The
COURIER
Nativity of St. John the Baptist June 24
June 2018
Come, Holy Spirit!
Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona-Rochester, MN
St. Ann R a i s e s Funds for New Parish Center Submitted by FR. MICHAEL CRONIN
ROCHESTER--The Diocese of Winona-Rochester celebrated its second Diocesan Pentecost Vigil Mass at 7 p.m. on May 19 at Pax Christi Church in Rochester. The Mass was attended by various lay movements and prayer groups present in the Diocese of WinonaRochester, who prayed for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the people and ministries of the diocese. Todd Graff, the director of lay formation and RCIA
for the diocese, said the Mass was also a "celebration of the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of all those women and men who have recently entered the Church through the RCIA, along with their sponsors and everyone who has helped them on their journey." The first Diocesan Pentecost Vigil Mass was held last year at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona.
JANESVILLE—The parish of St. Ann Catholic Church in Janesville recently began a $1.1 million fundraising campaign to construct a new parish center addition to the existing church building and parish offices. As of May 25, nearly $250,000 has been given/pledged. The campaign began in mid-April following a feasibility study that indicated parishioner support for a new construction. According to St. Ann’s pastor, Fr. Michael Cronin, the parish has been exploring options for its existing parish center across the street from the church. Built as a school in 1962, it never functioned as a school but has been used for a variety of parish functions. The existing building has Parish Center, cont'd on pg. 16
INSIDE this issue
From Our Graduates
Baptism in Canon Law page 8
Happy Anniversaries! page 12
page 14
Pope Francis Watch
Articles of Interest
Frequently Asked Questions...________________4
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Confirmation Season!______________________6 From Our Graduates_______________________8
The Courier Insider
Out of Darkness...________________________10 Rejoice with Our New Priests!______________11 Baptism in Canon Law_____________________12 Advocacy..._____________________________13 Happy Anniversaries!______________________14 Diocesan Headlines_______________________16 Diocesan Calendar_________________________20 The Holy Father's Intention for
Pope: "False Dichotomy" Exists Between Religious Ethics, Business
By ELISE HARRIS
VATICAN CITY, May 26, 2018 (CNA/EWTN News)--Pope Francis criticized what he said is a “tragic” and false dichotomy that has been created between religious ethics and the economic-financial sector of society, telling business leaders that the two are not only compatible, but necessary for social advancement. “All too often, a tragic and false dichotomy–analogous to the artificial rift between science and faith–has developed between the ethical teachings of our religious traditions and the practical concerns of today’s business community,” the pope said May 26. However, there is “a natural circularity between profit and social responsibility,” and there is an “indissoluble connection” between an ethics that respects both the human person and the common good, and the functionality of economic and financial systems, he said. This ethical dimension of social and economic interaction “cannot be imported into social life and activity from without, but must arise from within,” he said, adding that this is a long-term goal that requires the commitment of all persons and institutions in society. Pope Francis spoke to members of the Centesimus Annus-Pro Pontefice institution, who are in Rome May 24-26 for an international convention titled “New policies and lifestyles in the digital age,” marking their 25th anniversary. The foundation was founded in 1993 by St. John Paul II to study and promote Catholic social teaching. Among the high-profile participants in the gathering was Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, who gave a lengthy keynote speech on the last day of the conferJune, 2018 w The Courier
ence. Sitting beside Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the president of Centesimus Annus Domingo Sugranyes Bickel, Bartholomew condemned a widespread culture of consumerism and indifference, and advocated for greater solidarity and collaboration in pursuing human development in an increasingly globalized world. During the conference, Bartholomew met with both Pope Francis and retired pontiff Benedict XVI. He spoke to Benedict Friday, and he met Francis in a private audience at the Vatican Saturday morning. In his speech, Pope Francis spoke on themes brought up in the recent Vatican document Oeconomicae et pecuniariae quaestiones, (Economic and financial issues), published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. He said current financial and social challenges faced by the global community “have an undeniable ethical dimension” and are related “to a mentality of egoism and exclusion that has effectively created a culture of waste blind to the human dignity of the most vulnerable.” This can be seen by the increasing “globalization of indifference” in front of blatant moral challenges humanity faces, he said, citing migration and a lack of development not only in materially poor countries, but also increasingly in the “opulence of the developed world.” Referring to the conference theme, Francis noted how one major threat to families is a lack of stable jobs and the impact of the “digital cultural revolution,” which he said is “a vital area in which the solidar"False Dichotomy," cont'd on pg. 16
June 2018 Social Networks That social networks may work toward that inclusiveness which respects others for their differences. Officials The Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of the Diocese of WinonaRochester, announces the following appointments: College of Consultors Rev. Andrew Beerman: appointed to the College of Consultors for a five-year term, effective April 20, 2018.
It's all online!
Senior Status Rev. Msgr. Thomas Hargesheimer: currently Rector of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka in Winona and Pastor of St. John Nepomucene Parish in Winona; granted Senior Priest status, effective July 1, 2018.
Vist www.dow.org for online access to: The Courier TV Mass Diocesan News Our Events Calendar and more!
Child Abuse Policy Information The Diocese of Winona-Rochester will provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (employees, volunteers, vendors, religious or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 507454-2270, Extension 255. A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. The Diocese of Winona-Rochester is committed to protecting children, young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. The diocesan policy is available on the diocesan web site at www.dow. org under the Safe Environment Program. If you have any questions about the Diocese of Winona-Rochester’s implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Mary Hamann at 507-858-1244, or mhamann@dow.org. The Courier is the official publication of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 588, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 109 - 6
Most Reverend John M. Quinn, Publisher Nick Reller, Associate Editor
Telephone: 507-858-1257 Fax:507-454-8106 E-mail: nreller@dow.org Subscription Rates: $5 per year in the U.S. Parishioners in the diocese subscribe through their parish. Periodicals postage paid at Slayton, MN Postmaster.
Publishing Schedule: Monthly - Deadline for advertising & articles is the 10th of the month prior. (ISSN 0744-5490)
Congratulations, Graduates! Graduation
It is again that time of year when we celebrate the graduation of many young people from high school and college. I want to congratulate all those in our diocese who graduated this spring, and assure you that you will be in our prayers as you move onto the next stage in your life. May you stay close to our Triune God through prayer and the Sacraments, and always turn to the Lord and seek His guidance in the days ahead. Keep Christ in the center of your life, and He will make straight your paths! I especially want to extend my congratulations to all the graduates from the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester: Cotter, Lourdes, Loyola, and Pacelli
Rejoice in Hope Bishop John M. Quinn Bishop's Calendar
High Schools; and St. Mary’s University in Winona. May you carry into the world the knowledge and faith you have received through your Catholic education. God bless you! Ordinations
This month the Diocese of Winona-Rochester rejoices at the ordinations of Deacon Matt Wagner on June 3 and Father Thé Hoang and Father Brian Mulligan on June 8, both at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. It is my joy and privilege as Bishop to ordain a transitional deacon and two new priests for our diocese. We are blessed to have these men serving our local Church! Please remember to keep them in your prayers in the days ahead. The priesthood was instituted by Jesus Christ Himself, and has continued up to our time through the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit. By ordination to Sacred Orders, a man is specially conformed and configured to Christ the great High Priest, and has the authority and privilege of making Christ truly present to His people. Through the ministry of the priesthood, Christ is made physically present in the Eucharist at Mass, dispenses forgiveness and mercy in the Sacrament of Penance, baptizes and welcomes into the Church new sons and daughters of God, prepares a man and a woman to be joined in Marriage, journeys with individuals and families through times of sickness, and prepares souls for death. The priesthood is a supernatural and extraordinary calling, for it is truly Christ Who ministers to
June 3, Sunday 3 p.m. - Matthew Wagner’s Ordination to the Diaconate - Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona
June 4, Monday 5:30 p.m. - Premier Banks Priest Golf Event Dinner - Owatonna Country Club, Owatonna June 5, Tuesday 11 a.m. - Holy Hour and Deans Meeting - St. Theodore Church, Albert Lea June 6, Wednesday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. - MCC Meeting - St. Paul Chancery, St. Paul, MN June 7, Thursday Diocese of Winona-Rochester Ministry Days - St. Mary’s University, Winona
His Church through His priests. Please remember to not only pray for your priests, so that they may be holy men who are courageous and faithful in living out their vocation, but also pray that those the Lord is calling to the priesthood may be willing to lay down their lives for Christ and His Church. If any young man feels called to discern the priesthood, there is still time to contact Fr. Kern, Vocations Director, about joining the seminary this fall. New Religious Communities in the Diocese
In recent months, the Diocese of Winona-Rochester has been blessed with the arrival of two new religious orders. The Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará (SSVM) arrived right before Easter and live in Mother Theodor Convent at Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Mankato. The SSVM’s are part of the Religious Family of the Incarnate Word, which also includes the Institute of the Incarnate Word (IVE) – the male religious order that already serves in our diocese. The charism of this religious family is deeply incarnational and Marian, seeking to spread the Gospel in every culture by imitating Our Lord through the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and also by consecrating themselves totally to Mary as taught by St. Louis de Montfort. We are blessed to have the SSVM’s in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, along with the IVE’s, and they are a great support to our efforts of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ here in southern Minnesota. This winter we also
June 8, Friday Diocese of Winona-Rochester Ministry Days - St. Mary’s University, Winona 2 p.m. - Presbyteral Ordinations of Deacons Thé Hoang and Brian Mulligan - Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona June 9, Saturday 10:30 a.m. - Sacred Heart Mercy Health Care Center Financial Advisory Board Meeting - Conference Call June 11 – 15, Monday – Friday USCCB Spring Assembly - Fort Lauderdale, FL
welcomed a community of Poor Clare sisters to Rochester, as they relocated from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. After 64 years in their Monastery of the Infant Jesus in Bloomington, the remaining 11 sisters will now live in their own wing at Assisi Heights. Here the elderly sisters can more easily live together without the upkeep of a large monastery. They are very willing to receive our prayer petitions as they pray for the Church without ceasing. I am thankful for these women religious, for their witness of consecrated life in our diocese, and for their service to our Church. Please pray for them and welcome them when you see them around the diocese. Gaudete et Exsultate!
On April 9, Pope Francis released the third apostolic exhortation of his pontificate, entitled Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad): On the Call to Holiness in Today’s World. Gaudete et Exsultate speaks of how the Lord calls all people to holiness, and how we can overcome different obstacles on our journey to becoming saints. Pope Francis reminds us that the Lord calls each one of us to be holy as He is holy, and this simply consists of letting “the grace of your baptism bear fruit in a path of holiness,” for “holiness, in the end, is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life” (15). Pope Francis specifically identifies the beatitudes as markers of holiness, and as the way that Christians are called to imitate their Master. The
the Sacred Heart - Winona 1 p.m. - Lunch with Catholic United Financial Group
June 22, Friday 11 a.m. - Mass at the Church of St. John the Evangelist for the St. Vincent de Paul North Central Region Meeting 12:45 p.m. - Keynote address Spirituality of Blessed Frederic - Kahler Grand Hotel, Rochester 6 p.m. - Evening Dinner Banquet - Kahler Grand Hotel, Rochester
June 20, Wednesday 10:15 a.m. - Real Presence Radio Live Interview
June 24, Sunday 6 p.m. - Mass of Elevation of the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist - Rochester
June 21, Thursday 12:10 p.m. - Mass at the Cathedral of
June 25, Monday 5 p.m. - Catholic United Financial Priest
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beatitudes are, as Pope Francis puts it, “like a Christian’s identity card” (63). Being poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and pure of heart is countercultural, but our Triune God gives us the tools necessary to fight the good fight, including the Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and Confession; Eucharistic A d o r a t i o n ; Scripture; works of charity; faithfilled prayer; and community life (cf 162). We know that the Christian life is a spiritual battle, where the devil tries to make us lukewarm in our faith, blind to our sins, and filled with “selfdeception that easily leads to corruption” (165). However, Christ Himself shows us that “Christian triumph is always a cross, yet a cross which is at the same time a victorious banner” (163). Pope Francis reminds us that we must keep our eye on the ultimate goal, for “the Lord asks everything of us, and in return He offers us true life, the happiness for which we were created” (1). May we rejoice and be glad while striving to become holy saints!
From the Bishop
�ear Friends in Christ,
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona-Rochester
Golf Outing Dinner - Willow Creek Golf Course, Rochester June 26, Tuesday 11 a.m. - Mass and Lunch with the Council of Catholic Women Province Conference - St. John Vianney Church, Fairmont June 27, Wednesday 11 a.m. - Senior Priest Luncheon Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester June 28, Thursday 9:30 a.m. - Holy Hour and College of Consultors Board Meeting - Diocesan Pastoral Center, Winona June 29, Friday 10 a.m. - Holy Hour and Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting June, 2018 w The Courier
Catholic Foundation
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Frequently Asked Questions
About the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota officio members from the diocesan leaderMonica Herman �riends: ship: Bishop John Quinn (who is nonvoting), The Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota has moved! Our offices were until recently at the Pastoral Center which houses the Diocese of WinonaRochester. Our offices have now moved to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary and our contact information is below. Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota PO Box 30098 750 Terrace Heights, Suite 105 Winona, MN 55987 (507) 858-1275 Catholicfsmn.org
Our physical address has changed, and our work has also changed a little. While we continue to be the “fundraising arm” for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, we are now also the “fundraising arm” of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. We are thrilled and honored to work with IHM Seminary Rector Fr. Robert Horihan, Vice-Rector Fr. Schaefer and the other faculty and staff. In looking back at a previous article describing the relationship between the Diocese of WinonaRochester and the CFSM, I felt that this would be an ideal time to revisit some questions that were previously presented and answered in The Courier. Q: Is the Foundation a part of the Diocese?
A: No, it’s not. The Foundation is a separate entity in every sense of the word, legally, financially, operationally and organizationally.
Q: What’s the relationship between the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota and the Diocese of WinonaRochester? A: We are legally, financially and organizationally separate from the Diocese of WinonaRochester. The Foundation is governed by a board of directors. Currently, our board has 10 members, including three ex
June, 2018 w The Courier
Vicar General Monsignor Thomas Melvin and Andrew Brannon, the diocese’s chief financial and administrative officer. We continue to have a shared-services agreement for some outside services such as IT, human resources, and accounting. One of our members is a parish priest from within the Diocese of WinonaRochester. Q: What is the legal status of the Foundation?
A: We’re organized as an autonomous Minnesota nonprofit corporation and recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity. Q: How much money do you manage?
A: As of June 30, 2017, we reported assets of $27.9 million. Q: Are the Foundation’s funds separate from those of the Diocese?
A: Yes. As an independent entity, the Foundation holds, controls and manages the charitable assets entrusted to its care. The assets we hold and manage are held in custody with independent third parties and are separate from the assets of the Diocese of WinonaRochester. Q: Does the Diocese have access to the funds at the Foundation? A: Other than its own funds, no.
Q: Are the parishes’ assets commingled with the Foundation’s assets? A: No. Like every institutional client of the Foundation, the assets we manage for our parish clients are invested and held with firms that the Foundation hires, and are managed independently. In some cases, funds are pooled in specific investments but are tracked separately.
Executive Director Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota mherman@catholicfsmn.org
Q: Do the parishes have access to the funds at the Foundation? A: Other than their own funds, no.
Q: Is my fund safe at the Foundation if the Diocese files for bankruptcy? A: We can’t speak to how individual funds under our management will be affected because every situation is unique. Parishes or donors who have concerns about the status of their funds with us should be encouraged to seek counsel on that topic. In general, funds owned or managed by the CFSM for specific purposes may be protected under Minnesota law. Factors that will affect the likelihood that a specific fund will be protected under Minnesota law are: • • • •
Endowment funds owned by the CFSM under written instruments signed by the parish and the CFSM are likely to be the most protected types of funds. Funds owned by the CFSM pursuant to written irrevocable instructions from the parish and that have been accepted by the CFSM are likely to be protected funds. Donor-advised funds owned by the CFSM but subject to donor-families’ right to give advice on the distributions of funds, are likely protected.
Parish funds – whether for specific purposes or general operations – that are simply managed by the CFSM and are not subject to any purpose restrictions are likely the least protected type of funds.
A: We can never say there’s zero risk, but we don’t believe that the donor-directed funds under our management are any more at risk than the assets at other institutions that are – like us – independent from the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Q: Who does the Foundation support?
A: The Foundation supports the organizations and causes that our donors and institutions specify when they entrust us to manage assets on their behalf. As a general proposition, those include institutions within the southern Minnesota Catholic community – the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, a number of parishes, schools, cemeteries and others – and individuals who establish donor-directed funds that benefit specific needs within our community. We are prohibited by law and by our own policies and procedures from doing otherwise.
Q: Who decides who will benefit from grants from the Foundation? A: The donors and the institutions that entrust their assets to our management specify the uses of those assets. We administer those funds consistent with their wishes and in order to maximize the benefit they provide. For designated funds, and unrestricted funds, our board of directors retains the sole authority to determine which benefiting organizations are selected.
Q: What control does the Bishop or the Diocese have over investments? A: None. All Foundation investments are overseen by the CFSM board, which uses independent third-party investment consultants and dedicated CFSM staff to manage investment operations. Our board works with the investment consultants to manage the investment portfolios of the Foundation.
Q: Where did the Foundation’s assets come from?
Q: Who has the right to remove board members?
A: The charitable assets we manage come from the community. This includes donations from individuals and organizations that are structured as beneficiary endowments, donoradvised funds, charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities and designated funds. We also receive assets from institutions that benefit from having their investments professionally managed and aligned with the teachings of Catholicism. Over the last 26 years, we’ve worked with thousands of individuals and organizations for these purposes.
A: Any director may be removed by a majority of the board of directors.
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A: The business and affairs of the Foundation are managed by and under the direction of the board of directors. The board has selected an executive director who hires additional outside services as needed. The board provides oversight and guidance to the executive director.
Catholic Foundation
Q: I understand what you’re saying about the Foundation being separate, but it still sounds like there’s a chance that someone might go after your assets in a lawsuit or if the Diocese or a parish files bankruptcy; if that’s true, wouldn’t it be safer for me to move my fund just to make sure that doesn’t happen?
Q: How can the Foundation claim it’s independent of the Diocese when its board of directors includes members of diocesan leadership and parish priests?
Q: How is the Foundation managed?
Q: Why was the Foundation created?
A: Our board makes its decisions based on its responsibilities to the Foundation, to its donors, to its clients and to those who benefit from the philanthropic activities we make possible. While the input of the Diocese of WinonaRochester is an element in carrying out our responsibilities, it is only one such factor. It’s also worth noting that the Bishop is a non-voting ex officio member of the board and that a majority of the voting directors are not associated with the Diocese of WinonaRochester. All actions of the board require approval by a majority vote of the directors present at a meeting. There are no circumstances in which the ex officio members of our board acting alone may act for the board.
A: The Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota was founded in 1991 to support our area’s parishes, schools and ministries with the necessary resources to be vibrant centers of faith and service and to assist faithful Catholics in fulfilling their call to stewardship. The Foundation stands as a center of Catholic philanthropy across southern Minnesota in service of Catholic responsible investing and sophisticated planned giving that celebrates our Catholic identity. We fulfill our mission by: •
Seeking endowment funds that support our mission
A: Those interested in serving on the CFSM board complete an application and are thoroughly vetted. The Foundation’s board of directors may consist of up to 15 members. The board has a standing committee that identifies, evaluates and recommends candidates to join the board. Newly appointed directors are selected by the board through a majority vote.
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Helping parishes, schools, and Catholic organizations meet their long-term financial needs
Q: How is the board selected?
Congratulations!
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Helping donors achieve their charitable and financial goals
Providing our clients responsible and effective financial management
Distributing resources according to donor intent
Since our kick-off, the following parishes have met their goals for the 2018 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
All Saints, New Richland
St. Ann, Janesville
St. Joseph, Waldorf
Good Shepherd, Jackson
St. Ann, Slayton
St. Luke, Sherburn
Holy Family, Kasson
St. Anthony, Westbrook
St. Mary, Chatfield
Holy Redeemer, Eyota
St. Columba, Iona
St. Patrick, LeRoy
Resurrection, Rochester
St. Finbarr, Grand Meadow
St. Patrick, West Albany
St. Francis of Assisi, Rochester St. John Nepomucene, Winona St. Joseph, Lakefield
June, 2018 w The Courier
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Confirmation Season!
Faith Formation
Congratulations to all
Peter Martin
those who became confirmed members of our Church this year in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester! God bless you!
Director of Faith Formation and Life, Marriage & Family pmartin@dow.org
April 15 St. Francis of Assisi, Rochester; with St. Pius X, Rochester (1) St. John the Evangelist, Rochester; with St. Pius X, Rochester (2) April 20 Pax Christi, Rochester (no picture); with Ss. Peter & Paul, Mazeppa (3). April 22 St. Thomas More Chapel, St. Mary's University, Winona (4)
April 25 St. Rose of Lima, Lewiston; with Immaculate Conception, Wilson; and St. Anthony, Altura (no picture)
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April 28 Resurrection, Rochester (5) April 29 Sacred Heart, Adams; with St. Ignatius, Spring Valley; St. Patrick, LeRoy; St. Finbar, Grand Meadow; St. John, Johnsburg; Queen of Peace, Lyle; and St. Peter, Rose Creek (no picture) May 2 St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles; with St. Aloysius, Elba; and Holy Redeemer, Eyota (6) St. Mary, Caledonia (7); with Nativity, Harmony; Assumption, Canton; and St. Olaf, Mabel (8) May 4 Sacred Heart, Owatonna; with Holy Trinity, Litomysl (9) May 5 St. Joseph, Owatonna (10); with Christ the King, Medford (11) St. John Vianney, Fairmont; with Holy Family, East Chain; Ss. Peter & Paul, Blue Earth; and St. Mary, Winnebago (12) May 6 Sacred Heart, Waseca (13) St. Edward, Austin; with St. Augustine, Austin (14); Queen of Angels, Austin (15); and Sacred Heart, Hayfield (16) May 7 Crucifixion, La Crescent; with Holy Cross, Dakota; St. Patrick, Brownsville; St. Joseph, Rushford; St. Peter, Hokah; and St. Mary, Houston (17) May 9 St. Joachim, Plainview (18); with Immaculate Conception, Kellogg (19) St. Felix, Wabasha; with St. Agnes, Kellogg (20) May 13 Christ the King, Byron; with Holy Family, Kasson (21) May 16 St. Ann, Janesville; with St. Joseph, Waldorf; All Saints, New Richland; Immaculate Conception, St. Clair; and All Saints, Madison Lake (no picture) May 18 Ss. Peter & Paul, Mankato; with St. Joseph the Worker, Mankato; and Holy Family, Lake Crystal (no picture) May 20 Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, Winona; with Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona; St. John Nepomucene, Winona; St. Casimir, Winona; St. Mary, Winona; Holy Trinity, Rollingstone; St. Paul, Minnesota City; and St. Mary, Minneiska (22) June, 2018 w The Courier
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Catholic Schools
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From Our Graduates Fundamentals of Morality By GRACE EINCK
�responsibility chool is portrayed as an obligation or for children and young
adults. Learning the essentials in academics like math, English, science, and history is what the majority of students focus on in their educational careers. They will go to school, learn a mathematical theory, write a book report, achieve an end result for their science experiment, then go home and finish their history homework that is due the following day. To the majority of the population, school is depicted as a learning environment where the students will learn academics and save the rest of their learning and mental development for their home and future. However, learning at a Catholic school is different. Growing up at Pacelli, I have learned much more than just the basic academics that are taught on a daily basis. Beyond the educational values at Pacelli, we also share moral beliefs that are shown to us by our
Living in Jesus' Name By CONNOR WALECHKA
� oing to a Catholic school has given me many opportunities to strengthen
my faith. The most important one is the time spent learning about my faith and how to grow in my spirituality. Besides preparing me for college, my Catholic education has helped me by showing the value of faith in everyday life. At Cotter, I am fortunate enough to practice and learn more about my faith through religion classes and in everyday events such as Mass. Through each year of high school, I took a different type of religion class, with each one adding to my understanding of Catholicism and helping me to grow a deeper appreciation of how it shapes my life. One of the most important things I learned throughout these classes is how to pray and talk to God. At first I was taught how to pray through the Bible by reading the scriptures. Next, I was taught the importance of just talking to God in silence and asking for guidance. This has helped me become closer to God by knowing that he is always with me. Reading the Bible and praying helps me when I am troubled or worried. Though my classes have built a good foundation for my faith, there are many other things that have helped me grow even more. Two of these are participating in the Mass, and having the blessing of Reconciliation. Both at school and at my parish with family, Mass gives me a time to be in God’s presence to hear the readings and interpretations of the scriptures. This helps me understand my faith better and how to use the lessons from the Bible to guide me each week. June, 2018 w The Courier
Each spring, we ask graduating seniors of our Catholic high schools to share with us the impact a Catholic education has had on their lives. I hope you'll take a moment to read these responses by Grace Einck, Connor Walechka, Riley Becher and Elizabeth Benzmiller. We are so proud of them!
teachers and staff who have become our role models. They have continued to teach us principles of morality and kindness in every situation they are given. The lessons I have learned from my teachers and other role models are lessons that I will carry with me into my college and future teaching career. Another reason I am thankful I have gone to Pacelli my whole life is that I’m allowed to be a part of a community that practices the Catholic faith in all we do, every single day. We get to participate in volunteer events for the church and nursing homes, and to pick up trash around Austin. Being a part of a Catholic school system has taught me the fundamentals of morality and how to give witness to Christ using the tools, guidance, and wisdom from my superiors and role models who have demonstrated this to all past and present Pacelli students.
Reconciliation helps me grow, because knowing God will forgive me for my mistakes gives me a chance to be better after a fresh start. Also, Reconciliation provides a good start for any church season we are entering, helping me get the most out of the opportunities for self improvement. My Catholic education has given me many chances to learn and develop my faith. All these different experiences have helped me grow spiritually, helping me become closer to God and teaching me the importance of living in Jesus’ name. Apart from what we have been taught, Cotter provides an atmosphere that helps provide a set of morals and ethics for my daily life. These values set by Cotter help me live each and every day as best as I can, helping me become a better person. Overall, my Catholic education has helped me grow spiritually through high school and has helped me learn the importance of continuing it for the rest of my life. Connor Walechka is a 2018 graduate of Cotter High School in Winona.
Marsha Stenzel
Superintendent of Catholic Schools mstenzel@dow.org
Grace Einck is a 2018 graduate of Pacelli High School in Austin.
Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for Us � By RILEY BECHER
atholic education is a blessing. Looking back at my 13 years in Catholic schools, I cannot express how important Catholic education has been in my life. My relationship with God has grown from non-existence to a flourishing relationship of love. Lourdes, specifically, has been an environment where my heart has been opened to the infinite love of God. My freshman year of high school, I became more and more impressed with the trust in God that I found at the school. I did not expect to pray with my football team. It was the first thing we did before and after every game, and we weren't allowed to celebrate before we thanked the Lord and our Blessed Mother. I didn't think much of this until the state semifinal game against Pierz. We were undefeated the whole season, and the game was back and forth with no clear winner. Finally, we scored with no time left. We could either kick an extra point and tie, or go for two points and win. At this point, everyone who wasn’t on the field immediately dropped to one knee, linked arms and began reciting the Hail Mary. We scored the two points. Everyone burst into cheers, but before celebrating with friends and family in the stands, the team gathered in a circle and said, “Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for us.” In that moment, I realized that God didn't just sit in the sky and judge us; he is an active and kind God, who performed a miracle right in front of our eyes. These small experiences continued to build throughout the years. From small retreats, to planning school Masses, to going on the senior Kairos retreat as a junior leader, to leading the same retreat the
next year, I continued to grow closer to God. Junior year, I decided to take a special class entitled Franciscan Foundations. In this class, we studied the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. We studied everything from the miracles they worked to their philosophies on life. At the end of the class, we went on a pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, Italy. This pilgrimage was a complete turning point for my life. Whilst on the pilgrimage, I discovered a call from God to the priesthood. By the work of God, Fr. Will Thompson, our previous vocations director, happened to be on pilgrimage with us. I sat down and talked with him about priesthood and the option of going to the seminary. I am very proud to say that next year, I will be attending IHM Seminary for our diocese, and I am looking forward to serving the Lord and the people of our diocese. I cannot express enough gratitude toward Lourdes for providing me with the foundation of prayer and spirituality. It has truly catalyzed a real relationship with God and Mary. So, I’d like to end this article the same way we end every school day: Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Riley Becher is a 2018 graduate of Lourdes High School in Rochester.
My Loyola Family By ELIZABETH BENZMILLER
�whether have attended a Catholic school for most of my life, that was right here in Minnesota or across
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I believe that my Catholic education has been fundamental to my personal and spiritual growth, to the development of my talents, and has helped me find the best support system anyone could ask for. My Catholic education is not simply something I will leave behind, but rather something I will take with me as I take the next steps in this great journey we call life.
Catholic Schools
the country. My Catholic education was my stronghold, my cornerstone, and my foundation. Most importantly though, my Catholic education has been my family. No matter where I lived, what school I went to, or what grade I was in, I had a family through my faith and education. I learned the importance of family from a young age and grew to value the relationships I had formed from my Catholic education. Walking into Loyola Catholic School for the first day ever in preschool, some 14 years ago, I remember feeling a sense of belonging and welcome. It was a feeling that was impressed upon me, a feeling that I was accepted, embraced, welcomed, and celebrated in a diverse and faith-enriched environment that helped nurture me to become the person I am today. My Catholic education has helped me to realize the importance of my education and how fundamental it is to understanding theology, especially my religion. My theology class has helped me explore my beliefs and morals, and challenged me to become a socially-conscious person, concerned about others and our planet. I believe one of the most important parts of my Catholic education is my social involvement in the
community. I was strongly encouraged to step into my community and use my talents to serve others. I was taught some of my most valuable life lessons thanks to the experiences I had from my volunteer work. I have learned to think of others, to be a considerate person, to embrace diversity and to work to serve others. Through these building blocks, provided by Catholic education, I have developed my moral compass, my spirituality, and the ability to express myself. Not only have I grown individually, but I have grown with my family. My community of friends, teachers, staff, religious leaders, and family have all taught me that the greatest disservice to the world is not living up to your potential and not using your God-given talents. Through my Catholic education, I have been challenged to try new things, better myself, and use my talents to serve others. I have been able to express myself freely and be a part of something bigger than I am. I know from attending a Catholic school that I have become a person who has character, integrity, grit, tenacity, and the courage to fulfill my potential, using my God-given gifts. I have been surrounded by dedicated teachers, dutiful administration, and amazing classmates that have made my Catholic education unforgettable. Going into the future, I will have the gifts, life lessons, and personal growth that will be the cornerstones to my future success. I will have my best friends, my teachers, and, most importantly, my Loyola family, cheering me on wherever I will go in life.
Elizabeth Benzmiller is a 2018 graduate of Loyola High School in Mankato.
Another Year Complete at
Sacred Heart School, Waseca By LEANN DAHLE
�atedacredby Heart School was founded in 1886 and operthe Sisters of the Holy Child until 1904, at
which time the Sisters of Saint Francis of Rochester began operating the school. Since its founding in 1886, Sacred Heart School has operated as a parish school. The mission of the parish since its founding has been to provide a faith-based education for all parish children by maintaining a tuition-free school. Sacred Heart School is supported by all members of the parish community. We are grateful for this gift and the mission to nurture our young people to become active members of our parish community by participating in liturgy and becoming involved in parish events. The school mission was derived from the parish mission and supports this long tradition. "The Mission of Sacred Heart School is to promote life-long learning and Christ-centered values in a Catholic setting." Therefore, the school is governed by the Sacred Heart Parish Council, the Finance Board, and the Board of Education. The councils/boards work
closely with the parish pastor, Father Gregory Leif, and the principal, LeAnn Dahle, to ensure that the day-today operation of the school meets MNSAA, Minnesota state, and diocesan standards. The 2017-2018 school year has passed very quickly. The faculty and staff began the year with events such as Open House and Fall Festival. We then moved into fall parent/teacher conferences, Christmas programs, Catholic Schools Week, spring parent/teacher conferences, and Kindergarten Registration Night. Spring brought forth activities such as First Holy Communion, Science Fair, the Marathon, Grandparents Day, Art Show, and many class field trips. Our final days included the fourth grade environmental trip to Camp Omega, Closing Liturgy, and Fourth Grade Graduation. As we close our year, we reflect on our many blessings and are grateful for the support we receive from you and our parish community. Have a safe and blessed summer!
Black Belts in Recorder Karate
LeAnn Dahle is the principal of Sacred Heart School in Waseca.
Belle Miller, winner of an award at the South Central Young Writer's Conference in Mankato
Grandparents Day
Mankato Regional Science Fair award winners
Sacred Heart School Art Show winners June, 2018 w The Courier
Lay Formation & RCIA
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Out of Darkness
And into the Light of Christ This month's column is written by CAMILLE W I T H R O W (right), my colleague in the Office of the RCIA . -T.G. But you are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises" of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. -1 Peter 2:9
�
he Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) prepares and forms women and men for initiation and entrance into the Catholic Church. As the Church’s text for the RCIA states, “The rite of Christian initiation is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts.” (“Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” [RCIA], #1). This journey of formation in the life of faith, which prepares one for entrance into the Church, unfolds in several stages and is marked by several liturgical rites. At the Easter Vigil, the unbaptized catechumens (called “the elect”) experience the culmination of their RCIA journey as they are initiated into the Catholic Faith through Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. Period of Mystagogy
Mystagogy, or the Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis, is the final period in the RCIA for those who were unbaptized, and it takes place after the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation. During this period, the community of the faithful, along with the newly initiated, grow together as they deepen their understanding of the paschal mystery by meditating on the Gospel, receiving the Eucharist, and participating in works of Charity. In this article, I will describe the period of mystagogy and offer some of my personal reflections on its significance for our Church.
Mystagogy can be as challenging to understand as it is to say – whether it be seeking to comprehend what the period of mystagogy is, how it can be done well, or whom it involves. In every RCIA survey I have seen, mystagogy tends to be the area where people are hungering for more information, myself included! While reviewing the RCIA text, I was able to dive into what mystagogy is and the beauty that surrounds it, as well as recognizing that this is a period of deepening spiritual growth for all in the parish – not just for those involved in RCIA. Through this period, the “neophytes” (the newly initiated) “are introduced into a fuller and more effective understanding of mysteries through the Gospel message they have learned and above all through their experience of the sacraments they have received.” Through these Sacraments and this experience, they gain “a new perception of the faith, of the Church, and of the world.” (RCIA #245). With this fresh outlook and deepening of the faith, neophytes enter into a new place in their faith journey. Strengthened by the graces that come from the Sacraments, their faith is opened to beauty and knowledge that would not have been understood prior to this time. Since mystagogy focuses on each person’s participation in the Sacraments, and is deeply connected to the community, the main setting where this period takes place is at the Sunday Masses celebrated during the Easter season. Because of this, the homilies and intercessions during this time should include a focus on the neophytes. This can be a wonderful way to have the community pray for those new to the faith. I cannot think of a better feeling of being welcomed into the Church than by knowing that the entire parish community is praying for me. What an incredible difference we can make through prayer! Role of the Community
While mystagogy focuses largely on the neophytes, the community still has a significant role during this period. As mentioned above, the community grows in faith along with the neophytes as, together, everyone deepens their understanding of the paschal mystery. The RCIA text states that, “to strengthen the neophytes as they begin to walk in the newness of life, the community
Todd Graff
Director of Lay Formation & RCIA tgraff@dow.org
of the faithful, their godparents, and their parish priests (pastors) should give them thoughtful and friendly help” (RCIA #244). As the neophytes begin to partake in the sacraments, their contact with the parish community increases; as this happens, communication between the neophytes and their fellow parishioners is easier and can prove more beneficial. For neophytes, what a blessing this is to have others in the community celebrate the paschal mystery with them as they come to appreciate the Eucharist and the Church’s sacramental life in an ever new and deeper way. Through mystagogy, neophytes should receive a joyful welcome to the parish community and develop closer relationships with other faithful Catholics around them. This is done with the help and support of their godparents. In return, their fellow parishioners receive inspiration and a renewed outlook through the witness of the neophytes. As mentioned in a previous article, seeing, meeting, and praying with those that are newly received/initiated always brings me hope and motivation to grow deeper in my faith. Their witness brings me great joy and renews me in my own faith journey. It is a blessing for me to be able to pray for and with our newest brothers and sisters in Christ as we all strive to grow closer to our Lord. This is what mystagogy is for the entire parish. We grow closer to God while at the same time our parish community grows in love for our Lord, for our faith, and for each other. Pentecost: A Celebration of the Spirit!
The RCIA text ends the section on mystagogy by stating: “To close the period of postbaptismal catechesis, some sort of celebration should be held at the end of the Easter season near Pentecost Sunday” (RCIA #249). This celebration took place recently, for our diocese, at the diocesan Pentecost Vigil Mass celebrated on May 19th at Pax Christi Church in Rochester. All of those who had recently entered the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), along with those who walked with them on their journey, were invited to come together to celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Bishop Quinn celebrated the Mass and was present to show his care for the new members of our Church and diocesan community. Together, we celebrated the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and prayed for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit on the people and ministry of our diocese. Veni Sancte Spiritus! In the sacraments of Christian initiation we are freed from the power of darkness and joined to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. We receive the Spirit of filial adoption and are part of the entire people of God in the celebration of the memorial of the Lord’s death and resurrection…. Thus the three sacraments of Christian initiation [i.e., Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist] closely combine to bring us, the faithful of Christ, to his full stature and to enable us to carry out the mission of the entire people of God in the Church and in the world.
June, 2018 w The Courier
-Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Rejoice With Our Rev. Jason Kern Director of Vocations jkern@dow.org
�
ach year, the month of June is a cause for rejoicing around the area of vocations. Though we haven’t had a proximate reason to rejoice the last few years, we still have had reason to celebrate the numerous ordination Masses throughout the country and world. This year we have double the cause to rejoice, having two men being ordained to the sacred order of Presbyter and one as a transitional Deacon (Matthew Wagner, who is preparing for priesthood ordination next year).
Deacon Thê Hoang and Deacon Brian Mulligan will be ordained priests on June 8, 2018. This is a Friday at the end of our diocesan Ministry Days. The gathering will reach a fitting conclusion with the ordination of two men who will serve as priests for our diocese in the years to come. In addition to coinciding with Ministry Days, June 8 is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Our cathedral in Winona is named for and consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and so the whole diocese celebrates this feast day with our "Mother Church." Not only is this a particularly fitting day for the life of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, but also the Heart of Jesus is the model of all priestly hearts. Jesus’ heart is the heart of the good shepherd and is burning with love, passion, and devotion. May the Heart of Jesus inspire Deacon Thê and Deacon Brian to be priests with the priestly heart of Jesus. Hearts on fire with love for God, for God’s people, and for the Church. The whole diocese - and, indeed, the office of vocations - rejoices with full hearts to see these two generous young men be ordained for priestly service.
Deacon Brian Mulligan (R) and Deacon Thê Hoang (L) are picured at their diaconate ordination last June. This month, both will be ordained priests. Read more next month!
Vocations
New Priests!
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During the Ordination Mass, before the man is ordained, he is called forward by one of the deacons of the Mass. The following dialogue takes place between the bishop and the priest designated by the bishop: The priest says, "Most Reverend Father, holy mother Church asks you to ordain these men, our brothers, for service as priests." The bishop says, "Do you judge them to be worthy?" The priest answers, "After inquiry among the people of Christ, and upon recommendation of those concerned with their training, I testify that they have been found worthy." This marks a powerful moment in the liturgy, where we, the Church, say these men are chosen for ordination, and the congregation will roar in Matthew Wagner was a deacon on approval with anticipa- ordained June 3. Read more tion of these men being next month! ordained for service in the Church. Yet, it is worth asking: can anyone be worthy for ordination? Certainly not on our own merits! We can never live perfectly up to the ideal of being conformed to Jesus Christ the Priest, but we are called to strive. The indelible mark put upon the priest at ordination is a seal that gives him a power or a capacity to live united to Jesus, and it calls forth holiness in priests. If we are going to live to what we are called to be, we priests need an abundance of grace to live this call and to sacrifice our lives as Christ has offered Himself. So, while we say we judge them to be worthy, what we truly mean is that we attest to their moral life, to the best of our knowledge, that these men have surrendered their lives to Jesus and are prepared to live a life of sacrifice. They have truly been called by Jesus to share in His love by being conformed to Christ as Head and Shepherd. Though unworthy, by grace, mercy, and their free cooperation, Christ now makes them worthy to share in sacrificial love. Let Mother Church rejoice this month with the gift of two new priests! June, 2018 w The Courier
Ask a Canon Laywer
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Baptism in Canon Law �
lthough canon law by itself certainly isn’t the fullness of Christian life, it does touch on many of our lived experiences as Catholics, including the celebration of the sacraments. This month we’ll go back to the very beginning, and take a look at where we all officially started as Catholics—the sacrament of baptism. The Code of Canon Law opens its discussion of baptism with canon 849, which states:
Baptism, the gateway to the sacraments … is validly conferred only by a washing of true water with the proper form of words. Through baptism men and women are freed from sin, are reborn as children of God, and, configured to Christ by an indelible character, are incorporated into the Church. Let’s break this down a little more:
“…by a washing of true water with the proper form of words...”
Baptism is the ritual ceremony that officially makes us Christians. As far as sacraments go, the bare bones for what it takes to have a valid baptism—that is, a baptism that “works” or is effective—are actually quite simple. For baptism, all that really needs to happen is water is poured over the head of the one being baptized, while the one doing the baptism recites the proper “form” or formula, i.e. the required prayer. The formula always must involve the words: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Because baptism is so basic, the Catholic Church recognizes the baptism of many Protestant and non-Catholic Christian communities as being fully valid. This is why, for example, a Lutheran who decides to become Catholic will not need to be re-baptized (can. 868 §2). And, although the Church directs that a priest or deacon should be the minster of baptism whenever this is possible, in an emergency anyone (even a non-Christian!) can baptize validly, provided that they use water, say the right words, and have the intention of baptizing (See can. 861 §2).
June, 2018 w The Courier
“...configured to Christ by an indelible character...” Baptism joins us to Christ as members of His body, the Church, in an absolutely permanent way. When canon law speaks of this as “an indelible character,” this means that baptism creates a permanent change in the soul that can never be un-done. While an individual might sadly stop practicing the faith, he or she can never go back to being unbaptized. Likewise, the only people who can receive baptism are those who have never been baptized before (can. 864).
Jenna Cooper
Tribunal Coordinator & Judge jcooper@dow.org
Requirements for Baptism
All human beings have a fundamental vocation to know Jesus Christ and to find salvation through Him, and so therefore everyone has a call to baptism. As such, the only “...incorporated into the Church...” requirements that an unbaptized adult must meet in order to be baptized are: to desire baptism, to demonstrate a When people are baptized as Catholics, they become serious intention to live a Christian life, and to undergo members of the Catholic Church. Naturally, this has many an appropriate amount of study and preparation for the important spiritual consequences, but membership in the sacrament (can. 865 §1). Catholic Church also has canonical consequences. The requirements for the baptism of Specifically, baptism makes one eligible to Do infants are a little bit different. While receive the other sacraments. Also as a y ou que hav in our everyday speech we tend to result of their Catholic baptism, Catholics sti e a c o a n non use the word “infant” to mean are bound to observe all of canon law, abo you law u “baby,” in canon law, technically, including the Church’s marriage laws. t that to s w o u l d an infant is anyone under the So, it’s obviously important to e age of seven—though, admitkeep track of who has been baph e r e answ l i k e e e r tedly, you might want to think tized! This is why every parish has e ? d jcoo twice about sharing this fact per@ E m a i a special book, called a baptismal l with dow with any self-respecting sixregister, where all baptisms that .o and-a-half year-old! take place within the parish are que " C o u r i rg s er tion For an infant to be bapcarefully recorded. And, incidental" in the tized, all that is required is that ly, “within the parish” means within subj ect at least one parent consent to the parish’s geographical territory, not line the baptism, and that there be a just inside the parish church building . “founded hope” that the child will itself. So, for instance, if an emergency be brought up in the Catholic faith. It’s baptism takes place in a hospital, the record important to keep in mind that this “foundwould be made in the baptismal register of ed hope” is not the same thing as: a foolproof plan, whichever Catholic parish happens to be nearest. a firm guarantee, or even the most likely outcome. Rather, (See can. 877 §1) the hope that the child will be raised Catholic simply can’t Baptismal registries are also necessary because a be “altogether lacking” (can. 868 §1). Catholic’s entry in the parish baptismal register serves as the “master record” for the rest of his or her sacramental life. That is, any time a Catholic has a signifiLife-or-Death Scenarios cant event in his or her life of faith, a note of this is made next to the record of his However, when an unbaptized person is in danger of or her baptism. This is why whenever death, in a certain sense, “all bets are off.” Because baptism a Catholic is confirmed, is married, is is so important to one’s eternal salvation, if an infant is ordained a deacon or priest, makes truly on the verge of dying, he or she may be baptized even religious vows, or enters into a state of against the wishes of the parents (can. 868 §2). Likewise, consecrated life, the original an adult in mortal danger can receive baptism at once just parish where he or she as long as he or she gave some kind of sign of desiring and was baptized must be intending to be baptized (can. 865 §2). The reason for this informed. “leniency” in emergency situations is because the Church’s law is based on the principle that the salvation of souls is the highest law (can. 1752).
More Life-Giving Than You Think Rachel Herbeck
Policy & Outreach Coordinator Minnesota Catholic Conference
�s Catholics, we are called to actively live out the
Gospel in public life - a call that sometimes elicits the thought, “Do I really have to?” From what we see and hear in the world, politics can seem like a dirty arena, completely devoid of principle. We may see the process as being too complicated or think it impossible for citizens to make a difference. Because of the vision we have of politics, we think that our experiences will be negative and draining. These misunderstandings often keep Catholics from making a difference in our communities. This session, two members of the Catholic Advocacy Network decided to get more involved in politics. By taking steps to get equipped, stay engaged, and build and maintain relationships
Without a legislative solution, Dreamers' futures remain uncertain. Urge your Representative in Congress to support H.R. 4796, the Uniting and Securing America (USA) Act. The USA Act is a compromise bill that augments border security with the use of new technology, increases staffing resources for immigration courts to carry out their work, and provides a path to citizenship for Dreamers who satisfy residency, age, education, and military or employment requirements. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops still supports the DREAM Act of 2017, but also views the USA Act as a step in the right direction to protect 1.8 million Dreamers, who were brought, as minors, to the United States illegally by their parents. Ask your Representative to support the USA and DREAM Acts so they can be debated and voted on by Congress in the near future. To call or send a message to your Representative, visit www.MNCatholic.org/ ActionCenter.
with their legislators, they learned that getting involved was life-giving and an essential part of spreading the Gospel. Get Equipped
Julie Schweich, a parishioner of Nativity of Our Lord in St. Paul, attended Capitol 101 this session. After a morning of hearing from legislators, asking questions, and discussing critical issues, she felt more confident meeting with her legislators. “I never thought I would be able to go sit and talk to my senator about an issue, but after learning more about the pornography and human trafficking bill and asking questions, I felt more confident conveying my thoughts and opinions. At the end of the meeting, I actually felt like I did something to help my senator understand the bill and our point of view.” Julie’s experience at Capitol 101 gave her the tools she needed to be an effective advocate. Stay Engaged
Not only can you engage directly with your legislators, you can stay up to date on bills as they go through the legislative process. John Lucke, a junior at the University of St. Thomas, had an interest in the issue of pornography and its ties to human trafficking. Before the House of Representatives voted on this bill (HF 2967), John attended its committee hearing. At a committee hearing, a group of legislators discuss the bill, ask questions, hear from testifiers on the issue, and vote on whether the bill should continue to the next step. John’s experience at the hearing convinced him that he needed to be more engaged in the process. “Hearing the experiences of the testifiers was a turning point for me, a moment of reinvigoration. I left convicted that this fight was worth my time and effort.” Not only did the hearing energize John, but the legislators also took notice that constituents were there in support of the bill. John continued his engagement and took the issue to his senator. At the meeting, they discussed the dangers of pornography for over 30 minutes. By the end, the senator agreed that pornography is dangerous.
By taking one simple step to attend a hearing, John learned more about the political process and was motivated by the prospect of the positive change that could happen through the lawmaking process. Maintain Relationships
Faith in the Public Arena
Advocacy
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John says he now sees that his legislators need him as a resource, and all he had to do was take time to be one. “Taking advantage of MCC’s resources and my own willingness to speak up was all I needed to begin that relationship,” he said. Julie tries to be a resource to her legislators through consistent phone calls. “I’ve gotten into the habit of making quick calls to my legislators while I’m driving home from work. In the last month, I’ve called my representative about pornography, human trafficking, and gambling. The calls take me less than five minutes.” While on the phone, Julie reminded her senator of their meeting at Capitol 101 and the importance of passing the pornography and human trafficking bill (SF 2554). Not even a month after their meeting, the senate bill, which would require police to collect information on the connection of pornography to human trafficking cases, passed unanimously. Her senator’s “yes” vote helped Julie to see the importance of maintaining that relationship. “When I heard that the bill passed, I felt that I had a hand in helping make that happen.” Life-Giving Truth
Both Julie’s and John’s experiences were entirely different than they expected. “The media makes you think that politics is just like the show House of Cards,” John says. “Once I began to get involved, my experience was actually really life-giving because I was on the front lines, really living the Gospel in action.” John and Julie show that getting involved is not only simple, but enjoyable and life-giving. Whatever our perceptions may be, if dread is your response to the call, participating in politics may be a more positive and effective experience than you think. All you have to do is give it a try. June, 2018 w The Courier
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Happy Anniversaries! Rev. John Lasuba (25 years of priesthood)
In the Diocese
Father Lasuba was born in Yei, South Sudan, to Soro Lasuba and Ondoko Unia. He began his seminary formation in minor seminary after the sixth grade and was ordained to the priesthood on May 2, 1993, for the Archdiocese of Juba, South Sudan, at the Cathedral of St. Theresa in Kator, Juba, by the Most Rev. Paolino Lukudu Loro. As a priest of the Archdiocese of Juba, Father Lasuba served as parochial vicar and rector of the Cathedral of St. Theresa, and ministered in Yei and the Pastoral Zone of the Juba Archdiocese after fleeing Juba due to ongoing civil war. In 2004 Father Lasuba came to the United States. Since his arrival in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in 2005, Father Lasuba has been parochial vicar at St. John the Evangelist in Rochester and chaplain for the Rochester Knights of Columbus. Father Lasuba is currently the pastor of Christ the King Parish in Byron and Holy Family Parish in Kasson. Rev. Swaminatha Pothireddy (25 years of priesthood)
Father Pothireddy was born in Cuddapah, India, to Rayapu Reddy and Showreelamma Pothireddy. He earned degrees at the University of Osmania and Sri Krishna Devaraya, Ananthapur, before studying philosophy and theology at St. John’s Regional Seminary in Hyderabad, India. On May 3, 1993, Father Pothireddy was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Cuddapah at Annunciation Church in Silveru, India, by the Most Rev. Addagatla Innaiah. As a priest of the Diocese of Cuddapah, Father Pothireddy served as assistant director for the Bishop Aruliah Hostel, youth director for the Diocese of Cuddapah, parish priest and principal for Infant Jesus High School and St. Joseph School. Since his arrival in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in 2007, Father Pothireddy has been parochial vicar at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona and pastor for All Saints in New Richland, St. Mary in Geneva, and St. Aidan in Ellendale. Father Pothireddy is currently the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Adams, St. John Parish in Johnsburg, Queen of Peace Parish in Lyle, and St. Peter Parish in Rose Creek. Rev. Russell Scepaniak (25 years of priesthood)
Father Scepaniak was born in St. Cloud to George and Gladys (Justin) Scepaniak. He studied philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and then completed his theology degree at St. John School of Theology in Collegeville and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. On June 23, 1993, Father Scepaniak was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona by the Most Rev. John G. Vlazny. Father Scepaniak’s assignment as a parochial vicar was at Pax Christi in Rochester. As a pastor, he served at Immaculate Conception in St. Clair, St. Ignatius in Spring Valley, St. Patrick in LeRoy, June, 2018 w The Courier
St. Finbarr in Grand Meadow, St. Kilian in Wykoff, St. Mary in Chatfield, St. Columban in Preston, St. Patrick in Lanesboro, St. Francis Xavier in Windom, Sacred Heart in Brewster, Sacred Heart in Heron Lake, St. Theodore in Albert Lea, and St. James in Twin Lakes. Other assignments include instructor for Lourdes High School in Rochester; priest moderator for the St. Thomas More Newman Center in Mankato; moderator of the Winona Diocesan Council of Catholic Women for the Austin / Albert Lea Deanery; dean of the Worthington and Austin / Albert Lea Deaneries; parochial administrator for St. Ann in Slayton, St. Columban in Iona, and St. Mary in Lake Wilson; and member of the Presbyteral Council and Clergy Personnel Committee. Father Scepaniak is currently the pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Rochester, and is also a member of the College of Consultors and the Diocese of Winona-Rochester Finance Council. Father Scepaniak will be celebrating his anniversary with a 10 a.m. Mass at St. Pius X Church in Rochester, on Sunday, July 8, with a reception to follow in Kennedy Hall. Anyone is welcome. Rev. James Steffes (25 years of priesthood)
Father Steffes was born in Brookfield, WI, to Ralph and Darlene (Morgen) Steffes. He earned a philosophy and psychology degree at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary / St. Mary’s College in Winona and then studied theology at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, IL, and at the North American College and the Gregorian University and received an S.T.L. from the Angelicum University in Rome, Italy. On June 23, 1993, Father Steffes was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona by the Most Rev. John G. Vlazny. Father Steffes’ assignments as a parochial vicar were at St. Mary in Winona, St. Joseph the Worker in Mankato, Holy Family in Lake Crystal, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, and Immaculate Conception in Wilson. As a pastor, he served at Holy Trinity in Rollingstone, St. Paul in Minnesota City, and St. Mary in Minneiska. Other assignments include instructor and chaplain for Loyola High School in Mankato; vocations director; director of spiritual formation, spiritual director and rector at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona; executive director of the US Bishops’ Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations; vicar general, vicar for clergy, and moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of WinonaRochester; and parochial administrator for Sacred Heart in Adams, St. John in Johnsburg, St. Peter in Rose Creek, and Queen of Peace in Lyle. Father Steffes is currently the pastor of St. Augustine Parish and St. Edward Parish in Austin, and is a member of the Presbyteral Council. Rev. Msgr. Richard Colletti (40 years of priesthood)
Monsignor Colletti was born in Chicago, IL, to Jerome and Rosalie (Scire) Colletti. He studied philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and then completed his theology degree at the North American College and the Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. On June 19, 1978, Monsignor Colletti was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona by the Most Rev. Loras J.
Watters. Monsignor Colletti’s assignments as a parochial vicar were at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, St. John Vianney in Fairmont, St. John the Baptist in Minnesota Lake, St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, St. Augustine in Austin, and Our Lady of Loretto in Brownsdale. As a pastor, he served at Good Shepherd in Jackson, St. Luke in Sherburn, St. Joseph in Trimont, St. John the Baptist in Mankato and St. Casimir in Winona, and he was rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. Other assignments include instructor for Cotter High School; chaplain for the Cabrini Home in Winona, Boy Scouts of America, St. Mary’s College in Winona, St. Thomas More Newman Center in Mankato, and St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center in Winona; Minnesota state chaplain for the Knights of Columbus; member of the Presbyteral Council, Assignments Committee, and College of Consultors; parochial administrator of St. Mary in Caledonia, St. Luke in Sherburn, St. Joseph in Trimont, St. Teresa in Mapleton, St. Joseph in Good Thunder, and St. Matthew in Vernon Center; moderator for the Mankato / St. James area Winona Diocesan Council of Catholic Women; and chancellor and vicar general of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. In 2012, he was named Prelate of Honor to His Holiness. Monsignor Colletti is currently the pastor of St. Adrian Parish in Adrian, St. Anthony Parish in Lismore, and Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Wilmont. Rev. Gregory Leif (40 years of priesthood)
Father Leif was born in Austin to Claude and Alice Mae (Ankeny) Leif. He attended Austin Junior College before studying sociology at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, and then completed his theology degree at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. On June 19, 1978, Father Leif was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona by the Most Rev. Loras J. Watters. Father Leif’s assignments as a parochial vicar were at St. Mary in Caledonia, St. Mary in Winona, and St. John the Evangelist in Rochester. As a pastor, he served at Sacred Heart in Brewster, St. Mary in Dundee, St. Gabriel in Fulda, St. Columba in Iona, Sacred Heart in Adams, St. John in Johnsburg, St. Mary in Caledonia, and St. Patrick in Brownsville. Other assignments include chaplain for the Boy Scouts of America and the College of St. Teresa in Winona, dean of the Austin / Albert Lea Deanery, spiritual director at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, and member of the Diocesan Social Concerns Committee. Father Leif is currently the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Waseca. Rev. Robert Schneider (40 years of priesthood)
Father Schneider was born in Mankato to Joseph and Kathryn (Kubier) Schneider. He studied philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and then completed his theology degree at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. On June 19, 1978, Father Schneider was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona by the Most Rev. Loras J. Watters. Father Schneider later attended the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, studying nonpublic secondary administration. Father Schneider’s assignments as a parochial vicar were at St. Augustine in Austin and St. John the Baptist in Mankato. As a pastor, he served at All Saints in Madison Lake, St. Theodore
Rev. James Kunz (45 years of priesthood)
Father Kunz was born in Madelia to Robert and Evelyn (Lenhoff) Kunz. He studied philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and earned his theology degree at St. John Seminary in Collegeville. On May 12, 1973, Father Kunz was ordained to the priesthood at St. Mary in Madelia by the Most Rev. Loras J. Watters. Father Kunz served as parochial vicar for St. Mary in Winona and Queen of Angels in Austin; instructor for Pacelli High School in Austin; and diocesan liaison to the National Council of Catholic Bishops Ad Hoc Committee on Charismatic Renewal. In 1979, Father Kunz served as a parochial vicar in Aberdeen, SD, to help promote the charismatic renewal in the Diocese of Sioux Falls. Upon his return to Minnesota, Father Kunz became a member of the Pastoral Care Department of St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, served as chaplain for the Sisters of St. Francis at Assisi Heights in Rochester, and was part of the Mayo Clinic Chaplaincy until his retirement in 2016. Rev. Paul Surprenant (45 years of priesthood)
Father Surprenant was born in New Ulm to Ralph and Augusta (Dresow) Surprenant. He grew up in Currie with six brothers and six sisters. He attended grade and high school at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Currie. In 1965, he began his studies at St. Mary’s University, Winona. There he studied philosophy as he attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, and he completed his theology degree at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. On June 8, 1973, Father Surprenant was ordained to the priesthood at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Currie by the Most Rev. Loras J. Watters. Father Surprenant’s assignments as a parochial vicar were at St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, St. John Vianney in Fairmont, St. Theodore in Albert Lea, and St. James in Twin Lakes. As a pastor, he served at St. Anthony in Lismore, St. Kilian in St. Kilian, Our Lady of Good Counsel in Wilmont, St. Pius X in Rochester, Christ the King in Byron, and Holy Family in Kasson. Other assignments include chaplain for the Newman Club at Rochester Community College in Rochester and for the Knights of Columbus; defender of the bond, associate judge, and advocate for the Diocesan Tribunal; and member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission and Priests Assignment Committee. On July 2, 2017, Father Surprenant joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese and continues his priestly ministry in his Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Rev. David Arnoldt (50 years of priesthood)
Father Arnoldt was born in Janesville to Philip and Eileen (Thissen) Arnoldt. He studied philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and earned his theology degree at St. John Seminary in
Collegeville. On June 1, 1968, Father Arnoldt was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona by the Most Rev. Edward A. Fitzgerald. In the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Father Arnoldt served as a parochial vicar at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, St. Mary in Worthington, and St. Joseph in Owatonna, and as a chaplain at St. Mary’s College in Winona and the School Sisters of Notre Dame Motherhouse in Mankato. From 1981 to 1983 he served as a chaplain in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In 1984 he joined the US Army and served as a chaplain from 1984 to 2006. Father Arnoldt now resides in Augusta, GA.
Rev. Roger Schiltz (50 years of priesthood)
Father Schiltz was born in Caledonia to Leo and Antoninette (Bouquei) Schiltz. He studied philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and earned his theology degree at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. On June 1, 1968, Father Schiltz was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona by the Most Rev. Edward A. Fitzgerald. In the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Father Schiltz served as parochial vicar at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, St. Francis of Assisi in Rochester, and Sacred Heart in Owatonna; parochial administrator for Immaculate Conception in Wilson; and chaplain for the Newman Center in Winona; and he worked for Catholic Charities. In 1976, he became a chaplain for the United States Air Force. Since retiring in 1996, Father Schiltz resides in Las Vegas, NV. Rev. Paul Breza (55 years of priesthood)
Father Breza was born in Winona to Joseph and Alice (Pehler) Breza. He studied philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and then completed his theology degree at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. On June 1, 1963, Father Breza was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona by the Most Rev. Edward A. Fitzgerald. Father Breza’s assignments as a parochial vicar were at St. Stanislaus Kostka in Winona, St. Columbanus in Blooming Prairie, St. Francis of Assisi in Rochester, St. John the Baptist in Mankato, and the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and St. Casimir in Winona. As a pastor, he served at St. Anthony in Altura, St. Aloysius in Elba, St. Peter in Hokah, and St. Patrick in Brownsville. Other assignments include instructor for Pacelli High School in Austin, Lourdes High School in Rochester, and Loyola High School in Mankato; and chaplain for St. Mary’s College in Winona. In 1979, Father Breza established the Polish Cultural Institute and Museum in Winona, and he was later appointed diocesan archivist by Bishop Bernard Harrington. After joining the rank of senior priests of the diocese on July 1, 2007, Father Breza served as parochial administrator for St. Joachim in Plainview, and in 2010 he was inducted into Winona’s Polish Heritage Hall of Fame. Rev. Donald Lovas (55 years of priesthood)
Father Lovas was born in Winona to Joseph and Marie (Mary) (Sielaff) Lovas. He studied philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and then completed his theology degree at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. On June 1, 1963, Father
Lovas was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona by the Most Rev. Edward A. Fitzgerald. Father Lovas’ assignments as a parochial vicar were at Sacred Heart in Owatonna, St. Pius X in Rochester, and St. Mary in Winnebago. As a pastor, he served at St. Columba in Iona, St. Rose of Lima in Avoca, St. Adrian in Adrian, St. Mary in Ellsworth, St. Mary in Worthington, St. Stanislaus Kostka and St. John Nepomucene in Winona, St. Francis of Assisi in Rochester, St. Felix in Wabasha, St. Agnes and Immaculate Conception in Kellogg, Holy Trinity in Rollingstone, St. Mary in Minneiska, and St. Paul in Minnesota City. Other assignments include instructor for Marian High School in Owatonna and Lourdes High School in Rochester; parochial administrator for Crucifixion in La Crescent and St. Catherine in Luverne; area representative for religious education in Worthington; member of the Priests’ Senate, Presbyteral Council, and College of Consultors; and dean of the Worthington and Winona Deaneries. On July 1, 2010, Father Lovas joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese.
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in Albert Lea, and St. James in Twin Lakes. Other assignments include instructor for Pacelli High School in Austin and Loyola High School in Mankato, pastoral duties at St. Joseph the Worker in Mankato, principal of Loyola High School in Mankato and All Saints School in Madison Lake, parochial administrator for St. Ann in Janesville and Sacred Heart in Waseca, member of the Presbyteral Council and Priests Committee for Capital Campaign, chaplain for the State Knights of Columbus and Loyola High School in Mankato, and president and canonical administrator for Loyola Catholic Schools in Mankato. Father Schneider is currently the pastor of All Saints Parish in Madison Lake and Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Clair.
Rev. Jerome Verdick (60 years of priesthood)
Father Verdick was born in Jackson to Peter and Rosella (Skalicky) Verdick. He studied philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, and completed his theology degree at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. On May 31, 1958, Father Verdick was ordained to the priesthood at St. John the Evangelist Church in Rochester by the Most Rev. Edward A. Fitzgerald. Father Verdick served as a parochial vicar for St. Augustine in Austin, St. Stanislaus Kostka in Winona, Ss. Peter and Paul in Blue Earth, St. Theodore in Albert Lea, and St. Francis of Assisi in Rochester. Father Verdick was also an affiliate with St. James the Apostle Society in Boston for work in Latin American missions, and upon his return he served as a parochial administrator for Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Canton, St. Olaf in Mabel, St. Mary in Dundee, and Holy Family in East Chain. As a pastor, he served at St. Matthew in Vernon Center, St. Joseph in Good Thunder, and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Wilmont. After his retirement, Father Verdick regularly celebrated the Tridentine Mass in his private chapel, "Oratory of St. Alphonsus Liguori," in Alpha. Rev. David Wechter, OCSO (60 years of priesthood)
Father Wechter was born in Buffalo, NY, to Vincent and Grace (O’Brien) Wechter. He attended Canisius College in New York, and later studied Canon Law at the Gregorian in Rome, Italy. On May 1, 1958, he was ordained to the priesthood for the Trappist Order at New Melleray Abbey in Dubuque, IA, by the Most Rev. George Biskup. Father Wechter has served as temporary superior for Assumption Abbey in Ava, MO, a daughter house of New Melleray Abbey; abbot of New Melleray Abbey; and chaplain to Trappistine nuns. In 1981 he accepted the request to be chaplain for the Mount Carmel Hermitage which was then located in Amery, WI, and he has continued as chaplain since the Hermits of St. Mary of Carmel relocated to Houston in 1987. Father Wechter is also a judge for the Tribunal of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.
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"False Dichotomy," Parish Center,
In the Diocese
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ity of the Church is actively needed” and is a key theme in the upcoming Synod of Bishops on young people. When it comes to ensuring a better future for young people and families, Francis said ecumenical cooperation “is of especial importance,” and cited the presence of Patriarch Bartholomew at the conference as
cont'd from pg. 1
“an eloquent sign of this common responsibility.” Pope Francis closed his speech urging attendees to “persevere in these efforts which contribute to the building of a global culture of economic justice, equality and inclusion.”
Catholic Radio Reaches Diocese
AUSTIN--On May 31 at noon, Real Presence Radio began broadcasting on 970 AM. The signal originates in Austin and reaches a large portion of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Those outside the listening
area can download the Real Presence listening app at yourcatholicradiostation. com. Real Presence Radio is a non-profit Catholic radio apostolate with stations in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
served its purpose, but instead of investing more dollars in upkeep and renovation, Fr. Cronin said “a new attached structure with a more suitable main hall and foyer will be a great addition as the parish looks to the future. It’s a big project for our parish but one that will be worth it.” The parish does have conceptual drawings for the new addition but is waiting on the completion of the fundraising campaign to finalize the design and determine a timetable for construction. “We hope to raise these funds throughout the summer," Fr. Cronin said. "If all goes well, site-preparation could begin this fall or next spring with construction to follow. We’re ambitious.” According to Shelley Schultz, a long-time parishioner and one of the chairpersons for the project, which includes David Schultz as well as Mike and Katie Cahill, there is a lot of good will in the parish and people are very generous. “A new parish center will be a fantastic addition to parish life and the Janesville community as a whole," Schultz said. A number of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the existing parish center but no final decisions have been made. Questions about the project can be directed to the parish office at 507-236-6244 or by email at projectrenew2018@gmail.com or at www.stannjan@hicktorytech. net.
Fr. Michael Cronin is the pastor of St. Ann Parish in Janesville. Range map of Real Presence stations. 970 originates in Austin. Credit: Real Presence Radio Network.
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Works of Justice
A Fund to Aid the Work of Social Justice By TOM PARLIN
Dream Catchers
Windows Return to St. John the Baptist
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In the Diocese
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ost parishioners are aware of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) that conducts a collection in our parishes in the fall. CCHD is the national, anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops. The bishops have given CCHD the mission to address the root
causes of poverty in the United States by promoting and supporting community-controlled, self-help organizations. You may not be aware that 25% of the funds collected in the CCHD campaign remains in our diocese. These proceeds help support the Works of Justice fund, which awards up to $5,000 for organizations that meet the criteria of operating local anti-poverty programs. Recent recipients of Works of Justice include the Dream Catcher program in Iona and Our Lady of Guadalupe Free Clinic in Worthington. The following two paragraphs describe the work of these two organizations, which are serving populations with great needs. Dream Catchers is a summer youth leadership program with the purpose of “empowering children of immigrant families and providing them with tools and skills to become servant leaders.” Children of immigrant families often work at a disadvantage, and this program works to break the cycle of poverty by giving these
children the tools and confidence to grow up to be active, successful leaders in their community. Dream Catchers is a program of Familias Juntas under the direction of Lisa Kremer. Our Lady of Guadalupe Free Clinic was established to serve the needs of the uninsured in Worthington and the surrounding communities. This clinic takes a “holistic approach” to each patient to provide for their “spiritual, physical, and emotional needs.” Worthington has a diverse population representing more than 60 cultures, including many African nations. Works of Justice Funds are available for all organizations that fit the criteria of addressing root causes of poverty. To learn more or to apply, please contact Tom Parlin at the Catholic Charities office. The deadline for organizations to apply for funds for next year is October 15, 2018.
Tom Parlin is the director of parish social ministry for Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota.
By JACI JAMES
MANKATO--St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato will soon install three refurbished stained/painted glass windows from the original church, which was built in 1884-1885 at the corner of Hickory and Broad Streets, where Consolidated Communications currently resides. Current Pastor Fr. John Kunz saw the windows for the first time in the Diocese of WinonaRochester museum in Winona about seven years ago. At that time, St. John’s Parish was just finishing a major renovation of the current church located at 632 South Broad St, so he waited. About a year ago, he presented the idea of bringing the three windows home to the parish,
The original St. John the Baptist Church in Mankato
and a small committee was established to work toward that goal. The committee worked with Mike Mason of Sleepy Eye Stained Glass who refurbished and completed the windows for the new space. On the weekend of May 12-13, 2018, Fr. Kunz presented the windows to the parish at Masses. The windows were displayed on easels with backlighting to show their beauty.
Jaci James is the director of liturgy, music & initiation ministry for St. John the Baptist Parish in Mankato.
June, 2018 w The Courier
In the Diocese
Rochester Franciscans 18 to Install New Leaders Submitted by KATHY GATLIFF
ROCHESTER--Five members of the Sisters of Saint Francis, Rochester, will be installed as the congregational leadership during a ceremony in Lourdes Chapel at Assisi Heights on Sunday, July 1, 2018. Sister Ramona Miller will be installed as the congregational minister/president. Sister Ramona received a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the College of Saint Teresa in Winona and a Master of Ministry from Seattle University in Seattle, WA, as well as a Master of Franciscan Studies from St. Bonaventure University in St. Bonaventure, NY. Her career was primarily spent in pastoral ministry in parishes and retreat centers. For more than 25 years, Sister Ramona served on the staff of the Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, leading pilgrimage tours in Italy from 1987-2015. In the recent past, she served as the director of spiritual formation at Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, CA, from 2002-06, and as an associate minister in leadership for the Sisters of Saint Francis from 2006-12. Sister Ramona is the author of In the Footsteps of Saint Clare and co-author of Praying with Clare of Assisi. She served as an editor of Keeping the Memory Green, the history of the Rochester Franciscan Congregation, and, in the past two years, as producer of Francis & Clare, a musical. Sister Ramona is looking forward to this new position, and is enthused to “engage with the members of the congregation, and the Cojourners, to deepen their com-
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L to R: Sister Charlotte Hesby, Sister Mary Elliot Crowley, Sister Ramona Miller, Sister Judi Angst, Sister Jennifer Corbett
munion in becoming a beacon of light and hope for others.” Sisters Mary Eliot Crowley, Judi Angst, Charlotte Hesby and Jennifer Corbett will be installed as councilors. Sister Mary Eliot Crowley received a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, and a Master of Science in community and organizational development from Loyola University in Chicago, IL, as well as a Master of Arts in biomedical ethics from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI. Following many years in teaching, she spent the majority of her professional life serving as the administrator for Franciscan sponsorship at Saint Marys Hospital/ Mayo Clinic in Rochester from 1986-2012. During that time, she initiated the annual participation of ten Mayo employees in a leadership pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy. Sister Mary Eliot has co-chaired congregational gatherings and serves on the Integrative Life Team at Assisi Heights. She considers serving on the Leadership Council as a “sacred trust. … [T]he call is not limited, for with whom and how we interact reaches way beyond the limits of time and place, as we have been invited by our Directional Statement to 'engage compassionately in the heart of the world.'” Sister Judi Angst received a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and a Master of Arts in religious education from Creighton University in Omaha, NE, as well as a Master of Arts in pastoral studies from Loyola University of Chicago, IL. She primarily served in pastoral ministry in the dioceses of Winona-Rochester and New Ulm in Minnesota, as well as in Tucson, AZ, and Sioux City, IA. During those years, she also directed choirs and served on local and diocesan boards. She served the congregation as vocation minister and, most recently, as support staff for the office of Franciscan Life in Mission, while also serving as the administrator for the Human Trafficking Awareness Educators’ Group. Sister Judi states, “Every morning, I pray a prayer from our old Community Prayer Book, which includes, ‘I unite myself with the prayers of our Sisters.’ It was that union with, and the loving support of, our Sisters that motivated me to accept this opportunity to widen the space of my tent in relat-
ing more fully to our Sisters and thus to respond to the crying needs of our world.” Sister Charlotte Hesby received a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy from Mount Mary College, in Milwaukee, WI, and a Master of Arts in Theology (MAT) from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul. Sister Charlotte has spent much of her adult life as a hermit. During that time, she was also engaged in ministry as a bookkeeper for the Church of St. Stephen in Minneapolis, followed by serving as the billing auditor for St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital in Chicago, IL. Later, she was led to serve as a caretaker at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Janesville from 1996-2017, where she lived in a hermitage on the premises. Sister Charlotte states, “I feel drawn to leadership out of my 29 years of living as a hermit – an apparent paradox! The call for me is to somehow help deepen and nurture the desire for God at the heart of each Sister and Cojourner. This inward focus is one which, while always essential to our religious lives, seems a greater hunger among us now.” Sister Jennifer Corbett received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the College of Saint Teresa in Winona. Her nursing career began in Rochester, followed by 40 years in Chicago, IL. While in Chicago, she completed a Masters of Theological Studies with an interest in biblical studies at the Catholic Theological Union. In 2013, she moved to Janesville to live with a small community of Sisters serving at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center. She was the hermitage caretaker. She was drawn to the center to be part of the welcoming spirit extended to groups and individuals who came seeking personal healing, a deepened spirituality or solitude. Currently, Sister Jennifer participates in social justice groups working to end the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which is essential for a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis. In accepting the opportunity to serve in congregational leadership, she realized this was an opportunity to practice the obedience of love to God, to the community and to the world. Kathy Gatliff is the director of communications and public relations for the Sisters of St. Francis in Rochester.
Obituaries
Msgr. Donald Peter Schmitz, 78, died on May 2, 2018, at Rochester Methodist Hospital. He was born May 11, 1939, in Caledonia to Joseph and Julillia Schmitz. He graduated from Loretto High School in Caledonia. He entered Immaculate Heart of Mary
Sister M. Laura Schmitt, SSND, 97, professed in 1940, died May 7, 2018 (her 97th birthday), at Good Counsel. A native of St. Leo, she entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1937 and professed First Vows in 1940. She served as a teacher of all grades (1-12) and as principal, with her primary ministry the teaching of high school mathematics. In the Diocese of WinonaRochester, she taught at St. Anthony, Lismore (1940-41); Good Counsel Academy, Mankato (1964-66); and Loyola High School, Mankato (1968-73). She also served in parish ministry at Notre Dame Pastoral Center, located at SS. Peter & Paul Parish, Mankato (1989-95). She is survived by her brothers Wilfred (Gerry) and
Sr. Margaret Clare Turns 100
John; her nieces and nephews and their families; her friends, colleagues and former students; and her sisters in community, the School Sisters of Notre Dame and SSND Associates. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Elizabeth (Lanners) Schmitt; her brothers Arnold and Ted; and her sisters, Cecilia Schmitt, Susan Kockelman, and Kate Jelen. Another brother, Alphonse, died at the age of three weeks. Her Funeral Liturgy, with Father Andrew Olsem as presider, was held May 11 in Our Lady of Good Counsel Chapel, followed by burial in Good Counsel Cemetery.
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Sister Parma Kathman, 89, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights on May 1, 2018. Rita Mary Kathman was born to Edward and Frances (Reining) Kathman in Lawrence, NE, on September 13, 1928. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1948 from Saint Stephen Parish in Lawrence. Sister Parma made first vows in 1951 and perpetual vows in 1954. For 32 years, Sister Parma served as an invaluable homemaker. She served as convent housekeeper at Rose Creek and Glencoe in Minnesota and at Sacred Heart Convent in Norfolk, NE. Her loving care for the housekeeping needs of those around her took her to St. Francis Convalescent Hospital in Denver, CO; St. Anne Hospice in Winona; Sacred Heart Hospice in Austin; St. Joseph Hospital in Bloomington, IL; and Grace Home in Graceville. In 1983, Sister Parma moved to Assisi Heights where she contributed her talents as seamstress and served as chapel sacristan until her retirement. Sister Parma is survived by her Franciscan Congregation, with whom she shared life for 69 years; a niece, Linda Nelson of Hickman, NE; and several sisters-in-law. Preceding her in death were her parents; six brothers: Raymond, Edward, Vernon, Robert, Ralph and Herman; and seven sisters: Edna Wilhelm, Frances Klein, Kathy Hoggart, Lucille Oxley, Martha Rohner, Vera Kathman and Marie Roseman. A Funeral Liturgy was held May 8 in the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes, Assisi Heights, Rochester. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester. Memorials are suggested to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Mission Advancement, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55901.
Seminary in Winona in 1957. He was assigned to study in Rome, then ordained as a priest on December 16, 1964, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. During his priesthood, he was assigned to many parishes and institutions from Winona to Worthington. He also served as the chancellor and vicar general of the Diocese of Winona. In 1997, he was named a Monsignor, and he retired in 2015, working part-time for the diocese until his death. The Funeral Mass was held May 7 at Pax Christi Church in Rochester, with Bishop John Quinn officiating along with the priests of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Burial took place in Calvary Cemetery in Caledonia. He is survived by his siblings: Sister Shirley Schmitz of Assisi Heights in Rochester; John (Tina) Schmitz of Brownsville; Kathy (Jim) Kasten of Brighton, MI; and Mary (Norm) Greene of Onalaska, WI; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Julillia Schmitz; sister-in-law Gayle Schmitz; and nephew Paul Schmitz. Memorials are suggested to Sisters of St. Francis, Rochester, MN, or to the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.
Sister M. Janice Koziolek, SSND, 98, professed in 1941, died May 23, 2018, at Good Counsel. A native of Wells, she entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1937 and professed First Vows in 1941. She served as a primary grade teacher and as a missionary in Appalachia. In the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, she helped open St. John the Baptist School, Mankato, in 1942 and stayed there until 1946. She also taught at St. Stanislaus, Winona (1946-56), and St. Anthony, Lismore (1973-76). From 1976-78 she ministered in Carter County, KY. In 1976 she and another sister began their work in Scott County, VA, residing in and near Dungannon, VA. She retired to Good Counsel in 2006. She is survived by her nieces and nephews and their families; her friends, colleagues and former students; and her sisters in community, the School Sisters of Notre Dame and SSND Associates. She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Martha (Kokok Langner) Koziolek; her brothers, Alex, Paul, Joe and Stanley; and her sisters, Mary Szuwart, Hedwig Langner, Monica Ignaszewski, Martha Klocek and Angela Mosier. Another sister, Agnes, died in infancy. Her Funeral Liturgy, with Father Eugene Stenzel as presider, was held May 30 in Our Lady of Good Counsel Chapel. Because Sister Janice donated her body to Mayo Clinic, burial will follow at a later date.
Submitted by KATHY GATLIFF
ROCHESTER--On June 3, 2018, Sister Margaret Clare Style will join with her congregation and family at Assisi Heights to celebrate 100 years of life. She was born third in a family of 12 children. Her eight brothers are deceased. Only the four sisters are still living, of whom Sister Margaret Clare is the oldest. She joined the Rochester Franciscans in 1937, professing vows in 1940, and celebrates 78 years of vowed life this year. Her fondest memories include summers spent in Winona attending classes at the College of St. Teresa, where she earned a bachelor’s degree, and Winona State College, where she earned her master’s degree. Her years in active ministry were spent teaching primary and intermediate students in parish schools, including time spent as principal of a junior high school. In total, she spent 42 years in the classroom! She had as many as 55 students in her classroom. Sisters often had to teach CCD classes in faith formation after hours and, if there wasn’t any janitorial staff, the Sisters had to clean the school as well! Summer ministries included working with the impoverished in Charleston, SC, and Los Animas, CO. She also tutored at the College of St. Teresa from 1982-89 and served as the college's archivist from 1989-2011. Today, Sister Margaret Clare is retired and keeps engaged in activities at Assisi Heights. Kathy Gatliff is the director of communications & public relations for the Sisters of St. Francis in Rochester.
June, 2018 w The Courier
SUBMISSION to the calendar
June 2018
• The Courier
Please note: submission deadline is the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. All submissions must be sent electronically to nreller@dow.org by the deadline to assure receipt and possible inclusion in the events calendar. Thank you for understanding that, due to space limitations, not all events nor story submissions will fit; however, we strive to include as many as possible. A current list of events is also available at www.dow.org.
Regular Prayer Mass for Life & Marriage is held at St. Mary Church in Winona the first Thursday each month at 8:30 a.m. Holy Hour of Prayer for Life, Marriage & Religious Liberty is held first Saturday each month 8:30-9:30 a.m. (after Mass for Life & Marriage) in the Cathedral's Adoration Chapel, 360 Main Street, Winona. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed and a rosary offered. All welcome. Prayer Vigil & Public Witness Against Abortion is held 3-4 p.m. Tuesdays in front of Semcac Clinic (delegate of Planned Parenthood) at 76 W 3rd Street in Winona. Contact: Patti (507) 429-4636 Masses of Reparation for Sins in the Diocese are held daily in parishes throughout the diocese. Info: cb@wabashaemail.com Cor Jesu is held at the Cathedral in Winona, 7-9 p.m. the first Friday each month, September through May. Cor Jesu is an evening of Eucharistic Adoration, Confessions, and music in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. All are welcome to attend! For more details, search for Winona Cor Jesu on Facebook, visit cascwinona.org/prayer/corJesu, or call Kristopher Kaufman (859-7601619) or Steven Lehn (507-312-9041).
Traditional Latin Mass Chatfield, St. Mary, 1st & 3rd Sun. 1 pm Mankato, Ss. Peter & Paul, Sundays 4:15 pm Wabasha, St. Felix, Saturdays 9 am
The Televised Mass
Other Events St. Felix Church, Wabasha June 13, Wednesday The St. Felix Church Ladies and St. Mary's Court #208 National Society of Foresters will co-host their annual salad luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the St. Felix Auditorium. This year's theme is Burst of Spring. Tickets are $8 in advance, $9 at the door. St. Theodore Church, Albert Lea June 14, Thursday Filming the Diocesan Televised Mass. 10 a.m. filming Mass to air 6/24 with Fr. Kurt Farrell. 11 a.m. filming Mass to air 7/1 with Fr. Andrew Beerman. 1 p.m. filming Mass to air 7/8 with Fr. Bill Kulas. 2 p.m. filming Mass to air 7/15 with Bishop Bernard Harrington. All welcome to create the experience of a full church for our viewers! Our Lady of Grace Church, Edina June 16, Saturday 8th Annual Widow's Day of Reflection 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Grace (5071 Eden Ave., Edina, MN 55436). Archbishop Bernard Hebda will celebrate 8:30 Mass and speak to widows in attendance. The day ends with lunch and a performance by The Preacher's Daughters. $20 fee includes a continental breakfast and lunch. For more information or to register, contact jasongodin@ olgparish.org.
Offered as a service for the homebound every Sunday on the following stations: KTTC, Channel 10 (Rochester) at 9 a.m.; KEYC, Channel 12 (Mankato) at 7:30 a.m; & KEYC-DT2, Digital Channel 12.2 or Charter Channel 19 (Mankato) at 9:30 a.m. Donations for the continuation of this program may be sent to: Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Attn: TV Mass, PO Box 588, Winona MN 55987.
Hispanic Priests / Sacerdotes Hispanos Padre José Morales Capellán en la Mayo Clinic, Rochester Tel. 507-266-7275
Padre Miguel Eduardo Proaños Vicario Parroquial de St. James, St James frmiguel2005@yahoo.com Tel. 507-375-3542
Padre Luis Alfonso Vargas Vicario Parroquial de St. Francis of Assisi, Rochester frluisvargasdw@gmail.com Tel. 507-288-7313
Padre Ubaldo Roque Vicario Parroquial de St. Mary’s, Worthington el_hermano_roque@hotmail.com Tel. 507-440-9735
Padre Javier Ibarra IVE Párroco de SS. Peter and Paul, Mankato Tel. 507-388-2995 ext. 103
Padre Raul Silva Vicario de la Pastoral Hispana en la diócesis de Winona Y Párroco de Queen of Angels, Austin PadreRaulSilva@gmail.com Tel. 507-433-1888
Spanish Mass Schedule Albert Lea, St. Theodore Mankato, Ss. Peter & Paul St. Charles, St. Charles Borromeo 11 am Sun. 1 pm Sun. 7 pm Sat. Austin, Queen of Angels Owatonna, Sacred Heart St. James, St. James 11 am Sun.; 5:15 pm Fri. 11:45 am Sun. 12 pm Sun. Windom,St.FrancisXavier Lake City, St. Mary Pipestone, St. Leo 2:30 pm Sun. 6:30 pm each 3rd Sat. 2:30 pm Sun. (bilingual) Worthington, St. Mary Madelia, St. Mary Rochester, St. Francis 7 pm Sat.; 11 am Sun.; 10 am Sun. Noon Sun. & 7 pm Thurs. 6:30 pm Tues. & Fri.
St. Edward Church, Austin June 24, Sunday Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Fr. Jim Steffes' ordination at a luncheon following 10:30 Mass at St. Edward's (celebrated by Fr. Steffes). Cards may be sent to St. Augustine Chuch, 405 4th St NW, Austin, MN 55912. St. John Vianney Church, Fairmont June 25-26, Monday-Tuesday 20th Biennial Conference of the Province of St. Paul/Minneapolis Council of Catholic Women. Meet with CCWs from all six MN dioceses! Registration info should arrive at your parish office by April 16; ask if you don't see it! Church of the Resurrection, Rochester June 26, Tuesday Healing service and reconciliation with Alan Ames, a Catholic visionary and mystic with the gift of healing. 6:30 p.m. Rosary; 7 p.m. Holy Mass. Talk and healing service immediately follows Mass. 1600 11th Ave. SE in Rochester. Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI June 29 - July 1, Friday-Sunday Retreat with the Mystics. A new weekend retreat at the Franciscan Spirituality Center (920 Market St. in La Crosse) will explore lives and wisdom of mystics - men and women, from various religious traditions and throughout history, who have experienced direct contact with the Mystery we call God. Mystics whose lives and work will be discussed include Teresa of Avila, Meister Eckhart, Karl Rahner, Thomas Merton, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and Dorothy Day, among many others. $260 for an overnight retreat, which includes two nights' stay and all meals, or $150 for commuters (lunch is included on Saturday). Registration deadline is June 15; please visit www.FSCenter. org or call 608-791-5295.
St. John Church, Johnsburg July 8, Sunday Annual Polka Jamboree. 11 a.m. Polka Mass, followed by 2 polka bands and outside dance floor, food, bake sale, pies, beverages, games for all ages and a cake walk. St. Michael Church, Sioux Falls, SD July 26-27, Thursday-Friday A Disciples Response, 2018 ICSC Region VIII Stewardship Conference. Two-day conference provides opportunity to gather with parish and diocesan staff from the 10 Catholic dioceses of MN, ND and SD. Learn best practices in stewardship and development. For more info: Melinda North (605) 988-3725. To register: www.sfcatholic.org/ stewardshipconference.
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona September 15, Saturday Consecration of a Virgin. All invited. Bishop Quinn will consecrate Leandra Hubka to the life of perpetual virginity. Consecrated virginity is one of the oldest forms of consecrated life in the Church, dating to apostolic times when women would dedicate their virginity and entire lives to Christ. In this ceremony, similar to both a wedding and an ordination, the bishop prays over the virgin the prayer of consecration, setting her apart as a sacred person, espoused to Christ as His bride. A consecrated virgin lives a life of prayer, penance, and service to the Church, as a sign of the love the Church has for Christ, and a witness of the life to come.