(Photo by Debra Skelley Blaschko) Christmas cookies! Ione Grossmann (left), Scott Mohr, and Anita Mohr dish out the Marvelous Macaroons on Nov. 29 at St. John the Baptist in Searles as part of the ’s annual Cookie Bake. The event, which began as a modest effort in 1989, now draws donors, volunteers, and customers from across the region and raises over $14,000 for Minnesota’s Most Rural Diocese Diocese of New Ulm Vol. 31 No. 4 December 2016 Catholic education. (Read more on page 6.) At close of Jubilee, pope says it’s a reminder of what’s essential by Catholic News Agency heart of the Gospel, urges us In his homily, the pope pointed to give up habits and practices to the day’s Gospel from Luke, VATICAN CITY – On Nov. 20 which may be obstacles to in which Christ, “the Chosen closed the Holy serving the Kingdom of God” One, the King” appears “without Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, and urges us to align ourselves power or glory: he is on the offi cially marking the end of the “only in the perennial and cross, where he seems more to be Jubilee of Mercy, which he said humble kingship of Jesus, not conquered than conqueror.” is a reminder that love is at the in submission to the precarious core of God’s attitude, rather regalities and changing powers of Jesus’ kingship, he said, “is than power and prestige. every age.” paradoxical:” his crown is made of thorns, he has no scepter, no “This Year of Mercy invites us to Pope Francis spoke to pilgrims “luxurious clothing” or “shiny rediscover the core, to return to gathered in St. Peter’s Square rings” on his fi ngers, but is what is essential,” the Pope said for marking the end of instead pierced with nails and on the Feast of Christ the King. the Jubilee of Mercy. He fi rst sold for 30 pieces of silver. announced the Jubilee during The “time of mercy” lived a March 13, 2015, penitential Francis noted that glory of during the Jubilee serves as a liturgy inside the basilica. The God’s kingdom “is not power call to look to “the true face of Holy Year offi cially began Dec. as defi ned by this world, but our King,” and to rediscover “the 8, 2015. the love of God, a love capable youthful, beautiful face of the of encountering and healing all After closing the Holy Door in Church, the face that is radiant things.” St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope when it is welcoming, free, processed to the square outside, faithful, poor in means but rich Pope Francis closes the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica on Nov. Christ “lowered himself to us out where he celebrated Mass with in love, on mission.” 20, 2016. He then processed to the square outside, where he of this love, he lived our human the 70,000 pilgrims present, celebrated Mass with the 70,000 pilgrims present, according to according to Vatican security. Mercy, he said, takes us “to the Vatican security. (Photo by Daniel Ibañez/CNA) (Continued on page 8) Bishop proclaims the ‘King of Kings’ is also ‘Lord of mercy’ INSIDE Closing of Year of Mercy celebrated at Cathedral in New Ulm Pages 3 by Dan Rossini beginning of Mass at 3:30 p.m. The Prairie Catholic A reception in Leifeld Hall Chaplaincy ministry concluded the celebration. brings hope NEW ULM – Several hundred members of the faithful, including The occasion marked the last time Page 5 priests, deacons, religious sisters, Catholics in the diocese could receive a special Jubilee Year New addition and lay people joined Bishop John M. LeVoir at the Cathedral indulgence by walking through for adoration of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm the Door of Mercy at the back Nov. 20 to celebrate the closing of the Cathedral and meeting the Page 7 of the Year of Mercy. other usual requirements for a Living with purpose plenary indulgence. in a secular world Exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament began In his homily at Mass, Bishop LeVoir found in Jesus Christ the at 2 p.m., and the bishop led Pilgrims enter the Cathedral in New Ulm through the Holy Door connection between the day’s the Chaplet of Divine Mercy on Nov. 20 to participate in the diocesan celebration closing the Visit us online! feast, Christ the King, and the just before 3 p.m. Several Year of Mercy. It was their last opportunity to gain the Jubilee Year www.dnu.org priests off ered the Sacrament indulgence by walking through the door. (Photo by Dan Rossini) of Reconciliation up until the (Continued on page 8)

The Prairie Catholic  Page 1  December 2016 Be Not Afraid Christmas things in our recent political urge families, faith communities, wrote in their 2012 statement on bishops in the State Capitol elections. government leaders, and the immigration, “Unlocking the Gate rotunda. There will also be an international community to in Our Heart,” our nation has opportunity to learn about the key God understands us and our practice non-violence and work to the duty to regulate our borders issues facing our state, receive confusion, and he gives us the build a just peace. for the common good, ensuring training from experts on eff ective solution to our dilemmas. What the safety of our people and the advocacy, and see the potential is God’s answer to the confusing In our country, as well as integrity of our values. of a united Catholic voice in question that seems to describe countries throughout the world, Minnesota. so well our life on this earth after the solution to disputes seems But in doing so, we must also sin? God the Father’s answer to be death rather than dialogue. treat migrant men, women, and Finally, we will be able to is a Person: Jesus Christ. “Bu t The Conference of children as Christ among us, lobby Minnesota lawmakers when the fullness of time had Catholic Bishops encourages us off ering them love, compassion, with the bishops, connect come, God sent his Son, born of a to pray for peace, to learn about and hospitality. These twin pillars with other committed Catholics, woman, born under the law” (Gal the Church’s teaching on peace of the Church’s teaching on and most importantly, to live 4:4). (the Catechism of the Catholic immigration must never be set in out our baptismal call to faithful by Bishop John M. LeVoir Church is a good place to begin), opposition to one another. citizenship. Please join us on It is the birth of the Son, Jesus and to act for peace. March 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ever since the sin of our fi rst Christ, the Word made fl esh, that Let us take this year’s at the RiverCentre and the parents, Adam and Eve, life we celebrate on Christmas. On Immigration Sunday Immigration Sunday as an State Capitol in St. Paul. For on earth has been a mixture of the fi rst Christmas, God the Son, Immigration Sunday Minnesota opportunity to grow in faith by more information, go to www. good and evil. Life has been a sent by the Father, through the is on Jan. 8, 2017, the Feast reaching out to the strangers catholicsatthcapitol.org. combination of suff ering and power of the Holy Spirit, was of the Epiphany of Our Lord. in our midst and by forming pain, and of happiness and joy. born into our world to share in Immigration Sunday, celebrated stronger bonds of solidarity in our Two great Marian feasts A cursory examination of history our joys and sorrows. He comes in Minnesota since 2009, is an communities. December is a month that makes one acutely aware of these to bring us good and to conquer important moment for Minnesota contains two great feasts of the things. But, how are we to make evil. Catholics to address the realities Catholics at the Capitol Blessed Virgin Mary, Dec. 8 and sense of all of this? of immigration through prayer, The Minnesota Catholic Dec. 12. Dec. 8 is the feast of the “Each person needs to have education, and action. Conference, which supports Immaculate Conception of Mary Some people try to fi gure it ‘adequate responses’ to their the ministry of the Minnesota and Dec. 12 is the feast of Our out on their own, or seek the deepest existential questions.” This year, the theme is Building Catholic bishops, invites all of us Lady of Guadalupe. explanation of friends. Others Since “Jesus knows the heart Communities of Encounter – to the St. Paul RiverCentre and seek wise scholars and teachers, of man like no other, he is able communities that listen to one the Minnesota State Capitol on Mary, under the title of the past and present. Others look to heal and to give life and another with the ear of the heart, March 9, 2017 for Catholics at Immaculate Conception, is the to celebrities, the movies, consolation to humanity” (Pope acknowledging challenges the Capitol. patroness of the United States. and media personalities. Still Francis, Angelus address, June and diff erences but seeking to Under the title of Our Lady of others take their wisdom from 19, 2016). live together in friendship that We are invited to join more than Guadalupe, Mary is the patroness politicians and public fi gures. recognizes the inalienable dignity 1,000 Catholics from across of the Americas and is especially As Jesus himself told us: “I have of each human person. Minnesota for a day of inspiration honored by our Hispanic brothers But, when is all said and done, told you this so that you might and advocacy at our State and sisters. all of these seem to be lacking have peace in me. In the world Authentic, loving encounter Capitol. It will be a day to listen in one way or another. The fi nal you will have trouble, but take is urgently needed in a deeply to Church leaders and speakers There is no better way to honor result is usually confusion and courage, I have conquered the divided nation. It is especially such as Bishop James Conley, the the Blessed Virgin than to attend division. We have seen these world” (Jn 16:33). Let the peace needed in the way we discuss bishop of the Diocese of Lincoln, Mass and to pray for the people of Christ fi ll our hearts this and approach our immigrant Neb., and Gloria Purvis Scott, of the Americas, who need our Christmas with his healing, life, brothers and sisters, who are too of EWTN and Black Catholics prayers desperately. Please check THE and consolation. often spoken of in dehumanizing United for Life. your local parish for Mass times. language and for whom the RA RIE World Day of Peace results of the recent elections The Minnesota bishops will all P CATHOLIC In his Message for the 50th World bring much fear and uncertainty. be present and will accompany Bishop LeVoir’s December Day of Peace, to be celebrated on those attending. There will be 2016 calendar can be found at The Prairie Catholic, the offi cial newspaper Jan. 1, 2017, Pope Francis will As the bishops of Minnesota an opportunity to pray with the www.dnu.org/calendar/. for the Diocese of New Ulm since May 1972, is published monthly except July and August.

Publisher: Most Reverend John M. LeVoir Editor in Chief: Dan Rossini Editor: Christine Clancy Submission deadline is the 10th of each month prior to publication. Pilgrimage led by Sept. 11-21, 2017 Publication offi ce: Diocesan Pastoral ($3,995 plus airfare) Center, 1421 6th Street North, New Ulm, Bishop John M. LeVoir MN 56073; phone: 507-359-2966, Download brochure: Magi Travel e-mail: [email protected] www.dnu.org/bishop/ (click Pilgrimages) Web site: www.dnu.org 952-949-0065 Postmaster: Send notice on Form 3579, “The Prairie Catholic,” 1421 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073-2071. Periodical postage paid at New Ulm and additional mailing offi ces. Weekly Advent & Christmas Messages USPS 926-760. by Bishop LeVoir — www.dnu.org/videos

The Prairie Catholic  Page 2  December 2016 diocesan church Chaplaincy ministry gives hope, healing to mentally ill patients After almost 20 years, Fr. Berger still serves faithfully at Minnesota Security Hospital ST. PETER – “There is no hope spots in their life when they are people’s spiritual concepts are otherwise. It’s very bleak. At so constricted,” said Fr. Berger. negative and do not help,” said best, you think you‘re going to “They have educational programs Wieber. “Some of the clients, they be locked up for life. It feels like and work programs, but it’s a don’t see value in themselves. So the walls are closing in on you. pretty small world that they live spiritual value is very important I would wake up and pray and it in. To have a spiritual side is for them to see in their recovery.” would give me hope to know that important for the guys that choose there were people out there like it.” The former patient helped on Fr. Berger who were praying for his road to recovery through Fr. me.” Dr. Robert Wieber, lead Berger’s ministry says Fr. Berger chaplain at the security has helped him help others. “I was That’s how a former patient at the hospital, says Fr. Berger in the maximum security unit and Minnesota Security Hospital in St. “brings a presence that this girl came in and they put her Peter describes the impact Fr. John is very warm and at in a room by herself and she was Berger’s ministry had on him. He the same time is very very disorderly, destroying her was 30 years old when he came to peaceful. He is steady stuff . I thought, ‘This girl is going St. Peter, serving time for second with them. He doesn’t get Fr. John Berger has been ministering to the patients to be locked up in her room for degree murder. fl ustered.” at the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter for six life unless she knows someone hours, one day a week since 1998. cares about her’ and I’m thinking The security hospital in St. Peter “To work with the (Large photo courtesy of BWBR Architects, Inc.) of Jesus Christ, our Savior. is a sprawling complex on a large, mentally ill can be 520-acre campus. It serves more challenging, but Fr. “So I wrote a two-page letter to than 400 patients struggling with Berger is clear he is not there One of Fr. Berger’s most inspiring are not at the facility as long as in her and I sent it up to staff on mental illness who have been to judge. Many patients have memories from his service at years past. Now there are halfway her unit. Within a week she was determined by the courts to be a been judged by their church, by St. Peter came earlier this year. houses and other community out of the room and she was danger to themselves or others. their family. Just by being there Two men asked to be baptized structures established to support socializing with people on the in a non-judgmental way, he is as Catholics. He welcomed them them once they are released. unit. Eventually she was to the The former patient, who encouraging them to continue on into the faith there on the St. Peter point where they let her go home agreed to speak on condition of their journey of recovery. campus. The journey to recovery is often to her mom and her grandma.” anonymity, said that while he made harder because of the loss was raised Catholic, he had never Fr. Berger retired from assigned “After some time of gathering for of sense of value as a member of “She didn’t have hope, but experienced the Sacrament of parish ministry in 2012, but he is Scripture, they decided ‘I don’t society and the loss of connection someone took the time to care Reconciliation. When Fr. Berger far from retired. He continues to want to be sitting on the sidelines with family and community. about her and she had hope,” he off ered him this sacrament, it provide fi ll-in ministry at parishes of this. I’ve decided I want to Addressing a patient’s spiritual said. “There was not medicine or helped change his life. throughout the diocese as well be Christian and I want to be needs is an important part of counseling that could get her out as part-time work at the diocesan Catholic.’” recovering this sense of personal of that room. She needed to know “I was able to open up to confess Tribunal, where he served as value. that someone cared. Fr. Berger my sins. It was a beginning for judicial vicar for more than 40 Stays at the security hospital changed my life and I helped me. Usually you think of prison as years. He ministers to patients at last from a few months to much “The need to address spiritual change someone else’s life.” an end, but it was a beginning for the security hospital for fi ve to six longer. However, most patients concerns is central. Sometimes me,” he said. hours every Wednesday. Fr. Berger, a priest of the Diocese Fr. Berger says spending time with Annual collection supports eldercare needs of New Ulm, has been ministering people that could fall through the to patients at the Minnesota cracks is exactly where he needs Security Hospital in St. Peter for to be. “Practically everything of religious communities nearly 20 years. During that time in the life of Jesus Christ was The annual Retirement Fund lack of retirement funding among the nation share with our senior he has off ered the sacraments and ministry to people on the margins, for Religious collection will be U.S. religious communities. religious,” said Sr. Stephanie Still, spiritual counsel to hundreds of people on the fringes, that is held Dec. 10-11 in the Diocese Proceeds help underwrite a member of the Sisters of the people with mental illness. where Jesus spent his time.” of New Ulm. Coordinated by the retirement and health care Presentation and newly appointed National Religious Retirement expenses. Nearly 95 percent of NRRO executive director. His message to them is one of Fr. Berger says Pope Francis Offi ce (NRRO), the parish-based donations directly support senior hope and affi rms their value as provides a model for all of us to appeal benefi ts nearly 33,000 religious and their communities. In addition to providing fi nancial spiritual beings. follow Christ by reaching out to senior Catholic sisters, brothers support for immediate needs, those who are left out, whether and religious order priests whose The appeal raised $30.7 million proceeds from the annual appeal “It’s just one of those bright they be a prisoner or refugee. communities lack adequate in 2015, the sixth highest total underwrite educational initiatives retirement savings. in its history. As a result, the in retirement planning and 2017 Diocesan Distinguished Service Award NRRO distributed $25 million eldercare delivery. “Our mission The Diocese of New Ulm to 401 religious congregations. is to help religious communities recipient nominations now being sought contributed $30,677.76 to the These funds supplement the day- meet current eldercare needs while This award is presented to members of the diocese in recognition last collection. Women and men to-day care of elderly religious preparing for the ones to come,” of outstanding service in some leadership capacity to the Diocese religious who serve or have and help their congregations said Sr. Stephanie. “We remain of New Ulm. Up to fi ve awards will be presented by Bishop John served in the diocese, but whose implement long-range retirement grateful for all those who support M. LeVoir at the annual Bishop Lucker Lecture on March 23, 2017, communities are based elsewhere, strategies. Throughout the year, these eff orts.” in Redwood Falls. Forms for nominations, as well as a list of past may benefi t from the Retirement additional funding is allocated for recipients, are posted on the diocesan Web site, www.dnu.org, or Fund for Religious. congregations with the greatest Visit retiredreligious.org to learn contact Penny Forst at the diocesan Pastoral Center, 1421 6th Street needs. more. North, New Ulm, MN 56073; 507-359-2966; [email protected]. Catholic bishops of the United States initiated the collection in “We are humbled by the love DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS JAN. 6, 2017 1988 to address the signifi cant and support that Catholics across

The Prairie Catholic  Page 3  December 2016 diocesan church Pro-life Rep. Tom Price No Tengas Miedo appointed to head HHS La Navidad Republicans’ answer to the Aff ordable Care Act. The por Obispo John M. LeVoir poder del Espíritu Santo, nació “Abriendo la Puerta de Nuestro en este mundo para compartir Corazón,” nuestra nación tiene Empowering Patients First Act of 2015 sought unsuccessfully Desde el pecado de nuestros nuestras alegrías y de dolores. el deber de regular nuestras to repeal the health care law and primeros padres Adán y Eva, El viene a traernos el bien y a fronteras para el bien común, replace it with a new policy. la vida en la tierra ha sido una vencer el mal. asegurando la seguridad de mezcla del bien y del mal. La nuestro pueblo y la integridad de The Susan B. Anthony List hailed vida ha sido una mezcla de Como Jesús mismo nos dijo: nuestros valores. the “excellent choice” of Rep. sufrimiento y dolor como de “les digo todo esto para que Price, noting his “pro-life record” felicidad y alegría. Un examen encuentren paz en su unión Pero al hacerlo, también debemos and his eff orts in Congress to de la historia, incluso muy conmigo. En el mundo, ustedes tratar a los hombres, mujeres y defund Planned Parenthood. superfi cial para que uno este habrán de sufrir; pero tengan niños como Cristo entre nosotros consciente de estas cosas. Pero valor: yo he vencido al mundo” y brindarle amor, compasión y “As HHS Secretary, he will play ¿Cómo le damos sentido a todo (Jn 16:33). Que la paz de Cristo hospitalidad. Estos dos pilares de a key role in developing a robust esto? llene nuestros corazones esta la enseñanza de la Iglesia sobre la Navidad con su sanidad, consuelo inmigración nunca deben ponerse Tom Price health care reform proposal that protects life and consciences, Algunos tratan de resolverlo y de vida. en oposición. while promoting options for low- por su cuenta, otros buscan una by Matt Hadro income individuals and families,” explicación entre los amigos. Domingo de Inmigración Entonces que el Domingo de Catholic News Agency the group added. Mientras, otros buscan sabios El Domingo de Inmigración Inmigración sea una oportunidad eruditos y maestros, miran a las Minnesota es el 8 de enero, para crecer en la fe y buscar WASHINGTON – Pro-life Price’s appointment is signifi cant celebridades, las películas, y las 2017, Fiesta de la Epifanía de llegar a los extraños entre groups praised President-elect for two reasons. If he replaces the personalidades de los medios de Nuestro Señor. El Domingo de nosotros y formar Fuertes lazos Donald Trump’s announcement current health care law, his policy comunicación. Aún, otros toman Inmigración, se celebra desde el de solidaridad en nuestras that he would name Rep. Tom could impact millions, especially la sabiduría de los políticos y 2009, es una fecha importante comunidades. Price (R-Ga.) to be the next those who purchased insurance fi guras públicas. para los católicos en Minnesota Secretary of Health and Human ya que aborda la realidad de Fiestas Marianas Services. on the state exchanges, received Pero, cuando todo está dicho y la inmigración a través de la El mes de Diciembre comprende federal subsidies for insurance, hecho, parece ser que falta algo. oración, la educación y la acción. de dos grandes fi estas. El 8 “In particular, Rep. Price’s strong or obtained coverage through El resultado fi nal suele ser de de Diciembre es la fi esta de la pro-life values and record to Medicare. confusión y de división. Nos Este año, el tema es de Construir Inmaculada Concepción de María match make him the right man to podemos dar cuenta en la reciente Comunidades de Encuentro – y el 12 de Diciembre es la fi esta reform an agency that has been Additionally, Price’s department elección presidencial. comunidades que se escuchan de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. marred by its aggressive abortion could do away with the mutuamente con el corazón, agenda,” said Ashley McGuire, law’s controversial mandate Dios entiende nuestras que reconocen los desafíos y María, bajo el nombre de senior fellow with The Catholic that virtually all employers confusiones y él nos da la diferencias, pero viven juntos Inmaculada Concepción, es la Association. must include contraceptives, solución a nuestros dilemas. en Amistad y que reconozcan la patrona de los Estados Unidos sterilizations, and abortion- ¿Cuál es la respuesta de Dios a dignidad inalienable de todo ser y María, bajo el nombre de “We are confi dent that Rep. Price inducing drugs in their health la pregunta confusa que parece humano. Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe will fi nally put an end to the anti- plans. describir tan bien nuestra vida en es la patrona de las Américas y religious liberty HHS mandate, as esta tierra después del pecado? En esta nación tan dividida se nuestros hermanos y hermanos well as introduce comprehensive Price’s Empowering Patients First La respuesta de Dios el Padre es necesita un amor autentico. Sobre latinos la honran de manera muy reforms to restore the agency Act of 2015 would have replaced una Persona: Jesucristo. “Pero todo, en la manera como tratamos especial. as one that genuinely promotes the health care law’s insurance cuando se cumplió el tiempo, a nuestros hermanos y hermanas health care that respects human mandate with tax credits for Dios envío a su Hijo, que nació inmigrantes en un lenguaje La mejor manera de honrar a la life and dignity,” she said in a buying insurance. It would have de una mujer, sometido a la ley inhumano. Los resultados de la Santísima Virgen es asistiendo statement. prohibited insurers from denying de Moisés” (Gal 4:4). reciente elección presidencial trae a Misa y orar por el pueblo de coverage to patients with pre- mucho temor e incertidumbre las américas ya que necesitan de As a member of Congress, Price existing conditions, provided Es el nacimiento del Hijo, entre los inmigrantes. nuestras oraciones urgentemente. has received a 100 percent rating they had 18 continuous months Jesucristo, el Verbo hecho carne, Chequear con su parroquia para from the pro-life group Susan B. of coverage preceding their que celebramos en la Navidad. En el 2012 los Obispos de el horario de Misas. Anthony List. Before his time as plan switch. And it would have En la primera Navidad, Dios el Minnesota escribieron una a six-term congressman, Price allowed for federal grants to states Hijo, enviado por el Padre, por el declaración sobre la inmigración was an orthopedic surgeon who with high-risk insurance pools. also taught doctors-in-training at the Grady Memorial Hospital in Regarding the health care law’s WORSHIP AND MUSIC Atlanta. birth control mandate, which spurred lawsuits from hundreds of DIRECTOR NEEDED “There is much work to be done religious non-profi ts and business to ensure we have a healthcare owners claiming it infringed The Church of the Holy Redeemer in Marshall is seeking a system that works for patients, upon their religious beliefs, Price Worship and Music Director. families, and doctors; that in 2012 told a reporter “this is a The candidate should have a Bachelor of Arts or Fine Arts leads the world in the cure and trampling on religious freedom in Music; choral conducting, piano/organ performance, prevention of illness; and that is and religious liberty in this or church liturgy focus. A Masters in Liturgical Music or based on sensible rules to protect country.” Liturgy is preferred. the well-being of the country while embracing its innovative His 2015 bill would do away Bishop John LeVoir For a complete job description visit www.dnu.org/ spirit,” he stated Nov. 29. with such a mandate, along with employment-new or contact Fr. Paul Wolf, 503 West Lyon all similar religious freedom @ourladyofnewulm Street, Marshall, MN 56258; e-mail pwolf@holy-redeemer. While in Congress, Price confl icts. com. sponsored a bill that was the

The Prairie Catholic  Page 4  December 2016 parish life Sleepy Eye – St. Mary’s new church addition completed by Claudia Broman Prairie Catholic Correspondent

SLEEPY EYE – Parishioners at St. Mary’s Church in Sleepy Eye recently dedicated a new church addition that will allow their strong tradition of perpetual adoration to continue.

Though the Oct. 30 dedication was a simple ceremony that included a blessing from Bishop John M. LeVoir of the Diocese of New Ulm, it marked the culmination of years of planning and building.

“It turned out to be a rather Bishop John M. LeVoir of the Diocese of New Ulm blessed the The adoration chapel in the new north addition of St. Mary’s – substantial project,” said Msgr. new north addition to the Church of St. Mary, Help of Christians Sleepy Eye is shown shortly after its completion in this April 2016 Eugene Lozinski, of St. in Sleepy Eye on Oct. 30. The structure includes a large elevator, photo. The facility, which can seat 30 people, is a sign of the parish Mary’s. gathering space, adoration chapel, carport, and bathrooms. community’s ongoing commitment to perpetual adoration, which (Photos by Josh Sellner) pastor Msgr. Eugene Lozinski says strengthens their faith. The $1.5 million project began with the congregation wanting a 2013 and allowed space for the to, and worship Jesus at any time Triduum or blizzards when people adorer, St. Mary’s parishioner, new north entry with an updated addition to be constructed on the of the day or night. can’t get to their shifts. “Other and member of the church elevator and bathrooms, and grew north side of the church. than that, we just go around the maintenance staff . He kept a to include a chapel that can seat Adoration started at St. Mary’s on clock,” Wichmann said. blog of the addition’s progress, 30 people, a carport, and space After signifi cant planning, fl oor Feb. 25, 1998, Ash Wednesday, which is viewable at https:// for Mass-goers to commingle plans were drawn up with the while Fr. John Richter (now Perpetual adoration “is very saintmarysaddition.wordpress. before and after Mass. architect, YHR Partners of Msgr. Richter) was pastor, important to the parish,” said com. Moorhead, Minn. The parish said adoration organizer Kathy Heiderscheidt, describing “Our church was in need of broke ground on April 29, 2015, Wichmann. Wichmann’s involvement as “It fi ts in seamlessly,” he said of a new elevator,” said Chris with building starting on May 15 “instrumental” in instilling the the new construction. Heiderscheidt, director of of that year. Adoration used to take place in a practice at the parish. Adoring Development for the parish. chapel in the old convent. When Jesus through perpetual adoration Msgr. Lozinski said he gives Though St. Mary’s had a lift in “The design augments the the old convent was demolished, allows Christ to replenish and “thanks to the whole parish” its south entrance that allowed present church structure,” Msgr. it moved to a side chapel in the augment the grace in one’s soul and the St. Mary’s building people to get into the church, “It Lozinski said. Inside the addition, main St. Mary’s church until the to face personal challenges, she and grounds and maintenance was to the point where people cathedral ceilings and colorful new addition was completed. explained. committee for supporting the new would get stuck in it,” she said. windows complement the addition. “If the whole parish original church building, while Perpetual adoration is a 24-hour “It strengthens one’s faith,” Msgr. hadn’t supported it, it would have Part of the discussion about the the brown brick exterior closely eff ort, with a volunteer adorer Lozinski said. “It strengthens the never been done,” he said. proposed addition also involved matches the main structure. or two being present with the faith of the parish.” what to do with St. Mary’s Eucharist every hour of the week, A challenge with construction former convent building, she excluding the three days of the Josh Sellner is a volunteer said, explaining that the cost was keeping up with the to keep it up was an ongoing timeline, Msgr. Lozinski said, challenge for the parish. as the project was supposed to be fi nished in 11 months, but New Catholic-based fi lm shows how From the minutes of the parish took nearly 16. “It became very Administrative Council, it was frustrating for everyone,” he said, mercy can transform your life apparent that the old convent “but now that it’s completed, The one-hour fi lm “The Face NFL linebacker who now had been a topic of conversation people seem to forget that, so by Catholic News Agency of Mercy” depicts mercy as the shares Christ’s mercy with the for quite some time, she said. that’s good.” antidote to evil even in great homeless. When Msgr. Lozinski became BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – diffi culty. Narrated by actor Jim pastor at St. Mary’s in 2007, that Aspects of the addition that are Personal stories about God’s Caviezel, the fi lm interweaves The fi lm was produced by the conversation was reinvigorated. particularly attractive to the mercy at work in the world today parish include an elevator big are the focus of a new Catholic- history, theology, and Knights of Columbus, a Catholic “Some people were very attached enough to accommodate a casket, produced documentary airing on testimonials about the importance fraternal order with 1.9 million to the brick and mortar,” she a large congregating place for ABC affi liates across the United of mercy in people’s lives. members worldwide. explained, adding that people, people to gather before or after States from October to December Testimonies come from The fi lm is available for purchase herself included, felt sentimental Mass out of the cold winter of this year and available for Immaculée Ilibagiza, who at Amazon.com, the Ignatius about the structure, since at one weather, and a sizable chapel to purchase on DVD. forgave those who murdered her Press website, and the Knights time 24 Franciscan sisters lived accommodate their tradition of family in the Rwandan genocide; of Columbus site Knights Gear. there. perpetual adoration. “These testimonies remind us that Divine Mercy is not just a a New York police offi cer who More information about the fi lm works for peace despite having is available at faceofmercyfi lm. Over time, though, the parish Perpetual adoration is the practice devotion or theological concept been shot and paralyzed from com. came closer to an understanding of having the Holy Eucharist – it is alive, it is present, and it the neck down; a young widow about the building, and, “once the exposed in a monstrance on an is a force that can transform the who forgave the killer of her convent came down, the healing altar 24 hours per day, seven world,” Knights of Columbus husband; a baseball player who could begin,” she said. That days a week. It allows faithful CEO Carl Anderson said Nov. became a priest; and a former demolition took place in February Catholics to be present with, pray 14.

The Prairie Catholic  Page 5  December 2016 parish life Huge Cookie Bake a proud tradition at St. John’s in Searles by Debra Skelley Blaschko overcome many challenges. “It’s Prairie Catholic Correspondent called learning and adjusting,” said Lester. SEARLES – It’s more than raising $14,000 for the parish The bakers have gone from to support Catholic education. rolling dough by hand and using It’s more than the comradery individual cookie cutters to using and pride in a job well done. It’s a hand-crank machine (a Kookie even more than the satisfaction King cookie depositor). It rolls that comes from making people and forms the dough and drops happy. four at a time.

It’s all of the above. Wide range of volunteers In addition to adult volunteers A Cookie Bake fundraiser takes from St. John’s, more help place each November at St. John comes from students of New the Baptist Ulm Area Catholic Schools and in Searles, and it has grown to Confi rmation students from enormous proportions. area Catholic churches whose assistance counts toward their The event is organized by St. service hours. John’s Catholic United Financial council with help from St. John’s “We get outside help every year, parishioners as well as people too.” Lester said. “A lot of people Harvey Stadick and Sue Griebel squeeze caramel on the popular Triple Chocolate Caramel-Chocolate from other churches. St. John’s are curious as to how it works.” Cookies last month during St. John’s annual Cookie Bake. In the background, Paul Haala staples is part of the Holy Cross Area boxes together in preparation for packing cookies. (Photos by Debra Skelley Blaschko) Faith Community, which includes “One family donates 20 to 50 parishes in New Ulm, Lafayette, dozen eggs each year.” said and West Newton Township. Kuck. “They are not even from our parish but when there was a Orders are placed in November tornado, people from our parish St. John the Baptist by calling a Cookie Bake went and helped them clean up Catholic Church in committee member, sending an .... Ever since that they donate Searles just completed e-mail, or submitting a message those eggs.” its 27th annual Cookie through the Holy Cross AFC Web Bake fundraiser, selling site. Pickup is the fi rst weekend Sr. Monica Wagner, a School about 4,500 dozen in December at St. John’s church Sister of Notre Dame in Mankato, cookies to raise about basement, just in time for the has collected 45 cookie orders $14,000. Organizers holidays. again this year. She taught at St. are Carol Waibel (left), John’s school for 10 years and Lester Braulick, and Linda Gathering recently to talk then became the parish’s pastoral Braulick. Standing in back about their yearly project were administrator before moving to is Sherry Kuck. organizers Carol Waibel, Sherry North Mankato, where she started Kuck, and Lester and Linda collecting orders for the group. Braulick. She and a friend fi ll a van with cookie orders and drop them off Humble beginnings at Holy Rosary Catholic Church The idea came from an article for local pick up. Waibel saw in a “Midwest gives dairy farmers time to milk and ingredients on an Excel What hasn’t changed over the Living” magazine about 27 years “There are some who are very cows before heading to church. spreadsheet so they don’t have years is the rewarding feeling from ago describing a community’s glad to hear someone else will do to manually fi gure out ingredient the eff ort. eff orts to raise money through a their baking,” Sr. Monica said. To make volunteering easier, proportions. cookie bake. That prompted her Even some of her religious sisters meals are served: dinner and “It’s a heck of a lot of work but to take action. measure time according to the supper, said Kuck. Families sign Countless cookies also a lot of fun,” said Lester. Cookie Bake, saying “only two up to provide food. One woman The group laughs about the year “The fi rst year we raised about more months until cookie time.” serves and cleans up. Everyone their count was off and they were “People are laughing, telling jokes, $500,” she said. Parishioners has a job. short 35 dozen cookies. and it makes you feel good,” baked cookies at home and at the Community spirit Linda added. church. Now the group bakes an Organizers acknowledge how Waibel is the general chairperson, They used to have people count average of 4,500 dozen each fall the fundraiser bolsters a sense of the banker, in charge of orders and until Lester attached a hay-bale “It makes people happy,” said at the church. That’s over 50,000 community. advertising. counter to the cookie machine. Kuck. “Who is going to take the cookies! Even with the counter they are time to make molasses crinkles Joe Moldan, a Korean War Kuck purchases the groceries, sometimes off , but to compensate and date pinwheels? The older Those fi rst years were all about veteran from St. John’s, is in looking for sales the whole month they bake 5 to 10 percent extra people grew up with those” and trial and error, they noted. One his 80s, said Kuck. “He frosts of November. That supplements which allows for some snitching, appreciate them. year they worked until 2 a.m. to cookies from morning to night. the large items they get, like the some mistakes, and extras for sale. get all the cookies baked. That The dedication! If you sit across 1,000 pounds of fl our and the 450 The group estimates that over changed to working from 10 from him, you can learn a lot.” pounds of butter. Each year the cookie menu $200,000 has been raised over the a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through changes a bit. One of the most years. Catholic United Financial Friday, with pick up on Saturday Each year Thursday is designated Lester does the set-up work recent trends has been for people in St. Paul continues to provide a and Sunday. men’s night. Cookie making goes while his wife Linda prepares to order “Cutouts–You Frost.” matching grant up to $1,000 each until 10 p.m. to allow people to the batches of cookies. Linda Teachers, craft groups, and parents year. Over the years, the group has help after their work day; it also also organizes the recipes have a ready-made project.

The Prairie Catholic  Page 6  December 2016 social concerns Former Miss Delaware speaks to youth on the meaning of life, purity by Debra Skelley Blaschko it is to become involved in Prairie Catholic Correspondent worldliness. When we prefer the created world to God, we become SPRINGFIELD – Young dependent on those things, she people who have grown up in said. She talked about how that the Catholic Church sometimes dependency then creates appetites don’t have a clue as to what the that need to be fed. purpose of life is, Maria Cahill told seventh-through-12th-grade “We start not being patient – ‘I religious education students at St. want it now’,” she said. And that Raphael Catholic Church Nov. 20. leads to thinking there is no point to waiting – abstinence until “I grew up Catholic … we said marriage, for instance. the Rosary,” she said. “We went to Mass, but I never learned specifi cs However, as Catholics, we have to of the faith.” be okay with suff ering, she said. We have to get comfortable with “Most people think the purpose not being the most popular person. in life is to get to heaven,” she She said there were guys who said. “No, the purpose is to love wouldn’t date her because of her God” (Catechism of the Catholic commitment to chastity. Church, no. 1). In this culture we have access to Cahill’s life experiences have Maria Cahill speaks to seventh-through-12th-grade religious education students, catechists, and whatever we want and we think given her unusual opportunities parishioners at St. Raphael Catholic Church on Nov. 20. A former Miss Delaware and a strong pro- that is freedom, she said. But St. to refl ect on what really matters life advocate, she travels the country talking to young people about the importance of resisting peer Thomas Aquinas said freedom in life. A pro-life advocate from pressure and remaining pure in a secular world. (Photo by Debra Skelley Blaschko) is found in willing the good of a young age, she attended the another. national March for Life annually, witnessed to her peers, and prayed back to the faith. She has gone “We should be living a life of of himself (no. 1803). In other Cahill is currently an eighth grade outside abortion clinics. She was from a superfi cial Catholic to virtue, but we blend in with the words, virtue makes it easier for teacher at Saint Therese Carmelite crowned Miss Delaware in 2011 one who is actively seeking the rest of the world,” she said about a person to choose what’s best for School in Los Angeles and speaks and competed in the Miss America purpose of life: to know and love the need for Catholics to lead him and for others. around the country to young pageant in 2012. God. chaste lives. people about chastity. “People forget we have an A big challenge came as the board Following the saints The life of virtue intellect and a will,” Cahill said. Several parishioners donated of directors of the Miss Delaware To fi nd that purpose, Cahill “We need to take it seriously – it “Be careful about emotions. They funds to help bring her to speak pageant urged her to remain silent recommended following the is very hard to be virtuous in should not dictate life. … They at St. Raphael, which is a part of about her pro-life views. Knowing examples of the saints, whom she today’s world. Virtue is a good don’t run the show.” Vine and Branches Area Faith it might compromise her chances described as people who know habit – that’s all,” she said, Community. The AFC also to win the Miss America crown, how to love God. “The saints referring to the Catechism of the Cahill encouraged the students in includes St. Joseph in Lamberton Cahill chose to attend the March defi ed the world,” she said. “We Catholic Church. her audience and reminded them and the Oratory of St. Thomas in for Life in Washington, D.C. as are called to be saints.” that everyone has the ability to Sanborn. Miss Delaware. She used her title The C atechism describes virtue think and the ability to choose to promote respect for life and She gave the example of St. Maria as a habitual and fi rm disposition based on that knowledge. chastity. Goretti, a 12-year-old Italian girl to do the good. It conditions who died defending her purity the person not only to perform Fall into worldliness Finding purpose in life from a young man who attacked good acts, but to give the best Cahill also described how easy The second oldest of seven her. children, Cahill grew up near . Her family moved Goretti died from the wounds to Delaware about 15 years ago. sustained in that attack in 1902. Have you been married 65 years or more? While attending college there, her But she did not want her attacker faith was put to the test and she to go to hell; she willed his good The Prairie Catholic will once again honor couples who are members of a parish in the Diocese of New Ulm and pleaded with him to stop. She realized she was slowly blending and will be celebrating a 65th or 70th (or beyond) wedding anniversary in the year 2017. There is no charge in with other college students. forgave her attacker before she for this listing. Complete the form below and return it, along with a current photograph (no newspaper died. clippings, please), by Dec. 31, 2016 to The Prairie Catholic, 1421 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073, or Then she worked at a Catholic e-mail them to [email protected]. Your announcement will be featured in the February 2017 edition. Church in New York where she He spent 27 years in prison said she noticed that people who for his crime, but accepted her Please note: Due to space claimed to be Catholic and went forgiveness and when released Groom’s Name: ______contraints, only couples to Mass on Sunday were no became a lay Capuchin brother. who have not been Bride’s MAIDEN Name: ______diff erent than those who said they He was in the audience when recognized in The Prairie were not even Christian. Both Goretti was canonized in 1950. Parish and City Where You Were Married: ______Catholic within the last fi ve groups were into drinking and years will be featured in partying. “The fi rst time I remember ______the February edition. hearing the word purity was when “I started to think, this must be I was 5 or 6,” Cahill said. When Date Married: ______Number of Years Married As of Dec. 31, 2017: ______okay,” she said. her dad put her to bed at night, he Current Parish: ______City: ______routinely told her to say three Hail Then about three years ago she Marys for purity, which she did, Contact Phone Number or E-mail: ______had a “reversion” or a coming but without understanding.

The Prairie Catholic  Page 7  December 2016 diocesan church Pope: King of the universe must also be Pope extends Jubilee the Lord of our lives mandate on abortion, (Continued from page 1) Francis said that we too can keep “The lure of power and success our distance, preferring “to remain seem an easy, quick way to spread SSPX confession misery, he suff ered the lowest at the window, to stand apart, the Gospel; we soon forget how special reconciliation.” point of our human condition” rather than draw near and be with the Kingdom of God works,” by Catholic News Agency of betrayal and abandonment. him.” However, a people who he said, but said the Jubilee of The pope had initially declared However, “he did not condemn are holy and “have Jesus as their Mercy directs our focus to what’s ROME – Although the Jubilee that all priests could forgive the us, nor did he conquer us, and he King, are called to follow his way essential. of Mercy has ended, Pope sin of abortion in a set of pastoral never disregarded our freedom,” of tangible love.” Francis has decided that some guidelines for the Jubilee issued but instead “paved the way with Turning to the third fi gure, the of the novelties he applied to the Sept. 1, 2015, in which he also a humble love that forgives all Pointing to the second group, thief who begs Jesus to remember Church during the Holy Year will granted SSPX priests the faculty things.” which included leaders, soldiers him, Pope Francis said this person continue. to forgive sins in confession. and a criminal, the pope noted in “simply looking at Jesus, In celebrating the Feast of Christ how they “all mock Jesus. They believed in his kingdom.” He is allowing all priests to Confession to SSPX priests the King, we proclaim his victory provoke him in the same way: absolve the sin of abortion from In his new apostolic letter, Pope over death “with the sole power ‘Save yourself !’” Instead of being “closed in on here on out, while priests of the Francis also extended his decree of love,” Pope Francis said, but himself,” the man, despite his sins Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) allowing SSPX priests to hear cautioned that it would mean This temptation, he said, “is worse and errors, “turned to Jesus. He will be able to continue hearing valid confessions. “very little” if we believed Jesus than that of the people. They tempt asked to be remembered, and he confessions validly. was King of the universe, but Jesus, just as the devil did at the experienced God’s mercy.” didn’t “make him Lord of our beginning of the Gospel to give up In addition, he has indefi nitely He noted how during the Jubilee, he allowed “that those faithful lives.” reigning as God wills, and instead “As soon as we give God the extended the mandate of the who, for various reasons, attend to reign according to the world’s chance, he remembers us. He is Missionaries of Mercy and has churches offi ciated by the priests He pointed to three diff erent ways,” preferring to save himself ready to completely and forever decided to institute the World of the Priestly Fraternity of fi gures in the Gospel representing over others. cancel our sin,” Pope Francis said, Day for the Poor, which will Saint Pius X, can validly and the diff erent attitudes we can have: explaining that unlike our own, take place each year on the 33rd licitly receive the sacramental naming them as the people who “It is the most terrible temptation, God’s memory “does not record Sunday of Ordinary Time. absolution of their sins.” are looking on, those near the the fi rst and the last of the evil that has been done or keep cross, and the criminal crucifi ed Gospel,” he said, but noted that score of injustices experienced.” The pope announced his “For the pastoral benefi t of these next to Jesus. when faced with this attack, “Jesus “God has no memory of sin, but decision in his new Apostolic faithful, and trusting in the good does not speak, he does not react. only of us, of each of us, we who Letter “Misericordia et Misera,” will of their priests to strive with Those who stood by and merely He does not defend himself.” are his beloved children. And he meaning “Mercy with Misery.” God’s help for the recovery of watched as Jesus was crucifi ed believes that it is always possible Published Nov. 21, the letter full communion in the Catholic without saying a word were Rather, the Lord “continues rather to start anew, to raise ourselves was signed by the Pope Nov. 20 Church, I have personally the same ones who pressed to love; he forgives, he lives this up,” he said. during Mass for the close of the “in on Jesus when they needed moment of trial according to the Jubilee of Mercy. decided to extend this faculty something, and who now keep Father’s will, certain that love will beyond the Jubilee Year, until their distance.” bear fruit.” In the letter, Pope Francis further provisions are made, lest said that “the Sacrament of anyone ever be deprived of the Reconciliation must regain its sacramental sign of reconciliation Bishop: Real and true kingship is service central place in the Christian through the Church’s pardon.” (Continued from page 1) did it was to be seated on a cross. and we enter … into the arms of life.” World Day of the Poor That was his throne.” Christ. There we are comforted, Pope Francis said that during the Year of Mercy, calling him both there we are embraced, there Pardon for abortion special Nov. 11-13 Jubilee for the “King of Kings” and “Lord of He gave himself “in complete and we are forgiven, and that oil of “Given this need, lest any Socially Excluded, as all Holy Mercy.” total love for his Father, for us, for gladness is put upon our wounds obstacle arise between the Doors around the world apart our salvation,” he said. …” request for reconciliation and He explained that true kingship God’s forgiveness, I henceforth from that of St Peter's Basilica were closing, “I had the idea that, is very diff erent from the image Since Jesus presents us with the The bishop focused on three ways grant to all priests, in virtue as yet another tangible sign of of kings we get from the movies model of true kingship, we must that the faithful receive the mercy of their ministry, the faculty this Extraordinary Holy Year, the and TV: that of a person who is push aside all the negative images of Christ through the Church: to absolve those who have entire Church might celebrate, primarily occupied with food and of kingship that we have, and the Eucharist, the Sacrament of committed the sin of procured on the Thirty-Third Sunday of power, and not very concerned replace them “with the true king, Reconciliation, and indulgences. abortion,” the letter read. Ordinary Time, the World Day of with the needs of others. the King of Kings, the Lord of Each gives us the opportunity to the Poor.” Lords, the King of our hearts, experience the “freedom, love, The provision made for the By contrast, “Jesus is the king, and Jesus Christ, the Lord of mercy,” peace, and joy” that Christ brings. duration of the Extraordinary “This would be the worthiest way he reveals to us what real and true the bishop said. Holy Year “is hereby extended, kingship is,” said Bishop LeVoir. To conclude, the bishop said that notwithstanding anything to the to prepare for the celebration of “Real and true kingship is service. How does the Lord show us his even though we’ve arrived at the contrary.” the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus It’s a giving of ourselves in love to mercy? Bishop LeVoir explained end of the Jubilee Year, it is not the Christ, King of the Universe, others. And to rule over others with that mercy comes to us from “the end of mercy. Pope Francis fi rmly stressed that who identifi ed with the little ones mercy. In other words, to look at loving hands of the Church,” “abortion is a grave sin, since it and the poor and who will judge the lives of people that are under which is the Body of Christ. “It’s really the beginning,” he puts an end to an innocent life,” us on our works of mercy,” he his care and to try to make their attested. We must take to heart “all but insisted that “there is no sin said, adding that the day would lives better.” “And that’s why we have this of the lessons that we’ve learned in that God’s mercy cannot reach also help both communities and Year of Mercy. That’s why our this Year of Mercy, by living mercy and wipe away when it fi nds a individuals “to refl ect on how That’s precisely what Jesus did, Holy Father has stressed so much ourselves, by being empowered by repentant heart seeking to be poverty is at the very heart of according to the bishop. “He entering the Door of Mercy,” he the sacraments to go out and live reconciled with the Father.” the Gospel and that, as long as saw the condition of the human said. “Once we enter the Door of the spiritual and corporal works of Lazarus lies at the door of our race, affl icted by sin and death, Mercy, we enter a new space. We mercy in the world, to make the “May every priest, therefore, homes, there can be no justice or darkness, and came to our rescue. leave the world behind. We leave world a better place.” be a guide, support and comfort social peace.” He came for our salvation and all of the problems and diffi culties to penitents on this journey of redemption. And the way that he and suff erings and hurts and pains,

The Prairie Catholic  Page 8  December 2016 Catholic life Giving the perfect gift for Christmas ‘The night is advanced, the give them that makes them say, Service chair informs us of the “You’re my favorite Grandma!”? ways we can play an active role in day is at hand’ helping others, like the Heartland As I write this, I must ask myself, Girls Ranch near Benson. by Deacon Mike McKeown Black Friday sales seem to is giving a gift about the giver or blacken the season of Advent the receiver? When I contemplate Our Legislative chair keeps us If you’ve ever been awakened as they extend all the way to this thought, I am quite sure God informed as to what laws are from a very deep slumber, you Christmas. Early Christmas didn’t have any of these thoughts being brought forward, which may have experienced the feeling parties and get-togethers – and in mind when he decided what call upon us to promote the of being totally disoriented. even the music on the radio to give his children. He wasn’t Church’s teachings on social – cause us to skip our time of worried so much about being justice and other issues. Our I remember taking a nap after preparation and begin celebrating the favorite as he was giving the Reverence for Life chair keeps work one day because I knew prematurely. It’s almost as if we perfect gift that we needed. Yes us knowledgeable on the ways that my wife and I had a meeting have been lulled into spiritual needed! we can make a diff erence by to attend that evening. Suddenly, slumber. participating in events like 40 she burst into the room and said, I am grateful that God loved me Days for Life. “Wake up! Don’t you know what Amidst all these worldly by Ronda Mathiowetz enough to give me what I needed time it is? We’re going to be distractions, we can hear the echo DCCW President – Jesus Christ. I am grateful that Finally, our Scholarship chair late!” of St. Paul’s words bursting in the Catholic Church gives me communicates opportunities upon us – “Wake up!” “You know This is the time of year opportunities to learn about and to earn scholarships to attend Having been in a deep slumber, the time; it is the hour now for when all non-shoppers, like grow my relationship with the workshops and CCW events so I was like a deer in headlights. you to awake from sleep!” myself, become anxious and perfect gift, Jesus. we can grow in our faith and I was totally confused and nervous about the upcoming relationship with God. disoriented. I didn’t know what Like the Romans of St. Paul’s responsibilities we put upon CCW off ers many ways to learn time of day it was or where we day, we’ve become disoriented, ourselves so our family and about our Church and our God, as When I look over my gift list were going. Even her words not being able to discern day friends will have the best well as to reach out to others in for my family and friends, I didn’t seem to be registering in from night. But St. Paul makes it Christmas ever. service. All these things help us plan to put Jesus at the top of my mind. clear: “The night is advanced, the to grow in our relationship with my list, because the greatest gift day is at hand.” What gift can I give my child or Jesus. I can give my loved ones this That disoriented stupor I grandchild so they know I love Christmas and throughout the experienced seems to be the state As with the Romans, when we them? What gift will make them Our Spirituality chair points out upcoming year is the gift of a of the Christians in Rome when awaken from our spiritual stupor, smile that enormous smile that ways to pray for our families, stronger relationship with Jesus! St. Paul wrote in his epistle to the we may realize that we are not says, “Thank you; I’ve always communities, and country in our Romans, “You know the time; it prepared to welcome Jesus. Our wanted this”? What gift can I liturgies and in our homes. Our is the hour now for you to awake spiritual house is a mess! But from sleep. For our salvation is Paul tells us what to do: “Let nearer now than when we fi rst us then throw off the works of believed; the night is advanced, darkness and put on the armor of Catholic leaders of tomorrow the day is at hand” (13:11-12). light.”

These words that we fi nd in the And in case our mind is still readings for the First Sunday of foggy from slumber, he tells us Advent are not just addressed to the works of darkness to which he the early Christians in Rome, but is referring: [sexual immorality], to all of us. The season of Advent drunkenness, promiscuity, lust, marks the beginning of a new rivalry, and jealousy (Rom liturgical year, and each year the 13:13). Church invites us to enter into this new beginning in a spirit of These words of St. Paul to refl ection as we prepare for the the Romans invite us to ask Lord’s coming. ourselves, “What are those things in my life that keep me from As a kid growing up in the ’60s welcoming Christ into my heart?” and ’70s, much of my Advent preparation involved paging During the season of Advent, through the Sears catalog, there is no better way to prepare dreaming of waking up on for his coming than by “throwing Christmas morning to the Rock off our deeds of darkness” in the ’em Sock ’em Robots or the latest Sacrament of Reconciliation, and G-I Joe. “putting on the armor of light” in the Eucharistic celebration. It’s As an adult, this materialistic not too late to prepare! The Mankato Serra Club presented its Great Promise Award to 12 students Oct. 25 at their 10th preparation has been replaced annual awards ceremony. Recipients were selected based on service, generosity, compassion, with a desire to “prepare the trustworthiness, and leadership, indicating the promise of future leadership in the Catholic way of the Lord” (Mk community. They were nominated by their teachers and religious education instructors in sixth 1:3) in my own heart. grade and received the award in seventh grade. Recipients are (front row, from left) Rayna Most of us share that Editor’s note: Deacon Gruenes, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, North Mankato; Natalie Benton, Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic desire, but we live Mike McKeown Church, Mankato; Wyatt Rodriguez, Ss. Peter and Paul; Drew Smook, Ss. Peter and Paul; and Ann in a consumeristic, is director of Voracek, Holy Rosary. Back row, from left: Duram Kelly, Holy Rosary; Annelise Winch, St. John the materialistic society that Development and Baptist Catholic Church, Mankato; Kaitlin Wolff, All Saints Catholic Church, Madison Lake; James constantly completes Healing Ministry for Schueneman, St. John the Baptist; and Faith Kodet, Holy Rosary. Not Pictured: Sadie Burns, Ss. Peter with the spiritual the Diocese of New and Paul; and Mackenzie Wolff, All Saints. (Contributed photo) preparation of Advent. Ulm.

The Prairie Catholic  Page 9  December 2016 Catholic life A healing balm for a wounded nation Raise the roof: worshipping by Jason Adkins rather than nurture participation is, encounter, new paths may arise, in the end, counterproductive. and new relationships forged, God with myriads of angels Much can and has been said about leading to greater peace instead of the most recent election, and much Secure in the knowledge that discord. and saints more will be said for years to politics can only create the Here the living creatures give come. What is undoubtedly true is conditions for human fl ourishing Countercultural politics by Fr. Aaron Johanneck to the One who is seated on the that the election cycle exacerbated – the state cannot love people, What is described above cuts so throne, glory and honor and two powerful dynamics in provide happiness, or lead deeply against our current political This month we continue our thanks. The elders fall down American public life: the constant people to their ultimate end of climate. People are becoming refl ections on the nature of the before him and worship him thirst for change as a reaction to a eternal beatitude – we recognize more isolated from each other, Church’s liturgy. Last month we singing, “Worthy are you, Lord political system that does not seem the limited nature of political are blindly committed to their discussed how the Sacred Liturgy our God, to receive glory and to work for average Americans; life, understand that the work own narratives despite evidence is the prayer, praise, sacrifi ce, and honor and power, for you created and deepening, vitriolic divisions of persuading others and the pointing in a diff erent direction, off ering of Jesus Christ himself. all things; because of your will between people. community takes time, and that and cannot believe it when a It is his perfect prayer to the they came to our own personal work may be to whole class of people seemingly Father to which be and were This reality requires us to sow the seed and let others reap emerges from thin air to challenge we are united created” (Rev approach the results with sobriety the harvest. their rule and moral superiority. by virtue of our rather than jubilation or despair. Baptism, which SursumCorda 4:11). The latter responses are those of Civic friendship A critical question is whether our unites us to him Lift Up Your Hearts Here they off er people whose horizons, sadly, do A new generation of missionary political, business, and media and makes us incense, which not extend beyond the fi nite things disciples in the public arena elites will properly understand members of his Refl ections on the Sacred Liturgy represents the of this world. can address the divisions and the election results as a rebuttal of Mystical Body. prayers of the unresponsiveness in our political their exploitation of our nation’s holy ones. Gathered around the For, Catholics, the question now culture by modeling politics in the economic, moral, and social As we said, this is one of the throne they sing, “Holy, holy, is how we become salt and light way the Church sees it: as civic capital. We can be hopeful, if not aspects of the liturgy described holy, is the Lord God Almighty, in a situation where divisiveness friendship, rather than as a power optimistic. in the Second Vatican Council’s who was and is and is to come!” and partisanship, anger and fear, game. “Constitution on the Sacred (Rev 4:8). have been felt by many across Either way, Catholics, as Liturgy” (“Sacrosanctum the political spectrum. Because Politics as civic friendship sees missionary disciples in the public Concilium”). We, too, sing or recite this prayer although we elect new leaders, we public life as a great conversation arena, can model a diff erent way at every Mass just after the priest know that the true “elect” of this – a coming together of the of practicing politics by off ering Another perspective from which invites and exhorts us with these world – the sons and daughters of community to answer the question principles that serve the well- this constitution discusses the or similar words: “And so, with God the Father – have a decisive how we ought to order our lives. being of all and by listening to liturgy is as a foretaste and Angels and Archangels, with role in bringing God’s loving In that conversation, every voice others with civility, respect, and participation in the heavenly Thrones and Dominions, and care to all of creation. That’s matters because every person and generosity. In this way, we can be liturgy. Here’s what the Fathers with all the hosts and Powers of you and me, not someone else part of the community matters. an invaluable balm for healing the of the Council have to say in heaven, we sing the hymn of your or some class of people called deep wounds that divide us. this regard: “In the earthly glory, as without end we acclaim “politicians.” Therefore, a necessary component liturgy we share in a foretaste … Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of of a healthy politics is coming Editor’s note: Jason Adkins of that heavenly liturgy which hosts!” True hope together, encountering one is executive director of the is celebrated in the Holy City First, we must ground ourselves in another as brothers and sisters, Minnesota Catholic Conference, of Jerusalem toward which we This prayer, the “Holy, Holy, a hope that lasts, and is not subject and listening to their challenges, the public policy voice of the journey as pilgrims, where Christ Holy” or “Sanctus” is found to the ebbs and fl ows of electoral problems, joys, and hopes. In that Catholic Church in Minnesota. is sitting at the right hand of God, politics. Our hope is in the Lord minister of the sanctuary and of not only in Revelation, but also who has won the fi nal victory. He the true tabernacle.” in Isaiah. The prophet Isaiah is is the king, the standard bearer, Action given a vision of heaven in which who calls us to renew political life They continue, “With all the he sees the seraphim singing from the ground up – to restore all warriors of the heavenly army we this hymn to one another as they things in and through his name. ALERT sing a hymn of glory to the Lord; glorify God (6:3). In the liturgy, venerating the memory of the it is this worship and praise of And, ever faithful to his people, Catholics at the Capitol 2017 saints, we hope for some part and God that we are drawn into. he gives us the tools of Catholic Help us put the “saint” back in St. Paul! fellowship with them; we eagerly social teaching with which to await the Savior, our Lord Jesus This is why traditionally Each election brings opportunities and challenges. This coming build. Christ, until He, our life, shall churches have often had images year, Minnesota Catholics will have the chance to shape our state’s appear and we too will appear of angels and saints, especially in conversation in a positive way by being a compelling voice for life Rather than impose our will with Him in glory” (SC, no. 8). and around the sanctuary. This is on others, we instead propose and dignity. a reminder to worshippers of the what we believe best serves What this means is that we truly reality that we enter into when Catholics at the Capitol will bring together hundreds of Catholics human dignity and the common do “Sing with All the Saints in we gather as Christ’s Body to from every corner of Minnesota, as we gather at the state capitol for good. Sometimes, however, our Glory,” as the hymn goes, every take part in the Church’s prayer, a day of inspiration and advocacy. Listen to dynamic Church leaders. arguments, policies, or candidates, time that we participate in the especially in the Holy Mass. It is Pray with other Minnesota Catholics in the Capitol rotunda. Learn will not prevail. Sacred Liturgy. Imagine that as the wedding feast of the Lamb; about the key issues facing our state. Meet your elected offi cials and the Holy Mass begins the roofs of the adoration of the myriads This is not the end of the world. advocate with your bishops. Live out your baptismal call to faithful our churches are torn away and upon myriads in the heavenly In politics, there are no ultimate citizenship. Jerusalem. victories, just as there are no we are lifted up into the perfect and eternal praise off ered by the ultimate defeats. And though Confi rmed speakers include Bishop James Conley of the Diocese of angels and saints, who fall down there are sometimes matters of Lincoln, and Gloria Purvis of EWTN and Black Catholics United for in worship and adoration before Editor’s note: Fr. Aaron great weight that are decided in Life, with more to be announced soon. Johanneck is director of Worship the public arena, and injustices the Lamb who was slain in the heavenly Jerusalem as described for the Diocese of New Ulm. that need to be corrected, Your voice matters. Don’t miss this opportunity to have it heard. in the Book of Revelation (cf., practicing scorched earth politics, Learn more and register by visiting CatholicsAtTheCapitol.org or for example, 4:1-11). demonizing others, or using power calling 651-227-8777. expediently to occupy spaces

The Prairie Catholic  Page 10  December 2016 around the diocese What does it really mean to observe Advent? by Hillary Mast a season of penance” and as such, because someone else is doing it Catholic News Agency the Church asks us to practice diff erently,” she said. prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. DENVER – What does it actually In an attempt to dial back the mean to “observe Advent”? “That’s kind of like the buzzkill of frenzy of Christmas morning, Advent because it’s like, ‘Okay, she said her family began look The observation of other liturgical don’t have too much fun because, for ways to serve others and be seasons may be more readily remember, this is a penitential grateful for what they already have apparent – Lent is clearly a season’,” he said. in the weeks leading up to it. time for prayer, sacrifi ce, and almsgiving, while Christmas However, just because it’s a season “I think for us, it’s just been about and Easter are clearly times for of penance doesn’t mean we need pouring a little bit more love, celebration. to be somber. particularly in these next four weeks, in everything that we do.” Search Pinterest for “how to “I think there’s some great Lighting an Advent wreath is a traditional preparation celebrate Advent” and everything ways that a person or a family The Whitakers pick a local family for Christmas in many Catholic homes. To help us better from ideas for a do-it-yourself can make that – prayer, fasting, in need to “adopt” each year by understand its signifi cance, Bishop John M. LeVoir of the Jesse Tree, to instructions for and almsgiving – a part of the providing gifts and food, or they Diocese of New Ulm discusses the Advent wreath in his a handmade Advent calendar celebration of preparation for donate presents to Brown Santa four weekly Advent audio messages, which can be found bunting, to a tutorial on “how Christmas. It doesn’t have to be a – a tradition named for the brown at https://www.dnu.org/videos/. to make your own wreath from dour kind of experience,” he said. uniforms members of the Travis foraged materials” appears. County, Sheriff ’s Offi ce The simplest way Catholics wear that provides assistance “And then knowing next Advent, “It has greatly bolstered Christmas The penitential time of preparation can prepare for Christmas, Fr. to underprivileged residents, or the next liturgical season that beyond December 25th and has before Christmas seems to have Schmitz suggested, is by going to particularly during the Christmas comes up, you can do more. Or brought a lot more peace and taken on a crafty life of its own confession during Advent. season. you can do less.” joy to our home, while greatly over the last few years, thanks reducing the stress,” she said, to Web sites such as Pinterest “During Advent the faithful That, plus “lighting” her Much like Whitaker, Bonnie which is a defi nite “win-win.” and Instructables. Add in a few are asked not only to prepare kindergartner’s Advent wreath Engstrom of the blog “A Knotted glowing shots of your friend’s themselves to celebrate Christmas, – made from tissue paper and Life” said that the best way for Gradually fi lling the nativity handcrafted nativity set on her but we’re called to prepare toilet paper rolls – and having a a family to observe Advent is scene, adding ornaments to their Instagram feed and you’ve got a ourselves to meet Jesus at the end Jesse Tree, an ancient tradition of by “looking through the options Jesse Tree, and celebrating St. recipe for some serious Advent- of time,” he said. decorating a tree with ornaments and seeing what will work for Nicholas’ feast day with her envy. that represent the story of them, what will help them create kids are all enjoyable ways that “There’s a lot of good ways to do salvation, will make up their meaningful lessons and memories Engstrom said she can “trick them While all of these crafts and that, but I think one of the best Advent, which also includes Mass during that season of their family's into learning about her faith.” activities can help one better ways a person could possibly do and confession. life.” celebrate Christmas, it’s important that is to go to confession.” While engaging her kids in not to let them distract from Over the years, Whitaker and In recent years, the Engstroms celebrating Advent is important, the true purpose of the season: For Kathryn Whitaker of the blog, her family have adapted their have “scaled back our Advent she said observing this season preparation for the Incarnation, “Team Whitaker,” observing Advent season to their “family activities by a ton” by just has also helped her grow in her said Fr. Mike Schmitz, chaplain Advent is all about knowing what season.” The year that she and her focusing on the Advent wreath and relationship with God. for the Newman Center at the works best for your family. husband brought their premature a few saints’ feast days. Festivities University of Minnesota Duluth. son home from the hospital, for that many Americans typically “The silence, the simple beauty, “There are lots and lots of example, all they could do was put do in the time before Christmas – the focus on preparation,” she said, Fr. Schmitz told Catholic News beautiful ideas on Pinterest and up the Christmas tree with some such as looking at light displays, “those things have really helped Agency (CNA) that one of the other places, but I think you have ornaments. drinking cocoa and watching me create the still in my interior things that gets easily overlooked to fi nd what suits your family and Christmas movies – are all saved and exterior life for God to speak about Advent is “that it’s actually then not apologize or feel badly “And that was OK,” she said. for the actual Christmas season. to me.” Quilt raffl e supports LAMA Upcoming events Mass for Archbishop of adoration, contemporary 18, 2017, with registration Bernard A. Hebda of the praise music, and fellowship. closing Jan. 11. Five-week and Archdiocese of St. Paul and All ages are welcome. Visit three-week courses are off ered. Minneapolis will be on Sunday, www.dnu.org/cor-jesu for more Certifi cates for catechists, Dec. 18 at 2:30 p.m. at the information. youth ministers, and social Cathedral of Saint Paul in St. concerns committee members Paul. The apostolic nuncio will Riverbend TEC (Together are available. For course confer the pallium, which was Encountering Christ) will host information or to register, blessed at Saint Peter’s Basilica a retreat Jan. 14-16, 2017, at visit http://vlc.udayton.edu. by Pope Francis last June, on Holy Redeemer , Scholarships are available for Archbishop Hebda at the special Marshall. TEC is a three-day those involved in catechetical Mass. All the faithful are invited retreat experience that focuses ministry; contact Bryan Reising to attend. on the Paschal Mystery of Jesus at 507-233-5324; breising@dnu. Christ. For more information, DARWIN – The Council of Catholic Women Quilting Group at Cor Jesu will be held on call 320-523-1271, or e-mail org. St. John’s Catholic Church in Darwin made a $1,332 donation to Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, from [email protected]. the Litchfi eld Area Ministerial Association. The funds were raised 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the through the group’s quilt raffl e. Phyllis Levno (left) and Kathy Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Virtual Learning Community Reinke presented the check in October to Pastor Bill Kerr of the New Ulm. Cor Jesu (pronounced for Faith Formation (VLCFF) Litchfi eld United Methodist Church, who is treasurer of LAMA. “core yay-zoo”), is an evening Cycle 1 will be Jan. 15 – Feb. (Contributed photo)

The Prairie Catholic  Page 11  December 2016 Church intheUnitedStates. public facefortheCatholic education, whileprovidinga charitable andsocialwork role incoordinatingandleading president playsasignifi The bishops’ conference serve athree-yearterm. assembly inBaltimore.Eachwill president duringthebishops’ fall H. GómezofLos Angeles vice- president of Galveston-Houstonasits Cardinal DanielN.DiNardo Bishops onNov. 15elected Conference ofCatholic News) – The UnitedStates BALTIMORE (CNA/EWTN , and Archbishop Jose cant Conference in2013.Hehad president oftheU.S.Bishops’ The cardinalwaschosenvice to the2015SynodonFamily. bishops tobeamongthedelegates assembly) bytheirfellowU.S. selected (atthe2014general Gómez hadbothalsobeen Cardinal DiNardoand Archbishop 2011. as Archbishop ofLos Angeles in Archbishop Gómezsucceeded the cardinalatein2007. since 2006,andwaselevatedto Archbishop of Galveston-Houston Cardinal DiNardohasservedas

Minnesota’s Most Rural Diocese Diocese of New Ulm Vol. 31 No. 4 December 2016 and farfromhome inuncertain “To allthosefamiliesseparated of CatholicBishops(USCCB). of theUnitedStatesConference Galveston-Houston andpresident Daniel DiNardo,archbishopof unfamiliar manger,” saidCardinal his ownhome,butratherinan was notborninthecomfortof how oursaviorJesusChrist Our Lady, weareremindedof and especiallyonthisfeastof “As Christmasapproaches the U.S.seekingabetterlife. those familieswhohavecometo the hopes,fears,andneedsofall to placebeforeamercifulGod of Guadalupe. 2016, theFeastofOur Lady the UnitedStatesonDec.12, migrants willtakeplaceacross the plightofrefugees and of Prayer withafocuson WASHINGTON – A Day in theUnitedStates. highest-ranking Hispanicbishop than 4millionCatholics.Heisthe largest U.S.diocese,withmore Archbishop Gómezheadsthe Obama administration. the contraceptionmandateof where hewasoutspokenagainst the bishops’ pro-lifecommittee, previously servedastheheadof Itwillbeatime

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H, M,NU, W Eng.pdf. org/documents/Scriptural-Rosary- http://www.justiceforimmigrants. for migrantsandrefugeesat in Diversity”thatincludesprayers Scriptural Rosaryentitled“Unity Services (MRS)hasdevelopeda offi Conference ofCatholicBishops’ example, theUnitedStates wherever theymightbe.For attend areinvitedtooff Catholics whoareunableto for theirfamilies. seeking anopportunitytoprovide accompany migrantsandrefugees the CatholicChurchcontinuesto dioceses acrossthecountryas Masses willbeheldinmany Prayer servicesandspecial Advent season,”hesaid. prayer forcomfortandjoythis times, wejoinwithyouina ce ofMigrantand Refugee Counseling, and GuardianshipResources. Referred Servicesinclude:Immigration, Financial Community Response; Transition and GriefServices. Rachel, andRespectLifeResources; Parishand Counseling; PregnancyCounseling, Adoption, Project Providing: Individual,Marriage, andFamily er prayers

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(Photo by Chris Clancy) and Mexico. the bishopsofUnitedStates pastoral letterissuedjointlyby Journey ofHope,”the2003 No Longer: Together onthe principles containedin“Strangers will continuetofollowthe pastoral resources. These eff will bedevelopingadditional In thecomingdays,USCCB on theirbehalf.” levels tobeaneff at thediocesan,state,andnational actively monitoringdevelopments prayers ontheirbehalf,andis the Churchiswiththem,off USCCB. “We wantthemtoknow Los Angeles, vice-presidentofthe Archbishop JoséH.Gomezof policy mightimpactthem,”said how changestoimmigration “So manyfamiliesarewondering Closing of Year of Mercy NEW ULM - Faithful of the diocese greet Bishop John M. LeVoir as they exit the the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm on Sunday, Nov. 20 at the conclusion of a Mass celebrated by the bishop to end the Year of Mercy. As Holy Doors closed in churches and basilicas around the world, including in Rome, it is estimated that over 20 million people participated in the Church’s ective advocate Jubilee Year of Mercy at the Vatican – and a billion people may have participated in churches worldwide. For photos of the diocesan event, visit www.dnu.org/bishop/. ers orts Read more about the conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Mercy on page 1.