Crown of purity Bishop John M. LeVoir places a crown of fl owers on Sr. Magdalena’s head after she and Sr. Regina Marie professed their fi nal vows with the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus at a special Mass June 3 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. (Read more about the Mass and perpetual (Photo by Jeanine McMahon) professions, page 7.) Minnesota’s Most Rural Diocese Diocese of New Ulm Vol. 30 No. 10 July 2016 Window closes for child Homeless shelter ready for business! sex abuse claims On May 25, 2016, the deadline to report abuse during the 1960s and fi le claims under the Minnesota 1970s. Child Victims Act passed. “We’ve been humbled in listening For three years, victims and to the experience of victims and survivors of child sexual abuse survivors who have come forward. had been encouraged to come They have shown great courage,” forward and fi le a claim for said Bishop John M. LeVoir of restitution, no matter how long the Diocese of New Ulm. “The ago the abuse occurred. diocese is committed to helping protect children and young people By the end of the day on May from abuse and to helping victims 25, 101 people had made claims and survivors in healing. against the Diocese of New Ulm and parishes within the diocese. “The release of names and the Of the 75 parishes in the diocese, diocese’s eff orts since then 28 are named in claims. demonstrate a willingness by the Diocese of New Ulm to be (Photo from video by Dan Rossini) These claims report abuse from transparent about clergy who have NEW ULM - New Ulm Mayor Bob Beussman cuts the ribbon at the start of the June 18 open house several decades ago involving abused children,” said attorney at NUMAS Haus to the delight of organizers and community members. Brown County’s fi rst homeless priests who are now either Jeff Anderson, whose law fi rm shelter has come about through the generous contributions of many donors and volunteers, and with deceased or removed from public the support of the New Ulm Ministerial Association and the Diocese of New Ulm. It will accept single ministry. Almost all of the claims (Continued on page 12) mothers and their children up to age 13 beginning in late July. ( S e e s t o r y o n p a g e 1 4 . ) Catholics help Orlando shooting victims, families by Matt Hadro The Diocese of Orlando’s response Catholic News Agency to the tragedy, he added, follows the words of Pope Francis, who INSIDE “has called us to remember how ORLANDO, Fla. – Following Page 5 the mass shooting that claimed the important it is to simply love our Political activism lives of 49 in Orlando, Catholics neighbor.” have tried to be the hands and Catholic-style Early on the morning of June 12, feet of Christ in showing mercy 29-year-old Omar Mateen opened to victims and their families and fi re at a gay Orlando nightclub and Page 6 loved ones. Dawson native began taking hostages. He killed 49 people and injured 53 more “We’re in the Jubilee Year ordained a priest before he himself was killed by of Mercy. And here we have SWAT offi cers responding to the individuals who are in tremendous Page 10 scene. need of mercy – the repose of the Growing up in souls of those who are deceased, Authorities are still piecing NAZI Germany the family members, the friends, People visit a memorial down the road from the Pulse nightclub together background information the tremendous shock that has on June 18, 2016 in Orlando, Florida, where Omar Mir Seddique on Mateen, who pledged occurred personally,” Gary Tester, Mateen killed 49 people and injured 53 on June 12. In the wake of allegiance to the Islamic State in a Visit us online! executive of Catholic Charities the shooting, the Diocese of Orlando and Catholic Charities Central 911 call made inside the nightclub. Central Florida, told CNA on Florida have responded in various ways to help victims, their Mateen’s ex-wife and one of his www.dnu.org June 15. families, and their loved ones. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Continued on page 12)

The Prairie Catholic  Page 1  July 2016 Be Not Afraid Commentary on the 2014-2015 fi nancial information for the Diocese of New Ulm the diocese for past abuse (see June 30, 2015 of $1,006,030. of households, the number of As this issue of The Prairie page 1). Now that we know The diocese is grateful for the parish households giving $50 Catholic is going to print, the how many claims the diocese generous donors who made this or more, and Sunday off ertory fi scal year July 1, 2015 – June faces, our attention must turn to possible. collections. The assessments 30, 2016 is coming to a close. discussions with the attorneys for totaled $1,525,843 for the fi scal It will take some time to pull the claimants to determine what The “Special Issues Expense” year. The DUF funds are used together those fi nancials and liability we face. represents expenses incurred by to fi nance the operations of the have them reviewed by an the diocese in connection with Pastoral Center that carry out the independent auditor. Meanwhile, While we expect that insurance the resolution of litigation of core operations of the diocese. the budgeting process for 2016- will cover much of this liability, 2017 has been delayed due to the we also expect the diocese will uncertainty of the outcome of the contribute to the settlement of . . . while the Diocese of New Ulm faces uncertain litigation of lawsuits and claims these claims. Over the coming fi nancial times ahead, with faith in our Lord and relating to alleged sexual abuse months, we will work to reach Savior, Jesus Christ, “we rejoice in our sufferings, of minors by clergy. a fair resolution for the victims knowing that suffering produces endurance, and and survivors, while allowing the We know that the troubles we endurance produces character, and character by Bishop John M. Levoir work of the Church to continue in face are the result of abuse; our 15-county community. produces hope” (Rom 5:3-4). they are not the fault of victims Presented for your review in this – Bishop LeVoir and survivors coming forward issue of The Prairie Catholic is Under “Revenues,” please note to share courageously their the “Statement of Activities” the signifi cant negative diff erence lawsuits and claims of sexual The Diocesan Ministries Appeal experiences and seek healing. We of the Diocese of New Ulm in the “Net Unrealized and abuse of minors by clergy. (DMA) supports ministries in must all come together to care for for the fi scal year July 1, 2014, Realized Gains on Investments” the diocese, some of which were those who have been hurt. through June 30, 2015 (see page from the fi scal year ended June With the addition of the “Change started after the fi rst DMA in 3). The fi gures are taken from 30, 2014 to the fi scal year ended in Net Assets” of $431,452 to the 2006. These ministries include We also know that while the the fi nancial statements of the June 30, 2015 of $1,311,182. July 1, 2014, balance of Catholic Charities, the permanent Diocese of New Ulm faces diocese audited by a certifi ed This diff erence is due to the $20, 674,163, the total “Net diaconate program, children and uncertain fi nancial times ahead, public accounting fi rm. negative downturn in the Assets” as of June 30, 2015, is youth programs and activities, with faith in our Lord and Savior, fi nancial markets from one fi scal $21,105,615. Latino ministry, and the ongoing Jesus Christ, “we rejoice in our It is important to note several year to the next. The current education of lay ministers who suff erings, knowing that suff ering things when viewing these policy of the diocese is to keep The pie charts show, by serve day in and day out in the produces endurance, and fi nancial fi gures. First, this its funds invested with Christian percentage, the various accounts parishes. endurance produces character, information is related to activities Brothers Investment Services for that compose the revenues and and character produces hope” in the fi scal year ending in June the long term. expenses of the diocese. Local Catholics contributed a (Rom 5:3-4). 2015. Since that time, the diocese total of $1,619,383 during the has received dozens of additional This signifi cant negative The Diocesan United Fund 2014 DMA campaign, with civil claims against it for past diff erence was largely off set by (DUF) is the total of the annual $749,121 going to ministries Bishop LeVoir’s summer 2016 sexual abuse of minors. a signifi cant positive diff erence assessments collected from the 75 administered by the diocese calendar can be found at in “Contributions and Bequests” parishes of the Diocese of New and $870,262 being returned to www.dnu.org/calendar/. On May 25, 2016, the window from the fi scal year ended June Ulm. Each parish’s assessment the parishes to be used for their closed for fi ling claims against 30, 2014 to the fi scal year ended is based on the parish’s number needs.

THE Poor Handmaids’ Coming Home tour stops at St. George The Poor Handmaids of Jesus RA RIE Christ visited the Church of St. P CA THOLIC George in West Newton Township for a Mass and reception June 19 The Prairie Catholic, the offi cial newspaper as part of their Coming Home tour for the Diocese of New Ulm since May of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The 1972, is published monthly tour gave them an opportunity except July and August. to visit places where their congregation served and reminisce Publisher: Most Reverend John M. LeVoir with those who remember them. Editor in Chief: Dan Rossini Editor: Christine Clancy Welcoming the sisters to St. George were Bishop John M. Submission deadline is the 10th of each LeVoir of the Diocese of New month prior to publication. Ulm; Fr. Germain Rademacher, pastor of the parish from 1969 Publication offi ce: Diocesan Pastoral to 1975; and parish leaders and Center, 1421 6th Street North, New Ulm, members. MN 56073; phone: 507-359-2966, e-mail: [email protected] The Poor Handmaids served at St. Web site: www.dnu.org George Church and School from 1916 to 1984. They also served at Postmaster: Send notice on Form 3579, St. Alexander Home and Loretto “The Prairie Catholic,” 1421 6th Street Hospital in New Ulm from 1884 North, New Ulm, MN 56073-2071. to 1979. They played a major role The Poor Handmaids visiting St. George June 19 pose for a photo with Bishop John M. LeVoir and Fr. Periodical postage paid at New Ulm in the erection of the Way of the Germain Rademacher. Pictured are Sr. Michele Dvorak (left), Sr. Therese Irene Galarneau, Fr. Rademacher, and additional mailing offi ces. Cross shrine in New Ulm. Sr. Mary Jane Ranek, Bishop LeVoir, Sr. Connie Bach, Sr. Virginia Kampwerth, Sr. Patricia Kolas, Sr. Kathy USPS 926-760. Haas, Sr. Linda Volk, Sr. Loretta Schleper, Sr. Marybeth Martin, and Sr. Annemarie Kampwerth. (Photo by Dan Rossini)

The Prairie Catholic  Page 2  July 2016 diocesan church DIOCESE OF NEW ULM Statement of Activities (July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015)

TEMPORARILY PERMANENTLY REVENUES UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 2015 2014 Diocesan United Fund $ 1,525,843 $ 1,525,843 $ 1,497,499 Diocesan Ministries Appeal 749,121 749,121 700,000 Contributions and bequests 2,123 $ 217,628 $ 968,602 1,188,353 182,323 Contributed services 56,560 56,560 56,000 Grants 135,636 135,636 147,952 Interest and dividends 86,569 62,356 148,925 144,502 Net unrealized and realized gains (losses) on investments 108,834 154,424 263,258 1,574,440 Program income 176,088 176,088 183,965 Rent income 62,615 62,615 66,927 Gain on sale of land held for resale 43,401 43,401 143,663 Other income 21,047 21,047 14,677 Net assets released from restrictions: Satisfaction of program restrictions 505,678 (505,678) - -

T R (see pie chart below) $ 3,337,879 $ 64,366 $ 968,602 $ 4,370,847 $ 4,711,948

EXPENSES

Salaries and benefi ts $ 2,203,567 $ 2,203,567 $ 2,140,185 Offi ce costs 539,200 539,200 530,941 Program costs 682,460 682,460 633,512 T E (see pie chart below) $ 3,425,227 $ 3,425,227 $ 3,304,638

Change in Net Assets Before Other Items $ (87,348) $ 64,366 $ 968,602 $ 945,620 $ 1,407,310

Gain on sale of property and equipment 473,945 473,945 500 Increase (decrease) in capital campaign net contribution revenue (15,834) (100,000) (115,834) 179,681 Old Pastoral Center demolition expense (59,368) (59,368) - Special issues expense (812,911) (812,911) (27,892)

Change in Net Assets $ (501,516) $ (35,634) $ 968,602 $ 431,452 1,559,599 Net assets at Beginning of Year 12,960,912 3,529,071 4,184,180 20,674,163 19,114,564

N A E Y $ 12,459,396 $ 3,493,437 $ 5,152,782 $ 21,105,615 $ 20,674,163

2014-2015 REVENUES $4.4 MILLION 2014-2015 EXPENSES $3.4 MILLION

Grants and Other Income Program Costs 10% Diocesan United Fund 19% 35% Contributions and Bequests 28% Offi ce Costs 16%

Investment Income Diocesan Ministries Appeal Salaries and Benefi ts 9% 18% 65%

The Prairie Catholic  Page 3  July 2016 diocesan church No Tengas Miedo Fr. Johanneck appointed diocesan director of Worship Información sobre Finanzas 2014-2015 position. Given his education, “I para la Diócesis de New Ulm knew being the director might be a possibility one day,” he said.

Since he returned from Rome por Obispo John M. LeVoir por los importantes resultados después del primer DMA en positivos en “contribuciones el 2006. Estos ministerios three years ago, he has served A continuación, en esta edición y legados” que corresponde incluyen Caridades Católicas, as parochial vicar of St. Mary’s del Prairie Catholic es la del año fi scal que terminó el el programa del Diaconado Church in Sleepy Eye and has “Declaración de Actividades” de 30 de junio, 2014 al año fi scal Permanente, programas para los helped out in the Divine Mercy la Diócesis de New Ulm para el que terminó el 30 de junio, niños y jóvenes y actividades, Area Faith Community (including año fi scal del 1 de Julio, 2014 2015 es de $1,006,030. La el Ministerio Latino, y la the parishes of St. Michael in al 30 de Junio, 2015 (ver página diócesis está muy agradecida capacitación continua de los Morgan, Japanese Martyrs in 3). Las cifras se obtienen de los por los donadores generosos que ministros laicos que sirven día a Leavenworth, and St. Paul in estados fi nancieros de la diócesis hicieron esto posible. día en las parroquias. Comfrey). auditados por una fi rma de El “Gasto especial” representa contadores públicos. Durante la Campaña para los Fr. Aaron Johanneck During this time, he has also been a los gastos incurridos por la Ministerios Diocesanos del theological consultant to the Offi ce diócesis en relación con la Cuando vea estos datos sobre 2014 la contribución fue de by Dan Rossini of Worship and a member of the resolución de las demandas de fi nanzas es importante tener en $1,619,383, con $749,121 The Prairie Catholic Worship Committee. In this role, alegaciones por abuso sexual a cuenta varias cosas. En primer destinado para los ministerios y he has led liturgical enrichment for menores por parte del clero. lugar, esta información se basa en administrado por la diócesis y NEW ULM – Bishop John M. the Worship Committee at some las actividades que terminó con el 870,262 regresa a las parroquias LeVoir of the Diocese of New Ulm Con la incorporación de of their meetings. He has also año fi scal, Junio del 2015. Desde para sus respectivas necesidades. has appointed Fr. Aaron Johanneck “cambios en los activos netos” frequently served as the master of entonces, la diócesis ha recibido as diocesan director of the Offi ce of ceremonies for diocesan liturgies, de $431,452 al 1 de Julio, 2014 El proceso presupuestario para el docenas de demandas civiles en su Worship, eff ective June 29. 2016. such as the Chrism Mass. contra por abuso sexual a menores el balance de $20,674,163, el 2016-2017 se ha retrasado debido total de “Activos Netos” al 30 de a la incertidumbre del resultado que ocurrió el año pasado. Fr. Johanneck’s new post at the Fr. Johanneck related that one junio, 2015 es de $21,105,615. de demandas y alegaciones por Pastoral Center comes in addition Los gráfi cos refl ejan, en función of the ongoing challenges of the El 25 de Mayo, 2016 se venció presunto abuso sexual a menores to his other new assignment as del porcentaje, las distintas Worship offi ce is to continue el plazo para presentar demandas por parte del clero. parochial vicar of the Cathedral of cuentas que componen los to help deepen the faithful’s contra la diócesis por abusos the Holy Trinity in New Ulm and ingresos y gastos de la diócesis. Sabemos que los problemas que understanding of the nature of the que ocurrió en el pasado (ver assisting with pastoral duties in the sacred liturgy and how we can fully enfrentamos son el resultado other parishes of the Holy Cross página 1). Ahora que sabemos el El Fondo Diocesano (DUF) es participate in it. de abuso; no es la culpa de las Area Faith Community (Church of número de demandas que enfrenta el total de la cuota anual que víctimas ni de los sobrevivientes St. Mary, New Ulm; Church of St. la diócesis, nuestra atención se se cobra a las 75 parroquias “The liturgy is such a beautiful gift ya que ellos vienen para contar George, West Newton Township; debe dirigir a dialogar con los en la Diócesis de New Ulm en given to us by the Lord through con valentía sus vivencias y Church of St. Gregory the Great, abogados de los demandantes función al número de hogares, his Church,” he said. “The more buscan curación. Todos debemos Lafayette; and Church of St. John, para determinar la deuda que nos las colectas durante los ofertorios we enter in, the more we will be unirnos y cuidar de los que han Searles). He will also teach religion corresponda. de los domingos y el número de transformed as individual followers sido lastimados. at Cathedral High School. Esperamos que el seguro cubra hogares, las colectas durante los of Christ and as the Church as a gran parte de esta deuda, también ofertorios de los domingos y el Sabemos también que, si bien whole. I’m excited to work with esperamos que la diócesis número de $50 (o más) donantes. He replaces Sr. Myriam Rose the other members of the offi ce to contribuya a las reclamaciones la Diócesis de New Ulm afronta Shaff er, ACJ, who resigned as Las evaluaciones totalizan tiempos de incertidumbre en lo pray and discuss the various ways de dichas demandas. Durante los $1,525,843 para el año fi scal. director of Worship in March upon we might do this. ” próximos meses, vamos a trabajar económico, con fe en nuestro discerning out of the Handmaids Los fondos DUF se utilizan para Señor y salvador, Jesucristo. para alcanzar a una resolución fi nanciar las operaciones del of the Heart of Jesus. Sr. Anna He suggested articles, equitativa en favor de las víctimas Como dice San Pablo, “nos Mary Swanson, ACJ, continues to Centro Pastoral que llevan a cabo alegramos en el sufrimiento; presentations, workshops, y los sobrevivientes, al mismo support the work of the Worship las funciones esenciales de la porque sabemos que el beautifully celebrated liturgies, and tiempo permitir el trabajo de la offi ce, and Sr. Mary Joseph Evans, diócesis. sufrimiento nos da la fi rmeza “a great deal of prayer” as ways Iglesia en los 15 condados de la ACJ, has also been assigned to a para soportar, y esta fi rmeza this might be accomplished. diócesis. La Campaña para los nos permite salir aprobados, y support staff role in that offi ce. Ministerios Diocesanos el salir aprobados nos llena de Fr. Johanneck emphasized the En “ingresos,” por favor noten apoya los ministerios en la Fr. Johanneck said that his connection between the sacred la gran diferencia negativa en esperanza” (Ro 5:3-4). diócesis, algunos comenzaron appointment to the Worship offi ce liturgy and the spiritual life, “pérdidas netas y ganancias was not a total surprise. When echoing the teaching of Vatican II realizadas sobre inversiones” que Bishop LeVoir fi rst discussed the that the Mass “is a sacred action corresponde del año fi scal que like no other.” terminó el 30 de junio, 2014 al vacancy with him, he shared with año fi scal que termino el 30 de the bishop his desire to be more involved, since “the liturgy is “It is our union with the junio, 2015 es de $1,311,182. redemption wrought by Christ and Esta diferencia se debe a la something I have a deep passion with his perfect, loving sacrifi ce caída negativa en los mercados and love for.” to the Father,” he explained. fi nancieros de un año fi scal al “The more that we enter into the otro. La política actual de la Fr. Johanneck also holds a diócesis es mantener sus fondos licentiate in sacred theology with liturgy, especially the Mass, with invertidos con Christian Brothers Women’s Camp July 24  Men’s Camp August 1 a specialization in sacred liturgy an attitude of thanksgiving, prayer, Inverstment por un largo plazo. at Schoenstatt on the Lake, Sleepy Eye from the Pontifi cal Gregorian off ering, and sacrifi ce, the more we Esta gran diferencia negativa To register contact the Diocese of New Ulm Office of University in Rome, which gives will experience its fruits; the more se compensó en buena medida Youth Ministry, [email protected]; (507) 233-5327 him solid credentials for the it will transform our lives! ”

The Prairie Catholic  Page 4  July 2016 social concerns Advocacy network helps Minnesota Catholics become politically active Organized eff ort to spur participation in diocesan parishes slated for September by Kevin Johnson diff erent bills out of some 2,000 “What we have seen is overall Prairie Catholic Correspondent bills each session,” she said. growth in the number of people “Those positions are based on our contacting legislators,” she HUTCHINSON – Catholics Catholic values, principles, and reported. “It’s known that the across the Diocese of New Ulm social teaching.” number-one thing that infl uences will have a special opportunity legislators is contact from to join the Catholic Advocacy She said that legislation the constituents.” Network when Life and Dignity bishops are most concerned about Sunday comes to the diocese the runs the gamut from bills dealing Organized eff ort weekend of Sept. 17-18, 2016. with the unborn, helping the poor Diocesan deacons and their and those in need, undocumented wives have been part of the The network is a group of several immigrants, and prisoners, to core team providing leadership thousand Minnesotans who are those intended to help people and organizational help for the committed to live as faithful with disabilities, the elderly, and registration drive. Ambassadors citizens though education and families. in each parish will schedule advocacy at the state level. While bulletin announcements leading most of its members are Catholic, Fostering Catholic Lori Thul (left) speaks with the Minnesota Catholic Conference’s up to the signup weekend and the network includes some non- participation Kathryn Mollen about Life and Dignity Sunday, an event being will be available to answer Catholics as well. “Part of our mission is also to planned for September in parishes of the Diocese of New Ulm questions. bring the work that the bishops to increase participation in the Catholic Advocacy Network. Thul The Minnesota Catholic are doing at the Capitol to is parish administrator at St. Anastasia’s Church in Hutchinson Lori Thul is the parish Conference (MCC) created the Catholics around the state,” she and will serve as its parish “ambassador,” guiding the registration ambassador for St. Anastasia. She network in 2008 to increase lay said. effort. (Photo by Kevin Johnson) plans to ask the social concerns participation in the bishops’ committee there to help her public policy eff orts. Through That goal led to creation of the more eff ective [to move policy network at any time by visiting prepare for the Life and Dignity periodic e-mails and a monthly Catholic Advocacy Network in forward] if a lot of voices are the MCC’s Web site, www.mncc. Sunday signup. She hopes to get update, members receive 2008. “As part of the bishops’ speaking at the same time,” she org, and choosing the Catholic 200 registrations. information about the issues teaching role, they wanted to be said. Advocacy Network option under that matter most to Minnesota’s able to teach Catholics how to the Take Action tab. She said the June 22 training Catholic bishops and can choose apply Church social teaching to Mollen explained that the session was helpful for her. “I’m simple, concrete ways to promote public policy,” and in that way to network is run entirely online. “We would like to have around already on the network and have their Catholic point of view. “fl ourish in their roles as faithful People need access to a computer 1,000 when we get done, maybe been taking time to get to know citizens,” she explained. or smart phone to participate. 20 [new members] from each it,” she said. To prepare for Life and Dignity Electronic communications are small parish, and a hundred from Sunday, the MCC and diocesan In their document “Forming built on a database and strict large parishes,” he said. Sign-up cards will be distributed leaders appointed by Bishop Consciences for Faithful security controls are maintained at Masses that weekend. Some John M. LeVoir have conducted Citizenship,” the bishops of the with software provided by Voter Mollen said the Diocese parishes, including St. Anastasia, four training sessions in United States teach that Catholics Voice, a national advocacy of Winona, the Diocese of will hold the event a week earlier diff erent parts of the diocese have a responsibility to exercise management company. The data Crookston, and the Archdiocese or later due to fall festivals. in May and June for parish good citizenship by engaging in of those in the network are never of St. Paul and Minneapolis have Parishioners should watch for volunteers or “ambassadors.” the political process. shared or sold to others. already conducted sign-up events. bulletin announcements for the This training provided them Crookston gained about 2,000 right weekend in their parishes. with the knowledge needed to Guided by the social doctrine of Members receive education new members, and Winona added inform fellow parishioners about the Church, bishops in each state on why the Church advocates approximately 3,000. the network and to organize work to shape legislation on a particular positions. Monthly the registration drive in their variety of issues aff ecting human E-updates and action alerts parishes. dignity, including fair wages, during legislative sessions inform Do your struggle with unforgiveness or repeated sin? immigration policy, educational members of MCC lobbying Social policy concerns achievement, marriage, right eff orts, events, and opportunities Does fear or anxiety keep you from living a full life? Kathryn Mollen, policy to life, and religious liberty. for volunteering. outreach coordinator for the Participating in this advocacy is Do you need deliverance from anger, resentment, depression, shame? MCC, has been training parish one way that lay Catholics play a “Members can contact their ambassadors to grow the network positive role in politics. representatives at the same time Do you struggle with an addiction to pornography, alcoholism, in Minnesota’s dioceses. She MCC is lobbying on a particular gambling, or drugs? addressed about a dozen of Pope Francis has also affi rmed bill,” Mollen said. volunteers at a training session that Catholics need to be active Have you ever been involved in occult or New Age practices? at St. Anastasia’s Church in in the political sphere. “When a Increasing membership Hutchinson on June 22. Catholic ‘meddles’ in politics, Deacon Tim Dolan, director Th e Diocese of New Ulm has a prayer team specifi cally trained he is giving the best of himself of the Offi ce Social Concerns to help you fi nd healing in areas of your life where you have been She told the group that so that those who govern can for the Diocese of New Ulm, wounded and lead you to experience spiritual freedom using the Minnesota’s Catholic bishops govern,” he said in his his Sept. is spearheading the registration Unbound model of prayer. created the Minnesota Catholic 16, 2013, daily homily at his drive at the diocesan level. Conference in 1967 to serve as Santa Marta residence. “I think right now we probably Th e Unbound Ministry prayer team off ers a compassionate, a direct lobbying organization to have somewhere between 250 non-judgmental environment for healing and respects the Minnesota legislature. The More eff ective voices and 300 Advocacy Network participants’ confi dentiality. MCC serves as the offi cial public Mollen said a second reason for members,” he said. “These are policy voice of the Catholic the network was to be “more people within the diocese who Unbound Ministry in the Diocese of New Ulm is dedicated to Church in Minnesota. practical.” “There’s only so much have been active for some time the prayer model which has enabled many people to experience a small lobbying staff can do. already.” spiritual freedom and the abundant life promised by Jesus. “We work for the bishops, With over a million Catholics in who take positions on about 20 the state of Minnesota, it’s a lot Individuals can sign up for the Visit www.dnu.org/healing-ministry or call (507) 233-5310.

The Prairie Catholic  Page 5  July 2016 diocesan church Dawson native ordained a Dominican priest May 14 in St. Louis by Claudia Broman may have no room for it, and to Prairie Catholic Correspondent those who have grown cold. Fr. Wesley said Bishop Rice Fr. Wesley Dessonville recalls knelt before the ordained and how humbling it was to lie asked for blessings at the prostrate on the sanctuary fl oor conclusion of the service. “To while he was being ordained a be a priest blessing a bishop,” priest May 14 at the Church of he remarked, “that is another St. Pius V in St. Louis. humbling thing.”

“You make yourself completely Fr. Wesley felt called to be a vulnerable,” he said. “That was priest after graduating from powerful.” college, “so the fact that I am ordained is not a complete About 400 people attended the surprise,” he said. “What would Mass, with Auxiliary Bishop have surprised me at age 23 is Br. Wesley Dessonville places his hands in the hands of Auxiliary Bishop Edward Rice of the Edward Rice of the Archdiocese that I am now a religious priest. Archdiocese of St. Louis as he promises respect and obedience to the diocesan bishop and his of St. Louis offi ciating. That to me is an act of God.” superior at his ordination Mass May 14 in St. Louis. (Contributed photos)

“It was very touching, very Upon graduating from Dawson- become a priest, she refl ected on humbling,” Fr. Wesley said. Boyd High School in Dawson, his journey. he briefl y attended college in The timing of the ordination was Aberdeen, S.D., before pursuing “It’s very clear that this is real,” signifi cant in part because this theology and pastoral ministry she said. “He has a great ministry year marks the 800th anniversary at the University of Mary in ahead of him – I can see that.” of the founding of the Order of Bismarck, N.D. He worked at Preachers, or Dominicans as they Shanley High School in Fargo, The reality check also came are often called. N.D. during a batch of ironing Monica recently tackled. Pope Francis has also declared In 2009 he entered a Dominican 2016 the Jubilee Year of Mercy. novitiate program in Denver and “I knew I was a mother of a As priests bring the mercy of made his fi rst profession in 2010. priest when I found myself God to his people, it is especially Since then he has attended the ironing an alb,” she said. “That moving to be ordained in a year Aquinas Institute of Theology, a was when it really hit,” adding dedicated to mercy, Fr. Wesley Dominican graduate school in St. a bit of laughter about “once a said. Louis, spending a year also mother, always a mother.” working at St. Thomas More “Priests need to be priests of Newman Center at the University Fr. Wesley traveled to Minnesota Fr. Wesley smiles broadly as he and Fr. Patrick Hyde process to mercy and forgiveness,” he said. of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. for a vacation with family after He has a master of arts degree ordination. He celebrated Mass the back of the church at the end of their ordination Mass. Fr. Wesley and Fr. Patrick were ordained priests at the event, while fi ve In his ordination homily, Bishop in theology and a master’s of on May 21 at the Church of St. other young men were ordained to the diaconate for the Order of Rice spoke to the two men being divinity. Michael in Madison and another Preachers. ordained priests, Fr. Wesley Mass at the Church of St. James included, and fi ve others being Joyce Brown of Miles City, in Dawson on May 22. While ordained to the deaconate. Mont., recalls that her nephew, growing up, Fr. Wesley attended Fr. Wesley, would regularly visit both churches. “Pope Francis … says our love his grandfather while attending must be ‘visible and tangible. the University of Mary. Before moving to Denver to Love … can never be just an become associate pastor at St. abstraction,’” Bishop Rice “He just had such compassion,” Dominic Catholic Church, he said. “Love must reach out to she said of her nephew. “I think will spend some time abroad the ‘tortured, the crushed, the he’ll be just awesome as a this summer to brush up on his scourged, the malnourished, priest.” Spanish. He begins his fi rst and the exiled … to be assignment in mid-August. acknowledged, touched, and Brown attended Fr. Wesley’s fi rst cared for by us.’ Such love in Mass following his ordination at Editor’s note: Claudia Broman action is mercy!” the Church of the Little Flower, writes from Litchfi eld. also in St. Louis, on Pentecost He also encouraged the men to Sunday. draw close to Mary, the Mother of God, and to remember as “It was incredibly beautiful, Dominicans to preach mercy, moving,” she said. “It had us About 400 people attended the ordination Mass of Fr. Wesley “so that our eyes can be opened crying.” Dessonville of the Diocese of New Ulm and Fr. Patrick Hyde of to see the misery of the world, the Archdiocese of St. Louis May 14 at St. Pius V Church in St. and the wounds of our brothers Fr. Wesley’s mother, Monica Louis. Both were ordained priests for the Dominican Province of and sisters,” especially to those Dessonville of Dawson, also St. Albert the Great, which encompasses 14 states in the central opposed to mercy, to those who attended. Now that her son has United States.

The Prairie Catholic  Page 6  July 2016

consecrated life Two Handmaids make perpetual profession June 3 at Cathedral by Sam Patet decision began after college. bride during Mass. Prairie Catholic Correspondent She was serving with Saint Paul’s Outreach, and she heard a “Many months later after my visit NEW ULM – Not even 10 years religious brother speak on his call to the sisters, I was at a normal after their foundation, two more to the religious life. Sunday Mass when Jesus invited sisters have made their perpetual me to be his bride,” Sr. Magdalena profession of vows with the “I do not remember what he said. “This was one of the most Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus. said except for this: ‘I had always peaceful moments in my life when said, “Jesus this is what I want, I said, ‘Yes.’” On June 3, 2016, Sr. Magdalena now bless it,” but I had never Marie of the Trinity (formerly asked Jesus what he wanted Tears and laughter for Megan Marshall) and Sr. Regina for my life,’” Sr. Magdalena Sr. Regina Marie Marie of the Holy Sacrifi ce of said. “His statement pierced me to Sr. Regina Marie had a similar the Altar (formerly Mary Therese the heart, as I realized this is what experience, only hers was Foley) took the defi nitive step in I had done, too. In that moment, accompanied with crying and the discernment of their religious I knew I had to ask the question, laughing. vocations June 3 at the Cathedral ‘Jesus, what do you want for my of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. life?’” She was 19 and on a retreat to That brings the total number of discern religious life. Throughout Handmaids who have made their So she did. Soon after hearing high school she had prayed to God perpetual, or fi nal, vows to three. the brother’s testimony, Sr. for the gift not simply to discover Magdalena had dinner with a his will for her life, but to accept “We are very excited to have two group of Dominican sisters who it wholeheartedly. That at times more members of our institute in were serving at St. Croix Catholic was diffi cult, as she desired to be a perpetual commitment of vows School in Stillwater, Minn. All her married and raise children. She to the Lord and to our way of preconceptions of what religious knew that if God wanted her to be life,” said Mother Mary Clare of sisters would be like were quickly a religious sister, she would have the Heart of the Father, mother dispelled. to give that up. superior and foundress of the Handmaids. She made her fi nal “I laughed so much that my Still, she decided to give the vows on June 20, 2014. stomach hurt,” Sr. Magdalena said, retreat a try. There, while praying describing the joy she felt with the in her room before a crucifi x, “Sr. Regina Marie and Sr. sisters that evening. “I remember she heard God invite her to be a Magdalena are very beautiful driving home afterwards and religious sister. sisters who have been a great thinking, ‘Wow, Lord, you did blessing to our community, not have to answer the questions “I was in my room … and crying Having just made their perpetual profession of vows, Sr. and now, with their perpetual on my heart, but you did anyway because I wanted to say yes to Magdalena (left) and Sr. Regina Marie beam as they prepare to commitment, they will be an without me even asking the God but could only think of it as a bring the gifts of bread and wine to the altar for the Liturgy of the even greater gift to the stability sisters.’” great sacrifi ce. Yet I told the Lord Eucharist. (Photos by Jeanine McMahon) and growth of our new religious I was willing,” she said. “All of a community,” said Mother Mary Now at ease with the thought of sudden I had a clear thought – a Clare. becoming a religious sister, Sr. promise from the Lord – that if I but to extend it to others, he said. Magdalena began to ask God in chose his will, I would be happy. So after graduating from college “We have a mission, and that Notwithstanding the magnitude prayer what he wanted her to do. Joy fi lled my heart and I could not in 2008, Sr. Regina Marie joined mission is to turn around after of their decisions, neither Sr. She heard God ask her to be his stop smiling and laughing.” the Handmaids on Aug. 22. A we’ve received mercy and to show Magdalena nor Sr. Regina Marie year-and-a-half later, on March mercy to our brothers and sisters, were looking back. “I feel deep 24, 2010, she and Sr. Magdalena and really to show mercy to Jesus peace after my fi nal profession of received the Handmaids’ habit. himself by loving him on the vows,” Sr. Magdalena said. “This cross,” he said. day was very signifi cant as I gave On that same day, the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus were my life permanently to Jesus and established as a public association He tied this refl ection into Sr. he also gave himself to me.” in the Diocese of New Ulm. And Magdalena’s and Sr. Regina Marie’s perpetual professions by Sr. Regina Marie had similar a year later on July 1, the two professed their fi rst vows. noting that they are responding to sentiments. “There is a poem of the mercy of Jesus by giving their [St.] Teresa of Avila that I love: ‘I Jesus can be trusted, says bishop lives totally to him. By making gave myself to Love Divine, and Bishop John M. LeVoir of the perpetual vows, they are showing now my lot so changed is, that my Diocese of New Ulm was the the world that Jesus can be trusted, Beloved One is mine, and I at last celebrant at the Mass on June 3 he said. am surely his,’” she said. when Srs. Magdalena and Regina Marie professed their fi nal vows. “They are a visible sign of that Indeed, “at last” both sisters are Several dozen priests from the trust, and the trust is, again, in that now beloved brides of the perfect diocese and other dioceses were merciful heart of Jesus, that loves Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. Their also present. us, that takes away our sins, that is vows were the fruit of nearly 10 with us on this journey in this life Bishop LeVoir focused his homily years of formation, which began to the next,” Bishop LeVoir said. with an initial decision to give Sr. Regina Marie (far left) places her folded hands in Mother Mary on the day’s feast: the Solemnity Clare’s hands as she recites her profession of perpetual vows. of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. religious life a try. After Mass, a potluck reception She and Sr. Magdalena became the second and third sisters to Jesus Christ has the greatest mercy was held in the Cathedral’s Leifeld Sr. Magdalena’s meeting with defi nitively commit their lives to religious life with the Handmaids on men and women by forgiving Hall. religious sisters of the Heart of Jesus June 3 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in their sins, he said. They are called For Sr. Magdalena, making that New Ulm. not simply to receive his mercy,

The Prairie Catholic  Page 7  July 2016 special report Garrett Ahlers ordained a priest for the Diocese of New Ulm Bishop proclaims him a “priest of mercy” in this Jubilee Year of Mercy

by Dan Rossini deeply when the bishop called him “All of them, when we do them in the him to be happy as a person, his has brought to fruition the labors of The Prairie Catholic a “priest of mercy.” “To hear those name of Jesus Christ, help people’s Father indicated. many. He has done this so you might words come out of Bishop LeVoir’s lives to be better. Because whenever be saved, so that you might live NEW ULM – At the beginning of mouth, it was at once very, very Jesus Christ comes into our lives, “I don’t know what it is going to everlastingly. his ordination Mass homily, Bishop consoling, but it also just resonated or into the lives of our brothers and be like out here in rural Minnesota, John M. LeVoir of the Diocese of very, very much with my heart that sisters, their lives are always changed but he’s never been lonely,” he said. “I promise I will help you to know New Ulm remarked that the Catholic this is a particular gift that has been for the better,” he said. “He’s had good friends. And he’s had him, who showed me such great love Church is in the midst of a very given to me this year,” he said. confi dants that he’s never had before throughout my life,” he continued. special year, the extraordinary Jubilee Meant to be and people that understand him, “This life of mine does not belong to Year of Mercy. Priesthood and mercy Father Ahlers’ parents, Rich and as a young man becoming a priest. me. My only hope now is that I might Echoing the bishop, Father Ahlers Mary Ahlers, are confi dent that There’s a lot of people his age who lay it down for you ....” “Garrett will be ordained during this called the priesthood a vocation of their son “is where he’s meant to don’t understand that, who are going, Year of Mercy,” the bishop said. mercy. “To be ordained in the Year be.” But it wasn’t always that way. ‘Are you out of your mind?’” That life of service to others has “He’ll be the only one ordained in of Mercy, to experience my life In comments after the ordination already been evident during Father this diocese during the Year of Mercy. redeemed and saved in this Year of Mass, Rich described his son’s path Gratitude and commitment Ahlers’ seminary years, according So it’s kind of a sign that he will be a Mercy, it’s just a gift, and I think it to the priesthood as a journey for the At the conclusion of the Mass, Father to Msgr. Jerry Vincke, a priest of the priest of mercy.” will have a very profound impact on family, too, both “fi nding out who Ahlers addressed the congregation to Diocese of Lansing, Mich., who was how I approach my priesthood,” he Garrett is, but also fi nding out who express his gratitude for the “eternal, Father Ahlers’ spiritual director for Priests, deacons, family, friends, said. we are.” everlasting gift” of the priesthood three years at the Pontifi cal North that he had just received. American College in Rome. and faithful people from across Father Ahlers distributes Holy Communion to his mother, Mary Ahlers, during the ordination Mass. In his homily, Bishop LeVoir drew “It is hard, because Garrett is our the diocese fi lled the Cathedral of (Photo by Dan Rossini) the Holy Trinity in New Ulm on a strong connection between the only son. We always pictured him as After thanking his parents and family “His heart is to help people, to Saturday, June 25 to witness and priesthood and mercy. He said that being married and having children of for their love and encouragement, serve people. He really sees the needs celebrate the ordination of Garrett a priest has certain responsibilities his own,” said Mary. “That’s hard to the faculties of the seminaries who of others and is concerned for others, Ahlers to the diocesan priesthood by and he receives certain graces at give up, and yet, … those were really formed him, the bishop and his which is really appealing,” he said. Bishop LeVoir. About 500 people ordination to carry out those duties our dreams and our aspirations. They vocations team for their support “He always seems to be thinking attended. among the people of God. weren’t his and they weren’t God’s.” and guidance, and all the people about how he can help other people. who have been praying for him, he So that’s a great gift.” Bishop LeVoir hands newly ordained Father Garrett Bishop John M. LeVoir of the Diocese of New Ulm embraces his “I really just experienced today “I’m sure all of us priests know very Rich said he was moved when, at confessed that he could not make Ahlers the bread and wine newest priest, Father Garrett Ahlers, toward the end of the Rite of a great joy of seeing sort of a well what we are called to be by the end of the Rite of Ordination, an adequate return for all their Father Ahlers has been assigned this to be consecrated at the Ordination. Diocesan priests then did the same. coherence to my life,” Father Ahlers Jesus Christ through ordination,” and his son took his place with the other generosity. summer to carry out pastoral duties ordination Mass. The ritual (Photo by Jeanine McMahon) said after the event. “I’ve just really that “is to be people who teach the priests in the sanctuary. “When I saw in the Good Teacher Area Faith seen how the Lord has in a very, very Word of God, who shepherd God’s him walk up there and stand with the So he off ered them a promise. Community (St. Peter, Canby; St. emphasizes the importance powerful way kind of brought my life people, and who help them to be other priests, and saw him part of Edward, Minneota; St. Eloi, Ghent; of celebrating the Eucharist to this fruition. And just amazingly, holy,” he said. that group, it was just overwhelming. “I promise that I will be faithful to and St. Leo, St. Leo). in the life of a priest. through my life, brought a lot of I mean you realize that he’s part of the Lord. And I promise you my other people and the eff orts of a lot of Upon refl ection, all of those things something bigger,” he said. life,” he said. “I am humbled at the After completing a fi nal year of (Photo by Jeanine people together today.” – teaching, shepherding, and many graces I have received from our studies in Rome, he will receive a McMahon) sanctifying – are really acts of mercy, The brothers that Father Ahlers has Father in Heaven, to whom we owe more permanent assignment next Father Ahlers said that he was struck the bishop explained. gained in the priesthood will help our supreme thanksgiving. Today he June.

Deacon Ahlers lies prostrate while the bishop and faithful recite the Litany of Supplication, asking God, among other things, to Father Ahlers bestows his fi rst priestly blessing on some of the members “bless, sanctify, and consecrate this chosen man.” Father Ahlers participates in the Eucharistic Prayer at his ordination Mass June 25 at the Cathedral of the Holy of the Sisters of Mary Morning Star from Ghent shortly after his Father Ahlers consecrates the Precious Blood during his Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, June 26 at (Photo by Christine Clancy) Trinity in New Ulm. (Photo by Christine Clancy) ordination Mass. (Photo by Dan Rossini) Holy Redeemer in Marshall. (Photo by Jeanine McMahon)

The Prairie Catholic  Pages 8-9  July 2016 Catholic life Serra Club enlightened by Schoenstatt nun’s memories of Nazi regime by Debra Skelley Blaschko Prairie Catholic Correspondent Serra Club seeks SLEEPY EYE – Growing up in membership Nazi Germany was challenging for Sr. Ellen Hoemberg, a member by Debra Skelley Blaschko of the Secular Institute of the Prairie Catholic Correspondent Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in Sleepy Eye. It was during those SLEEPY EYE – “How do we fearful times that she trusted in get the word out?” This is the God and ultimately felt question Good Shepherd Serra drawn to the religious life, Club members are asking. They she said. are on a quest for new members and leadership to continue their German citizens who mission. opposed Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party were often The group meets the fi rst taken away and put into Above: Members of the Good Shepherd Serra Club gathered in May to Thursday of each month at concentration camps, she hear Sr. Ellen Hoemberg (seated, front left) tell her vocation story. Next to Divine Providence Community said at a recent gathering of her are Donna Helget and Kathleen Wickmann. Standing are Carol Haas Home in Sleepy Eye. They pray the Good Shepherd Serra (left), Rose Zollner, Bernie Berger, Arnolda Fischer, Arnold Iffert, Emma the Rosary and attend Mass Club in Sleepy Eye, where Iffert, Dorothy U’Ren, Connie Tautges, JoAnn Green, Tom Green and starting at 6:30 p.m. Members chaplain Fr. Todd Petersen. (Photo by Debra Skelley Blaschko) she was guest speaker. can come early for Eucharistic adoration. “My dad was outspoken,” she said. “We were seven Left: Sr. Ellen Hoemberg (back) is pictured with some of the 29 novices who were received into the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in March of The purpose of the organization kids [in the family] and we is to foster vocations in the didn’t want to lose him.” 1957 in Germany. (Photo courtesy of Sr. Ellen Hoemberg) Catholic Church through prayer, mountains. Her father invited XII became pope on the eve of the class would secretly fi nd their lay involvement, and fi nancial When World War II started in the Jewish families often to their war. way to the church on Saturday support. 1939 with the invasion of Poland, house for safety and eventually mornings for instruction. There Sr. Ellen was only 9 years old. found them a route out of “Some people say Pope Pius did was no heat in the church and it Members are open to changing Her cousin had learned that the SS Germany to the United States. not do enough to condemn the was cold, she said. location or whatever else might had placed her dad on the “Black atrocities committed by the Nazi help invigorate this valuable List,” and warned him. There was so much confusion regime against the Jews, who were “Prayer saved us. Every night we lay apostolate. The pope and leading up to the war, Sr. Ellen among those targeted for death. said the Rosary. We went to Mass bishops throughout the world, Founded in 1925, the SS or said. The pope used Vatican radio to “Schutzstaff el” initially served every day and had Forty Hours’ including Bishop John M. speak out against the atrocities but Devotion (Eucharistic adoration) as Hitler’s personal bodyguards. Great unrest was created in LeVoir of the Diocese of New then the Nazis said the pope was when we could,” Sr. Ellen said. They later became one of the most Europe by the First World War, Ulm, support the work of Serra inciting the Jews,” she said. “He And her vocation grew out of the powerful and feared organizations 1914-1918, and that set the stage International and its associate could not help openly so he had to times she and her family trusted in all of Nazi Germany, according for another international confl ict, clubs. do what he could underground.” and turned to God. There were to the Web site www.history.com. World War II. Hitler rose to religious sisters in her town and power in an economically and Vocation directors say the most Hitler was obsessed with the idea she got close to them and “always “We were so afraid … as politically unstable Germany. To crucial element for helping of a “superior” or “pure” German wanted to be one.” Catholics, and so were the people rally support, he used the lingering race which he called Aryan. people discern their vocations in our town. We had only three resentment over the harsh terms is prayer, according to the Serra Therefore people with disabilities She was introduced to the Jewish families,” she said. The imposed on Germany after World International Web site, www. and those with foreign blood were Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary Hoembergs lived about 200 miles War I by the Versailles Treaty. slated for execution. serrainternational.org. west of Berlin in a town called through a pilgrimage after the war. Schoenstatt is a movement of Nuttlar, which was surrounded by Sr. Ellen recalled how Pope Pius Hitler planned to close down the “Our younger priests and prayer, pilgrimage, and sacrifi ce Catholic Church. Catholic pastoral seminarians are especially centered around shrines dedicated letters called it oppression. grateful to the Serrans for the to Mary. It was founded in1914 by Catholics were ready to resist, Sr. prayers and support given Fr. Joseph Kentenich in Germany. Ellen said, but there were Nazi throughout their years of spies everywhere and if people Sr. Ellen desired to become a formation,” said Fr. Todd said anything against Hitler, they Petersen, pastor of the parishes disappeared. Schoenstatt missionary in Africa; however, she was sent to the in the Apostles Peter and Paul Area Faith Community and a Christianity could not escape United States to help bring the some of the blame for the war, she new Schoenstatt community to former director of Vocations for said. In general, the feeling was this country. She has spent 34 the diocese. that the Jews killed Jesus Christ. years at Schoenstatt locations in Fr. Petersen has been chaplain Many Catholics did not value Minnesota and Wisconsin working Christianity’s Jewish heritage at as a teacher or director of religious of the group since 2002, that time. Even the Church was education. when the club was fi rst being divided on what to do to help. organized. It was chartered in NFP Awareness Week begins July 24 She acknowledges that they have 2005. To fi nd out more about a national educational campaign Despite being ordered to stop all been very good and fulfi lling the Good Shepherd Serra Club, of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Catholic youth meetings, Sr. Ellen years, and says that young women contact Fr. Petersen at 507- said, they would sneak up in the should consider the religious life 931-1628, or current president Celebrate God’s vision for marriage hills to meet and pray. The 46 as a way to happiness – giving Annette Rohlik, 507-747-2181. and promote the methods of Natural Family Planning. members of her fi rst Communion their lives to God.

The Prairie Catholic  Page 10  July 2016 Catholic life Sr. Lisa Maurer: full-time Benedictine sister, part-time football coach by Claudia Broman involvement in sports altogether from the Midwest. “Wherever Prairie Catholic Correspondent to join the monastery in Duluth. that is, that’s where I will go,” she told herself, and by Lent had LITCHFIELD – For fi ve years “I moved to a place that does not entered the novitiate. in a row, the Division III men’s have spring,” she jokingly said to football team at the College a full social hall at the Church of “God’s timing and God’s of St. Scholastica has won its St. Philip in Litchfi eld. Sr. Lisa’s placement are impeccable,” she conference title. vocation talk in mid-May was the said, urging the women attending kickoff of the Shepherd of Souls to be open to using their time and “And we’re trying for our Area Faith Community’s affi liate talents to bloom, blossom, and seventh,” said Sr. Lisa Maurer. group of Women in the New grow however God sees best. “We’re really itching to win that Evangelization (WINE). “We might not understand it.” fi rst playoff game.” “Oh, I was happy, I was honored. In Sr. Lisa’s case, her opportunity Sr. Lisa is director of Mission I loved my sisters, I loved the to bloom where she was planted Integration for the Benedictine monastery, but it was hard,” she in Duluth was unexpected. Health System at St. Scholastica said. Monastery, which is home to the “The football practice fi eld is nuns affi liated with the Duluth Sr. Lisa made her perpetual right out my backdoor,” she said. college. profession with the Benedictines So while she was learning how to in the summer of 2012. Before be a sister, she would wander out Originally from Sleepy Eye, she joining the congregation, sports Sr. Lisa Maurer, originally of Sleepy Eye, is a Benedictine nun at to the fi eld, walk around, or sit knows her footballs statistics, were a big part of her life. the St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth where she is an assistant on the bleachers to say a Rosary, which might seem at fi rst a She coached while teaching at coach for the College of St. Scholastica men’s football team. She and she’d feel better about her quirky and endearing quality Catholic schools in Springfi eld, coaches kickers and punters and runs the offensive scout team. transition to sisterhood. for a nun. However, her love for Tracy, and Sleepy Eye. She (Photo courtesy of the College of St. Scholastica) sports drives much deeper than played softball at Southwest Three years ago a new football quoting St. Scholastica’s men’s Minnesota State University, and coach started at the college. After team records – she’s the college’s as a high schooler in Sleepy Eye Blessed Sacrament in tears,” She gave up sports to follow her a series of positive interactions kicking and punting coach and played softball, volleyball, and she said, explaining her love calling. with Kurt Ramler, she was runs the off ensive scout team. basketball. of sports. “It was so much a off ered a job as an assistant part of me. And then God got “And Jesus chose it for me,” Sr. coach. Her role with the football team “I was blooming quite nicely,” my attention in the middle of Lisa said to the WINE gathering. over the past four years has she said of her life before the a basketball game,” when she “I found the Benedictines, “I was allowed to be myself,” garnered attention from the New Benedictines. “I was loving life clearly heard a voice speaking literally, Christmas night.” She Sr. Lisa said. “And in your own York Times and CBS Evening and loving the Lord, and then I while a point guard she coached was watching a documentary on lives I think you can recognize News. The experience has been heard the call.” took a fast break chance for a television about cheese in France, that, too. We never know when quite a turn-around for Sr. Lisa, layup. “God was telling me I changed the channel, and was and where he’s going to ask us to who at one point had given up her “I would pray in front of the could bloom somewhere else.” introduced to a group of sisters bloom.” WINE group forms, holds inaugural event in Shepherd of Souls AFC by Claudia Broman The event at St. Philip’s, the fi rst Prairie Catholic Correspondent WINE gathering of the Shepherd of Souls Area Faith Community, is LITCHFIELD – A new also the fi rst such event outside the initiative to encourage Catholic metro, Wilson said. women to reinvigorate their faith is branching out from the “You can just hear the energy and Archdiocese of St. Paul and excitement of the ladies here,” Minneapolis and into “WINE said St. Philip’s parishioner Lynn country,” organizers say. Mergen to the attendees. One year ago a group of women at St. “We need an apostolate; we Philip’s started looking for a way need a movement,” said Sharon to encourage more women to get Wilson, chief operations offi cer for involved in their faith, she said. Women in the New Evangelization (WINE). She spoke to a social hall Cathy Michaud, another St. full of interested women at the Philip’s parishioner, and others Church of St. Philip in Litchfi eld attended WINE events in the on May 18. A core group of women from the Shepherd of Souls Area Faith Community have been working metro, and later with pastor Fr. Joe together to bring a new Catholic apostolate, Women in the New Evangelization (WINE), to the Steinbeisser’s blessing partnered Wilson, who currently serves Diocese of New Ulm. The group includes (front row, left) Felicia Skaggs, Lynn Mergen, Mary Hansen, with those groups to begin a group as director of Mission at Mary Black, and Cathy Michaud. Back row: Karen Kulzer (left), Jan Klein, Shelly Eischens, Michelle in the Litchfi eld area. Mary, Mother of the Church Schoolmeesters, Colleen Bonniwell, Shari Stordahl, Marsha Goraczkowski, and Pam Miller. For more in Burnsville, Minn., and information about WINE, visit catholicvineyard.com. (Photo by Claudia Broman) “When you get women involved, was formerly a Respect Life then the families come, too,” coordinator for the Archdiocese Working closely with the “rolled out” in archdiocesan More than 3,000 people have Michaud said, explaining that of St. Paul and Minneapolis, archdiocesan Offi ce of parishes within the metro in the subscribed to the WINE Web site, an ultimate goal is to encourage explained that WINE was founded Evangelization and Catechesis, fall of 2015. Wilson said, with more than 200 families to return to their Catholic within the archdiocese as a way for the group received approval and women saying they are interested faith. “We would love to have tons Catholic women to share their gifts works within the parameters of “WINE isn’t a program,” she said. in bringing WINE to their of women come forward and say, and talents with one another. Church teaching, she said. WINE “It’s an umbrella organization.” parishes. ‘We want to be part of this.’”

The Prairie Catholic  Page 11  July 2016 social concerns Diocese, victims’ attorneys Corporal, spiritual works of mercy evident continue to work together in Catholic response to shooting (Continued from page 1) to folks but not able to verify The outpouring of care for the to resolve claims fairly anything, just really off ering a victims’ loved ones has also been ex-coworkers have said they consoling shoulder,” he said. national. Catholic groups and (Continued from page 1) assistance coordinator at 1421 believe he was mentally unstable. parishes have been sending their 6th Street North, New Ulm, Many of the victims were Latino, support, and one Maryland parish represents many of the victims MN 56073 or 507-233-5313 for Amidst the ensuing “great and bilingual deacons and priests sent blessed prayer shawls. In and survivors. “We will continue counseling or other assistance in deal of chaos” on June 12, the listened to their families and addition to the local ecumenical to work together to put this healing. Diocese of Orlando off ered loved ones at the aid center. prayer service led by Orlando commitment to transparency and “This is a time to recommit to prompt assistance to the victims’ Bilingual staff from Catholic Bishop John Noonan, other healing into action.” eff orts to prevent the abuse of the families and loved ones, Tester Charities helped some priests ask dioceses and Catholic groups vulnerable and to vow never to said, including “grief support,” questions and receive answers. across the country have hosted The diocese will continue to work forget the lessons of this tragic scheduling funeral Masses and Masses, Rosaries, and prayer closely with the law fi rm of Jeff chapter in Church history,” said burials, and fi nancial aid. “Immediate grief response” vigils. Anderson & Associates and other Bishop LeVoir, who declared has been the primary focus representatives of victims and a day of prayer on May 25 and “From our standpoint, we don’t so far, Tester said. In addition Local Catholics are practicing survivors as they move forward in continues to urge local Catholics discriminate in our services,” he to the sudden loss of loved other works of mercy for victims’ their healing journey. The diocese to pray that victims and survivors said. “We simply serve God’s ones, families have their own families as well, like helping and Jeff Anderson & Associates fi nd healing, reconciliation, and children in whatever way we’re wounds they are struggling with, bury the dead. Tester cited have committed to taking the hope. called to do. And in this case, the compounding the grief. Bishop Noonan, that “there are time necessary, working together, corporal and spiritual works of 49 families right now that are to come to a fair resolution of “Victims and survivors have mercy are very evident.” “Grief support is really just about coming to terms with the fact that claims that allows the work of stepped forward to share their off ering that shoulder, off ering they have to bury someone they the Church to continue while experiences – stories of pain they In the hours after the shooting, that consolation, off ering that weren’t expecting to lose.” promoting healing. have carried for decades – and we for those who wanted an update listening, and trying to help guide are called as Christians to show on the victims’ conditions but as best you can, to help them put Priests are “standing by to help, The diocese is considering all our love and support for them as could not receive one, an “aid one foot in front of the other and in whatever way they can, these options for fairly resolving they seek healing,” he said. center” was designated adjacent to sustain them in prayer,” Tester families get their loved ones the claims made against it, to the primary hospital. said. buried,” Tester continued. including reorganization under Editor’s note: More information the bankruptcy laws. However, about healing resources, the Clergy “began to minister as best Loved ones of the shooting diocesan leaders do not foresee diocese’s response to claims, they could to people without victims have been “tremendously any imminent decision in this names of priests accused of much information,” Tester stated. appreciative” of the support, he regard. abuse, and safeguards put in Since some family members, added. “At a time where they place to protect children and friends, or loved ones were not may not know where to turn, Parishioners and Catholic school young people can be found at “next-of-kin” and thus could we’re simply there to off er families have been informed of www.dnu.org. not receive the information whatever it is that they need. And the claims against parishes. At they wanted, “we had deacons it’s all very individualized, each this time, it is not expected that and priests and clergy listening family is diff erent.” the claims will aff ect the normal operations of parishes or Catholic schools in the diocese. Supreme Court deals setback to immigration advocates “We are working with parish by Matt Hadro The executive actions initially “An estimated 5 million people application of immigration law,” leaders to identify insurance Catholic News Agency came in the form of a 2012 could have potentially benefi ted the brief stated. coverage to cover claims,” program entitled Deferred from the two programs,” CLINIC said Tom Wieser, an attorney WASHINGTON – A divided Action for Childhood Arrivals stated. However, since the Supreme with Meier, Kennedy & Quinn. Supreme Court allowed a hold (DACA). The program would Court was divided in a 4-4 vote, “Parishioners helped pay for this on the Obama administration’s allow children of undocumented Twenty-six states, led by Texas, it stated that the lower courts’ insurance coverage for many immigration policy to continue, immigrants – children who were asked that the 2014 actions “judgment” was “affi rmed by an years and we expect insurance disappointing Catholic advocates born in the U.S. and had met – the creation of DAPA and equally divided Court.” companies to step up and help us of immigration reform. certain conditions – to stay for up the expansion of DACA – be come to a fair resolution of these to two years without deportation. checked from going into eff ect Jeanne Atkinson, executive claims for victims and survivors The Court’s decision “shatters the until the matter was decided in director of CLINIC, said the and for parishes.” hopes of millions of immigrants In November of 2014, the court. A district court granted the organization was “extremely who might otherwise have administration expanded that stay in 2015. The Fifth Circuit disappointed” over the court’s While the period for fi ling civil obtained temporary relief from program and created the Deferred Court of Appeals upheld that decision. claims on historical childhood immigration enforcement under Action for Parents of Americans ruling. The administration then abuse has ended, the diocese two Obama administration and Lawful Permanent Residents, appealed to the Supreme Court “The tied vote means millions continues to encourage anyone programs,” the Catholic Legal or DAPA. to overrule the lower courts’ of long-term U.S. residents who has suff ered sexual abuse Immigration Network stated on decisions. continue to be blocked from the or exploitation by a priest or Thursday. Under the new program, certain chance to live with their families anyone else involved in Church undocumented immigrants In an amicus brief submitted without fear of deportation, while ministry in the Diocese of New With a 4-4 tie vote, the Supreme – parents of children born in to the Supreme Court in working legally and attaining a Ulm immediately to report Court let stand the lower courts’ the U.S. and who met certain March, the U.S. Conference of college education,” she stated. such misconduct to local law decisions in United States v. conditions – could stay in the Catholic Bishops argued that the enforcement, regardless of when Texas. In 2015 the district court, U.S. for up to three years without administration’s immigration These people are living “in fear the misconduct occurred. had allowed a temporary block deportation. To be eligible they action keeps families together of law enforcement and at risk of on the Obama administration’s had to have lived in the U.S. and prevents immigrants from mistreatment in the workplace, Victims and survivors of abuse in executive actions on immigration. for at least fi ve years, passed a living in the shadows to avoid by landlords and from abusers the Church are also encouraged This was upheld by the U.S. Fifth background check, and would deportation. “Family unifi cation due to threats of deportation,” she to contact the diocesan victim Circuit Court. have to pay taxes. is an integral consideration in the continued.

The Prairie Catholic  Page 12  July 2016 Catholic life 2016 National CCW convention Humility marked the life emphasizes faith, fellowship, and fun of Deacon Jim faith, and fun at the 96th NCCW recognized author and speaker by Deacon Mike McKeown Convention. in the areas of transformational leadership, organizational change Three years ago this summer our Convention speakers include the management, and the eff ective diocese said farewell to a faithful following: treatment of the mentally ill. servant, Deacon Jim Guldan of – Judy Hehr simply cannot New Ulm, who died of a fast be described; she must be – Katariina Rosenblatt, Ph.D., will moving cancer. experienced. The power behind share her personal story of human her emotional life journey and traffi cking from the time she was In my offi ce I have a picture of the style in which she shares her just 13 years old to 17. She was the two of us side by side at our message cannot be defi ned. Judy’s recruited through a friend in her ordination Mass. You can see the story will expand your self- middle school to organize human joy on our faces as we looked awareness, enrich your attitude, traffi cking rings. Katariina is forward to our ministry. All of rekindle your love for Christ, and now a much sought-after speaker us ordained that day felt open to encourage your own personal and trainer in the areas of human whatever God would call us to, by Ronda Mathiowetz relationship with God. traffi cking and domestic violence, but none of us expected to lose Deacon Jim Guldan DCCW President as well as an inspiration to many our friend and deacon brother so – Maria Morera Johnson is a women all over the world. soon. childhood, spoke of this childlike One of the events that really drew CatholicMom.com blogger, cohost faith and trust when she said, “To me to the Council of Catholic of SPQN’s “Catholic Weekend,” A schedule of all the events can At Deacon Jim’s funeral, along remain little is to recognize one’s Women was the fi rst time I and a devoted member of her be found at http://nccw.org/2016_ with the pictures and mementos nothingness, to expect everything experienced the National Council CCW. Maria works with non- Annual_Convention. of his life was a letter that he from God, as a little child expects of Catholic Women Convention traditional students in innovative had written to his dad as a little everything from his father; it is to in Washington, D.C. What an success initiatives. She is a native To register, visit www.nccw.org. boy. It was such a touching letter be disturbed about nothing ….” inspiring event! It was amazing to of Cuba, her fi rst book being Scholarships for the cost of the that I’d like to share it with you. participate in spirit-fi lled liturgies “Confessions of a Middle-Aged registration, plus an additional I think you, too, will be touched As adults, it may be hard for us and listen to presenters share their Cubanita.” $250 for travel expenses, are by this message from little Jim to to approach God with the faith of faith stories. available through the NUDCCW – Sr. Donna Markham, president Scholarship Fund. If you cannot his dad: a small child, but that childlike Ladies of the Diocese of New and CEO of Catholic Charities attend the convention, please trust and humility is precisely Ulm, is 2016 the year you USA, is the fi rst woman to hold support the CCW through prayer. Daddy. what draws the mercy and love experience this wonderful this position in the organization’s I broke one of the glass squares of God. event? Save the date: This year’s 105-year history. Sister Donna is Editor’s note: Ronda Mathiowetz on the milk house window. It’s convention is Sept. 7-10. Join an Adrian Dominican sister with is the new DCCW president. She only a small hole like this. (He Fr. Joseph Kentenich, founder of Catholic women from throughout a doctorate in clinical psychology is a member of the Church of the drew a picture of the six paned the Schoenstatt movement, gave the United States for fellowship, and is an internationally Japanese Martyrs, Leavenworth. window with an arrow pointing the following explanation of our to the broken one.) Don’t get so Heavenly Father’s compassionate mad at me because at school one love for his children in a 1965 Mary Magdalene - ‘Apostle to the of the sisters told me that if we letter to the Schoenstatt Family: tell the truth right away without “He does not ultimately love telling a lie, the parents won’t us because we have been good Apostles’ - gets upgraded feast day get so mad and punish us a lot. I and well behaved; rather, it by Elise Harris of the Vatican’s Congregation for celebrated on her feast day, rather gave you $3.00 for that window is precisely because he is our Catholic News Agency Divine Worship and the Discipline than using the normal formula and all the other’s I broke. You Father, or, because he bestows of the Sacraments. He issued a for a daily Mass, as is done with don’t have to do any chores for his merciful love on us most VATICAN CITY – Faithful to letter on the decision June 10, the memorials, the Gloria will be the next two nights if you don’t lavishly when we joyfully accept the wish of Pope Francis, a new same day as the decree offi ciating sung and special prayers dedicated want to. I’m sorry about my our limitations, our weaknesses decree has bumped the liturgical the decision was published. specifi cally to Mary Magdalene sloppy writing but you can’t write and miseries and recognize them celebration honoring St. Mary will be off ered, which only very good when you’re all shook as our most elemental claim Magdalene from a memorial to a Calling Mary Magdalene “an happens on feasts and solemnities. up. Love Jim to opening his heart to us and feast, putting her on par with the example and model for all women pouring his love out upon us.” Apostles. in the Church,” the archbishop In his letter, Archbishop Roche What spiritual wisdom from a said she had a special mission, to said that given the current ecclesial small boy: honesty, repentance, Little Jim’s letter to his dad was a The reason, according to which the new rank of feast does context, the decision to honor willingness to make restitution, touching example of the humility Archbishop Arthur Roche, is justice. Mary Magdalene with a feast and trust in his father’s mercy. of a small boy. As an adult, that she “has the honor to be “seeks to refl ect more deeply What father could resist such Deacon Jim’s attitude of sincere the fi rst witness of the Lord’s On the Church’s liturgical upon the dignity of women, on sincere contrition? humility was an example to all Resurrection.” calendar, saints are honored with the new evangelization and on the who knew him. Our thoughts either a memorial, a feast, or a greatness of the mystery of God’s Jesus came to show us the and prayers go out to the Guldan “She is the witness to the risen solemnity. Solemnities rank the mercy.” Father’s love, a love that is drawn family as we remember a true Christ and announces the message highest, with feasts coming in to sincerity and repentance. Just servant and a man of faith. May of the Lord’s Resurrection just second and memorials in third. Noting how Mary Magdalene was like little Jim’s humility, our he rest in peace. like the rest of the Apostles,” the fi rst eyewitness to the Risen heavenly Father is deeply moved he said, explaining that for this While there are 15 other Christ and the fi rst to announce by our humble acknowledgement Editor’s note: Deacon Mike reason “it is right that the liturgical memorials on Mary Magdalene’s his resurrection to the Apostles, of our failings and our desire for McKeown is director of celebration of this woman should July 22 feast, hers was the only Archbishop Roche hailed her as forgiveness and reconciliation. Development and Healing have the same rank of feast as obligatory one to celebrate. Now, “the Apostle to the Apostles” – a Ministry for the Diocese of New that given to the celebration of the after being elevated to the level phrase coined by St. Thomas Jesus said that, unless we become Ulm. Apostles in the General Roman of a feast, the celebration bears a Aquinas. like children, we will not enter Calendar.” more signifi cant weight. into the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt 18:3). St. Therese of Lisieux, Archbishop Roche is secretary For example, when Mass is a living example of spiritual

The Prairie Catholic  Page 13  July 2016 social concerns Joy, hope fi ll NUMAS Haus at open house Catholics play crucial roles in establishing Brown County’s fi rst homeless shelter NEW ULM – “I am just so gifts of cleaning supplies, towels, Labor of love thrilled – you cannot imagine.” and other necessities. Establishing the shelter has been a labor of love for more than two Sue (Holland) Wieland was NUMAS (which stands for New years. A house owned by First delighted to see the renovations Ulm Ministerial Association United Methodist Church became to the house at 606 Center St. in Shelter) Haus will serve single available when the church moved New Ulm, where she lived with mothers and their children up its youth ministry program into her parents, three siblings, and to age 13, off ering them a safe the church building. At that same grandmother in the late ’50s and place to stay while children attend time, leaders of Catholic Charities ’60s. school and the mother is supported of the Diocese of New Ulm were in seeking long term housing looking for space where they Over the last several months, the stability. could provide crisis counseling for property has been transformed families living with homelessness. into NUMAS Haus, a homeless The goal is to help the families The idea for NUMAS Haus was shelter for single women and their fi nd permanent housing within 90 born. families, thanks to many generous days of their coming to NUMAS donations and the work of dozens Haus, but families would receive “The program will help families of volunteers. support services for up to two stabilize following a crisis. years. The home will serve up to Catholic Charities will off er crisis NUMAS Haus’ open house on three families at a time. counseling to address the root Saturday, June 18 gave Wieland causes of homelessness which and her sister, Linda, a chance to Shelter organizers say there are can include domestic violence, visit their old home and reminisce. currently 40 children in New Ulm addiction, post-traumatic stress, public schools with no permanent or abandonment,” said Tom Wieland said she was “ecstatic” address. Keaveny, Catholic Charities to learn it was going to be used director. “We will work to help the homeless. “I couldn’t “We learned from Jeff erson with NUMAS Haus staff and think of a better thing to happen Elementary that there were kids volunteers to fi nd other resources to this house,” she said. “This is who didn’t have a home address, in the community to help the really wonderful. This house is were couch hopping and even families fi nd permanent housing NUMAS Haus Shelter Coordinator Patty Paulson converses in the going to have life.” camping out,” said Rev. Taylor. and the supportive services they foyer with Tom Keaveny (left), director of Catholic Charities for the need.” Diocese of New Ulm; Bishop John M. LeVoir; and Deacon Tim Going room to room, Weiland “We knew those kids were Dolan, director of Social Concerns for the diocese and NUMAS described to those around her vulnerable and there was no “The special thing about this is to Haus board member, during a visit to the house June 21. With the people and activities that had resource here so they would need keep children’s lives from being Bishop LeVoir’s support, Keaveny and Deacon Dolan worked animated the house during her to be sent to Mankato or even St. disrupted, to keep them in the closely with the New Ulm Ministerial Association to take the childhood and conveyed some of Cloud. And that rips them out of same school, around the same formative steps needed to establish the homeless shelter for single the joys and sorrows, laughter and the school environment and school friends, to help them do better in women and their families. (Photo by Christine Clancy) tears she experienced. may be the most stable part of school,” said Deacon Tim Dolan, their lives,” she said. director of the diocese’s Offi ce of work together, we can really make You can also off er a tax deductible “Just tell them that this room was Social Concerns and a member a diff erence in the lives of women donation by sending a check to full of love,” she said as she came “Children repeat the behaviors of the NUMAS Haus Board of and children.” NUMAS Haus at P.O. Box 291, to her grandma’s bedroom on the they see in their families,” said Directors. New Ulm, MN 56073. second fl oor. Patty Paulson, shelter coordinator The fi rst families were slated to at NUMAS Haus. “If they grow “It’s just a little niche of the move in by the end of July. “It will be again,” said Rev. Jo up in a more stable environment homeless challenge that we’re Editor’s note: If you know other Anne Taylor, pastor of First and they learn the skills mom is chipping away at. We know we Organizers ask that people examples of how Catholics in United Methodist Church and learning, it’s a way to break that have to come up with transition pray for NUMAS Haus and the the diocese are carrying out the president of the NUMAS Haus cycle and not encounter some of housing and how we help families it will help. They also seven corporal works of mercy Board of Directors, who was those obstacles their mom has.” the families move forward. hope residents will share the word during this Year of Mercy, please tagging along with her. Breaking the cycle of poverty and that homelessness in New Ulm e-mail them to [email protected]. Paulson is a single mom herself homelessness is the key is a real and growing challenge. They will be considered for future Ecumenical eff ort and relied on community services goal,” he said. You can fi nd out more and see a stories in The Prairie Catholic. Brown County has its fi rst to help her raise her daughter. list of items needed for NUMAS homeless shelter, thanks largely She knows she could easily have Local people volunteered their Haus at www.numashaus.org. to the support of the local faith been homeless if she didn’t have time and donated resources community. The New Ulm a support system of friends and to make the home ready. One Ministerial Association, made family. example: women’s groups at up of representatives of several Catholic parishes raised money Catholic Charities Counseling Services local churches, including First “Not everyone has that support and collected household items off ered in Methodist, the Cathedral of the system. Some single mothers for the home. NUMAS Haus will Hutchinson, Marshall, New Ulm, and Willmar Holy Trinity, and St. Mary’s are also dealing with language continue to need local supporters Catholic Church, sponsors the barriers, addiction, or mental to donate and to volunteer at the Providing: Individual, Marriage, and Family house. health issues,” she said. “Living home. Counseling; Pregnancy Counseling, Adoption, Project on a very low income, you’re Rachel, and Respect Life Resources; Parish and At the June 18 event, local faced with a car breakdown or “The New Ulm community and Community Response; Transition and Grief Services. residents got a chance to tour the a large medical bill, and very area churches and the New Ulm Referred Services include: Immigration, Financial home, learn how they can help quickly you can fi nd yourself so in diocese have come together and Counseling, and Guardianship Resources. homeless single moms and their debt that you can’t make payments made a huge diff erence,” said Rev. Call toll-free 866-670-5163; [email protected] families, and off er housewarming and you lose your housing.” Taylor. “As long as we continue to

The Prairie Catholic  Page 14  July 2016 around the diocese Upcoming events Relic tour at Cathedral highlights saints' The Good Shepherd Serra Club Eucharistic adoration, and an meets the fi rst Thursday of every overall good time. Contact the courage, religious liberty month at the Divine Providence Diocese of New Ulm Offi ce of Community Home in Sleepy Eye, Youth Ministry, klosleben@dnu. starting with Rosary and Mass at org; 507-233-5327 to register. 6:30 p.m. On July 7, Diocese of New Ulm seminarian Evan Huebl Nic Davidson, a dynamic of New Prague, Minn., will share Catholic speaker and writer, his vocation story. Contact Annette will be presenting “Life is Gift Rohlik, 507-747-2181. – Spacewalks, Fire Hydrants, and the Meaning of Life” at Family Retreat Day: Living St. Anne’s Church in Wabasso the Catholic Faith in a Modern on Wednesday, July 27 at 7 p.m. World will be held on Saturday, Davidson was the keynote speaker July 16 beginning with 9 a.m. at the diocese’s Junior High Rally Mass at The Abbey of the Hills, in April. Bring the whole family 46561 147th Street, Marvin, to enjoy his inspiring message of SD. Gather for a day of renewal faith and humor. Contact Deacon and strengthening of the family Mike McKeown at 507-430-1690; through prayer, presentations, [email protected]. games, fun, and food. Cost is $15 per adult. No charge for Young Men’s Discipleship Camp children under 18. Visit www. 2016 will be held Aug. 1-5 at AbbeyOfTheHills.com, 607-398- Schoenstatt on the Lake in Sleepy 9200; abbey@AbbeyOfTheHills. Eye for young men entering grades com. 6-12. Cost is $175. Join young men from throughout the diocese Young Women’s Discipleship for a week of fellowship, Mass, NEW ULM - The relics of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher, two 16th-century martyrs who fi Camp 2016 will be held July good food, kickball tournaments, exempli ed courage and conviction for their faith in the face of persecution, made a brief stop at the 24-28 at Schoenstatt on the Lake Eucharistic adoration, and an Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm on Tuesday, June 28. The relics included a piece of More’s in Sleepy Eye for young women overall good time. Contact the bones and a fragment of his tooth enclosed in a 16th-century crystal and silver reliquary — a container entering grades 6-12. Cost is Diocese of New Ulm Offi ce of for holy relics — and Bishop Fisher’s signet ring, which was used to create his seal in wax. The tour $175. Join young women from Youth Ministry, klosleben@dnu. was part of the annual Fortnight for Freedom, a call to 14 days of prayer, education, and action for throughout the diocese for a org; 507-233-5327 to register. religious freedom in the United States, observed from June 21 to July 4. The tour was organized by week of fellowship, skits, Mass, the Minnesota Catholic Conference, the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota. The nationwide, 11-state relic tour was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. For further information about the annual Fortnight for Freedom and how you can get involved, visit www.dnu.org. Summer means camp time! (Photo by Christine Clancy) Deacon Kober installed on NADD board COLUMBUS, Ohio – Deacon directors, deacon directors, vicars Mark Kober of the Diocese of for deacons, and other diocesan New Ulm has been appointed personnel who are responsible to to the board of directors of their bishops for the formation the National Association of of deacon candidates and Diaconate Directors (NADD). the continued professional Deacon Kober has served the development and education of diocese as the director of its deacons following ordination. Permanent Diaconate Formation Program for the past nine years. The association takes a leadership role relating to national and NADD installed its new offi cers regional issues of the diaconate and board members as part and it serves as a consultant of the association’s annual to the USCCB Committee on meeting on April 15, 2016 Clergy, Consecrated Life, and SLEEPY EYE – La Fiesta de Maria, hosted by the Schoenstatt Girls’ in Houston. Cardinal Daniel Vocations. Youth High School Mission Camp, was held at the Schoenstatt on N. DiNardo, archbishop of Deacon Mark Kober the Lake in Sleepy Eye June 27-30. At this annual camp girls share Galveston-Houston, conducted business and provide educational NADD is a 501(c) 3 non-profi t their Catholic faith with the youth of the Hispanic migrant worker the installation ceremony at the and networking opportunities for association of 350 deacon community and the Hispanic community of the Church of St. Mary closing Mass. its members. formation directors serving in Sleepy Eye. The three-hour afternoon La Fiesta de Maria camp 166 member Roman Catholic provided camp goers with many activities including teaching time, The 2016 NADD convention The NADD board of directors dioceses and Eastern Catholic shrine time, singing, craft and games. The fi nal day of the camp carried the theme, “Deacon: comprises 18 persons; one eparchies in the United States and ended with a family picnic. On the fi rst day of camp, Bishop John Servant Leader in a Servant representative from each of Canada. NADD assists member M. LeVoir of the Diocese of New Ulm stopped by to visit with the Church.” NADD members from the 14 regions of the United dioceses and eparchies in their youth and to celebrate Mass. Pictured with the bishop are the boy the U.S. and Canada attended the States Conference of Catholic work of human, intellectual, camp participants: Edwin Flores (left), Marco Silva, Sergio Gonzalez, convention in Houston April 13- Bishops plus three offi cers and pastoral, and spiritual formation Roger Briones, Leo Fernandez, and Emiliano Ibarra; and girls’ 15. Events included the election the executive director. Deacon of candidates in preparation for high school camper Jacinta Loomis of Andover, Minn. For future of offi cers, liturgies, meetings, Kober is the representative from ordination into diaconal ministry camp opportunities at Schoenstatt, contact Sr. Mary Kate Wolf, presentations, and workshops. Region 8. and supports post-ordination director of the Minnesota Schoenstatt Girls’ Youth, 507-794-7727, The NADD convention is held formation of deacons as servant [email protected]. (Photo by Christine Clancy) annually to conduct association NADD serves formation leaders of the Church.

The Prairie Catholic  Page 15  July 2016 experts onhandtodealwith sanitation, staffing, andmedical centers. They musthaveproper standards ofambulatorysurgery clinic buildingsmustmeetthe emergency attheirclinic,and hospital incaseofamedical admitting privilegesatalocal clinics: abortionistsmusthave Texas regulationsofabortion The casehadchallengedtwo abortion. burden onawomen’s righttoan 5-3 decisionthatitputanundue clinics onJune27,sayingina regulating thesafetyofabortion struck downa2013 Texas law News) – The Supreme Court WASHINGTON (CNA/EWTN the clinic,whichalsosmelled severed. Bloodstainsspotted born alivehadtheirspinalcords practices andconditions.Babies report exposedhisclinic’s horrific An almost300-pagegrandjury overdose athisclinic. woman diedfromananesthesia involuntary manslaughteraftera clinic, andhewasfoundguiltyof born alivewhowerekilledathis first-degree murderforbabies May 2013onthreecountsof abortionist, wasconvictedin scandal. Gosnell,aPhiladelphia wake oftheKermitGosnell The lawwaspassedinthe medical emergencies.

Minnesota’s Most Rural Diocese Diocese of New Ulm Vol. 30 No. 10 July 2016

said June23. culture, BishopRobertBarron that seekstobedominatedby the and avoid“beigeCatholicism” engage theculture withtruth, today needtofind waysto News) –Catholicsin America WASHINGTON (CNA/EWTN closures hasyettobeestablished. link betweenthelawsand reported, althoughadefinitive passage, the Texas Tribune has in Texas closedafterthelaw’s clinics down.Overhalfthe were ultimatelyintendedtoshut for medicalsafety, andthat they said thelawswerenotessential Abortion rightsopponentshave hear it. Supreme Court,whichagreedto The casewasthenappealedtothe into effect inmostofthestate. law in2015andallowedittogo Circuit Courtupheldthe Texas from happening. The U.S.Fifth to preventanotherGosnellcase women’s safetyandweremeant said, wereintheinterestof Texas’ regulations,proponents lacked experienceandexpertise. babies layinjars.Staff members without beingcleaned.Dead was brokenorusedandreused of urine.Medicalequipment Priest of Mercy Bishop Barronsaid,wasto The purposeofhisaddress, flourishing.” religion onthe“rootsofhuman studying theinfluences of was partofaseriesevents Washington, D.C. The conference American EnterpriseInstitutein Flourishing,” hostedbythe “Catholic Thought andHuman address ataconferenceon He deliveredthekeynote Ministries. founder of Word onFireCatholic bishop ofLos Angeles andthe Bishop Barronisanauxiliary and “excessivelyapologetic.” “too culturallyaccommodating” Catholicism,” whereCatholicsare of theprevailingcultureover bishop said,isthe“dominance “Beige Catholicism,”the 507-233-5332 Offi ceCommunications of Or contact: www.dnu.org/local-events/ Parish Festival Fun Check itout! like St.Pauland Augustine. Christ, hesaid,givingexamples day whilestillproclaimingJesus dialogued withthecultureoftheir of saintswhosuccessfully Church canlooktothecenturies but rather, how?” And forthis,the dialogue withthewiderculture, Church oughttoengageina question isnotwhetherthe Instead, hesuggested,“the the bishopinsisted. sectarian retreat”fromtheworld, is notaChurch“doomedto But theproperresponsetothis Church.” “the worldsetstheagendafor of “beigeCatholicism,”henoted, prevalent today. Underthis model quality oftheconversation” different fromthe“one-way Church-culture dialogue” propose a“newmodelfor

(Photo by Jeanine McMahon) NEW ULM - Bishop John M. LeVoir of the Diocese of New Ulm lays his hands on Deacon Garrett Ahlers during his ordination Mass, in which he was ordained to the Catholic priesthood. A full assembly of priests, deacons, family, friends, and other well-wishers witnessed Father Ahler’s priestly ordination June 25 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm.

(Read more on pages 8 and 9.)