The Abbey of the Hills (Photo by Wade Kaiser) The former Blue Cloud Abbey, a Benedictine located about 20 minutes west of Ortonville off U.S. Hwy. 12, has been purchased by a group of six couples from the of New Ulm and Sioux Falls, S.D. Together they have transformed it into The Abbey of the Hills Inn and Retreat Center.

Minnesota’s Most Rural Diocese of New Ulm Vol. 29 No. 9 May 2015 (Read more on page 6.) Proposed Minnesota physician- bill fatally fl awed by Sam Patet It wasn’t her cancer, however, that Archdiocese of Portland on Oct. The Prairie Catholic ultimately took her life. It was a 26, 2014. While not addressed to pill. Maynard specifi cally, the bishop’s NEW ULM – No one wants to be pastoral statement on physician- told they have six months to live. Months earlier, Maynard and her assisted suicide clearly was written husband had moved to , to address the situation. Yet for -native Brittany one of four states where physician- Maynard, that conversation assisted suicide is legal. The “Don’t give up hope! We are with became reality a year ago when pill she took was secobarbital, a you. As friends, families, and her doctor told her she had drug commonly used to carry out neighbors, we pledge to surround glioblastoma multiforme, an physician-assisted suicide. you with our love and compassion aggressive form of brain cancer. until the sacred moment when God In the weeks leading up to her calls you home,” he said in the She was 29 years old. death, proponents of physician- statement. assisted suicide used Maynard’s “That was a major shock to my story to advance their agenda. The is gearing up to combat a new affront against In a second video, Maynard system and the system of my Maynard’s video interview human life, this time at its end. Physician-assisted suicide, recently expressed her desire to see family,” Maynard said in a 2014 (produced by Compassion & popularized by the 2014 death of Californian Brittany Maynard, is physician-assisted suicide become video interview. “My parents spent Choices, the country’s largest being debated in state legislatures across the country, including legal throughout the United States. a couple of months – they just physician-assisted suicide Minnesota. (Shutterstock photo) wanted to search for a miracle.” advocacy group) went v iral, and Battle at home she even appeared on the cover of Church – compassionately voiced “We stand in solidarity with Minnesota is now one of 23 states But no miracle came. On Nov. 1, People magazine. their objections. Suicide, they all those who are suffering poised to legalize physician- 2014, Maynard passed away at her argued, is never the answer to and dying,” wrote home. But others – including the Catholic terminal illness. Alexander K. Sample of the (Continued on page 8) DCCW Convention presenter: God gives us all a mission INSIDE by Sam Patet articles for leading Catholic The Prairie Catholic publications, such as St. Anthony Page 3 Messenger, Columbia Magazine, NEW ULM – Author, speaker, and Catholic Parent. Bishop announces radio host, mother of four, and She shares her zeal for the faith priest assignments enthusiastic convert, Elizabeth with audiences nationwide at Ficocelli has a natural ability to various conferences, parishes, connect with audiences of all schools, missions, retreats, and Page 7 sizes and ages on a broad range organizational meetings. She Meeker County of topics relevant to living – and has been featured on EWTN prison ministry loving – the Catholic faith. She television, including, “The was the keynote presenter at the Abundant Life,” “Sunday 56th annual Diocesan Council Night Live,” and “The Journey Page 11 of Catholic Women Convention Home.” She has also appeared White April 25 at the Church of St. on Catholic TV and can be heard Aloysius in Olivia. celebrated frequently on Catholic radio as well. Ficocelli is a best-selling, award- Elizabeth Ficocelli visits with Kris Anderson, DC CW treasurer and Visit us online! winning author of 15 books for parishioner at St. Michael’s in Morgan, after her presentation at the In addition to her speaking and adults and young people and DCCW Convention April 25. A total of 226 women attended the www.dnu.org has written numerous magazine annual day-long event. (Photo by Sam Patet) (Continued on page 10)

The Prairie Catholic  Page 1  May 2015 Be Not Afraid Jubilee Year of Mercy: ‘Merciful like the Father’ the constitutive power of his who is the object of mercy of marriage and the family. Seeing Adam’s loneliness, from mission” (“Rich in Mercy,” no. does not feel humiliated, but For example, he has spoken the rib of the sleeping Adam, God 6). So mercy is not something rather found again and ‘restored beautifully about children and creates woman. As Francis that is tangential to the mission to value.’ The father fi rst and grandparents. says: “When, after presenting all of Christ and his disciples; it is foremost expresses to him his joy the other creatures, God fi nally fundamental. that he has been ‘found again’ On Wednesday, April 22, 2015, presents woman to Adam, the and that he has ‘returned to life’” the Holy Father gave a short man joyfully recognizes that In his encyclical on mercy, (“Rich in Mercy,” no. 6). commentary on the second creature, and only her, to be part Pope John Paul II comments of the Book of Genesis. of him: ‘bone of my bones and masterfully on the parable of sees that the world In this chapter, Adam is created at fl esh of my fl esh.’ the prodigal son. He shows how desperately needs the mercy the culmination of creation, but as the father of the son restores the of God. The pope is calling us a solitary being. God had created “Finally, there is refl ection, value of his son, which had been to be merciful like the Father. a beautiful garden in which this reciprocity. The woman is not lost through dissolute living. He knows that there are so solitary human being could live. a replica of man; she comes By forgiving his son, the father many who are wounded by sin, All the animals and plants were directly from God’s gesture of by Bishop John M. LeVoir promotes and draws good from suffering, sickness, terrorism, his. Pope Francis comments: creation. Indeed, the image of the evil. From the evil of his son’s and persecution. These people “The Holy Spirit, who inspires all ‘rib’ does not imply inferiority On March 13, 2015, Pope Francis sin, the father draws the good of need mercy in order to be “found the Bible, suggests for a moment or subordination, but on the announced that there would be forgiveness and restoration. The again,” “restored to value,” and the image of man alone, without contrary, that man and woman an extraordinary holy year. It will father has mercy on his son. “returned to life.” woman.” are of the same substance and are be a jubilee year of mercy. The complementary. And the fact that, jubilee year of mercy will begin The father of the prodigal That is why in his interview with Going further, Pope Francis again in the parable, God forms on Dec. 8, 2015, and conclude represents God the Father, who Antonio Spadaro, SJ, editor in states: “And it suggests the woman while man is sleeping, on Nov. 20, 2016. The motto for is rich in mercy. When we live c hief of La Civiltà Cattolica, thought of God, almost the underlines that she is in no way a the holy year is “Merciful like the dissolutely – that is, when we Pope Francis said: “I see clearly sentiments of God as he watches creation of man, but of God.” Father” (“Misericordiae Vultus,” sin – God the Father has mercy that the thing the Church needs him, as he observes Adam alone no. 14). on us. Sin makes us prodigals in most today is the ability to heal in the garden: He is free, he is the It is for a refl ection such as this the spiritual sense. But when we wounds and to warm the hearts of master, but … he is alone. And that I read what Pope Francis The fi rst time that I discovered repent and return to God, as the the faithful.” It is precisely mercy God sees that this is not good; it says directly from the Vatican the importance of mercy in the prodigal repented and returned to that heals wounds and warms the is a lack of communion, a lack of Web site (www.vatican.va). The Christian life was when I read St. his father, God’s mercy manifests hearts of the faithful. fullness. ‘It is not good that the popular media usually pass over John Paul II’s encyclical “Rich in itself in forgiveness. From man should be alone; I will make many of Francis’ most beautiful Mercy,” which he issued on Nov. the evil of our sin, God draws Man and woman: him a helper fi t for him.’” refl ections. If we depend only 30, 1980. the good of forgiveness and complementary and of the on the popular media, we will restoration. same substance So even though Adam has all miss the fullness of Pope Francis’ In that encyclical, the saintly Almost every Wednesday, Pope of the animals and plants to profound teaching. pontiff writes: “Mercy is “This (merciful) love is able to Francis has a general audience please himself, there is no other manifested in its true and proper reach down to every prodigal in which he addresses issues of creature like himself. Therefore, aspect when it restores to value, son (all of us), to every human importance to the Church and he experiences a profound promotes and draws good from misery, and above all, to every to the world. For a number of loneliness. He longs for another Bishop LeVoir’s May 2015 all the forms of evil existing in form of moral misery, to sin. recent Wednesday audiences, he human being who is his equal and calendar can be found at www. the world and in man. Understood When this happens, the person has been addressing the issue with whom he can share his life. dnu.org/bishop/. in this way, mercy constitutes the fundamental content of the messianic message of Christ and Supreme Court to decide momentous marriage case by Matt Hadro and good sign. They suggest his mind be raised by both a mother and “millennia” as between a man and is not made up.” a father. The matter should be a woman. THE Adelaide Mena Catholic News Agency left to the people and the states, RA RIE The justices heard arguments they added, not decided once Yet he later stated, “I thought CATHOLIC WASHINGTON – U.S. Supreme in Obergefell v. Hodges, part of and for all by the court when so that was the whole purpose of The PrairieP Catholic, the offi cial newspaper for Court justices asked tough four marriage cases concerning much disagreement on the matter marriage. It bestows dignity the Diocese of New Ulm since May 1972, questions of both plaintiffs and the constitutionality of state persists. on both man and woman in is published monthly except July and August. respondents at oral arguments on traditional marriage laws. The a traditional marriage … it’s April 28 in a possibly landmark court will decide whether Supporters of same-sex marriage dignity bestowing, and (same-sex Publisher: Most Reverend John M. LeVoir states must recognize same- said everyone has the right to couples) say that want to have Editor in Chief: Dan Rossini marriage case that is expected to that – that same ennoblement.” Editor: Christine Clancy be decided in June. sex marriages under the 14th marry the person they love, Reporter/Web site: Sam Patet Amendment, and recognize same- and that right cannot wait to be He also questioned whether “Clearly, the justices were sex marriages conducted in other decided by the states but should opposition to same-sex marriage Submission deadline is the 10th of each confl icted over this issue,” said states. be recognized immediately by the on purely religious grounds was month to publication. the Heritage Foundation’s senior Supreme Court. “suffi cient.” fellow Ryan Anderson, who Supporters of both traditional Publication offi ce: Diocesan Pastoral Center, attended the oral arguments marriage and same-sex marriage The justices did not reveal a clear John Bursch, who represented 1421 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073; before the Supreme Court. packed the sidewalk outside consensus toward either side in the states, maintained that “the phone: 507-359-2966, e-mail: [email protected] the Supreme Court building in their questions. state’s entire interest springs out Web site: www.dnu.org “The fi rst question out of Justice Washington, D.C., to tell the court of the fact that we want to forever Postmaster: Send notice on Form 3579, Kennedy was, ‘Do you want to rule their way on marriage. Justice Anthony Kennedy, usually link children with their biological “The Prairie Catholic,” 1421 6th Street North, to throw away a millennia-old considered a swing vote between mom and dad when that’s New Ulm, MN 56073-2071. Periodical defi nition of marriage for 10 years Traditional marriage supporters the conservative and liberal possible.” postage paid at New Ulm and additional of same-sex marriage?’ He was argued that marriage cannot be justices, acknowledged right away mailing offi ces. USPS 926-760. asking questions that I think are a redefi ned and that children should that marriage has been defi ned for (Continued on page 4)

The Prairie Catholic  Page 2  May 2015 diocesan church Fr. Stubeda to celebrate Offi cial appointments announced At the recommendation of the Msgr. Douglas Grams appointed Fr. Jim Devorak 30 years of priesthood diocesan Priest Personnel Board, Rector of the to retire. He currently serves as pastor of Bishop John M. LeVoir has made Cathedral of the the parishes in the St. John Paul the following assignments: Holy II Area Faith Community, which in New Ulm, includes , the Church Effective May 7, 2015 Pastor of the of St. Pius X in Glencoe, and the Church of St. Church of the Holy Trinity in Fr. Zachary Peterson appointed John the Baptist Winsted. In addition, he serves as Parochial Vicar in Searles, Pastor of the Church Mr. Richard Hamsa to retire on the diocese’s Committee on of the Church of St. George in West Newton as pastoral Township, and Pastor of the administrator of Parishes. of St. Edward in Minneota and Church of St. Gregory the Great the Church of in Lafayette. This is in addition St. Michael in He has also served as campus to assist with to his current duties as Pastor of Milroy. minister at Southwest State pastoral duties in the Church of St. Mary in New Fr. Anthony Stubeda University in Marshall and the Good Teacher Ulm, and Vicar General and as director of the Offi ces AFC, as well as being available On June 1, Fr. Anthony Bishop’s Delegate for Sexual of Hispanic Ministry and to assist on the weekends in other Stubeda will celebrate his 30th Misconduct for the Diocese of Effective Aug. 1, 2015 Development for the diocese. parts of the diocese as needed by anniversary of ordination to the New Ulm. Msgr. Grams will In 1996, Fr. Stubeda established the priests of the diocese. priesthood. also be appointed the Canonical Fr. Jack Crossroads of Friendship/ Administrator of the New Ulm Nordick to Caminos De Amistad, a youth Effective July 1, 2015 To mark the occasion, Bishop Area system. retire. exchange program. John M. LeVoir will celebrate Fr. Brian Oestreich appointed a Mass of Thanksgiving at 6 Fr. Robert Mraz appointed In 1996, Fr. Stubeda received the Pastor of the Pastor of the p.m. on June 1 at the Church of Diocesan Distinguished Service Church of St. Church of the Holy Family in Silver Lake, Award in recognition for his Joseph in Rosen St. Michael Fr. Mark Steffl appointed which will be followed by a ministry with and to the Hispanic and the Church in Milroy, in Parochial reception. community of the diocese. That of St. John in addition to Administrator same year he was awarded the Ortonville, in his current of the Church Fr. Stubeda was ordained a priest City of New Ulm Human Rights addition to his assignments as of St. Mary in for the Diocese of New Ulm on Award and the Minnesota Social current duties as the Pastor of Pastor of the Church of St. Mary Cottonwood and June 1, 1985, at the Church of Service Association Region IX the Church of St. Michael in in Tracy and the Church of St. the Church of St. St. Philip in Litchfi eld by Bishop Distinguished Service Award. Madison. Paul in Walnut Grove. Clotilde in Green Raymond A. Lucker. Valley, along In 1998, he was one of 389 Fr. William Sprigler appointed Fr. Jeffrey Horejsi appointed with Coordinator of Hispanic delegates from 81 countries Parochial Following ordination, he served Associate State Ministry at the Church of the chosen to participate in the Administrator of the communities of St. Chaplain to Holy Redeemer in Marshall. Fr. Fourth International Congress on the Church of St. Peter, Marshall, Sleepy Eye, the Knights Steffl is also appointed Judicial the Pastoral Care of Migrants and John in Appleton, Redwood Falls, North Mankato, of Columbus, Vicar of the diocesan Tribunal. Refugees held in . in addition to his Taunton, Wabasso, Wanda, in addition In 2002, he received the League current duties Montevideo, Clarkfi eld, Olivia, to his current of Minnesota Human Rights as Parochial Fr. John Berger to retire as Renville, Hutchinson, Stewart, assignments as Commissions Award. Administrator of the Church of Judicial Vicar, Darwin, and Forest City. St. James in Dawson. Pastor of the but to continue parishes in the All AFC: to participate Msgr. John Richter to retire as the Church of St. Andrew in in the work of Diocese sells land to New the Rector of the Fairfax, the Church of the Sacred the diocesan Cathedral of the Heart in Franklin, the Church of Tribunal. Holy Trinity in St. Willibrord in Gibbon, and the Ulm school district New Ulm and Church of St. Francis de Sales in Winthrop. by Sam Patet on using the 54.37 acres to build to be appointed The Prairie Catholic a new high school complex. Parochial Vicar (Senior Associate) at the NEW ULM – The Diocese of “We wanted to assist them, if at Cathedral of the Holy Trinity New Ulm recently sold 14.17 all possible, by selling this piece Did you know? of land, which allowed for them in New Ulm and to assist with acres of land to the New Ulm Half of all contributions stay to have a bigger campus and pastoral duties in the Holy Cross Public School District for a total right here in the Diocese of not to be so confi ned with what AFC. of $403,015. After paying for New Ulm to help support local they were proposing to build,” current assessments, deferred Fr. Matthew Wiering appointed communication eff orts such as said Tom Holzer, director of the assessments, and real estate Parochial Vicar of Th e Prairie Catholic, TV Mass Offi ce of Finance for the di ocese. taxes, the net proceeds were the Cathedral of leafl et to shut-ins, the diocesan “Bishop LeVoir wanted to be a $361,297.86. the Holy Trinity Web site (www.dnu.org), and good community player.” in New Ulm and the vocations Web site (www. The land is located southwest to assist with OurMIB.org) as well as special Proceeds from the land sale of North Highland Avenue and pastoral duties in May 16–17 in parishes video projects. comes from a 51-acre section the will be used to fund diocesan the Holy Cross diocese owns, which until now ministries, following the needs of AFC, in addition Th ank you! Your contribution helps VISIT has been used as rented farm the budget and Bishop LeVoir’s to his current assignments as to share faith, demonstrate worship, www.usccb.org and be a witness of God’s love through land. The 14.17-acre section discretion. teacher at Cathedral High School (Search Catholic social media, television, radio, and print and Director of Vocations for the abuts 40.2 acres the district media. Communication Campaign) already owns. The district plans Diocese of New Ulm.

The Prairie Catholic  Page 3  May 2015 diocesan church No Tengas Miedo High court could overturn state bans El Jubileo de la Misericordia: on same-sex marriage (Continued from page 2) Misericordioso como el Padre The justices peppered Mary pressed Bonauto and U.S. after the arguments. por Obispo John M. LeVoir inclinarse hacia todo hijo pródigo Bonauto, arguing for the Solicitor General Donald Verilli, (todos nosotros), toda miseria petitioners in the case, with who also argued for the plaintiffs, “If the Court is to be consistent El 13 de Marzo del 2015 el Papa humana y singularmente hacia questions about the long-standing on religious liberty concerns if a with its marriage ruling from just Francisco convocó el Jubileo toda miseria moral o pecado. recognition of marriage as between constitutional right to marriage two years ago, then the Court Extraordinario: Año Santo de la Cuando esto ocurre, el que es a man and a woman. Justice was recognized by the court. must uphold state marriage laws Misericordia. El Jubileo de la objeto de misericordia no se siente Stephen Breyer acknowledged defi ning marriage as the union of Misericordia empezará el 8 de humillado, sino como hallado de that the traditional defi nition Verilli did later admit that “it’s husband and wife. Nothing in the Diciembre, 2015 y concluirá el 20 nuevo y ‘revalorizado.’ El padre, of marriage “has been the law certainly going to be an issue” for Constitution requires all 50 states de Noviembre, 2016. El lema para le manifi esta, particularmente, su everywhere for thousands of colleges who oppose same-sex to redefi ne marriage.” el año santo es “Misericordioso alegría por haber sido hallado de years.” marriage to keep their tax-exempt como el Padre” (“Misericordiae nuevo y por haber ‘resucitado’” status if the court ruled in favor of Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Vultus,” no. 14). (“Rico en Misericordia,” no. 6). He continued, “suddenly you want a constitutional right to same-sex Louisville, who is president of nine people outside the ballot box marriage. the U.S. bishops’ conference, La primera vez que descubrí la El Pap a Francisco ve que el to require states that don’t want to commented that “today is a importancia de la misericordia mundo necesita desesperadamente do it to … change what marriage The justices also questioned moment of great consequence. en la vida Cristiana fue cuando la misericordia de Dios. El Papa is to include gay people.” the argument against same-sex Marriage is a perennial institution, leí la encíclica de San Juan Pablo nos pide ser misericordioso como marriage, asking how allowing with deep roots in who we are and II “Rico en Misericordia,” que el Padre. El sabe que hay muchos “Why cannot those states at least marriage benefi ts to same-sex in our nation’s culture and laws. lo omitió el 30 de Noviembre, que están heridos por el pecado, wait and see whether in fact couples would take away from Marriage is and always will be the 1980. En aquella encíclica el el sufrimiento, la enfermedad, el doing so in the other states is or married opposite-sex couples. union between one man and one pontífi ce escribe: La Misericordia terrorismo y la persecución. Estas is not harmful to marriage?” he woman. This truth is inseparable se manifi esta en su aspecto personas necesitan la misericordia concluded. Marriage rights have also been from the duty to honor the God- verdadero y propio, cuando con el fi n de ser “hallado de granted in the past to persons who given dignity of every human revalida, promueve y extrae el nuevo,” “revalorizado,” y “haber Chief Justice John Roberts echoed did not enjoy the right before, person.” bien de todas las formas del mal resucitado.” Por esa razón en su the point that the democratic such as interracial couples or existentes en el mundo y en el entrevista con Antonio Spadaro, process could decide the issue prisoners, noted Justices Elena “We pray that the justices will hombre. Así entendida, constituye SJ, jefe de redacción de La Civiltà better than the courts. Kagan and Sonya Sotomayor. uphold the responsibility of states el contenido fundamental del Cattolica, el Papa Francisco dijo: to protect the beautiful truth of mensaje mesiánico de Cristo y la Hoy veo claramente lo que más “If you prevail here,” he told Ryan Anderson highlighted the marriage, which concerns the fuerza constitutiva de su misión.” necesita la Iglesia es la capacidad Bonauto, “there will be no more judges’ asking hard questions essential well-being of the nation, (“Rich in Mercy,” no. 6). Así que de curar heridas y mantener el debate. I mean, closing of debate of both sides as more evidence especially children. Children la misericordia no es algo que es corazón cálido de los feligreses.” can close minds, and it will have that the court should not decide have a basic right, wherever tangencial a la misión de Cristo y La misericordia es precisamente lo a consequence on how this new the issue, but leave it to the possible, to know and be loved by sus discípulos; es fundamental. que sana las heridas y mantiene el institution is accepted. People feel democratic process and the states. their mother and father together. corazón cálido de los fi eles. very differently about something The Church will always defend En su encíclica sobre la if they have a chance to vote on it “The nine justices on the Supreme this right and looks to people of misericordia, el Papa Juan II Hombre y Mujer, de la misma than if it’s imposed on them by the Court don’t have any more great good will to continue this debate comenta con maestría sobre la sustancia y complementarios courts.” insight than ordinary citizens do with charity and civility,” the parábola del hijo pródigo. El Casi todos los miércoles, el as to which marriage policy will archbishop concluded. muestra cómo el padre del hijo Papa Francisco da una audiencia Both Justices Scalia and Alito serve the 50 states best,” he said restaura el valor de su hijo, que general en la que aborda se había perdido por una vida cuestiones de importancia para Diocese named in lawsuit alleging sexual de derroche y libertinaje. Al la Iglesia y para el mundo. Por perdonar a su hijo, el padre una serie de recientes audiencias, promueve y extrae el bien del el ha venido abordando el tema abuse by SSND mal. De la maldad del pecado de del matrimonio y la familia. Por NEW ULM – The Diocese of non-profi t corporations, as is the misconduct requires positive su hijo, el padre atrae el bien del ejemplo, el ha hablado muy bien New Ulm has been named in a Diocese of New Ulm. Therefore, action on our part, and we have perdón y restauración. El padre sobre los niños y los abuelos. lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct the diocese was not involved in the been strengthening our systems tiene misericordia de su hijo. by Sr. Mary Regina Hebig (also hiring of parish school employees, and procedures in order to address El Miércoles, 22 de Abril, 2015 known as Sr. Mary Margaret), including Sr. Mary Regina. The this grave issue. El padre del hijo pródigo el Santo Padre dio un breve SSND, a deceased religious with diocese was not aware of any representa al Dios Padre, que es comentario sobre el Segundo the School Sisters of Notre Dame. complaint involving Sr. Regina at The diocese has been diligent rico en misericordia. Cuando capítulo del libro de Génesis. The School Sisters of Notre Dame St. Michael’s School until it was in its efforts to establish a safe vivimos perdidamente – es decir, Central Pacifi c Province has also recently informed of the claim. environment program that cuando pecamos – Dios el Padre Para leer más sobre las refl exiones been named in the lawsuit. educates clergy, diocesan and tiene piedad de nosotros. El del Papa Francisco vayan Anyone who has suffered sexual parish staff, teachers, parents, pecado nos hace pródigos en el directamente al sitio web www. The lawsuit, fi led April 29, 2015, abuse, exploitation, or harassment students, and volunteers who sentido espiritual. Pero cuando vatican.va, seleccionar el idioma in the Fifth Judicial District Court should immediately report work with minors, and helps nos arrepentimos y volvemos español y para las refl exiones de for the State of Minnesota, alleges such misconduct to local law them identify and prevent sexual a Dios, como el hijo pródigo los miércoles busca “audiencia Sr. Mary Regina sexually abused enforcement. misconduct. We are committed arrepentido y volvió a su padre, la general.” a male minor while serving at to offering help and healing to misericordia de Dios se manifi esta St. Michael’s Catholic School in The Diocese of New Ulm deeply anyone who has been a victim en el perdón. Desde el mal de Madison between 1967 and 1968. regrets the long-lasting and of sexual misconduct and to nuestro pecado, Dios atrae el bien devastating effects of sexual preventing this terrible crime from del perdón y restauración. “Tal Under Minnesota law, parishes misconduct on the part of clergy occurring in the diocese. amor (misericordioso) es capaz de and parish schools are independent and others in its institutions. Such

The Prairie Catholic  Page 4  May 2015 youth ministry Youth gather for annual Junior High Festival FAIRFAX – “Man looks at the “imitation love” offered by the outward appearance, but the world for God’s “authentic God looks at the heart” (1 Sam love.” 16:7). That was the theme at the 24th Junior High Festival, Next were breakout sessions held April 26 at GFW Middle for guys and girls, which was School in Fairfax. Over 160 followed by Sunday Mass with students learned about how Bishop John M. LeVoir. In his much God loves them and homily, Bishop LeVoir spoke wants to extend his merciful about Jesus Christ the Good love toward them. Shepherd. The day concluded with Eucharistic adoration and The day started with a keynote a concert put on by Catholic presentation from Leah musician Trevor Thomson. Darrow, a Catholic evangelist who appeared on the third season of “America’s Next Top Catholic musician and songwriter Trevor Thomson leads the students in song during a concert he Model.” She spoke about her gave at the end of the festival. (Photos by Sam Patet) conversion back to the Catholic faith, which involved giving up

A group of students clap as members of the Diocesan Youth Council introduce themselves at the beginning of the festival. Bishop John M. LeVoir (right) shares a light moment with Fr. Ronald Huberty (left) and Roger Osborne (center) before Mass. Seven priests from the diocese concelebrated.

Kevin Losleben, director of Youth Ministry for the diocese, opens up a question-and-answer session with Leah Darrow. The youth Students kneel during the consecration at Mass, which was held in the GFW Middle School asked her about her family, the faith, and her conversion. auditorium.

The Prairie Catholic  Page 5  May 2015 special report Abbey of the Hills a venue for spiritual, cultural, and recreational events New lay owners of former Blue Cloud Abbey emphasize hospitality by Kevin Johnson Prairie Catholic Correspondent

RURAL MARVIN, S.D. – Call it a leap of faith.

In December 2013, six Catholic couples went out on a limb, purchasing the vacant Blue Cloud Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery near Marvin, S.D. The decision wasn’t easy. Doubts persisted right up to the sale deadline. In the end, it was a matter of putting their trust in God, said Julie Treinen. “When does God ever supply all the answers when you are called to Six Catholic couples purchased the vacant Blue Cloud Abbey, a Carol Taffe displays a jar of her “razzapeño” jelly in The Abbey step out in faith?” she asked. former Benedictine monastery near Marvin, S.D., in December of the Hills gift shop. Her unique recipe features raspberries and 2013. These “stewards” of The Abbey of the Hills are Michala jalapeño peppers. In addition to jams and jellies, the gift shop Julie and her husband, Deacon Heller (front row, left), Michelle Moberg, Cindy Van Dover, Julie features religious jewelry, photos, cards, and clothing. Paul Treinen, were one of the Treinen, Carol Taffe, and Paula Rausch. Back row: Jim Heller (left), (Photo by Kevin Johnson) couples who purchased the abbey Dan Moberg, Wade Van Dover, Deacon Paul Treinen, Roman and its nearly 100-acre campus, Taffe, and Val Rausch. (Photo by Wade Kaiser) located about 20 minutes west of Ortonville off U.S. Hwy. 12. have enough vocations to sustain St. Francis, several of the friends called to be complementary.” Encounter retreats, Confi rmation their operations. attended Mass at St. John’s. The retreats, and NET gatherings, A board oversees the organization. The six couples are evenly split readings spoke directly to their as well as Totus Tuus groups, The group proposed Deacon Paul between Minnesota and South The couples found themselves hearts. Deacon Paul glanced at Lutheran pastors’ gatherings, and as its fi rst director. Dakota. Jim and Michala Heller together about two years ago Julie. various denominations’ church live in Aberdeen, S.D. Wade and when talk again turned to the retreats,” recounted Deacon Paul. Cindy Van Dover and Val and vacant abbey. “Someone really “She nodded as if to indicate she “As a deacon of the New Ulm Paula Rausch are in Big Stone should do something with it,” thought we should move forward, diocese, I needed to follow For retreats, the Abbey has about City, S.D. Like the Treinens, was the collective sentiment. he said. “Roman, Wade, and proper order and received 70 rooms available, as well as Roman and Carol Taffe live Deacon Paul wondered if they Val were all there too, and each approval,” he said. “Bishop John two hermitages down by one of in Ortonville while Dan and might be that “someone.” nodded their heads as well.” After LeVoir has offered practical its two lakes. Michelle Moberg are from Mass concluded, they all met wisdom and good support both Clinton, just north of Ortonville. They prayed and talked, and agreed to put an offer on the in discerning this call and in Seasonal events include Mardi wondering how the legacy of abbey. continuing these steps.” Gras, a summer picnic called All three Minnesota couples spirituality the began “Abbey-Q,” autumn Harvest attend the Church of St. John in could continue. The idea didn’t They eventually reached They assured Abbott Denis they Fest, and “Sing Noel” celebrating Ortonville, where Paul serves fade. At times it seemed crazy, agreement with Denis on would honor the sacredness of Advent. The concert choir from as deacon. The Van Dovers and but Deacon Paul suggested taking an amount they could afford. the space. A large crucifi x had State University Rausches are parishioners at St. a step. been removed and other sacred and Kantorei from the College Charles in Big Stone City, while No grand plan items were removed or destroyed of St. Benedict and St. John’s the Hellers attend Sacred Heart in First steps As a vision for the property was during de-consecration of the University have performed. Aberdeen. He contacted Abbot Denis. “He slowly being developed, the abbey church. Some monks told me he was only interested in couples proceeded thoughtfully helped secure the return of the Musical performances are an According to the couples, the talking with serious buyers. I said and prayerfully. “We aren’t crucifi x, while members of the emerging theme. A blue-grass road that led to the formation of I thought we were pretty serious,” and we are not Rausch family had a beautiful band played an outdoor concert. the non-profi t Abbey of the Hills said Deacon Paul. called to be so, but we are called new marble altar built. It’s been “We didn’t know if 10 people Inn and Retreat Center didn’t to offer people a place of peace blessed, but not consecrated. would come,” said Deacon Paul. start with the purchase. Like the “He gave us a deadline,” he and sacredness … a place of “Four hundred showed up!” Benedictines who built the abbey explained. “We met several times holiness and serenity,” said Event venue more than 60 years earlier, it as a group, praying and putting Deacon Paul. The vision that has emerged for A Dakota Hymn Sing Along was began with prayer, discernment, together a business plan for the the abbey is a place for spiritual, held in March. “Paul reaches and much discussion. abbey. We met for several hours “If God is behind this, it will cultural, and recreational events. out to the Native American the night before the deadline. It succeed in spite of us. If he isn’t, community, honoring the End of an era was an intense meeting because then nothing we do will make it Deacon groups from the Dioceses Benedictine mission,” Roman In 2012, the monks reluctantly there was no clear mission, and work,” said Roman. of New Ulm, St. Cloud, and said. decided to close their abbey. The yet this strong element of simply Sioux Falls have visited, as well decision was diffi cult for Abbot stepping out and trusting the Holy “Abbot Denis advised us to move as seminarians from St. John In addition to the seasonal events, Denis Quinkert. “What else can Spirit to guide us persisted.” slowly. And while there are other Vianney Seminary in St. Paul. the 2015 calendar includes we do?” he told Bernie Hunhoff retreat houses available, Bishop Clergy from the Sioux Falls a Healing Oils of the Bible from South Dakota Magazine However, “we had no decision by Paul Swain of the Diocese of diocese have added the abbey as seminar, a Rosary retreat and three years ago. With only a the time we went home,” he said. Sioux Falls said, ‘We are not a meeting venue. Joyful Noise Concert, men’s dozen monks and three over 90, called to be in competition with the Benedictines simply did not The next morning, on the Feast of them,’” Wade said. “We are “We’ve hosted Marriage (Continued on page 7)

The Prairie Catholic  Page 6  May 2015 social concerns Heeding God’s call Encouragement ministry aids Meeker County inmates by Claudia Broman Prairie Catholic Correspondent LITCHFIELD – Walk through On a Friday afternoon in mid-April, Jayne Otley and Carol Volunteers are the foundation of the Encouragement Klatch the Meeker County Jail on a Schumacher visit with two inmates in the Meeker County Jail Ministry. In the front row are Carol Schumacher (left), Millie Turck, Friday afternoon and you might library. A pair of Encouragement Klatch Ministry volunteers meets and Joyce Blomker. Back row: Jayne Otley (left), Nancy Moyer, spy two volunteers holding hands, with female inmates at the facility weekly. Part of the shared and Mike McNeil. Moyer organized the group last summer with listening to, and praying with a experience involves praying together, during which time hands the help of McNeil, who is pastoral associate at the Shepherd of small group of female inmates. are held. (Photos by Claudia Broman) Souls Area Faith Community.

Encouragement Klatch Ministry Since its inception, volunteers Gertrude. He helped Moyer get meets once a month to encourage Holmstrom of Litchfi eld, is now involves a supportive meeting have helped more than a dozen the ministry off the ground. one another in their work at the at the Minnesota Correctional in an interview room or the jail women, Moyer estimates. jail. April’s meeting took place at Facility in Shakopee. library. It operates much like a “We want to foster ministers and the Main Street Café in Litchfi eld. small town coffee klatch – except “I saw the need and was moved,” leaders and how people grow their In a letter, Holmstrom said she coffee is not allowed, per jail she said. She started the Klatch identities as ministers and leaders At the meeting with Blomker, wanted to make a positive change policy. after participating in a separate in the Church,” McNeil said. “It’s McNeil, and Moyer were Jayne while at the Meeker County Jail co-ed scriptural ministry meeting allowing the people to go where Otley of Eden Valley, who and thought she’d try attending Who attends the hour-long for Meeker County inmates that the Spirit moves them.” attends the Paynesville Grace the Klatch, which she began meeting changes from week emphasized reading Scripture and United Methodist Church; looking forward to every week. to week, both in terms of the praying “lectio divina.” The Klatch falls under the Carol Schumacher of Darwin, volunteers who come and the auspices of the Catholic a parishioner at St. John’s in “They never judged me. They inmates participating, but the When she had the initial idea for Church, McNeil said, though its Darwin; and Millie Turck from St. listened. They shared my sadness. goal is the same: to provide a ministry tailored to women, participants hail from numerous Gertrude. They understood as best they encouragement and support. Moyer said, she knew it came Christian faiths, including could,” Holmstrom wrote. “And from the Lord. Methodist and Lutheran. McNeil They talked about the jail they helped me make it through Nancy Moyer, a resident of Eden and Moyer lead the ministry sessions: which volunteer pairs my very stressful time.” Valley, Minn., and a parishioner “I feel very proud that Nancy volunteers, along with Joyce will visit the jail and when, and “This group helped me realize I at the Church of St. Gertrude in was able to follow the call to care Blomker, who attends St. Paul’s how leadership works during am not a bad person; I’ve simply Forest City, founded the ministry for the imprisoned,” said Mike Lutheran Church in Eden Valley, Klatch sessions. They joked made mistakes,” she wrote. “I group in the summer of 2014. McNeil, pastoral associate for where she lives. with each other as they ordered appreciated the encouragement, It’s the fi rst of its kind in Meeker the Shepherd of Souls Area Faith meals, and practiced an agenda support, and understanding. County, organizers say. Community, which includes St. The cadre of ministry volunteers they use at the jail, beginning with a reading and refl ection, and (Something we don’t get much of concluding with personal prayers in institutions.) I hope one day I and petitions. can volunteer to help women … in my spot.” Abbey of the Hills (Continued from page 6) A meditation about healing from The encouragement Holmstrom the Klatch’s go-to book, “One speaks of is what the Klatch is all weekend, Spiritual 12-step For a prize last year in the Looking to the future Minute with God for Women” about, McNeil said. Retreat, crafters/quilters weekend, Abbey’s annual spring raffl e, Dan The six couples or “stewards” of by Hope Lyda, was discussion fodder. Moyer pointed out a and an autumn pheasant hunt. Moberg built a sea kayak in the the abbey are realistic. “We need “It’s pastoral care. It’s comforting passage that spoke to her. woodworking shop. This year groups returning to succeed,” the affl icted, visiting the jailed, Volunteers and staff he’s building a cedar wood canoe. said Roman. They emphasize giving coats to the cold, giving “I’ve been asking God to be with Many hands keep the abbey hospitality and a satisfying food to the hungry, burying the me a lot lately,” Moyer read. Her going. “Volunteers have been experience for visitors. They call dead,” he said. “We want to be the Besides Deacon Paul, staff peers nodded. essential. They clean weekly, includes the Mobergs with it “friendraising.” hands and face of Christ.” paint, and help with harvest,” their daughters Maddie, Meg, “What caught my eye is this, ‘I Carol Taffe said. “We make apple and Cate. Colleen Cordell and “We keep praying, while come to you with the hurts,’” McNeil and Moyer say the system and wild plum jellies and jams, Kathy Holtquist are part-time working hard to continue McNeil said. used by the Encouragement keep bees, and make bread. We’re receptionists. Other than the growing, and trusting that God Klatch Ministry could be easily experimenting with hard apple director, receptionists, and a very will bless the works of our “And those I have ignored, too,” replicated by other area faith cider.” part-time cook, all positions are hands,” said Wade. Schumacher adds. “Because communities. volunteer. sometimes they bury them,” Carol stocks a gift shop with Editor’s note: Those interested in referring to the inmates with For more information about how religious jewelry, photos, cards, to start a jail ministry program in Wade and Katara Kaiser and baby visiting the abbey can go to whom they work. clothing, and jars of apple and your community, contact Moyer Evelyn have taken up residence www.abbeyofthehills.com or call wild plum jelly. “People like One inmate who participated in at 320-453-6322 or visit www. at the Abbey. Wade is the audio- 605-398-9200. taking home a memento,” she the program, Katie Mae churchofstgertrude.org. visual and sound technician. said.

The Prairie Catholic  Page 7  May 2015 social concerns Support needed to defeat physician-assisted suicide legislation

(Continued from page 1) commit suicide if they met the bit demented … and they bring in following conditions: their kid, and the kids are tired of Learn More! assisted suicide. On March 18, – They are an adult resident of the taking care of this person, and they Th e following Web sites provide information on physician-assisted Senator Chris Eaton of Brooklyn state of Minnesota. say, ‘We need assisted suicide,’ suicide and the status of S.F. 1880 and H.F. 2095 in the state Center introduced a bill in the – They have a terminal illness and down they go. (That’s) all it legislature. Minnesota Senate – S.F. 1880, with less than six months to live would take.” or the Minnesota Compassionate (confi rmed by two doctors). Physicians for Compassionate Care – www.pccef.org Care Act – that would legalize the – They are not suffering from a To prove his point, he cited the Patients Rights Council – www.patientsrightscouncil.org practice. A companion bill, H.F. psychological condition that would highly publicized case of Kate “Choice” is an Illusion – www.choiceillusion.org 2095, was introduced in the House impair their judgment, such as Cheney, an 85-year-old woman Minnesota Catholic Conference – www.mncc.org on March 23. depression. who was diagnosed with terminal – They voluntarily request to cancer in the late 1990s. She According to Jason Adkins, commit suicide. told her doctor she wanted to be signed by two witnesses. While from across the faith perspective, director of the Minnesota Catholic commit suicide; however, she had one of the witnesses cannot be a across the ideological lines, Conference, S.F. 1880 isn’t But as many have pointed out, dementia. family member or someone who across party lines that are opposed compassionate, nor does it provide these conditions have the potential stands to inherit from the patient’s to physician-assisted suicide,” the appropriate end-of-life care of being abused. Because of this, her doctor estate, the other one can. Adkins said. So “there’s a lot that everyone deserves. referred her to a psychiatrist for of opportunity to build a strong Take the requirement that the an evaluation. The psychiatrist Oregon’s law has even affected coalition in opposition to this.” “The practice of medicine should patient have a terminal illness. determined Cheney did not have how health care is delivered. Bentz always be … to care and never to Physicians’ predictions aren’t the ability to determine properly pointed to the case of Barbara A strong coalition will be needed kill,” he said. “And, unfortunately, infallible, Adkins said. There whether she wanted to participate Wagner, a 64-year-old woman if Minnesota hopes to defeat S.F. this bill, as they titled it, is rooted are lots of cases where patients in physician-assisted suicide, and whose lung cancer returned in 1880 and H.F. 2095. Physician- in euphemisms, falsehoods about outlived their doctors’ predictions. so declined to authorize it. May 2008 after two years of assisted suicide proponents are what the practice of medicine is remission. Her health care plan well-funded and well-organized, and what the bill actually does.” Terminal illness broad Cheney’s daughter, however, (state Medicaid) wouldn’t cover a Bentz said. If the law passes, it The bill’s defi nition of a terminal wasn’t satisfi ed with the chemotherapy treatment that had will be diffi cult to reverse it. The MCC is the public policy illness is large enough to allow psychiatrist’s conclusion. So a 45 percent chance of increasing voice of the bishops of Minnesota, persons with terminal, yet she brought her to a different her life expectancy. But it would “If you give doctors the license to and has been tracking S.F. 1880 manageable, conditions to take counselor who gave the go-ahead, cover physician-assisted suicide. kill in one area, it spreads,” Bentz since its introduction. their own lives. even though he acknowledged that said. “And it’s already spreading. Cheney may have been pressured “It’s true. The state actually wants Because we just had a bill What’s at stake Just ask Dr. Charles Bentz. The to do so by her family. people (to use physician-assisted introduced in Oregon where they “There’s really no obscurity Portland-based physician serves suicide),” he said. “It’s a great wanted to change the six-month here about what’s asked for: as president of Physicians for Few safeguards cost-cutting measure.” criteria to 12 months.” It’s (the) intentional killing of Compassionate Care, an advocacy Unfortunately, Minnesota’s bill an innocent human being,” said group that’s been combating contains few, if any, safeguards Strong coalition needed “At some point the is Deacon Dan Gannon, director Oregon’s physician-assisted that would protect someone from S.F. 1880 and H.F. 2095 likely going to morph itself into the duty of Catholic Senior Services for suicide law since it was enacted. being pressured by family or won’t pass this legislative session, to die,” Adkins said. “And I think the Archdiocese of St. Paul and friends to participate. Adkins said. But there are listening that’s the real challenge presented Minneapolis. He holds degrees in “Diabetes qualifi es you for assisted sessions slated for the summer, by this issue.” law and theology and serves as suicide (in Oregon). … Because For example, in order to request and the bills likely will be taken an ethicist for the Diocese of La if you’re an insulin-dependent physician-assisted suicide, a up by the legislature when they Adkins encouraged Catholics to Crosse in Wisconsin. diabetic, and if you stop your Minnesotan must submit two re-convene next year. educate themselves and to engage insulin, you’ve got a terminal written requests to his physician, their family, friends, coworkers, Citing paragraph 2277 of the disease,” he said. the second one at least 15 days “Opposition to this is not solely a and legislators on the issue in the Catechism of the Catholic after the fi rst. Each request must Catholic thing. There are people upcoming months. Church, Deacon Gannon said that “To think, ‘Oh, this is just for physician-assisted suicide is a people who are at the end of life “murder gravely contrary to the or who are suffering,’ is just not dignity of the human person and to true.” Mindfulness benefi ts Hutchinson students the respect due to the living God.” That tool is mindfulness. introduced to it in graduate Data from the Oregon Public by Sam Patet school over 10 years ago. “We’re made in the image and Health Division’s annual report The Prairie Catholic “I have noticed behavior likeness of God, and human life on physician-assisted suicide “A great defi nition of NEW ULM – Dale Ann Foster changes,” Foster said. There’s has value simply because it is,” he confi rms his observation. In 2014, mindfulness, it’s the ability to knows how busy her students’ “a sense of calmness, like said. “No one … can arbitrarily nine patients who took their lives be aware of your thoughts and lives are. Between homework, physically see them relaxing.” choose whether to live or die; suffered from “other illnesses,” your emotions and your physical the absolute master of such a including diabetes, multiple sports practices, and family Foster and other teachers sensations and actions in the decision is the creator alone,” he sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. activities, her fi fth graders at St. at St. Anastasia’s started present moment,” Rickertsen said, quoting St. John Paul II’s Anastasia’s Catholic School in implementing mindfulness said. It entails quieting one’s encyclical “Evangelium Vitae” Easy elder abuse Hutchinson are juggling a lot. activities in 2015 after attending mind and body, and accepting (no. 47). By far the biggest problem Bentz all those experiences in the Foster knows she can’t change a workshop led by Sam has with physician-assisted suicide present moment without judging their schedules. But she has Rickertsen, one of the diocese’s Open to abuse is that it opens the door for elder them, she said. The bill is modeled after Oregon’s abuse. given them a tool that helps counselors. Rickertsen, whose offi ce is in physician-assisted suicide law, them relax and not be as worried “Our society tends to focus on Hutchinson, said she started which was passed by a statewide “Elder abuse can happen,” he said. about what they have to get worrying about the future, and referendum vote in 1994. The “All you’d need to do is just to done or what is going on outside using mindfulness activities bill would allow Minnesotans to get someone who is maybe a little of class. in her practice after being (Continued on page 10)

The Prairie Catholic  Page 8  May 2015 Catholic life Be the voice of Catholic women! Trusting in God in the by Jan Noyes registration at 5:30 p.m. Mass be able to share what you have DCCW President will be at 6 p.m., followed by learned with others in your parish midst of suffering a light meal and the training and region. The theme for the New Ulm program. GOD ALONE move to accepting the loss of a draft we were writing. Diocesan Council of Catholic Come to discover how to fi nd the SUFFICES Women’s Resource and Guidance Would you like new tools to use joy of Jesus in yourself and how Training this year is “Be the in your parish? Do you enjoy to share the joy of the Gospel by Connie Rossini Every time that something goes Voice of Catholic Women.” spending an evening with other with other Catholics. Join your wrong in our day, we have an women who share your faith? Are voice with other Catholic women We have seen over the last opportunity to make an act of The training will be held in you looking for ways to discover in the New Ulm diocese. several months how St. Therese trust. I like to close my eyes two locations this year to and actively participate in sharing learned to trust God as her for a moment and pray, “Jesus, accommodate as many people the Good News of Jesus? If so, Please contact your parish Father. She learned that even I trust in you.” Think about as possible. Women may attend this evening is for you! president to register. If your weak, sinful people could other ways you could make an on Wednesday, June 10, at parish does not have an active become holy by relying totally act of faith in the midst of little the Church of St. Raphael in All women in the diocese will CCW, please contact your on God. frustrations. Springfi eld or Thursday, June benefi t from attending a Resource region president, whose contact 18, at the Church of St. John in and Guidance Training evening. information can be found at She made sacrifi ces out of little We can also prepare our Hector. It is especially important that all nudccw.org. All are welcome! things by doing whatever God hearts for future suffering by parish and region offi cers fi nd set before her to do. Great love studying and meditating upon Both evenings begin with a night to attend. You will then for God transformed these little the Gospel. The more we learn acts into acts with great merit. about the character of Jesus, the She offered them for others, so more we lift our hearts to him Mary Ann Kramer of Lucan named that she would not fall back into in prayer, the easier it will be to depending on her works to save believe in his goodness when Woman of the Year at annual convention her. things go wrong.

OLIVIA – Mary Ann Kramer, St. Therese’s little way might Sometimes things go horribly a parishioner at the Church of seem beautiful when life is easy wrong. How can we trust when Our Lady of Victory in Lucan, and everything is going well. it seems God has abandoned was named the 2015 DCCW But how can we trust God when us? When a loved one dies or is Woman of the Year. The award we suffer? What does Therese severely injured? St. Paul wrote, was presented by Bishop John have to say to those who are “We know that in everything

M. LeVoir at the 56th annual suffering? God works for good with those Diocesan Council of Catholic who love him, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom Women Convention, held April 25 You’ll recall that Therese 8:28). at the Church of St. Aloysius in experienced many types Olivia. of suffering. Her mother died when she was 4. Her That doesn’t mean that God actively willed our suffering. Kramer has been an active father spent time in a mental institution before dying when Nor does it mean that we will member of the Council of easily fi nd a silver lining to Catholic Women for over 50 Therese was 21. She suffered from scruples. Fellow students our distress. When we grow in years. She currently serves as her at school and fellow in trust, when we refuse to give in council’s organization chairperson the convent misunderstood to fear, doubt, and despair, we and as a consultant to the DCCW her. She endured great spiritual allow God to bring good into leadership team. She also has darkness. She died of a long, our situation. Sometimes the arranged for individuals to present excruciatingly painful disease. good comes in our opening our at DCCW conventions, and she hearts to grace. Can we respond launched “Inspiration and Ideas,” Therese overcame each of these to suffering with love? the precursor to the DCCW’s challenges by a growing trust current newsletter. On the national Mary Ann Kramer is pictured with Bishop John M. LeVoir of the in God. She believed in God’s Let’s try to begin trusting God level, Kramer served as president Diocese of New Ulm after receiving the 2015 DCCW Woman of goodness, even when life was in little things today, letting him of the national CCW between the Year Award April 25 at the Church of St. Aloysius in Olivia. dark. She lived the words Jesus change us bit by bit. Then when 1987 and 1989. (Photo by Sam Patet) spoke to Thomas, “Blessed are major suffering arrives, we will those who do not see and yet be well prepared to believe Kramer is an active member of as a sacristan and extraordinary Kramer and her husband, Rich, believe” (Jn 20:29). without seeing. her parish, where she serves as minister of Holy Communion, have been married for 56 years director of music, teaches second- and participates on the mission and have eight children. How can we follow her Editor’s note: A parishioner grade religious education, serves quilting committee. example? of St. George in West Newton Women of the Year candidates Township, Connie Rossini are judged based on family Once again, we can start with recently published “Trusting Diocese native to be ordained a priest commitment, participation in the little things. We can make God with St. Therese,” available church activities and committees, little habits of trust that will in e-book and paperback LINCOLN, Neb. – Deacon John Kodet of the Priestly Fraternity of involvement in community prepare our hearts for greater editions from Amazon.com. The St. Peter and the son of Greg and Marie Kodet of Redwood Falls, will activities, commitment to the challenges that we can’t foresee. paperback is also available from be ordained to the priesthood on May 30 at 10 a.m. at the Church of Council of Catholic Women on all We could start by remaining at BarnesandNoble.com or directly from the author. St. Thomas, Lincoln, Neb., by Bishop James D. Conley of Lincoln. levels, and years of active service. peace when we burn the family He will celebrate Masses of thanksgiving locally on June 7 at 1 p.m. at dinner, then learn to be peaceful the Church of St. Michael in Morgan and on June 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the Visit www.nudccw.org to learn when we burn the dinner meant Church of St. Mary in Sleepy Eye. The ordination of Deacon Kodet more about the Council of for company. Or we could learn may be watched live at livemass.net on Saturday, May 30 at 10 a.m. Catholic Women in the Diocese of to accept losing track of a blog New Ulm. post we wanted to reread, then

The Prairie Catholic  Page 9  May 2015 diocesan Church Everyone must proclaim the gospel, says DCCW speaker

(Continued from page 1) And it was when I was 8 that I close or loving or functional. And so then the speaking ministry other. So I think all of us are called was talking to God in my heart, I thought, “I want that.” unfolded. And from there I was to live the Gospel, and I think writing, Ficocelli hosts a and no one really taught me how asked to host a radio program, women in particular can really 30-minute program on to pray, but I would have these Q. What inspired you to become which I do here in Columbus, emulate Jesus’ beautiful example Gabriel Catholic Radio AM 820 conversations with him. On this a Catholic evangelist? Ohio. And I’m also now beginning of loving others. called “Answering the Call,” in occasion, I was very frustrated to guest host national Catholic which she interviews priests, by things that were going on in I was trying to get secular television and radio shows. So it’s Q. What do you hope the women , and religious sisters my family – there was a lot of children’s books published, and I really expanding and growing year who attended the convention or and brothers about their spiritual infi ghting, we had dysfunction in was writing all these manuscripts after year, and I try to keep this who read this article will take journeys and vocations. our family. and I wasn’t getting anywhere. all about God and wherever he’s away? So I one day decided to write leading, and I just love it. She answered some questions for The Prairie Catholic on her And I was particularly miserable a magazine article that told the I really key in on this idea of journey to Catholicism, her on this day, and I was asking in story of St. Therese and how she Q. With all those books you’ve mission. When I was a kid, I ministry, and her conviction that my heart that God would just kind interceded on behalf of my son written, is there a topic about heard God saying to me, “I have God has a mission for every single of take me out of all that, just and answered a prayer with a which you feel especially drawn a special mission for you.” And human being. take me out of this whole world sign of a fl ower. And it was just a to write? the truth is that God has a special so I could be with him. And this marvelous little story. mission for every single one of us. Q. Growing up, did you ever is when I felt him speaking in my I think my greatest love and the And our whole purpose on earth is think you’d be a Catholic author heart. And what I heard him say And I wrote it and didn’t think that area that God has drawn me most to fi nd out what the mission is. and speaker? was, “I have a special mission for I would get this published because in my speaking and writing – and you.” Here I was 8 years old, and I wasn’t having any luck anywhere it’s not that I set out to do this, but We’re here to know God, love Growing up, I never thought I’d be I was a nominally churched child, else. I sent it in to Catholic Parent this is where he led me – is the God, and serve God, and so Catholic, that’s for sure. I wasn’t and I hear that God has a mission magazine and it got published. sacraments. I think that’s because each of us has a role in that. And looking to be a speaker. I was for me. And that was when I began to I didn’t have the seven sacraments what we have to do is enter into looking to be a writer. think, “Well, maybe the reason growing up. a prayerful relationship, a real, It’s important because it set me on I’m not getting anywhere in the personal relationship with God on I was raised with a very marginal this journey. It would put me on secular world is that God is calling But what I came to discover a daily basis, so we can say, “Lord, Protestant upbringing; we were this course where I would look for me to write for the Catholic about the sacraments is that in help me to know what my mission not a family that celebrated God clues and look for where he was world.” all these seven ways, God is real. is and give me the courage to live at home. leading me. He kind of led me on His presence is there. And this it out.” a journey with some twists and And then I started trying to write is an encounter with the living But I think what set me apart was turns, including meeting a young Catholic children’s books, and God. And when you think about Q. Does this mean that God is that I just had this connection Catholic boy in college who would doors began to open. “Child’s it in those terms – whether it’s calling everyone to be a Catholic with God from the get-go. I can become my husband. Guide to First Holy Communion” marriage, whether it’s anointing author and radio host? only say it’s from his grace, was my very fi rst book. And I’ve of the sick, whether it’s Eucharist because this was not impressed And I was led into the Church written 15 books for adults, for or confession – when you realize No, it doesn’t. Sometimes people upon by my parents and not because I saw what the Catholic children, and for teens over the God is right there, that’s got to will listen to me and say, “I can’t by my teachers. But since my faith did for this young man. I saw last 15 years. And they’re on transform you. write books and I can’t be on earliest years that I can remember, how his family members, who all kinds of subjects: they’re on a stage talking to thousands of I always knew God was real. I practiced their faith, were close sacraments, they’re on vocations, Q. The theme of the DCCW people or be on the radio.” But always knew he loved me and he and loving and functional, and I they’re on the Blessed Mother. Convention is “Proclaim the our missions are all unique as each wanted to be intimately involved looked at my family who didn’t Gospel.” Why is it important for one of us is unique. in my life. have God, and they weren’t very From there I was asked to speak, Catholic women to proclaim the Gospel in their daily lives? Your mission could be lying in a hospital bed for decades. Saints Exercises help students deal with anxiety I think it’s important for all of us did that; they offered up many to proclaim the Gospel. And for prayers that I’m sure they brought (Continued from page 8) make sure that it was pragmatic, eating a high-protein snack (like me, proclaiming the Gospel is down tons of grace. Our mission that it really worked in their busy, peanut butter or cheese). looking at how Jesus lived and could be no farther than the planning for the future, and/or busy schedules,” she said. what he taught us: how to treat immediate family we serve. But ruminating and worrying about “They come back to me and say others, how to behave, how to whatever it is, we have these gifts past mistakes or past things that Some of those activities include that they’ve been able to sleep love, how to be merciful. When and talents and virtues that we can have gone on, and mindfulness doing deep breathing exercises better,” Foster said. you look at what he did, his whole tap into and live that mission out. is just the opposite of that,” she during prayer or before a test, ministry was serving others, Mission is going to look different said. being aware of one’s physical Foster’s students have told her healing others, forgiving others, for everybody, but it really has to sensations while walking from they’ve been more relaxed at doing for others, dying for others. do a lot with being open and then “It’s actually counter-intuitive one area of the school to another, sports tournaments when they saying yes. to how society normally runs, and being aware of one’s do deep breathing exercises He was so other-centered, and I and that’s why I think it’s so sensations while eating a snack. beforehand. And Foster has think as women, we’re relational Editor’s note: You can learn more benefi cial for people,” Rickertsen noticed how they don’t get as by nature. I think we have a lot about Ficocelli’s ministry on her said. Some of those benefi ts While they’ve only been doing riled up if they lose a game of virtue, but I think we have the Web site – www.elizabethfi cocelli. include enhanced physical mindfulness activities for a during recess. power to love; I think it’s been com. There you can also order her health, enhanced psychological couple of months, Foster has seen given to us in a strong way. And books, watch videos of her, and health, and an orientation toward big changes in her students. “We keep repeating them (the the way we love our spouses, the listen to her on the radio. spiritual growth. exercises),” Foster said. “And way we love our children, the Take those who had trouble if they use it a lot through the way we love our friends, even At St. Anastasia’s, Rickertsen falling asleep. Rickertsen rest of their lives, then hopefully coworkers to a degree, that’s how taught teachers simple, yet recommended that they spend they’ll keep doing that and not be we can bring the gospel message effective, activities they could do time before bed doing deep so anxiety-ridden.” to a world that is growing colder with their students. “I wanted to breathing exercises and mindfully and pulling us away from each

The Prairie Catholic  Page 10  May 2015 around the diocese Priestly milestones celebrated Upcoming events The Good Shepherd Serra sponsored by the Sisters’ Council Club meets the fi rst Thursday of the Diocese of New Ulm. of every month at the Divine Providence Community Home Virtual Learning Community in Sleepy Eye, starting with for Faith Formation (VLCFF) Rosary and Mass at 6:30 p.m. Cycle 4 will be May 31 – July On May 7, Deacon Tim Dolan, 4, with registration closing May director of the Offi ce of Social 27. For course information or to Concerns for the diocese, will register, visit http://vlc.udayton. share his vocation story. He edu. Scholarships are available will also speak about his farm for those involved in catechetical blessing ministry. On June 4, ministry; contact Bryan Reising religious from the Sisters of at 507-233-5324. Mary Morning Star in Ghent will present. Contact Annette Rohlik, “Living Every Day with 507-747-2181. Passion & Purpose,” presented NEW ULM – Priests of the Diocese of New Ulm celebrating signifi cant ordination anniversaries by Matthew Kelly, will be held gathered with Bishop John M. LeVoir for the annual Jubilarian Dinner, held on Monday, April 27 A discernment retreat for on Sunday, June 7 from 4-8 at the diocesan Pastoral Center in New Ulm. Pictured front row (from left): Fr. Robert Goblirsch (55 single women, “Listening p.m. at the Church of the Holy years), Fr. Ronald Huberty (25 years), Bishop LeVoir, Fr. Eugene Brown (55 years), Fr. Patrick Casey to God While Making Life Redeemer, 503 W. Lyon St., (50 years), and Fr. Andrew Michels (30 years). Back row (from left): Fr. Peter Nosbush (45 years), Fr. Decisions,” will be held on Marshall. Special musical guest Anthony Stubeda (30 years), and Fr. Steven Verhelst (25 years). (Photo by Sam Patet) Saturday, May 16, 2015, at the will be Eliot Morris. Tickets are Church of St. Mary in Willmar. $39. For more information or To register, contact Sr. Anna to purchase tickets, visit www. White Mass for health care professionals Marie Reha, SSND, 303-746- DynamicCatholic.com or call 9371, or Sr. Lois Byrne, PBVM, 859-980-7900. 320-262-3436. The retreat is

The Diocese of New Ulm has an opening on the staff of its diocesan Pastoral Center for a full-time Director of Hispanic Ministry Responsibilities: This member of the bishop’s executive staff will provide leadership and support for area and parish programs in Hispanic ministry, including providing pastoral ministry in parishes with signifi cant Hispanic populations but without Spanish-speaking leadership. This person will direct the t raining and in-servicing of area and parish leadership in Hispanic pastoral ministry, catechesis, worship, and outreach. NEW ULM – Raymond Weiss (center), vice president of mission services at Avera Marshall, visits with He or she will also coordinate Spanish-language pastoral Sr. Candace Fier, director of the diocesan Offi ce of Family Life, and family physician Dr. Terry Knowles formation and catechesis on the diocesan level. at a reception held after the diocesan White Mass for health care professionals April 28. Over a dozen people, including members of the New Ulm Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, attended Qualifi cations: A person in full communion with the Catholic the Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm, which Bishop John M. LeVoir celebrated. Church; thorough knowledge of Catholic doctrine and practice; April 28 was the feast day of the guild’s , St. Gianna Berreta Molla, an Italian pediatrician a bachelor’s degree in theology, Catholic Studies, or a related who refused an abortion and a hysterectomy when she was pregnant with her fourth child, despite fi eld (master’s degree strongly preferred); understanding knowing that continuing with the pregnancy could result in her death. (Photo by Sam Patet) of the key principles of Catholic Hispanic ministry; and outstanding leadership skills, experience, and expertise in Hispanic ministry. This person also must have spoken and Refl ections of written fl uency in English and Spanish, sound organizational and communication skills, strong attention to detail, and a Christ’s Passion willingness to travel weekly by automobile within the diocese.

REDWOOD FALLS – Members of the Please see the job description on the diocesan Web site (www. Church of St. Catherine’s youth group dnu.org/admin/positions.html) for a more detailed list of dramatize one of the Stations of the responsibilities and qualifi cations. Cross for the parish on March 20 in Rademacher Hall. Pictured from left Application instructions: Please send letter of introduction are Gabby Houle, Wyatt Guggisberg, and résumé to: Search Committee, Diocese of New Ulm, Makayla Lothert, Ashley Rothmeier, and 1421 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073, or e-mail this Amanda Johnson. The YES Club (Yes Energetic Servants) struck a pose and information to [email protected]. Initial applications will be narrated each station while sorrowful music was played to enhance the prayer. Other participants evaluated after May 15, 2015. Position will remain available were Regan Jacoby, Alexis Johnson, Carter Guetter, Ethan Lothert, and Alex Louwagie. until a successful candidate is found. (Contributed photo)

The Prairie Catholic  Page 11  May 2015 helping displacedpersonsand to supportinitiativesaimedat Church, thefundswillbeused Given directlytothelocal on behalfofthepope. the peopleandaffected areas” and paternalencouragementfor expression ofspiritualcloseness “a fi emphasized thatthedonationis An April 28communiqué country ofNepal. devastated theSoutheast Asian massive April 25earthquake as asignofsolidarityafterthe assistance tothelocalcommunity Cor Unumhasoffered fi News) –ThePontifi VATICAN CITY (CNA/EWTN rst andimmediateconcrete cal Council nancial where theforceofquake the country’s capital,Kathmandu, was 80kilometersnorthwestof The epicenteroftheearthquake the capital. reach remoteareasfaroutfrom relief workersclearrubbleand number isexpectedtoriseas been confi more than5,000peoplehave ripped throughNepal April 25, Since themassive7.8quake crises. natural disastersandhumanitarian humanitarian aidinthefaceof tasked toorganize andcoordinate Cor Unumisthe Vatican council victims oftheearthquake. rmed dead,andthe

Minnesota’s Most Rural Diocese Diocese of New Ulm Vol. 29 No. 9 May 2015 childlike,” Archbishop J.Peter bold, profound,andeven embarrassment. Spontaneous, direct, withoutpretenseor “The cardinal’s faith wassimple, 23. homilist athisfuneralon April by thosewhomournhim,saidthe these giftsmustnowbepassedon everything goodfrom Godand Francis E.Georgereceived News) –’s Cardinal CHICAGO (CNA/EWTN way, androughly10,000injured. affected bythequakeinsome than 8millionpeoplehavebeen According totheU.N.,more the quake. buildings havebeendestroyedby estimates thatcloseto400,000 million. The governmentofNepal estimated populationof27to28 countries in Asia, andhasan isoneofthepoorest quake. the areaforhoursafterinitial aftershocks continuedtoshake away asNewDehliinIndia,and Tremors couldbefeltasfar and buildings. split roads,anddestroyedhouses toppled a100-year-old temple, nuncio Archbishop CarloMaria 50 bishops,includingapostolic Nine cardinalsandmorethan Chicago’s HolyNameCathedral. for the April 23memorialMassat Chicago wasthemaincelebrant Archbishop BlaseJ.Cupichof cancer forseveralyears. 17 attheageof78,after from offi archbishop ofChicagotoretire city’s archbishop,andthe Chicago nativetobecomethe Cardinal George wasthe witness toChristeverywhere?” Christ. Howcouldhenotgive inappropriate togivewitness circumstance wouldseem so utterlyapriest,thatno “He wassoutterlyaChristian, Mass. homily atthecardinal’s funeral Sartain ofSeattlesaidinhis Communications, 14216thStreetNorth,NewUlm, MN56073 ce. Hepassedaway April Or, sendaself-addressed stampedenvelopeto:Of I

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Visit www.dnu.org Faith-fi lled fashionista makes the UnitedStates. commentator onCatholicismin deeply respectedadvisorand of CatholicBishopsandwasa president oftheU.S.Conference as asuperior. Hewasapast Immaculate, forwhomheserved member oftheOblatesMary Cardinal George wasa and witheachother.” are ourrelationshipswithGod away. The onlythingsthatendure we dieiswhathavegiven only thingwetakewithuswhen of thecardinal’s sayings:“The The archbishopparaphrasedone conviction, andcourage.” the cardinallived“alifeoffaith, by “hopeintheLord.”Hesaid interior life”thatwasmotivated Cardinal George’s “profound Archbishop Sartainpraised Viganò, concelebratedtheMass.

her mark in Fairfax FESTIVAL Former “America’s Next Top Model” contestant Leah Darrow gives her personal testimony to a crowd of sixth through eighth graders at the diocesan Junior High Festival, held April 26 at GFW Middle School in Fairfax. Darrow used her conversion story to challenge the students to live holy, Christ-centered lives that make frequent

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ce of use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The day also included a concert from Catholic musician Trevor Thomson and Mass with Bishop John M. LeVoir.

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Turn to page 5 to view more photos from the festival.