VOLUME 44 NUMBER 1 DIOCESE OF RAPID CITY, Diocesan Website: www.rapidcitydiocese.org SOUTH DAKOTA

Serving Catholics in Western South Dakota since May 1973 Reservation and Rural Ministry Planning Team Vatican A Season of Change, 2 Creating vibrant parish clusters Diocesan Priests Parish gives Assignments, 4 By Laurie Hallstrom took from the Catholic Leader- ship Institute of Wayne, Pa.) voice to At the center of Catholic “Good Leaders, Good Shep- worship is the church commu- herds,” said Father Biegler. “It women nity where a parishioner feels a could be used in the future for VATICAN CITY sense of belonging. Pending other areas of the diocese.” (CNS) — A new changes to church clusters are After months of considera- Vatican magazine will give attention intended to bring new spiritual tion three new parish configu- life to the faithful in the north- to women's voices, rations were recommended to something that ern tier of the Diocese of Rapid the bishop. (See page 5 for a often has been City. letter from Bishop Gruss de- missing in the A combined team of 13 tailing changes that will take church despite clergy and laity has spent the place July 1.) women's important Priority Plan of the Diocese past 15 months assessing the “When parish representa- role in announcing of Rapid City, 13-16 pastoral needs of parishes in tives first came on the team the Gospel, said Year of Mercy Pilgrimage Harding, Perkins and Corson they were biased toward their Cardinal Pietro Parolin. “If we do not listen attentively to the voice of to St. Francis, 17 Counties. Bishop Robert Gruss own parish. When we had the women in the great decisive moments in the life of the convened the Reservation and last meeting they knew some Rural Ministry Planning Team church, we would lose” the crucial contribution of the parishes didn’t meet the crite- feminine genius in the church, Cardinal Parolin, Vatican in March 2015 ria that we were looking for in secretary of state, said at an event May 3 launching the Fr. Steve Biegler, vicar gen- healthy and holy parishes and magazine format. The first issue of Donne Chiesa Mondo or eral of the diocese, and com- they realized it was time to let Women-Church-World features an icon of the Visitation. mittee chair said he told the them go,” said Deacon Le- Then on May 12, Pope Francis told the heads of women's new group as the diocese looks neaugh. “Every meeting we religious orders from around the world that he would set up to the future, “It is important to had would bring people closer a commission to study the New Testament deaconesses and take the time to update our vi- to creating a vision of what you he also insisted more can and should be done to involve lay sion for ministry on the Reser- want ministry to be for the and consecrated women in church decision-making at every vations and in the rural level. whole community.” (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano) parishes.” The team goal sought to de- Meetings were held in the termine if the parishes in those St. Anthony, Buffalo. keeping the building open is a churches in the three counties counties were vibrant and life St. Bede, Wakpala, will not good idea. Mailing label to give team members a famil- sustaining. Every aspect of lay have Mass, but other types of July 1, when the changes are iarity with the ministry that is participation, liturgical cele- ministry will take place as made, “the advantage to the already taking place. Summa- bration and ongoing education needed. “New types of min- parishioners is a higher quality rizing the conclusions recom- for both adults and children istry involving the community liturgy because there is more mended by the team, Father was reviewed. In the end, Mass like prayer services and youth participation, more singing, Biegler said, “This process of will no longer be offered at St. activities can take place there,” and more people assisting the involving clergy and lay peo- Agnes, Cox, and Our Lady of said Deacon Leneaugh. After minister,” he said. ple was fruitful. It was mod- one year the church usage will the Prairie, Reva. Those ARISH LUSTERS eled after the training (priests be evaluated to determine if P C parishes will be merged with CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 2 WRC Columns May 2016 Spring: A season of change and new life arrives Has it seemed like this year of 2016 vorite times of the year. We have found ing, Perkins and Corson counties. I am is rapidly moving through its course? It ourselves moving quickly through the deeply grateful for tremendous work is hard to believe that we are midway month of May already with its many ac- accomplished by the group of people, through the month of May. When I re- tivities. The confirmation season is clergy and lay leaders alike, from vari- flect back on these months, I find my- winding down. What graced moments ous parishes in those counties. Over the self continually filled with gratitude for these have been! It is one of my favorite past fifteen months, they have been how God has blessed me, both person- parts of my ministry as a bishop. So I gathering for prayer, reflection and dis- ally and in ministry. I feel deeply am looking forward to the last two — cussion, assessing the pastoral needs in blessed to be where I am at this point in Sacred Heart Parish in White River and the northern parishes and developing my life. The Lord’s blessings are so St. Bridget Parish in Rosebud. ways to refresh the vision of ministry. near, so constant — as close as the next Springtime is a time of change. In This group developed benchmarks breath or the next prayer or the next ex- my travels, I have been blessed to relish for “Healthy and Holy Parishes.” In before their terms were completed. I am perience of love. the springtime showing many signs of other words, as we look at the life of a deeply grateful for their generosity in There are and have been many won- new life. There is a birthing that has parish and how the church defines a putting the needs of the diocese ahead derful things happening in the diocese been going on in nature — new calves healthy and holy parish, what are the re- of their own. in these recent months. I am very ex- romping in the fields, the budding of quired ministries which comprise such I know that people love their priests cited about the Diocesan Priority Plan, the trees, the blossoming of plants, a parish and make it fully alive with the and it is hard to see them leave as they because it will bring into clearer focus flowers beginning to don clothes of Gospel? This committee carefully eval- reflect upon the impact the priests have the mission and ministry of the diocese brilliant colors, the grass beginning to uated the current ministry in each parish made in their lives. Those feelings are as a whole moving forward into the return to its brilliance of green; all these and has offered clear advice on how the challenging part of God’s blessings next few years. I am convinced that as things give us a sense that the miracle best to move forward in providing min- which I noted earlier. Pastoral decisions we all embrace this Priority Plan in our of new life is taking place. What a istry with one less priest in those coun- are sometimes very difficult to make, lives and ministry, we will tangibly see blessing to experience this all around us ties. Their findings and conclusions knowing the impact on the faith com- the power of the Holy Spirit at work in when we take notice — another way of revealed the need to reconfigure the munities involved. They will never miraculous ways, and many new bless- God showering his love upon us. parishes in that area of the diocese. please everyone, but must be made for ings will be poured out upon us. Yes, Springtime is a time of change in I am very appreciative of the time the overall good of the diocese given new ministry can be work, but the work other ways as well. As you will notice and stewardship of this committee and the resources we currently have, with of God in our midst is always a sight to from an article in this paper, there will the wonderful work which was accom- an eye toward the future. behold! be a reconfiguration of the parishes in plished. It is important to consider that our We are currently in one of my fa- the northern part of the diocese in Hard- It is my hope that parishioners who priests have many and varied gifts. are affected by these changes will find Change in pastoral leadership allows a new faith community, a new place to the parish to benefit from the gifts that call home, where they will discover a their new priest offers. At the same warm welcome and experience a vi- time, priests grow from the gifts they brant parish where the liturgy is cele- receive from each community in which brated well, hospitality is strong, they minister. This exchange of gifts lifelong faith formation is present, and helps us to grow in understanding of the opportunities for social outreach are faith and to connect with other parishes offered. as a diocese. This is also the time of the year when I ask that you please keep the priests the changes in clergy assignments are and these other changes in your prayers announced. One of the most important for a smooth and peaceful transition. and challenging efforts of my ministry Again, there are many wonderful things is the assignment of priests to happening in our diocese, but it will be parishes. I am deeply grateful to the prayer that will sustain them. Be as- Consultors who provide important as- sured of my continued prayers for you sistance in this lengthy decision mak- and your family as well. May the peace Too Many Memories Black Hills area parishioners certainly know the devastation forest fires bring. May 6, a ing process. My deepest thanks and poured out upon us at Pentecost awaken handout photo provided by the Government of Alberta shows a massive wildfire raging gratitude also go out to the priests who, our hearts anew for work of the Gospel near Fort McMurray, Alberta. The entire population of Fort McMurray has been evacu- for the greater good of the diocese, in our diocese. Wishing each of you ated because of the wildfire. (CNS photo/Chris Schwarz, Government of Alberta via EPA) agreed to take a different assignment much peace and joy in Christ. May 2016 News WRC 3

PARISH CLUSTERS FROM PAGE 1 Bishop’s Calendar Other team members included: Fr. Benson and Gloria Maher, Morristown; May17-June 21, 2016 Andrea Benso, McLaughlin and mis- Jim Erk, Buffalo; Georgia Andre, Bull- Subject to change without notice sions; Father Tony Grossenburg, Lem- head; and Father Dan Juelfs, Eagle mon and missions; Father John Heying, Butte and missions. May 17, Tuesday Buffalo and missions; Father John Lule, “I deeply appreciate the hard work of Day of Mercy for All Parishes McIntosh and missions; Deacon Paul this committee over these many May 19, Thursday and Margie Keller, Mobridge; Noelle months,” said Bishop Gruss. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Jesuit Leadership Meeting, Terra Sancta May 20, Friday 1 p.m. St. Thomas More Middle School Mass/Graduation, Cathedral Beef Raffle Winners May 21, Saturday The Office of Vocations has announced the names of the winners of the World 9-11 a.m. Deanery 2 Parish Administration/Finance Workshop, Sturgis Youth Day Seminarian Fundraiser. Two quarters of beef were donated by the 6 p.m. CT Mass, Blessing of Renovated Parish Hall, parishes of St. Mary, Milesville; St. William, Midland; and Sacred Heart, Philip. Winners were Margaret Smith, Rapid City, and Christopher “Doc” Sartori of Immaculate Conception, Winner Colorado Springs, Colo. Sartori has requested his quarter beef go to a local fam- May 22, Sunday ily or families in need. The Office of Vocations is coordinating efforts with 2 p.m. St. Thomas More High School Mass/Graduation, Cathedral Catholic Social Services to distribute his gift. May 23-26, Monday-Thursday A statement from the Office of Vocations said, “Thank you to all who sup- Clergy Days – Terra Sancta ported our efforts to raise funds for the seminarians to attend World Youth Day May 30, Monday in Poland this summer. We collected almost $7000. The people of western South Dakota are good and generous! Thank you.” Memorial Day, Office Closed May 31, Tuesday 8:30 a.m. Investment Committee Meeting, Chancery Conference Room 9 a.m. Finance Council Meeting, Chancery Conference Room Jesuit Assignment 11:30 a.m. Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation Board Meeting, Fr. Tom Lawler SJ, provincial, has assigned Fr. James F. Chancery Conference Room Lafontaine, SJ, of the Northeast Province to pastoral 6:30 p.m. Catholic Social Services Board Meeting, CSS office ministry at St. Francis Mission on the Rosebud Reserva- June 1, Wednesday tion effective April 5, 2016. His most recent assignment 11:15 a.m. Mass/Lunch with Duc in Altum Team, Terra Sancta was as pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Portland, June 3, Friday Maine, where he was superior of the local Jesuit Com- munity and assistant to the president of Cheverus 3:30 -7:30 p.m. Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting, Chancery/ (Jesuit) High School. Terra Sancta June 4, Saturday KC Poker Run Veritatis Splendor Institute, Terra Sancta June 5, Sunday Saturday, June 18, the Knights of Columbus Council 7079, Piedmont, 10:30 a.m. CT Pre-Confirmation Meeting, St. Bridget, Rosebud will sponsor a poker run through the Black Hills. Three hands — $25 11:30 a.m. CT Confirmation Mass, St. Bridget, Rosebud and additional hands $10. For more information contact Chris 2 p.m. CT Pre-Confirmation Meeting, Sacred Heart, White River Potthoff, 605-484-0681 or email [email protected] 3 p.m. CT Confirmation Mass, Sacred Heart, White River June 7, Tuesday 8 a.m. Diocesan Staff Mass/Breakfast, Terra Sancta WEST RIVER CATHOLIC 9:30 a.m. Diocesan Staff Meeting, Terra Sancta USPS 983-360 Official newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rapid City, published monthly. 6 p.m. Reception for BHSU Newman Center Campaign at the Rapid City The West River Catholic is owned and published by the Diocese of Rapid City Newman Center 606 Cathedral Drive Rapid City, SD 57701-5499 Phone: 605-343-3541 June 11, Saturday Publisher: Bishop Robert D. Gruss 9 a.m. Deanery 3 Parish Administration/Finance Workshop, Kadoka Editor Laurie Hallstrom, [email protected] Assistant Editor Becky Berreth, [email protected] June 12, Sunday Circulation Roberta Bruhn, [email protected] Bishop’s Motorcycle Ride for BHSU Newman Center, Spearfish, Advertising: Laurie Hallstrom, 343-3541 Hills Area Subscription: $27, Foreign subscription: $60 per year. Postmaster: Address all correspondence, including change of address, to: June 18, Saturday West River Catholic, PO Box 678, Rapid City, SD 57709-0678 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Jubilee of Mercy Pilgrimage, St. Francis Periodical postage paid at June 21, Tuesday Rapid City, SD 57701 Day of Mercy for All Parishes Benefactors: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Office of Home Missions, Catholic Extension 4 WRC News May 2016 Priest Assignments After hearing the advice of the Diocesan Fr. Andrzej Wyrostek Fr. John Heying Fr. Tyler Dennis Consultors, Bishop Robert Gruss has made is assigned as Pastor is assigned as Pastor remains in Martin, the following appointments effective July of Our Lady of the of the Parishes of assigned as Pastor of 1, 2016: Black Hills Parish in Christ the King in the Parishes of Our Piedmont. Presho, St. Martin in Lady of the Sacred Fr. Steve Biegler Murdo and Heart and Our Lady of is assigned as Rector St. Anthony in Draper. Victory in Kadoka for of the Cathedral of an additional five Our Lady of Perpetual years. Help and Pastor of St. Michael Church in Fr. Mark Horn Hermosa. He retains Fr. Grant Gerlach Fr. Gary Oreshoski is relieved of his responsibilities as is assigned as is assigned as Pastor responsibilities as Vicar General. Administrator of the of the Parishes of Parochial Vicar for Parishes of Sacred Heart in St. Joseph in St. Anthony in Hot Philip, St. William in Spearfish, St. Paul in Fr. Adam Hofer Springs, St. John the Midland and St. Mary Belle Fourche and is assigned as Baptist in Custer and in Milesville. St. Mary in Newell. Parochial Vicar of the St. James in He will return to Cathedral of Our Lady Edgemont. graduate school to of Perpetual Help and study Canon Law. St. Michael Church in Hermosa. Fr. Michel Mulloy Fr. Kevin Achbach Fr. John Lule is assigned as Pastor is assigned as Pastor is relieved of his of the Parishes of of the Parishes of responsibilities as St. Bernard in Immaculate Administrator of the McLaughlin, Conception in Winner Parishes in McIntosh, Assumption in Kenel, and St. Isidore in Bullhead and Fr. Brian Lane St. Aloysius in Colome. Watauga. His assign- is assigned to a Bullhead and St. Bede ment is yet to be de- second term as Pastor in Wakpala. termined. of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Rapid City. Fr. Jonathan Dillon Fr. Leo Hausmann Fr. Dan Juelfs’ is assigned as is relieved of his assignment as Pastor Administrator of the responsibilities as of the Parishes of All Parishes of St. Judicial Vicar. He Saints in Eagle Butte, Anthony in Buffalo, retains responsibili- Sacred Heart in St. Isidore in Ralph ties as Pastor of Dupree, St. Joseph in and Blessed St. Patrick Parish in Ridgeview, Sacrament in Bison. Lead and St. Ambrose St. Therese in White Fr. Matthew Fallgren Parish in Deadwood Horse, St. Catherine is assigned as and will continue to in Promise, St. Joseph Parochial Vicar of serve as a Tribunal in Cherry Creek, Sacred Heart in Red Blessed Sacrament Fr. John Paul Trask is Judge. Scaffold and Immaculate Conception in Parish in Rapid City. assigned as Parochial Bridger is extended for one additional Vicar of the Parishes Fr. Timothy Hoag year. of St. Joseph in is assigned as Judicial Fr. Andrea Benso Spearfish, St. Paul in Vicar. He retains is assigned as Belle Fourche and responsibilities as Parochial Vicar for the St. Mary Star of the Pastor of the Parishes Parishes of All Saints Sea in Newell. St. Patrick in Wall, St. Fr. Kerry Prendiville in Eagle Butte, Sacred Margaret in Lakeside is assigned as Pastor Heart in Dupree, and Holy Rosary in of the Parishes of St. Joseph in Fr. Tony Grossenburg Interior. St. Therese the Little Ridgeview, is assigned a second Flower in Rapid City St. Therese in White term as Pastor of In addition to these and St. John the Horse, St. Catherine St. Mary in Lemmon changes, Bishop Gruss Evangelist in New in Promise, St. Joseph along with the approved the Underwood. in Cherry Creek, Sacred Heart in Red Parishes of Sacred retirement of Fr. Bill Scaffold and Immaculate Conception in Heart in Morristown, Zandri effective July Bridger. St. Bonaventure in 1, 2016. McIntosh and St. Michael in Wautaga. May 2016 News WRC 5

DIOCESE OF RAPID CITY

OFFICE OF BISHOP May 7, 2016 Dear Parishioners, Blessings to all of you in this Easter season! You may or may not be aware that for the past fifteen months a group of people, clergy and lay leaders alike, from various parishes in Harding, Perkins and Corson counties have been meeting to discuss future pastoral ministry in those parishes. Their main focus was to assess the pastoral needs in the northern parishes and to refresh the vision of ministry. This group developed benchmarks for “Healthy and Holy Parishes.” In other words, as we look at the life of a parish and how the Church defines a healthy and holy parish, what are the required ministries which comprise such a parish and make it fully alive with the Gospel? In my consultation with this group I also wanted to hear their input on how pastoral ministry might best be accomplished with one less priest serving in this area. In the next few years, our diocese will have fewer priests, and I would like to share with you some statistics so that you could better understand this. The next priestly ordination in the Diocese of Rapid City will not take place until June 2019, if that seminarian completes his formation. Also, over the next four years, we anticipate the loss of five or more priests available for parish ministry because of retirements, fewer Jesuit priests and the likely return of two priests to Uganda. This year we have 30 active priests serving in diocesan parishes, but within four years the number could be only 26 priests available to serve the same parishes. With these statistics in mind, there is an immediate need to plan for this scenario. It is likely to affect every parish in the diocese, not only your parishes. In our planning throughout the diocese, our goal is that each priest would celebrate no more than three Masses per weekend. With this focus and information, the committee carefully evaluated the current ministry in each parish and has offered clear advice on how to best move forward in providing ministry with one less priest. Their findings and conclusions propose a reconfiguration of the parishes in the northern tier of counties. Subsequently, I discussed this matter with the Presbyteral Council, which consists of fourteen priests serving throughout the diocese. They supported the proposed reconfiguration. Having listened carefully to all of these people, I have accepted the proposal to reconfigure the parishes in Harding, Perkins and Corson Counties. Effective July 1, 2016: sOne pastor will serve St. Mary in Lemmon, St. Bonaventure in McIntosh, Sacred Heart in Morristown, and St. Michael in Watauga. Each weekend there would be one Mass in Lemmon, one Mass in McIntosh and one Mass on alternating weekends in Morristown and Watauga. sOne pastor will serve St. Bernard in McLaughlin, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kenel, and St. Aloysius in Bullhead. Each weekend there would be one Mass in each location. Mass would no longer be celebrated at St. Bede in Wakpala. Pastoral ministry would continue in this parish as necessary. St. Bede would not be closed at this time and the church building could continue to be used as a gathering place when needed. We will re-evaluate this situation in a year to determine if the parish should be permanently closed. sOne pastor will serve St. Anthony in Buffalo, Blessed Sacrament in Bison, and St. Isidore in Ralph. One Mass would be celebrated each weekend in these parishes. Mass would no longer be celebrated at St Agnes in Cox and Our Lady of the Prairie in Reva. These parishes would be merged with St. Anthony in Buffalo. These types of decisions are very difficult to make knowing the impact on the faith communities involved. Decisions like this will never please everyone, but must be made for the overall good of the Diocese given the resources that we currently have and will have moving into the future. I also realize that for those communities in which there will be no weekend liturgy, the hardship is even greater because of how these parishes have played important roles in the life and history of their faith-filled parishioners. In clustering these parishes, it is my hope that parishioners will find a new faith community, a new place to call home, where they will discover a warm welcome and experience a vibrant parish where the liturgy is celebrated well, hospitality is strong, lifelong faith formation is present, and opportunities for social outreach are offered. In other words, where a holy and healthy parish is experienced. The pastors of these parishes will begin to share with you the benchmarks established for the Foundational Ministries of “Healthy and Holy Parishes” so that each parish may begin to carefully work toward making your parish healthier and holier. I deeply appreciate the hard work of this committee over these many months and their diligence in coming to these conclusions and recommendations. It speaks to how a group from various places can work together to bring about solutions to some of the challenges we face in this diocese. I thank you very much for your valuable input. As the implementation of these new configurations begin in July, be assured of my ongoing prayers for each of you. In this Year of Mercy, may Christ, who is rich in mercy, pour out his love in abundance upon each one of you. Wishing you much peace and joy of Christ,

Most Rev. Robert D. Gruss Bishop of Rapid City 6 WRC News May 2016 Peter C. Kleponis, Winning!” He has also been a guest on Speaker to address porn addiction Ph.D., Licensed EWTN television programs such as Clinical Therapist “Women of Grace,” “Franciscan Uni- By Chancery Staff counters hard-core pornography is 11. and Assistant Direc- versity Presents,” and “Crossing the One of the most harmful problems Eighty percent of 15-17 year olds have tor of Comprehensive Goal.” He is a regular guest on Rele- and grave issues in our culture today is had multiple exposures to hard-core Counseling Services vant Radio’s program, “On Call.” Dr. pornography. Addiction to pornography pornography. Studies also reveal that 89 in Conshohocken, Pa. Kleponis resides in Phoenixville, is a serious problem in epidemic pro- percent of all solicitations of youth in will be making four Peter C. Pa.,with his wife, Maria, and their sons, portions. The rapid growth to this ad- chat rooms are of a sexual nature and presentations to the Kleponis, Ph.D John and Matthew. diction has grown exponentially in the 29 percent of 7-17 year olds would priests on fighting Dr. Kleponis recently published the Internet age. freely give out their addresses online. pornography in our culture, protecting book, “Integrity Restored: Helping Pornography is addictive in any These statistics are startling and speak families and helping those in recovery. Catholic Families Win the Battle medium, but because the Internet is at of the seriousness of this issue in our Dr. Kleponis has over 18 years of Against Pornography.” For more our fingertips on many different types society and culture today. professional experience working with information go to: www.Integrity of devices, it is much easier for people Because it is important that the individuals, couples, families and or- Restored.com. to view pornography at any time and church address this issue, at the ganizations. He specializes in marriage He has agreed to give a free evening any place. This multi-billion dollar in- November 2015 General Assembly, the and family therapy, pastoral counseling, presentation to the public on the effects dustry corrupts the minds of its view- United States Conference of Catholic resolving anger, men’s issues and of pornography in our culture and what ers, exploits people of all ages Bishops approved the formal statement pornography addiction recovery and is we can do to fight it. It will take place including children, creates a sex-crazed “Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral certified in the diagnosis and treatment on Wednesday, May 25, 7 p.m. in Holy culture, and destroy lives and families. Response to Pornography” as a of sexual addictions. Dr. Kleponis trav- Cross Chapel at the Terra Sancta Re- Some estimates put pornography use response to this great problem in our els throughout the country educating treat Center. All are invited to attend. among churchgoing men at 50 percent, society today. It can be found on the people on how to win the battle against Come and learn how you can help in a figure that differs little from use USCCB website: http://www.usccb. pornography through his program, this fight to win the battles against this among the adult male population at org/issues-and-action/human-life-and- “Fighting Porn in Our Culture ... and epidemic! large. Studies also show that 90 percent dignity/pornography/index.cfm. of children ages 8 through 16 have There is a great pastoral need in our viewed pornography online and chil- local church to address this issue as dren ages 12 through 17 are the largest well. It will be the main topic for the single group of users of Internet porn. clergy of the diocese this year at their The average age when a child first en- annual Clergy Days on May 25. May 2016 Events Schedule WRC 7 May 25, Wednesday a.m. Mass and exposition. Both in Our fast and lunch are available. Registration June 13, Monday sFree Presentation on the Harmful- Lady’s Chapel, Cathedral of Our Lady of deadline June 1. )605-343-2165 or sTotus Tuus Girls: An opportunity to re- ness of Pornography: Peter Kleponis, Perpetual Help. Dr. Kopriva 605-343-6202. [email protected]. flect on God’s call with religious sisters and Ph.D., a licensed clinical therapist and as- June 4, Saturday June 7, Tuesday priests. Includes hiking, campfires, swim- sistant director of comprehensive counsel- sNatural Family Planning: Seminar sSilent Retreat for Women: Silent ming, games, Mass, adoration, and more. ing services in Conshohocken, Pa, will be for engaged couples or anyone wanting to preached retreat with Fr. Tim Hoag. Begins Held at Terra Sancta. Leadership camp, giving a presentation on how we can fight learn more about natural family planning. with daily Mass at 11 a.m. and ends with grades 9-12 ends June 17. Grades 6-8, June porn in our culture, protecting families and To be held at St. John the Evangelist lunch on Friday. Prices listed include lodg- 14-17. Registration deadline: May 25. Reg- helping those in recovery. Held at the Holy Church, Ft. Pierre, from 9 a.m.-noon, CDT. ing, meals and director fees: Monastic — istration forms can be found at Cross Chapel, Terra Sancta, 7 p.m. All are Preregistration required. Next seminar, July twin bunk beds $220, family — two queens 8www.gods-call.org or at your parish. invited to attend. See page 6. 16, Blessed Sacrament Church, Rapid City. with private bath $330. Register at 8terra )Office of Vocations 605-716-5214 x233 May 27, Friday )Amy at Family Life Ministries, 605-716- sancta.org. or [email protected]. sWRC deadline for submissions. 5214 x236 or [email protected]. June 10, Friday July 11, Monday Paper mailed Tuesday, June 21. June 6, Monday sNPM Choir Festival: All music min- sTotus Tuus Boys: An opportunity to re- )605-343-3541 or sSt. Isaac Jogues Summer Vacation isters are invited to participate in a week- flect on God’s call with priests and semi- [email protected] or Bible Camp: Held at the Mother Butler [email protected] end of sacred music. Held at the Cathedral narians. Includes hiking, campfires, Center, 231 Knollwood Dr., Rapid City, of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Preregis- swimming, games, Mass, adoration, and June 3, Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Open to kids ages 5-12. tration requested. $15 fee includes three more. Held at Terra Sancta. Leadership sWorld Apostolate of Fatima: First Those 13 and up can sign up to be team meals and social. See page 24. )Jackie camp, grades 9-12 ends July 15. Grades 6- Friday Mass at 5:30 p.m. with prayers and leaders. Registration forms at the church Schnittgrund 605-342-6132. 8, July12-15. Registration deadline: May devotions. First Saturday June 4, begins lobby or main office. Free for parish mem- June 12, Sunday 25. Registration forms can be found at with prayers at 7:45 a.m. followed by 8 bers, $10 for non-parish members. Break- sKC Golf Tournament: In support of 8www.gods-call.org or at your parish. the Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation )Office of Vocations 605-716-5214 x233. that supports veterans battling PTSD. Four- July 29, Friday man scramble held at Fountain Springs sHeart to Heart Weekend for the En- Golf Club, Rapid City, begins at 9 a.m. $75 gaged: For engaged couples to deepen their per person. Register at 8SergeantDerrFoud relationship with each other and God by ex- nation.org. )William Winch, KC #8025, ploring the Catholic Church’s vision of St. Therese Catholic Church 605-342-1556 marriage. Ends July 31. Register online at or [email protected]. 8terrasancta.org. 8 WRC Columns May 2016 Let’s build a culture of vocations together It is an exciting time in the Diocese help children and young people hear of Rapid City — a time filled with the voice of Jesus calling their name. renewed hope and energy as we In “Hundredfold,” Gruenewald embrace the Priority Plan of the describes four phases to creating a Diocese of Rapid City together. vocation ministry in parishes: Bishop Robert Gruss says this plan Phase I: Laying the Ground Work “offers a message of hope and an Phase II: Establishing a Presence opportunity that draws the people of Phase III: Spreading the Word God to something greater than them- Phase IV Expanding the Ministry. selves and inspires them to action. The point of the phases is to imple- workshops. This episode can be The power of the Holy Spirit will lead ment different activities such as accessed at: http://www.ewtn.com/tv/ us to accomplish more that we can prayer, awareness and education, and live/ewtnlive.asp. It is the second possibly ever imagine.” youth activities that affirm and foster thumbnail under the currently featured In the foundational ministries invitation to build a culture of voca- a culture of vocations in an intentional video and is the April 13 episode. section of the Priority Plan, under tion in our parishes and diocese. but incremental and sustainable way. If you would like to purchase a vocation and evangelization, one of The heart of building a culture of She notes there are over 50 activities, book or two, please contact our office the goals is that by Jan. 17, 2017, each vocations in our parish families from simple to complex, that help a at 605-716-5214 ext. 233 or at parish or parish grouping will form a begins and ends with prayer. Blessed parish develop this culture. [email protected]. You will find it vocations committee to encourage and Hannibal di Francia wrote: “Jesus Let’s get started. Read “Hundred- helpful in laying the foundation for promote a culture of vocations. wanted to teach us that vocations in fold: Building a Parish Vocation creating and building a culture of vo- To help jump start building a cul- the church do not come by chance, Ministry.” It’s available through the cations in your parish. ture of vocations in every parish in either by themselves, nor can we Vocation and Stewardship Office for I look forward to working with you our diocese, we brought Rhonda make them out of human efforts only. only $13 – a savings of $7. and your parish in creating a culture Gruenewald to our diocese in April They come to us from the mercy of In addition, Gruenewald was of vocations in which we nurture, for two workshops. We had 75 people God. If we do not pray to obtain them recently featured on EWTN Live with within the hearts of children and our who attended the “Hundredfold” they will not be given us.” Fr. Mitch Pacwa. In the interview, she young people, a desire and an open- workshops; 32 went to St. John the St. Paul urges the faithful to “pray shares many of the same stories and ness to follow God’s plan in their Evangelist, Ft. Pierre, and 43 attended constantly” (1 Thes 5:17). If we truly experiences she offered during the lives. at Our Lady of the Black Hills, want to work for vocations, our Piedmont. They represented 26 petitions to God must be unending. parishes from across the diocese. This Forming an environment in our is not a bad start to forming vocation parish where vocations to priesthood, ministry committees in every parish in religious life and sacramental the diocese. marriage are discerned, nurtured and Gruenewald, a convert to the affirmed has a ripple effect on the Catholic Church and the author of the entire community. Gruenewald says a book “Hundredfold: A Guide to Voca- single parish vocation ministry com- tion Ministry,” did not know what the mittee could be more like a tsunami word vocation meant four years ago. revitalizing and energizing the parish She and her husband, David, were at many levels. We have to “invite” invited to a meeting at her parish, St. our young people to actually pray to Terra Sancta Retreat Center Highlights — June Cecilia in Houston, Texas. Her parish know their true vocation and to June 5: Black Hills Catholic Home Educators High School Graduation priest, Fr. Victor Perez, personally discern God’s call in their lives. Mass will begin at 1 pm with ceremony and reception to follow. This year’s called her and asked if the couple God does indeed have a particular graduating class is the largest since the BHCHE formed more than 20 years ago. would attend a meeting about “priests plan — a vocation for each and every Graduating: Grace Gutierres, Blaise Kirby, Trevor Mutchler, Hannah Smith, Anna and such.” one of our young people, whether it Wagner, Christian Weaver, Samantha Wickham, and Therese Wilhelmi. They accepted the invitation and June 7-10: Silent Retreat for Women would be a call to priesthood, This preached silent retreat will be led by Father Tim Hoag. her life has never been the same. I religious life, sacramental marriage, June 13-17: Tutus Tuus Girls Camp pray what happened to Rhonda and or the single life. Parish vocation An opportunity for girls grades 6-12 to spend time with religious sisters. Includes David will happen to each one of us committees help families create the hiking, campfires, games, Mass, and adoration. as we embrace Bishop Gruss’ call and space and environment they need to Other events in June: Several weddings and family events May 2016 Columns WRC 9 Good citizens ‘Red, White, Blue and Catholic’ The Catholic love affair with the ered acts of willfulness. Each of us United States of America is heading comes from a mother and father. Each into rough and uncharted waters — and ‘The church ought to of us begins life in a state of utter de- not only in this 2016 election cycle, but pendence. Each of us needs to be edu- for the foreseeable future. be free to be herself for cated, formed, and civilized. The U.S. Catholics have, in a sense, been her sake, for the sake of defense of human life is intimately there and done that, given that the the faithful, and for the bound to the defense of marriage and history of the church in this country family. These are not the only social is- includes fending off anti-Catholic sake of the common sues of concern to Catholics, but they bigots like the 18th-century Know good.’ are priorities in the literal sense of the religious freedom of individuals and the Nothing Party (about which 99% of word. Without the begetting and rear- liberty of the church are necessary Catholics today know nothing) and the ing of new generations, and the defense preconditions for a flourishing society. late-19th century American Protective of human life, there simply is no soci- Religion is emphatically a public good, Association (another puzzler, these ety, let alone a stable, flourishing, and and one indispensable to limited days, in Catholic Jeopardy). But there’s free society. “As the family goes,” said government, as the Founders were something different about today’s tur- Pope John Paul II, “so goes the nation.” constantly pointing out. The church bulence. Identifying that difference, un- Pope Francis would certainly agree. ought to be free to be herself for her derstanding it, and knowing how to (3) Given the current state of affairs sake, for the sake of the faithful, and for respond to it are all imperative if we’re in these United States, it is important to the sake of the common good. to navigate these troubled waters in remember that religious freedom is not Do read “Red, White, Blue, and such a way as to advance the New something bestowed on individuals by Catholic.” Then get copies for your Evangelization and give our country a a tolerant, benevolent state. No, the Catholic neighbors. new birth of freedom, rightly under- Catholic” (Liguori), intends to clarify stood. and address. In this brief but incisive The difference today is that the look at the issues of the day — and of assault on the church by militant secu- the likely future — Steve White makes larism and its allies in the federal gov- several important points: ernment is a struggle over first (1) Our politics is often reduced to a principles. That wasn’t so much the tug of war between crude caricatures: case in the past. The Know Nothings the party of government and the party and the American Protective Associa- of the individual. When this happens, a tion claimed to honor the Constitution; humane accounting of the realities of so did U.S. Catholics. The Know Noth- social life becomes impossible and the ings and the APA said we were lying, fundamental purpose of politics — liv- because we owed our first allegiance to ing well, together — gets overlooked. a foreign potentate (they meant the Most of our lives happen in the varie- pope, not the Lord Jesus Christ); we gated social spaces between the indi- proved that Catholicism and American vidual and the government. We call this patriotism weren’t antinomies. Still, “civil society.” It is there — in the fam- everyone in these battles affirmed the ily, the parish, the school, the business, first principles inscribed in the Consti- the local community, and so on — that tution and the self-evident moral truths, the vast majority of our lives happen. articulated in the Declaration of Inde- It’s in these spaces, and not just in the pendence, that the Constitution was voting booth, that most of the work of crafted to embody. Today, it is precisely citizenship happens. those truths and those principles that are (2) The family, the cradle of new life being sharply contested. and the font of civil society, is in jeop- That’s the unprecedented situation, ardy in unprecedented ways, as our perilous and yet full of possibility, that society increasingly disregards basic a new book by my colleague Stephen facts of human existence and tried to White, “Red, White, Blue, and alter them by technologically empow- 10 WRC Columns May 2016 Words to live by: The Ten Commandments of Mercy Among the Ten Commandments, so consolingly teaches, the whole point is judgmental. We must create a society one begins with the word “remember”: is that we don’t have to measure up. that is merciful and a church that is Remember to keep holy the Sabbath That’s what mercy means. It’s unde- merciful. Mercy, alone, enables the day.” It reminds us to recall something served, by definition. survival of the weakest. we already know. There are command- 4. Remember that, having 9. Remember that mercy calls us ments of mercy written into our very received mercy, we must show mercy to do works both spiritual and DNA. We already know them, but we to others. physical. need to remember them more explicitly. We only receive and appropriate Our Christian faith challenges us to What are they? God’s mercy and the mercy of others perform mercy in a double way, corpo- when we extend that same mercy to really and spiritually. The classic forever falling short at something, no The Ten Commandments of Mercy: others. Mercy has to flow through us. If corporal works of mercy are: Feed the matter the strength of our sincerity, 1. Remember that mercy lies deep- we don’t extend it to others we become hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter good intention, and willpower. Only est in God’s heart. self-indulgent and too harsh on others. the homeless, clothe the naked, visit the mercy, receiving it and giving it, can Few things so much approximate the 5. Remember that only the prac- sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the lead us out of the choppy waters of our essence of God as does mercy. Mercy is tice of mercy sets us free. dead. The classic spiritual works of own anxieties, worry, and joylessness. God’s essence. Scripture uses words Receiving and giving mercy is the mercy are: instruct the ignorant, coun- Only in knowing mercy do we know such as loving-kindness and compas- only thing that frees from our congeni- sel the doubtful, comfort the gratitude. sion to try to define what constitutes tal propensity to self-seek, afflicted, admonish the This year, 2016, Pope Francis has God’s mercy, but the central biblical self-justify, and judge sinner, forgive of- asked us all to live a year of mercy, to concept, captured in the Hebrew others. Nothing frees fenses, bear contemplate the mystery of mercy “as a concept of hesed, connotes a relation- us more from the wrongs patiently, wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace.” ship that loves, embraces, and forgives tyranny of ego than and pray for the Mercy, he believes, is the secret to even when, and especially when, we does the practice of living and the dead. putting a credible face to God, to cannot measure up or deserve what’s mercy. God has given us putting a credible face to our churches, given us. 6. Remember that different gifts and and to walking with steadiness inside 2. Remember that mercy is the mercy is not all of us are better at our own lives. essence of all true religion. opposed to justice, some of these than Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, the- Inside religion and spirituality, but is its fulfillment. at others, but mercy is ologian, teacher, and award-winning within all faiths, three things try to lay Mercy, as Walter Kasper so aptly manifest in all of them. author, is President of the Oblate claim to what’s central: proper religious puts it, is not “a kind of fabric softener 10. Remember that our lives are a School of Theology in San Antonio, TX. practice, outreach to the poor, and that undermines the dogmas and com- dialogue between God’s mercy and He can be contacted through his web- compassion. Ultimately they are not in mandments and abrogates the central our weaknesses. site www.ron rolheiser.com. Now on opposition, but complementary pieces and fundamental meaning of truth.” The only thing at which we are Facebook: www.facebook.com/ronrol of one religious whole. But for religious That’s the accusation the Pharisees adequate is being inadequate. We are heiser. practice and outreach to the poor to be made against Jesus. Mercy is where an extension of God’s love and not of justice is meant to terminate. Monthly Message From Our Lady On the 25th of each month, Our Lady Prayer Intentions of human ego, they need to be predicated 7. Remember that only the prac- appears to the Medjugorje visionary the Holy Father upon compassion, mercy. Deepest tice of mercy will make God’s King- Marija to give us her message June inside of every religion is the invitation: dom come. to the world. Universal: Human Solidarity, That Be compassionate, merciful, as God is Jesus promised us that someday the “Dear children! My Immaculate Heart the aged, marginalized, and those compassionate. meek will inherit the earth, the poor will bleeds as I look at you in sin and sinful who have no one may find — even 3. Remember that we all stand eat plentiful, rich food, and all tears will habits. I am calling you: return to God and within the huge cities of the world — to prayer that it may be good for you on forever in need of mercy. be wiped away. That can only happen opportunities for encounter and soli- earth. God is calling you through me for your darity. There is more rejoicing in heaven when mercy replaces self-interest. hearts to be hope and joy for all those who Evangelization: Seminarians and over one sinner who converts than over 8. Remember that mercy needs too are far away. May my call be for you a balm Novices, That seminarians and men ninety-nine righteous persons. Does to be practiced collectively. for the soul and heart so that you may glo- and women entering religious life may rify God, the Creator, who loves you and is God love sinners more than the right- It is not enough for us to be merciful have mentors who live the joy of the calling you to eternity. Little children, life is Gospel and prepare them wisely for eous? There are no righteous persons. in our own lives. Mercy is marginalized short; you, make good use of this time and their mission. It’s rather that we feel God’s love more in a society that doesn’t sufficiently do what is good. Thank you for having re- when we admit that we’re sinners. None attend to those who are weak or needy, sponded to my call.” 4/25/16 For more information, go to: of us ever measure up. But, as St. Paul just as it is marginalized in a church that APOSTLESHIPOFPRAYER.ORG May 2016 News WRC 11 Pew survey tracks effect of faith on everyday lives By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON — A new Pew Research Center study of Americans across the religious spec- trum finds that faith plays a measurable role in how people live their everyday lives. “People who are highly religious are more engaged with their extended families, more likely to volunteer, more involved in their communities and generally happier with the way things are going in their lives,” said the introduction to the study, “Religion in Everyday Life,” which was issued April 12. “Nearly half of highly religious Americans — defined as those who say they pray every day and attend religious services each week — gather with extended family at least once or twice a month,” compared to three in 10 of less religious Americans. Also, 65 percent of highly religious adults say they have donated money, time or goods to help the poor in the past week, more than half again as many as the 41 percent who are less religious. “And 40 percent of highly religious U.S. adults describe themselves as ‘very happy,’ compared with 29 percent of those who are less religious,” the report said. As for Catholics, “three-quarters of Catholics say they look to their own conscience ‘a great deal’ for guidance on difficult moral questions. Far fewer Catholics say they look a great deal to the Catholic Church’s teachings, the Bible or the pope for guidance on difficult moral questions,” with 21, 15 and 11 percent, respectively, saying they do, according to the report. Catholics are the single largest religious group in the United States at 21 percent of the survey population, according to Pew’s Besheer Mohamed, the report’s principal author. In an April 11 telephone interview with Catholic News Service, Mohamed said Catholics are so large within Christianity overall, “when we report ‘x’ percent of Christians say such-and-such, it’s very hard to be one way and Catholics to be somewhere else.” He hastened to add, “That’s not to say they’re not distinctive,” pointing to one response that showed 22 percent of Catholics say they believe Bible reading to be an essential part of their Christian identity, compared to 70 percent of highly religious Christians, 60 percent of evangel- ical Christians, 57 percent of Christians belonging to historically black denominations, 49 percent of all Protestants, 42 percent of all Christians, 27 percent of Christians in mainline denomina- tions — and even 26 percent of Christians who are not highly religious. In descending order of importance, here is what Catholic respondents declared to be essential: believing in God; being grateful for what you have, being honest at all times; forgiving those who have wronged you; praying regularly; committing to spend time with your family; working to help the poor and needy; attending religious services; not losing your temper; reading the Bible or other religious materials; and — with a tie between them — helping in the congregation and dressing modestly. Bringing up the rear were working to protect the environment; buying from companies that pay a fair wage; living a simple lifestyle; and resting on the Sabbath. There were not great differences between Catholics and other Christians on the order of the list from top to bottom. Pew purposely did not ask about specifics relating to the Ten Commandments, Mohammad said, adding it would have been “a little double-barreled.” When making major life decisions, Catholics are slightly more likely than Americans overall to use their own research (84 percent-82 percent), seek advice from family (50 percent-43 percent) and to ask advice from experts (30 percent-25 percent). They are a bit less likely to conduct their own personal and religious reflection (39 percent-45 percent) or to seek advice from religious leaders (10 percent-15 percent). The report draws findings from Pew Research Center’s U.S. Religious Landscape Study, which examined religious beliefs, practices and experiences of Americans, and from a supplemental sur- vey designed to go beyond traditional measures of religious behavior — such as worship service attendance, prayer and belief in God. In the survey, 2,437 Catholics were interviewed by phone from among 35,071 Americans. 12 WRC News May 2016 God’s divine mercy can heal the deepest wounds By Laurie Hallstrom age 7 she knew she was Center, Howes, when he “After 5 minutes I couldn’t believe Go inside and ask are you really called to religious life. At age felt God’s words, “Come what happened. My whole reality was happy, do you feel loved, content, or 19 she first heard the words before me and pray.” In brought to (a passing acquaintance) whole? Do you really feel you are liv- from Jesus that changed her the small white church he while I was praying that chaplet, I was ing in the sense of joy you were created life, “How long will you felt scared and vulnerable. brought into a reality of what it was like to live in? keep putting me off?” His defense mechanisms to live in his shoes. I was exposed to the These were questions raised by She entered the Congrega- had fallen away. struggles and sufferings in his life.” It Deacon Larry Kopriva who was the tion of the Sisters of Our “For the first time in bought Deacon Kopriva to tears. “I featured speaker at the Deanery One Lady of Mercy. Jesus gave my life I experienced my pulled myself together and began to Day of Mercy, April 28. It was held at her messages including the redeemer,” said Deacon pray and all of a sudden the same thing Immaculate Conception Church, Rapid instructions to paint his Deacon Larry Kopriva Kopriva. “My experience happened with another person, who City. He serves at Blessed Sacrament image with the words “Jesus I trust in of the risen Lord is up here,” he said was even more distant to me.” Church, Rapid City. you” at the bottom. In another message gesturing with his hand raised. “I live He explained his encounter with the “(In opening yourself to Christ) you he gave her the words to the Chaplet of in joy and love, its not perfect every risen Lord allowed him to minister to will be exposed to the deepest core of Divine Mercy, which implores God’s day, but I have an experience of great those people. “ I knew where to go and the reality of your own woundedness mercy. peace.” what to say. I knew how to comfort and that is where Jesus will move in “Experiencing his mercy in our life He recounted a time he found him- them and it was a beautiful life chang- and you will experience his mercy. It gives us energy to go forth each day,” self next to a pond on a beautiful au- ing experience for me.” will be such a powerful experience that he said. “Where do we need healing?” tumn day in the country and felt A video of the presentation is at trust won’t be an issue and you will He recalled a time at Sioux Spiritual compelled to pray the Divine Chaplet. http://www.rapidcitydiocese.org/day-of-mercy/ begin to trust everything in your life to him,” said Deacon Kopriva. “You will be exposed to others in this world like Black Hills Tourist never before and your joy will come in and through those people he places in Summer Mass Guide Belle Fourche: St. Paul Catholic Church, Rapid City: your life.” 855 5th St. — Sunday 10:30 a.m. Cathedral of “All through salvation history God Custer: St. John the Baptist Catholic Our Lady of has always worked through people to Church, 449 Harney St. — Perpetual convey his glory, truth and message,” Saturday 5:30 p.m./Sunday 8 a.m. Help, 520 Deadwood: St. Ambrose Cathedral Dr. — he said. Catholic Church, 760 Main St. — Saturday 5:30 p.m./Sunday 8 His presentation featured the Apos- Saturday 6 p.m./Sunday 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. Newman tle of Divine Mercy, St. Faustina Edgemont: St. James Catholic Church, Center, 316 Kansas City St. — 310 3rd Ave. — Sunday 5 p.m. Sunday 7 p.m. Kowalska. She was born in 1905 in Hermosa: St. Michael Catholic Church, Rapid City: Immaculate Conception Poland. Deacon Kopriva said even at 150 Second St. — Saturday 6 p.m./ Catholic Church, 922 5th St. — Sunday 9 a.m. Latin Mass in the Former Rite: Hill City: St. Rose of Lima Catholic Sunday 10 a.m. Church, 100 Park Ave. — Sunday Rapid City: St. Isaac Jogues Catholic 10 a.m. Bilingual Mass: Saturday 7 p.m. Church, 221 Knollwood Dr. — Hot Springs: St. Anthony of Padua Saturday 7 p.m./Sunday 9 and 11 a.m. Catholic Church, 538 University Ave. — Rapid City: St. Therese the Little Flower Sunday 10:30 a.m. Catholic Church, 523 Adams St. — Keystone: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Saturday 5:30 p.m./Sunday 9 a.m. Catholic Church, 1014 Madill St. — and 5:30 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m. Spearfish: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lead: St. Patrick Catholic Church, 844 5th St. — Saturday 5:30 p.m./ 141 Siever St. — Saturday 4 p.m./ Sunday 8:30 a.m. Sunday 10 a.m. Sturgis: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Piedmont: Our Lady of the Black Hills Church, 1049 Howard St. — Catholic Church, 12365 Sturgis Rd. Saturday 5 p.m./Sunday 9 a.m. (Exit 48) — Saturday 5 p.m./ Wall: St. Patrick Catholic Church, Sunday 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. 701 Norris — Saturday 5 p.m./ Rapid City: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Sunday 8 a.m. Church, 4500 Jackson Blvd. — Saturday 5:30 p.m./Sunday 7, 9, and Need to find another parish? 11 a.m. Spanish Mass: Sunday 1:30 p.m. www.rapidcitydiocese.org/parishes/ May 2016 Priority Plan of the Diocese of Rapid City WRC 13 Diocese of Rapid City

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Wishing you many blessings in the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy! Since my arrival almost five years ago, I have deeply embraced my role as the bishop of this beautiful diocese. In these short years, I have experienced the deep faith of the people and have witnessed the wonderful ministry taking place across the Diocese of Rapid City. Many people have heard me express the sentiments, “I would like the Diocese to move from being a ‘mission diocese’ to a diocese with a mission.” I have spent time praying, reflecting, listening, and observing so as to best understand and discern the most appropriate way in which to move forward with such a vision. Growing out of this prayer and discernment came an envisioning process that would clearly define priorities and goals for the next three to five years. The document which you find here is the result of this process. The last time a similar process was undertaken in the Diocese was the Synod of 2002, completed fourteen years ago. It is always good for any organization to frequently look at itself and what it is doing to determine if the priorities are in alignment with its mission, to discern where it wants to be in five years and how it will get there. Any vision for the Diocese must be aligned with the mission of Christ and his Church. The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council defined this mission: “The Church seeks but a solitary goal: to carry forward the work of Christ under the lead of the befriending Spirit. And Christ entered the world to give witness to the truth, to rescue and not to sit in judgment, to serve and not to be served” [Gaudium et Spes, The Church in the Modern World, paragraph 3]. A diocese with a clearly defined mission and clearly focused on that mission will bear great fruit in carrying forward the work of Christ. The Church today finds herself at a crossroads. The attrition of her members is not only tragic, but one of her greatest challenges. This is a clear summons for all of us into the work of the New Evangelization. The word “evangelization” scares many people, but it shouldn’t nor does it have to. A spirit-filled Church lives in faith, hope and love [not fear] accepting the challenges of the times. This is our mission and our pathway to become a “diocese with a mission.” Our Holy Father, Pope Francis illuminates for us who we are called to be and what we are called to do: “In our day Jesus’ command to ‘go and make disciples’ echoes in the changing scenarios and ever new challenges to the Church’s mission of evangelization, and all of us are called to take part in this new missionary ‘going forth.’ Each Christian and every community must discern the path that the Lord points out, but all of us are asked to obey his call to go forth from our own comfort zone in order to reach all the ‘peripheries’ in need of the light of the Gospel” [Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, #20]. All of the efforts of the Diocese of Rapid City must be focused with this call and mission in mind. It is my belief, through the hard work of the Envisioning Team, this Diocesan Priority Plan has focused our ministry in the service of the Gospel in such a way. It is both challenging and motivating for all of us. But it offers a message of hope and opportunity that draws the People of God to something greater than themselves and inspires them to action. The power of the Holy Spirit will lead us to accomplish more than we can possibly ever imagine. As we go forth as a community of missionary disciples, we stand strong in knowing “that the Lord has taken the initiative, he has loved us first (cf. 1 Jn 4:19), and therefore we can move forward, boldly take the initiative, go out to others, seek those who have fallen away, stand at the crossroads and welcome the outcast” [The Joy of the Gospel, #24]. As you read and reflect upon this Diocesan Priority Plan and our vision statement – Reconcile – Make Disciples – Live the Mission – begin to pray and ask the Holy Spirit how you might be called to engage this vision in a personal way and in your parish community. Ask the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart to live this inspiring vision and pray for the fruitfulness of this important mission for our Diocese. Through the efforts of all of us, I am very hopeful that we will create a healthy, vibrant diocese for years to come – building the Kingdom of God. May God continue to abundantly bless you, your family and the Diocese of Rapid City. Sincerely in the peace, joy and mercy of Christ, +Bishop Robert D. Gruss 14 WRC Priority Plan of the Diocese of Rapid City May 2016 Priority Plan of the Diocese of Rapid City Those called to implement the Priority Plan of the Diocese of Rapid City and † We will create an attitude of openness toward all people: those that it will affect include the Bishop in his leadership of the diocese, Catholics, other Christians, people of other faiths and those with no faith. diocesan personnel, clergy and religious, members of parishes, missions, Catholic † We will be united to those who suffer from inequality, poverty and school communities and organizations and all people in western South Dakota. injustice. † We will be open-minded to people and their needs in our diverse cultures. Our Sacred Mission † We will look to the scriptures and Catholic social Why we exist as a Diocese teaching for guidance on how to be in solidarity. † We will prayerfully build consensus and charitably We, the Diocese of Rapid City, through the power of the Holy Spirit, are called support all decisions. to attract and form intentional disciples who joyfully, boldly and lovingly † We will work collaboratively and respectfully as proclaim and live the mission of Jesus Christ, leading to eternal life. VB brothers and sisters in Christ across the Diocese and the world.

Our Core Values Mercy: Steadfast kindness, compassion and forgiveness received from God and How we will decide, communicate, and behave as a Diocese extended to others. The behaviors that exemplify this value include but are not limited to the Prayer: Seeking an encounter with God in Christ through the Holy Spirit, following: according to one’s own culture. † We will daily receive and proclaim the merciful embrace of the The behaviors that exemplify this value include but are not limited to the Father. following: † We will seek God’s mercy regularly in the Sacrament of † We will pray unfailingly each day for a renewed personal encounter 1 Reconciliation. with Jesus Christ . † We will forgive others as Christ has forgiven us. † We will actively join in the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist weekly † In the spirit of the Good Samaritan, we will carry out the Corporal and and regularly participate in the sacramental life of the Church. Spiritual Works of Mercy. † We will reflect daily with the Word of God. † We will attend Diocesan Year of Mercy events. † We will turn to our Mother Mary and the saints as models of prayer and intercessors. Charity: Loving God and others because God has first loved us. † We will regularly participate in the devotional life of the Church – e.g., The behaviors that exemplify this value include but are not limited to the Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary, Liturgy of the Hours, Stations of the following: Cross, Divine Mercy Chaplet. † We will seek God’s love in the Sacraments and prayer. † We will share God’s love through building community and serving Stewardship: Living a life of generous hospitality, lively faith and dedicated others, especially those most in need. discipleship. † We will protect and defend the dignity of human life in all its stages. The behaviors that exemplify this value include but are not limited to the following: Family: The domestic church2, the foundation of society, a communion of † We will evangelize through ongoing invitation. persons called to reflect the life of the Trinity. † We will strengthen our faith through formation and study. The behaviors that exemplify this value include but are not limited to the † We will identify and nurture the gifts that God has given to us. following: † In gratitude, we will joyfully and generously share our gifts out of love † We will pray as families and for families. for God and neighbor. † As family members, we will † We will daily examine how we have received and shared our gifts, pray to Jesus for an openness talents and treasure. to our Catholic Faith. † We will be responsible stewards of God’s creation. † We will support and promote the Church’s understanding of Solidarity: In Christ, recognizing and accepting all people as brothers and sisters; marriage and family life. being responsible for the common good of all.

The behaviors that exemplify this value include but are not limited to the VB following: 1Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 3 2Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium, 11: cf. Apostolicam Acutositatem, 11. May 2016 Priority Plan of the Diocese of Rapid City WRC 15 † “With prudence, understanding, patience and docility to the spirit3” we FORMING DISCIPLES will accompany families in their various forms in the universal call to “And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others holiness. as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for † We will provide and participate in faith formation opportunities. building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and † As parents and guardians, we will be the primary educators knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full of our children in the Catholic Faith. stature of Christ, so that we may no longer be infants, tossed by waves † As family members, we will demonstrate our faith and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, (e.g., attending Mass, daily prayer, catechetical formation, …) from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming. Rather, living † We will cultivate a culture of vocations in family life. the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the body’s growth and builds itself up in love” Diocesan Five Year [Eph 4:11-15]. Statement of Vision We are called to a deep union with Christ – a relationship of love. We will work together for formation in the human, spiritual, intellectual and Where we are going through 2021. VB pastoral areas. This formation will empower us to grow as faithful stewards of God’s gifts, living a Catholic way of life through hospitality, faith and discipleship. Reconcile – Make Disciples – Live the Mission Goal: Increase by 5-10 the number of parishes which have met the criteria to be recognized as stewardship parishes by July 1, 2017.

Diocesan Pastoral Priorities Goal: Increase the participation rate in formation events (human, spiritual, What we will develop and do over an 18-24 month time period, through 2018. intellectual and pastoral) by at least 25% of average number of parishioners currently attending Mass in each parish or group of parishes by December 31, RECONCILIATION 2018. “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. And all this is from God, who has reconciled us FUNDING THE MISSION to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, “Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” [2 Cor 5:17-20]. all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. you are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving As God has reconciled us through Jesus Christ, so we will promote forgiveness to God, for the administration of this public service is not only supplying the needs and healing within families; within and between communities; among racial of the holy ones but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God” groups; with the church. We will invite others to experience the good news of [2 Cor 9:6-9, 11-12]. God’s love through an encounter with Jesus Christ. Our Pastoral Plan lays out the vision and priorities for the Diocese of Rapid City. Goal: Identify areas where reconciliation and unity are strong and areas where Our plan will be successful because disciples of Jesus Christ accept their call to reconciliation is needed for each parish or group of parishes by December 1, joyfully and generously share their gifts so that the Gospel can be proclaimed and 2016. lived in western South Dakota.

Goal: Each parish or group of parishes will submit to the Goal: Develop a Diocesan Facility Master Plan by March 1, 2017 to include: Bishop a plan which engages and promotes reconciliation and • Plans for a new chancery building includes an implementation process by March 1, 2017. • Plans for the Terra Sancta campus

Goal: Implement a financial plan to fund diocesan offices, ministries and facilities by July 1, 2017.

3 Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 171 VB 16 WRC Priority Plan of the Diocese of Rapid City May 2016 Our Foundational Ministries What we will accomplish in the Diocese in next 18 months. SACRAMENTS & WORSHIP Goal: Establish a diocesan office dedicated to the work of Social Justice by “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will July 1, 2017. worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must Goal: Establish a task force to assess the needs of the Hispanic worship in Spirit and truth” [John 4:23-24]. community and make recommendations to the Bishop by January 1, 2017.

Goal: Charter a liturgy commission under the direction of the Office of VOCATIONS & EVANGELIZATION Worship to renew the liturgical life of the Diocese of Rapid City by “Jesus approached and said to them, ‘All power in heaven and on earth has September 1, 2016. been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Goal: Implement an evaluation process to measure each parishioner’s teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And personal experience of the Mass in their parish by December 1, 2016. behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age’” [Matt 28:18-20].

EDUCATION & FORMATION Goal: Each parish or parish grouping will form a vocations committee to “Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious encourage and promote a culture of vocations by January 1, 2017. in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices Goal: Train and form 10-15 people from each parish or parish grouping in acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” [1 Peter 2:4-5]. relational ministry and sharing the joy of the Gospel of Christ through witness and testimony by January 1, 2017. Goal: Provide 3-5 ongoing opportunities for formation for catechists and parishioners in a distance learning format by January 1, 2017. Symbols in the Logo Goal: Directors of religious education will complete a certification The heart of our call as disciples of Jesus is reflected in the logo we program at the parish’s expense either through the VSI program or an have created to illustrate the Vision Statement. approved equivalent by September 1, 2017. The circle and colors are inspired by the Native American Medicine Wheel. The circle represents the hoop of the earth — the relationship GOVERNANCE & FINANCE of all creation and the loving Father as Creator. Red, black, yellow and white are sacred colors which suggest the four directions, reminding us “I urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all to see God in all things. The color wash humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, also suggests the flame of the Holy striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and Spirit which empowers us to live one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one as disciples. faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and The heart represents the in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s desire of Jesus to reconcile gift” [Eph 4:-7]. all people to himself in forgiveness, offering Goal: Provide a minimum of two Parish Leadership education sessions in each salvation through the Deanery to help parishes operate within the Diocesan and Parish blood of the cross. financial guidelines by August 1, 2017. The “Jesus fish” or ichthus, was used in the Goal: Implement a communication strategy that will support and enhance our early Church to represent foundational ministries by December 31, 2016. Christians, and is symbolic of the Lord’s promise to make us SOCIAL SERVICES & OUTREACH “fishers of men.” “‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? The cross reminds us that living When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? the mission means each of us must “deny When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of The symbols are connected, as these elements of the life and mine, you did for me’” [Matt 25:37-40]. ministry of Christ and his disciples cannot be separated. May 2016 WRC 17 Day of Mercy — in each parish June 21, 2016 Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Jubilee Confession from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Two priests Year of available at all times with four-five priests available from 5-7 p.m. Adoration throughout the day. Presentation begins at 7 p.m. Speaker: Fr. Michel Mulloy “Anointing of the Sick” June Saint of Mercy —Mercy St. Katharine drexel Benediction at 7:45 p.m. Social to follow. Diocesan Pilgrimage June 18, 2016 — St. Francis 11 am: Exposition and Presentation Upcoming Events Upcoming Speaker: Bishop Robert Gruss “Eucharist and Holy Communion” 11:30 am: Prayer Experience Noon-2: Reconciliation 2 pm: Benediction 3 pm: Mass with Bishop Gruss presiding 4 pm: Healing Service Prayer to St. Katharine God of love, you called Saint Katharine Drexel Mother M. Francis Xavier McCann and St. Katharine Drexel with Navajo men and two Franciscans near to teach the message of the Gospel St. Michaels, Ariz, where the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament teach at St. Michael's Indian School. and to bring the life of the Eucharist Photo © Archives of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. to the Native American and African American peoples; by her prayers and example, Katharine Drexel was born in Philadelphia into a Katherine determined to give her whole life and fortune enable us to work for justice wealthy family in 1858. Her mother died when she was to God for the good of others. She spoke to her spiritual di- among the poor and the oppressed, only five-weeks old, and her father remarried a kind rector, Bishop James O’Connor of Omaha, Neb., about her and keep us undivided in love woman who became a devoted mother. Her parents desire to join a contemplative religious community, but in the Eucharistic community of your Church. taught her from an early age that their wealth was not he directed her to spend more time in prayer about this. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, their own and should be shared with others. Katherine While in Europe, Katharine and her sisters had an op- who lives and reigns with you received a private education at home and traveled widely portunity for an audience with Pope Leo XIII. She asked in the unity of the Holy Spirit, throughout the United States and Europe. Her parents dis- him to recommend a religious community who could one God, for ever and ever. tributed food, clothing, and rent assistance to the poor serve in the missions she was supporting financially. The Amen. from their home. pope recommended that Katharine become a missionary When they heard of someone too ashamed to come for herself. Despite the objections of family members, help, they assisted them quietly, as their stepmother taught Katharine entered the Sisters of Mercy in Pittsburgh, Pa. Find us them, “Kindness may be unkind if it leaves a sting be- Soon after, with thirteen other women, she founded the hind.” Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, who were dedicated to online In Katharine’s travels, she saw first-hand the difficult adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and to serving African Watch past Deanery One presentations. Read about situation of African Americans and Native Americans and and Native Americans. the current and past Saint of the Month. Learn was determined to use her wealth for good to assist them. Mother Katherine suffered a heart attack in her late about the upcoming pilgrimages. Find a At about age 27, when her parents died, Katharine inher- 70s, and as she became more infirm, she dedicated her reading list and other resources at: ited a vast fortune. She immediately began to contribute remaining years to prayer and adoration of the Eucharist. money for schools and missions, establishing a school for She died in 1955 at the age of 96 and was canonized by www.rapidcitydiocese.org/ Native Americans in Sante Fe, N.M., for African Ameri- Pope St. John Paul II in 2000. Although harassed for years Jubilee-year-of-mercy cans in New Orleans, La., and to assist the mission at St. by segregationists, at the time of her death, St. Katharine’s Francis on the Rosebud Reservation, and many other community had more than 500 sisters serving in more www.facebook.com/ places. than 60 schools and missions around the country. Her life DiorcYearofMercy Although she had received several marriage proposals, was a testimony to mercy. 18 WRC News May 2016 Golden Anniversary Repairs are Underway BLESSED Deacon Luis Sr. and Teresa SACRAMENT Usera will celebrate their CHURCH, RAPID fiftieth wedding anniversary CITY — A statue with an Open House, June 18 of Mary was pushed off its from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Mother pedestal and Butler Center, Rapid City. A broken in sev- celebratory Mass will follow at eral places. St. Isaac Jogues at 5 p.m. Deacon Tom (Courtesy photo) Silva, Fremont Neb., who had just finished repairs to the statue, will or- ganize and su- Congratulations pervise repairs to the Carrere marble statue. “My prayer is focused on the forgiveness and mercy that needs to flow from us to the persons who did Graduates! this,” said Father Brian Lane. “She will return.” (Courtesy photo)

Stop in for unique spiritual gifts for your graduate. Choose from Bibles and books on spiritual guidanceWe look as well forward as inspirational to seeing you artwork andat the gifts. Mustard Remember Seed that Catholic we always Store have .... a full selection of greeting cards for all occasions.

708 St. Joseph Street, Rapid City ~ 605-348-5228 May 2016 Columns WRC 19 Researchers experiment on embryos according to ‘14-Day Rule’ Arguments in favor of research on comes into being.” embryonic humans in recent decades. human embryos typically play off our un- Most people have an instinctive moral Considering the fact that the rule may familiarity with the way that we our- awareness when they reflect on the real- now actually begin to hamper what some selves once appeared and existed as ity that adults come from embryos. A par- of them are interested in doing, they are embryos. Humans in their tiniest stages ticular conclusion organically follows, pushing, unsurprisingly, to “revisit” and are indeed unfamiliar to us, and they namely, that any decision to interrupt an “recalibrate” the rule. hardly look anything like “one of us.” Yet embryo’s growth and development in- Historically speaking, the “14-day the undeniable conclusion, that every one volves a willingness to destroy a prospec- rule” arose largely as a mechanism for of us was once an embryo, remains an in- tive infant, child, teenager, and adult. justifying what had previously been con- disputable scientific dogma, causing a Even the natural potential for the splitting sidered immoral, even unthinkable, re- “fingernails on the chalkboard” phenom- and fusing of embryos does not substan- search. The rule enabled serious human world can that kind of respect mean? An enon for researchers every time they tively alter the fact that adults arise from rights violations to proceed apace under odd form of esteem — at once high- choose to experiment on embryos or de- embryonic origins when traced back far the pretext of providing restrictions and minded and altogether lethal.” stroy them for research. enough along their particular develop- regulatory limitations. By feigning that Hence, the broader strategic goal of To enable scientists to get beyond the mental trajectories. If anything, the pos- the “14 day-rule” was somehow an ethi- conventions like the “14 day-rule” has knowledge that they’re experimenting on sibility that an early embryo might divide cal tenet grounded in biological facts, been not to identify or set in place any or destroying fellow humans, clever and make twins means that a decision to promoters of the rule devised a clever objective moral lines, nor to acknowl- strategems and justifications have had to destroy such an embryo might involve way of offering lip service to the moral edge authentic moral concerns, but to be devised. Among the more successful “double” the evil, since two future adults status of the human embryo. They im- circumnavigate those very concerns by of these approaches has been the well- are being exploited and exterminated plied that one could show respect for the means of the convention, and achieve known “14-day rule.” This rule, as noted rather than just one. human embryo through the establishment particular pragmatic outcomes, most no- in a recent article in the journal Nature, It is also worth emphasizing that the of such a rule, even though the rule ob- tably: the continued expansion of the re- represents “14-day rule,” despite protestations to the jectively demonstrated no more respect search, the minimization of “public “a legal and regulatory line in the contrary, has not actually restricted real- for vulnerable humanity than German re- outcry and backlash,” the continued sand that has for decades limited in vitro world human embryo research to any ap- searchers during the war would have, had availability of research funding, and the human-embryo research to the period be- preciable degree, because scientists have they declared a “14-year rule,” namely, avoidance of legally restrictive embryo- fore the ‘primitive streak’ appears. This lacked the ability, until quite recently, to that only concentration camp inmates protective measures that might be de- is a faint band of cells marking the be- culture human embryos in the lab for any below the age of fourteen would be ex- bated by justly-concerned legislatures. ginning of an embryo’s head-to-tail axis length of time beyond about a week. In perimented upon. Whether 14-days or 14- The ultimate goal of a convention like … The formation of the primitive streak is fact, it was only in 2016 that several new years, such rules at root constitute mere the “14-day rule” has been to establish significant because it represents the ear- studies figured out how to grow human contrivances to justify unethical science. the idea, erroneous at its core, that prior liest point at which an embryo’s biologi- embryos beyond what the “14-day rule” As bioethicist Daniel Callahan observed to a certain arbitrarily-determined time cal individuation is assured. Before this might forbid. The rule, thus, was an back in 1995: “I have always felt a nag- point, developing human beings can be point, embryos can split in two or fuse to- agreed-upon convention of no practical ging uneasiness at trying to rationalize deemed sufficiently different from us gether. So some people reason that at this significance for any researchers who may the killing of something for which I claim that an “us and them” chasm can be used stage a morally significant individual have been carrying out experiments on to have a ‘profound respect.’ What in the to justify their violent exploitation. 20 WRC Social Justice May 2016 New USCCB Pro-Life Secretariat Associate Director named Greg Schleppenbach, executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, has been hired as new associate director of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Pro-Life Secretariat. Former Director Richard Doerflinger will retire after 36 years of service to USCCB, having shared his expertise in life issues both na- Examination of Conscience for Workers tionally and internationally. Schleppenbach has served the Nebraska Catholic Conference for more than 25 “Work is fundamental to the dignity of a person … it gives you years. As the state conference’s pro-life director, he engaged in extensive speaking, the ability to maintain yourself, your family, to contribute to writing and lobbying on a wide range of matters, especially abortion, stem cell the growth of your nation.” research and end-of-life issues. As executive director, he was in charge of the over- —Pope Francis, Feast of St. Joseph the Worker and all operation of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, overseeing public policy lobby- World Labor Day, 5/1/15 ing activities and educating Catholics on important public policy matters in relation to Church teaching. “It’s humbling to succeed a pro-life giant like Richard Doer- flinger,” Schleppenbach said. “But I come to this position with confidence in God’s sDo I see my work as gift from God? amazing grace and a heart filled with passion for his precious gift of human life. I am How is this reflected in my attitude at my work? grateful for the honor of serving the bishops of Nebraska for so many years and am sDo I see my work as vocation? equally grateful for this opportunity to now serve the bishops of the United sDo I promote a culture of life through my work? States.”(USCCB News Release, 4/21/16) sDo I live a divided life, where I separate the Gospel principles from my work? Petitioners want U.N. to respond to Islamic State attacks sDo I seek the sacraments regularly and with attention to UNITED NATIONS (CNS) — A petition signed by more than 400,000 people how they support and inform my work practices? called on the United Nations to act to stop the Islamic State group in its endless sAm I sharing my spiritual life/understanding of work with attacks on Christians and other religious minorities. Presented to U.N. officials April others in my work life? 29 by Ignacio Arsuga, president of CitizenGo, an advocacy organization that works to defend and promote life, family and liberty around the world, the ceremony was ·Am I being just in my attentiveness to my personal part of three days of programming that examined the plight of religious minorities in performance? Am I ensuring that the company I work the Middle East. With signatures gathered online, the effort seeks to have the U.N. for is efficient? declare the Islamic State’s actions as genocide and for the world body to pursue legal action in international courts. The presentation took place a day after a Holy See- (From USCCB 2015 Labor Day Statement Pastoral Aid, sponsored event at the U.N. in which victims of atrocities spoke of their experiences http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/labor-em while being held by the militant organization. Bishop Joseph Danlami Bagobiri of ployment/upload/labor-day-statement -pastoral-aid-2015.pdf Kafanchan, Nigeria, and Greek Melkite Catholic Archbishop Jean-Clement Jeanbart In Your Prayers of Aleppo, Syria, joined Arsuga in the presentation. Birthdays: June 5, Fr. Vincent Suparman, SCJ; June 17, Fr. John Heying; June 25, Bishop Robert Gruss; June 26, Fr. Tony Grossenburg; June 27, Fr. Ed Witt, SJ. At humanitarian summit, countries with refugees expected Ordinations: June 1, 1974, Fr. Ron Seminara, SJ; June 6, 1991, Fr. Mark McCormick; June 7, 1984, Fr. Kerry Prendiville; June 7, 2014, Fr. Chris Johnson, SJ; June 8, to ask for help 1973, Fr. Dan Juelfs; June 8, 1974, Fr. John Hatcher, SJ; June 8, 1979, Fr. Michel ISTANBUL (CNS) — Syrian refugee Mohammed Noman, 19, sells daily bus tours Mulloy and Fr. David Matzko, SJ; June 8, 1989, Fr. Brian Lane; June 8, 2001, of Turkey’s major attractions to Arabic-speaking clients. On a recent afternoon break Fr. Timothy Castor and Fr. Matthew Fallgren; June 9, 1988, Fr. Gary Oreshoski and from his small kiosk on Cumhuriyet Caddesi, a main street in Istanbul, he smoked cig- Fr. Bryan Sorensen; June 9, 2000, Fr. John Heying and Fr. Andrzej Wyrostek; June 9, 2006, Fr. James Hoerter; June 10, 1994, Fr. Peter Etzel, SJ; June 11, 1976, arettes and recounted how he ended up there. “I wanted to finish school, join the Fr. Richard Abert, SJ; June 11, 1982, Msgr. Michael Woster; June 11, 1992, Fr. Leo marines and be the captain of a ship ... but my father was falsely accused of inciting Hausmann; June 11, 2005, Fr. David De Marco, SJ; June 12, 1954, Fr. D. Craig anti-government riots, and we had to leave Syria,” Noman told Catholic News Serv- Cower; June 12, 1981, Fr. Peter Klink, SJ; June 12, 1998, Fr. Ed Vanorny; June 13, ice April 29. He explained how, almost five years ago, he, his parents and his older 1997, Fr. Janusz Korban; June 14, 1974, Fr. George Winzenburg, SJ; June 17, 1983, sister had fled their home in Syria, out of fear his father would be jailed or killed. They Fr. Ron Garry; June 19, 2009, Fr. Andrea Benso; June 19, 2014, Fr. Jonathan Dillon, spent six months in displacement camps on Syria’s border with Turkey before cross- Fr. Grant Gerlach, and Fr. Adam Hofer; June 24, 1984, Fr. Joseph Dean, SCJ; June ing over and living for another two years in the aid camps funded by Turkey’s gov- 25, 2009, Fr. Tyler Dennis; June 29, 1995, Fr. Tim Hoag; June 30, 2001, ernment, in the Turkish city of Kilis. The family then headed for Istanbul, Turkey’s Fr. Christopher Hathaway, FSSP. Necrology: June 2, 1966, William McGuill; June 3, 1940, Bruno Suchsland; June 7, 1914, Joseph Chausee; June 8, 1952, Arthur biggest city’ where they rented a small apartment with the last of what they had man- LaFleur; June 9, 1963, Joseph O’Rourke; June 9, 1972, Francis Collins, SJ; June 12, aged to save from years of operating a successful restaurant in pre-war Syria. Noman 1924, Thomas Hoban; June 12, 1936, Michael Straeten; June 14, 1975, Eugene said he and his father now work in tourism, while his sister teaches in an Istanbul Szalay; June 17, 1961, Bernard Isherwood; June 19, 1967, Peter Price, SJ; June 20, school for Syrian refugee children. His mother maintains the apartment, cooking and 1946, Columban Bregenzer, OSB; June 22, 1975, Patrick McCormick; June 26, 1999, cleaning, and raising a new addition to the family, a 3-month-old baby girl. The fam- Joseph Zeller; June 27, 1985, Victor Perky, SCJ; June 30, 1964, Jerome Major. ily was still struggling to make ends meet with underpaid, unofficial jobs, he said. May 2016 Strengthening Family Ties WRC 21 CSS to participate in Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Day One in five Americans — including the theme of the event, which begins information on the services they your family members, friends and at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, at provide for people struggling with neighbors of all ages — struggle with Main Street Square in downtown mental health issues or suicidal a treatable, diagnosable mental illness, Rapid City. thoughts. experts say, yet many are re- The public is invited This year’s event will be followed luctant to talk about it. to come and enjoy enter- by an 8 p.m. showing of the movie, “The stigma associated tainment. There will also “Monster’s Inc.,” sponsored by with mental illness needs to be speakers touched by Movies Under the Stars and Manlove disappear,” said Debbie mental illness and/or Psychiatric Clinic. Bring lawn chairs Siemonsma, a spokeswoman suicide, graffiti artists and blankets and plan to stay for pop- for Behavior Management from “About This Life” corn and a movie. Systems. “We need to feel free to seek creating a huge spray-painted canvas, Participating agencies include: May is Mental Health Month professional help without worrying sponsored by the Allied Arts Fund, Behavior Management Systems, about who may know. People with a with additional funding from Stanford Catholic Social Services, Children’s “Healthy Minds, mental illness can live full and happy Adelstein. Home Society, Community Health Happy Families” lives.” There will be free food and Center of the Black Hills, Front Porch 5th Annual Mental Health & The 5th Annual Mental Health beverages from Coca Cola Bottling Coalition, Helpline Center, Lifeways, Suicide Prevention Day Awareness & Suicide Prevention Day Company of the Black Hills and free Lutheran Social Services, NAMI, Thursday, May 19 — 5:30 p.m. is meant to help remove some of the inflatables for children, courtesy of South Dakota National Guard, Main Street Square in stigma attached with mental illness. the S.D. National Guard. Local Veterans Affairs, and Youth & “Healthy Minds, Happy Families” is organizations and agencies will offer Family Services. downtown Rapid City.

Pray and Work Ora et Labora Pray and Work Ora et Labora Pray and Work Ora et Labora Pray and Work Ora et Labora Pray and Work Ora et Labora Sr. Mary Wegher re-elected prioress at St. Martin Monastery By Sr. Florence selecting and approving four direc- Dakota Territory, of the need for sis- riage, priesthood and consecrated life McManamen, OSB tion statements to be used as a guide ters to start a “Ladies Seminary.” on the parish level. Our Benedictine Community is for the community during the next Bishop Martin Marty arranged for five April 29-May 1, Sister Anita Louise happy to announce that four years. Sister Mary and her sisters from Melchtal, Switzerland, to Lowe, liturgist at Immaculate Concep- Sister Mary Wegher was family lived near Newcastle, come to Sturgis in 1889. In 1895, the tion Monastery, Ferdinand, Ind., con- elected for a second Wyo., until she was nine years Benedictine Convent of St. Martin ducted a workshop on the spirituality four-year term as pri- old when they moved to was incorporated in the State of South of the Liturgy of the Hours for the sis- oress of St. Martin Greeley, Colo. Sister Mary, a Dakota for “religious, educational and ters and volunteers at St. Martin Monastery on April 15. dedicated community member, benevolent reasons.” From 1889 to the Monastery. Sister Anita Louise has a Sister Jacquelyn Ernster ministered many years as a present the sisters have ministered in degree in Liturgy from Notre Dame from the Federation of teacher, and as the community these three categories in many ways University. St. Gertrude presided treasurer, and has been and now these “reasons” continue to over the canonical elec- involved in vocation ministry. be fulfilled by St. Martin Monastery, tion, the rite of accept- On April 28, the sisters cel- the Diocese of Rapid City and the ance, and the blessing of ebrated the 127th anniversary Good Samaritan Society. Sister Mary. The Benedictine Commu- of the founding of our community in On April 23, Sister Carol Kovarik nity spent extra time in prayer for sev- Sturgis, with Bishop Robert Gruss as and I attended the workshop on Voca- eral months preceding the election. As the celebrant at Mass. After Mass, tion Ministry at Our Lady of the Black outlined in the “Election of Prioress” Bishop Gruss joined the sisters for Hills in Piedmont. The dynamic proceedings, two facilitators, Sister lunch in the monastery dining room. speaker, Rhonda Gruenwald, led the Mary Catherine Wenstrup, Covington, Our neighbors, the Terra Sancta people who represented many parishes Ky., and Sister Anne Shepard, Atchi- Retreat Center staff, joined in the cel- in a hope-filled workshop. The “Hun- son, Kan., were chosen by the com- ebration of Mass. About one hundred dredfold” program is designed to offer The Chancery Office will be munity to lead the Sisters of St. years ago, the people of Sturgis told information and prayer support for closed Monday, May 30 in Martin Monastery during three days of Bishop Martin Marty, the Vicar of families regarding sacramental mar- observance of Memorial Day. 22 WRC News May 2016 Memorial Day: Honoring and remembering at the gravesites By Deacon Marlon Leneaugh tell stories of all the deceased relatives place where her/his body was placed Director of Native Ministries that held in gentle embrace the bodies and it felt like they were a part of the within the womb of Mother Earth to of all who are buried in this cemetery. In the online encyclopedia, Wick- day and were actually there with us, await the final day of glory. We pause Lord, with reverence; we leave a ipedia it says, “Memorial Day began in visiting and sharing in the meal. in silence to be united with her/him. wreath of worship at this grave, woven the South in 1862 following the Civil Other families would begin to gather Lord, we have come on this pilgrim- with love, adorned with memories and War. It was originally called Decoration with their food and all were invited to age of prayer to keep the flame of love with our faith in the reality of that Day because that is what happened on share what was brought. I always liked alive within our hearts. As we read earthen Easter morning when all the that day, folks would clean and deco- the smell of the fresh coffee, especially her/his name upon the marker, we re- holy dead will rise in the splendor of rate the graves of the soldiers killed in when it was chilly out that day. Every- joice because that name has been writ- your glory. war. The tradition caught on in the one would sit around and visit and ten for all ages in the palm of your Till that day, eternal rest North and eventually two different days laugh and enjoy the day together. There divine hand. to______and all the were merged to create this national were no strangers and all were wel- May the breath of creation that sur- holy dead Amen. holiday.” come. If it was a really nice day, this rounds this grave in trees, grass and Eternal rest to all your loved ones As a child, I have fond remem- could go on the entire afternoon and earth, birds and sun join us in prayer. who fought and sacrificed their very brances of Memorial Day. We would people would just keep coming and May this pilgrimage remind us of what lives for our country, we are very grate- get up early in the morning and make bringing their food and gathering. we already know: that nothing dies; ful for the sacrifices they made. May preparations for the day. We would Mom would walk around the ceme- rather, life is only transformed into new the souls of the faithful departed, have to walk a couple of miles, so we tery and look at all the decorated graves life. Holy is this grave, holy this earth through the mercy of God rest in peace. had to leave early in order to clean and and recall how she knew various indi- decorate our loved ones graves before viduals or who they were related to and everyone gathered for the prayer serv- say a short prayer for that person. I ice at the cemetery. The service was the especially admired the flags that were highlight of the day and many folks placed on the veteran’s graves. Even attended to pray for their loved ones. though I might not have understood When the prayer service concluded, everything, I knew that person was spe- the minister usually went around and cial because they had an American flag blessed all the graves with holy water. and was told that we honor them in a The children would follow him from special way. grave to grave and took turns carrying I would like to end with a prayer for the water pail for him. We would stand visiting the grave of a loved one this straight and be reverent when he came Memorial Day: to bless our loved ones graves. Then it was time to sit down around Canku Wakan God of Abraham and of Moses, a family member’s grave and take out At the April 22-24, Canku Wakan retreat, at the Sioux Spiritual Center, partici- Lord of the Living who visited Jesus the food that was prepared for the pants included: (Top Row) Alice Pourier, Jerome “Yamni” White Horse, within his grave and filled him with the lunch. It was usually something special Roberta Bruhn, Tekakwitha Herman, Lisa Moore, Debbie Day, and LeVeta Bark. fullness of eternal life, hear our prayer and tasted wonderful out in the ele- (Middle Row) Fr. Ron Seminara SJ, Pam Pourier, Rosie Roach, Lisa Rosenau, this day as we come to the burial place Julie Huggins, Candace Bauman, Rhonda Weaver, Dustin Day, Deacon Francis ments. We would spread the blanket of ______. Davis, and Mary Lou Davis. (First Row) Teresa “Teri” Kemmer, Germaine Little and sit down to eat. My mother would With reverence, we visit this sacred Bear, Ben Little Bear, Cathy Charging Hawk, and Mary Tognotti. (Courtesy photo) May 2016 Obituary WRC 23 Eileen Sauer, 88, a deacon’s wife Eileen Mary Sauer died on Monday, also foster parents for the Casey Family A Christian Funeral Mass was held Black Hills National Cemetery. April 18. Program. Eileen was a founder of April 25 at St. Therese Church with Fr. Friends may sign her online guest- Eileen was born on September 18, Birthright of Rapid City in 1973, as Bill Zandri presiding. Interment is at book at www.osheimschmidt.com. 1927, in Marquette, Mich., to Mary well as a leader for the statewide chap- (Weeks) and Ferdinand ter of Birthright. For 37 years, Schippers. Her mother died Eileen served and counseled Sr. Jacinta modeled mercy to many when she was 1 year old. young women through crisis When Sr. Jacinta Fiebig, SHF, served in the Diocese of Rapid City she helped Her father passed away pregnancies providing love, start an associate group for her religious order, Sisters of the Holy Family. Her when she was 9. Eileen was support, and countless sets of death was March 24 and there is an obituary in the April 2016 West River Catholic. raised by her maternal baby clothes, supplies, and A SHF Associate, Pat Petit, Rapid City, was asked to give a reflection at Sr. Jac- inta’s funeral, April 1, at the order’s motherhouse in Freemont, Calif. This is an grandparents, Malcolm and hugs. Mary, and her aunts Edith excerpt of her eulogy: Eileen is survived by her chil- “Many Rapid City cathedral parishioners still living today recall Sr. Jacinta’s and Bessie. dren Paul (Lori), Union, Ky., gentle, compassionate nature and deep love for God. One of sister’s parish min- Eileen graduated from Peter (Chris), Newcastle, Colo., istries was to greet those who came to the door seeking assistance for financial Bishop Baraga Catholic Eileen Sauer Joel (Barb), Denver, Colo., Mary aid, food or clothing. She welcomed them all with her special gift of love for mar- High School in 1945. Fol- Beth Mandery, Colorado Springs, ginalized people (and) they loved her too. A charcoal sketch given her by a man lowing graduation, she worked at the Colo., John (Gwen), Colorado Springs, she helped was one of the treasures taken along to Alma Via (nursing home) where Social Security office in Marquette. It Colo., Patrick, Boyceville, Wis., Anne she spent her last days. Sr. Jacinta first met “Debora,” a recovering alcoholic, on the street. She com- was there that she met Claude, who (Scott) Besmer, Bismarck, N.D., and worked in the same building. forted Deborah with her loving spiritual guidance as she directed this single mom Tobias, Osceola Wis., and 23 grand- to the necessary resources available to assist in caring for her six children. Today, After a three-year courtship, Eileen children and 13 great grandchildren. Deborah is a counselor for recovering alcoholics at the Indian Health Services in and Claude were married May 3, 1949 Eileen was preceded in death by her Rapid City in Marquette. In August of 1953, they husband Claude and their eldest son, As diocesan chaplain to the Beginning Experience Ministry to Separated, moved to Sauk Rapids, Minn. In Feb- Michael. Memorials have been estab- Divorced and Widowed Office (which is now under the umbrella of Family Life ruary 1956, Claude and Eileen, along lished to Birthright, 2002 5th St. Rapid Ministries), her loving care helped newly divorced and widowed team members with their first child, Michael, moved to City, SD 57701, Black Robe Catholic and participants experience God’s comfort and healing grace. … This ministry was founded in our diocese when understanding and compassion for those who were Rapid City, which was their home for Academy at St. Francis Mission, PO the next 58 years. Eileen and Deacon divorced was pretty rare. In later years, (in California) I saw and experienced the Box 499, St. Francis, SD 57572, and same kind of compassion carry over into sister’s ministry to men, women and chil- Claude moved to Denver in August the Terra Sancta Guild, PO Box 678 dren who suffered the throes of AIDS. 2014. Rapid City, SD 57701. This dear friend and I have cherished our close friendship for the 36 years since Eileen and Claude raised 9 children. her move to S.D. Our friendship blossomed as we shared meals and prayer time. They were foster parents for many Cards and condolences may be sent We eventually invited others to join us. Thus, we were instrumental in beginning years, caring for 27 newborns with to the family at 720 Magnolia St., Den- the Associate Program with the Sisters of the Holy Family. On Holy Thursday 34 Catholic Social Services. They were ver CO 80220. years ago, as we prayed together, we experienced within our spirits a strong movement to explore the possibility of some kind of lay association with the sis- ters. We continued sharing prayer and a monthly meal together with the others who had joined us. For years she and I commemorated that first Holy Thursday by making an annual retreat as we continued to pray for guidance. Four former sis- ters from this community and three laywomen from South Dakota made our first covenants as associates in 1991. She went home on Holy Thursday. I think that has great significance for our as- sociates today.” 24 WRC News May 2016

KC Convention The 114th S.D. State Knights of Columbus convention clergy Mass was celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell, April 22. Bishop Robert Gruss was the homilist and Marian Conference Bishop Paul Swain was the main speaker at the clergy banquet held later in the evening Deacon Larry Kopriva, Bishop Robert Gruss and Fr. Chris Alar at the closing Mass for to open the convention. The 4th degree Knights from throughout the state are pictured with the bishops. There were several members from the West River area including: Rapid the Divine Mercy/Marion Conference held May 15-16 at Blessed Sacrament Church, City, Piedmont, Spearfish, Lead/Deadwood and Philip. Also, several members of the Rapid City. Father Alar is the director of the Association of Marian Helpers, Catholic Daughters Court St. Rita were at the convention. (Courtesy photo) Stockbridge, Massachusetts. (WRC photo) Welcome to the Diocese of Rapid City Brechtel 70th Wedding Anniversary McIntosh, St. Bonaventure Robert and Genevieve (McFarland) Garth Hansen Brechtel were married May 20, 1946. (This is an addition to the names of those joining the church at Easter Vigil, The couple farmed on the Brechtel April West River Catholic, page 25) homestead east of Sturgis until they retired in their seventies. They were active members of St. Eustace Church, Hereford, before it closed in 1984. Now they attend St. Francis of Assisi Church, Sturgis. There will be a celebration of their 70 years together on June 25 at Spearfish Park, Spearfish. Friends and relatives are encouraged to dress in period costumes for any decade between 1930 and 2010.

A Safe Environment for Children and Young People The Catholic Diocese of Rapid City is firmly committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for our children and young people. To report allegations of sexual abuse by church personnel, contact the Victim Assistance coordinator, Barbara Scherr. To ensure confidentiality in her outreach to victims, she can be contacted privately at 1-605-209-3418 (cell). Her phone has caller ID and messaging features. All information will be treated confidentially. Alleged victims are advised of their right to report alleged abuse to civil authorities. In accordance with diocesan policy, all allegations of sexual misconduct involving children or young people and priests, deacons, lay employees, or volunteers serving the Diocese of Rapid City will be investigated. The diocesan sexual misconduct policy and the code of conduct are posted on the diocesan website at www.rapidcitydiocese.org. May 2016 News WRC 25 VSI: Growing in Christ and spreading the Gospel By Becky Berreth of Sioux Falls and it can be a pre-req- ogy: how to teach the faith, programs to fication, work with a spiritual advisor When Stacy Tate’s parish priest sug- uisite option for the diaconate program. use, resources to use, and how to en- to grow more fully in the role of disci- gested she look into the Veritatis Splen- “It’s for anyone who wants to grow gage people about the faith. ple. dor Institute, she thought it would help in their relationship with Christ and Many of the classes are taught by The yearly cost for the institute is her learn more about her faith. Now, in serve him by spreading the Gospel,” priests of the diocese and by Bishop $389 (includes lunches) plus lodging her second year of the Master’s Pro- said Susan Safford, director of the Of- Robert Gruss — a huge advantage to fees for the annual retreat. Scholarships gram, she said she is looking to the fu- fice of Faith Formation. “It’s not just learning about the faith, said Tate. are available and there is a monthly ture as a parish educator. for religion “Right now payment option. Named for Blessed John Paul II’s en- t e a c h e r s , we are learning “We seek to provide a well-rounded cyclical “The Splendor of Truth,” VSI but it’s for about the his- formation — in human, spiritual, intel- is a catechist certification program for those who tory of the lectual, and pastoral areas — through all who are interested in sharing the pass on their faith in the church, at church with Fa- prayer, discussion, instruction, and re- mission of the church. According to the home, and in the broader community.” ther Tyler Dennis. He has such a pas- treats,” said Safford. course materials, program leaders pro- “I have a deeper understanding of sion for the church,” she explained. “He As for Tate, she hopes to work closer vide instruction in the faith so that par- my faith, who I am, and how I want to brings the history alive and in turn with her priest and education team to ticipants may delve more deeply and draw other people to Christ,” said Tate. brings the love of Christ alive.” help with instruction and formation. “I understand more fully the truths of the “I have a greater knowledge and re- Basic certification requires one year hope to be able to help with an RCIA faith. It includes doctrinal and liturgical source base to help guide people.” of classes based on the four pillars of program, not just volunteer.” education, discipleship, spiritual life Courses are offered once a month on the catechism. The master level ex- Information packets and applications and prayer, community life and mis- a Saturday at the Terra Sancta Retreat plores specific topics of the faith in can be picked up from your pastor, the sion, and more. Students can receive Center from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Partici- more depth. Both levels include a Chancery Annex at Terra Sancta, or at graduate credit through the University pants learn the basics plus methodol- weekend retreat at Terra Sancta. Out- www.veritatissplendorinstitute.com. side of class work, those wanting certi- Application deadline is August 1. 26 WRC News May 2016

Young Men’s Discernment Day Father Mark McCormick stands with Josh Lee, Samuel Carroll, Jacob Blake- man, Evan Sand, and Todd Vander May during a Young Men’s Discernment Day, April 10, at Terra Sancta. The day began with Mass followed by a testimony by Father Grant Gerlach, Rapid City, on how he discerned his vocation/call to priesthood. Participants studied the notion of the word vocation (which means call); how we are all called by God, to know, love and serve him through the universal call to holiness, each being called to a particular or secondarily vo- cation to priesthood, religious life or sacramental marriage; and learning how to discern each particular call. The day included a rosary walk on the trails behind Terra Sancta and ended with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with guided meditation on the Scriptures (Lectio Divina). The Office of Vocations is planning to host more of these days across diocese in the parishes and in the deaneries in the coming year. Contact the Office of Vocations [email protected] or [email protected]. (Courtesy photo) May 2016 Ed Update WRC 27 ‘A MOMENT OF JOY’ FIVE EARN GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIP Spring is a time of new beginnings The scholarship — through Bill and at Red Cloud Indian School, Pine Melinda Gates Foundation — gives Ridge. The hallways are filled with talk high-achieving minority students with of the future — starting college, ex- extreme financial needs the chance to ploring careers, and dreaming of new pursue a college education in any area possibilities. After a year consumed of interest. with the challenges of college and The eligibility standards for the scholarship applications, members of Gates are exceptionally rigorous: in ad- Red Cloud’s senior class are preparing dition to having a minimum GPA of 3.3, to begin a new phase of their lives, and applicants must demonstrate leadership for five hardworking Red Cloud stu- skills and a commitment to community Jacob Cousin, Isabella New Holy, Justin Mesteth, Bobby Pourier and Antone dents, that next step involves taking on service. Only 1000 scholars are selected Morrison. (Courtesy photo) a new title: 2016 Gates Millennium from a pool of over 53,000 applicants. Scholar. “All of them have worked incredibly nity. To date, 72 Red Cloud seniors have “When I went home, I opened my hard to get where they’re going,” said “I think there’s an amazing support earned the prestigious scholarship — bedroom door, and there was a pretty Clare Huerter, Red Cloud’s dean of stu- system at Red Cloud for these students. the highest number of any school of its big envelope there,” said Justin dents. “It takes a lot of perseverance to Having that support to really create that size in the country. Mesteth, recounting how he learned he even apply for the Gates, and that’s the foundation, in order to feel secure in was a Gates Scholar. “It was a moment perseverance we’ve seen in them their academics and secure in who they Read more about what the students said in- I won’t forget. There was a lot of relief through all four years of high school.” are before they go to college, is so im- spires them at http://www.redcloudschool.org — it was a moment of joy.” /news/201600502/a-moment-of-joy-five-red- Beyond earning five more Gates portant. And I think this (senior class) cloud-indian-school-seniors-earn-the-2016- As recipients of the Gates Millen- scholarships, Huerter says this year’s — and especially these five students — gates-millennium-scholarship. Photo and article nium Scholarship, Justin and his class- entire senior class has accomplished ex- have found that here.” courtesy Red Cloud Indian School. mates will receive funding to cover traordinary things. They have earned almost the entire cost of their bachelor’s acceptances to the most competitive degrees, and further education if they so colleges in the country, excelled in MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL choose, at the college of their choice. sports and volunteered in the commu- ST. THOMAS MORE MIDDLE SCHOOL 424 Fairmont Blvd Rapid City, SD 57701

Requirements: Master’s Degree in Educational Administration or related field, South Dakota Administrative Services Credential, administrative experience desirable, strong consideration for candidate with experience in curriculum development. Closes May 27. Complete application available at: http://rccss.org/wp-content/uploads /2016/05/ Application-MS-Principal-2016.pdf 28 WRC May 2016 Now oung dults Playing ‘We are constantly challenging each other, allowing us to grow’ Captain America: Civil War By Becky Berreth Y (Disney) This turbulent comics- started attending theA Newman based adventure is more an ensem- Center. She knew it was ble piece featuring the whole When Caitlin Hone arrived where she wanted to be. Avengers crew of superheroes than at the School of Mines and “Nancy Haugen (Newman the titular good guy (Chris Evans). Yet, as the group splits over Technology, Rapid City, she Center director) was so wel- whether to submit to United Na- knew she wanted to seek out coming,” she said. “I loved tions supervision — public concerns a place where she could learn the people. It felt like home.” have been raised over the collateral more about the Catholic faith. One of her favorite memo- damage their crusades tend to exact — he does become the leader Samuel Carroll was in the ries from the Newman Center Newman Center students pray before daily Mass (WRC photo) of one rival faction, the other being habit of attending church but was being able to celebrate headed by Iron Man (Robert Downey not actively part of the the rite of welcome in the Newman Club in his second lenging each other, allowing Jr.). Co-directors (and brothers) An- church. Both found the spiri- chapel. year to overcome his compla- us to grow,” he explained. thony and Joe Russo highlight the cost of even well-intentioned may- tual home they were looking “There were two other cence and become a more “The staff provides us guid- hem as well as the downside of pur- for at the SDSM&T Newman people who were attending complete person. It started ance at a time when we are suing vengeance. But the real point Center. RCIA, and we were able to small. He attended rosary growing up.” of the proceedings is to watch di- Hone, a first year civil en- do the rite of welcome here at walks and then at the encour- Part of that growing up, versely “enhanced” beings pit their outsized gifts against each other. gineering major, attended a the Newman Center,” she agement of Fr. Nathan according to Carroll, includes Newcomers to the Marvel universe Catholic high school but her said. “It was so nice to be Sparks, he became a regular learning about the different may find themselves bewildered family was not Catholic. Her supported by my peers.” at Theology on Tap, “where I kinds of vocations that are since the script does little to bring experiences led her to ask “Newman is in many ways learned the teachings of the found at the Newman Center. the uninitiated up to speed, while parents will have to consider care- questions and while on senior its own community — a spir- church much more deeply “We have married couples fully before allowing even older retreat, she had a powerful itual family like any church than I ever had before,” he and single people. We’ve teens to view material best suited, experience in the presence of here in Rapid,” explained Fa- said in a 2015 West River have had two students who in terms of combat scenes and vo- the Eucharist. ther Jonathan Dillon, associ- Catholic article. have left the school to pursue cabulary, to grown-ups. Possibly ac- ceptable for mature adolescents. “I realized that I was ate pastor at Cathedral of Our Now a graduate student, a vocation to the priesthood. Constant strong violence, including Catholic at that moment,” she Lady of Perpetual Help. he still attends the Newman We have a priest who is there torture, with minimal gore, a few said. “I got here and started “Given that, I think it’s im- Center because the students anytime we need.” uses of profanity and of crude lan- RCIA right away.” portant for the campus com- and staff still challenge him “It’s a ministry of pres- guage, several crass terms. The Catholic News Service classification After discovering that munity to celebrate events in to be a better Catholic. ence,” added Father Dillon. is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Mass times at the Cathedral their parish, in their church.” “The people who are at the “Allowing ordinary contact Association of America rating is PG- of Our Lady of Perpetual Carroll, past Newman Newman Center and I are at with a priest is an incredible 13 — parents strongly cautioned. Club President, felt a call to Some material may be inappropri- Help, Rapid City, did not the same level in our faith evangelistic and vocational ate for children under 13. work with her schedule, she become more active at the and we are constantly chal- tool because it’s precisely in that context that the extraor- Do not say ‘I am only a youth’ Mother to become also the Mother of Chris- dinary vocation becomes a tians, indeed, the Mother of all mankind A “YouCat” nugget courtesy of the real possibility for the men (721-726). Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry Mary made it possible for the Holy Spirit there.” Pentecost: (from Greek petecoste = “the For both Hone and Carroll, fiftieth” day after Easter) This year, it was to work the miracle of all miracles: The celebrated May 15. Originally a feast on which Incarnation of God. She gave God her yes: attending Mass and spending Classifications Israel celebrated the establishment of the “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; time at the Newman Center is Money Monster ...... A-III covenant with God on Mount Sinai. Through the let it be to me according to your word” relaxing and a place to go off Last Days in the Dessert ...A-III Pentecost event in Jerusalem, it became (Lk 1:38). Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, campus. “It’s a retreat from Classifications used by the USCCB are: A-I, general patronage; A-II, adults for Christians the feast of the Holy Spirit. she went with Jesus through thick and campus,” said Hone. “School How could the Holy Spirit work in, with, and adolescents; A-III, adults; L, thin, even to the foot of the cross. There is stressful and hard, and even limited adult audiences, films whose and through Mary? Jesus gave her to us all as our mother if you’re here doing your problematic content many adults Mary was totally responsive and open to (Jn 19:25-27). would find troubling; O, morally homework it’s still more re- God (Lk 1:38). Thus she was able to “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, offensive. For more information, visit become the “Mother of God” through the laxed. I love the Newman http://www.catholicnews.com/ and the power of the most high will movies.htm. working of the Holy Spirit — and as Christ’s overshadow you” (Lk 1:35). Center.”