan: 0. God wants us to know the joy and the freedom that his beloved son won for us

by his self-emptying. Never forget that Jesus took on our human condition in a complete way, but without sin. He lived the struggles we face each day, and we are his body, the Church, an unlucky group of uniquely gifted and faulty individuals brought together by grace.

Like intruders awaiting only the opportunity to obliterate all that is good, true, innocent or beautiful, the minions of hell hover and prowl, doing all they can to wreak spiritual and material havoc over our world in an attempt to settle the old score.

So, seek the Lord while he may be found. Call on God to help and to save. And appreciate the liberties that come from living in his truth!

Bishop Reed is an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston, pastor of St. Patrick and Sacred Heart parishes in Watertown, Massachusetts, and president of the CatholicTV Network. He is chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Communications. This is the monthly “More than Words” column at OSV News.

COURTESY OF BASILICA BLOCK PARTY

PARISHFALLFESTIVALS

Planning your late summer and fall weekends?

We did it for you!

Parishes in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis submitted their 2024 late summer and fall festivals for this guide, a comprehensive listing of carnivals, picnics and family-friendly fun hosted by our parishes.

Please note: The information represents parish submissions by press time. For updates, find the list online at TheCatholicSpirit.com.

AUGUST

St. Raphael, Crystal — Parish Festival: Aug. 2, 5-10 p.m., Aug. 3, 2:30-10 p.m. 7301 Bass Lake Road. Food, beverages, multiple-day softball tournament, beer truck, raffle and pull tabs, and inflatable obstacle course; Saturday only: bingo, cornhole tournament, kids’ games, dunk tank, live music and more. Food options include hot dogs, corn dogs, brats, polish dogs, corn on the cob, mini donuts and beer truck; roast beef sandwiches on Saturday only. saintraphaelcrystal.org

Nativity, Cleveland — Grill and Chill: Aug. 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 200 Main St. 4:30 p.m. Mass. Food, beverages, live music, silent auction, cash raffle, and family yard games. Food options include hamburgers and hot dogs. Freewill donation.

Immaculate Conception, Lonsdale — AugustFest: Aug. 4, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 116 SE Alabama St. 10 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, bean bag tournament, inflatable obstacle course, big wheel, bingo, kids’ games, bucket drawings and more. Food options include grilled chicken dinner, KC grilling station, burgers, cheese curds, fries, ice cream, VanDenCookies, bakery, beer, pop and water. icchurch.cc/augustfest, 507-744-2829

St. John the Baptist, Parish Festival — Dayton: Aug. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 18389 Columbus St. 9 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, grand raffle, bingo, flea market, silent auction, kids’ and adults’ games and country store. Food options include broasted chicken dinner (served from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.), beer stand and refreshments stand. Pricing: $15 adults; $7 kids (3-10); free for kids under 3. sjbdayton.org, 763-428-2828

St. George, Long Lake — Corn Days: Aug. 10, noon-10 p.m. 133 N. Brown Road. 4 p.m. Mass. Food, beverages, live music, beer tent, inflatables, petting zoo, caricaturist, merchandise booths, silent auction, wine pull, SuperRaffle, car rally. Food options include a fiesta dinner, a Knights of Columbus breakfast, roasted sweet corn and Mexican corn, brats and hot dogs, snow cones, Greek food, beer, wine, pop, water and ice cream. stgeorgelonglake.org/corn-days, 952-473-1247

St. Mary of the Lake, White Bear Lake — Parish Festival: Aug. 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 4690 Bald Eagle Ave. 11 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, live music from Emerson Avenue (bring lawn chairs), marketplace, jewelry sale, raffles, bingo, free kids’ games. Food options include food trucks and wine. stmarys-wbl.org, 651-429-7771

St. Wenceslaus, New Prague — Parish Festival: Aug. 11, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 215 Main St. E. 10:30 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, polka Mass, live entertainment, bingo, cash and prizes. Food options include chicken dinner, pork stand, food trucks, ice cream and beer garden. npcatholic.org/parish-festival, 952-758-3225

Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Minneapolis — Summer Festival: Aug. 17, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 1315 Second St. NE. Food, beverages, live music, dancing, raffle, games. Food options include Ecuadorian and Mexican food, soft drinks and beer. 612-379-9736

Blessed Sacrament, St. Paul — Fun Fest: Aug. 17, 5-9 p.m., Aug. 18, noon-4 p.m. 2119

Stillwater Ave. E. Food and beverages; Aug. 17 events: bingo and music. Aug 18 events: music, Take-A-Chance, silent auction, book sale, games for all ages. Food options include pulled pork and drinks on Aug. 17, concessions and beverages Aug. 18. blessedsacramentsp.org, 651-738-0677

Sts. Joachim and Anne, Shakopee —

JACS JAM: Aug. 17, 4-10 p.m., Aug. 18, 9 a.m.6 p.m. SJA Marystown Church Campus, 15850 Marystown Road. 4 p.m. Mass Aug. 17, 9 a.m. Mass Aug. 18. Food and beverages. Aug. 17 events: 5-10 p.m. live entertainment and festivities, raffles, crafts, bake sale, bingo, pull tabs, adult and youth games. Aug. 18 events: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. festivities, family entertainment, Czech band, live quilt and silent auction, famous Chicken Plop and more. Food options include American, Mexican, Snack Shack, soda, beer, seltzers and wine. ssjacs.org/JACS-JAM, 952-445-1319

Immaculate Conception, Columbia Heights — IC Fun Fest: Aug. 18, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 4030 Jackson St. NE. 10 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, raffle bingo, kids’ games, Bottlemania, Bake Shoppe, pinatas, jewelry booth, bucket raffle, cornhole tournament. Food options include multiple food booths, beer, wine and soft drinks. ICCSonline.org, 763-788-9065

St. Genevieve, Centerville — Parish Festival and Chicken Dinner: Aug. 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 6995 Centerville Road. Food, beverages, silent auction, kid and adult games, raffles, bingo. Food options include a chicken dinner and hamburgers. Pricing: $14 for adults; $10 for kids (10 and under). stgens.org, 651-429-7937

St. Thomas the Apostle, Corcoran — Parish Festival: Aug. 18, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 20000 County Road 10. 10:30 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, bingo, music, lawn games, cake walk, silent

auction, cash raffle, craft sales and kids’ activities including games, prizes, face painting and inflatables. Food options include turkey dinner, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, bake sale, farmer’s market and beer tent. Turkey dinner pricing: $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and veterans, $12 for kids (4-10), free for young kids (3 and under), $55 for a family. churchofstthomas. org/parish-festival, 763-420-2385

St. Henry, Monticello — Parish Festival: Aug. 24, 6-8 p.m., Aug. 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 1001 E. Seventh St. 10 a.m. Mass. Food and beverages; Aug. 24 events: cash prize bingo. Aug. 25 events: live music, quilt bingo, raffles and prizes throughout the day, kids’ games including inflatable obstacle course and petting zoo. Food options include concessions and chili contest on Aug. 24, concessions and authentic Mexican food on Aug. 25. 763-295-2402

St. Luke, Clearwater — Parish Festival: Aug. 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 17545 Huber Ave. NW. 10 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, quilt auction, Baskets from Heaven silent auction, quilt raffle, grand raffle, kids’ games, face painting, adult games, bingo, country store, DJ in the afternoon, cake walk, craft booth. Food options include pork chop on a stick, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, nachos, snow cones, candy, swell bellies (fry bread), cookies, pie, ice cream, coffee, beer, soda, water and juice boxes. churchofstlukes.com, 320-558-2124

St. Mathias, Hampton — Fun Fest: Aug. 25, 11 a.m. 23315 Northfield Blvd. 10 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, kids’ games, bingo, raffle, live music by Ron E. Cash, silent auction, country store, baked goods and live auction. Food options include local meat options of burgers, brats and more, German potato salad, traditional potato salad, beer truck, seltzers, soft drinks and water. stmathias-hampton.com, 651-437-9030

SEPTEMBER

St. Mary, Stillwater — Germanfest: Sept. 6, 5-10 p.m. 423 Fifth St. S. Food, beverages and live music. Adult-only event (21+), not intended for children. Food options include

authentic German food, German potato salad, pulled pork, brats/kraut, apple crisp, Wolf Brewery and other beers. $5 admission. stmichaelandstmarystillwater.org, 651-439-1270

St. Jude of the Lake, St. Paul — Cornfest: Sept. 6, 6-9 p.m., Sept. 7, 2-10 p.m., Sept. 8, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 700 Mahtomedia Avenue. Food, beverages; Friday night trivia; Saturday events include kid and teen inflatables, bingo, raffles, bake sale, cornhole tournament, live music from High and Mighty. Food options include corn on the cob, ice cream, snow cones, popcorn, cotton candy, pop, water, beer, wine and food from local restaurants. Pancake breakfast Sunday. Tickets for food, wristbands for inflatables, cash and credit accepted for bar, cash for bingo and raffles. stjudeofthelake.org, 651-426-3245

St. Odilia Parish, Shoreview — Fall Festival: Sept. 6, 6-10 p.m., Sept. 7, 3-10 p.m., Sept. 8, noon-4 p.m. 3495 Victoria St. N. Mass with festival choir included. Food, beverages, live music, kids’ games, inflatables, petting zoo, farmers market, book sales, silent auction, live auction and bingo. Food options include food trucks, Latino food, beer, wine and soft drinks. stodilia.org/fall-festival, 651-484-6681

St. Patrick Catholic Church, Oak Grove — CountryFest: Sept. 6, 8-11 p.m., Sept. 7, 2-11 p.m., Sept. 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 19921 Nightingale St. NW. Food, beverages, raffle, youth block party, live quilt auction, car show, silent auction, live music and kids’ games. Food options include ribfest, food booth, beer, pork chops, corn and sweet treats.

St. Bonaventure, Bloomington — Fall Festival: Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 901 East 90th St. 7 p.m. Mass. Food, beverages, kids’ activities, crafts, live entertainment, cash raffle, games of chance and more than 200 classic cars. Food options include burgers, pork chops, Vietnamese egg rolls and French fries. saintbonaventure.org/fall-festival.html, 952-854-4733

Parish festival at St. Patrick in Oak Grove. DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

PARISH FALL FESTIVALS

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Holy Trinity, Waterville — Fall Festival: Sept. 7, 3-8 p.m. 506 Common Street. 5 p.m. Mass. Food, beverages, live music, bingo, kids’ activities, raffle, silent auction and country store. Food options include chicken dinner with corn on the cob, calico beans, cole slaw, dessert, beer and soda. Pricing: $14 for adults; $6 for kids (12 and under). 507-362-4661

St. Mary, Le Center — Family Block Party: Sept. 7, 3-8 p.m. 165 N. Waterville Ave. 3 p.m. Mass. Food, beverages, live music, kids’ games and more. Food options include hot beef dinner with sides, hot dogs, root beer floats, beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water. stmarysthenry.org, 507-357-6633

Holy Family, St. Louis Park — Fall Festival: Sept. 7, noon-10 p.m., Sept. 8, noon-4 p.m. Holy Family Academy, 5925 West Lake St. 5 p.m. Mass. Saturday events include the Family Fun day, with pony rides and inflatables (from noon-4 p.m.), petting zoo (1-3 p.m.), carnival games, beer garden, bingo, corn-hole tournament, raffle, auction, live entertainment and chance baskets; Sunday events include a kickball tournament, donuts, coffee, food truck and fun at Keystone park. Food options include Burgers, brats, pita sandwiches, mini donuts, snow cones and beer. hfcmn.org, 953-939-0113

St. Mary, Waverly — Fall Festival: Sept. 7, 4-10 p.m., Sept. 8, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 303 N. Sixth St. 4 p.m. Mass. Food, beverages, entertainment, baskets, raffle, country market, hidden treasure garage sale and kids’ games. Food options include pork chop dinner, KC food and beer stand (turkey legs, brats, hamburgers) and Italian ice. 763-726-7300

St. Michael, St. Michael — Fall Festival: Sept. 7, 2-10 p.m., Sept. 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 11300 Frankfort Parkway NE. Food, beverages, bingo, kids’ games, used toy sale, ninja obstacle course, inflatables, silent auction, raffle, arts andcrafts, country store and live music. Food options include chicken dinner, food trucks, beer and wine tasting, soft drinks and snacks. stmcatholicchurch.org, 763-497-2745

St. Mary, Stillwater — 55th Annual Wild Rice Festival: Sept. 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 423 Fifth St. S. 10:30 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, kids’ games, inflatables, archery, cake walk, silent auction, bingo, handmade quilts, country fair booth, secondhand treasures, football on the big screen, bakery booth, used books and raffles. Food options include takeout or sit-down dinner of hand-breaded chicken, homemade wild rice, potato, green beans and pie, with outdoor concessions of a beer wagon, soda, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and bakery items. Chicken and wild rice dinner pricing: $13 adults; $7 kids (4-10); free for kids under 3. stmichaelandstmarystillwater.org, 651-439-1270

Church of St. Joseph, West St. Paul — Oktoberfest: Sept. 9, noon-4 p.m. 1154 Seminole Ave. Food, beverages, music, kids’ games and more. churchofstjoseph.org/stjoseph-oktoberfest, 651-983-2616.

Guardian Angels, Oakdale — Fall Festival: Sept. 13, 5-10 p.m., Sept. 14, noon-10 p.m., Sept. 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 8260 Fourth St. N. 4:30 p.m. Mass. Food, beverages, games, raffles, inflatables, craft and greeting card sales, silent auction, bingo, live music and fireworks. Food options include concessions, bake sale, beer tent, margaritas and Bloody Marys. guardian-angels.org, 651-738-2223

Our Lady of the Lake, Mound — The Incredible Festival: Sept. 13, 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sept. 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 2385 Commerce Blvd. Food, beverages, carnival rides, games, bands, food trucks, bingo, farmers market and silent auction. Food

options include food trucks, beer, wine, soda and water. incrediblefestival.com, 952-472-8209

Holy Cross, Minneapolis — SeptemberFest: Sept. 13, 5-10 p.m., Sept. 14, noon-10 p.m., Sept. 15, 9-3 p.m. 1621 University Ave. NE. Food, beverages, silent auction, raffle, live music, bingo and kids’ activities. Food options include Polish food and food trucks. ourholycross.org/ septemberfest, 612-930-0860

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mapleview — Fall Festival: Sept. 14, 5-8 p.m., Sept. 15, 10:30-3 p.m. 1725 Kennard St. 4 p.m. Mass Saturday, 9 a.m. Mass Sunday. Food, beverages, kiddie land and bingo. Food options include pulled pork dinner and French fries. Free entrance; activity costs vary. presentationofmary.org, 651-777-8116

St. John the Baptist, Jordan — Rock the Lot and Fall Festival: Sept. 14, 6-10 p.m., Sept. 15. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 313 E. Second St. 8 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, Rock the Lot – Live Music, fun-land games for kids, adult marketplace, silent auction, bingo, raffles, prizes, pull tabs and sports lounge. Food options include outdoor food stands, beer and sports lounge, hamburgers, hot dogs and fries. Chicken dinner on Sunday (takeout or dine-in options). sjbjordan.org, 952-492-2640

St. Patrick, Inver Grove Heights — Fall Festival: Sept. 14, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Sept. 15, 11:304 p.m. 3535 72nd St. E. Food, beverages, cash raffle, pull tabs, bingo, silent auction, country store, bottle shoppe, kids’ and teen games, pull tabs. Saturday food includes rib dinner. Sunday food includes chicken dinner and grilled brats, and Sunday events include petting zoo and other entertainment. Beverages include beer, margaritas, pop and water. 651-455-6624

Immaculate Conception, Watertown — Fall Festival: Sept. 15, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 109 Angel Ave. NW. Food, beverages, kids’ games, bingo, cake walk, cork pull, beer tent, silent auction and country store. Food options include turkey dinner, hot dogs, beer and soda. 952-955-1458

St. Edward, Bloomington — Gather: Sept. 15, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 9401 Nesbitt Ave. S. 10 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, bingo, 50/50 raffle, Eddie’s Bake Sale, kids’ games and a variety of live entertainment. Food options include BBQ lunch with choice of burger, hot dog or brat, chips, cookies, non-alcoholic beverages, nacho bar, beer and wine garden, popcorn and ice cream from Scoops. Pricing is $1 per ticket, with activities and food ranging from 1-10 tickets. stedwardschurch.org, 952-835-7101

St. Margaret Mary, Golden Valley — Fall Festival: Sept. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 2323 Zenith Ave. N. Food, beverages, silent auction with “Gift Baskets from Heaven,” live auction, games for kids and bingo. Food options include Indian food, pulled pork sandwiches and a kids’ meal. smm-gv.org, 763-588-9466

St. Pius V, Cannon Falls — Hometown Market: Sept. 15, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 410 Colvill St. W. 8 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, crafters and vendors, petting zoo, balloon artist, bingo and auctions. Food options include KC pancake breakfast, burgers and brats. stpiusvcf.org, 507-263-2578

Annunciation, Minneapolis — Septemberfest: Sept. 20, 5-10 p.m., Sept. 21, noon-10 p.m., Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 501 W. 54th St. 9:30 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, kids’ games, live music, homerun derby, pie shop, pickleball tournament, llamas experience, bingo, silent disco and raffle. Food options include steak dinner, food booth, specialty dinner options, food trucks, beer, wine and soda. annunciationmsp.org/church/septemberfest, 612-824-0474

St. Ambrose, Woodbury — FallFest: Sept. 20, 5:30-10 p.m., Sept. 21, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 4125 Woodbury Drive. Food, beverages, live

music both nights beginning at 6:00 p.m., bingo, silent auction, bucket raffle, talent show and carnival rides. Food options include burgers, pulled chicken, pizza, food truck, Culver’s frozen yogurt, beer and wine. saintambrosecatholic.org, 651-768-3064

St. Maron Maronite Catholic, Minneapolis ––Annual Lebanese Festival: Sept. 21, noon7 p.m., Sept. 22, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 602 University Ave NE. Lebanese cuisine, beer and wine, live music, Cedars Dabke Dance Group, children’s games and activities, silent auction, Lebanese market and gift shop. stmaron.com, 612-379-2758

Holy Name of Jesus, Wayzata — Fall Festival: Sept. 21, 4-9 p.m. 155 County Road 24. 4 p.m. Mass. Food, beverages, outdoor Mass, kids’ carnival and inflatables, live music, classic car show, country market, Outreach Ministry activity and sweepstakes. Food options include Knights of Columbus hot dogs, burgers and brats, Rock Elm Food Truck, Ascension tamales, popcorn, pizza, candy, soda, craft beer and wine. Pricing is $1 for ticket. hnoj.org/fallfest, 763-473-7901

Mary Queen of Peace, Rogers — Fall Festival: Sept. 21, 5-7:30 p.m., Sept. 22, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 21304 Church Ave. 5 p.m. Saturday Mass, 10 a.m. Sunday Mass. Food, beverages; Saturday events include polka Mass, light meal, beer, wine, country store, polka music and dancing; Sunday events include Mass with Bishop Izen, chicken dinner, bingo, country store, raffle and family entertainment. Price is $15 per person. mqpcatholic.org/festival, 763-428-2585

St. Peter, North St. Paul — Fall Festival: Sept. 21, 5-9 p.m., Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 2600 Margaret St. 4 p.m. Mass. Food, beverages, live music, craft market, inflatables, games, bingo, cornhole tournament, silent auction, pancake breakfast, pull tabs, raffle, Vikings game on 15’ video screen on Sunday. Food options include food trucks, pizza, ice cream, popcorn, beer and wine. churchofstpeternsp.org/festival, 651-777-8304

Assumption, St. Peter and St. Richard, Richfield — Tri-Fest 2024: Sept. 21, 10 a.m.9 p.m., Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. St. Peter, 6730 Nicollet Ave. 4 p.m. Mass. Food, beverages, music, silent auction, games, book sale, bake sale, pull tabs, country store and bingo. Food options include tacos, corn, fresh fruit, tamales, cotton candy, pancake breakfast, wine and beer. strichards.com/tri-fest-2024, 612-866-5089

St. Peter, Forest Lake — Fall Festival: Sept. 21, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-3. pm. 1250 South Shore Drive. 8:30 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, AWF All Star Wrestling, bingo, $5K grand raffle, meat raffle, 5k run/walk, cribbage tournament, cornhole tournament, zoomobile, kids’ games, country store, jewelry sale, media medley (books, music, DVDs), silent auction. Food options include turkey or pork dinner, food trucks, soft drinks, beer and wine tent, popcorn, cotton candy and a Coffee House. stpeterfl.org/fall-festival, 651-982-2200

St. Peter, Mendota Heights — Fall Festival: Sept. 21, 6:15-9:15 p.m., Sept. 22, 11:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. 1405 Sibley Memorial Highway. 5 p.m. Mass (Sept. 21), 10:30 a.m. (Sept. 22). Food, beverages; Saturday events include freewill offering family-friendly outdoor movie at 7:15 p.m. with concessions; Sunday events include festival at 11:30 a.m., including bingo with cash prizes, online auction, kids’ games, inflatables, country store, corn hole tournament, $5,000 cash raffle, wine raffle and over-21 dice game. Food options include pulled pork sandwiches, cheese curds, brats, hot dogs, coleslaw, chips, other sides, cotton candy, pop, beer, wine and freewill offering pie and coffee. stpetersmendota.org, 651-452-4550

St. Joseph, Red Wing — Fall Parish Festival: Sept. 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 435 W. Seventh St. 10 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, draw down raffle, silent auction, bake sale, free kids’ activities, country store and Vikings game. Food options include chicken dinner, bake sale, and refreshment stand with beer and drinks. stjosephredwing.org, 651-388-1133

St. John the Baptist, New Brighton — Fall Fest: Sept. 27, 5-10 p.m., Sept. 28, 9 a.m.10 p.m., Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 835 Second Ave. NW. 10:30 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, 1 mile/5K fun run, bags tournament, live bands, car show, fireworks, bingo, silent auction, kids’ and adults’ games, raffle, “grill the priests,” silent disco, football tailgate party, polka Mass and more. Food options include traditional booya, pig roast, hamburgers, corn on the cob, porkchop on a stick, ice cream, cotton candy, food trucks, water, soda and beer. stjohnnb.com/fallfest, 651-633-8333

Guardian Angels, Chaska — Fall Festival: Sept. 28, noon-8 p.m. 135 W. Second St. 4:30 p.m. Mass. Food, beverages, roll-in car show, bingo, silent auction, cash raffle, kids’ games with prizes, karaoke, Mariachi music and praise and worship music. Food options include Latino food, fresh-cut French fries, burgers, brats, apple crisp and beverages including beer and wine. gachaska.org, 952-227-4000

Most Holy Redeemer School, Montgomery — Fall Festival: Sept. 29, 8:30 a.m. 206 Vine Ave. W. 8:30 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, bingo, country store, treat walk, kids’ games, music and raffle. Food options include food trucks. 507-364-7981

St. John the Baptist, Vermillion — Fall Festival: Sept. 29, 11 a.m. 111 W. Main St. 10 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, kids’ games, tractor pull, bingo, raffle, silent auction, meat raffle, pull tabs, bake sale and beer garden. Food options include pork chops, pizza, sandwiches, German potato salad, traditional potato salad, chips, beer, seltzers, soft drinks, water and baked goods. stjohns-vermillion.com, 651-437-9030

OCTOBER

St. Joseph, New Hope — 20th Annual Fall Festival: Oct. 12, 3:30-9 p.m. 8701 36th Ave. N. 4:30 p.m. Mass. Food, beverages, live music, bingo, silent auction, grand raffle, bake sale, kids’ games, wall of wine and bottle blast. Food options include festival dinner, hot dogs, brats, pulled pork, pizza, chips, candy, cookies, coleslaw, fruit cups, juice boxes, soda, water, beer and wine. stjosephparish.com/fallfestival, 763-544-3352

Our Lady of Peace, Minneapolis — Party at the Patch: Oct. 19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 5426 12th Ave. S. 5 p.m. Mass. Food, beverages, petting zoo, pumpkin patch (pumpkins available for purpose), live music, face painting, scavenger hunt, corn (sensory) table. Food options include food truck and biergarten. olpmn.org/pumpkin-patch, 612-824-3455

St. Stephen, Anoka — Pumpkin Fest: Oct. 19, 4-10 p.m., Oct. 20, 9 a.m.-noon. 506 Jackson St. Food, beverages; Saturday events include trunk or treat, kids’ games and Anoka Halloween Light Up the Night Parade; Sunday events include breakfast and raffle drawing. ststephenchurch.org, 763-421-2471

NOVEMBER

St. Mary, New Trier — Sausage Supper: Nov. 24, noon. 8433 239th St. E. 8 a.m. Mass. Food, beverages, raffle. Food options include pork sausage, German potato salad, traditional potato salad, sauerkraut, glazed carrots, buns and baked goods. stmarys-newtrier.com, 651-437-9030

FOCUSONFAITH

SUNDAY SCRIPTURES | FATHER MICHAEL CREAGAN

Consider daily Mass

When I was a freshman at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, I lived in Brady Hall. I was not in the seminary at the time. I was a student working on my degree in international relations. Priesthood had not even crossed my mind. I went to Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.

In the fall of 1989, that all changed. I went to the holy day Mass for All Saints on Nov. 1. I knew that Msgr. James Lavin was celebrating Mass at 7:15 a.m. in the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas. He was kind of a celebrity at the college, so I wanted an excuse to meet him.

I went to the sacristy before Mass with a medal and asked him to bless it. He asked me to assist with the offertory procession. Then he added another request: Would I return the next day and serve the daily Mass for All Souls? I remember thinking, “coming to Mass when it’s not required?” But I could not resist the request.

From that point, I was hooked on daily Mass. I served at 7:15 a.m. Mass for Msgr. Lavin from Monday through Saturday for the next few years until my graduation. Even when my neighbors in Brady Hall would keep me up late playing cards or visiting, I would be up early to serve. (Actually, the Mass usually started at 7:20 a.m. as Msgr. Lavin was usually delayed a bit writing his morning reflection!)

That simple, 30-minute daily Mass profoundly changed my life. I

How to celebrate the gift of the

By Paul Thigpen OSV News

The Eucharist is the summit of our faith, in which the entire story of our salvation is made real in a miraculous and powerful way.

The Roman Missal calls holy Eucharist the “Sacred Banquet, in which Christ is received; the memory of his Passion is renewed; the mind is filled with grace; and a pledge of future glory is given unto us.”

Yet how often do we have a moment to reflect on this priceless gift? Even in Mass we can become distracted, and what is miraculous and precious becomes routine. This is why the Church invites us to deepen our love for what God has given us, his son, Jesus, who we receive into our hearts. In the Mass, in our reading, in our faith formation classes and in the quiet of our own hearts, we can pay closer attention to this gift.

At every Mass we are witnesses to a miracle. The Eucharist is not a symbol of Our Lord; the bread and wine actually become the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ. At the altar, he truly comes to us, again and again, in his real presence.

Christ himself instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper as a “memorial of his death and resurrection; a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us,” according to “Sacrosanctum Concilium,” the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy.

The Eucharist calls us to memorialize Christ’s passion and death on the cross, the sacrifice in which he won for us our salvation and eternity with the Father. It is also a tremendous sign of our unity as believers. We call it holy Communion because when we approach the altar, we are acknowledging our unity with Christ, his Church and one another.

Yet these words can only partially express a mystery that is beyond words: “If you understood him, it would not be God,” writes St. Augustine. So, too, with the Eucharist. The Church calls us to plumb this mystery more and more deeply — not just when we come together for the Mass, but in every situation of life.

The Church asks all of us to examine our consciences to make sure we are truly prepared to receive Jesus. Are we in a “state of grace,” that is, not aware of any unconfessed grave sin? If not, then we should celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation first.

grew in my relationship with Jesus, and I discovered his call for me to be a priest.

The readings for the 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time remind us that God’s providence will satisfy our needs. 2 Kings recalls how the prophet Elisha multiplied the loaves through God’s power. There is an abundance as the reading tells us, “For thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and there shall be some left over’” (2 Kings 4:42-44). This prefigures the Gospel in John 6:1-15 recalling Jesus feeding the 5,000. We can picture this massive crowd on the grassy hillside. Jesus takes care of their hunger and there is an abundance left over.

We are living in a time when we turn to many cheap things we think will refresh us. Think of how many hours we spend glued to phones and computers hoping to be refreshed or rested. Only Jesus can satisfy our hunger and restore us.

Consider the possibility of attending a weekday Mass in addition to Sunday Mass. You might have to do some research to find where morning or evening daily Masses are offered in your area. That simple 30-minute weekday Mass will have a profound effect. Jesus fills us with his word and strengthens us with his body and blood. I will be forever grateful to late Msgr. Lavin and his invitation to attend daily Mass. It has profoundly changed my life. I am edified by the example of my parishioners in Stillwater who are devoted to weekday Masses. Our 7:30 a.m. Mass at St. Mary normally has around 130 people and the evening Mass at 5:30 p.m. has an average of 80 or so. All busy people with busy lives but wanting to stop for even just 30 minutes a day to be fed by the Lord.

Father Creagan is pastor of St. Michael and St. Mary in Stillwater and a chaplain of the Minnesota Army National Guard.

Eucharist

Have we observed the one-hour fast from food and drink (except for water and medicine) before receiving Our Lord?

Do we believe in the Real Presence; do we believe that Christ is present, body and blood, soul and divinity?

Are we faithful to the moral teachings of the Church in our personal and public lives?

There are several ways we can honor Jesus in the Eucharist. First and foremost is by attending Mass. When we recognize that Jesus himself is present in the Blessed Sacrament, we come to realize that participation every week at Sunday Mass (or Saturday vigil Mass) is more than an obligation. It is a privilege!

When we desire to receive Jesus in the Eucharist but are unable to do so, we may make what is called a “spiritual communion.”

Wherever we may be, we need only ask the Lord to come into our hearts and renew his life within us. We can then spend a few moments in prayer and praise, and then resolve to receive Communion as soon as possible.

Beyond Mass, Jesus is present in the host reserved in the tabernacle. We can take time out regularly to visit a church and talk to him there. Make it a “Holy Hour.”

Many churches provide a place where the Blessed Sacrament remains exposed for prayer and adoration every day — sometimes even around the clock (the latter is known as perpetual adoration). This arrangement provides an excellent and ongoing opportunity to draw close to Jesus in his Eucharistic presence outside Mass. If possible, sign up for a regular time to visit the church or chapel.

Finally, keep in mind that the word “Eucharist” literally means “thanksgiving.” In holy Communion, as Jesus gives himself to us, we give ourselves to him as well in gratitude. His sacrifice on the cross — presented on the altar — takes away the sins of the world and makes possible for us a life of intimate union with God.

“The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time you will spend on earth,” St. Teresa of Kolkata said. “Each moment you spend with Jesus will deepen your union with him and make your soul everlastingly more glorious and beautiful in heaven, and will help bring about everlasting peace on earth.”

Thigpen is an award-winning journalist and a best-selling author.

Editor’s note: Please watch for Father Michael Schmitz’s column, “Ask Father Mike” in the Aug. 22 issue of The Catholic Spirit

DAILY Scriptures

Sunday, July 28

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2 Kgs 4:42-44

Eph 4:1-6 Jn 6:1-15

Monday, July 29

Sts. Martha, Mary and Lazarus

Jer 13:1-11 Jn 11:19-27 or Lk 10:38-42

Tuesday, July 30

Jer 14:17-22

Mt 13:36-43

Wednesday, July 31

St. Ignatius of Loyola, priest Jer 15:10, 16-21 Mt 13:44-46

Thursday, Aug. 1

St. Alphonsus Liguori, bishop and doctor of the Church

Jer 18:1-6 Mt 13:47-53

Friday, Aug. 2 Jer 26:1-9 Mt 13:54-58

Saturday, Aug. 3

Jer 26:11-16, 24 Mt 14:1-12

Sunday, Aug. 4

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Ex 16:2-4, 12-15 Eph 4:17, 20-24 Jn 6:24-35

Monday, Aug. 5 Jer 28:1-17 Mt 14:13-21

Tuesday, Aug. 6 Transfiguration of the Lord Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 2 Pt 1:16-19 Mk 9:2-10

Wednesday, Aug. 7

Jer 31:1-7 Mt 15:21-28

Thursday, Aug. 8

St. Dominic, priest Jer 31:31-34 Mt 16:13-23

Friday, Aug. 9

Na 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7 Mt 16:24-28

Saturday, Aug. 10

St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr 2 Cor 9:6-10 Jn 12:24-26

Sunday, Aug. 11

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 Kgs 19:4-8 Eph 4:30–5:2 Jn 6:41-51

ST. ALPHONSUS LIGUORI (1696-1787) Born to nobility, Alphonsus studied civil and canon law at the University of Naples. He practiced law until 1723, when he began theology studies. After ordination in 1726, he focused on preaching and hearing confessions, and in 1732 founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, or Redemptorists. As bishop of Sant’ Agata dei Goti from 1762 to 1775, he initiated reforms, restored churches and fostered good liturgy. He resigned his see due to illness, then devoted himself to his order’s growth and spiritual writings. He is a doctor of the Church and his feast day is Aug. 1. — OSV News

COMMENTARY

FAITH AT HOME

| LAURA KELLY FANUCCI

The most important prayer you already know

Want to hear a secret? You likely know a prayer that can reorient you to everything in your life. And it goes like this:

"Bless us, O Lord, and these, thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen."

(Or as you might have learned it growing up: “BlessusOLordandthesethygifts,” spoken in one breathless prayer, racing at breakneck speed to get to dinner, stomach rumbling.)

The traditional Catholic grace before meals is familiar to many families, dating all the way back to the Gelasian Sacramentary of the eighth century. The prayer asks God's blessing and offers gratitude for Christ's abundance.

YOUR HEART, HIS HOME | LIZ KELLY STANCHINA

How would Jesus age?

My car is 14 years old. It’s dented, scratched, and rusty in places. It squeaks and rattles and the tires provide a rather lovely, rhythmical “womp-womp-womp” that speeds and slows with acceleration and deceleration. There are warning lights on the dashboard that never go out, no matter what service I have done, and though the odometer is approaching 160,000 miles, I’m confident that with the help of my excellent mechanic, I can keep

At mealtime, some opt for particular petitions, blessing the food and all the hands who prepared it, or thanking God by name for each person gathered around the table. But there is a beauty in the wideness of this traditional grace, casting a wide net to draw in the bounty that God provides. We become like the disciples fresh from fishing, amazed at the overflow in our nets.

What's more, the words at the heart of the prayer — “thy gifts, which we are about to receive” — can open our eyes to all the gifts God is ready to give, beyond the warm food waiting to be enjoyed.

Over the years, these words have sprung to mind for me on the threshold of great change, like the final days before we welcomed a new baby. I've found myself praying this line while we were keeping vigil at the deathbed of beloved family members or while wrapping presents on the night before each child's birthday.

In each of these moments, our family was about to receive God's gifts all over again. Sometimes the words we rattle off without thinking are precisely the place to pause and reflect. At least three times a day our family sits and speaks these words aloud over meals — but what other gifts might God be waiting to give us?

More than a mealtime blessing, this prayer invites us to bring our whole selves into a stance of openness toward God: a dependence on divine mercy that will transform our lives. To pray like this keeps us on our toes, arms open, waiting to receive, trusting that

my car humming another few years. At which time, my husband and I will drop down to one car between the two of us. We like things simple.

Alas, the other day, I found myself stopped at a stoplight and surrounded by much newer, shinier, spiffier vehicles. There was one in particular that I found to be quite beautiful, a chic make I’d never heard of in a lustrous, rich red. Later, I looked it up: it cost $90,000 for the most basic model. I don’t make that much money in two years. Of course, I no longer work full time, and I have chosen a profession I love though the compensation is modest. But still. For a moment, I pined with new-car envy.

But the truth is: I love my old car. It suits me. We understand each other. I’m creaky and dented and have very little pick-up myself. I have worn out parts that will eventually need replacement, and I’ll never be as fast and agile as I once was.

Plus, we have history. My car has kept me safe through

God will provide.

Just as Jesus prayed over meals, from the miracle of the loaves and fishes to the Last Supper, we too return to this daily practice of thanksgiving. We believe that whatever is good, loving and fruitful — grace beyond what we deserve — is exactly what God desires to give. We are always about to receive God's gifts, standing each moment on the threshold of Christ's self-giving love, the same agape we celebrate in the Eucharist.

"Bless us, O Lord, and these, thy gifts" could fittingly be used as morning prayer, orienting us to receive whatever God has to offer today. Or we might pray it as evening prayer, giving thanks for the gift of rest and the promise of another tomorrow.

These familiar words can become a prayer for labor and delivery, a blessing over a new school year, a petition for marriage preparation, or even a prayer in grief, as we strive to trust that God will offer mercy even in our hardest moments. As we turn from one season to the next, what surprises of grace might be waiting around the corner? Can we trust that God will not only provide, but will pour out blessings upon us?

Bless us, O Lord, and these, thy gifts, which we are always about to receive.

Fanucci is an author, speaker and founder of Mothering Spirit, an online gathering place on parenting and spirituality at motheringspirit com

hail and snowstorms on the highway and one hit and run accident. It has carried me to my chemo treatments, surgery, and long winding road trips to give retreats. My car took my husband and me on our honeymoon and has brought me safely to a thousand visits with friends and family. Most important of all, my car has delivered me to countless Masses, confessions and Holy Hours. It’s old and beginning to fail, true — but it has done what it was meant to do with as much style and grace as it could muster. It has been faithful to its purpose. I hope I have been — true to the life that the Lord has given to me, entrusted to me –– a good steward of my resources and purpose even as I slow down.

I’ve said a hundred times in the past year, “Aging is not for the faint of heart.” It’s true that aging well takes the heart of a lion. An old and tired lion but a lion nonetheless. I hope I’m aging well, with grace and humility. I hope I will embrace new limitations, new PLEASE TURN TO YOUR HEART HIS HOME ON PAGE 19

Separating work from life

surveillance mechanisms insure against deviance, and constant data collection is always laying the groundwork for the next efficiency innovation.

CATHOLIC WATCHMEN DEACON GORDON BIRD

Jesus with us in the holy Eucharist.

A real presence

Last month, I began to introduce the Catholic Worker’s main critiques of our modern social order.

Each smallest move in Taylor’s factory is quantified, analyzed, evaluated and then manipulated to maximize profitability. The factory is thus one always-evolving machine, and the workers are just one part of it. Personal creativity and intelligence are minimized, and only allowed as they serve the ever-tightening canons of efficiency, defined by the bottom line.

eal ch s. Catholics are called to respond.

OTECT LIFE & MAN DIGNITY

I noted the way that, in agrarian cultures, life tends to form one organic whole of work, tradition, religion, education, morality, care for the land, community and local economy. Under such conditions of holism, it is difficult to develop a “throw away culture,” as Pope Francis has called it, because each person has an interest in maintaining health in the local environment, local people and local communities.

Today, we have not moved beyond Taylorism, we have just totalized it. Our computer-based industrial economy is Taylorism beyond Taylor’s wildest dreams. Precision, calculation and surveillance are now possible at a level increasingly coextensive with society itself. Yet just like in a factory, the first casualty is the personallysatisfying character of work itself.

For the last few years, in cooperation with my primary care physician and specialists in the medical field, I have been dealing with monitoring an incidental find — an asymptomatic ascending aortic aneurysm.

The stats from various research services indicate that there are still many of our Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ out there who do not acknowledge this sacrament he gave at the Last Supper. Perhaps we are asymptomatic of our Lord’s real presence in the Eucharist? The congress provides many opportunities for attendees like us to engage in prayer, learning, and of course, in ramping up the virtue of courage in the ongoing — subtle or not so subtle — battles in spiritual warfare to compassionately live, explain and defend what we believe as Catholics.

Although the event will be over by the time you read this, being witnesses to others of Jesus’ real presence at the Mass, adoration hours and processions of the Blessed Sacrament should go on to the end of our days as we know them in the here and now.

The standardization required for mass production — of services and information as much as wares — still means that laborers become extensions of the machines and systems they serve.

bishops, dynamic Church leaders, and 1,000+ Catholics from for a day of inspiration and advocacy at our State Capitol.

students 22 -and -under FREE! lunch included with  Learn the issues, hear dynamic speakers, and meet your legislators.

Under industrial conditions, however, things begin to change. In a factory, or sitting in front of a spreadsheet today, to work is no longer to live, and to live is no longer to work. Work becomes a necessary evil required to make money. We come to dread going to work, and real life begins after work ends.

 See the newly renovated State Capitol!

Most work in our industrial society tends to have a factory character to it, even if we’re not in factories. Like in a factory, we perform tasks that anyone standing at our station (or computer) could perform, and the range of our tasks is strictly limited to ensure maximum efficiency.

GLORIA PURIVS Black Catholics United for Life

Fredrick Taylor is famous for pioneering the scientific management of workflow in factories to assure maximum output. His idea was to quantify and regulate each motion with the strictest precision, knowing what each worker was doing at each moment, and incentivizing compliance. Universal

The farmer or craftsman is always in large part artist, impressing the stamp of her personality, and therefore the very image of God which she bears, on her work. She can look upon her garden, a table, or the shirt she made, and with deep satisfaction say, “Ah! I did that. And it’s beautiful.” Industrial products, on the other hand, are impersonal. They would turn out that way whether you were there or not.

Next month, we will explore how this division of work from life is at the root of much of the social fragmentation we experience today.

ARCHBISHOP BERNARD HEBDA

BISHOP ANDREW COZZENS

Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis

Miller is the director of the Center for Catholic Social Thought at Assumption in St. Paul. He is the author of “We Are Only Saved Together: Living the Revolutionary Vision of Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement,” to be published Aug. 2 by Ave Maria Press.

Though I felt no symptoms, imaging tests and scans proved it indeed existed in the main artery coming out of my heart. It would need to be taken care of before it could potentially rupture — which would be a much more lifethreatening situation. Although I could not sense its real presence, it was truly a substantial and real problem.

Early in June, a team of medical professionals successfully repaired the aneurysm. At the time of this writing, I am on the road to recovery, planning to attend the National Eucharistic Congress — the main event of the three-year Eucharistic Revival. Held in Indianapolis in mid-July, around 50,000 people were expected to engage and celebrate the true, substantial and real presence of Jesus. At the start of the congress, it will be six weeks post-surgery for me — my wife and I are looking forward to being spiritually fed at the five-day event. Up to this point, the physical healing process, rehab workouts and follow-up visits have eliminated any doubts of the real presence of my medical conundrum. Yet, at the congress, we can now focus on what and whose real presence truly matters: his body, blood, soul and divinity —

promoting the policy agenda of a chosen few, appeasing the wishes of financial donors, and winning-at-allcosts to retain power. All at the risk of constituents and consciences.

do what is in the best interest of the constituents.

“When I was elected, I decided that three things should guide my vote, the three C’s: conscience, constituents and caucus. In that order,” said Minnesota State Rep. Dean Urdahl during his retirement speech on the House floor in May. “In too many cases, we now only have one C, the caucus, and it’s on both sides.”

Historically, legislators have prioritized and balanced those three guiding principles when casting their votes: conscience, constituents and caucus.

However, as we reflect on Urdahl’s words, we must confront a significant shift in our historic legislative process. Because in recent times, it appears that many decisions are made — not with conscience or constituents in mind — but based solely on caucus affiliation. Prioritizing caucus alone usually means

This shift is evident on contentious issues that involve human dignity, for which votes often fall strictly along party lines. In recent legislative sessions, we saw this in committee hearings and on floor votes with issues like physician-assisted suicide, gender ideology and immigration. Legislation frequently does not even reach the floor of the full body unless the majority caucus is confident that it has the votes of their caucus members to pass it. Members who may personally disagree with the caucus position often stay quiet, opting to align with their party rather than voice dissent and risk

In his 1956 book, “Profiles in Courage,” the late President John F. Kennedy described acts of integrity by senators who defied the wishes of their party to do what their conscience felt was right.

This concept is at the core of what we believe as Catholics. Practicing faithful citizenship is not about party affiliation, ideology or societal pressures. It is about focusing on what protects or threatens the dignity of every human life.

In Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) states that “Catholic teaching challenges voters and candidates, citizens and elected officials to consider the moral and ethical dimensions of public policy issues.”

This is what drives our work at the Minnesota Catholic Conference. As staff, we work to educate and engage policymakers on the moral and ethical angles

As Catholic Watchmen, our mission calls us and reminds us to live up to our duty as protectors, providers and leaders in our families and our parishes. At a minimum, we are to engage in every Sunday Mass where Jesus is truly, really and substantially present to spiritually feed ourselves and our families — body, blood, soul and divinity. We start as true believers alongside our families, fellow parishioners and friends engaging in the real presence of the Eucharist. Prayer vigils, Holy Hours, processions, a daily rosary, retreats, small groups, faith-filled activities with food and fellowship, peace and so much more happens when we experience the real presence of Jesus in our lives. Others that know us see the effect that regular Mass attendance and time adoring and gazing upon the Blessed Sacrament has on us. Because they see us in the peace of Jesus.

Deacon Bird ministers at St. Joseph in Rosemount and All Saints in Lakeville. Contact him at gordonbird@rocketmail com

of legislation in the hopes that it resonates with the legislators’ consciences.

Constituents play a key role in helping form the consciences of legislators, too. They also can inform caucus priorities to reflect more virtuous aspirations than pure political gamesmanship. This is why Catholic citizens need to be involved in the whole process.

The first step is to do more than vote. Voting is incredibly important for our political process, and Catholics should continue to do so. However, to combat the forces that created an environment where caucus priorities overshadow conscience and constituent needs, further action is required. Beyond the ballot box, Catholics should engage with legislators and candidates running for office. Meet them at the Capitol and in the district. Personal interactions remind them of their duty to their constituents and the importance of voting their conscience. Mobilize your family, friends and fellow parishioners to join you in advocacy. A collective voice is more powerful and harder to ignore.

On the MCC website at mncatholic org you can watch Advocacy 101: How to make your voice heard at the Capitol. The effort can be aided by joining the Catholic Advocacy Network (CAN). This network provides regular opportunities to engage, learn and act on issues that matter to our faith.

While the shift toward caucus-dominated decisionmaking is concerning, it is not irreversible. By actively participating, we can encourage our legislators to return to a balance of conscience, constituents and caucus.

“Inside the Capitol” is

CALENDAR

PARISH EVENTS

Grandparents Apostolate Feast Day Celebration — July 26: 8:45-10:30 a.m. at Nativity of Our Lord, 1938 Stanford Ave., St. Paul. Nativity of Our Lord's Grandparents Apostolate of Sts. Joachim and Anne celebrates its patrons and 13th anniversary after 8:15 a.m. Mass. Features a presentation by Father John Rumpza of St. Odilia. The church is handicap-accessible on Prior Avenue. Event is downstairs. nativityStpaul org/ eventS/grandparentS-feaSt-day-Celebration-with-fr-rumpza

St. Ignatius Feast Day Celebration — July 31: 6-8 p.m. at St. Thomas More, 1079 Summit Ave., St. Paul. Participate in a mini-spiritual pilgrimage in honor of St. Ignatius. Learn about his spiritual pilgrimage to the Black Madonna in Montserrat, Spain. Families welcome. ignatianSpiritualityCenter org

All Saints Garage Sale — July 31-Aug. 3: 19795 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville. Antiques/collectibles, clothing for all ages, baby items, household goods, furniture, sports equipment, lawn and garden, electronics and more. For daily sale hours, visit allSaintSChurCh Com/garageSale

WORSHIP+RETREATS

Cursillo Men’s Weekend 389 — Aug. 1-4: Our Lady of Grace, 5071 Eden Ave., Edina. A Cursillo weekend offers an opportunity to encounter Christ and grow in faith. Men and women attend different weekends. Questions? Email pre-CurSillo@tC-CurSillo org Sacredness of Women’s Friendships — Aug. 2-3: Benedictine Center of St. Paul's Monastery, 2625 Benet Road, Maplewood. Spend time reflecting on friendships and how important it is to have healthy friendships. Email development@StpaulSmonaStery org

benediCtineCenter org/bC-eventS

Cursillo Women’s Weekend 390 — Aug. 8-11: Our Lady of Grace, 5071 Eden Ave., Edina. A Cursillo weekend offers an opportunity to encounter Christ and grow in faith. Men and women attend different weekends. Questions? Email pre-CurSillo@tC-CurSillo org

"A Weekend Away" — Aug. 9-11: Christ the King Retreat Center, 621 First Ave. S., Buffalo. Adoration, Mass on Saturday and Sunday, optional guided meditation and Holy Hour. Confession and spiritual direction available. kingShouSe Com/event/a-weekend-awayguided-by-kingS-houSe-retreat-Staff

Ignatian Men’s Silent Retreat — Thursday-Sunday most weeks: Demontreville Jesuit Retreat House, 8243 Demontreville Trail N., Lake Elmo. Freewill donation. demontrevilleretreat Com

CONFERENCES+WORKSHOPS

Retrouvaille Marriage Help: Single Weekend Programs — Aug. 9-11: at Best Western Dakota

Ridge Hotel, 3450 Washington Dr., Eagan. Retrouvaille is a lifeline for troubled marriages. Couples learn the tools to rediscover each other and heal their marriage. 100% confidential. helpourmarriage org

SPEAKERS+SEMINARS

Growing in Freedom: An Ignatian Summer Series — Aug. 13: 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Ignatius Hall, St. Thomas More, 1079 Summit Ave., St. Paul. Speaker Mary Fratto presents Nuggets of Wisdom from Ignatius; Father Warren Sazama presents How to Make Good, Prayerful Decisions. No charge, register online: ignatianSpiritualityCenter org

Nuggets of Wisdom from Ignatius — Aug. 13: 7-8 p.m. at St. Ignatius Hall, St. Thomas More, 1079 Summit Ave., St. Paul. Part of the Growing in Freedom Ignatian Summer Series, the talk by Mary Fratto will focus on the teachings of St. Ignatius found in his Spiritual Exercises. ignatianSpiritualityCenter org/eventS

SCHOOLS

Summer Camp: Creative Writing Camp — June 29-Aug 1: 8:30-11:30 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe School, 235 S. Second St., Delano. Campers will write in a variety of genres each day, responding to literature and working on fun projects connected to different themes. Keep those writing skills sharp over the summer and stretch the imagination while having fun at camp. StmaxkolbeSChool org/SChool-CampS

OTHER EVENTS

Blessed Solanus Casey Pilgrimage — July 27: 7 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. at Blessed Solanus Casey Friary, 1101 Desoto St., St. Paul. Honor and pray with Blessed Solanus Casey with a walking pilgrimage to the parish where he was confirmed, St. Michael in Stillwater, in anticipation of his feast day.

modernCatholiCpilgrim Com/bl-SolanuS

Basilica Block Party — Aug. 2-3: Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley St., NE, Minneapolis. The Basilica Block Party is back at a new location. Proceeds from the Block Party are used for the restoration efforts of The Basilica of St. Mary and directly support the St. Vincent de Paul outreach initiative. baSiliCabloCkparty org

Resurrection Cemetery Open House — Aug. 7: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Resurrection Cemetery, 2105 Lexington Ave. S., Mendota Heights. Discover all the possibilities that Resurrection has to offer and take a tour of the expanding Green Burial section.

CatholiC-CemeterieS org

Regional Convening on Homelessness — Aug. 8-9: Aug. 8: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Aug. 9: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Catholic Charities Twin Cities, 1007 E. 14th St., Minneapolis. A series of advocacy training forums to increase awareness surrounding the homelessness crisis and build a network of informed advocates. Members of Catholic organizations, parish members

and other advocates are invited to attend. Registration is free. Email lCobbS@CatholiCCharitieSuSa org

Catholic Softball Tournament — Aug. 10: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at Pioneer Park, 2950 Centerville Road, Little Canada. Catholic Softball Group in partnership with Assisi League introduce the first Catholic men's softball tournament. All 18+ men encouraged. No need to be Catholic to play. Registration and full details at CatholiCSoftball Com

Gethsemane Cemetery Labyrinth Grief Retreat — Aug. 10: 9-11 a.m. at Gethsemane Cemetery, 8151 42nd Ave. N., New Hope. Held in the Mausoleum Chapel. Sheryl Rose, a spiritual director, will be the guide. Registration is required, space is limited. CatholiC-CemeterieS org/labyrinth

ONGOING GROUPS

Calix Society — First and third Sundays: 9-10:30 a.m., 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. With questions, call Jim at 612-383-8232 or Steve at 612-327-4370.

Gifted and Belonging — July 28: 6-8 p.m. at Harmon Park, 230 Bernard St. W., West 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

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.

Restorative Support for Victims-Survivors — Monthly: 6:30-8 p.m. via Zoom. Open to all victimssurvivors. 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. Victim-survivor 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 Thursdays. Visit Safe-environment arChSpm org/healing or contact Paula Kaempffer, outreach coordinator for restorative justice and abuse prevention, at kaempfferp@arChSpm org or 651-291-4429.

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

uThe Catholic Spirit prints calendar details as submitted.

TheCatholiCSpirit Com/CalendarSubmiSSionS

YOUR HEART HIS HOME CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

scratches and dents and needs for repair with style and a sense of humor rather than with grasping and terror. And though Jesus never knew the strains of aging, he certainly knows the strains of sin and death, and I know he will help me in this great challenge. It’s tempting sometimes to want a different body or a different life, a spiffier model, one that looks new and fast and shiny, without dent or wrinkle or arthritis. I marvel at the mystery of aging, something Jesus himself never had to endure and I wonder what he’d think about the way I’m doing it. Lord willing, when and if I get to heaven, I’ll have a new body, a resurrection body that doesn’t break down, doesn’t suffer disease or bone spurs or dementia. Until then, oh Lord, help me to remain faithful to my purpose and to rest in the knowledge that I am made new in the sacraments. As I paraphrase the words of Isaiah, let them swell in my heart: Even to old age you are God, even when I turn gray you will carry me. (46:4) Amen.

Stanchina is the community leader for Women’s Formation at Bishop Barron’s Word on Fire Institute and the awardwinning author of more than a dozen books. Visit her website at LizK.org

Resurrection Cemetery: 1 mausoleum crypt; Value: $30,000. Price: $26,000. 651-402-4036

CEMETERY LOTS FOR SALE

Resurrection Cemetery: 2 mausoleum crypts; Value: $54,665. Price: $45,999. 952-232-9372

GREAT CATHOLIC SPEAKERS

CD of the Month Club

Lighthouse Catholic Media, Scott Hahn, Jeff Cavins, and more! $6/month includes shipping. Subscribe online at: www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/cdclub Please Enter Code: 1195 HARDWOOD FLOORS

Comfort Crafter Hardwood Floors Summer’s here! Enhance the comfort of your home this season with new or refurbished hardwood floors. Chris 612-442-7571 PAINTING

For painting & all related services. View our website: PAINTINGBYJERRYWIND.COM or call (651) 699-6140. Michaels Painting. Texture and Repair. MichaelsPaintingllc coM. (763) 757-3187 PRAYERS

NOTICE: Prayers must be submitted

THELASTWORD

Don Bosco House cultivates brotherly love in young Catholics

By Josh McGovern The Catholic Spirit

JULY 8, in an innocuous St. Paul driveway, Archbishop Bernard Hebda sat down at a long line of tables for a feast with a group of young adults.

Those living at the house, former tenants and their significant others, joined the archbishop, lining the tables and capping them at the ends, with a portrait of Don Bosco adorned on an easel behind the head of the end table near the garage.

After a blessing by Archbishop Hebda, hands reached for the food on the table, not to serve themselves, but the person sitting beside them. The occasion: a reunion cookout for the Don Bosco House, a house in St. Paul for young Catholic men that is dedicated to its namesake saint. St. John Bosco (18151888) was an Italian priest, educator and founder of the Salesians. Popularly known as Don Bosco, he is the patron saint of young people.

“I believe Bosco brought the men here,” Archbishop Hebda said. “It’s when young adults hold other young adults accountable and support them and engage with them, there is that perseverance in the Church.”

Twenty-five young men have passed through the house since its inception three years ago. In 2021, Derrick Diedrich, a Catholic Studies graduate from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, and two other young Catholic Studies graduates lived together in a house. Hoping to invite more young men into the community, they bought one unit of a duplex in St. Paul. In 2022, the first year, they had eight young men living together.

“Our desire was to share our faith with more people and from our past experiences, we found just living in community, especially as young professionals, was very fruitful for our own prayer, our growth and faith,” Diedrich said. “We’re not a frat house. We’re young professionals and we’re called to be mature and do big things and have effective relationships.”

A founding member of the Don Bosco House, Ronan Winkel — now married — returned to the home July 8 with his wife for dinner with the archbishop. In the planning process for making Diedrich’s idea a reality, Winkel said, there needed to be a standard of living better than the typical college lifestyle, especially with a focus on becoming married one day. He said no matter who’s been in charge, the house has been fueled by an established sense of charity for one another.

“If you’re not going out of your way to wash someone else’s dishes, it means that someone else is thanklessly doing yours and you’re not paying them back,” Winkel said. “Inevitably, we’re all going to slip up and you’re not going to scrub that corner of the bathroom or something like that, but if we all have that spirit of charity going into it, the whole process of living together just works smoothly, such that there’s room to grow in friendship and virtue.”

The Don Bosco House is home to at least two Catholic converts. Jon May, a former member of the Evangelical

Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), said the house provides a kind of community that he’s never experienced before. May found the Catholic faith through his girlfriend, Milah Kourouma. Though he knew Diedrich, May didn’t know him as well as Kourouma did. Through Kourouma, May was able to kindle his own friendship with Diedrich, who asked him to join the house when a spot became available. May joined the house just recently, having decided that at this point in his life, discerning marriage, it might be his last opportunity to live in community with other young men. May left his single apartment and joined the other 11 men in St. Paul.

“When I decided to make that jump and instead of entering the faith completely alone, all these dudes really gave me a solid foundation of holy, Christ-like community to just take me in when I didn’t have anything else,” he said. May’s conversion was welcomed with open arms. And it continues to provide a unique opportunity to see the Catholic faith from different angles.

“I have a different appreciation for some of the foundations of the faith,” May said. “What is it about Catholicism that makes it so right and true? That’s really what fired me up in my conversion and keeps me coming back. I still haven’t learned as many devotionals as a lot of the other guys, so I find that I’m always learning more prayers and more devotionals.” May said his own learning about the faith can benefit other members of the Don Bosco House.

“There’s that different perspective, where they can bring some of that robust foundation and I can talk about the beauty of Catholicism in respect to other faith traditions,” May said. “I just want to continue growing in faith and solidify these relationships, not just as good friends but I want to leave here with lifelong brotherhood.”

The Don Bosco House, Diedrich and May said, can be a place for individuals to foster and grow their faith, then take it out into the world.

“I think it’s important to connect your faith with more people than just yourself, to take this internal relationship that you have with Christ and to turn that outward,” May said. “That’s the call of all Christianity, is to go and make disciples of all nations. I think starting in the home is just such an easy spot to begin discipling others and to grow together toward Christ.”

Without prayer, you can’t have charity, Winkel said. Fortunately for the Don Bosco House, Winkel said, there is no shortage of people with whom to pray.

Don Bosco’s example came to Diedrich while he was praying about the house. Don Bosco is the patron saint particularly of delinquent boys, about which Diedrich said, “That’s kind of ironic, but I can see how his charism is implanted in the house in the way that we interact and pray.” The men of the Don Bosco House entrust their intentions and the good of the house to the saint and his intercession through daily morning prayer. The house has a prayer card directed to St. Bosco. But above all, the members of the house are inspired by the saint’s work ethic.

started the Catholic young men’s house three years ago.

RIGHT Those gathered for dinner at the Don Bosco House July 8 pray before the meal is served. In the background is an image of St. John Bosco, popularly known as Don Bosco.

PHOTOS BY DAVE HRBACEK THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

“Some people would say that he (Don Bosco) would work all day,” Diedrich said. “He hardly slept sometimes, like four hours a night and the next day he would work continuously (for) the good of the Kingdom. ... In our culture today, people are kind of averse to work. I’ve seen in our house that we are more committed to doing good work and working with each other.”

Diedrich said living in a household allows its members to encourage one another to uphold responsibilities that might go unfulfilled when living alone.

Quoting St. Augustine’s “The City of God,” which defines peace as the tranquility of order, Diedrich said that when the house is in order, the young men can have good relationships with one another. This work is done through chores and the charity of cleaning a space, preparing it for the next person to use. “We always want to have the house ready for the next guy and have that charity built in where we’re serving the next person,” Diedrich said.

After the first year, five of the eight members of the house married and did not return. Diedrich and the remaining members scrambled to fill the open rooms. This was a recurring predicament, Diedrich said, but reasonably so.

“The reality is that we’re young Catholics and a number of us are dating and hoping to get married,” Diedrich said. But with this in mind, Diedrich was afforded the opportunity to accommodate leases that weren’t exactly 12 months.

Winkel, who left in October 2023, said the house played an instrumental role in

his marriage formation.

“There were five of us in the house that were engaged at the same time when I was there,” Winkel said. “Each of us, preparing ourselves and looking to the other relationships that are in the house and the other men that are there and just saying, ‘I want to be like that. I think that my fiancée would appreciate (it) if I could grow in that virtue like this guy.’”

The house has since acquired the second unit of the duplex, allowing 12 young men to live under the same roof. Diedrich will be going to the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, in August, when he will hand over the task of house leader to Michael Ennis.

Diedrich is confident that the house is in good hands. What inspires Diedrich is that the house has grown in importance, which was a hope from the beginning. The dinner on July 8 was an opportunity to show the archbishop that the Don Bosco House is for young professionals “called to be mature and do big things,” Diedrich said.

“For him (Archbishop Hebda) to see the organization that has been so fruitful, especially towards the end of my time in the house, after my two years here, is really validating,” Diedrich said, giving glory to God. “This is a really good thing that the Lord has blessed us with.”

Archbishop Hebda saw more than just 12 men living in a house. He said, “There’s a joy here being with you this evening. It’s that joy that helps us give incredible witness to Jesus in our life. … I get excited when I see all of you that the Holy Spirit is working in the archdiocese (of St. Paul and Minneapolis).”

ABOVE From left, Peter Thompson, Derrick Diedrich and Archbishop Bernard Hebda talk before dinner July 8 at the Don Bosco House in St. Paul. Diedrich was one of three men who