INSIDE WEST RIVER God’s Gift, page 2 Christmas/Solemnity of Mary Mass Attendance, page 3 Priest Assignments, page 3 Our Lady of Guadalupe, page 5 Serra Club, page 6 Terra Sancta Retreat Center, pages 12-13 Informing Catholics in Western South Dakota since May 1973 First Foundational Parish, page 22 Diocese of Rapid City Decemberatholic 2017 South Dakota Volume 46 Number 8 www.rapidcitydiocese.org C(Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, December 25, 2016, WRC photo by Laurie Hallstrom)

December 24 Children’s Mass from Blessed Sacrament Church, Rapid City, will be posted to the Diocesan Website www.rapidcitydiocese.org. For the benefit of those who are homebound, Christmas Eve Mass with Bishop Robert Gruss will be livestreamed from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rapid City, at 10 p.m.

To accommodate staff training, the January 2018, West River Catholic, will be delayed one week. It will be mailed Tuesday, January 23.

“O God, who wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and still more wonderfully restored it, grant we pray, that we may share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.”

God so loved the world that he refused to live without us. His deepest Love came in human form so that we might experience love. Glory and thanks to God for his indescribable gift!

Mailing Label Mailing May Christ come to you this Christmas with his gift of Love, the blessing of Hope, the promise of Peace, and the Joy of this season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Wanikiya Tonpi Wowiyuskin nahan Omaka Teca Oiyokipi! Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo!

+Bishop Robert Gruss 2 WRC No Greater Love December 2017 Gods gift should continue to impact us every day is always more for him to share with us. He let us gaze upon this is that shining star, that true light, which baby born into poverty The adoration of the shep- dispels the darkness that envelops our lives with humility and trust. herds is depicted in this 17th- and the whole world. With the wise men and century painting by The following Christmas card verse says shepherds, let us enter Bartolome Esteban Murillo. it well: “Love has a name – Jesus; Love has into the real Christmas, The feast of the Nativity of a place – Our hearts; Love has a story. And bringing to Jesus all Christ, a holy day of obliga- it is not finished yet.” As we contemplate that we are and hope to tion, is celebrated Dec. 25. this mystery of love, the Lord draws us be. Then we will enjoy (CNS/Bridgeman Images) deeper into this relationship, and yes, it will the true experience of Bishop Christmas – the beauty shake the very foundation of our lives again Robert Gruss and again, but in this way: we will come to and gift of being loved know LOVE in a deeper way; we will come by a God who chose to to love in a deeper way; the world will then enter into our world. Diocese of be transformed by our love in a new way. Our response to this Rapid City Christmas is a timeless story, a story with- gift can only be: Thank We are about to begin a very beautiful into a deeper relationship with the Lord. out end to be carried and lived through the you. Thank you, because I can never repay season in the Church’s year as we celebrate Christmas is so often diminished to a ages. you! the mystery of the Incarnation, God one-day celebration, like a holy day or a As we celebrate this gift of Christmas, Merry Christmas to all! becoming man in the womb of the Virgin Sunday which has a birthday party included Mary — the Solemnity of Christmas. with it. For many, Christmas ends when the What we celebrate is a clear reminder of decorations are taken down shortly after how God deeply desires to be with us. The Christmas Day and life returns to its wintry Bishop’s Calendar Son of God became a child born into a normal. As the world moves into “ordinary human family. Through the Incarnation, time,” the birth of our Savior – the greatest December 19, 2017-January 16, 2018 God has demonstrated how he chose to ex- expression of the Father’s love – will be just perience human life so that he could not a memory. If we allow the Christmas reality only be close to us, but so that he could save to settle deeply into our hearts, we recog- December 2017 us. This reality calls forth from us deep re- nize more fully the power of this gift of in- December 19, Tuesday flection, because as Catholics, it expresses carnation and how it calls from us a 3:30 p.m. Cabinet Leaders, Chancery and gives clear focus in how we are to live response. December 24, Sunday from this reality in every day life. In the words of Pope Francis, “The power 10 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass, Cathedral In other words, it must extend far of this Child, Son of God and Son of Mary, is December 25-26, Monday-Tuesday Chancery Closed for Christmas beyond just this time of the year. The real not the power of this world, based on might December 27, Wednesday meaning of Christmas is part of the Chris- and wealth; it is the power of love. It is the 5:30 p.m. Andrew Dinner, St. Francis of Assisi, Sturgis tian past, but must also be part of our pres- power which created the heavens and the earth, December 28, Thursday ent and future. The real meaning of which gives life to all creation: to minerals, 9 a.m. On Air Live, Real Presence Radio Christmas defines who we are and to what plants and animals; it is the force which 5:30 p.m. Bishop’s Seminarian Mass and Dinner, Rapid City the birth of this child calls us. This gift attracts man and woman, and makes them one January 2018 should continue to impact us every day in flesh, one single existence; it is the power which January 1-2, Monday-Tuesday how we choose to follow Christ. Our whole gives new birth, pardons faults, reconciles Chancery Closed identity as human beings is bound up in enemies, and transforms evil into good. It is the January 1, Monday this mystery of Christmas. But this birth is power of God. This power of love led Jesus 9 a.m. Mass, Solemnity of Mary, Cathedral only a moment in the unfolding of God’s Christ to strip himself of his glory and become January 4, Thursday plan for both Christ and us. man; it led him to give his life on the cross and 9 a.m Seton School Mass for Feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Holy Cross Chapel, For Christ, God’s plan was taking on to rise from the dead. It is the power of service, Terra Sancta your sins and mine, and the sins of all which inaugurates in our world the Kingdom 1 p.m. Cabinet Leaders Meeting, Chancery 6 p.m. Chancery Social, Rapid City humanity in an ultimate act of love. The of God, a kingdom of justice and peace.” January 13, Saturday manger became the cross where eternal love In other words, this love and its power 10 a.m. Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting, Sacred Heart, Philip was born into the world. For each of us awaits each of us. In fact, it comes looking January 15, Monday God’s plan will continue to unfold as we for us. In the birth of Jesus, God is truly Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Chancery Closed continue to accept the grace and the gift of close to each one of us, and he wants to January 16, Tuesday Christmas. A continuous reflection on this meet us, wherever we are in this relation- 9:30 a.m. Cabinet Leaders Meeting, Chancery beautiful event will never cease to move us ship. He desires to lead us to himself. There Subject to Change Without Notice December 2017 WRC 3 Priest assignments: Eagle Butte______

Christmas and Solemnity Bishop Robert D. Gruss has arranged for two priests from India to serve in the of Mary Mass attendance Diocese of Rapid City. He worked with Fr. Christmas is a holy day of obligation. So is every Sunday. Biju Joseph Chirathara, Superior of the Catholic are obliged on Sundays and holy days, including Sanjeev Sadana Society (Holy Spirit Fa- Fr. George Savarimuthu and Fr. John Christmas, to celebrate the Mass of the Sunday or the holy thers) located in Telaganda, India. This re- Itukulapati, priests from the “Holy Spirt day. To celebrate the Mass of the day means to participate in a ligious congregation has a missionary Fathers” Telaganda, India, will serve at Eagle Mass in which the readings and the prayers are those of the charism to go out and share the joy of the Butte. (WRC photo) Sunday or the holy day. This year, Christmas falls on a Monday. Since it is a holy Gospel. Father John, 37, was born in Kummagu- day of obligation, Catholic are required to participate in Mass Fr. John Praveen Kumar Itukulapati, dem, Andhra Pardesh, India. He was or- in which the readings and prayers of Christmas are used. In and Fr. George Vincent Savarimuthu, dained Nov. 23, 2009. He had an uncle, Fr. addition, Catholic are required to celebrate a Mass with the have been assigned as parochial vicars to All Joji Itukulapati, who served at St. Thomas readings and prayers of the Fourth Sunday of Advent which is Saints Church, Eagle Butte, and its mis- Church, Faulkton, in the Diocese of Sioux December 23-24. Thus, Catholics will attend Mass twice sions. Eagle Butte is on the Cheyenne River Falls. His uncle recommended serving in between Saturday and Monday, once for the Fourth Sunday of Reservation and its seven mission parishes South Dakota. He visited Eagle Butte in Advent and also for Christmas. It is not possible to fulfill both include: Immaculate Conception, Bridger; March and April earlier this year. Father obligations by attending one Mass on the evening of St. Joseph, Cherry Creek; Sacred Heart, George, 44, was born in Mugaiyur, Tamil December 24. The obligation for the Fourth Sunday of Advent can be Dupree; St. Catherine, Promise; St. Joseph, Nadu, India. He was ordained Sept. 10, fulfilled on Saturday evening, December 23 or on Sunday Ridgeview; Sacred Heart, Red Scaffold; and 2005. They have been approved by their morning, December 24. The Christmas obligation can be Sacred Heart, White Horse. They will serve congregation to be with the Diocese of fulfilled on Sunday evening, December 24 or on Monday, with Fr. Dan Juelfs, pastor. Rapid City for 10 years. December 25. There is no single Mass that fulfills both obligations. The following Monday, January 1 is also a holy day, the Lower Brule______Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. The guidelines above apply Fr. Ed Kilianski, SCJ, provincial superior stranger to South Dakota; before entering in this case for scheduling Mass for Sunday and the solemnity. from the Priests of the Sacred Heart, Hales the Army in 2011, he helped out for several The Mass on Sunday is for the Feast of the Holy Family. The Corner, Wis., has assigned Fr. Mark months at St. James Parish in Chamberlain. Motherhood of Mary will be celebrated on Monday. However, Mastin, SCJ, 60, to the Lower Brule Pas- He was ordained in when this solemnity falls on a Monday, the precept to attend toral Team in November following his serv- 2007. Mass is abrogated (not obligatory). ice with the U.S. Army. After four years as Please check with your parish regarding the Mass times for these two weekends and holy days and which Masses are an active-duty chaplain, including a nine- being celebrated on each day. month tour in Afghanistan, Father Mastin — Fr. Michel Mulloy worked for the past year as a contract chap- Vicar General lain at Fort Gordon in Georgia. FR. MARK Previous to his military service he served MASTIN, SCJ in parish ministry, as well as in the order’s vocation development. Father Mastin is no

WEST RUSPSIVER 983-360CATHOLIC Official newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rapid City, published monthly. The West River Catholic is owned and published by the Diocese of Rapid City New Deacon Couple 606 Cathedral Drive Rapid City, SD 57701-5499 Phone: 605-343-3541 A deacon from the Diocese of Sioux Falls, Deacon John Steffen, has been granted Publisher: Bishop Robert D. Gruss Editor: Laurie Hallstrom, [email protected] faculties to minister in the Diocese of Rapid Assistant Editor: Becky Berreth, [email protected] City by Bishop Robert D. Gruss. He was Circulation: Roberta Bruhn, [email protected] ordained May 24, 2012, in the Diocese of Advertising: Laurie Hallstrom, 343-3541 Sioux Falls. He will be ministering in nursing Subscription: $27, Foreign subscription: $60 per year. homes and doing other parish work for Postmaster: Address all correspondence, including change of address, to: St. Therese the Little Flower Church, Rapid West River Catholic, PO Box 678, Rapid City, SD 57709-0678 City, and St. John the Evangelist Church, New Underwood. He is pictured with his wife, Periodical postage paid at Rapid City, SD 57701 Rose. (WRC photo) Benefactors: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Office of Home Missions, Catholic Extension Facebook.com/DioceseofRapidCity 4 WRC December 2017 Let go of grudges, stop whining, find joy with Jesus

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christians must be strong and let go of all the bitterness and negativity that prevent them from experiencing God’s consolation and joy, Pope Francis said. “So many times, we cling to what’s negative, we hold on to the wound of sin inside of us, and many times, the preference is to stay there, alone,” he said in his homily Dec. 11 at morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae. Instead, Jesus always tells people to “get up” and have no fear, be- cause he is there to offer salvation, consolation and joy, the pope said. The pope’s homily fo- cused on the day’s reading from Isaiah (35:1-10) in which the prophet foresaw the glory of the Lord, who will come “with vindication; with divine recompense, he comes to save you.” This is why people must “strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak” and “be strong, fear not” because of the coming of the Lord, the pope said. God does not lead us into temptation, Satan does, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Italian and English translations of the “Our Father” can give believers the wrong impression that God can and does lead people into temptation, Pope Francis said. The Italian bish- ops’ television channel, TV2000, has been broadcast- ing a series of conversations between the pope and a Catholic prison chaplain looking at the Lord’s Prayer line by line. The episode broadcast Dec. 6 focused on the line, “Lead us not into temptation.” Father Marco Pozza told the pope that friends have asked him, “Can God really lead us into temptation?” “This is not a good translation,” the pope said. The standard ver- sions of the prayer are translated from the Latin, which was translated from the New Testament in Greek. While he said nothing about ordering a new translation, Pope Francis noted how the French bishops had decided that beginning Dec. 3, the first Sunday of Advent, French Catholics would change the line to the equivalent of “do not let us enter into temptation.” FeastDecember 2017 of Our Lady of Guadalupe WRC 5

(Above) Deacon Larry Kopriva, Bishop Robert Gruss, and altar server Diana Munoz receive the gifts from Adrea Albor, Angel Albor, and Elana Vivit. (Left) Abel Navarro Diaz and Cesar Rodriguez pour meat into a serving tray for the big dinner following Mass. December 12, Blessed Sacrament Church, Rapid City, Bishop Robert Gruss Fabián and Romina Sánchez were among many children dressed up for the celebrated a bi-lingual Spanish-English Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration. (WRC photos by Becky Berreth) It is the largest Latino celebration held in the diocese and commemorates St. Juan Diego’s encounter with the Virgin Mary. She arranged flowers within histilma and told him this would be the sign he was to present to his bishop. Inside the tilma, the bishop also found an image of the Virgin Mary. The Dec. 12 Mass can be viewed on the website for Diocese of Rapid City, www.rapidcitydiocese.org. Additional photos can be seen Facebook, facebook.com/ DicoesofRapidCity. 6 WRC December 2017 Serra Clubs support vocations through building friendships

and members grow spiritually together. BY LAURIE HALLSTROM Schwietz said Serrans are known for prayer Vocations Director Fr. Mark Mc- and action. They pray for vocations and they Cormick first heard of the Serra Club 34 sponsor dinners and send cards and letters years ago when he was a seminarian in St. to build relationships with seminarians, John Vianney College Seminary, St. Paul, priests and religious. Minn. “They would have dinners at restau- Dianne Breen, from the Diocese of rants and invite us to tell our stories. I al- Sioux Falls, said, “We start every meeting ways wondered why our diocese never had with Mass, we have a book of those we a Serra Club.” want to pray for, and this year we have 24 Last year, Al Wolf, from the Bismarck, seminarians.” She said in Sioux Falls they N.D. chapter of the Serra Club, met with host a spring meeting and luncheon with Bishop Robert Gruss and Father Mc- the bishop to meet the seminarians and re- Greg Schwietz, President of Serra USA, from Omaha, Neb., discusses the possibility of Cormick about chartering a Serra Club in ligious who are in formation as well as par- forming a Serra Club in the Diocese of Rapid City, on Nov. 30, at Terra Sancta Retreat Center. the Diocese of Rapid City. ents, priests, sisters, and deacons and their (WRC photos by Laurie Hallstrom) On November 30, an introductory wives. “If you live the life of a Serran, you are sion is to foster and promote priestly voca- meeting was held at Terra Sancta Retreat Fr. Marvin Klemmer was a chaplain for living a whole different life, you are living a tions and encourage and affirm vocations to Center. About 60 people came to hear the Bismarck Club in the early 70s and is life of experience, culture, and service. We consecrated religious life. It also assists about the club: members of parish voca- now retired. He said the Serrans are good need a better life for people, a more spiritual members in their call to holiness. tions committees, parents of seminarians positive people. “At the meetings, I make a life. How would you feel if there was a “Be confident, the Lord of harvest will and religious, and others who would like to point to go to every table and say thank you young man who might be a priest, but he never turn away,” said Olmstead. help foster vocations in the diocese. to them. It’s nice to get that birthday card was never asked, no one talked to him about Opening the program, Father Mc- and one on Priesthood Sunday.” He said that possibility? What if no one was around Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at Terra Cormick said, “Vocations are booming in the Diocese of Bismark has 28 seminarians. to encourage him?” asked Wolf. Sancta Retreat Center, 7 p.m., there will be a our diocese, we want to create a culture Al Wolf was glad to see a Catholic high Region 8 Director Bill Olmstead, Dio- second meeting. The purpose of that meeting where it’s normal for young men and school in Rapid City. “This is where a lot of cese of Duluth, said the Serra Club’s mis- will be to outline the steps necessary to charter women to think about a deeper relationship vocations should be coming from. St. Mary the club, and the organizational structure of the with Christ in their lives.” High School in Bismarck has a wall of organization as well as to talk about possible He quoted statistics on vocations from a names of priests and religious who came activities for the newly formed club. Everyone CARA (Center for Applied Research in from that school,” he said. welcome. the Apostolate) study. (See box) According to Wolf, St. Junipero Serra Office of Vocations 605-716-5214. The Serra Club was founded by four was the first person on American soil who Catholic men in Seattle who met in 1934 sought out from the Mexican government Two of the Serra Club speakers were Dianne to discuss ways they could share their faith. a bill of rights on behalf of the Indian peo- Breen, Diocese of Sioux Falls, and Al Wolf, They selected supporting seminarians and ple in Mexico and southern California. “I Diocese of Bismarck, N.D. The information priests in their diocese. Later they chose have great admiration for this man who was program was sponsored by the Office of Padre Junipero Serra, a Spanish Missionary, a great theologian. He was the head of a Vocations. as their patron. He was canonized Septem- large seminary, but he wanted to be a mis- ber 23, 2015. They modeled their new club sionary.” said Wolf. after the service clubs which were popular in the United States. Today the Serra Club has more than 20,000 members in 30 coun- Vocations Director Fr. Mark tries. McCormick cited statistics from Speakers included Greg Schwietz, Pres- CARA Center for Applied Research ident of Serra USA, from the Diocese of in the Apostolate: l 5% of dads talk to their sons Omaha. “Junipero Serra was known for his about the priesthood zeal, an undying amount of love for his l 10% of moms talk to their sons faith and fellow humans, dynamic energy, about priesthood and drive. His motto was ‘Always forward, Of the 548 men ordained to the never back,’” said Schwietz. priesthood in the USA in 2017: “We walk as friends with young men l 82% were encouraged by at and women as they discern their calling,” he least 4 people l continued. “We walk through the joy of 51% said someone tried to talk ministry and the fatigue of ministry.” them out of becoming priests. Schwietz said the clubs meet bi-weekly December 2017 Events Schedule WRC 7 December 22, Friday marriage. Required for couples doing mar- sSocial Justice Winter Workshop, January 29, Monday sSimbang Gabi: A Filipino Advent cel- riage prep in the diocese. Ends January 14. “Rock Bottom: Addiction, Prison, sMen in Black Basketball Game: Be- ebration with Fr. Jason Marco from the 8terrasancta.org/heart2heart. Suicide”: How can we help our loved ones gins with community dinner followed by Diocese of Cheyenne. Held in Holy Cross January 19, Friday who are hurting? Speakers address prison games between students and teachers and Chapel, Terra Sancta, 6:30 p.m. Potluck to sRefuel: For all religious educators, ministry, addiction recovery, and suicide the students and priests. A basketball follow. All are invited. 8Facebook Event youth ministers, and anyone involved in prevention. $25 pre-registration, $15 signed by the priests will be auctioned off. “Simbang Gabi in Rapid City” or )605- evangelization and catechesis. Speaker Bob students. $35 at the door. 8terrasancta.org. Held at St. Thomas More High School. 430-7392. Rice will speak on “Sharing the Joy of the sNatural Family Planning: Seminar for sHeal your grief Bereavement Support Group: Eight-week, non-denominational December 29, Friday Gospel.” Register before December 24, $55, engaged couples or anyone wanting to learn support group for Christian adults grieving sMovie Night with Seminarians: Join after $65. Ends January 20. See page 22. more about natural family planning. To be Fr. Mark McCormick and seminarians for 8terrasancta.org/refuel2017. held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the loss of a loved one. Begins at 7 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, Rapid City. pizza and a movie. Open to young men ages January 25, Thursday Perpetual Help, Rapid City, from 9 a.m.- Janece Rieman 605-343-5547 or George 16-30. 8www.Gods-call.org or )Shawna sBeginning Experience, Separated, Di- noon. Preregistration required. )Amy ) 605-716-5214. vorced, & Widowed Support Group, 605-716-5214 or [email protected]. Wallance 605-721-3811. Coping with Life Alone: Nine week, non- January 28, Sunday February 26, Monday January 4, Friday Roe vs. Wade Memorial Observance: sDirected Silent Retreat: Led by Father Deadline for submissions. denominational group open to all Christian s s Held at St. Therese the Little Flower Mark McCormick. Includes time for ado- Paper mailed Tuesday, January 23. men and women hurting following a sepa- ration, divorce or death of a spouse. Begins Church from 1:30-3:30 p.m. with reception ration, confession, rosary, Mass and quiet. )605-343-3541 at 7 p.m. at St. Therese the Little Flower to follow. Includes speaker Stephanie Hat- Sponsored by the Offices of Faith Forma- [email protected] Church, Rapid City. $30 registration fee, ley and presentation of March for Life tion and Family Life Ministries. )Amy [email protected] scholarships available. )Amy 605-716- Scholarships. )Diane Ange 605-721-3065. 605-716-5214 or [email protected]. January 5, Friday 5214 or [email protected]. sFirst Friday Mass and Luncheon: January 26, Thursday Mass at 11:15 a.m., Cathedral of Our Lady s“Beloved” Vocation Weekend for of Perpetual Help, Rapid City. Noon lunch Young Women: Led by the sisters from the in Cathedral Hall, talk by Fr. Michel Mul- Community of Pierced Hearts of Jesus and loy Lunch $6. Everyone welcome. Mary, Miami, Florida. Offers tools to help World Apostolate of Fatima: First young women deepen their friendship with Friday prayers and devotions 6 p.m. in the Jesus and more clearly hear his plan for Sacred Heart Chapel, Cathedral of Our their lives. Open to young women ages 16- Lady of Perpetual Help. First Saturday, 30. Held at Terra Sancta. Ends January 28. January 6, begins with prayers at 7:45 a.m. Registration deadline January 19. followed by 8 a.m. Mass and exposition in 8www.Gods-call.org or )Shawna 605- Our Lady’s Chapel, Cathedral. )Dr. 716-5214. Kopriva 605-343-6202. January 27, Saturday January 9, Tuesday sNPM Winter Meeting: Begins at 9:30 sCatholics Returning Home: Six-week a.m. at St. Isaac Jogues Church, Rapid City. program for those who have been away Maria Munoz and Toni Wilkins will speak from the church and are thinking about on “Successful Approaches to Music Min- returning. Begins at 7 p.m. at Blessed Sacra- istry in a Bilingual, Multicultural Environ- ment Church. No charge. 8Dcn. Greg Sass ment,” including a vote on bilingual songs [email protected] or ReturningCatholics.net. for suggested use in the diocese. Amber January 12, Friday Larsen will present “Worship Aids” includ- sHeart to Heart Weekend for the En- ing information on compiling, formatting, gaged: For engaged couples to deepen their publishing, and obtaining copyrights. )Pat relationship with each other and God by McDowell 605-787-0639 or 8patmcdow- exploring the Catholic church’s vision of [email protected] by January 25.

Diocesan Masses for Life Matching Grant Prayer is essential to ensuring a culture of life in South Dakota and throughout the nation. Again this year, the Diocesan Social Justice Commission will match total donations made for the Diocesan Masses for Life project, up to a total of $250. The Masses are coordinated by the Blessed Sacrament Parish Pro-Life Committee, but are Dome Mosaic offered daily at parishes throughout the diocese. This is the tenth year the diocese has Msgr. Walter Rossi, rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, is pictured in a Dec. 1 photo. Msgr. Rossi said it was inspiring to see the work matched funds for these Masses for the protection of all life. Please send donations to: on the new Trinity Dome Mosaic progress, just as it is inspiring to witness the faith of the Diocesan Masses for Life, c/o Mary Mitchell, 113 Berry Pine Rd., Rapid City, SD people who come to pray at the national shrine every day. The dome was dedicated 57702. Donations must be postmarked on or before December 31, 2016. Dec. 8. (CNS photo/Jaclyn Lippelmann, Catholic Standard) 8 WRC Put down your cell phone;A Catholic Way become of Life friends with our LordDecember 2017

In the middle of on the long ride to the seminary. I encour- after Communion on Thanksgiving Day we perhaps the clearest indication of our November, I took aged them to use this time of grace and dis- hear, “Help us, we pray, to reach out in love progress in the life of Christian disciple- five young men to a cernment to interact and get to know one to all your people, so that we may share with ship.” live-in weekend at another and the other students at the sem- them the good things of time and eternity.” In this season of Advent and as we an- Immaculate Heart inary. Time becomes a true gift and a blessing, ticipate the Christmas season, with plenty of Mary Seminary Franciscan Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, especially when we use it to build our rela- of opportunities to be connected with fam- in Winona, Min- the pontifical household preacher, says that tionship with Christ, the Church and one ily, friends, coworkers, neighbors and parish nesota. Our young the essence of friendship is founded on a another. The Psalmist reminds us, “So you communities, look for opportunities to Fr. Mark discerners were common search for the good and the true. teach us to number our days that we may get a search out the good and true in one another. McCormick able to enter into Our drive there and back was really heart of wisdom” (90:12). The gift of wisdom, Make it a priority to become friends with seminary life and grounded in this common search for the which we receive at Confirmation, one another in the Lord. Director spend time with good news in our lives. strengthens our faith, deepens our hope, Be attentive to each other. Learn to put Office of our seminarians, as We all shared with one another some- and helps us focus our life on Christ — to the cell phone down and to limit your con- Stewardship and well as with those thing about ourselves, the desires of our keep Jesus at the center of our lives. This, sumption of media so you can focus on the Vocations from other dioce- hearts, the things we wanted the Lord to do in turn, affects the way we relate to one an- things that matter the most — time and ses. They were able for us on this weekend and what the Lord other and the world. friendship in the Lord. MMcCormick to get a first-hand wanted to do for us. The Lord does amazing Since this trip, I have been reflecting on @diorc.org experience of sem- things when we are able to be even the least the way we use our time. The time we spend inary life by partic- vulnerable with him and one another, espe- in prayer, time with our family and friends, ipating in the life cially as men. time at work, and time at play. Do we make of prayer, study and One of my favorite parts of the trip the connection to use the time we are given formation; plus they were able to enjoy sev- home was the praise and worship music to to prepare for eternal life or do we waste our eral games of Ultimate Frisbee and attend which we listened. The young men spent a time, using it for our own selfish desires, several college classes while they were there. lot of time creating their own beat box ver- without even thinking about life eternal? It was a great weekend! sions of the songs. Listening to the different Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, a pas- Winona is about 620 miles straight east rhythms and sounds they were coming up toral letter of the U.S. bishops on steward- of Rapid City on Interstate 90. It can be a with made the hours and the miles go by ship, states: “A true understanding of long and boring drive. As a way to prepare quickly. stewardship begins with taking care of and them for the road trip, I drew their atten- I was thankful that I encouraged them sharing the gift of time. Stewardship of tion to this year’s theme for the Office of to limit their use of social media on the trip. time involves the realization that none of us Vocations, “I Call You Friends” from John It would have been easy for them to put ‘owns’ time. Each of us is given only so 15:15. their earbuds in and to get lost in their own much of it, and planning a careful schedule Jesus made it abundantly clear to the worlds, forgetting about the person sitting in order to have the time to work, to rest, to Apostles that they were to be his friends. next to them, who has much to offer them play, and to pray is vital in the stewardship Jesus showed his chosen friends that he was in friendship, and who can assist them in of our physical, emotional, spiritual and in- willing to lay down his life for them by finding the good and the true. tellectual lives. How we spend our time is sharing with them the life he had with the By asking them to limit their time on Father. The Apostles were privy to the their cell phones, I actually freed them up thoughts and actions of Jesus, making them to enjoy each other, with time for turning his true friends. out toward one another rather than the Because of our theme of friendship, I turning in on themselves. asked the five men to limit their use of cell Henry Wadsworth Long-fellow said, phones, video games and watching movies “Time is the life of the soul.” In the prayer ThereDecember 2017 is enough to inspireThe love Catholic here Difference WRC 9 On September 29, 1952, the publication New museum tells the story of upon servility, but of the complete Revised Standard Version upon the common of the Bible was celebrated at the National the Bible — chapter and verse loyalty of free men, is WASHINGTON (CNS) — Hey, Smithson- Guard Armory in Washington, D.C., and resilient and endur- the principal speaker was the U.S. Secretary ian, there's a new kid on the block. It’s the Museum of the Bible, just a few ing.” of State, Dean Acheson. The son of the blocks from the National Mall in Wash- We may, and Episcopal bishop of Connecticut, Acheson ington. With its opening to the public should hope, that Sec- movingly described the ways in which the Nov. 18, it will tell visitors how the Bible retary Acheson’s confi- George King James Bible, which the new RSV was — both Old Testament and New Testa- dence in the resilience Weigel to supplant, had once shaped American ment — has intersected society and at of America has not culture and our national life: times even transformed it. The people been falsified by the Senior fellow “In the earliest days in the Northeast, behind the museum say that if visitors secularist “bleaching” Ethics and were to read the card behind every art- Public Policy the Book was All. The settlers came here to of which Cardinal live their own reading of it. It was the spir- work, saw every video, heard every song Center in and took part in every interactive experi- Wuerl spoke. That Washington, D.C. itual guide, the moral and legal code, the ence — including a Broadway-style musi- hope has been political system, the sustenance of life, cal called “Amazing Grace” about the strengthened by the whether that meant endurance of hardship, song's writer, John Newton, and the bibli- opening of the Museum of the Bible on the endless struggle against nature, battle cal inspiration behind the abolitionist November 17. Three blocks from the U.S. with enemies, or the inevitable processes of movement — it would take them 72 Capitol, we now have a striking witness, in life and death. And it meant to those who hours to do it all. But visitors can take architecture, art, and artifact, to the endur- cast the mold of this country something their time, because there is no admis- ing power of the Word of God. The mu- sion charge to the museum. The mu- very specific and very clear. It meant that seum is thoroughly ecumenical and the purpose of man’s journey through this seum was the brainchild of Steve Green, chairman of the museum’s board of interreligious; all of the people of the Book, life was to learn and identify his life and ef- directors and president of the Hobby Lobby chain of arts and crafts stores. “It’s exciting to be they Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, or fort with the purpose and will of God …” share the Bible with the world,” Green said at a Nov. 15 press preview of the museum. Jewish, will find much to learn there, in a That biblical vision helped form the (Pictured) Capital letters representing the 89 chapters of “The Four Holy Gospels” are seen series of both classic and interactive displays bedrock convictions of the American idea: inside The Art of the Gospels by Makoto Fujimura gallery at the Museum of the Bible in that nourish the mind and soul. Anyone that government stood under the judgment Washington. (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn) who cares about the Bible owes the donors of divine and natural law; that government who made this striking facility possible, and was limited in its reach into human affairs, people, but a far more intolerant civic life, country we do not have to hate anyone. the men and women who designed it with especially the realm of conscience; that na- of which the recent awfulness in Char- There is enough to inspire love here … Out evident care, an enormous vote of thanks. tional greatness was measured by fidelity to lottesville, Virginia, may stand as a vile of many, (Americans) are one. (Ours) is a For if it succeeds in its mission, the Mu- the moral truths taught by revelation and symbol. unity (amidst a) great and vigorous diversity seum of the Bible will help reverse the inscribed in the world by a demanding yet At Thanksgiving-2017, too many voices based on respect for man, the individual … bleaching out from our culture of what is merciful God; that only a virtuous people in America seem to suggest that some of us And this, indeed, is the source of our arguably its deepest, noblest, and most im- could be truly free. must hate others of us if America is to strength, and of the lasting power of our so- portant wellspring: the Word of God, “But this … did not exhaust the teach- flourish, even survive. But the great Dean ciety. For the solidarity which is built, not molding the lives of the readers of the Book. ings of this Bible,” Secretary Acheson con- Acheson had an answer for that essentially tinued. “For it taught also that the fear of totalitarian claim, too: “In order to love our God was the love of God and that the love Monthly Message From Our Lady of God was the love of man and the service On the 25th of each month, Our Lady of man.” Prayer Intentions of appears to the Medjugorje At this perilous moment in our national the Holy Father visionary Marija to give us her history, when contempt and hatred seem far message. more characteristic of our civic life than JANUARY charity and solidarity, it’s worth pondering "Dear children! In this time of grace, I call how far we have come, and why. To claim Evangelization: Religious you to prayer. Pray and seek peace, little that “the Book is All” today would be risi- Minorities in Asia children. He who came here on earth to give you His peace, regardless of who you ble. On the contrary: As Cardinal Donald That Christians, and other are and what you are. He, my Son, your Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, re- religious minorities in Asian Brother through me is calling you to marked at a pre-opening celebration of the countries, may be able to conversion, because without God you do splendid new Museum of the Bible in the not have a future or eternal life. There- nation’s capital, the Bible has been system- practice their faith in full fore, believe and pray and live in grace atically “bleached out” of our national life freedom. and the expectation of your personal over the past several decades. And that For more information, go to: meeting with Him. Thank you for having bleaching has not produced a more tolerant APOSTLESHIPOFPRAYER.ORG responded to my call.” 11/25/17 10 WRC With secrets a delicate balanceIn Exile needs to be struck December 2017 In all healthy peo- tradition, from what’s best in psychology, But, as is the case with most everything petals or a person closes his or her eyelids. ple there’s a natural and, not least, from the various “12-Step else, there’s another side to this, a delicate Something’s hidden then, something of reticence about re- Programs” that today help so many people balance that needs to be struck. Just as it can beauty, of intelligence, of wit, of love. Its vealing too much of back to health, we learn that keeping secrets be bad to keep secrets, we can also be too depths are partially closed off and so that themselves and a con- can be dangerous, that what’s dark, obses- loose in sharing ourselves. We can lack individual flower or person takes on a cer- comitant need to sive, and hidden within us has to be brought proper reticence. We can trivialize what’s tain mystique which triggers a desire keep certain things to light, confessed, shared with someone, precious inside us. We can open ourselves within us to want to uncover those depths. secret. Too often we and owned in openness or we can never be in ways that take away our mystery and Romance has its origins here, as does cre- Fr. Ron judge this as an un- healthy. Scripture tells us that the truth will make us inept subjects for romance. We can ativity, prayer, and contemplation. It’s no Rolheiser healthy shyness or, set us free, that we will be healthy only if we lose our depth in ways that makes it difficult accident that when artists paint persons at worse, as hiding confess our sins, and that our dark secrets for us to be creative or to pray. We can lack prayer normally they are depicted with President something bad. But will fester in us and ultimately corrupt us if “the piety of shame before the mystery of their eyelids closed. Our souls need to be Oblate School of reticence and secrecy we keep them hidden. Alcoholics Anony- life.” We all need to keep some secrets. protected from over-exposure. Just as our Theology can be as much virtue mous submits that we are as sick as our Etymologically to keep a secret means to eyes need to be closed at times for sleep, so San Antonio, TX as fault because, as sickest secret. Psychology tells us that our keep something apart from others. And we too our souls. They need time away from James Hillman puts psychic health depends upon our capacity need to do that in healthy ways because a the maddening crowd, time alone with www.ronrol it, when we’re healthy to share our thoughts, feelings, and failings certain amount of honest privacy is neces- themselves, time to healthily deepen their heiser.com we will normally openly with others and that it’s dangerous sary for us to nurture our individuality, for individuality so as to make them richer for “show the piety of to keep things bottled up inside ourselves. us to come to know our own souls. All of us romance. shame before the mystery of life.” That’s right. That’s wise. need to keep some secrets, healthy secrets. Jesus warns us to not give to the dogs When are secrets healthy and when are There are secrets that are wrongly kept, What this does, apart from helping us know what’s sacred or throw pearls to swine. they not? When is it healthy to “cast our like the dark secrets we keep when we be- more deeply our individuality, is that secrets That’s strong talk, but what he’s warning us pearl” before others and when is it not? This tray or the secrets a young child clutches to protect our mystery and depth by shielding about merits strong language. Soul is a pre- is often answered too simplistically on both as an exercise in power. Such secrets fester them under a certain mystique, from which cious commodity that needs to be properly sides. in the soul and keep us wrongly apart. we can more richly offer our individuality cherished and guarded. Soul is also a sacred No doubt secrets can be dangerous. What’s hidden must be brought into the to others. commodity that needs to be accorded its From scripture, from spirituality in every light. We should be wary of secrets. We derive both the words mystery and proper reverence. We protect that precious- mystic from the Greek word myein which ness and sacredness when we confess is a word that’s used to describe what we are openly our sick secrets and then properly left looking at when a flower closes its guard our healthy ones.

‘Tis the Season An Advent wreath is depicted in a stained-glass window at Christ the King Church in Commack, N.Y. Advent is a season of joyful expectation before Christmas. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz) LastDecember minute 2017 WRC 11 Christmas shopping

By Regina Lordan Catholic News Service The following books are suitable for Christ- mas giving: “The Watcher” by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Bryan Collier. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (Grand Rapids, Mich., 2017). 42 pp., $17. “The Watcher” is a rare treasure in the world of children’s books: The verse is po- etic, the illustrations are a compelling blend of photographs and drawings, and the story (CNS photo) is a gripping tale of bully and victim ... or is it? The narration unfolds and reveals that the Advent is a time of anticipation and wait- “That Baby in the Manger” by Anne E. thor Charlotte Grossetete adapts biblical instigator is really just a lonely child desper- ing, but it can also be a time for reflection Neuberger, illustrated by Chloe E. Pitkoff. passages of God’s celestial messengers into ate for a friend. Influenced by Psalm 121, and mindfulness of today … if we take the Paraclete Press (Brewster, Mass., 2017) 31 children’s short stories. Children will enjoy which attributes all help to God’s loving pro- time to look. Author Laura Alary welcomes pp., $15.99. the illustrations of the five stories, created tection and care, it is written in “golden children to be aware, appreciate and change Father Prak was puzzled: A group of curi- by three artists with varying styles, and the shovel” form, in which the last word of each during Advent within a biblical and present- ous children, beautiful in their multicultural narratives of God intervening in human lives verse is a word from the psalm. Ages 6-10. day context. She tells the story of Jesus’ birth diversity, were preparing for Christmas Mass with his angels out of love and care. Ages 5 “Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls” within the framework of children’s daily lives, when they started asking questions about and up. by Amy Brooks. Gracewatch Media (Winona, and she encourages children to anticipate the statue of the baby Jesus. Why didn’t he “The Secret of the Santa Box” by Christo- Minn., 2017) 100 pp., $20. Christmas by preparing to say “yes” to God look like many of them, and why didn’t he pher Fenoglio, illustrated by Elena K. “Be Yourself” is a place for Catholic girls with simple, practical activities and works of look like Jesus most likely did, with dark skin, Makansi. Treehouse Publishing Group (St. and young women to indeed learn how to be service. Ages 5-10. hair and eyes? The priest turned to God for Louis, 2017). 32 pp., $16.95. themselves, just the way God intended them “Anointed: Gifts of the Holy Spirit” by help while an innocent parishioner in the There comes a time in every parent’s life to be. Colorful, interactive and brimming with Pope Francis. Pauline Books and Media church overheard the discussion. Answering when a child anxiously asks them, “Is Santa saint spotlights, prayers and biblical quotes, (Boston, 2017) 120 pp., $18.95. Father Prak’s prayers through the eavesdrop- real?” Many parents struggle with this an- “Be Yourself” will encourage Catholic girls to, Intended for young men and women per’s clever idea, the children discovered swer, knowing that with the loss of belief in as author Amy Brooks writes, nourish their preparing to receive the gifts of the Holy that through the gift of Christmas, Jesus has the jolly old man comes the loss of a part of relationship with God to better know his will Spirit in the sacrament of confirmation, but come to save each and every one of them, childhood. But fear not, the Catholic faith for them and to use the journal to “navigate appropriate for all teens, “Anointed” is a no matter what they look like. Ages 4-10. shows us that the real joy of Christmas is that relationship — on good days and bad compilation of the teachings of Pope Francis “Angel Stories from the Bible” by Char- Jesus’ birth itself and the joy of the mystery days.” Ages 9 and up. brightly illustrated with graphics and photos, lotte Grossetete, illustrated by Madeleine of Christmas comes not from Santa but from “Look! A Child’s Guide to Advent and Bible verses and prayers. “Anointed” makes Brunelet, Sibylle Delacroix and Eric Puybaret. everyone but Jesus himself. “The Secret of Christmas” by Laura Alary, illustrated by Ann the pope’s teachings accessible and engag- Magnificat (N.Y., 2017) 47 pp., $15.99 the Santa Box” is a needed book for curious Boyajian. Paraclete Press (Brewster, Mass., ing, and invites readers to openly receive the Beginning with Jacob’s ladder and ending children ready to move past the secular sto- 2017) 32 pp., $16.99. gifts that God has given us. Ages 12-18. with the angel appearing at Jesus’ tomb, au- ries of Christmas and into a deeper relation- ship with the true meaning of Christmas. It Lego kit brings mystery of the Mass into homes gently explains the sometimes sensitive ST. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) — Stephen and Jennifer Maas’ family topic in cheerful and thoughtful rhymes and business, Domestic Church Supply Co., carries one product: a Lego illustrations. Ages 7-10. kit that brings the mystery of the Mass into the living rooms of families “Molly McBride and the Plaid Jumper” by around the world. “Father Leopold Celebrates Mass” began as a quirky Jean Schoonover-Egolf. Gracewatch Media passion project, but it has morphed into a popular and successful min- (Winona, Minnesota, 2017) 32 pp., $11. istry for Stephen, 39, and Jennifer, 42, and their five home-schooled One in a series, “Molly McBride” helps children. The oldest is 10-year-old Leopold, whom they call “Leo.” It normalize discussions about religious voca- all began for these parishioners of Nativity of Our Lord in St. Paul tions through its cheerful and accessible narratives about a young girl and her women during the search for Leo’s first Communion present. Among the stan- religious friends. Molly wants to be one of dard rosaries, devotionals and holy cards, nothing seemed likely to ex- the “Purple Nuns,” and she wears her purple cite their young son. What they wanted was a Lego kit that Leo could habit everywhere. But she will be attending use to act out the Mass. There was just one problem: It didn’t exist. Catholic school soon and will have to wear a That started a year-and-a-half-long process of “tinkering.” Stephen school uniform. Thankfully, a fun-loving raided his son’s Lego bins and began fiddling with different brick com- priest and her parents help Molly under- binations. The resulting Mass kit is available from DomesticChurch- stand that Jesus’ love is much deeper than Supply.com for $49.99. “Father Leopold” is inspired by St. Leopold the clothes she wears. Children will love Mandic, a 5-foot-4-inch Croatian priest and renowned confessor — Molly and her cute wolf pet named Francis. and Leo Maas’ namesake. Ages 4-8. (CNS photo/Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit) Lordan is a former assistant international edi- tor of Catholic News Service. Five Years of Grace from the Lord As Terra Sancta Retreat Center celebrates five years of ministry, with a heart of gratitude we remember all those who have made these first five years full of grace upon grace: We pray for the Sisters of St. Martin’s Monastery and for their beautiful gift that started Terra Sancta Retreat Center. Their decades of love and ministry to the Diocese of Rapid City and their steadfast commitment to education, health care, and community development are unmatched and we are forever indebted. We pray for the Terra Sancta Retreat Center staff and volunteers who bring the spirit of the Lord to life through their ministry of hospitality. May their acts of service be a blessing to the retreat center and all the guests who visit. We pray for the donors of Terra Sancta Retreat Center and those who worked to make it a reality through the We Walk by Faith campaign. May their generosity be blessed and their gifts be utilized for generations to come through the mission of Terra Sancta. We pray for those who generously provided support to the vision through the Terra From His fullness, we Sancta Guild. May their faith be fortified and blessed. have all received Grace Upon Grace. We pray for you and for all the guests of Terra Sancta. That all who visit may find a place John 1:16 they can come away and rest in God, knowing how loved they are as a child of God.

Come Away and Rest in God + http://terrasancta.org/stay For more on the many graces experienced at Terra Sancta in 2017, please visit: http://terrasancta.org/GraceUponGrace 14 WRC December 2017

November 30, 2017

Most Reverend Robert D. Gruss Bishop of Rapid City 606 Cathedral Dr. Rapid City, SD 57701

Dear Bishop Gruss: We are writing to inform you that the Diocese of Rapid City is in compliance with the data collection requirements for the 2016/2017 Charter audit period. We have reviewed this information and will be forwarding the documents to the Secretariat of Youth and Child Protection for use in the 2017 Audit Report.

Thank you for your cooperation and for participating in the data collection process.

Sincerely,

StoneBridge Business Partners Rochester, New York

cc: Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection Remembering Veterans Bonafide Youth Group, from St. Francis of Assisi Church in Sturgis, laid 170 wreaths on graves at the BH National Cemetery as a Spiritual Work of Mercy on December 9. Back Row: 280 Kenneth Drive, Suite 100 | Rochester, New York 14623 | P 585.295.0550 | TF 888.247.9764 F 585.427.8947 | StoneBridgeBP.com Jacob Palmer, Reegin Kehn, Brady Buchholz and Joshua West. Front Row: Mairen McGrath, Emily Pi, Nate Andersen, and Molly Buchholz. (Courtesy photo) December 2017 Making Sense of Bioethics WRC 15 The Bitter Pill of false liberation A major study published on December In a remarkably prescient passage dating imens of hormonal contraception that can well-documented risk 7 in the New England Journal of Medicine back to July, 1968, Pope Paul VI already continue for years or even decades. From of thrombotic stroke, concludes that hormonal contraception in- foresaw this in his encyclical Humanae this perspective, their ability to conceive life myocardial infarction creases the risk of breast cancer for women. Vitae, the momentous and beautiful docu- becomes tantamount to a malady needing (heart attack), and — The research used all of Denmark as its ment explaining not only the moral prob- to be remedied, a “defect” that renders them as confirmed by the sample, following nearly 1.8 million Danish lems with contraception, but also its “unequal” to men. Strikingly, though, ever recent study — breast women of childbearing age for over a devastating effects on men, families and greater numbers of women are discovering cancer. A woman’s decade. The study, as described by the New women in particular. an authentic and liberating form of femi- body doesn’t stand in York Times, “upends widely held assump- Contraception, he writes, opens a wide nism as they come to the awareness that, in need of being “fixed” Fr. Tadeusz tions about modern contraceptives for and easy road “towards conjugal infidelity the words of Hasson, “we don’t have a de- by these powerful Pacholczyk, younger generations of women,” especially and the general lowering of morality. Not sign flaw. Being a woman is good … and it’s drugs that wreak Ph.D. the view that “newer hormonal contracep- much experience is needed in order to know a wonderful thing.” havoc on her biology. Director of tives are much safer than those taken by human weakness, and to understand that Wonderful, too, is that confident femi- The church’s ageless their mothers or grandmothers.” It also es- men — especially the young, who are so nism and liberating sense of self-control but countercultural Education tablishes that the risk to women increases vulnerable on this point — have need of en- that enables a woman to choose abstinence teaching on contra- The National Catholic with longer periods of use. Major media couragement to be faithful to the moral law, before marriage, rather than contraception, ception respects and Bioethics outlets have done their best to minimize the so that they must not be offered some easy and, once married, to choose periodic absti- uplifts women. It Center, implications of the study and “soften the means of eluding its observance. It is also to nence in agreement with her husband if supports them in an Philadelphia. blow” for the millions who, for decades, be feared that the man, growing used to the their circumstances indicate they ought to authentic feminism have faithfully embraced a “contraceptive employment of anti-conceptive practices, avoid a pregnancy. that affirms their www.ncb mentality.” may finally lose respect for the woman and, Hormonal contraceptives, meanwhile, uniquely important center.org This mentality has promoted contracep- no longer caring for her physical and psy- throw a wrench into the works on a number maternal role in fam- tion, especially the Pill, as a path for women chological equilibrium, may come to the of different levels. Beyond setting up a ily and society, and to move toward equality with men by en- point of considering her as a mere instru- woman to be “used” by men, the Pill (and esteems their fruitful- abling them to reap the “benefits” of the ment of selfish enjoyment, and no longer as hormone-releasing IUD’s) cause significant ness in marriage not as a defect, but as a real sexual revolution. his respected and beloved companion.” alterations in her delicately-balanced phys- gift. But Mary Rice Hasson, J.D., director of Paul VI offers a profound, but unpopular, iology. These include restricting her ability the Catholic Women’s Forum at the Ethics observation — that contraception is harm- to ovulate, altering her cycles and secretions, and Public Policy Center in Washington, ful to women, and is, in fact, anti-woman. and modifying her uterine lining — in ef- D.C. notes that the reality for women is The widespread adoption of the “contracep- fect, forcing her body into a pseudo-preg- very different, and “our lived experience has tive mentality” has led inexorably to a new nant state to exclude the possibility of a real The Chancery will be shown that this is a false promise.” Count- perspective on women, namely, that they pregnancy. Whenever a woman takes these closed Monday-Tuesday, less women, she emphasizes, have ended up should be more like men, and therefore they kinds of steps to disrupt her natural fertility, being vulnerable to, and harmed by, the sex- should, like men, become impregnable, it should come as little surprise that her Dec. 25-26, 2017, ual revolution and its promotion of contra- through the ongoing practice of contracep- body rebels in one fashion or another, in- & Monday-Tuesday, ception as “the solution.” They have been tion. Very young women, sometimes just cluding possible weight gain, headaches, de- Jan.1-2, 2018 given a “bitter pill” in the form of the Pill. entering puberty, are now placed onto reg- pression, and the heightened and 16 WRC Social Justice December 2017 Bishops to put together pastoral plan for marriage, family life ministry

of Love”). Bishop Malone, who introduced cused on the exhortation lets the Catholic phasizing that catechism needs to start BY CAROL ZIMMERMANN the idea to the bishops, was filling in for Church “seize control” of its message after much earlier … the aim of the pastoral plan BALTIMORE (CNS) — U.S. Catholic Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, the “blogosphere was forcing us to read it was to provide married couples with re- bishops acknowledged that Catholic fami- the committee’s chairman, who was in in another way.” Archbishop Joseph E. sources they would need to strengthen their lies and married couples need more support Rome for preparatory meeting for the Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, similarly marriage and families. from the church at large and hope to offer Synod of Bishops in 2018. noted that the exhortation’s Chapter 8 “got it by giving parishes plenty of resources The bishop said he hoped the pastoral all the headlines” and he hoped a new plan through a pastoral plan for marriage and plan would encourage long-term imple- based on the text would get more people to family life. mentation of the pope’s exhortation and read the entire document and “read it A proposal for such a plan was intro- also encourage a broader reading of it. Sev- slowly.” duced to the bishops on the second day of eral bishops who spoke from the floor A new pastoral plan for marriage and their annual fall assembly in Baltimore Nov. echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that families would not be “the pastoral plan,” as 14 and was approved by paper ballot with the document was more than just one chap- in the be all end all addressing every detail, 232 votes in favor. ter — referring to Chapter 8’s focus on the but it should provide a framework to help The pastoral plan was described by possibility of divorced and remarried parishes work in this area, Bishop Malone Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, New Catholics receiving communion which said. Discussion from the floor about this York, a member of the bishops’ Committee gained a lot of media attention. plan was overwhelmingly positive. Arch- on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, Auxiliary Bishop Robert E. Barron of bishop Paul D. Etienne of Anchorage, as a response to Pope Francis’ 2016 apos- Los Angeles, founder of Word on Fire Alaska, said the church should look for tolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia” (“The Joy Catholic Ministries, said a pastoral plan fo- ways to lift up marriage and thank couples for all they do. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco said the church should offer Travel ban to be implemented as legal challenges continue more than just marriage preparation pro- WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. Supreme Court said Dec. 4 that President Donald Trump’s grams and should provide something for Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, N.Y., travel ban restricting entry into the United States by nationals from some countries can be couples after they are married. They should fully implemented while legal challenges to the ban work their way through the lower courts. speaks Nov. 14 during the fall general as- In a brief unsigned order, the high court stayed a preliminary injunction on implementation of know about marriage before they come to sembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic the ban, granting the Trump administration’s request to allow its latest ban, released in late church to set up their wedding, he said, em- Bishops in Baltimore. (CNS photo/Bob September, to go into effect. The order also urged the two appeals courts with cases before Roller) them to render “with appropriate dispatch” a decision on whether the ban is constitutional. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor “would deny the application,” according to the order. The Supreme Court’s order means that the Trump administration can fully carry out the ban — which is now in its third iteration. It currently restricts travel to the United States from eight nations, six of them predominantly Muslim. Most citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Chad and North Korea will be barred from entering, along with some Venezuelan government officials and their immediate family. A friend-of-the-court brief filed on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in mid-September said the travel ban was “cruel and inhumane treatment” and that “denying refugee children life-saving entry to the United States based on an executive order clearly motivated by anti-religious bias, is both un-Catholic and un-American.”

A Safe Environment for Children and Young People The Catholic Diocese of Rapid City is firmly committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for our children and young people. To report allegations of sexual abuse by church personnel, contact Assistance Coordinator, Barbara Scherr. To ensure confidentiality in her outreach to victims, she can be contacted privately at 1-605-209-3418 (cell). Her phone has caller ID and messaging features. All information will be treated confidentially. Alleged victims are advised of their right to report alleged abuse to civil authorities. In accordance with diocesan policy, all allegations of sexual misconduct involving children or young people and priests, deacons, lay employees, or volunteers serving the Diocese of Rapid City will be investigated. The diocesan sexual misconduct policy and the code of conduct are posted on the diocesan website at www.rapidcitydiocese.org. December 2017 Strengthening Family Ties WRC 17

Christmas is when we think of others. A time for family, feasts, and presents and when expectations are rarely fully realized. In the midst of all our rushing to complete our lists of "have-to's and should-do's," I hope you find a moment of peace. A moment to enter into the stable and to recall God does not want to judge us or focus on our struggles, as He knows the stresses of life. Christmas reminds us He entered into a stable, a place meant to house animals, not a palace fit for a king. Throughout his life, Jesus too, felt pressed on every side and also knew the world many single mothers experience. "My God, why have you abandoned me?" reminds us that he knows the alienation shared by many recently divorced or the fear some face who live in a world filled with violence. He knows what it is to have tried to stretch the five loaves and two fish of our lives, to meet the demands around us, only to fall again and wonder if we have the strength to rise again. The only difference is He had a choice. He chose to enter into our world to prove that love could conquer all. He entered the world knowing it is not as it should be, because He loved us and wanted to show us just how much. May we know, both now and forever, the peace He has come to share with us. Thanks for all you have done to extend this love to others this past year, through your support of Catholic Social Services. Merry Christmas from the Staff and Board of Catholic Social Services

Please join us in our mission of service Major Sponsorship Levels $2,000 $1,500 $1,000 $500 by sponsoring the Palm Sunday Brunch on Saint’s Circle Sacred Circle Holy Circle Bishop’s Circle March 25, 2018 Yes, I would like to help CSS fulfill its mission by sponsoring the annual Palm Sunday Brunch. Begins at Noon o I have enclosed a check in the amount of: $ oPlease bill me: $ Ramkota Convention Center in Rapid City Name: Address: Your sponsorship helps defray brunch expenses, allowing Catholic Social Services to direct all proceeds raised during the event to City, State, Zip: those in need of CSS services. Phone: E-mail: As a Major Sponsor you are cordially invited to attend a reception I will pay by credit card:___MC___VISA Acct #: ______party Saturday evening March, 24, 2018. You will have the o opportunity to meet Bishop Robert Gruss and Sister Donna Markham, OP, keynote speaker for the brunch. Print name exactly as it appears on this card Card expiration date

CSS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Billing address City State Zip Phone (incl. area code) Keynote Speaker OFFICERS: Susan Raposa, President; Lisa Wesolick,Vice President; Mary Kjerstad, Secretary; Sr. Donna Cassie Ward, Treasurer; Jim Kinyon, Executive Director Amount to be charged: $ Signature: Markham, OP o I have paid via Stripe online at www.catholicsocialservicesrapidcity.com — Palm Sunday Brunch President and CEO DIRECTORS: Brenda Wills, Deacon Marlon Leneaugh, Catholic Charities Shelia Lien, Matt Stone, Susan Meyer, Cassie Ward, Number of complimentary tickets to the brunch: Adults: Children under 10: USA Rick Soulek, Mark Kjerstad, Lisa Wesolick, Susan Raposa, Dr. Steve Massopust, Richard Rangel, Bishop Robert Gruss I cannot be a major sponsor at this time, but I have enclosed a check for $ to help Catholic Charities Catholic Social Services provide critical services. USA is the U.S. As a major sponsor, you will be recognized in the Palm Sunday Catholic Church’s Serving people of all faiths in event program, at the brunch, and in the CSS quarterly newsletter. official domestic l l l relief agency. western South Dakota 529 Kansas City Street Rapid City, SD 57701 (605) 348-6086 toll free (800) 727-2401 fax (605) 348-1050 l [email protected] l www.CatholicSocialServicesRapidCity.com (Stripe) 18 WRC Native Ministry December 2017 Native saints and servants of God spiritual experiences God in her life. After her death, her body Nicholas Black Elk, BY DEACON MARLON LENEAUGH took on a lustrous radiance and small pox Servant of God DIRECTOR OF NATIVE MINISTRY scars disappeared from her face as the A more local Cause for Canonization Saint Juan Diego mourners watched in astonishment. The was opened on October 21, 2017, for the Cuauhtlatoatzin (the Talking Eagle) was message following her death needed no ex- Oglala Holy Man, Nicholas Black Elk. At born in 1474 in Cuautitlan near Mexico planation and was simple, “the saint is dead” the age of nine, he received a vision from City, Mexico. He chose to live a life of and all understood. She was canonized on Wakantanka and was later baptized in 1904. poverty even though he was actually an October 21, 2012. He became an energetic Catholic catechist, Aztec prince. Even though he practiced the retaining Lakota practices that paralleled Aztec’s religion, he showed signs of having Antonio Cuipa & his Catholic faith. He showed how Native a mystical sense of God in his life. When 81 Companions, Servants of God American culture and spirituality can en- he was around fifty years of age, he and his A Cause for Canonization that was rich the Body of Christ. He was able to uti- wife were among the first indigenous peo- opened October 12, 2015 was that of the lize his Native spirituality as well as share ple of the region to accept baptism and con- Florida Martyrs. Eighty-two missionaries Catholic teachings in his ministry. He was vert to Catholicism at the teachings of some and Native Americans were killed between often seen praying with his pipe and rosary. early Franciscan missionaries. In the year 1549 and 1706. They are better known as Nicholas had a genuine sense of God in 1531, Juan Diego was hurrying to attend Antonio Cuipa and 81 companions. his life and his spirituality was truly Lakota Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Con- Antonio was an Apalachee Indian from and truly Catholic. Perhaps Black Elk was ception when he was stopped by the beau- San Luis Mission who was converted by gifted with more vision than anyone antic- tiful sight of a radiant woman who Franciscan missionaries. His studies suggest ipated and he saw oneness in the Great introduced herself as the “ever perfect Holy that he was studying for the priesthood and Spirit and the Catholic God. He saw in Mary Mother of God.” He went on to be served as a leader and catechist among his Jesus a messiah whose message of love tran- canonized on July 31, 2002 and became the people. He was a younger man that devoted scends skin color, culture and language to The appearance of Mary to indigenous peas- first indigenous Saint. his life to God and at an early age often reach the hearts of all peoples who come ant St. Juan Diego in 1531 near present-day from the flowering tree. Mexico City is depicted in a stained-glass spoke about spiritual matters and had the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha window at St. Mary Church in Manhasset, desire to serve God. He was nailed to a The common thread of these four histor- A saint who was spiritually mature be- N.Y. The feast of St. Juan Diego is celebrated cross and set on fire by another tribe of Na- ical figures is their early awareness of the yond her age was the Mohawk Maiden Dec. 9, three days before the feast of Our tive Americans. Witnesses to the event Spirit moving in their lives. God blessed Tekakwitha. She encountered Christ in her Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12. claimed that Antonio saw the Blessed Vir- them at an early age and they recognized Mohawk settlement. According to the (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz) gin Mary and could be heard saying to oth- how God was leading them to be leaders priest, she was well informed about the ers being tortured with him, “Our Lady is among their tribal people. They experienced Catholic faith and asked for the privilege to near, be strong, be strong. Our Lady is here a God whom they recognized through be baptized. It was quite obvious that she was a child of the wilderness and not some- with us.” The Martyrs gave their lives in other cultures and peoples. They did not was a soul with many gifts and graces. Such one who had formal training or teaching. witness of their faith. They chose martyr- have to give up their identity in order to be- mystically advanced souls need guidance, Encountering such a youthful mystic was dom rather than renounce the faith they come Catholic, but they retained their Na- but they are clearly chosen by God. What very unusual and perplexing. She exhibited had accepted and they died knowing their tive culture and spirituality. was really amazing was that Tekakwitha such spiritual awareness and a strong will of belief was worth dying for. December 2017 Obituaries WRC 19 Deacon LeRoy DeCory, 79, served in St. Francis and Rapid City LeRoy Francis DeCory was born on Indian Affairs Road Department. He was was always encouraging and supportive to great grandchildren; his sister Sharon May 23, 1938, in St. Francis to Caroline also a Fire Chief for the St. Francis Vol- the many people he knew and to his fam- (Caroline, Iliyah, and Ivan), Sean( Jessica (Bordeaux) and Dallas DeCory. He unteer Fire Department. He then resided ily, relatives and friends. and Aden), and many nieces and nephews, moved with his brother, Cedric and par- in Rapid City until he moved back to St. He always made you smile and laugh and cousins ents to Scottsbluff, Nebraska a few years Francis. with his stories and teasing. LeRoy was a A rosary wake was held Dec. 8, at later. He graduated Leroy married Phyllis (White Eyes) generous, kind, giving and positive man. Digman Hall at St. Francis, Mission fol- from Scottsbluff Sen- DeCory on August 17, 1981, at the St. He will be greatly missed by his family, lowed by a Veterans Roll Call. ior High School and Charles Borromeo Church in St. Francis. relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial was Dec. 9, at enlisted in the U. S. He was ordained as a deacon of the He was preceded in death by his son St. Charles Church, St. Francis. Air Force. He worked Catholic Church on August 17, 1994, by George, his brother, Cedric (Maxine), par- Fr. Jim Kubicki, SJ and Fr. Jim in California and then Bishop Charles J. Chaput and served in ents Dallas and Caroline DeCory and LaFontaine, SJ, concelebrated. moved back to St. the St. Charles Parish in St. Francis and many relatives. Burial was at the Sicangu Akicita Francis and was em- St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Rapid City. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, his Owicahe Cemetery, White River. ployed and retired LeRoy served the Lakota people with children Sue Lynn, Yvonne (Robert from the Bureau of prayers, comforting words and actions. He Paradis), Kevin; 36 grandchildren; 19

Sr. Marion Pasdiora, BVM, 89, served in Lead Sister Marion Marion taught at St. Patrick Elementary volunteered as assistant sacristan. Robert, Lawrence and Edward, Sr. She is Pasdiora, BVM, 89, School in Lead from 1952-59. She also Jean Victor Pasdiora was born in survived by nieces, nephews and the died Nov. 24, at taught elementary school in Boone, Iowa, Chicago on Aug. 29, 1928, to Victor and Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she Mercy Medical and Wilmot, Wis. She taught secondary Barbara (Bouland )Pasdiora. She entered shared life for 70 years. Center in Dubuque, school business classes in Sioux City and the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1947, Memorials may be given to the Sisters Iowa. Burial is in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and Chicago, Ill. from St. Andrew Parish, Chicago. She of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Mount Carmel In Mundelein, Ill., she served on a professed first vows on March 19, 1950, Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52003, or cemetery, Dubuque. secondary school office staff as and final vows on Aug. 15, 1955. online at In the Diocese of bursar/treasurer and business manager, She was preceded in death by her www.bvmcong.org/whatsnew_obits.cfm. Rapid City, Sister was a university secretary, and later parents and brothers: Victor, Raymond,

In Your Prayers Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord Ordinations: January 3, 1984, Fr. Wm. Zandri, January 6, 1977, Fr. Robert Baden; January 18, 1982, Fr. Michael Hight. Birthdays: January 3, Dcn. Earl Witte; January 8, Dcn. William Born to Eternal life, additions to the Novem- Dustman; January 21, Fr. Tyler Dennis; January 22, Fr. Riccardo Pennati; January 23, Fr. Ron ber West River Catholic memorial listings Seminara, SJ. Necrology: January 2, 1973, James Weithman; January 4, 1955, Edward Henault; January 7, 1979, Dominic Padula; January 12, 1961, Michael Conley; January 13, Kennebec, St. Michael 1999, Bishop Lawrence Welsh; January 14, 1964, John Connolly; January 15, 2014, Ray- 8/20/17 Carmen Madsen mond Deisch; January 16, 1946, Raymond O’Hora; January 16, 1978, Othmar Buerkler, OSB; January 17, 2004, Collins Jordan; January 21, 1957, John Novak; January 23, 1951, John Lower Brule, St. Mary O’Reilly; January 25, 1990, James Donahoe; January 26, 1955, Edward McGonigal; January 10/1/16 Ryan LeCompte 26, 1960, Walter Pascal; January 26, 1962, Gerhard Stakemeier; January 30, 1998, William 12/19/16 Margaret Goodface McKenney, SJ; January 31, 1959, Charles Virnig; January 31, 2005, Dale Kutil. 4/26/17 Aurelia Pourier 5/11/17 Victor Grassrope, Sr. 6/2/17 Curtis Allen Middletent Names provided by parishes. 20 WRC December 2017 Rosebud Suicide Prevention Hotline benefits from Extension holiday fund Ciao from Rome Catholic Extension staffers in Chicago Robert Anderson, senior director of mis- Nancy and Richard Boyd, parishioners of St. Joseph Church, Spearfish, just returned put Geraldine Provencial and the Suicide sions for Catholic Extension. from a trip to Rome and Venice. While in Prevention Program she runs at St. Francis Provencial plans to Rome they visited with Fr. Mark Horn Mission on their Christmas list this year. spend the extra funds to (center), who is studying canon law there. He Each year during Advent, Catholic host a community feed expects to finish his studies next June. He Extension employees choose one ministry and suicide awareness gave them a tour of St. Peter’s Cathedral and from among more than 90 mission dioceses event next spring to several other landmarks in Rome. “Fr. Mark to be the beneficiary of an office-wide hol- promote and advertise sends his prayers to all the wonderful people iday fundraising campaign. the mission’s Suicide & of the Diocese of Rapid City and he is looking This year, it selected Provencial’s work Crisis Hotline. The hot- forward to returning home,” said Richard with addiction, recovery and suicide preven- line is answered 24 Boyd. (Courtesy photo) tion on the Rosebud Reservation as the re- hours a day, seven days cipient. “I am sincerely grateful, on behalf of a week by trained vol- the St. Francis Mission Suicide Prevention unteers and takes calls GERALDINE Program, for Catholic Extension’s support,” from the reservation PROVENCIAL Provencial said. and beyond. non-Catholic, lay or ordained, who are spiritu- The exact amount of the Christmas gift The hotline’s motto is “No matter what. New Oblates ally united with the monastic community in won’t be known until the campaign closes No matter when. 605-319-1280.” On Nov. 11, feast of St. Martin, Kay seeking God according to the Rule of St. Bene- in the fourth week of Advent, according to Schwandt and Therese Brockmeyer made dict. They have discovered that the guidance their final oblation and became full members of the rule can help them develop a balanced of the Oblates of St. Martin Monastery. They lifestyle that will strengthen and enhance their made their oblation during a short prayer commitment to Christ, regardless of their vo- Pope asks Mary’s help in service in the Benedictine monastery chapel cation. Ecumenism is strengthened by the fightingROME fear, (CNS) indifference — Celebrating the Dec. in the presence of the sisters and other participant’s respect for the religious tradi- oblates. The Oblates of St. Martin Monastery tions and insights of each member. 8 feast of the Immaculate Conception, the are Christian women and men, Catholic or Persons interested in being Oblates are in- pope recited the Angelus prayer at noon vited to enter into a novice year, where they with visitors in St. Peter’s Square, visited the study the Rule of St. Benedict, pray daily, and Rome Basilica of St. Mary Major, and laid discern whether this is where God is calling a basket of white roses at the foot of the them. At a simple ceremony they receive a Marian statue near the Spanish Steps. copy of the Holy Rule. After the year of novi- In his prayer near the Spanish Steps in tiate if they desire to become Oblates, they the heart of Rome, Pope Francis thanked sign an oblation paper, and receive a Benedic- Mary for watching over him and over the tine pin, and are received into full oblate mem- bership. people of Rome, especially “the sick, the For more information contact Sr. Therese aged, all the poor, the many people who Marie Furois, Oblate Director, 343-8011. have immigrated here from lands of war (Courtesy photo) and hunger.” He prayed that Mary would help people “develop antibodies against some of the A firefighter places a wreath of flowers on a To advertise in the viruses of our times: the indifference that statue of Mary overlooking the Spanish Steps West River Catholic in Rome Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate says, ‘It’s not my problem’; civic rudeness Conception. Pope Francis was to honor Mary contact Laurie at which ignores the common good; the fear later in the day by attending a service at the [email protected] of what is different and of the foreigner.” statue. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) December 2017 WRC 21 Refuel: An opportunity to draw near to Christ and rejuvenate ing synod, we wanted to bring in a speaker sentations — to be with the Lord and re- Rice agreed saying, “My prayer is that BY BECKY BERRETH who could help us prepare and make the ceive him,” she said. “Everyone who serves everyone who comes will feel energized, “If we are enthusiastic and excited about most of it,” explained Susan Safford, dioce- the mission of the church, in whatever ca- educated, and empowered to grow deeper what the Lord is doing in our lives, then the san director of faith formation. “At the pacity — anyone who wants to learn more in their faith and be able to joyfully share faith becomes contagious to others,” said same time, we wanted about “Sharing the Joy of the that with others. Bob Rice. “That is when faith becomes a the topic to be broad Gospel” — sign up. This is a “Plus, I am incredibly good looking. I joyful activity for everyone. enough to be relevant great opportunity to be re-en- mean … dang. Just wait until you see me,” “One of my favorite lines from Pope for those who work in ergized for the call that the he added jokingly. Francis’s Evangelii Gaudium is when he all variety of min- Lord has for us, to learn more The conference begins with Mass at wrote that an evangelizer should not look istries.” and grow in our work for the 5:30 p.m. on January 19, followed by dinner like he just came out of a funeral! The According to Saf- church. It is a chance to be and the opening presentation. There will be church has said many times that the first ford, the conference is with people from around the time for adoration and confessions to end way we evangelize others is through the based on a long ago diocese for fellowship and the night. Saturday sessions begin at 8:30 joyful witness of our lives. I think some- youth ministers rally sharing of ideas, and especially a.m. and will end at 4 p.m. The day will in- times we who do ministry within the the diocese had spon- to be with the Lord in prayer clude presentations, prayer, and daily Mass. church can get so caught up in the ‘what of sored. She wanted and receive what he wants to Registration forms can be found online what’ we say that we forget to also give at- something where the BOB RICE give us.” at www.Refuel18.com. Register before De- tention to how we say it.” presentations were encouraging, informa- Safford hopes the conference will give cember 24 and receive $10 off the $65 reg- Rice is this year’s featured speaker at the tive, and engaging and came at a time dur- participants an opportunity to draw near to istration fee. For more information contact annual “Refuel — Diocesan Religious Ed- ing the year when people needed a Christ and allow him to rejuvenate and Susan Safford or Susan Thompson at 605- ucators Conference” held January 19-20 at boost. When she began her work in the reinvigorate those in attendance for future 716-5214 or email ssaff[email protected] or the Terra Sancta Retreat Center. He is a Office of Faith Formation and Youth & work in their church. [email protected]. professor of catechetics at Franciscan Uni- Young Adult Ministry in 2012, she sur- versity in Steubenville, Ohio, and will speak veyed the dioceses and found a need to re- to this year’s theme, “Sharing the Joy of the vive the event, but open it to all who Gospel,” while connecting the theme to the minister in the church — in faith forma- Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Vo- tion, youth ministry, music ministry, liturgy, cational Discernment as well as Pope Fran- marriage and family, business and admin- cis’ apostolic exhortation, Evangelii istration. Gaudium. “There was need to bring people to- “This year, in anticipation of the upcom- gether for prayer, support and helpful pre-

St. Thomas More High School Commons, Rapid City, was packed on Thanksgiving Day. The Knights of Columbus offered a free Busy Day Thanksgiving dinner. (Courtesy photo) 22 WRC December 2017

Starting Theology As a first year theology student, Adam Johnson petitioned Bishop Robert Gruss for permission to receive the Rite of Admission to Candidacy. Bishop Gruss extended his permission and on October 19, Johnson was accepted into Candidacy for Orders at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. Johnson is in the center of the front row standing next to Bishop Andrew Cozzens, auxil- iarly bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Also in the center is Seminary Rector Msgr. Aloysius Callahan. Adam is the son of Michael and Kathy Johnson, Blessed OLBH, Piedmont, first Foundational Parish Sacrament Church, Rapid City. (Courtesy photo) In July of this year the “Characteristics According to the “Characteristics” times combined in smaller parishes,” said Retreat Center in Rapid City. Open to young of a Stewardship Parish” was completed as parish self-assessment, there are three pri- Fr. McCormick. part of the Office of Stewardship’s work to- mary lenses drawn from the diocesan pri- women ages 16-30. Directed by sisters from “There are seven other parishes that have the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus ward meeting the goal of the diocesan pas- ority plan. The Diocese of Rapid City requested the assesment tool and are enter- and Mary. For more information or to regis- toral plan. They are being sent to pastors on views Stewardship as — Generous Hos- ing into the process,” said Hanson. See the ter, please visit, gods-call.org/events or call request. It is a tiered structure which is pitality: invitation, welcome and fellow- characteristics on the Office of Stewardship the Office of Vocations at 605-716-5214. called for by Bishop Robert Gruss in ship; Lively Faith: prayer, study and page on the diocesan website at www.rapid Deadline to register is Jan. 19. Through Him, With Him and In Him: A formation; and Dedicated Discipleship: citydiocese.org/stewardship/. Men in Black Basketball Game Spiritual Guide to the Diocesan Priority Plan. to love God and to love neighbor with an The Men in Black are back! Join us Monday, December 1, Our Lady of the Black intentional heart. “Living a life of stew- Jan. 29, 2018, at St. Thomas More High Hills Parish, Piedmont, was recognized as ardship means whole-heartedly peering Vocation Events School. Community dinner will begin at 5 the first Foundational Parish in the Diocese through these three indispensable lenses Beloved: Vocation Weekend for Young p.m. Tip-off for the basketball game between Women the priests and students will begin at 7 p.m. of Rapid City. It is the inaugural step in so that we may truly live a ‘Catholic Way Join us Jan. 26-28, 2018, for a Vocation For more information visit gods-call.org or being recognized as a Stewardship Parish. of Life,’ hearing the voice of Jesus, follow- Weekend for Young Women at Terra Sancta contact the Office of Vocations at 716-5214. “A foundational parish has in place the ing him and imitating his way of life,” foundational structures necessary to foster said Fr. McCormick. stewardship in the parish. After this, there “Some of the characteristics found in will be three additional benchmarks, each parishes who have built a firm foundation more challenging than the previous one, re- for stewardship are: that they have devel- quiring a greater number of criteria be met. oped clear mission and vision statements; Parishes meeting these benchmarks will be have a pastoral plan with clear goals for designated as hospitable parishes, lively all areas of parish life; and they have an parishes and then, finally, stewardship up-to-date census which they maintain parishes,” said Office of Stewardship Direc- and share with the diocese. These parishes tor Fr. Mark McCormick also follow the norms outlined by the dio- Father McCormick and Administrative cese for financial record keeping and re- Assistant Shawna Hanson, met with the porting. They have effective means of Piedmont parish’s Stewardship Council communication in place and parishioners and recommended Bishop Gruss grant the take personal responsibility for the up- designation. “We prepared a report outlin- keep, maintenance and programs of the ing the things we learned from them re- parish. Foundational parishes have active garding foundational characteristics Finance, Pastoral and Stewardship Coun- reflected in their church,” said Hanson. cils, although these councils are some- December 2017 WRC 23 BRINGING CULTURE ALIVE: LAKOTA STUDIES AT RED CLOUD On a frigid November morning, a small understanding of sacred Lakota ceremonies each student do a research project to under- RCCSS begins group of Red Cloud students gathered be- and the beliefs of their ancestors. And be- stand our spiritual practices in the pre- fore dawn and traveled together to Slim cause language is a foundation of Lakota reservation era. We look at how they raffle Jan. 18 Buttes, a few miles from campus, to take culture, Red Cloud developed the nation’s evolved over time and how we got to where The Rapid City Catholic School System part in a buffalo hunt. The night before they first K-12 Lakota language curriculum. we are today,” he explained. is once again partnering with Catholic had participated in an inipi ceremony — Students speak Lakota every day at school, In addition to teaching about them in United Financial to offer the Catholic which takes place in a sweat lodge — to pu- and they have the chance to experience a the classroom, he is one of the primary Schools Raffle. Beginning rify themselves and to ask a buffalo to sac- number of sacred ceremonies first-hand. teachers and mentors who leads students January 12, students will be selling raffle rifice his life in order to through ceremonies held on tickets for $5 each. All of the proceeds go nourish them. They had campus. Red Cloud has its own to the RCCSS. Last year students raised over $35,000, which helped fund worked for months to prepare sweat lodge on campus, and stu- technology upgrades and tuition for this cultural rite of pas- dents have the opportunity to assistance. Now in its ninth year, the sage, learning how their an- take part in the ceremony. While Catholic Schools Raffle has raised cestors had relied on the not every student participates, $209,460 in the Diocese of Rapid City. buffalo for thousands of years, he’s seen many students drawn to “Catholic United’s mission since our using every part of the animal this sacred, traditional practice in founding 140 years ago has included to sustain their communities times of need. supporting Catholic education,” explained on the plains. And after the “This fall, a student here be- Catholic United President Harald hunt was finally complete, came very ill and was hospital- Borrmann. “Keeping all the monies raised Buffalo herd at the Slim Buttes pasture on the Pine Ridge Reservation. with the schools is something unique and they brought the animal back ized and many friends and greatly benefits the children and their to Red Cloud to lead the entire school in a Russ Cournoyer, who has been a teacher classmates were really shaken. They came to teachers.” sacred buffalo harvest. and administrator at Red Cloud for well us and asked for a sweat, and we put one to- This year the grand prize 2018 Chevy As a drum group shared a ceremonial over a decade, says teaching Lakota spiritu- gether that day, so they could meet their TRAX or $20,000 in cash. Ticket sales end buffalo song, the students and their mentors ality has a powerful effect on his students. spiritual needs and pray for their classmate,” February 25. The Grand Prize drawing — teachers of Lakota language, history, and “I think our Lakota studies curriculum said Cournoyer. takes place on, March 7 at the Catholic spirituality — led the gathering in a prayer really reinforces to them who they are and “It makes me proud our students to learn United Financial Home Office in St. Paul, to thank the buffalo for his life and to honor where they come from,” he said. our traditional ways of prayer — to make a Minn. Raffle updates can be the entire buffalo nation. For the next sev- “We have many students who may not commitment to them and understand that followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CatholicSchoolsRaffle. eral hours, each student cleaned and initially believe they are very traditionally there are sacrifices we need to make to en- Tickets can be purchased from a RCCSS butchered sections of the buffalo, as Lakota. But when they go off to college, sure our prayers are heard.” student or mail a check for the total Philomine, an elder and fluent Lakota many come back and tell us they realize (Article and photo provided by Red Cloud amount of tickets you would like to pur- speaker, spoke to the group about each piece how much they value our beliefs and cul- Indian School. Read more about the school at chase to St. Thomas More Middle School, of the animal and what it could be used for. tural practices. Some say that just being able https://www.redcloudschool.org) 424 Fairmont Blvd., Rapid City, SD, 57701. Bella ‘18, one of the seniors who helped to smudge themselves with sage or sweet- to lead the harvest as her senior community grass and doing a simple prayer really service project, says helping to bring the helped them through a difficult time. They community together to experience a tradi- realize, in a time of need, that they can tional Lakota ceremony is one way she can reach out to the Creator and get help and help strengthen Lakota culture for future direction and understanding. And that re- generations. And for Bella, having Lakota ally empowers them.” culture integrated into her education is Cournoyer was raised as a Catholic but what makes being a Red Cloud student so as a high school student he was introduced special. to traditional Lakota ceremonies. He has “Our culture is still struggling to stay been immersed in understanding and prac- alive, and this event really helps, especially ticing them ever since. He joined the Spir- in getting the younger kids more interested itual Formation team and to begin teaching in rebuilding our culture for the future,” she the school’s first class, called Lakota Rites, said. “My culture is a huge part of my life, devoted entirely to Lakota spirituality. and it means so much to be able to incor- There wasn’t really a curriculum for him to porate it into my school life too.” use, so he developed his own drawing on Lakota Studies at Red Cloud readings and lessons from his own experi- The buffalo harvest is just one way that ence. Lakota culture, language, and spirituality is “In Lakota Rites, I want to give my stu- integrated into education at Red Cloud. dents a general understanding of the pur- The unique curriculum, developed by ad- pose of the ceremonies we have, as well as ministrators and teachers over the last sev- the history behind them,” he explained. eral decades, gives students a deeper “At the beginning of the semester, I have 24 WRC Young Adult December 2017 TheTWENTY S OMETHINGart of giving, the challenge of Advent Oprah Winfrey sings and claps like $50 blueberries. “My new definition of everyday lux- My neighbor recently showed me her favorite Christ- when presented with the $69 lunch ury,” Oprah writes, “a five-pound box of organic wild blue- mas picture book, Holly Hobbie’s 2007 charmer “Toot & box that makes her 2017 “Favorite berries frozen within 24 hours of harvest from Josh Pond Puddle: Let It Snow,” in which a pair of best friends — Things” list. Farm in Maine.” who happen to be pigs — struggle to determine the perfect “I looooove!” she belts out in mock It seems every so-called “influencer” now curates a gift gifts for each other. Puddle labors in his attic, painting an falsetto. guide if, for nothing else, the kickback from Amazon affil- image of the twosome in the woods. Toot, meanwhile, Christina She doesn’t need to finish her sen- iate links. Online shoppers take the expert’s word, making spends “every spare minute in his workshop in the base- Capecchi tence by naming the object of her love. transactions that require a nanosecond of engagement. ment” building a sled on wheels — one that will work with It is expansive, and today, in a video of And so goes the drumbeat of commercialism: more, or without snow. Freelance the selection process for her biggest more, more. “They knew that the best present was usually something writer gift guide, it covers 102 items, totaling All the while we Christians are called to answer Ad- you made yourself, a one-of-a-kind thingamajig, not just a $13,400 in value and ranging from a vent’s hushed invitation for less, less, less. To clear out our whatsit anyone could buy in a store,” Hobbie writes. $2,000 55-inch Samsung high-defini- closets and turn off our phones, to resist the click-and-pro- Indeed, the sweetest gifts require a commodity more tion TV down to a $10 earbud case. cure in favor of the wait-and-wonder. What a challenge it precious than treasure: time. That’s the gift my mom ex- “People spend the best years of their lives either trying is to make space for the other, for the divine. Filling sets tends to me every day with her availability and assistance, to untangle their charger cords or track down missing ear- off all our bells and whistles; emptying requires discern- delighting in the giving, expecting nothing in return. Time buds,” Oprah quips in the December issue of her magazine, ment and allows for quiet. is the resource we try to circumvent with apps and out- O, which pictures all her favorite things. Americans prefer the former. We have so much self- sourcing, but it can never be replicated. It includes a $600 espresso maker, a $200 bird house, a storage space, the Self Storage Association once pointed If you want Advent to remake your heart — to stretch $200 automated dog bone and a $250 “lip vault” by Ulta out, it is physically possible that every American could it out like pizza dough and squish it back into something containing 25 tubes of “lip mousse.” Oprah claims to have stand at the same time under the canopy of self-storage soft and supple — you must make the time for real giving, ordered them “for every woman I know,” and, incidentally, roofing. for glitter and glue and hours and minutes. Leave the lip they were sold out before Thanksgiving. I’ve been reflecting on the art of gift giving, what it can vault to Oprah. There’s plenty of warm-fuzzy — buffalo plaid on slip- do for us, at its best, and what it neglects to do at its hasti- pers, shirts, pajamas, blankets and boots — and frivolous, est. The more you put in, the more you get out.

Do not say MOVIE REVIEW What happens in baptism? ‘I am only a In baptism we become members of the body of Christ, sisters and Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Disney) brothers of our Redeemer, and children of God. We are freed from sin, youth’ Engrossing sci-fi epic in which the leading as no more than the mythos of a fantasy world snatched from death, and destined from then on for a life in the joy of general (Carrie Fisher) of an embattled group will benefit from lessons about the value of the redeemed (1262-1274, 1279-1280). A “YouCat” of rebels sends a messenger (Daisy Ridley) to hope and the true nature of heroism. Frequent Being baptized means that my personal life story is submerged in the nugget the distant planet on which her brother (Mark but bloodless combat violence, a scene of tor- stream of God’s love. “Our life,” says Pope Benedict XVI, “now belongs to courtesy of Hamill), a famed war- ture, a couple of mild Christ, and no longer to ourselves. … At his side and, indeed, drawn up the Office of rior, is living in self-im- oaths, a few crass in his love, we are freed from fear. He enfolds us and carries us posed exile to terms. The Catholic wherever we may go — he is life itself” (April 7, 2007). Youth and summon his help in News Service classifica- Young Adult the desperate struggle tion is A-II — adults and Why did Jesus allow John to baptize Ministry against their fascistic adolescents. The enemies (led by Andy Motion Picture Associa- him, although he was without sin? youcat.org Serkis). Though he re- tion of America rating is fuses to join the con- PG-13 — parents To baptize means to immerse. In his baptism, Jesus descended into the sinful history of flict, the veteran strongly cautioned. all mankind. By doing so he established a sign. In order to redeem us from our sins, he fighter does agree to Some material may be would one day be submerged in death but, through his Father’s power, he reawakened to train the envoy in the ways of the Force, the inappropriate for children under 13. live (535-537, 567). mysterious spiritual energy from which he Sinners — soldiers, prostitutes, tax collectors — went out to the prophet John the Baptist derives his prowess. She will need its power because they were looking for the “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” Classifications when she eventually confronts her leader’s (Lk 3:3). Strictly speaking, Jesus did not need this baptism, Lady Bird ...... L son (Adam Driver), an originally good person because he was sinless. The fact that he submitted to this The Disaster Artist...... A-III who has gone over to the side of darkness, but baptism shows us two things: Jesus takes our sins upon him- The Man Who Invented Christmas ....A-II whose ongoing moral struggle has the poten- self. Jesus understands his baptism as an anticipation of his tial to sway the outcome of the intergalactic Classifications used by the USCCB are: A-I, Passion and Resurrection. At this sign of his willingness to die war. Though it gets off to a slow start, once it general patronage; A-II, adults and for us, the heavens open: “You are my beloved son” (Lk 3:22b). hits its stride writer-director Rian Johnson’s adolescents; A-III, adults; L, limited adult eighth episode in the saga initiated by George audiences, films whose problematic content The Baptism of the Lord Lucas in 1977 sweeps viewers along with many adults would find troubling; O, morally is celebrated January 8. stirring action and audience-pleasing plot offensive. For more information, visit: twists. Teens able to take the “Jedi religion” http://www.catholicnews.com/movies.htm.