VOL. 75 NO. 1 WWW.BISMARCKDIOCESE.COM JANUARY 2016 Dakota Catholic Action

Reporting on Catholic action in western ND since 1941 Building for the future

New high school to be built in Construction of new high north Bismarck school continues in Dickinson At an event that resembled Ruth, spoke more of a pep rally than a news on behalf of Dickinson way in a short time since then.” conference, representatives of the the family. Catholic Schools What was considered a tragic Light of Christ Catholic Schools Now residing is well on their event at the time has actually unveiled plans for a new home for in Fargo, way toward their blossomed into something St. Mary’s Central High School in he shared master plan of positive as Trinity High School Bismarck. memories of his a unifi ed campus is undergoing a makeover with With the pep band and the experiences while with construction ongoing construction. The entire student body on hand on attending St. Mary’s continuing on the new east wing, which was heavily Nov. 24, it was announced that Central High School. “This high school set to open next damaged by the fi re, was Bismarck residents, Ron and Ruth gift from our family is, in large fall. demolished and a new high Knutson, had donated 48 acres part, a huge thank you to the The damaging fi re, nearly school is being built around the of land (valued at $6 million) outstanding staff and faculty here two years ago, gave rise to this existing gym and auditorium. on north Washington Street at St. Mary’s,” he said. big step toward the future of “Next to our founding, this for the new campus. Light of Knutson explained that his Catholic schools in Dickinson. is the most historic time in Christ Catholic Schools (LOCCS) family, although not Catholic, The new high school is the Dickinson Catholic Schools President Gerald Vetter, said the realizes the importance of the fi rst phase in the plan that history. It’s very exciting,” fi rst major step was at hand to value of an education that is encompasses consolidating Msgr. Patrick Schumacher, move forward toward the future of beyond religious affi liation. its three schools—elementary pastor at St. Wenceslaus, said. a new high school to accommodate “The education at St. Mary’s schools Trinity East and “For those of us who didn’t the rapid growth. is centered on the principles of Trinity West, and Trinity High have a hand in that, this is our Vetter shared that LOCCS has Christ, and Catholic or not, that School—onto a single campus. time. It’s our turn to leave a seen an increase of enrollment is a very important aspect of “A couple weeks after the legacy for the future of Catholic by 20% in the last fi ve years. education in the world we live in fi re in March of 2014 we education.” Currently there are 1,271 students today,” Knutson said. “A St. Mary’s started with our master plan,” With plans to open in the fall in the Bismarck Catholic school that can better serve students is explained Dickinson Catholic of 2016, a two-story structure system made up of 760 families. a gift that keeps on giving for this Schools President Steve Continued on Page 9 “We are extremely grateful to community.” Glasser. “We’ve come a long Dr. Ron and Ruth Knutson, with Vetter concluded his comments their family, for their commitment to the crowd, “We’re all part of a and value of Catholic education tremendous legacy that has stood in this community,” Vetter said strong for 138 years and now during the news conference. another bold step forward into the “They have generously decided to next chapter of our future—a step support our plans by providing forward in expanding that legacy land for a new St. Mary’s Central that will call forth the saints for High School.” future generations,” Vetter added. Cam Knutson, son of Ron and Continued on Page 8

Submitted photo Father Tom Grafsgaard, Trinity High School chaplain, and Msgr. Patrick Schumacher, St. Wenceslaus pastor, monitor the progress of the project.

A LOOK INSIDE

Badlands Choice Clinic opens A visual prayer A pregnancy resource center has recently A new crucifi x sculpture welcomes opened in Dickinson off ering a refuge for worshipers at Corpus Christi in Bismarck life and hope ...... PAGE 4 in honor of their 50th jubilee .....PAGE 7 | Catholic Action 2 Dakota Bishop David D. Kagan JANUARY 2016 New year is a chance to renew your faith BISHOP’S His generosity to those who love to the education of children and SCHEDULE FROM THE BISHOP Him. young people, we would be so We have just begun the great much less. JANUARY 2016 Jubilee Year of Mercy, which is In addition to our excellent a true gift to the entire world Catholic schools, this week Jan. 1 • Mass for the Solemnity from Our Holy Father Francis. always gives us an opportunity of Mary, Mother of My daily prayer for all of us is to focus on the absolute God, Cathedral of the that we truly and fully enter necessity of a solid and complete Holy Spirit, Bismarck, into this year of God’s bountiful religious education for every 8:30 a.m. mercy and that we allow Him Catholic child, teenager and to transform us and our daily adult. To know our beautiful Jan. 9-15 • Region VIII Bishops’ lives so much so that we become Catholic faith is to love it; to His apostles of mercy to others. know the marvelous history of Retreat, Mater Every day as we hear the news, our Catholic Church makes all Dolorosa Retreat it becomes so clear that without of us better and more active Center, CA Him and His mercy darkness members of it, both in our advances, but with Him and parishes and in our diocese. Jan. 18 • Priest Personnel Board His mercy light destroys the While due to circumstances, Meeting, Chancery, darkness of war, hatred, jealousy some may not have the Bismarck, 1 p.m. and division. Please keep and opportunity to attend a Catholic Bishop David D. Kagan observe this Jubilee of Mercy; school; all have the opportunity Jan. 19 • Real Presence Radio and when this year closes, may to receive a solid Catholic interview, 9 a.m. all of us continue to beg of Him religious education through our ith this issue of our • Mass for March for Life Dakota Catholic for His mercy, and show mercy parishes. Our parish priests, and to others. so many dedicated lay men and Pilgrims, Cathedral Action, we usher in W As we look to the month women who assist the priests, of the Holy Spirit, the New Year of 2016. I would of January, one of the much- are to be commended to God for Bismarck, 1 p.m. like to not only wish each and anticipated events is always their goodness. Let us all see to every one of you a blessed and Catholic Schools Week. This it that our children come and Jan. 22 • Right to Life Mass, Happy New Year, but I want to occurs toward the end of participate in the classes and Church of St. Mary, thank you for your continued January and it is an opportunity other planned events so that Bismarck, 7 p.m. and generous support of our for us to be grateful for our they increase in their wisdom beloved Church with your daily parents, grandparents and and knowledge and remain close and fervent prayers, all of Jan. 24 • Confi rmation at Church great-grandparents who have to Christ Jesus. your good works of mercy and of Queen of Peace, sacrificed so much to provide Finally, if you are inclined your sacrifices, and for your Dickinson, 10 a.m. MT Catholic schools for so many of to make a resolution for this continued financial support of us. Without their sacrifices of New Year, make one that you all of the effective ministries of Jan. 29 • Seminarian time, treasure and talent and can keep and that will have a the Universal Church and of our without the wonderful religious good and enduring effect. Be Fundraising Banquet, diocese. Please know that all sisters and priests and the resolved to go to Mass one more Mandan, 6 p.m. you do is most pleasing to God dedicated lay men and women time during each week besides and He will never be outdone in who devoted themselves entirely Sunday, and go to confession Jan. 31 • Closing Mass for the once each month. You will Year of Consecrated experience God’s bountiful Life, Cathedral of the BISHOP IN ACTION mercy in such a way that you Holy Spirit, Bismarck, will not want to stop. 11:30 a.m. Happy New Year!

Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions for January:

Universal: Interreligious Dialogue That sincere dialogue among men and women of diff erent faiths may produce the fruits of peace and justice. Evangelization: Christian Unity That by means of dialogue and fraternal charity and with the grace of the Holy Spirit, Christians may overcome divisions.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Submitted photo Search “Bismarck Diocese” on YouTube for On a recent trip to Washington, D.C., Bishop Kagan stopped by the St. John Paul II videos from the Church in western N.D. Seminary to celebrate Mass with the diocesan seminarians that attend there. Pictured are Diocese of Bismarck seminarians Jake Markel and Jake Magnuson leading the procession; followed by the MC, Greg Portner, seminarian for the Archdiocese of Washington; Bishop Kagan; and diocesan seminarian Nick Vetter. Diocesan seminarians, Grant Dvorak and John Windsor, also attend there.

Dakota Catholic Action

Reporting on Catholic action in western ND since 1941

Publisher: Most Reverend David D. Kagan, D.D., P.A., J.C.L., Bishop of Bismarck Editor: Sonia Mullally, [email protected] Center for Pastoral Ministry - Diocese of Bismarck USPS0011-5770 520 N. Washington Street, PO Box 1137, Bismarck, ND 58502-1137 Phone: 701-222-3035 Fax: 701-222-0269 Visit our website at www.bismarckdiocese.com www.bismarckdiocese.com Get news, photos, videos and more from around the diocese.

The Dakota Catholic Action (0011-5770) is published monthly except July by the Diocese of Bismarck, 420 Raymond Street, Bismarck, ND 58501-3723. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Periodical postage paid at Bismarck, ND, and additional mailing offi ces. Bismarck Diocese POSTMASTER: Send address changes to address below. Get status updates, photos, videos, and links and share them Dakota Catholic Action, PO Box 1137, Bismarck, ND 58502-1137 with your friends. Follow the Diocese on Twitter @BisDiocese The Dakota Catholic Action is funded in part by the annual God’s Share Appeal. and follow Bishop Kagan @VescovoDDK Catholic Action JANUARY 2016 Catholic Action Bringing Christ into everyday life Dakota | 3 The pope comes calling Fr. Josh Ehli appointed to position at the Vatican

By Sonia Mullally To give an idea of the area DCA Editor Fr. Ehli will be working with, he Fr. Josh Ehli’s suitcase was still explained that the Congregation packed from covers all of Africa, the Far East his most and a large part of Oceania (with recent trip the exception of Australia and the to Rome Philippines) in addition to parts of when he the Americas. found out that he A typical workday might as Most of the nine Congregations well just hold a staff of between 16-20 keep it that priest offi cials who report to the way. their respective Congregations for Upon Fr. Josh Ehli work in and around the Vatican on returning a typical workweek. from a pilgrimage to attend the “I will mainly be assisting the ordination of Deacon Doug Krebs Congregation in its work and this past October in Rome, Fr. correspondence with English Ehil learned that he had been speaking mission territories,” appointed for a position at the explained Fr. Ehli. “In the Vatican. Bishop Kagan had been evenings I will be mentoring newly contacted by the Holy See by letter ordained priests who are fi nishing and had given permission for the their graduate studies in Rome appointment. before returning permanently to The news opened up an work in their dioceses. This latter unexpected chapter in his life. “I work will take place at the Casa was honored by the invitation to Santa Maria, graduate house for work for the Holy See,” Fr. Ehli priests from the U.S., Australia, and England. The Casa, located in said. “This is a great opportunity Submitted photo the heart of Rome near the Trevi for me to grow personally and Fr. Ehli provided a photo of the Trevi Fountain in Rome that he passes by on his commute professionally. I am aware of Fountain, will also serve as my to work each day. This is one of the most famous fountains in the world and has been part the challenge that awaits me in place of residence.” of the Roman landscape for more than 400 years. this line of work and my duty More specifi cally, among Fr. to remember that every piece of Ehli’s duties will be assisting paper represents a person.” the Congregation in diocesan Fulwiler to speak at Real boundaries; oversight of life Working for the Congregation of the faithful, discipline of Presence Radio banquets Fr. Ehli will be working clergy, charity organizations, Spend an evening with all that different than the lives for the Congregation for the catholic schools and universities, Jennifer of moms all across America. Evangelization of Peoples, one of seminaries, fi nancial collections; Fulwiler, as In order to keep her sanity in the nine Congregations of the Holy appointment of bishops; she shares all of this, Jennifer worked on See. It was formally established in disciplinary matters for clergy and her story as her book and continues to host the 16th Century though its roots men and women religious and a Catholic her radio show. These projects convert and give her a creative outlet, an stretch further back in Church priest recourses against bishops. mother of evangelization separate from her history. At that time, the Prop, as “Basically, I will be studying six, at the call to motherhood. its commonly known, was charged the acts of a given case, writing a Real Presence A convert to Catholicism with overseeing the establishment synthesis and presenting it to my Radio’s Jennifer Fulwiler herself, Jennifer relates the and maintenance of the Catholic superiors for the fi nal decision and annual fundraising banquet in importance of Catholic radio in Church in the East and West signature,” he noted. “I will then Fargo and Bismark. The radio her own life as well as the lives Indies in addition to caring for be responsible for communicating show host and author will be in of many others. Catholic radio the Catholic Church in a newly the decision to the petitioning Fargo on Monday, Feb. 29 and allowed her to explore this faith fractured Protestant Europe. party via letter.” Bismarck on Tuesday, March 1. without anyone else knowing However, with the rapid Fr. Ehli, who has ordained in Fulwiler is a writer, speaker, about it. Whether someone is expansion of exploration and 2009, said he’s honored to be and the host of The Jennifer afraid to announce their beliefs, colonization in the 17th Century part of a great act of generosity Fulwiler Show on SiriusXM homebound, or just an introvert, the competence of the Prop was by Bishop Kagan to send one of channel 129. Her bestselling Catholic radio provides a memoir, Something Other channel for these individuals to extended by 1622. Cardinal Filoni, our diocesan priests to work for than God, was a fi nalist in the listen to the truths of our faith Prefect (Moderator, traditionally the Holy Father and the Church “Best Memoir and Biography” from the comfort and security of known as the Red Pope) of the in Rome. He’s no stranger to the category in the Goodreads their own homes and vehicles. It Congregation says the following Italian capitol having spent nearly Choice Awards, and her ebook is a safe, welcoming platform on about some of the Congregation’s two years there from September collection of humor essays, which to build their growing love work: “The ongoing commitment 2013 to June 2015 completing his Like Living Among Scorpions for Jesus Christ. of the Congregation for the studies in canon law. was a #1 bestseller in its genre Banquet sponsorship Evangelization of Peoples, together “I very much look forward on Amazon. She’s been a Real Presence Radio is with the Episcopal Conferences to reconnecting with Fr. Austin guest on a variety of national seeking sponsors for the and individual Bishops, is to bring Vetter at the North American television shows, and was the banquet. Sponsorship levels to the local Churches in mission College, the seven fi ne seminarians subject of the reality show are $250, $500 or $1,000. called Minor Revisions. She territories the ability and resources from the Diocese of Bismarck Supporters of Real Presence lives with her husband and six to create all the structures and currently studying in Rome, and Radio also can be table hosts. young children in Austin, Texas. Table hosts invite eight guests legal staff that allow, together other classmates and friends who You can connect with her at to join them at their tables. with pastoral life, the capacity to either live or frequent the Eternal JenniferFulwiler.com. Banquet attendees also may administer justice, the source of City,” he added. More about Jennifer come as guests. Guests are asked peaceful coexistence.” Though life defi nitely keeps to call the Real Presence offi ce at Jennifer on her toes, she readily (877) 795-0122 to RSVP. admits that her life is really not Submitted information | Catholic Action 4 Dakota Catholic Action Bringing Christ into everyday life JANUARY 2016 A place of refuge for life and hope Badlands Choice Clinic opens in Dickinson

By Amanda Evinger The Knights of Recently, a marvelous work of Columbus donated the God’s mercy, a true refuge for life ultrasound machine. and hope has blessed Dickinson. “We knew we This “refuge” is the Badlands needed to do Choice Clinic, and since opening something to help, Nov. 3, has been up to the business because there were of healing hearts and saving lives. people in need, and “A client we recently served our call to holiness was visiting from another country is to extend charity where abortions are widely to our brothers and accepted,” said Deb Schweitzer, sisters,” said Fr. Todd RN, who serves as the clinic’s Kreitinger, pastor executive director. “She came in at St. Patrick. “As for a pregnancy test and was very Catholics, we are emotional and scared. When she called to be the voice heard the baby’s heartbeat, she and hands of Christ, was overjoyed! After reviewing her and to think with the options, she now wants to carry mind of Christ. We the baby to birth, and participate aim to be stewards of in our EWYL (Earn While You what God has given us Learn) program.” by reaching out and The clinic’s EWYL program is encouraging pregnant an education program focusing on women who may not what happens during pregnancy, know where to go. We childbirth and various parenting want to be a fi rst place situations. Participants earn points for them to come.” and then use these points to select As the clinic’s Deb Schweitzer, RN (left) and Executive Director, and Ann Marie Heinen in the reception area at Badlands items from the baby boutique. mission statement Choice Clinic. The clinic is located at 313 expresses, it exists to has come to us by God’s design.” of our clinic to know that they are “empower women and families 3rd St. W in a rent-free space The clinic has a board and loved and that their lives make to make life-affi rming pregnancy adjacent to St. Patrick’s Church. medical directors that support a difference in this world. We decisions through counseling, Modeled after the First Choice its mission and provide direction are here, as our motto states, to education, compassion and aid Clinic in Bismarck, it will toward the operations of the clinic ‘support women, help families through the Gospel of our Lord, become an affi liate of Heartbeat and staff. After searching for a and build communities.’ If we can Jesus Christ.” International. while, they are grateful to now nurture mothers in need, we will At this time, the clinic offers Bringing God’s light to others have Schweitzer serving as the see a stronger Church.” support services during crisis Above all, through the clinic, the executive director. Since it opened, those pregnancies, pregnancy testing, staff hopes to radiate a passion for “I was very happy with my associated with the clinic have adoption support and referral, the cause of life, and let the mercy job at the KIDS (Key Infant seen remarkable evidence of parenting classes and testing for of Christ touch all those in need. Development Services) program God’s providential hand at work, sexually transmitted diseases. “We want to make sure that as a pediatric early intervention touching many lives. There is a private entrance on the everyone who comes to the clinic professional, but God had different “The clinic is growing,” north side of the parish building, feels entirely welcome,” Fr. plans for me,” Schweitzer said. Schweitzer says. “Our client and the entryway opens into a Kreitinger explained. “The clinic “I am so grateful that I got out of numbers are increasing, and reception area and baby boutique. project is a refl ection of our living the way and listened to Him and we are forming community The upper level of the clinic faith. A faith without works or am letting Him work through me partnerships with key agencies includes an ultrasound room, a love is not a faith we believe in. and Badlands Choice Clinic. I in the area. We are not here to director’s offi ce, two counseling Like with any act of charity, we feel completely called by God to duplicate services that already rooms and storage space. hope this clinic will be a witness be at the clinic. My hope is that exist around Dickinson, but Generous support and light to others. We hope its the clinic will allow every woman instead to provide something looking for help to know that she unique, and at no cost.” Various local churches and example will encourage others, all is loved and that she has life- generous supporters have worked for the glory and honor of God, to As Pope Francis, who recently affi rming choices. I would love to together to make the clinic be part of it or other similar pro- called pro-life workers the “world’s see us be able to provide, in the project a reality and a success. life efforts. We believe the clinic Good Samaritans,” also said, “It future, even more services for is God who gives life. Let us love women and children.” and respect human life, especially in its most vulnerable form in Nurturing the parents a mother’s womb... All life has In addition to her experience as inestimable value even the weakest a nurse, Schweitzer fi nds that her and most vulnerable, the sick, the role as a foster parent also sheds old, the unborn and the poor, are light on the mission at the clinic. masterpieces of God’s creation, “My husband, Todd, and I have made in His own image, destined been foster parents for 26 years, to live forever, and deserving of and in that time, I have come to the utmost reverence and respect.” believe that often the mothers of Volunteers are needed to heed the children who were in our care our Holy Father’s call to action needed mothering themselves,” by offering their time and talent she says. “I have realized that if to the clinic in various ways. The we nurture the mother more, we clinic is supported entirely by will have more successful families. donations, and does not charge for When moms come into the clinic, its services. Financial donations they know they matter. We believe are greatly needed at this time, that if we support the mother and as well as donations of new baby father, we will strengthen families items. and build up our community. The To donate items, bring them family is the domestic church, to the clinic during open hours and we want to be a link to help (Wednesdays from 2 to 6 p.m. families and be life-affi rming for and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to them. If mothers are in a diffi cult 3 p.m.). For more information situation and they don’t know or for availability of volunteer what to do, we can explain all the opportunities, contact Schweitzer Lola Fong (left) donates homemade blankets to the Badlands Choice Clinic boutique. options to them. We want every at 701-483-9353. Fong’s granddaughter, Rachel Meyer, holding her daughter Carmen, is a clinic volunteer. person who walks into the doors JANUARY 2016 Dakota Catholic Action | 5 Catholic Action Bringing Christ into everyday life Join in prayer for 9 Days for Life

The U.S. bishops’ annual you can sign up to receive novena—9 Days for Life—takes them daily through emails, text place Saturday, January 16 messages, or an app that allows through Sunday, January 24. Pray you to customize the time of your Rosary and for the respect and protection of reminders! all human life with new intentions, 4. It raises awareness. Does Mass for life brief refl ections, and more each the world know that so many of us day. Download the novena online, value and respect every human life Jan. 22 or participate through Facebook, from conception to natural death? email, text message or an app. You can share the intentions on Join in prayer for the Join at www.9daysforlife.com! social media, as well as a number cause for life on the Unite in prayer in the days of other eye-catching and relevant surrounding the anniversary of graphics, and even download a anniversary of Roe v. Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court An increasing number of states special Facebook cover photo and Wade. The Bismarck- decision, which legalized abortion are considering legalizing doctor- profi le picture to spread the word. throughout pregnancy. An end to assisted suicide. Men, women and 5. It unites us with other Washburn District abortion is not the only intention. children are suffering in a variety participants. One mark of the Knights of Columbus We’ll also be praying for people of ways and need our prayers. Catholic Church is its universality. at all stages: those near the end 2. It’s an age-old tradition. This is an opportunity to gather in will begin with a rosary of their lives, children in need of For centuries, Catholics have made prayer with thousands of people in the gathering space adoptive homes, those mourning the commitment to pray for nine for a united, prayerful purpose. the loss of a child through days for special intentions. This 6. It unites us with those of CHI St. Alexius Health abortion, and many others. is a way to practice perseverance, suffering. Prayer is a way to at 6:30 p.m. and lead a Prayerfully consider these setting aside time each day to recognize our solidarity with those 9 reasons to participate in spend with God. who are suffering. We are called to procession to St. Mary’s #9DaysforLife: 3. It’s “unforgettable.” support one another in prayer and Church for 7 p.m. Mass You can download and print the 1. It’s important. Abortion in action. prayers for each day or, so that has been legal for 43 years. 7. It is spiritually enriching. with Bishop Kagan you don’t forget to participate, Children need life-long families. The U.S. Conference of Catholic and many area priests. Bishops will send out not only prayer intentions for each day, Refreshments will follow but also short refl ections, actions, at St. Mary’s. and articles. Nine days later you’ll Rally for Life Jan. 17 be more informed about issues The annual Rally for Life on the North Dakota State related to valuing all human life. 8. It calls us to action. 9. It will bless us! Remember Capitol steps in Bismarck will take place Different actions are suggested that whatever we give to God, He on Sunday, Jan. 17 (Sanctity of Life Sunday) each day as a way of offering gives back to us a hundred-fold. reparation for the ways our By offering nine days of prayer from 2-3 p.m. Gather to pray on the anniversary of country has not respected God’s to Him, we are not only allowing the Roe v. Wade ruling that took place on gift of life. Additionally, the Him to work through us in the novena may end after 9 days, lives of others, we are opening Jan. 22, 1973. Refreshments will be served following but the need to protect life never our hearts to receive His love and grace in our own lives as well. at the Days Inn at 1300 E Capitol Ave. will. Throughout these 9 days you may fi nd a specifi c aspect or Source: USCCB.org For details contact (701) 258-3811 or offi [email protected]. stage of life that you feel called to particularly advocate for.

UPCOMING EVENTS

■ Marriage encounter weekends morning prayer with Bishop Kagan ■ Discernment retreat Feb. 20-21 Saturday, May 7. The event begins The next Worldwide Marriage precedes Martin’s keynote address. Ever wonder about the life of a with Mass at 4 p.m. followed by Encounter weekend in this area is Jan. The day begins with an 8:30 a.m. religious sister? All single women dinner and dancing at the Municipal 8-10 in Bismarck. Early registration breakfast. Mass is scheduled for noon are invited to attend a discernment Country Club in Bismarck. More is highly recommended. For more in the Our Lady of the Annunciation retreat weekend at Annunciation details will follow. information visit our website at: Chapel. The 38th annual Prayer Monastery near Bismarck on ■ Dates set for 2016 ndwwme.org or contact Rob and Day event is $10 for the entire day. Saturday, Feb. 20 starting at 11 a.m. Steubenville trips Angie at 701-347-1998. Preregistration is available online throu 34. at www.umary.edu/prayerday or by Mark your calendars for ■ ■ Rosary and Mass for life Jan. 22 calling (701) 355-8102 or (800) 408- Lenten Retreat Feb. 21-23 at Steubenville of the Rockies in Denver Join in prayer for the cause for life on 6279, ext. 8102. Ascension June 22-26 and Steubenville-North the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. The Church of the Ascension in Bismarck in St. Paul July 27-31. In addition to Bismarck-Washburn District Knights ■ Mother-Daughter Breakfast will be holding a Lenten Retreat the rally—which includes powerful of Columbus will begin with a rosary Feb. 13 entitled, “The Family: The Home of speakers, energizing music and in the gathering space of CHI St. Plan to attend the annual diocesan Love, Truth, and Mercy” with Dr. David dynamic workshops—this faith- Alexius Health at 6:30 p.m. and lead Mother Daughter Breakfast on Fleischacker, Dean of the School of fi lled fun trip will include daily Mass, a procession to St. Mary’s Church for Saturday, Feb. 13 at 9:30 a.m. at the Arts and Sciences at the University of touring unique churches, Valley Fair, 7 p.m. Mass with Bishop Kagan and Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck. Guest Mary. Each evening will have a special and a little shopping. Plus, students many area priests. Refreshments will speaker, Kelli Schneider, will talk focus: Sunday at 3:30 p.m. - “Pope will practice stewardship by giving follow at St. Mary’s. about women’s virtue and the saints. Francis and a home of love;” Monday of their time, talent and treasure to Cost is $15 per person (adults and at 7 p.m. - “Pope Benedict and a home others. For more information, contact ■ Prayer Day Feb. 5 children). Seating is limited, so pre- of truth; ” Tuesday at 7 p.m. - “Saint Bobbi Shegrud at 701-720-3998 The annual Prayer Day at the register by Feb. 8. Register online at John Paul II and a home of mercy.” (cell) or 701-726-5671 (home) or University of Mary is Friday, Feb. 5 bismarckdiocese.com or call Bev at Church of the Ascension is located at [email protected]. beginning at 10 a.m. in the McDowell 701-204-7185 or 1-877-405-7435. For 1825 S. 3rd Street in South Bismarck. Activity Center. Keynote speaker more information, see the ad on the ■ is Curtis Martin, founder and chief back page of this publication. Father-Daughter Ball May 7 executive of Fellowship Of Catholic Join the fun at the fi rst-ever diocese- University Students (FOCUS). A sponsored Father-Daughter Ball on 6 | Dakota Catholic Action JANUARY 2016 Catholic Action Bringing Christ into everyday life

Photos by Deacon Joe Krupinsky

Bishop Kagan opens the Holy Door of Mercy at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck on Dec. 13 during Sunday Mass. Porta Misericordiae Holy Door of Mercy opens at four diocesan churches Bismarck ~ Minot ~ Williston ~ Richardton

Mass servers, (left to right) Damian Ternes, Erin Becker, Alexander Hilzendeger and Natalie Becker, stand ready in the gathering space in preparation of the opening of the Holy Door of Mercy at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.

Bishop Kagan prepares the incense for the opening of the Holy Door prior to Mass.

The Door of Holy Mercy welcomes worshipers at St. Leo the Great in Minot.

The Holy Door of Mercy at St. Joseph’s Church in Williston invites the faithful in Latin, English and Spanish.

Fr. Russ Kovash (in rose vestments) recites prayers outside the Holy Fr. Kovash, and those assisting at Mass, enter Door of Mercy at St. Joseph’s. the Holy Door at St. Joseph’s in Williston after it is opened Dec. 13. JANUARY 2016 Dakota Catholic Action | 7 A visual prayer Corpus Christi’s new crucifi x inspires worship By Jared Staudt Jesus that is hanging there. We Director of Catholic Studies are so grateful that our new image University of Mary of Jesus is with us and becoming When you enter a church, the part of the fabric of our worship at surroundings can speak to you as Corpus Christi.” a visual prayer. It’s an unspoken Another example of Schmalz’s communication from the house of work in the diocese can be found God. at St. Therese, Church of the In honor of the parish’s 50th Little Flower in Minot. Schmalz jubilee, Corpus Christi Church in relates that the piece, which shows Bismarck installed a new crucifi x the Little Flower composing her in its sanctuary this last summer Story of the Soul with the words to enhance the church and provide ascending into a large rose, is one inspiration for worshipers. of his favorite works. Tracy Kraft, parish manager, Internationally, his sculpture describes the parish’s objective in entitled “Homeless Jesus” has deciding what kind of corpus they been causing controversy by wanted, “We wanted a crucifi x bringing to life Jesus’s words in that would be timeless, one that Matthew 25 concerning being our parishioners would love and found in the least of his brethren. embrace today and still love many It depicts Jesus as a homeless years from now. We wanted an man sleeping on a park bench, image of Jesus that would enhance identifi ed by the holes on his feet. our prayer life at Corpus Christi.” Pope Francis blessed the original The search led them to Catholic model of this statue, though some sculptor, Timothy Schmalz. communities have rejected it as If the parish sought a crucifi x too controversial. to enhance its life of prayer, it Speaking more broadly about turned to the right artist. Schmalz the importance of his work, explains how his work draws Schmalz related that art truly inspiration directly from prayer provides a bridge to the Gospel and Scripture: “Every day, I message. “Close your eyes and sculpt and listen to the Gospels. I think of Jesus, what comes to listen to the New Testament over mind is a work of art, whether it and over again. If the Gospel is is lofty like Michelangelo’s Pieta omnipresent in the studio, things or a plastic piece on the mantle. will be shown to me.” He described Artwork is the visual ambassador his “principle occupation” to Christianity. If the ambassador as the “study of Gospel and looks good, they will think that Catholic heritage to fi nd a visual what inside is valuable. I have representation.” The result is what been battling to get the most he calls a visual prayer. amazing Christian sculpture out Staff photo Schmalz also demonstrated the to the public so that they look In honor of the parish’s 50th jubilee, Corpus Christi Church in Bismarck installed a new inside.” ability to visualize what would fi t crucifi x in its sanctuary this last summer to enhance the church and provide inspiration the sanctuary of Corpus Christi. for worshipers. Sculptor Timothy Schmalz was commissioned to create the artwork. The parish now has a visual Kraft says, “A committee was ambassador of the suffering Christ. formed to study different styles of a strong, humble, noble image features. It is beautiful, simple, Kraft explains the importance of crucifi xes at other parishes,” until of our Lord and Savior that our and pure, enabling you to the parish’s new crucifi x, “Having they came across Schmalz’s work. parishioner s would be moved by.” contemplate it for some time. our new, beautiful crucifi x in the “When he came to meet Schmalz likewise describes how It complements prayer and center of our worship space helps with our committee and view he met this demand in sculpting meditation.” to keep our parishioners focused our worship space, he immediately the crucifi x. “I just wanted to do Thus far, the crucifi x has and grounded in the liturgy. It is a understood what we were looking a beautiful representation of the achieved this goal. Kraft constant reminder of what Jesus for and helped us to design the crucifi xion. I have done countless relates that “the response to has done and continues to do image of Jesus that we wanted versions of the crucifi xion, but our new crucifi x has been for us.” The crucifi x is a constant for our church,” Kraft explains. this one focused on beauty. overwhelming. Many of our reminder, or we could say—a The result was a 10-foot, larger When you look at it, you can parishioners were awestruck visual prayer. than life corpus, which “made its see that this piece shows the when they fi rst saw it. We still see journey to Bismarck in a carefully masculine humanity of Jesus and people that simply stand in the padded wooden crate, and traveled the heaviness of his masculine church and gaze at the image of via boat, plane and train.” The crucifi x was installed with forklifts and dedicated on June 6. The saturation of Schmalz’s Priests gather for workshop studio with Scripture creates a The new priests’ workshop was conducted Antony, Adam Maus, Tom Grafsgaard, Patrick prayerful environment, which Nov. 22-24, directed by Director of Continuing Cunningham, and Jason Signalness; (seated) fl ows into the work itself. “When Education for Clergy, Msgr. Patrick Schumacher, Fr. Shane Campbell, Msgr. Patrick Schumacher, you create a piece of Christian at the diocesan Center for Pastoral Ministry. Bishop David Kagan, and Frs. Corey Nelson and artwork, it is praying. It is a Recently ordained, or those transferred to Jared Johnson. unique form of prayer. There is so the diocese, attend for fi ve years. Presenters much potential to use artwork as were Bishop Kagan a form of prayer and preaching,” and Dr. Leroy Schmalz says. He uses clay to Huizenga. Pictured convey the Gospel and his spiritual are: (standing) Frs. vision. He rephrases a common Stephen Folorunso, saying, “Preach everywhere you Joseph Antony, go and if necessary use clay!” His Robert Shea, Joseph work serves as an example of how Evinger, Tomy Raphel, art can bring people into contact Kregg Hochhalter, with the realities of our faith and Raphael Obotama, move us to worship. Jadyn Nelson, Teji Kraft relates how the parish John Thanippilly, sought precisely this kind of William Ruelle, Biju contact with Jesus in choosing its corpus. “We wanted to portray Staff photo 8 | Dakota Catholic Action JANUARY 2016 JANUARY 2016 Dakota Catholic Action | 9

National Catholic Schools Week Pitching in to help others January 31 - February 6, 2016 Trinity students make Christmas more joyous By Beth Berger auditorium Trinity High School Junior stage with For many, the Christmas gift-wrapped season serves as a time of joy, food New high school thanksgiving, and charity. items and However, there are individuals and toiletries to be built in north families who donated by cannot fully the students. Bismarck experience and After the Continued from front page enjoy the beauty celebration of Christmas of Holy The new school will be due to fi nancial Mass, the a campus-like setting with circumstances. donated a courtyard surrounded by At Trinity items three wings. The wing near Junior High and that once the sports fi elds will hold a beautifully High School, the students, staff, Photo by Jim Berger decorated cafeteria, gym, locker rooms and faculty strive to aid families For the annual Golden Mass at Trinity Junior High and High School, the auditorium stage is decorated with gift- and dance facility; the center in the community to help them the stage are wrapped food items and toiletries donated by the students. Above is the 2014 Mass. will have classrooms, a chapel overcome their circumstances so distributed project, children of local families Jug Wars competition and gift- and student union; the third that Christmas really can be a time to local are able to open a meaningful gift wrapped. The presents are placed wing will be home to the fi ne of joy, thanksgiving, and charity. families in need with help from on Christmas morning. In order alongside the non-perishable food arts. Details have not been the local Dorcas Society. This During the month of December, to purchase these gifts, students items and toiletries at Golden Mass. released as to the monetary Trinity Student Council puts on two society is named after Dorcas (also called Tabitha), a charitable of Trinity Junior High and High Last year, more than 25 children scope of the project or the fundraising events: Golden Mass School bring their generosity to were able to receive a gift through timeline. and Jug Wars. These fundraising person described in the Acts of the Apostles. help fi ll the jugs. The competition the efforts put forth by Trinity’s Jug —Sta report events allow for charity to fl ow consists of each class, 7 through 12, Wars. abundantly into the community so The non-perishable food items having their own respective jug to With all of the business of the that no matter one’s circumstances, and toiletries are collected in the be fi lled with monetary donations. Christmas season, it is humbling Christmas can be enjoyed. weeks preceding Golden Holy Mass. Some of the items that are Each class competes against one to see how the generosity of one Golden Mass donations donated include paper and personal another in hopes of raising the school can provide such a great and Bishop Kagan thanks the Knutson family, Ruth and Ron, and their son, Cam (far left), for their donation of 48 acres of land for Golden Mass is held on the last hygiene products, as well as canned most money. However, there is a enduring impact on a community. the new school site. day of school before Christmas and boxed goods. catch. Coin money adds to a class’s This year, Trinity plans on break. The students and their total while paper money subtracts exceeding last year’s achievements families, along with staff and Jug Wars generosity from a class’s total. so that more people can enjoy the faculty, gather together to Jug Wars occurs during the After the donations have been beauty that comes along with the celebrate Holy Mass. This Mass last week of school in December. tallied, the gifts are then purchased Christmas season. is made special by decorating the Through the generosity of this with the money collected from the

Construction of new high school continues in Dickinson Continued from front page through twelve is at 227. on the west side will house a fi ne arts “Very few students, in their lifetime, center featuring a black-box theater ever get to experience this,” Msgr. and music facility as well as a commons Schumacher said. “The building will area on the fi rst fl oor. The second fl oor be impressive, but at the same time, will have the family and consumer we are not our structure. We are our science’s food and sewing labs, religion family of Trinity Catholic schools that classrooms and the chaplain’s offi ce, we welcome here to make their faith life along with two smaller conference better.” rooms overlooking the gym. As the high school project Vern Dosch, chair of a volunteer committee for Light of Christ Light of Christ Catholic Schools President Gerald Vetter addressed Set to open for the second semester progresses, plans are to re-evaluate the crowd at the Nov. 24 news conference announcing plans for a Catholic Schools, spoke about the behind-the-scenes e orts in in the winter of 2017 is the east side new St. Mary’s Central High School. preparation for the construction project. the construction of a new elementary with more academic space including school on the same site. Elementary classrooms, the library, art and science enrollment sits at 298 this year. labs, as well as administrative offi ces. “We’re going take a look at things “The weather has been phenomenal again and likely go back to our Submitted photos Building Catholic schools for for construction,” noted Msgr. feasibility study,” Glasser said. “The Dickinson Catholic Schools President, Steve Glasser (far right), points to a new area of construction on the south side of Trinity Junior High and High School in early December. Glasser has worked closely with Schumacher. “We poured the concrete economy has changed. It’s very for the new chapel fl oor on Dec. 8.” JE Dunn construction manager, Marc Mellmer (center) and DCS Director of Operations, Keith Jankowski the baby boomers different than when we fi rst started (far left) on the day-to-day progress of the project. In addition to crews busily pouring this process. We’re going to go back to Bishop Ryan broke ground on the current St. Mary’s concrete, the recent, long-awaited the parents, the public, our patrons to High School in Bismarck on Oct. 30, 1950. Like most shipment of steel has allowed the gauge where our support is at.” bishops of his day, Bishop Ryan was a zealous promoter construction progress on the $26.3 Focus will also shift toward of Catholic schools. In fact, 14 new school buildings were Crews with JE Dunn million project to fi nally “go vertical,’ ” launching intentional campaigns to built in the diocese under his leadership from 1940-1951. recently completed Glasser noted. “The nice weather this increase enrollment. “We need to In 1950 alone, Bishop Ryan dedicated fi ve new parochial work on the fall and early winter has been a gift foundation cement schools. grow,” Glasser said. He said now the from God.” plan is to start actively engaging the for the commons With those, the number rose to 18, and they comprised Students have been able to witness area and ne and public for fundraising, but also to performing arts a good part of the $10 million the diocese spent on the progress and are excited about construction during this period. St. Mary’s in Bismarck increase numbers. center, which will be the transformation. High school located on the south was the largest of the new schools, serving as the fi rst enrollment this year in grades seven side of the new Trinity of the centralized urban high schools that drew from Junior High and High several parishes in one city. Minot and Dickinson would School. The main eventually build similar schools. A citywide fund drive in o ce was originally located in this area. 1949-50 had a goal of $300,000 to build the high school. 10 | Dakota Catholic Action JANUARY 2016 Getting to the other side of forgiveness Ruth Knutson shares her story

By Patti Armstrong During the news conference announcing Ron and Ruth Knutson’s land donation for a new St. Mary’s Central High School, the youngest of their fi ve children took the microphone. “My Dad said he never had the benefi t of speech classes with Mr. Arnston or Mrs. Dietz, so he asked me to speak,” Cam said. He had clearly benefi ted from those classes, easily mixing memories of his years at St. Mary’s with appreciation for his teachers and loving parents. But when he got to his mother, Ruth, he paused slightly and looked into the audience. He directed his comments to coach, Dan Smrekar, “If you ever want to have somebody come and talk Staff photo about adversity to the football At a recent news conference, Ruth and Ron Knutson stand beside the unveiled plans for the new St. Mary’s Central High School. The team,” he said, “feel free to ask my Knutsons donated 48 acres of land in north Bismarck for the site. mom to come….” He explained Years later, when Ruth married she was a senior in high school and wanted her to say she was sorry that Ruth had learned to survive Ron, she joined him in the he was a pre-med major in college, and ask my forgiveness, but I had that adversity as she raised herself Lutheran church, but she had they married. Ron graduated from a light bulb moment and suddenly growing up in foster care homes. been baptized Catholic and her the University of North Dakota understood that she never saw me And so, at Cam’s suggestion, Ruth relationship with Jesus began at College of Medicine in 1985. He as a child,” Ruth said. “She was was asked to share her story in Mass with her grandmother. specializes in anesthesiology and never able to be my mother, but I greater detail. “Going to church is where I fell pain management. realized I had a small window to Only the beginning in love with Jesus,” Ruth said. “I can’t emphasize enough the be her daughter.” Ruth began by pointing out “I thought, Jesus suffered and love and support that Ron has had And so, as a daughter, Ruth that everyone has a story, but the made it through, so I can make it for me and how blessed I feel to be traveled through forgiveness with one we are born into is only the through, too.” a wife, mother, and grandmother,” her mother during the six months beginning. “It’s what we do with As a third grader Ruth recalled she said. Their fi ve children are she had left; visiting, taking her to the rest of it that is our story,” she telling God, that she had enough. Jessica, 35; Brita, 33; Braun 31; lunch and for haircuts—and saying said. “I told him I didn’t want this life Mamie, 28; and Cam 26, and they “I love you.” It was something Growing up in Williston, Ruth’s and that I wanted to die and be have four grandchildren. Ruth had only heard once from alcoholic mother was not married done,” she said. “I felt God tell me “I have always recognized what her mother from behind a door to the father she never knew. clearly, ‘This is not your life.’ ” It a gift my kids and grandkids are during her childhood. There were four half-siblings—an gave Ruth awareness that she had and the responsibility that goes But, Ruth kept telling her older brother and younger sister a future to live for and that her with that,” Ruth said. She devoted mother that she loved her. Soon, and two younger brothers. “My terrible home life had nothing to herself full-time to the family her mother started saying it back. house was a disaster,” she said. do with her. until Cam began school. Then, When her mother died in October “If I put stuff in the laundry, I Years of looking out for her she earned degrees in addiction 1995, it seemed both mother and never saw it again.” But, unwashed siblings and trying to keep the counseling and social work at the daughter were at peace. “That clothes were the least of her home in order were overwhelming. University of Mary, and worked time was a gift,” Ruth said. “It’s problems. By sixth grade, Ruth walked to her for seven years as an addiction so much better to get to the other One of Ruth’s earliest childhood social worker’s offi ce and asked to counselor at the Heartview side of forgiveness rather than memories was at fi ve years old, leave. She and her sister, who was Foundation in Bismarck. “I loved keep the past locked inside.” 18 months younger, were placed working with patients and realized pleading with her mother not Heart full of gratitude with different relatives for what we are more alike than we are to leave her with the abusive There is one more part to the became the fi rst of Ruth’s four different,” she said. “I really think stepfather. Her mother wouldn’t story, however. “The story would foster homes. the 12 steps [to sobriety] is a protect her. When his violent rages not be complete without forgiving When her sister was 16, she ran spiritual journey; one that we can became known by social services, yourself,” Ruth said. She explained away to Wyoming and eventually all take by surrendering to God.” he was deported back to Canada, that she had to forgive herself for had two children—one she gave but occasionally sneaked back. “In Reconnecting with her mother not being there for her sisters and up for adoption and the other second grade, I remember feeling Ruth had already surrendered brothers and for not trying to start the father raised. Her sister died terrifi ed on the way home from so much of her past, but 20 a relationship earlier with her three years ago at the age of 49 of school that he might be there.” years ago, she was confronted mother. cirrhosis of the liver. Ruth’s three Ruth’s mother was a daily with a diffi cult choice that took In the end, Ruth said that her brothers have also struggled with drunk and also had a bad temper. her breath away. After her past has given her a heart full of addiction. Two of the houses they lived in grandmother’s funeral, an aunt gratitude. Even the bad things She reached out to help them, burned down—one from electrical told her,“Ruth, if you want to see are part of the blessings of her life but they made other choices. Ruth problems and the other because your mother again, you don’t have today. For instance raising her does not judge, however. Much her 3- and 4-year-old little much time. She has lung cancer.” children, she was able to teach of their lives was beyond their brothers were home alone playing At this point, Ruth did not want them compassion in a meaningful control, such as getting drunk with matches. A neighbor lady to see her mother, but she knew way. “If you make fun of someone for the fi rst time at two years old saved them from their hiding place she needed to. “It’s easy to say for dirty hair or messy clothes, or being drinking buddies with under a blanket. you forgive someone, but when know that you would have made their mom in junior high. Ruth presented with the person, it’s a fun of me when I was a little girl,” Grandmother’s influence attributes her own happiness and whole ‘nother thing,” she said. she taught them. Amid the chaos and pain, fulfi llment to God and family, but She drove to Minot and brought “I always ask God what I’m there was her grandmother. Her ultimately, she said there is a lot of her mother back to Bismarck for supposed to see,” she said. “I’ve grandmother had 11 kids and her randomness we cannot control. grandfather had died of cirrhosis a visit. “God’s grace fi lled me with come to understand that there of the liver from alcoholism in Starting her own family peace,” Ruth said. “I felt so sorry is something to learn in every his late forties. “My grandmother While in high school, Ruth met for her. She never experienced circumstance. My prayer has always made me feel safe,” Ruth her future husband Ron, who was how much love children give you always been, ‘Dear God, give explained. “She took us to church two years older. “He knew my and you give them.” me eyes to see, a mind that is and convinced my mother to send mom was a character and that I Her mother had been sober open and a heart fi lled with us to CCD classes.” was in foster care, but he didn’t for 10 years, had gotten a math compassion.’ ” run away,” she said. By the time degree, and worked as a tutor. “I JANUARY 2016 Dakota Catholic Action | 11 Invitation to pray the novena to the Holy Face of Jesus

By a Carmelite nun France that blasphemy is a more Italy. The communications that graces and who try to keep others I desire that My Face, which frightful sin than others because she received were submitted to her away from Him. Praise and shows My Soul’s deepest anguish, by it the sinner curses Him to spiritual director and thereafter, adoration are His due and yet He My Heart’s sorrow and love, His face, attacks Him openly, Pope Pius XII established the endures not only hatred, but also may be more honored. Whoever annihilates His redemption and Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus indifference and ingratitude. How contemplates Me, consoles Me… himself pronounces his own on April 17, 1958, to be observed gracious and bountiful will be the Every time that anyone gazes at condemnation. “[It] grievously each year on Shrove Tuesday (the reward which we shall receive My Face, I will pour My Love into wounds my Divine Heart,” He told Tuesday before Ash Wednesday). in return for giving Him just a hearts and by means of My Holy her. We are encouraged to prepare for little bit of our time and attention Face, the salvation of many souls However, in 1936, Our Lord the Feast Day with a novena of during this novena. If there are will be obtained. —Our Lord to again requested that reparation be prayer and acts of reparation. particular intentions you would Sister Marie Pierina in 1936. made to His Holy Face, this time Please join with us in consoling like us to include in this Novena, Our Lord had requested revealing Himself to Sr. Marie the Heart of Jesus by gazing please call or write us. The prayer that reparation be made to His Pierina (beatifi ed on May 30 lovingly upon His Holy Face. Let line phone number is 336-7907. Holy Face as early as 1843. He 2010). Sr. Marie Pierina was a us read thereon His immense Our mailing address is Carmelite made it known to Sr. Mary of St. Religious Sister of the Daughters desire to draw all souls to Himself, Monastery, 2051 91st St. SE, Peter, a Carmelite Nun in Tours, of the Immaculate Conception in including those who resist His Hague, ND 58542.

Novena to the Holy Face of Jesus February 1 - 9

NOVENA PRAYER: O Lord Jesus Your Holy Name and seek with love and Christ, in presenting ourselves before confi dence Your adorable Face. Your adorable Face, to ask of You the graces of which we stand most Aspiration: May the most holy, in need, (here mention the grace or most sacred, most adorable, most favor you desire). We beseech You, incomprehensible and unutterable above all, to give us that interior name of God be always praised, blessed, disposition of never refusing at any loved, adored and glorifi ed in heaven, time to do what You require of us by on earth, and under the earth by all Your holy commandments and Your the creatures of God and by the Sacred divine inspirations. O good Jesus, Who Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ in hast said: “Ask and you shall receive, the most holy sacrament of the altar. seek and you shall fi nd, knock and it Amen. After receiving this prayer, Sister shall be opened to you.” Give us, O Lord, Mary of St. Peter was given a vision in that faith which obtains all, or supply in which she saw the Sacred Heart of Jesus us what may be defi cient. Be merciful delightfully wounded by this “Golden to us, O God, and reject not our prayers Arrow,” as torrents of graces streamed when, amid our affl ictions, we call upon from it for the conversion of sinners.

World Day of the Sick: Message from Pope Francis

The following is an edited God is on the one hand tested, toil and sufferings like the water, version of Pope Francis’ letter to yet at the same time can reveal which fi lled the jars at the wedding the faithful. all of its positive resources. Not feast of Cana and was turned into because faith makes illness, pain, the fi nest wine. By quietly helping Dear Brothers and Sisters, or the questions which they raise, those who suffer, as in illness The 24th World Day of the Sick disappear, but because it offers a itself, we take our daily cross offers me an opportunity to draw key by which we can discover the upon our shoulders and follow the particularly close to you, dear deepest meaning of what we are Master (cf. Lk 9:23). Even though friends who are ill, and to those experiencing; a key that helps us the experience of suffering will who care for you. to see how illness can be the way always remain a mystery, Jesus The theme chosen—Entrusting to draw nearer to Jesus who walks helps us to reveal its meaning. Oneself to the Merciful Jesus at our side, weighed down by the If we can learn to obey the like Mary: “Do whatever he tells Cross. And this key is given to us words of Mary, who says: “Do you” (Jn 2:5)—is quite fi tting in by Mary, our Mother, who has whatever he tells you”, Jesus will light of the Extraordinary Jubilee known this way at fi rst hand. always change the water of our of Mercy. The main Eucharistic On this World Day of the Sick lives into precious wine. Thus this every form of violence and celebration of the Day will let us ask Jesus in his mercy, World Day of the Sick, solemnly discrimination’ (Misericordiae take place on Feb. 11, 2016, the through the intercession of Mary, celebrated in the Holy Land, Vultus, 23). Every hospital and liturgical memorial of Our Lady of his Mother and ours, to grant to all will help fulfi ll the hope which I nursing home can be a visible Lourdes, in Nazareth itself, where of us this same readiness to serve expressed in the Bull of Indiction sign and setting in which to “the Word became fl esh and made those in need, and, in particular, of the Extraordinary Jubilee of promote the culture of encounter his dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14). our infi rm brothers and sisters. Mercy: ‘I trust that this Jubilee and peace, where the experience Illness, above all grave illness, At times this service can be year celebrating the mercy of of illness and suffering, along always places human existence in tiring and burdensome, yet we God will foster an encounter with with professional and fraternal crisis and brings with it questions are certain that the Lord will [Judaism and Islam] and with assistance, helps to overcome that dig deep. Our fi rst response surely turn our human efforts into other noble religious traditions; every limitation and division. may at times be one of rebellion: something divine. We too can be may it open us to even more With this prayer for all of you, I Why has this happened to me? We hands, arms and hearts, which fervent dialogue so that we send my Apostolic Blessing. can feel desperate, thinking that help God to perform his miracles, might know and understand one all is lost, that things no longer so often hidden. We too, whether another better; may it eliminate have meaning. healthy or sick, can offer up our every form of closed-mindedness In these situations, faith in and disrespect, and drive out 12 | Dakota Catholic Action JANUARY 2016 Diocese Roundup Renovation at St. Therese Minot church refocuses projects after 2011 fl ood By Sonia Mullally made possible through a capital functions as the parish activity Mass was said in the school gym DCA Editor campaign and a loan from the center. The former school until May of 1963. St. Therese, Church of the Little Expansion Fund of the Diocese gymnasium was utilized for Mass St. Therese is a prime Flower, in Minot had big plans. of Bismarck. With $2.3 million a while the sanctuary was being example of how parishes can Then the fl ood of 2011 hit the city gathering space was built and the renovated for fi ve months. utilize Expansion Fund dollars and changed things. sanctuary was renovated, among “It was sort of fi tting that we for renovation or construction While the aftermath of other projects. were back in the gym,” Fr. Harvey projects. Parishes across the fl oodwaters of the Souris River “It was a quick moving project added. “The church started there diocese deposit excess operating precipitated the closing of the over the span of a year, give or and we were, in a sense, going money into the fund making it school, it didn’t dampen the take,” explained Fr. Fred Harvey, back in history.” available to be used to loan to spirits of the parishioners. In fact, pastor there since 2005. The Fr. Harvey was referring to other parishes. The resource of the plan refocused to creating a major project, he said, was to the church’s beginnings some the Expansion Fund is a sort of more welcoming community for connect the church to the old 60 years ago when ground was “savings account” serving as a everyone. school with a new gathering space. broken on the school fi rst in 1954 secure fund for loan generation The three-part project was The school building now and once that was completed, for parishes in need.

BEFORE AFTER

A new gathering space was built to connect the church and the adjacent school. New windows and doors created a welcoming atmosphere.

BEFORE AFTER

The project included renovations to the sanctuary and the Stations of the Cross, among other things inside the church. Q&A about the Expansion Fund

The Expansion Fund for the Diocese of Bismarck was loans because the Expansion Fund did not have adequate reserve incorporated in 1941. It was established to provide a secure funds to lend. Parishes not participating in the Expansion Fund, institution where parishes could deposit funds, obtain a competitive but blessed with excess funds, could be helping their fellow parishes interest rate on their deposits, and secure loans for much-needed and practicing better stewardship by moving their deposits to the parish repairs or improvements at a competitive rate. Expansion Fund. The Expansion Fund loan review process follows prudent Q. For a rural parish that wants to support their local standards similar to those in commercial lending facilities. The bank, how can both that support of the bank and excess following is additional information on the fund and how it works for funds be deposited in the Expansion Fund? each parish in the diocese. A. A parish can “redirect” Expansion Fund savings or CD deposits Q. If the Expansion Fund is run and managed by the to their local bank. All that is needed is a request from the pastor Diocese of Bismarck, does this mean that the deposits providing the bank and investment information. The parish account made by a parish are turned over to the diocese? will be with the Expansion Fund and the Expansion Fund will invest A. The bookkeeping and management for the Expansion Fund are the deposit amount with the local bank. performed by diocesan employees to help hold down administrative Q. If a parish deposits money in the Expansion Fund, and costs. The funds are held in local banking institutions, and managed then needs to withdraw funds, how quickly will the money in individual deposit accounts, belonging to the depositors (the be available? parishes in our diocese). A. If a parish has money in a savings account (demand funds) Q. Is it mandatory of parishes to invest their savings typically a check can be sent to the parish within 48 hours for a funds in the Expansion Fund? withdrawal. Parish funds invested in a Certifi cate of Deposit (CD) A. In June of 2014, Bishop Kagan advised his pastors that they would have similar stipulations as any other fi nancial institution as “must put all excess parish operating funds of more than 90 days on there are maturity dates with each CD and early withdrawal penalties deposit in the Expansion Fund.” At the recent clergy conference in may apply. Requests for withdrawal must come under the pastor’s September 2015 Bishop Kagan reminded his pastors of that policy. signature or via his email. Trustees, Finance Council members, Over the last few years, some parishes that have had excellent or parish business managers do not have authority to request a credit risks and were seeking loans for renovations were denied withdrawal. Catholic Action JANUARY 2016 Featured Columnists Dakota | 13

Making Sense out of Bioethics FR. TAD PACHOLCZYK A higher standard than for cats and dogs

Sometimes people will point discomfort. Animals lack that with suffering. imposes by out, “We euthanize our pets when uniquely human power to reason Those who live with serious a conscious they suffer, and they are clearly about, resign themselves to, and disabilities, through their decision to accept and grow creatures of God, so why can’t allow good to be drawn out of determined and beauty-fi lled through it, like the athlete or we euthanize a sick and suffering pain. Animals can’t do much else lives and example, remind us the Navy SEAL who pushes person who wants it? It seems like in the face of their suffering apart every day of the good that can be through the limits exhaustion we treat our dogs and cats better from trying to skirt around it, drawn from suffering. The way during training. We enter into an than we treat our suffering family escape the situation, or passively they deal with their struggles awareness of something greater members.” endure it. Because of our strong manifests the depths of what it behind the veil of our suffering The way we treat animals, sense of empathy, humans fi nd it is to be authentically human. when we come to accept it as however, should not be the more emotionally acceptable to It is precisely disability, with an integral component of our measure of how we treat fellow “put the animal to sleep,” rather its disfi gurement, impairment, human condition. We also give human beings. We keep animals than watch it suffer a long and vulnerability and dependence, positive example, strength and as pets, but we don’t do the same agonizing death. which challenges us to grasp the encouragement to the younger with humans. We use animals to But it would be false empathy, outlines of our human journey in generation as they witness our make clothing and food, but we and a false compassion, to a less superfi cial way, and to value response to, and acceptance of, don’t do the same with humans. promote the killing or suicide human life and protect human our own suffering. Our trials and For all our similarities to the rest of suffering family members. dignity in sickness as well as in tribulations also teach us about of the animal kingdom, we are As human beings, we have real health. our reliance on God and the aware of a fundamental difference moral duties, and better options, Victoria Kennedy spoke to illusions of self-reliance. in kind between ourselves and our in the face of our own pain and this same point when describing On the other hand, if our fear furry friends. We are not meant tribulations. On an instinctual Senator Kennedy’s fi nal months: of suffering drives us to constant to die just as animals do, or be level, we tend to recoil and do “When my husband was fi rst circumlocution and relentless euthanized as they are. The death our best to avoid suffering, just diagnosed with cancer, he was avoidance, even to the point of a human is a more complex like animals. But we are able to told that he had only two to of short-circuiting life itself event that has other important respond in a way that animals four months to live.… But that through euthanasia or physician- realities associated with it. cannot, and even willingly prognosis was wrong. Teddy lived assisted suicide, we can miss In euthanizing a cat or dog, an accept our suffering, which is 15 more productive months.… those mysterious but privileged assessment about the nature of unavoidably part of the fabric Because that fi rst dire prediction moments that invite us to become the creature is rolled up into our of our human existence. None of life expectancy was wrong, more resplendently human, with decision to proceed. Our pets seem of us lives out our life without I have 15 months of cherished all the messiness, awkwardness to process the world around them encountering some suffering, memories. … When the end and agonies that are invariably mostly in terms of pleasure and even if it may be purely internal, fi nally did come—natural death part of that process. pain, oscillating between these like the agony that comes from with dignity—my husband was ■ Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his two poles as they instinctively loneliness, isolation, depression, home, attended by his doctor, doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did gravitate towards pleasurable or rejection. Every person must, surrounded by family and our post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest experiences, and engage in in one way or another, confront priest.” of the diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves as the Director of Education at The National “mechanisms of avoidance” when suffering along the trajectory As human beings, we reach Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See they come up against pain or of life, and human maturity is beyond the limits that suffering www.ncbcenter.org. partially measured by how we deal

Guest Column Nothing greater than true presence JOSH SCHAAN

By Josh Schaan St. Louis culture. When I asked attention. It is true that there are morning, Diocesan Seminarian one of the local guys about it, his things that we must give some of I awoke Greetings from St. Louis! response was, “Have you ever our time toward. The challenge is early and It is truly a great day, a simple heard of a sports town with a deciphering between them. could not fall back asleep. In my day. Our semester here at Kenrick- drinking problem? Well, St. Louis In the last year, I have taken frustration, I eventually decided Glennon Seminary has offi cially is a drinking town with a baseball some steps an in effort to grow to just get up. It was that morning come to a close. With freedom problem.” in simplicity, and the results that I found myself in the chapel, from deadlines and assignments, Lastly, the Church is also a big have been incredible. I made the in our Lord’s presence, at 5:20 I am fi nding great relief in the part of this city. So much so that decision to start leaving my cell a.m. simplicity of my day. It is hard some have referred to it as “The phone turned off or on my desk In darkness with the only light to believe it has been a year and Rome of the West.” The Church until after my morning classes. shining on the Tabernacle, it hit a half since I began my studies has played a signifi cant role in the Before long, it would be 3 o’clock me. This is simplicity—nothing here in St. Louis. Yet, I fi nd myself history of St. Louis. The number in the afternoon before realizing I to distract me—and it is great. refl ecting on how wonderful it has of parishes is incredible; and you hadn’t looked at my phone all day. But, the true greatness came been, and how the Lord continues are only minutes from multiple Rather than fearing what call, text, when I realized some time around to bless me. churches at any given time in the or email I had missed, I started 6:30 a.m. that I still had not If you have never been to St. city. Many of which are beautiful to appreciate complete focus. been distracted. In continuing Louis there are a few things you examples of architecture directed Whether at classes, studying, or my prayer, rather than seeing need to know. First, professional to glorifying God. being social, it was about being distractions around me, what I sports are kind of a big deal here. There are a lot of great things truly present. I found it incredible saw was true presence all around St. Louis is home to the Cardinals one could say about Kenrick- how a small thing like my phone me—the presence of brother baseball team, Blues hockey team, Glennon Seminary, and the city of could be such a big distraction. seminarians being actively present and the Rams football team (at St. Louis. But, even in the midst My newfound appreciation for to and with our Lord. least for now). big beautiful churches, champion true presence soon led toward a Whatever small steps I made, Secondly, St. Louis is the professional sports teams, and the desire to be more in the presence or the simple problem of not being home of Budweiser beer. With “The King of Beers,” the greatest of our Lord. As Catholics, we know able to sleep one morning, have the Cardinals and Budweiser in blessings in my life in the last year there is nothing greater than true led to something great. Our Lord mind, I have to share a quick and a half have come in the form presence. becomes truly present with us at story. Last fall, the Serra Club of of simplicity. I have always been easily Christmas, and is truly present St. Louis sponsored a night for My hope is that I can share my distracted. To give an example, with and in us in the most Holy vocations at Busch Stadium and experiences of simply profound every morning at the seminary Eucharist. I pray that in this purchased baseball tickets for grace and that you may also starts with a holy hour from Christmas season you may fi nd all of the seminarians. It didn’t recognize God’s goodness in 6-7 a.m. While there, I was simple ways to be more present take long before I noticed that the simplicity life can offer. Life often distracted by brother in your life, and that our Lord be the Cardinals are a huge part of is full of distractions, different seminarians fi ltering into the present to all of us. things competing for our time and chapel throughout the hour. One 14 | Dakota Catholic Action JANUARY 2016 Featured Columnists Balancing Church & State CHRISTOPHER DODSON Asking us to heed the cry for help

When announcing the Holy announcing the Jubilee Year is history of the church. Certainly, in the section on “Love for the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope called a “bull of indiction.” In this the healing of actual physical Poor.” Immediately preceding the Francis pleaded, “Let us open our bull, Pope Francis urges us to wounds is an act of mercy, but description of acts of mercy, the eyes and see the misery of the “reawaken,” “rediscover,” and even we often fail to see other kinds Catechism notes that charitable world, the wounds of our brothers “discover” the need for mercy and of wounds. St. John Paul II, in acts of mercy are not to be a and sisters who are denied their what is “new.” His words bring his encyclical on mercy, Dives in substitute for that which is due dignity, and let us recognize that images of awaking from sleep. Misericordia, blamed an erroneous to a person as a matter of justice we are compelled to heed their cry In his letter to the Ephesians, St. view of “dominion” of the world because of the person’s dignity. for help!” Paul quotes from what must have and an excessive reliance on When we open our eyes to wounds The Holy Father packed been one of the earliest Christian science and technology as the of our brothers and sisters we see, much into that one sentence. As hymns,“Awake, O sleeper, and reason why we do not see the not only the person’s immediate we begin this Year of Mercy, it arise from the dead, and Christ wounds in need of mercy. Instead, need, but the injustice at the root behooves us to unpack it. As he will give you light.” (Eph. 5:14) we see “needs,” and “problems,” of the wound. says, “Let us . . .. ” While the hymn may indirectly calling for a techno-science “[L]et us recognize that we are As with much in our faith, reference the resurrection of solution. Those with a “lively compelled to heed their cry for the call is to the community. the dead, it is really directed sense of faith,” he said, see the help!” This emphasis on community at us. Pope Francis calls it the shortcomings of this approach and As he often is, Pope Francis is does not mean that we bear no “monotonous routine.” It is the turn to the mercy of God. blunt about what we need to do in personal responsibility to others. routine of this life that prevents us We are asked to see, “[W]ho are response to God’s mercy. The church, however, repeatedly from seeing Christ in every person denied their dignity . . ..” Let us begin this Jubilee Holy reminds us that we live—physically around us and in the unseen These wounds are a denial of Year by asking ourselves how we and spiritually—in community. neighbor, like those in the womb a person’s dignity. Being created will heed the cry for help in direct The Catholic faith has little room or the refugee. in the image of God, every human acts of charity and more indirect, for individualism. Our communal The Year of Mercy is a call to person is bestowed with a dignity but no less important, acts of nature not only means that we wake up and see, “…[T]he misery that cannot be taken away, but justice. How will we reexamine care for each other, but it also of the world . . ..” which must be seen, affi rmed, and redirect our government means that our means of caring When we open our eyes, the and respected. We are not talking policies so that we see the are not isolated to individual acts. wounds are everywhere. Everyone about, therefore, mere material wounded and respond with mercy? The community, including family, needs God’s mercy. He asks us to needs or even just spiritual care. How will we heed the cry for help? local structures, government, and Acts of mercy affi rm the dignity of see, “[T]he wounds of our brothers ■ Dodson serves as executive director of the international actors, are also called and sisters . . ..” the human person. N.D. Catholic Conference, the offi cial liaison to acts of mercy. The image of acts of mercy The Catechism describes acts for the dioceses of Fargo and Bismarck in He continues, “[O]pen our binding or healing wounds is used of mercy as charitable acts. It matters of public policy. eyes and see . . ..” The document many times in Scripture and in the places this discussion, however,

Ag Attitudes JAMES ODERMANN All seasons of the year are fi lled with Jesus’ love

The other day a friend asked, the livestock, seeing the wildlife commitment that Jesus asks of yet never faltered. What an “What is your favorite time of the bounding or fl ying across the me. example! I know I cannot match year?” prairie. I like the frostiness of So, what season do I like Jesus, but I have an obligation to Believe it or not, I was cold air fi lling my lungs. Yes, best? The answer is really try—during all seasons. speechless. I never really thought sometimes the wind, snow and inconsequential because Jesus is Care to join me? about it because I really think cold do create issues, but those there during all of the seasons. I ■ Odermann lives with his wife, Leona, God has blessed me in so many are just minor nuisances in what need to make sure that my soul, on the family farm in Billings County. They is really a pretty good career: food are members of the Church of St. Patrick ways. I like every time of the mind, heart and body are willing in Dickinson and assist with eucharistic year, especially in this part of production. to accept Jesus. celebrations there as well as at the Churches the northern hemisphere where Another reason why I like Christmas is the celebration of St. Bernard (Belfi eld) and St. Mary the change of seasons is such a winter is it gives me time to do of Jesus becoming human. Jesus (Medora). fabulous experience. something that I really like: read. knew what was in store for Him, So, I refl ected on the question. This joy was instilled in me at As an agricultural producer, I have a young age (before I started always liked spring, especially school), cultivated by the School PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN because I liked calving season— Sisters of Notre Dame and later The Diocese of Bismarck is fi rmly committed to the health and protection seeing new life bouncing up and augmented by the Benedictines. of our children, young people and vulnerable adults. With the hope of healing down the hills and valleys. This reading may be a newspaper, the pain and suff ering from sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, we encourage Then I thought, I really like periodical (perhaps the Dakota anyone who has suff ered from this abuse to please come forward and let summer when you can see the Catholic Action), book, or an us know. To report allegations of sexual abuse, please contact: Dale Eberle, rewards of crops kissed by God’s essay. Chancellor, Diocese of Bismarck, PO Box 1575, Bismarck, ND 58502-1575. gifts of rain and sunshine radiating Reading is really a time for Phone: 701.223.1347 or 1.877.405.7435. The complaint form and policies can be from the soil. Then, I rhetorically refl ection, a time when I can fully found on the diocesan web site at http://www.bismarckdiocese.com. asked myself, “What about fall?” immerse myself in thoughts of This is the time to wrap things up, others. It gives me a chance to count one’s blessings and share CODE OF CONDUCT really attempt to understand a the bounty of the harvest. The Catholic Church must be exemplary: Clergy, staff , whether diocesan viewpoint of one of my sisters or And, then comes winter. It or parish, and volunteers are held accountable for their behavior. To enable brothers. is a time of refl ection, a time of the highest level of accountability, there must be a clear and unambiguous In the end, I am called to be reviewing and regurgitating the defi nition of appropriate behavior. To this end, this Code of Conduct is defi ned cognizant that there are many thoughts, words and actions of for the Diocese of Bismarck and it provides a foundation for implementing the past three seasons. I like ways and forks in the road to eff ective and enforceable standards for all personnel. View the Code of Conduct getting out and walking among heaven. There are so many at http://www.bismarckdiocese.com. opportunities to fulfi ll the JANUARY 2016 Dakota Catholic Action | 15 Featured Columnists Guest Column Questions SISTER AGATHA MUGGLI I was afraid to ask FR. BRIAN GROSS Refl ections on the Judgment, his glorious throne, and all the Q: nations will be assembled before what is it and him. And he will separate them unplanned turns in life one from another, as a shepherd should I be separates the sheep from the afraid? goats. He will place the sheep on By Sr. Agatha Muggli, the U.S. Church following Vatican his right and the goats on his left.” Annunciation Monastery II is the life-stretching experience (Mt. 25:31-33) This moment of the Editor’s note: In celebration of I treasure most. Over the years, There are two judgments last judgment will be one sight the Year of Consecrated Life, the there have been opportunities A: that each person will have to behold. A number of amazing to face after death. following is the last of a series of to expand knowledge, to tap and glorious things will happen. personal perspectives from those the wisdom of experts and to The fi rst is the particular judgment, The resurrection of all the dead will occur and our souls will be living this holy life. experience occasional moments which happens immediately. This is the moment when God reveals reunited with our bodies. God has arranged my life in of deep faith, prayer and joy; all to us what our eternal life will look Furthermore, “in the presence of unanticipated ways stretching these within the environment of a like: eternal happiness with him in life-giving community. Within the Christ, who is Truth itself, the truth me beyond my own plans and heaven or eternal punishment in of each man’s relationship with expectations. This has been Church as the People of God, the hell. God will be laid bare. The Last blessing. call to contribute my talents for The second is the last judgment Judgment will reveal even to its Prior to my last year in high the benefi t of the rest continues to when Jesus returns in glory and furthest consequences the good school, I had openly proclaimed excite me. Facilitating the full and we see him seated at God’s right each person has done or failed to do during his earthly life.” (CCC that I would do anything but be active participation of people in hand and coming on the clouds of heaven. (Mark 14:62) This is the 1039) We will see clearly how God a sister and a teacher. However, worship as liturgical musician and planner energizes me to go beyond moment when creation, as we was working throughout all of when three young women from know it, ceases to exist and he history and in our own lives. the high school graduating class the call of duty. Each time I study creates a new heaven and a new There will be a new heaven and ahead of me entered a religious the Rule of St. Benedict with a earth. (Rev. 21:1) novice, I understand more deeply a new earth and the old order community in South Dakota, the will pass away. A complete the Church’s call for the renewal Particular judgment prospect of being a sister surfaced transformation of the universe The Catechism tells us, “each will be within me. It gathered momentum of religious life. I have a chance to will occur and all suff ering and rewarded immediately after death touch again, and in a fuller way, sin will be gone as Christ forever and a few months later I left the in accordance with his works and the original inspiration behind our establishes himself as King and Yellowstone valley in Miles City, faith.” (CCC 1021) This moment of Benedictine way of life and to see welcomes us defi nitively into his Mont., bounded by arid hills, to particular judgment may sound happiness. St. Paul tells us in 1 more clearly what it can mean for a little scary to us, and, indeed, I come to Annunciation Monastery Corinthians 2:9, “...eye has not seen, our living in this culture and time. suppose it should. For those who where the horizon lays a long way and ear has not heard, nor has have continually sought to love off in all directions. At this point in my life I am it ever entered the human heart and serve God and others, the Soon my life shifted direction aware that some challenging what God has prepared for those moment will be one of great relief again. Rather than pursue a stretches are beckoning. They who love him.” are inner ones, ones which St. and joy. degree in nursing, I accepted Should I be afraid? the invitation of my superiors to Benedict sets before me at the Those who have completely been purifi ed of all sin and attachment The Holy Roman Catholic Church study music, which, ironically, end of his Rule: striving to be the fi rst to respect another, bearing to sin in this life will enter is our sacred home in which Christ meant being a teacher. Now, dwells for the purpose of saving us with the greatest patience others’ immediately into heaven. The rest as an organist, I know the joy of us go to purgatory to experience from damnation. He comes to us in and satisfaction of supporting weaknesses of body and behavior, the fi nal purifi cation of sin and all the sacraments of the Church and the assembly in joyful liturgical listening earnestly to everyone and attachments it. in our daily prayers and devotions. choosing what benefi ts another He does not abandon us and He celebrations. I’d not dreamed of It is important to note that God is always faithful to His promises, this when, as a child, I reluctantly rather than self. These invitations does not judge us in this moment which are revealed through call me beyond myself to generous arbitrarily. He does not have a really complied with my mother’s urging Scripture and tradition. The Holy concern for the other. I pray large silver dollar that he fl ips the to practice piano. Roman Catholic Church is God’s to God for openness to see the moment we stand before him. He My profi ciency as a music gift to us and if we remain faithfully reveals to us what we have already opportunities that turn up many at home within her spiritual and teacher was growing and then chosen individually in this life. Have times each day and for courage to physical walls we have nothing came the phone call asking me we made the choice for God now do the loving thing. to fear at that moment of our to enroll in a graduate program in time or not? God honors our judgment. in Pittsburgh to prepare me Deep gratitude rises up as I choice at that moment of particular to work with newcomers to refl ect on the unplanned turns in judgment. All saints and angels, pray for my life. They have been blessings, us that we may gain our eternal our community. In addition to It is very important that a priest be reward! studying philosophy, psychology gifts that have greatly enriched my called at the time of one’s death. and spirituality, living in the big life though I often did not see this A priest is able to off er the saving ■ Fr. Gross is pastor of the Church city expanded my worldview. On at the time. It’s as if God has said, power of God’s mercy to the dying of Epiphany in Watford City and Our one occasion, more people than “I will allure her; I will lead her person, especially to those who Lady of Consolation in Alexander. lived in my hometown gathered to into the desert and speak to her have continually turned away from If you have a question you were Him in this life. God is generous in afraid to ask, now is the time to ask welcome the winners of the World heart. From there I will give her off ering mercy. it! Simply email your question to Series; another time, the lingo on the vineyards she had, . . . and a gateway of hope.” (Hosea 2:16, 17). Last judgment [email protected] with city buses made me feel like an the “Question Afraid to Ask” in the For drawing me to yourself, thank Jesus tells us, “When the Son of outsider. subject line. What unfolded in the you God! Man comes in his glory, and all the community of Annunciation and angels with him, he will sit upon

Test yourself! Who was the fi rst to receive instructions from Jesus concerning the Divine Mercy Chaplet? A. St. Maria Faustina B. Bl. Mother Theresa C. St. Clare D. St. Therese of Lisieux Which of the following is NOT one of the four Marian Dogmas? A. Perpetual Virginity B. Mary as Mother of God C. Annunciation D. Immaculate Conception Which of the following does NOT determine the morality of an act? A. age of the person acting B. object CATHOLIC TRIVIA CATHOLIC

C. circumstances D. intent

February 10, 2016 acting person the of Age (A) 3. Annunciation, (C) 2. Faustina, Maria St. (A) 1. 16 | Dakota Catholic Action JANUARY 2016

FINANCIALLY STRONG for 39 Consecutive Years

Donate your car to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Help protect your family with Donate your car to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul today, and you will receive a tax deduction and make a difference the A++, Superior financial strength to those living in poverty. To donate your vehicle, go to www.svdpusacars.com, or call (800) 322-8284. of the Knights of Columbus. All funds will be used within the Diocese of Bismarck.

For more information on the diocesan chapters of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul visit svdpbismarck.org and svdpminot.com

Aaron Mahlmann Pat Dolan Mike Vetter Bismarck General Agent, Fargo Minot (701) 222-2755 (701) 298-9922 (701) 837-0135 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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Join the fun and wear your favorite hat. Have an intergenerational breakfast with your mom, daughter, goddaughter, granddaughter, grandmother, sister and friends! Join the fun with great food, great company and an inspiring speaker. Kelli Schneider will be speaking about Women’s Virtue and the Saints.

Kelli Schneider was born and raised in Dickinson. Kelli and her husband, Scott Schneider, have been married for 13 years and have been blessed with four children. The first 12 years of their married life they made their home in Bismarck, where they were members of Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. In August of 2014, they moved to Dickinson where they are now members of the Church of St. Wenceslaus. Kelli received her bachelor of science degree in speech communication from North Dakota State University in 2002. She began her career in a public relations firm in Bismarck and continued working in the public relations, marketing and writing fields when she became the development director at St. Mary’s Central High School in 2003. Upon the birth of Scott and Kelli’s first child, Kelli left St. Mary’s to be a stay-at-home mom. She began working part-time at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in the spring of 2006 and continued part-time in parish ministry and communications at the Cathedral until 2014. Currently, in addition to her role as a stay-at-home wife and mom, Kelli serves as the marketing manager for Dickinson Catholic Schools. Kelli co-lead a number of women’s groups in Ministry of Mothers Sharing, has served the diocese as a FertilityCare Practitioner, Scott and Kelli have served on the Pre-Marriage Weekend Team in Bismarck and recently became a Sponsor Couple at the Church of St. Wenceslaus.

$15 per person, adult & children. Mother-Daughter Celebration Registration Limited seating, Name: ______must pre-register by Address: ______Feb. 8. Register online at City, State, Zip: ______Phone:______bismarckdiocese.com or fill out the registration Number attending:______Amount enclosed: $______form to the right. For office use only Call Bev at 701-204-7185 Make check payable to: Diocese of Bismarck and send to: Check # ______(or 1-877-405-7435 Office of Family Ministry, Diocese of Bismarck, toll-free) for additional Amount $ ______information. PO Box 1137, Bismarck, ND 58502-1137.