VOL. 74 NO. 3 WWW.BISMARCKDIOCESE.COM MARCH 2015 Dakota Catholic Action

Reporting on Catholic action in western ND since 1941

More photos and stories found on page 6.

Submitted photo Students from the three Catholic Schools in the Bismarck Diocese took part in the 2015 March for Life in Washington, DC in January. After students from Fargo Shanley High School in the Fargo Diocese were chosen to carry the lead banner, they graciously invited the Bismarck Diocese students to take part in this honor. See more photos and recounts of the event on page 6. On special assignment to Africa Fr. Folorunso makes trip to home country to assess needs at Diocese’s Mission

By Sonia Mullally, DCA editor though this pastor of parishes accomplish,” he explained. “I came require manual labor. Father Stephen Folorunso, who in the southwest N.D. towns of back with details for a plan and a “As Christians, Jesus invites grew up in Hettinger, Reeder and Scranton, different attitude and appreciation us to take care of the poor,” Fr. West Africa, is native African, he had never for what we have and how we can Stephen explained. “We are all calls Lagos, been to Kenya. “I am from Africa, make a difference for others.” called to be missionaries. When the most so I am aware of the needs of the Possible jobs for short- you know you have been blessed populous city people, but to see it in person is term missionaries would be in your life, it is your duty to be a in Nigeria, entirely different,” Fr. Stephen constructing and repairing of blessing to others.” home. He said. “I went to see what we could buildings, preparing work sites for The need is great at the recently accomplish for the people there houses and repairs to the school Diocese’s Mission in East Africa. made a trip and return home with a plan.” all associated with the orphans Fr. Stephen took notes, back home Many people cannot commit served by the Mission. Many of photos and held meetings with with a special assignment. to a long-term stay in Africa, but the orphans are too young and locals as well as the Diocese’s This time, his trip home to devising a plan for short-term the guardian they live with, in long-term missionaries Brent and Africa took him to the opposite trips for two weeks for example some situations, is often too old side of the continent to the might open up the opportunity for to accomplish such projects that Continued on Page 11 Bismarck Diocese’s African many people to answer the call to Mission near the city of Kisii. be missionaries. He journeyed there recently “I went to assess the area to evaluate the need for short- and what types of projects that A LOOK INSIDE term missionary teams. Even short-term missionaries could

Recap of special week African Mission appeal A recap of two special events held The Naslund family continues during Catholic Schools Week is their work at the diocese’s captured in photos ...... PAGE 4 African Mission ...... PAGE 8 | Catholic Action MARCH 2015 2 Dakota Bishop David D. Kagan Let Lent be a time of holy preparation BISHOP’S make this commitment due to and good works. One of the good SCHEDULE FROM THE BISHOP circumstances, again I urge you results of this weekly examination MARCH 2015 to try to come to Mass at least on is that I fi nd myself going to these two days during Lent. confession a bit more frequently March 1 • Confi rmation at Sacred These two solemnities focus our and that is always good. Try this Heart Church, Glen Ullin, attention and our prayers on the and you just might come to like it. 10 a.m. two persons whom God chose to Please do not forget that March 10 • Diocesan Building Commission Meeting, be intimately involved in the life of each Friday of Lent is a day Center for Pastoral His Beloved Son. Who better than of abstinence for all Catholics Ministry, Bismarck, 11 a.m. Our Blessed Lady and her chaste who have celebrated their 14th March 13 • Home on the Range spouse, Saint Joseph to show us birthday. Try to make each Friday Board Meeting, Center how to love Jesus faithfully in all of Lent a day of true sorrow and for Pastoral Ministry, circumstances of life? Please do penance for sins committed. Bismarck, 12 p.m. make this effort to participate at Abstinence from all meat and March 15 • Confi rmation for Churches Mass on these solemnities. foods made from meat by- of Sts. Peter and Paul, By the time you receive this products is a good way to do this. Strasburg, St. Mary, Hague, at Strasburg, 10 a.m. issue of the Dakota Catholic Finally, if you are able, plan March 17 • Real Presence Radio Action, the Lenten Season will to join us Saturday, April 25 interview, 9 a.m. be about two weeks old. One of at the University of Mary in Bishop David D. Kagan • First Choice Clinic Banquet, the better pieces of advice I have Bismarck for our Diocesan Ramkota Hotel, Bismarck, been given was from one of the Convocation celebrating the Year 7 p.m. his year, the entire wonderful Sisters who taught me of Consecrated Life. It is not only March 19 • Mass and pastoral visit to month of March fi nds in Catholic grade school. She told a great opportunity to thank the Marillac Manor, Bismarck us celebrating the all of us at that time (I was a sixth religious women and men of our March 22 • Confi rmation for the season of Lent. But, grader) that every Wednesday Diocese for their loving service to Church of St. Nicholas, T in Lent, we should make a short Christ and the Church, but it is a Garrison, and Immaculate during this month, we Catholics examination of conscience just good way to learn more of the real Conception, Max, at will celebrate two beautiful Garrison, 11 a.m. about the prior week and what necessity for all of us to cultivate solemnities as well. The fi rst is March 25 • Pastoral Visit to St. March 19, the Solemnity of Saint we did and did not do to keep the the evangelical counsels in our Gabriel’s, Bismarck, Joseph, spouse of the Blessed season of Lent. That would help us own vocations. All of the details 9:30 a.m. Virgin Mary; the second is March for the next week. and registration information can March 28 • Palm Sunday Vigil Mass, 25, the Annunciation of the Lord. I have never forgotten this be found on our Diocesan website. Cathedral of the Holy While neither day is a holy and I have done this every year You can also read more about the Spirit, Bismarck, 5 p.m. day of obligation for us in the during Lent. She was absolutely event on page three of this issue of March 29 • Lenten Penance Service, Church of Ascension, United States, I would urge you correct. What I commit myself the DCA. to on Ash Wednesday I ought to May this Lent be a time of Bismarck, 3 p.m. to come and participate at the March 30 • Chrism Mass, Cathedral of Holy Sacrifi ce of the Mass on keep myself to for the entire time holy preparation for the Paschal of Lent. When I examine this each Triduum, the days of our salvation, the Holy Spirit, Bismarck, these days if at all possible. So 11 a.m. week, I usually fi nd that I am for all of us. Holy Mary, Mother many of you already make a • Lenten Penance Service, commitment to daily Mass during doing what I should be doing, but of God, pray for us! Saint Joseph, Church of Spirit of Life, Lent and for those who cannot I also fi nd that I have been lazy at Guardian of the Redeemer, pray Mandan, 7 p.m. times about my prayers, penances for us!

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Bishop John Folda, Diocese of Fargo, and Bishop Kagan visited with legislators after the Legislative Mass and dinner on Jan. 29. Rep. Mike Nathe (right) of Bismarck and Rep. Mike Lefor from Dickinson were among the crowd of legislators and public offi cials who attended the event held at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck. The North Dakota Catholic Conference organized the event.

Dakota Catholic Action Bishop Kagan during his homily at the 9 AM Ash Wednesday Mass at Reporting on Catholic action in western ND since 1941 Cathedral . . . “Be proud of those ashes marked on your forehead in the sign of the cross. It identifi es us with Christ.” Proudly display those ashes upon your forehead today! Publisher: Most Reverend David D. Kagan, D.D., P.A., J.C.L., Bishop of Bismarck Editor: Sonia Mullally, [email protected] Center for Pastoral Ministry - Diocese of Bismarck USPS0011-5770 Like Comment Share 520 N. Washington Street, PO Box 1137, Bismarck, ND 58502-1137 Phone: 701-222-3035 Fax: 701-222-0269 www.bismarckdiocese.com Follow the Diocese on Twitter @BisDiocese

The Dakota Catholic Action (0011-5770) is published monthly except July or follow Bishop Kagan @VescovoDDK by the Diocese of Bismarck, 420 Raymond Street, Bismarck, ND 58501-3723. Periodical postage paid at Bismarck, ND, and additional mailing offi ces. Search “Bismarck Diocese” on YouTube for POSTMASTER: Send address changes to address below. videos from the Church in western N.D. Dakota Catholic Action, PO Box 1137, Bismarck, ND 58502-1137

The Dakota Catholic Action is funded in part by the annual God’s Share Appeal. Visit our website at www.bismarckdiocese.com Get news, photos, videos and more from around the diocese. MARCH 2015 Catholic Action Catholic Action Bringing Christ into everyday life Dakota | 3 Celebrate the Year of Consecrated Life Special event on April 25 at the University of Mary

Gain a special understanding of a religious sister, brother or and appreciation for the men and priest, and layperson. Topics are: women devoted to the consecrated poverty and property; chastity life during a conference on and relationships; obedience April 25. and authority; prayer and work; The public is invited to stewardship and social justice; and celebrate the Year of Consecrated vocations. Life at the McDowell Activity Center on the University of Mary Register online campus south of Bismarck. The Registration is available event, sponsored by the diocese, online at bismarckdiocese.com/ Annunciation Monastery, Sacred consecrated-life. The day begins Heart Monastery and Assumption at 9 a.m. and concludes with Mass Abbey, is free and open to at 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be served, everyone. The schedule will and pre-registration is requested feature two keynote speakers and in order to provide an accurate six breakout sessions with three count. that elected Pope Francis and Breakout sessions in the morning and three in the —Staff report afternoon. Mass will be celebrated is national chaplain of Catholic The breakout sessions will be at the close of the day. Voices USA. a three-person panel consisting Keynote speakers Sister Anna Laura Karp, O.P., a member of the Dominican Why I love silence Sisters of St. Cecilia Refl ection on personal perspective of living the consecrated life Congregation of Nashville, By Sister Margaret Nelson, OSB, Tenn., will be relationships, I must take time Annunciation Monastery the day’s fi rst to grow in my relationship with speaker at Editor’s Note: In honor of the God. It is the most important Sister Anna Laura 9 a.m. Year of Consecrated Life, this is part of my day. I turn off the Sister Anna Laura grew up in the fi rst in a series of personal radio, even if I am in the middle Little Rock, Ark.; and attended perspectives from those living of an exciting sports game, the University of Dallas majoring this holy life. disconnect from the Internet, in English. She lived in Rome for I love silence. Yes, silence and try to unclutter my mind. a semester, and taught English -- no speaking, no Internet, no I am reminded of Psalm 46 as a second language to Mexican radio, no TV, no smart phone, which says, “Be still and know girls after graduation. Two years just me alone in the silence. that I am God.” In silence I pray after graduation, she entered the Only in silence will I hear the the Scriptures of the Eucharist convent. Over the past 18 years Word of God. Only in stillness of Days of Contemplation in which for the next day and if a word in the convent, she has primarily body and mind will I be able to there is little or no speaking touches my heart, I sit with it taught high school English and listen to the God within me. from the time we get up until and let it sink in. Sometimes I theology. Currently, Sister is I am a Benedictine Sister after 5 p.m. evening prayer. hear nothing; other times I do among the founding faculty of of Annunciation Monastery Meals are in silence. There is hear God speaking to my heart. Frassati Catholic High School in in Bismarck. As a community also adoration of the Blessed I try not to have my own agenda Spring, Texas, the newest Catholic of monastic women, we value Sacrament that day. for my conversations with God, high school in the Archdiocese silence and solitude. In our These days of quiet allow but wait in stillness to receive of Galveston-Houston, which busy, noisy, global-connected me to take a longer time for whatever God wants to tell me. is now in its second year. Sister world, the opportunity for silence in order to deepen my Often, I am surprised at the Anna Laura chairs the English, time and space for silence is relationship with God. Silence is message. theology, and ethics and culture one of the great blessings of not important for its own sake. Once when I was on a silent departments. consecrated life. It is vital because in the silence retreat, I woke up at 5 a.m. and The afternoon keynote speaker, Although Annunciation I can hear God speaking to me a voice inside me said, “Get up, Fr. Roger Landry who is a priest of Monastery sisters are busy and loving me. This brings me get up, I want to be with you.” I the Diocese serving others in our varied peace and joy which I am able to was surprised and honored to of Fall River, ministries, we also take time to pass on to others. hear that invitation. However, Mass., will sit in silence and pray, listening Each sister has a bedroom since I am defi nitely not a begin at for God’s voice. Three times for privacy and solitude. The morning person, I answered 1 p.m. Fr. a day we gather to pray the bedroom areas of our monastery “Oh, God it is 5 o’clock in the Landry, Liturgy of the Hours. This is are quiet especially at night. We morning; it is too early to since the prayer of the Church and is respect each other’s time and get up.” But that inner voice his 1999 Scripture based consisting of space to listen to God. Some persisted, “Get up, get up, I ordination, hymns, psalms and readings. sisters rise early in the morning want to be with you.” I got up has served It is not a rushed or hurried to pray and refl ect. Others like and spent one of the best times as a pastor, Fr. Landry prayer, but has a refl ective me spend time with the Lord at with God utterly aware that I diocesan newspaper editor and rhythm to it with silent pauses different hours of the day. I have was in the Divine Presence. high school chaplain. In March, he between the psalms to let us found that evening is the best That is why I love silence. began working at the Permanent ponder what we have heard. time for me to sit in refl ective Only in the silence do I hear the Observer Mission of the Holy See We also are blessed to silence with God. I am more voice of God. Only in silence and to the United Nations. He writes participate in the daily alert and awake. Anything on stillness does my relationship for many Catholic publications Eucharist. In the Eucharist we my “to do” list is either fi nished with the loving God grow and and preaches several retreats a have times of silence in which or can wait until tomorrow blossom. Try it; you too can year for diocesan presbyterates, we contemplate the Word and making it easier to free myself hear God’s voice. Use Scripture permanent deacons, seminaries, the mystery of our faith, sharing from distractive thoughts. as your base; wait in patience religious institutes and lay people. in the very life of Christ. Just like good friends and and be ready for surprises. He was an on-site commentator In addition, we have monthly spouses take time to foster their with Raymond Arroyo for EWTN’s coverage of the conclave | Catholic Action MARCH 2015 4 Dakota Catholic Action Bringing Christ into everyday life

children’s mass

Light of Christ Catholic Schools President Gerald Vetter greets students as they enter St. Anne’s Church for the children’s Mass for Catholic Schools Week.

Bishop Kagan enters the church of St. Anne’s for the children’s Mass

for Catholic Schools Week. Students from the Light of Christ Catholic Schools, Easton Hinnenkamp, Deacon Joe KrupinskyPhotos by and Sonia Mullally Abby Seamands, Casey Fischer, and Will Koch bring forth the gift during the children’s Mass for Catholic Schools Week, held this year at St. Anne’s parish.

Students, (l to r) Austin Link, Dawson Mills, Elizabeth Bichler, Cael Hilzendeger and Carson Rohrich, helped out as Mass servers for the children’s Mass for Catholic Schools Week, held this year at St. Anne’s parish

Bishop Kagan delivers his homily at the children’s Mass for Catholic Schools Week, held this year at St. Anne’s parish. (l to r) Fr. Sattler, Fr. Nelson, Msgr. Lindemann, and Deacon Jerry Volk, look on in the background. Fr. Josh Waltz (in blue), Bismarck Know Your Faith Contest Diocese vocations director, tries his best at the donut- Dickinson Trinity on-a-string eating High School contest during the students hosted the “Know Your Faith” “Know Your Faith” competition held competition held at Dickinson Trinity during Catholic High School during Schools Week. The Catholic Schools event featured the Week. four Catholic high schools in North Dakota.

St. Mary’s Central High School Senior Noah Krebs takes part in the pie-eating contest at the “Know Your Faith” competition held at Dickinson Trinity High School during Catholic Schools Week. Krebs won the contest.

Fargo Shanley Deacons celebrate victory at the “Know Your Faith” Contest held at Dickinson Trinity High School. The Deacons were repeat champions.

Minot’s Bishop Ryan High Fr. Justin Waltz, Delegate School students, dressed in a of the Bishop for Catholic hunting theme, cheered on Education, fi red up their school during the “Know the crowd when he Your Faith” competition held announced that next during Catholic Schools Week. year’s “Know Your Faith” The event featured the four competition during Catholic high schools in North Catholic Schools Week Dakota. will be held at Bishop Ryan High School in Minot. MARCH 2015 Dakota Catholic Action | 5 Catholic Action Bringing Christ into everyday life

University of Mary student Andrew Meyer exchanged zucchettos with the Pope in Rome. Submitted Photos Pope Francis and University of Mary student exchange zucchettos

ROME, ITALY — If he’s not the his off, compared the size to his, University of Mary’s Rome campus see it that way, at least right now. envy of the entire world, millions tried it on and showed it proudly back in December 2013. He’s “Since we are with each other all of people would at the very least to his smiling security guard, currently in Rome with 24 Mary the time, we almost act as a family, love to have the same experience then traded with me. With a little students who are from various so I view this as something we that Andrew help from Mary and the saints, I cities around the Upper Midwest: succeeded at together — not just Meyer had with succeeded.” Alexis Bakke, Bismarck; Annie me,” said Meyer, who can’t believe Pope Francis. Excitement, pandemonium, and Brickweg, Burnsville, Minn.; he’s witnessed so much in such The University pictures immediately ensued. “I Kacie Dietz, Bozeman, Mont.; a short period of time at Mary’s of Mary student was having a huge adrenaline rush Morgan Dowling, Littleton, Colo.; very popular Rome campus. “The from Wahpeton, and everyone standing nearby Ashley Drum, Faith, S.D.; Peter feeling of awe witnessing these traveled to the took selfi es with me,” explained Foley, West St. Paul, Minn.; events or stepping foot into St. school’s Rome Meyer. “It was really surreal. I Katrina Gallic, Westminster, Peter’s Square for the fi rst time are Andrew Meyer campus in early was shaking and really relieved Colo.; Jean Gehrz, St. Paul, Minn.; moments that are priceless. Rome January with his classmates to it had worked. I was trying to Amanda Hillstrom, Mandan; has been above and beyond what I study for a four-month semester still live in the moment of seeing Laura Huber, Strasburg; Kateri had hoped for.” — knowing his life will be forever and touching Pope Francis at Krebs, Jamestown; Catherine So, what plans does Meyer changed. But he didn’t know just the audience, but it was hard to Mahrer, Mandan; Grace Maiers, have for his new, extraordinary how life-changing it would be. contain my excitement of having Buffalo Lake, Minn.; Kyle Martin, and cherished souvenir from On Jan. 21, just three weeks the zucchetto in my hands.” Aberdeen, S.D.; Sarah Maslow, Pope Francis? “I am really not into his stay, he and two dozen Zucchetto exchanges vary Burnsville, Minn.; Elizabeth sure myself,” said Meyer. “It’s of his classmates were at a with each pope. Meyer believes Miller, New Ulm, Minn.; Amanda safe to say that the zucchetto will papal audience in the Paul VI Pope Francis does it only on rare Mohr, Aberdeen, S.D.; Luke end up in one of three places: at Auditorium. Typically held in occasions. “When he does take a Nasers, Minot; Benjamin Porter, the University of Mary campus; St. Peter’s Square, this would be zucchetto, he often will wear it for Bismarck; Clare Schoch, Chippewa my home parish of St. John’s, one of the few audiences for Pope a few seconds before returning it. Falls, Wis.; Ryan Shields, or I will just hold onto it myself. Francis in the auditorium. But I know complete switches are not Whitehall, Mich.; Courtney Assuming I would hold onto it I Meyer knew this would potentially too common.” Sibla, Bismarck; Kellen Tibor, still have plans to give people a put him just a handshake away Dr. Don Briel, the Blessed Bismarck; Morgan Timmerman, chance to see it. Realizing that I from the Holy Father. John Henry Newman Chair of Robbinsdale, Minn. have something worn by the pope Pope Francis, fl anked by Liberal Arts at the University Even though Meyer may himself is mind-blowing, and security guards and people’s of Mary agrees. “The history of be the envy of all Catholics, something I will always hold dear.” outstretched arms hoping for a trading zucchettos is a modern Christians, college students and — Submitted by University of Mary touch, a smile or even a selfi e, phenomenon that became popular his classmates, Meyer doesn’t walked down the aisle on the with Pope John Paul II when he opposite side towards Meyer. began engaging and interacting Then, at just the right moment more with crowds. Since it is still Pope Francis switched sides. a very uncommon occurrence, CLERGY APPOINTMENTS Nervous and excited all at the anyone fortunate enough to trade Bishop of Bismarck same time, Meyer realized this or receive a zucchetto from the David D. Kagan, D.D., P.A., J.C.L. was the perfect time and perhaps Holy Father should feel very the only chance he’ll ever get to fortunate and blessed.” The following are with the permission and consent of Bishop David D. put his plan into action.“My goal Meyer added, “I think the inside Kagan, D.D., P.A., J.C.L.: for the semester was to trade is calfskin, because it smelled Deacon Lloyd Krueger zucchettos, or skullcaps, with Pope like leather. I haven’t gotten up • Eff ective Feb. 1, 2015, for Deacon Lloyd Krueger to serve at the Church Francis,” said Meyer via email, the guts to try it on, and I don’t of St. John the Apostle (Minot). Deacon Krueger is an incardinated a sophomore triple majoring know if I will. I did try on the one permanent deacon from the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. in theology, philosophy and I bought for him and it didn’t feel Deacon Terry Quintus Catholic studies. “When he went like much, but he doesn’t have by greeting people, I held mine quite as much hair as me.” • Eff ective December 22, 2014, for the excardination of Deacon Terry out to him, and after giving me a Quintus from the Diocese of Bismarck for the purpose of incardination Meyer planned the exchange in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. little smirk, he grabbed it and took once he got accepted to study at 6 | Dakota Catholic Action MARCH 2015 Catholic Action Bringing Christ into everyday life Blessings of the March for Life in Washington By Nick Emmel As I recall all of the gifts God has shared with the St. Mary’s Saints for Life (SFL) group this past year, I am grateful. In 2014, we brought 93 pilgrims on the fi rst Bismarck Diocese March for Life High School Pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. This past January, we were honored to be invited by Shanley High School to help carry the lead banner for more than 600,000 people at the March for Life 2015. With the help of Fr. Jadyn Nelson; chaplain at Bishop Ryan High School; Fr. Thomas Grafsgaard, chaplain at Dickinson Trinity High School; Amanda Ellerkamp, religious studies The group is pictured here on the steps of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Submitted photos instructor at Dickinson Trinity have inspired faith and penetrated and countless others, the three in. It made me appreciate all Chris Stefanick, the music of the culture of our diocese and our Catholic high schools in the that Saints for Life does to end Matt Maher, and participate in Catholic high schools. I encourage Bismarck Diocese combined for abortion and help women. The adoration and confession. you to ask those you know who a total of 167 pilgrims attending March for life showed me that God Brady Letteer, SMCHS senior, attended this pilgrimage to the March for Life. This level of is working not only in the hearts of explains, “It may sound strange, share their experience with you, participation makes Bismarck those at Saint Mary’s but 600,000 but I was struck with God’s and to keep hearts speaking to Diocese history with one of the others as well!” presence at the Patriot Center. Not this mission. By asking others largest high school pilgrimages to The second vignette comes from during the music and not during about their experience, one can date. one of our bus drivers who gave us the talks, but during adoration. recognize the work of the Holy It would be impossible to the best compliment of the journey There is something profoundly Spirit who is responsible for all describe the scope of the March for saying, “I drive a lot of students beautiful about being in a huge of these beautiful gifts, as we Life 2015 in the space provided. around and these students are place like that with thousands continue to work together for the To highlight our experience, I inspiring because they are so of others, and to have it be greater glory of God. thought it would be helpful to respectful and thankful. It’s completely silent. Christ was truly provide three vignettes from good that they are going on the present to me during adoration ■ Emmel is the religious studies instructor the march this year. Cor ad Cor march, it gives me hope.” From and I am sure many others would and Saints for Life advisor at St. Mary’s Loquitur or “heart speaks unto the student-lead rosaries on the feel the same way.” Central High School in Bismarck. heart” is the theme that weaves bus, to daily Mass, there was an In every instance, the hearts of these moments together. This authentic joy in the hearts and those opened on this pilgrimage motto comes from Bl. John Henry minds of the pilgrims. Even after Cardinal Newman’s coat of arms spending a total of 56 hours on a and reminds us that God’s love bus, suffering through little sleep, March for Life 2015: cannot be contained. Our faith, McDonald’s stop after McDonald’s hope and love cannot be kept to stop, I can honestly say that I ourselves;rather it must be given did not hear a single student A student’s perspective complain. away and shared with others. By Anne Storick, SMCHS Senior cause, it didn’t matter your age, The third vignette describes The fi rst vignette comes from As a young teen growing up gender, race, or even religion; Sarah Zander, St. Mary’s Central not the march but the “Life is amidst the problem of abortion we were all working together. It High School (SMCHS) junior, Very Good Rally” held the night in the world, I have always was also amazing that we were as she described the march in before at the Patriot Center on wanted to do my part in putting actually a part of a movement this way: “I experienced so many the campus of George Mason an end to it. The fi rst thing I was that will one day overturn Roe positive people standing up for University. Students got to taught in eliminating abortion vs. Wade because we are the what is right and what they believe hear from Catholic speaker was to pray. And rightly so, pro-life generation. We were prayer is always the fi rst step in standing up for what we believe defeating evil in the world. in and showing America that we However, in addition to do not want abortion any longer; prayer, action is needed. So, life is precious and should be when the opportunity arose for respected. me to participate in the March As we marched along for Life, I took advantage of it Constitution Avenue, spectators immediately. What better way stepped out on the balconies of to take action than to join a half particular buildings and watched million others in peaceful protest the procession. Some simply of Roe vs. Wade? stared at us, while others smiled Even more and even waved. When we amazing was Some 600,000 people took part in the March for Life in Washington, DC in January. the fact that this year, Fargo Shanley High School was granted the great privilege of carrying the lead banner for the entire 2015 March for Life. March for Life participants line up before embarking on the March. Shanley students generously allowed the students from the reached the Capitol building, we March for Life participants gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court building. Bismarck Diocese to join them encountered 50 or so protesters in this honor. Altogether, there of the march. Since we were were more than 700 North at the front of the March, we Dakota pilgrims. This includes experienced fi rst-hand that to all the Catholic high schools of every good action there is always North Dakota and students from opposition. the University of Mary unifi ed The March for Life was and leading the way for an end an astounding, eye-opening to abortion. experience for me. It is a The experience was constant reminder that we incredible! Just the fact that can work together to overturn there were so many people Roe vs. Wade, and we are not who shared our same goal, to alone in fi ghting abortion. Let’s abolish abortion in America, was continue to march on, fi ghting to The crowd of marchers approach the U.S. Supreme Court building. amazing. United for the same protect life! MARCH 2015 Catholic Action | 7 Diocesan Roundup Dakota EVENTS UPCOMING ■ Diocesan Cursillo weekends in March conclude at 4 p.m. Cost is $20 and includes a morning ■ Lenten retreat for women on March 21 in Mandan Bismarck Diocesan Cursillo weekends will be held at muffi n and lunch. Advance registration is encouraged. “The Signs of the Times” is the topic for this year’s Lenten Trinity High School in Dickinson. The men’s Cursillo is Learn about Dr. D’Ambrosio at crossroadsinitiative.com. women’s retreat at St. Joseph in Mandan on Saturday, March 5-8 and the women’s Cursillo is March 19-22. Early Call Elonda at 629-1778, Claudia at 628-2343, or Betty at March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fr. Thomas Grafsgaard, registration is recommended. For information, contact 629-1802 with questions. associate at St. Wenceslaus and chaplain at Trinity High Jim Hopfauf at 701-527-0143 or Colleen Rodakowski at in Dickinson, will address the issues of our times through 701-590-9311. ■ Parish mission in New Town March 15-17 a Catholic lens. The day includes breakfast and lunch, Mass, two talks, a Q&A session, shopping, a giveaway ■ Lenten retreat at St. Mary’s in Bismarck on St. Anthony Parish of New Town will host their parish March 6-7 table, adoration, and confession. For information, contact mission March 15-17 at 6:30 each night with Deacon Theresa Waltz at 701-222-2752 or Patti Armstrong 701- St. Mary’s parish in Bismarck is off ering a family Lenten George Butterfi eld as the guest speaker. On March 15, he 471-9633. retreat on March 6-7. The theme is “Living the Joy of the will speak on the new evangelization. “God as our Father” Gospel.” The event begins with Stations of the Cross on is the theme of the March 16 talk where time is spent ■ Parish mission at St. Joseph in Williston March 22-24 Friday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. Featured speaker is Dr. R. unpacking Hosea 11 and the view of God found there. Nationally-known author and Catholic psychologist Dr. Jared Staudt, coordinator of the Catholic studies program The March 17 talk will focus on Jesus and the lesson from Ray Gaurendi is coming to St. Joseph Parish in Williston at the University of Mary. For information contact Steve John 19 in particular. March 22-24. For information, contact the parish offi ce at 701-572-6731. at 701-223-5562 or [email protected]. ■ Parish mission in Stanley March 15-17 ■ Women’s retreat at St. Joseph in Williston on March 7 Queen of the Most Holy Rosary in Stanley is hosting ■ Men’s Lenten retreat is March 28 St. Joseph parish in Williston is hosting a women’s retreat Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Ph.D. for a parish mission A men’s Lenten retreat will be held at the Church of on Saturday, March 7 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The theme March 15-17. This world-renowned commentator on St. Anne in Bismarck on Saturday, March 28 beginning is the power of prayer with Fr. Kovash as one of the guest Catholic issues will speak each evening at 6:45 p.m. with Mass at 8 a.m. Featured speakers are Msgr. Richter, speakers. For more information contact the parish offi ce Dr. D’Ambrosio’s three talks will educate and motivate Fr. Sattler and Dr. James Link. A light breakfast will be at 701-572-6731. people to get excited about being Catholic. For provided following Mass and lunch will also be served. Registration fee is $25 and pre-registration is required. ■ Benefi t supper is March 8 information, contact Fr. Gary Benz at 701-628-2323 or the church offi ce at 701-628-3405. Contact Mike Bichler at [email protected] or 701- A spaghetti supper to benefi t three families of St. Anne 471-0985. Parish in Bismarck will be on Sunday, March 8 from ■ Taizé Lenten prayer services at 3-7 p.m. at Saint Anne Church basement and school Annunciation Monastery ■ Marriage Encounter Weekends gym. The families include those of: Tonya Link, Marie The Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery and The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend Stiegelmeier and Darren Rohrich who are facing many the United Church of Christ invite the public to Lenten is March 27-29 in Minot. Early registration is highly medical bills. Link, the wife of Dr. James Link and mother Taizé prayer services. The service at the United Church recommended. For information, visit www.ndwwme.org of seven children, is undergoing treatment for lymphonic of Christ will be Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. Prior to or contact Rob and Angie at [email protected] cancer. Stiegelmeier, the wife of Paul Stiegelmeier and this service, a soup and bread supper is served at 6 p.m. or 701-347-1998. mother of three daughters, is undergoing treatment (free-will donation). The Lenten Taizé prayer service at ■ FertilityCare Week is March 22-28 for leukemia. Rohrich, the husband of Tara Rohrich Annunciation Monastery is Friday, March 20, at 7 p.m. and father of six children, recently underwent a kidney in the monastery chapel, followed by refreshments. For Creighton Model FertilityCare System- transplant. information, contact Sister Hannah Vanorny at 701-255- Worldwide FertilityCare Week is recognized March 1520 or [email protected]. 22-28. Family planning, women’s health, infertility ■ St. Joseph parish mission is March 8-10 solutions and IVF alternatives will be highlighted. Watch The Church of St. Joseph, Mandan, invites you to ■ Friday fi sh fry at Corpus Christi during Lent for information on upcoming introductory sessions in their Lenten parish mission on March 8-10 at 7 p.m. The Friday fi sh fry continues each week of Lent at the bulletins and diocesan social media sites. each night. Guest speaker will be Steve Ray. For more Church of Corpus Christi in Bismarck from 5 to 7 p.m. ■ REBOOT LIVE! is April 1 information about Ray, visit www.catholic-convert.com. Proceeds support youth ministry events. Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children and $25 for a family. Join the fun at Linton High School on Wednesday, April ■ Choir performance on March 13 1 at 7 p.m. for REBOOT LIVE! Listen to internationally The NDSU Challey School of Music concert choir tour ■ Mandan’s Christ the King Lenten parish mission is renowned speaker and author Chris Stefanick and performance will be held Friday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. at March 20-22 special musical guest Jon Niven. Tickets are $19. Daycare Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck. Stations of the Christ the King Parish in Mandan is hosting a Lenten will be provided for those who sign up in advance at Cross precede the concert at 7 p.m. The event is free and parish mission, March 20-22, presented by Kathleen the parish offi ce. For information or to purchase a ticket, open to the public. Beckman. Kathleen is the co-founder and president of go to www.reallifecatholic.com/REBOOT or contact St. Anthony in Linton at 701-254-4588. Event co-sponsor ■ Women’s Retreat in Stanley March 14 the Foundation of Prayer for Priests. The theme of the Mission is “Into Your Hands: Surrender, Courage, Mercy.” parishes are: St. Katherine, Braddock; St. Mary, Hague; Queen of the Most Holy Rosary in Stanley is hosting The three talks are Friday, March 20 at 7 p.m., Saturday, St. Michel, rural Linton; St. Paul, Hazelton; Sts. Peter and Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Ph.D. for a women’s retreat on March 21 at 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 22 at 11 a.m. Paul, Strasburg; and St. Philip Neri, Napoleon. Advance Saturday, March 14. The event begins with registration all taking place in the main body of the church. tickets are available at local parishes. at 8:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 9 a.m. The day will

Philadelphia, PA September 22-28, 2015

World Meeting of Families Package Includes REGISTER † Round-trip Airfare from BISMARCK, ND Airport NOW (including airport taxes & fuel surcharges, subject to change) † Hotel for 6 nights at the Fairfi eld Inn, Exton, PA (or similar) † Breakfast daily at the hotel Before Easter! Hotel Space Filling Fast! † 2 Dinners at Restaurants in Philadelphia area † Luxury Motor Coach Transportation † Assistance of a Canterbury Pilgrimages & Tours Representative while in Philadelphia † Sight-seeing in Historic Philadelphia as well as visits to the various Shrines For more details and Not included in the cost are the following: Per person cost: registration go to WMF Conference Registration Fee $1795 (double occupancy) bismarckdiocese.com Anything not listed above for further information, call: 800-653-0017 Canterbury Pilgrimages & Tours, Inc. “Love is our mission; www.canterburytours.com / [email protected] the family fully alive” 166 South River Rd. Suite 110, Bedford, NH 03110 8 | Dakota Catholic Action MARCH 2015 MARCH 2015 Dakota Catholic Action | 9

Annual African Mission Appeal March 7-8 The Kenya Connection is a newsletter about the activity of the Diocese of Bismarck’s mission in Kenya. The logo symbolizes the call of Christ to reach out and assist those in need. African Mission orphan support program By Brent Naslund org/what-we-do/kenya), only Over the past two issues of 8.5% of Kenyan youth graduate the DCA’s special features of the from high school. The Bismarck It’s all in a day’s work Kenya Connection, you have been Mission’s high school graduation introduced to the African Mission rate is 50%, nearly six times the By Jessica Naslund Our walk team members working in Kenya. Kenya national average. These Many questions have come my way to church In this issue, I want to round out are tremendous results; especially in the last couple of months regarding is not more your knowledge of the Mission than five $35 Cost of one goat everyday life in Gekano. What does a by telling you more about the minutes. It (educational incentive for person, particularly a mother, do each program itself. day living here as a missionary? is still dark I will offer some background high-school aged children) My response is that I do the same out, but the information on the mission, show morning how a child qualifi es for support, considering the operating costs as you, just not as quickly. Lack of to manage the program are just modern luxuries like a washer, dryer, birds are and describe the type of support letting us we provide. Also, because the under $215 per enrolled orphan, dishwasher, water and electricity annual appeal is March 7-8, I will per year (or less than .60 cents a seems to slow me down quite a bit. But know the Submitted photos sun is on briefl y outline the costs associated day per child). there is a saying here that makes a lot Bismarck Diocese Missionary family Jessica Naslund and her children, Cameron and Chloe, Bismarck Diocese Missionary Brent Naslund is pictured with a group of orphans served of sense, “there is no hurry in Africa.” its way. work to organize items before distribution to the AIDS orphans served by the Mission. with the Mission’s orphan support One of the most intriguing by the Mission. program. aspects of the program is that it As soon as I could wrap my head The air serves the local community as they simply need to reside within These items can be used either around that, I was just fine. “Delivered is cool the geographical area defi ned by for food or a source of income. $10 Cost of one a Catholic outreach program. in 30 minutes or its free” just has no here in the morning the Church as the local parish. bucket method Currently 57% of our orphans are Past benefi ts have also included place here. All that aside, this is what and life is still. It is a nice time to be solar-powered study lamp Incidentally, our parish is a very (wash, rinse, soften) however, lately I Roman Catholic, 33% are Seventh blankets, pillows, and sleeping a typical day for the Naslund’s looks awake. We have new gate guards that large rural area. It has one main find myself cheating and skipping Day Adventists, and the remaining mats. This year the Mission would like. help keep our compound safe at night. 10% are made up of various other church, three priests, and over like to provide each orphan with They are from a nearby Masaii tribe. that last rinse to help preserve water. Background Information 60,000 Catholic parishioners. It’s 4:30 a.m. and Brent’s alarm Often when we think of a solar-powered lantern that will Typically seen dressed in brightly Everyone has caught on because Finally, a child must be goes off. As he is known to be the orphans, we imagine large help them do homework at night, colored shawls, ours wear parkas if I don’t do the bucket of softener $300 Elementary School enrolled in and attending school. early riser in our family, he’s getting orphanages with several children since few have reliable electricity. and stocking hats this time of the everything is “crunchy” when it dries tuition and fees for one year Our program is an educational up to do his morning routine, which living under one roof. In the rural on the clothesline. program, fi rst and foremost. We includes the most important job of the morning. It might be as cold as 60 area of western Kenya where we $800 Cost of sending one After a few buckets of laundry, it is require our orphans to attend all day—getting the water boiling for degrees Fahrenheit! We laugh as we operate, there are very few actual protestant denominations. Of orphan to a secondary boarding my turn to teach. The water for dishes Mission functions in their school coffee. We still do not have water in don our short sleeves out the gate. I am orphanages. Most of the orphans all the Christian denominations school, for one year is nice and hot so Brent will take over uniforms and they are required our cistern so this water comes from sure they think we are crazy. we support live with guardians. located in our area, only the where I left off. He juggles kitchen to provide their report cards at the well where it was likely collected the We are home by 7:15 a.m. More Often these guardians are elderly Bismarck Diocese’s Mission offers Other Support duty with meeting with students and the end of each term in order to day before. water is boiled for everything from grandparents, barely able to care educational support to vulnerable prove their school attendance and Your generosity to the Mission oatmeal to dishes to just one more cup visitors, answering phone calls and for themselves, while others live children. We are making a In prior years our missionaries academic progress. not only helps to sustain the of coffee. By 8:00 a.m. our school day inputting recent data regarding the with aunts or uncles who are difference in this part of Kenya had to boil this water not only for hot Benefi ts offered educational support activities begins. latest mission weekend into his notes. already struggling to provide for and the community sees that it is outlined above, but it has also meals/beverages, but also for safety. Because the Mission is Brent and I have devised a system of He has also started teaching religion their own children. the Catholic Church making that supported other needs as well. Now, we have a countertop purifier that primarily an educational support class four times a week here at St. Currently, the Bismarck difference. does all the purification. We are lucky, divide and conquer that seems to work program, all of the benefi ts we Each year we have been able to Theresa’s as well as serving at Gekano Diocese’s African Mission has 366 Enrollment qualifi cations as we do not need to spend time boiling quite well. We alternate our teaching offer are designed to support a build houses for orphans with the Parish for Adoration and daily enrolled orphans. Ages range from Enrollment qualifi cations are our drinking water. The purifier, with intervals with the daily tasks that take child’s education, either directly greatest need. In fact, this year we Masses. It is easy to fill the day. nursery school to high school. We simple. First, a child must be a all of its filters and chemicals, works the most time. Anything that involves or indirectly. The program is have already selected two more By 1:00 p.m. and depending upon also provide tuition support for 10 its magic almost by itself. Just add water right now seems to be at the top also deliberately designed to give families to receive homes. In the visitors, we usually have most of our orphans attending post-secondary $500 High School (day-school) water and wait. I am up at 5:15 a.m.to of that list. Brent will begin his lesson orphaned children a fi ghting past, we have also dug wells and lessons taught and are ready for the (technical school and university) tuition for one child, make sure I get my coffee as I prepare plan with Cameron and Chloe while I chance at earning an education. built out-house latrines. In the big task of the day—fetching water. schools. for one year for the day boil more water to do breakfast dishes. Program benefi ts, therefore, are future, we also hope to be able to This task determines what we will Since 2006, the Mission has By 5:45 a.m., the kids are While that water is heating up, I head not comprehensive. Children in provide qualifying families with eat and drink, if we will bathe, if our supported over 780 orphans in total orphan—meaning that they awakening. Daily Mass begins at outside to start laundry. have lost both their mother and our program still have struggles, a cow so that they can have their clothes are cleaned, if our dishes are meeting their educational goals. 6:30 a.m., so this gives them plenty My laundry system has become their father. The cause of their but the program does give a child own milk supply and a small way done, if the toilet is flushed and really Most importantly, we have strong of time to wash up for the morning. much easier now that I have a great parents’ death, however, does not a chance at earning his or her own of earning some of their own the general wellbeing of our household. indicators that our program Buckets of water are hauled in from new concrete washing table. It is off have to result from HIV (because education, if they are determined money. I will never take water for granted does indeed make a difference the back and boiled to help with of the ground and makes a world of of stigma still associated with In conclusion, I hope this again! to Kenyan youth. According morning washing. difference. I am still using my three- to the Global Education Fund, AIDS, very few causes of death are $600 Technical/Trade School article was able to showcase the Our well is the distance of nearly (www.globaleducationfund. offi cially listed as resulting from tuition for one high-school Mission program and also convey two city blocks away from our house graduate per year HIV/AIDS). Secondly, a child’s the important role the mission and we share it with the girls who family must come from within plays in the lives of the orphans $10 Cost of one chicken live here on the campus as well as the the local Catholic parish area. to do so. The primary benefi ts we support and, by extension, (educational incentive for teachers, staff and Sisters. We are The students do not have to be of the mission include: tuition the community at large. In the elementary school aged children) lucky as we are able to drive to it, Catholic to enroll in the program; for high school students; school next issue I will highlight success uniforms; textbooks and supplies which is not the case for many. The stories from orphans who have (often not provided by schools); well is not electric so the water has to monthly living allowance/stipend $1,750 Cost of university tuition be manually pumped using a handle (approx. $5/month); monthly and fees for one high school that we take turns pulling up and food allowance (approx. two graduate, for one year pushing down. Right now, we fill lbs. of dried corn); limited graduated from the African about eight, five-gallon buckets or 40 medical assistance (to include gallons every day. This sounds like de-wormer treatment, sanitary Mission program. Thank you for your prayers and support. a lot of water, but it is amazing how napkins, semi-annual HIV fast it goes even though we have become testing, and transportation fare ■ Brent, along with his wife, Jessica and very good at reusing water. Each for HIV positive students needing children, Cameron and Chloe, are full-time retrovirus treatments). missionaries at the Bismarck Diocese’s droplet is saved whether doing dishes, The Mission also provides African Mission in Kenya. The Naslunds laundry or bathing for other uses such arrived in Kenya in September and plan to Bismarck Diocese Missionary Jessica Naslund is pictured with a couple of the orphans served by as mopping floors or flushing water. annual educational incentives in serve there for three years. the Mission. the form of goats and chickens Continued on page 10 The Bismarck Diocese African Mission serves more than 350 orphans with various programs. to students with good grades.

Follow the Naslunds on their mission in Africa: Go to www.Facebook.com/BismarckCatholicMission or www.Twitter.com/BisCatholicMsn 10 | Dakota Catholic Action MARCH 2015 It’s all in a day’s work

Continued from page 9 week to do everything from Lunchtimes here seem to be origami cranes to sewing. They getting later and later for our call it their “creativity club.” family, however that seems to fit They don’t know it, but it is a the customs of the people whom we time we work on their English deal with the most. It would not be language skills as well. I uncommon to finish lunch at 2 suppose you could say they p.m. for us now. Of course, with work on my Swahili skills at each meal a process of boiling and this time,too. washing takes place. I aim for a By 6 p.m., clothing on the clean kitchen by 3 p.m. as soon it line needs to be taken down will be time to prepare an evening and put away. Buckets of water meal and you guessed it…boil need to be carried in to fill the more water! water purifier and start the Trips to the nearby grocery store, evening meal. More water is home visits and other mission brought in to boil for evening work continues later in the day. cleaning and bathing and still Sometimes we might join the girls more to make sure the bathroom from St. Theresa’s for a prayer or is ready for morning. the Rosary at the parish. Perhaps I If all goes well, we will be might sneak a few minutes in on eating supper by 6:30 p.m. and my sewing machine during this ready for the Rosary by 7:30 time as well. I have been taking in p.m. Cameron and Chloe are a few odd jobs like fixing uniform avid readers so the offer to have seams for the girls at school as free reading time before bed is well as making new curtains for never passed up. They seem to the mission house and the new be pushing their bedtime back guesthouse that we, in conjunction with each passing night, but with the Sisters, are fixing up. Of usually lights out by 9 p.m. course as with any house, there is This gives Brent and me time always a floor to mop or room to to finish up loose ends and clean as well. wonder where the day went. By 5 p.m., the primary school We feel so blessed to be students are starting to come home active members of this from their nearby schools. Cameron community, yet with that and Chloe have good friends who have been saddened by the live right here on the compound constant cry for basic living that they eagerly await for each needs. We continue to do the day. Their playtime might consist best we can with the funds of helping them pump water for we are given to help support food, laundry and bathing, the families of our area. The walking to a nearby home to grind Bismarck Diocese’s Mission maize or play a local game of song support is greatly appreciated and dance. The local children have and spoken about with such long school days usually followed love and affection here that by a lengthy walk home. There is at times it brings tears not much time to play during the to my eyes. I am proud week for them. to be on the team. Good I have started a few extra people of the Bismarck activities from the mission house Diocese’s Misson, you are that take place in the evenings that doing great things! Please I am excited about and am trying continue to pray for our to build. Right now, I have a small mission and know that library book checkout system for your contributions are the nearby children. They really making a big difference. enjoy it, as this is not something ■ Jessica, along with her husband, available to them normally. I make Brent and children, Cameron and a big deal about a book returned Chloe, are full-time missionaries in good condition so they can at the Bismarck Diocese’s African check out more. It is great to see Mission in Kenya. The Naslunds them march back each week with a arrived in Kenya in September and big smile. I also have a little craft plan to serve there for three years. club that meets a few evenings a

Bismarck Diocese Mission provides the orphans, seen here in their classroom, with a portion of their school fees and money for school uniforms. MARCH 2015 Catholic Action Diocesan Roundup Dakota | 11 Building homes and changing lives for orphan families By Leon Heick Having adequate shelter is something many of us take for granted in America. But for orphans under the care of the Bismarck Diocese’s African Mission, it’s a great privilege, even a luxury in most cases. Building homes is just one of the many critical things that the diocese’s Mission does for the lives of the AIDS orphans. In most cases the orphans are living with a grandparent, aunt, uncle or older sibling. The Mission team visits the homes of the orphans and assesses their housing situation. Most orphan families could use a better house, but with limited funds the Mission gives priority to those families that have the greatest needs. During the six months I was in Kenya, the Mission provided the funds to build six houses. Submitted photos Once the team decides which A group of orphans stand outside their newly-constructed home. families are to receive a new home, Rogers Osoro, the Mission and therefore will have money to during the different phases of the the roof. Metal sheets, purchased director, meets with the families support their families. construction. by the Mission from the town of and explains how the mission will The homes built are called After the carpenter is hired, Kisii and delivered to the site, fund the construction. In most mud houses. The materials are he purchases trees locally, has are used for the roof. Branches cases, the house will be built on mud, logs and metal sheets. The them cut down and delivered to are nailed about two feet apart the same property near the house family hires a carpenter in the the building site. The logs are horizontally up the sides of the in which they currently live. Our vicinity and this carpenter will then spilt and cut to about nine walls. Mud is packed in between Mission team currently does layout the house, hire workers feet long. The house size is about the branches and logs to fi nish the not actually build the house, but and build the house. Rogers and 20 ft. by 20 ft. and typically has walls. The doors and windows are provides the funds so the labor the Mission team oversee the two bedrooms and a living room. made out of wood. force in the area will have a job construction and provide funding There will be no running water, The fi nal step is to seal the walls plumbing or electricity. There will with a mixture of cow manure and be no kitchen. They cook with mud by smearing this combination wood and because of the smoke to cover the logs and branches. do the cooking outside the living Smearing the walls needs to be quarters. done yearly to prevent the walls The house is constructed with from eroding due to all the rain. holes dug two feet deep, two feet ■ Heick was among a group of individu- apart and the logs then placed in als to serve for six months last winter at the the holes to frame out the walls. Bismarck Diocese African Mission in Kenya. More logs are used to frame out

Above, Leon Heick was one of the missionaries who assisted with the house building while serving at the diocese’s African Mission for six months last winter. Below and at right, construction progresses on homes for the orphans.

On special assignment to Africa Continued from Page 1 term missionaries to live and Jessica Naslund, in order work with the local people. Jim to get a sense of the specifi c and Henrietta Nistler, the fi rst projects that short-term couple from N.D. to travel to missionary teams could get the Mission, served there for done while there. 10 years. Since then, however, The Naslunds are serving there have been few people to in the Gekano Parish in the serve on a long-term basis until Diocese of Kisii, which is home the Naslunds began their three- to 65,000 Catholics with only year commitment last fall. Many three priests. The Bismarck short-term missionaries have Diocese estimates a Catholic served in many different ways. population at just fewer than “It’s one thing to give money, 62,000, to get a perspective of but another great gift is to the need for more helping hands give of your time,” Fr. Stephen by way of missionary teams. expressed. “I understand that The Bismarck Diocese’s people are weary to leave their African Mission began comfort zone to serve as a approximately 25 years ago missionary. But so many I’ve under the direction of Bishop talked to who have done it, John Kinney. The intent realize how blessed it makes was for the diocese to send a them feel and how rewarding it continuous stream of long- is.” 12 | Dakota Catholic Action MARCH 2015 Featured Columnists Run to Win 1 Cor. 9:24

MICHELLE DUPPONG Seeking holiness in the ordinary

You were made to be a saint. Do He gives us in a unique way. We laughing, photography, studying allowed this love to pour forth into you believe that? Do you think you shouldn’t and can’t judge our engineering, etc. Sound like his relationships with others. He can do it? holiness by comparing ourselves to someone you’d like to have as a embodied what Jesus taught in the I want to remind you that others, whether they’re the saints friend? eight beatitudes (Mt. 5:3-10). He’s there’s no doubt in God’s mind in heaven or our neighbors here on Pier Giorgio grew up in a a hero to me; and I want to be like that you CAN do it! He made you earth. family where the faith was not him. for it. The only way you can get to God is giving each of us the openly practiced and his family When I found out that I heaven is if you are a saint. grace we need to be holy in the relationships were strained to had cancer, I knew I wanted But, isn’t it true that at times everyday, ordinary tasks of our the point where his parents were to pray through Pier Giorgio’s when we read some of the stories lives. Not all of us are called to considering a divorce, which was intercession. I want him to go of the saints, we can get a bit move to China to be missionaries. unheard of at that time. In spite before the throne of God on my discouraged thinking we have to Some are given this call. But, of this, Pier Giorgio, even as a behalf to ask for a miracle. I want be just like them and do the things all Christians are called to be young child, embraced his Catholic to be the miracle that helps him they did in order to be among missionaries where we are at faith and desired to be as close to get canonized a saint so that the the favored ones of God? Take St and to share God’s love with the Jesus as possible. His heart was whole world can see through Pier Joseph of Cupertino, for example. people He puts in our path each enfl amed with a love for others, Giorgio’s story that we all can be He levitated. I don’t know about day. This is something we all have especially the poor and sick, so saints—that we all have what it you, but I can’t mark that one the capability of doing with God’s he spent much of his free time takes. But, we just need to say off my bucket list yet! St. Rose of grace. visiting and serving them. He “yes” to the Father’s will for us Lima survived on only a couple When I was beginning college, I contracted polio from the poor he today. He knows what is best for hours of sleep a night. St. Francis was struck by the story of a young worked with and died during fi nals us. Let’s trust Him. of Assisi gave up all the wealth he man from Italy named Pier Giorgio week of his last semester of college had to the point of taking off the Frassati who died in 1925 and was at the age of 24. When he was ■ Duppong, a native of Haymarsh, N.D., has very clothes he was wearing. raised by the Church to the rank beatifi ed, St. John Paul II gave him served as director of faith formation for the My point is that sometimes we of “Blessed” in 1990. Blessed Pier the title “Man of the Beatitudes.” Bismarck Diocese since July 2012. Check out can get caught up in thinking that Giorgio lived a very ordinary life Why do I share his story? Well, Michelle’s monthly faith formation talk series holiness is imitating everything to which most of us can relate. He reading about Pier Giorgio’s life online at www.bismarckdiocese.com under the saints did, and we forget that loved the outdoors, sports, hiking, made holiness seem so practical, the Adult Faith Formation. God is calling each of us to follow swimming, riding bike, being with so attainable. He was an ordinary Him and carry out the mission friends, playing practical jokes, young person who loved Jesus and Pope Frank

ABBEY NAGEL Holding baby Jesus

Pope Francis gave a recent how to be holier. They teach us out. And here, he brings it home I never expected it to be more homily for the opening of the Year while we care for them. by using yet another example in about the vocation of marriage and for Consecrated Life. He had great Through carrying them in front our everyday lives. It just goes to children than about the vocation things to say about what it means of us, we learn how to put others show that his desire for us to serve of consecrated life. But then to be a religious brother or sister, fi rst. We learn how to serve our others can be done in a million again, I suppose that’s part of the bringing Christ into the world baby before ourselves. We learn different ways each day. beauty of the two vocations. They for others. But as I was reading, more about sacrifi cial love— Interesting how God designed mirror each other and have so something else struck me. denying oneself for another. The adults to learn so much from much insight about the opposite In his homily, the pope used the late-night feedings, thousands of innocent babes. And He decided vocation. That’s why we need both. image of the Blessed Virgin Mary diapers, and last-minute changes to be the child to lead his own But then I suppose that’s a topic carrying baby Jesus. He explained of plans all teach us how to put mother Mary to holiness, so for another day. that, like anyone holding a baby, our own desires aside and instead that we might follow in her ■ Nagel is the executive assistant to the Jesus is in front of Mary, and she serve others. footsteps. As a married person bishop at the Diocese of Bismarck. Her walks behind Him, following. This service is something with a new baby, I know that I am In that way, the pope explained, that we’ve heard before from experiencing exactly what Pope column on the words and actions of Pope Jesus was leading Mary on a path Pope Frank. He is constantly Frank is trying to tell us, only I Francis appears bi-monthly in the DCA. toward God. encouraging his fl ock to serve didn’t realize it so much before. I thought this was insightful. others, to help the poor, to reach When I began writing this article, As we know, Jesus became one of us and leads us to God. But it’s something new for me to DON’T MISS THIS! think about Him leading us as an innocent infant. I know that one could have profound meditation AN EVENT THAT WILL on this idea. REBOOT! CHANGE YOUR LIFE As I continued to think about it, I wondered: how does the same With internationally renowned speaker and author, concept apply to newborn babies CHRIS STEFANICK today? How does this apply to LIVE! me holding and carrying my own and special musical guest JON NIVEN baby? :HGQHVGD\$SULO‡SPWRSP Of course, we know that our little babies aren’t Christ, and so held at Linton High School Gymnasium the situation is different in that REBOOT! LIVE! is the fun, inspiring and way. But at the same time, we hold practical experience of applying the them in front of us. We follow beauty and genius of the core of the Gospel to them down a path. Their path is every aspect of your life. From prayer and of complete innocence. Their path is of simplicity and trust in their Tickets $19 spirituality, to work, dating, marriage, caregiver. parenting, health and more! When Jesus said that we must become like little children, I Come! Be energized! Invite someone! suppose this is partially what he was talking about—living simply DO NOT MISS the opportunity to hear one of the most sought after voices of our time! and trusting in our caregiver, God. I guess it never occurred to me OFFERING PRACTICAL INSIGHT INTO LIVING THE LIFE GOD HAS CREATED FOR YOU! that children aren’t only examples ZZZ5HDO/LIH&DWKROLFFRP²)RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQFRQWDFW6W$QWKRQ\3DULVK of how to be holy, they teach us Catholic Action MARCH 2015 Featured Columnists Dakota | 13 Ag Attitudes

JAMES ODERMANN Lent: create an outward sign of commitment to God

If you believe the horror be the tipping point for a new for almost every commodity responsibility is to the need to stories about shrinking oil lease (or look) at how to manage (especially land) increased nearly protect, assist and love my sisters prices, North Dakotans are change, how to positively combat exponentially. and brothers. This means clearing in a bind. The money for the issues like drug, sex and human There are many new issues myself of the grudges, trash and needed dollars to supplement traffi cking. to face. One issue deals with prejudices that limit my ability to highway transportation, rural Our state—and mostly within the protection of the resources love unconditionally as God loves water development, urban street the borders of the Bismarck needed to feed the world: the air, me. improvement and social services Diocese—had one of the largest water and land. As an agricultural The Lenten journey is needs is decreasing—at least for increases in the number of producer, I get to witness these underway. With increased fervor, the short term. millionaires per capita. Mineral three resources interacting in an I need to seek forgiveness and The typhoon speed alterations ownership on any sizeable tract almost magical way. commit to God’s will. Jesus made in the past fi ve years were not of land where a producing oil A big concern, however, is the march to Calvary because sustainable if North Dakota was well was drilled meant a revenue the fact that only two percent of God thought I was worth saving. to maintain a quality of place. stream never before realized. the United States’ population is In the same vein, I need to foster A course correction was needed Demand for consumable goods engaged in food production. There an inner spirit that creates an and the drop in oil prices may exceeded supply and prices needs to be a fi rm commitment outward sign of commitment to among food producers and God’s infi nite mercy and love the public to make sure land This is God’s way of calling me, ownership and management allowing me to consciously choose Diocese Roundup remains with the farmers and the path that leads to eternal ranchers: the stewards of the land, happiness. It is not easy; there are Fr. Deichert promoted for youth grades 1-7 during the the front line environmentalists of many temptations. I need to resist Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel month of July. A new facility the future. evil and choose to cling to God. I Joseph Deichert has been built for these camps I am proud to be an agricultural hope I am up to the task. Care to has been promoted and a local workforce is needed producer. In fact, I have the best join me? to the rank of to provide children an extra seat in the universe, getting dirt ■ Odermann lives with his wife, Leona, on colonel in the opportunity to grow in their under my fi ngernails, watching the family farm in Billings County. They are United States Air relationship with God. Anyone the wonders of the seasons and members of the Church of St. Patrick in Dick- Force. Deichert interested these ministries, can all that goes with that daily inson and assist with eucharistic celebrations has been a priest call the parish at 701-759-3412 in transformation. This responsibility there as well as at the Churches of St. Bernard of the Diocese of Mandaree or email the parish at is huge. (Belfi eld) and St. Mary (Medora). Bismarck for more [email protected]. At the same time, a bigger than 30 years. He was ordained on June 29, 1984 by Bishop John Kinney and served in several parish assignments for the next 10 years. He was released for full-time military service as an Air Force Chaplain on January 1, 1994. He has continued full-time military service to the present, currently stationed at Joint Base Langley- Keep a Eustis in Virginia. Area retreats focus on watchful eye: enriching the Lenten season “The Signs of the Times” is Help prevent the topic for this year’s Lenten women’s retreat at St. Joseph child sex abuse in Mandan on Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fr. Thomas Grafsgaard, associate at St. Wenceslaus and chaplain at Trinity High in Dickinson, will The Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center reminds you address the issues of our times that it takes all of us to help keep our children safe, March Events through a Catholic lens. Early bird healthy and happy. Together, we can create safe registration, due March 5, is $25. communities where sexual abuse is stopped before a March 11, 4-8 p.m. For more information, contact child is ever harmed. Theresa Waltz at 222-2752 or Patti Safe Environments at Ascension Church Armstrong at 471-9633. So how can you help? Keep your eyes open to unusual Bismarck or inappropriate behavior between an adult and child. A men’s Lenten retreat will March 18, 7-8 p.m. be held at the Church of St. Warning signs to watch for include: Anne in Bismarck on Saturday, Safe Environments at Ascension Church March 28 beginning with Mass • Refusing to let a child set any of his/her own in Bismarck at 8 a.m. Featured speakers are limits or ignoring the child’s limits by insisting on hugging, tickling, or wrestling, or using teasing/ Msgr. Richter, Fr. Sattler and belittling language regarding the limit Dr. James Link. Registration fee • Exposes the child to adult sexual interactions or • Frequently interrupts the child in the bathroom is $25 and pre-registration is images by walking in on him/her required. Contact Mike Bichler at • Overly interested in the sexuality of a particular [email protected] or • Has secret interactions with the child or spends child/teen by talking about the child’s developing excessive time with the child via texting, calling, body or by interfering with normal teen dating 471-0985. or social media Mandaree parish seeking • Shares personal and private information with the • Insistent on or manages to spend uninterrupted child and treats the child like a confidant team to run camp alone time with the child If you see warning signs, it is important to take Church of St. Anthony, located • Is “too good to be true,” which may be evident action. This may involve developing a safety plan, or four miles east of Mandaree, will by free, frequent babysitting, taking the child on standing up and speaking out. be hosting a summer camp frequent outings, or buying gifts for no apparent July 13-17 and needs assistance reason To learn more about what you can do to stop child building a team of volunteers to • Frequently makes dirty or suggestive jokes while sexual abuse, go to stopitnow.org. run the event. The search is on for the child is present adult and youth ministers, as well • Frequently points out sexual images in the as counselors, cooks, teachers, presence of the child nurse, prayer support and coordinators. Each year the Church of St. Anthony provides three fi ve-day 052002-00060 2/15 camps called Christian Life Camp 14 | Dakota Catholic Action MARCH 2015 Featured Columnists Questions Balancing Church I was afraid to ask & State FR. KEITH STREIFEL CHRISTOPHER DODSON

Q: Why do we pray up, to ask for a favor, and even to the saints? to express admiration. For a vital relationship, prayer must connect Upholding the integrity of Many people wonder our whole life to God and connect why we pray to the saints. us to all of God’s life and relations. the vocation of agriculture A: Perhaps it’s easier to At grandpa’s house, I’ve noticed understand if I say that we that cousin Timmy gets a pray through or with them, when drumstick every year. So I ask him The North Dakota legislature treat farmers affects who we are we ask them to pray for us. how he does that, since grandpa is considering making radical as humanity. Indeed, the position But let’s start with a more basic carves the goose and Timmy has changes to the state’s corporate of the bishops is not based just question, “What is prayer?” I think the technique down. At grandpa’s farming law to allow outside on church doctrine. It also stems this is where people get hung up. house, I’ve always wanted to help investors to own dairy and swine from what they and other bishops The Catechism of the Catholic milk a cow, but it seems like a operations. The North Dakota have witnessed in states that have Church (2558) puts prayer in the pretty big deal, so I ask grandma, Catholic Conference opposes the repealed or weakened corporate context of faith: This mystery who is very close to grandpa’s bill. farming laws. It used to be that [of faith], then, requires that the heart. She knows him better than This position is not new. North the primary concern of bishops in faithful believe in it [Creed], that anybody I know so I fi gured she Dakota’s Catholic bishops, like rural areas was the health of the they celebrate it [Liturgy], and could convince grandpa to let me bishops around the country, have family farm. In states that have that they live from it in a vital help in the morning. All of this for decades appealed for laws embraced corporate farming, the and personal relationship with is, in fact, directed to and in my that preserve and maintain farm primary concern has shifted to the the living and true God. This relationship with grandpa. ownership and control in the health and safety of farmworkers, hands of local family farmers. In most of whom are immigrants, relationship is prayer. Some might ask, “Why don’t you fact, 76 years ago Catholic bishops documented and undocumented. just go talk to grandpa about it Since prayer is a relationship of the United States, led by Fargo The bill introduced, SB 2351, directly?” Most of the time, I do. with the living and true God, Bishop Aloisius Muench—the only is intended to help the dairy and I ask grandpa and I ask for help. we can think of it like Christmas bishop from North Dakota to be swine operators. But the bill is That’s easy enough with the at grandpa’s house. In my named a Cardinal— warned that not just about a small segment of drumstick, but Timmy’s got some grandfather’s house at Christmas, investor ownership of farms would the agricultural community. It is a insight that he can share with me. there is always an abundance by its nature threaten families, radical upending of the foundation And as for helping with milking, of food and activities and, most communities, and our obligations of our state’s most widespread and grandma knows things about of all, people! Grandpa loves to as stewards of creation. permeating activity. Disrespecting grandpa and milking and me that have a houseful of people and is Some could argue that the “familiar” relationship that could make the whole process happy when we all talk to each ariculture has changed since 1939, should exist between the human easier. I know that she’s better at other and play with each other. and they would be right. But who farmer and farming will affect us talking to grandpa than I am, and What were all those people doing we are as human persons and what all. If we truly believe that North I know that she’ll be awake with there? Well, they were related to farming is to us as humans have Dakota is such a great place to live, grandpa when I’m overcome by grandpa and so were related to not changed. That is why this is why would we take that risk? sleep. me. One was grandma, others a religious issue. It is a religious Some segments of agriculture were aunts and uncles, and lots So, why do we pray to the saints? issue, because it is a moral issue. are facing diffi cult times and we of others were cousins. They are If prayer is our relationship with It is a moral issue, because it is need to respond. Indeed, it is a a part of my relationship with God, then saints are our relatives. a human issue. It is a human moral imperative that we respond. grandpa. Sometimes they have special issue because, as Pope Francis North Dakotans, however, have Sometimes, when we think of a areas of understanding that we stated just a few weeks ago, always faced diffi cult challenges. personal relationship, we want don’t, and they are close to God farming is “characteristically and Nevertheless, we have always to limit it to only spending time in heaven so they can help by fundamentally human.” found creative solutions without with that person. We’ve all seen praying when we cannot. When Indeed, Pope Francis’ recent sacrifi cing our way of life and couples (usually young, but even we speak with the saints, we ask address on the vocation of without succumbing to the some old ones can be like this) them to speak on our behalf. We agriculture is enlightening in temptation to reduce agriculture who seem attached at the hip never confuse the saints and God, that it illustrates precisely why to a mere economic activity. and entirely exclusive. And we’ve though. investor-ownership of farms is so Nor should we succumb to the seen how unhealthy they are. ■ Fr. Streifel is pastor of the Church of risky. Pope Francis explains that temptation to want something This doesn’t happen at grandpa’s St. Joseph in Dickinson. If you have a the relationship a farmer has with just because other states have it. house. Even though there will question you were afraid to ask, now the land is “familiar.” The Italian The Ten Commandments have is the time to ask it! Simply email your word he used was “familiare,” something to say about that. In always be a time when I will be question to [email protected] able to sit and talk to grandpa with the “Question Afraid to Ask” in the which means not “familiar” as North Dakota, we have done, and directly—to say hello, to catch subject line. in “well known,” but “of family.” can do, better. This is important to understand. Jesus asked, “What does it Outside investors cannot be like profi t a man if he gain the world family. Only human persons can and lose his soul?” We must ask, relate “like family.” Only human “What does it profi t our state if we Test yourself! persons are capable of entering gain some investors in agriculture, into a covenant with creation. but lose the soul of agriculture?” Who have been responsible for the personal safety of The pope went on to remind ■ Dodson serves as executive director of the the pope since 1506? us that because farming is such a N.D. Catholic Conference, the offi cial liaison A. Italian Police B. Swiss Guard uniquely human vocation, how we for the dioceses of Fargo and Bismarck in engage in agriculture and how we C. Vatican Offi cials D. French Army matters of public policy.

What are the colors of the Papal fl ag? A. Red and yellow B. White and Orange Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions C. White and yellow D. Red and Orange for March: Who was the fi rst non-Italian pope since 1523? • Universal: Scientists A. Paul VI B. John Paul I That those involved in scientifi c research may serve the C. John Paul II D. Benedict XVI well-being of the whole human person. CATHOLIC TRIVIA CATHOLIC • Evangelization: Contribution of women

1. (B) Swiss Guard 2. (C) White and yellow 3. (C) John Paul II Paul John (C) 3. yellow and White (C) 2. Guard Swiss (B) 1. That the unique contribution of women to the life of the Church may be recognized always. MARCH 2015 Dakota Catholic Action | 15 Featured Columnists Making Sense out of Bioethics

FR. TAD PACHOLCZYK Medical assistance with the battle of the bulge

Bariatric surgery, which often Like any surgical technique, adverse events associated with seeking involves banding of the stomach, bariatric surgery has risks its use, like pain, nausea and therapy for is a widely used procedure for associated with it: Mortality from vomiting. the fi rst time treating severe obesity. Another the surgery itself is less than Bariatric surgery, it should be for their obesity should “generally approach that relies on an one percent, but post-surgical noted, is not universally successful be encouraged to try non-surgical implantable “stomach pacemaker” leakage into the abdomen or in terms of the underlying goal of treatment approaches including also appears poised to assist those malfunction of the outlet from the losing weight and some patients dietary counseling, exercise, struggling with signifi cant weight stomach pouch can require further ultimately regain the weight they behavior modifi cation and gain. surgeries. Nearly 20 percent lose either through enlargement support.” Many people have already of patients experience chronic of the stomach pouch or a return These broad guidelines are benefi tted from these kinds of gastrointestinal symptoms. Wound to compulsive eating patterns or intended to spark discussion surgical interventions, enabling infections, clot formation, vitamin both. Results have been similarly on the part of patients and them to shed a great deal of defi ciencies, cardiorespiratory mixed for patients receiving the their medical team: How much weight, improve their health and failure, and other complications stomach pacemaker: some lose support has an individual really get a new lease on life. like gallstones and osteoporosis and keep off signifi cant amounts received prior to looking into At the same time, however, it’s can also occasionally arise. of weight; others show only weight reduction surgery or important for us to examine such A new device, sometimes negligible improvements when stomach pacemaker insertion? interventions from an ethical point described as a “pacemaker for the they are unable to adhere to the Some patients may have tried of view. It’s not simply a matter stomach,” was recently approved needed life-long changes in eating diligently for years to lose weight, of weight loss, achieved by any by regulators at the Food and Drug habits. while others may have made only means whatsoever, but a rational Administration. This rechargeable Among the ethical questions cursory, poorly-supported efforts. decision made after carefully and implantable device blocks that need to be considered The need for support is also likely weighing the risks, benefi ts and electrical nerve signals between with regard to surgically-based to continue following bariatric alternatives. the stomach and the brain and approaches are: Should an surgery or after the implantation Bjorn Hofmann, a medical helps to diminish the feeling of expensive, invasive and potentially of a stomach pacemaker. ethicist who writes about the being hungry. The cost for the risky surgery be routinely used In sum, there are notable ethical issues surrounding obesity- small machine, along with its for an anomaly that might be differences between such surgical correction techniques notes, surgical implantation, is expected addressed by modifi cations in diet interventions and traditional “Bariatric surgery is particularly to run between $30,000 and and eating habits? What criteria weight loss techniques involving interesting because it uses surgical $40,000, making it competitive should be met before such surgery exercise and diet. With the methods to modify healthy with various forms of bariatric is seriously considered? surgical techniques, due diligence organs, is not curative, but offers surgery. It is also of ethical importance will be required both prior to and symptom relief for a condition that Because the stomach pacemaker that physicians and surgeons following such interventions, is considered to result from lack does not modify the stomach not be unduly infl uenced by particularly in light of the ongoing of self-control and is subject to or the intestines as organs, device manufacturers to utilize discussions about the cost- signifi cant prejudice.” but instead reduces appetite their various stomach banding effectiveness, safety, risks and The healthy organ that is by blocking electrical signals apparatuses or their pacemaker outcomes of interventional surgery modifi ed is the stomach, which in the abdominal vagus nerve, devices. for the overweight patient. may be either banded or surgically some of the surgery-related In 1991, the National Institutes ■ Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his modifi ed with staples to create a complications associated with of Health developed a consensus doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did small stomach pouch. This causes modifying or stapling the stomach statement on “Gastrointestinal post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest food to be retained in the small are eliminated. Other surgical Surgery for Severe Obesity” of the diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves pouch for a longer period of time, complications related to the that offers guidance for clinical as the Director of Education at The National creating a feeling of fullness, with insertion of the device into the decision making. The statement Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See the effect of reducing how much a abdomen have sometimes been notes that, beyond having a www.ncbcenter.org. person ingests at a single meal. observed, however, as well as Zserious weight problem, patients Guest Column

SHELLY PRESZLER Life in the fast lane By Shelly Preszler masters at breaking. I overheard On several occasions my This is your Hopefully by now, you’ve one repairman remark to the husband has threatened to shut chance to noticed we are about two weeks other, “Yeah, this place may be a down our “Sugar Shack” but I share. Some into the season of Lent. If you’ve mess, but it smells like Heaven!” can always coax him not to with a may call it evangelization. I like decided to give up something, Heaven, hmmm…isn’t that the cupcake or two. Thank goodness to think of it more in the terms of you’re probably keenly aware of place where we all want to end the way to that man’s heart is preacher D.T. Niles who stated, this time of sacrifi ce and refl ection. up anyway? I remember the Bible through his stomach. When it “Christianity is one beggar telling Last year I made the mistake referring to heavenly banquets. I’ll comes to baking, I just can’t help another beggar where he found of giving up chocolate for Lent. It admit thinking of this makes me a myself. The calm, whirling hum of bread.” took less than 23 minutes on Ash bit giddy. Christ setting a feast for the mixer is music to my ears; like Yes, with me it always comes Wednesday morning to fi nd the us? Oh, please let it be true. the sound of one of my teenagers back to food. Happy Lent! And if hidden stash of Hershey’s Kisses. I My other “successful” fast running a vacuum over the living you’re in our neighborhood, I just huddled behind my family’s sofa, was the year I gave up baking room carpet. might race you to our fridge. and my family revolted, and Whatever you’ve given quietly unwrapping them one ■ Shelly Preszler resides in Mandan with by one. My daughter caught me even threatened to move out. It’s up or added to your Lenten her stand mixer nicknamed “Betty” and a red, I mean, chocolate handed. I good their threats never come to commitment, I hope your main houseful of hungry people willing to sample retorted, “Look away, look away” fruition, or is it? So, this year I’m goal is to get closer to Christ. This her wares. In her spare time she enjoys as I hung my head in shame. Why giving up something different. will surely make you a more joyful writing and speaking about the blessings was I hiding you may ask? Well, This year for Lent I’m giving up soul. The next thing you know, and pitfalls of parenting. She is happily I had to hide. The previous night eating between meals. This may your friends and family will start married to her hubby, Todd, and can be seen I had boasted to my whole family sound easy for most of you, but asking you the source of your joy. circling the town with their six kids. about giving up chocolate for you don’t live at my house where Lent. They laughed and when counters beg to be cleaned off! PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN the snickering died down all that They’re ripe with yesterday’s was left of my “will,” was well, my pies, and today’s cookies, and The Diocese of Bismarck is fi rmly committed to the health and protection tomorrow’s cookbook recipes. of our children, young people and vulnerable adults. With the hope of “maybe.” healing the pain and suff ering from sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, we My love for food goes way I should have never taught my encourage anyone who has suff ered from this abuse to please come forward back to my childhood and into kids to bake. Yes, all of them bake. and let us know. To report allegations of sexual abuse, please contact: my kids’ childhood, as I loved to Even my four sons can make pies Dale Eberle, Chancellor, Diocese of Bismarck, PO Box 1575, Bismarck, bake for them and their friends. from scratch. And my daughter, ND 58502-1575. Phone: 701.223.1347 or 1.877.405.7435. The complaint I’ve had two KitchenAid mixers Katie, can whip up anything form and policies can be found on the diocesan web site at http://www. bismarckdiocese.com. “cry uncle” and beg for mercy, you ask for including treats in heading to early retirement between meals like cookies. Thank CODE OF PASTORAL CONDUCT before the next batch of chocolate goodness she’s away at college. My The Catholic Church must be exemplary: Clergy, staff , whether diocesan chip cookies could be lovingly daughter, Elizabeth, makes a mean or parish, and volunteers are held accountable for their behavior. To enable mixed. I remember repairmen Oreo shake. I may need to rent a the highest level of accountability, there must be a clear and unambiguous coming through the house when motel room for the rest of Lent to defi nition of appropriate behavior. To this end, this Code of Pastoral Conduct is defi ned for the Diocese of Bismarck and it provides a foundation for the kids were little to fi x all the make it through. Preferably a room implementing eff ective and enforceable standards for all personnel. View things those little tykes were without a sofa or counter, please. the Code of Pastoral Conduct at http://www.bismarckdiocese.com. 16 | Dakota Catholic Action MARCH 2015

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Don Willey Michael Vetter Set out on the path to Bismarck Minot (701) 751-0522 (701) 837-0135 Christ! [email protected] [email protected] Frank Greff Aaron Mahlmann Dickinson Bismarck (701) 483-8839 (701) 222-2755 [email protected] [email protected]

Pat Dolan Assumption Abbey General Agent, Fargo Richardton, North Dakota (701) 298-9922 [email protected] [email protected] 701-974-3315 www.assumptionabbey.com

Light of Christ Catholic Schools is now accepting When you enroll your child in the Light of Christ Catholic Schools, enrollment applications for 2015-2016. you’re becoming part of a community of families with a strong conviction in the importance of a high-quality, faith-filled education. Each student is treated as an individual, with distinct needs and talents. Pre-Kindergarten 3-4 year olds Each class of students grows together year by year in community. At the Light of Christ Catholic Schools, teachers and staff reinforce Pre-Kindergarten 4-5 year olds and strengthen the essential social, emotional, behavioral, spiritual and intellectual skills that are established at home. Kindergarten REGISTER NOW! CALL 354-7067 1st thru 6th Grades

lightofchristschools.org 7th & 8th Academy

Visit Light of Christ Catholic Schools on facebook to see more pictures of the exciting things happening in our schools! High School

St. Mary’s Grade School Saint Anne School Cathedral of the Light of Christ 7th & 8th Academy 807 East Thayer Ave. 1315 North 13th St. Holy Spirit School St. Mary’s Central High School 508 Raymond St. 1025 North 2nd St. Faith • Knowledge • Service Schedule a private tour or student shadow day!