VOLUME 44 NUMBER 12 DIOCESE OF RAPID CITY, Diocesan Website: www.rapidcitydiocese.org SOUTH DAKOTA

Serving Catholics in Western South Dakota since May 1973

Deacon Ordinations Held Bishop Robert Gruss ordained three men to the permanent diaconate on March 31 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rapid City. See page 11 for more photos.

A member of the Ministry Formation Program team, Priority Plan of the Deacon Pat Coy, Hill City, looks on during the tradi- Diocese of tional laying on of hands, as Rapid City, 13-16 Andy Clark, Gregory, is ordained a deacon. Altar Building God’s Kingdom, 2 servers Mary Kinyon and Lively Faith, 5 Joseph Hill and Fr. Michel Moments of Encounter, 6 Mulloy, cathedral rector, are New Catholics, 25 in the back ground. (WRC photo by Becky Berreth)

Observers say apostolic exhortation can help church model mercy WASHINGTON (CNS) — Pope Francis’ apostolic exhorta- tion on love and the family invites the church to see the daily struggles of families as an opportunity to encounter people the way Jesus encountered people with mercy throughout his life, Catholic observers said. The exhortation, Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), on Love in the Family, was Pope Francis’ 256 page reflection on the discussion, debate and suggestions raised dur- ing the 2014 and 2015 meetings of the Synod of Bishops on the family. Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky,

Mailing label president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, noted Pope Francis’ repeated calls of the importance of clergy taking time to Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., center, presi- get to know individual circumstance and discuss with people how dent of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop they can discern God’s teaching for their lives. The pope points Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, N.Y., chairman of the Commit- tee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth of the U.S. Con- to “dialogue, which requires both speaking and listening, and dis- ference of Catholic Bishops, and law professor Helen Alvare at cerning to help people see what their next step is” as key to his George Mason University are seen April 8 in Washington prior call for mercy, Archbishop Kurtz, a member of both synods, said to the start of a discussion about Pope Francis' apostolic ex- in an interview after participating in an online news conference hortation on family life. (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn) at USCCB headquarters. 2 WRC Columns April 2016 Priority Plan: Our efforts to build God’s kingdom In last month’s West River Catholic I reconciliation is needed and submitting in their parish. shared with you the vision statement to the bishop a plan which engages and In the area of Education and Forma- that is very integral to the Pastoral Pri- promotes reconciliation and includes an tion, the primary goals include provid- ority Plan as well has the three Pastoral implementation process. ing three to five ongoing opportunities Priorities. As you recall, the mission of Forming Disciples — We are called for formation for catechists and parish- the Diocese of Rapid City is aligned to a deep union with Christ — a rela- ioners in a distance learning format and with the mission of the Roman Catholic tionship of love. We will work together for directors of religious education to Church extending from the mission of for formation in the human, spiritual, in- complete a certification program at the Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Our sacred tellectual and pastoral areas. This parish’s expense either through the VSI mission statement provides the frame- formation will empower us to grow as program or an approved equivalent. Diocese of Rapid City can be found in work and focus for every ministry of the faithful stewards of God’s gifts, living a In the area of Governance and the center section of this issue of the diocese. Catholic way of life through hospitality, Finance, the primary goals are to West River Catholic. Our Priority Plan defines the efforts faith and discipleship. provide at least two Parish Leadership Over the course of the next few of the diocese for the next three to five The goals for this priority include education sessions in each deanery to months, this plan will be communicated years. Core values identified and illus- increasing the number of parishes which assist parishes in operating within the in detail in various ways. Besides the trated in the Priority Plan are meant to meet the criteria to be recognized as diocesan and parish financial guide- copy in the West River Catholic, it will guide the actions of every person, stewardship parishes and increasing the lines. A second goal is to implement a be made available to everyone in the family, ministry and organization all participation rate in formation events by communication strategy that will diocese with the great hopes that all across the diocese. at least twenty-five percent of the aver- support and enhance our foundational embrace the vision – Reconcile – Make The vision statement: Reconcile – age number of parishioners currently at- ministries. Disciples – Live the Mission. In doing Make Disciples – Live the Mission tending Mass. In the area of Social Services and so, I believe that the Lord will transform helps to provide the focus for the Funding the Mission — Our Pas- Outreach, the major goals are to estab- us as disciples, our families, our faith pastoral plan thereby making it more toral Plan lays out the vision and prior- lish a diocesan office dedicated to the communities and our diocese. present the kingdom of God, in the dio- ities for the Diocese of Rapid City. Our work of social justice and to establish a Please take the time to study, reflect cese of Rapid City, for the next five plan will be successful because disci- task force to assess the needs of the His- upon and pray with this Priority Plan years. ples of Jesus Christ accept their call to panic community and make recommen- and begin to ask the Holy Spirit how The three Pastoral Priorities and the joyfully and generously share their gifts dations to the bishop you might be called to engage this goals for each of them will become our so that the Gospel can be proclaimed Finally, the goals in the area of vision in a personal way and as part of focus for ministry over the next 18-24 and lived in western South Dakota. Vocations and Evangelization include your parish community. Our plan will months, guiding our efforts to build The goals for this priority include forming vocation committees in each be successful because disciples of Jesus God’s kingdom through the year 2018. developing a Diocesan Facility Master parish to encourage and promote a Christ accept their call to joyfully and These priorities will inform the focus, Plan to include plans for a new chancery culture of vocations, and forming 10-15 generously share their gifts so that the clarity and direction of our ministry in building and plans for the Terra Sancta people from each parish in relational Gospel can be proclaimed and lived in support of the mission of the diocese. campus, as well as implementing a ministry and sharing the joy of the western South Dakota. As you recall, the three Diocesan financial plan to fund diocesan offices, Gospel of Christ through witness and May God continue to abundantly Pastoral Priorities include: Reconcilia- ministries and facilities. testimony. bless you, your family and the Diocese tion, Forming Disciples, Funding the The Priority Plan will also impact the The complete Priority Plan of the of Rapid City. Mission. foundational ministries of the Reconciliation — As God has rec- diocese, those ministries which are part World Youth Day onciled us through Jesus Christ, so we of the ongoing work of the local church. Seminarian Fundraiser will promote forgiveness and healing These foundational ministries and goals CERTIFIED BLACK ANGUS BEEF within families; within and between are as follows. 1ST PRIZE In the area of Sacraments and 1/ Beef 2ND1 PRIZE communities; among racial groups; 4 /4Beef within the church. We will invite others Worship, the main goals include char- to experience the good news of God’s tering a liturgy commission under the TICKETS ARE $15 EACH OR 5 FOR $50. love through an encounter with Jesus direction of the Office of Worship to Tickets can be purchase by calling the Vocations Office at 605-716-5214 x223 Christ. renew the liturgical life of the Diocese or at Chancery Office; Chancery Annex at Terra Sancta; Cathedral of Our Lady The goals for this priority include of Rapid City and to implement an eval- of Perpetual Help, Rapid City; St. Joseph, Spearfish; and Sacred Heart, Philip. identifying areas where reconciliation uation process to measure each parish- DRAWING HELD MAY 1, 2016 and unity are strong and areas where ioner’s personal experience of the Mass Donated by the parishes of St. Mary, Milesville; St. William, Midland; and Sacred Heart, Philip April 2016 News WRC 3 New Employee Bishop’s Calendar There is a new voice answering the phone at the main Chancery Office in Rapid City. Roberta Bruhn began her April 22-May11, 2016 training March 8. She fills the vacancy left by Dottie Subject to change without notice Borowski, who retired, March 15. April 22, Friday Bruhn holds a degree in business from Arizona State SD State Knights of Columbus Convention, Mitchell, SD University, Tempe, Ariz., and is a paralegal. She has April 23, Saturday taught religious education at St. Isaac Jogues, Rapid 4 p.m. CT Pre-Confirmation Meeting, Sacred Heart, Burke 5:30 p.m. CT Confirmation Mass, Sacred Heart, Burke City, for 14 years where she and her husband Mark, April 24, Sunday are members. Roberta Bruhn 9:30 a.m. CT Pre-Confirmation Meeting, St. Joseph, Gregory 10:30 a.m. CT Confirmation Mass, St. Joseph, Gregory 1:30-3:30 p.m. CT Parish Finance/Administration Workshop, St. Joseph, Gregory April 25, Monday 2:30 p.m. Diocesan Department Head Meeting, Chancery Conference Room 4 p.m. Rapid City Catholic School System Board Meeting and Staff Banquet, Terra Sancta Retreat Center April 27, Wednesday 11 a.m. Diocesan Staff Appreciation Mass/Luncheon, Terra Sancta 5 p.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting, St. Therese, Rapid City 6 p.m. Confirmation Mass, St. Therese, Rapid City April 28, Thursday Day of Mercy for All Parishes Pierre/Ft. Pierre honor sisters 10:30 a.m. Monastery Anniversary Mass/Lunch, St. Martin Monastery Sisters who have served and are currently serving in the Pierre/Ft. Pierre area April 29, Friday share a blessing in song following a dinner in their honor. The Ft. Pierre 4 p.m. Prayer Protest for Religious Liberty, corner of 9th and Main, Rapid City Knights of Columbus Council and 4th Degree Pierre/Ft. Pierre Assembly spon- April 30, Saturday 4:30 p.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting (Candidates from Spearfish and Belle Fourche), sored the event. Thirteen sisters from the Mother of God Monastery, Water- St. Joseph, Spearfish town, and Pierre area attended the evening meal with parishioners. Someone 5:30 p.m. Confirmation Mass, St. Joseph, Spearfish at each banquet table introduced a sister who shared her “story” with them May 1, Sunday during the meal. The Benedictines, Yankton, presented two videos to the at- 10:30 a.m. Confirmation Mass, St. Paul, Belle Fourche tendees. (Courtesy photo) 4 p.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting, Blessed Sacrament, Rapid City 5 p.m. Confirmation Mass, Reception, Blessed Sacrament, Rapid City May 4, Wednesday 5 p.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting, Sacred Heart, Pine Ridge 6 p.m. Confirmation Mass, Sacred Heart, Pine Ridge May 6, Friday 11:15 a.m. Bishop’s First Friday Mass/Luncheon, Cathedral May 7, Saturday 1:15-3:30 p.m. Veritatis Splendor Institute, Terra Sancta 6 p.m. Mayfest Banquet Auction to benefit Rapid City Catholic Schools May 8, Sunday 9 a.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting, St. Anthony, Buffalo 10 a.m. Confirmation Mass, St. Anthony, Buffalo May 10, Tuesday 10 a.m -2 p.m. College of Consultors Meeting, Bishop’s Residence 5:30 p.m. Andrew Dinner for Deanery 1 (Vocations), Blessed Sacrament, Rapid City May 11, Wednesday EST IVER ATHOLIC 8 a.m. Diocesan Staff Mass/Breakfast, Terra Sancta W R USPS 983-360C 9:30 a.m. Department Head Meeting, Terra Sancta Official newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rapid City, published monthly. The West River Catholic is owned and published by the Diocese of Rapid City 6 p.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting, Blessed Sacrament, Rapid City 606 Cathedral Drive Rapid City, SD 57701-5499 Phone: 605-343-3541 7 p.m. Confirmation Mass, Blessed Sacrament, Rapid City Publisher: Bishop Robert D. Gruss May 14, Saturday Editor Laurie Hallstrom, [email protected] 9-11 a.m. Parish Finance/Administration Workshop, Terra Sancta Retreat Center Assistant Editor Becky Berreth, [email protected] 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Terra Sancta Guild Parish Leadership Team Training, Terra Sancta Circulation Roberta Bruhn, [email protected] Retreat Center Advertising: Laurie Hallstrom, 343-3541 6 p.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting, St. Isaac Jogues, Rapid City Subscription: $27, Foreign subscription: $60 per year. 7 p.m. Confirmation Mass, St. Isaac Jogues, Rapid City Postmaster: Address all correspondence, including change of address, to: May 16, Monday West River Catholic, PO Box 678, Rapid City, SD 57709-0678 6 p.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting, Cathedral Periodical postage paid at 7 p.m. Confirmation Mass, Cathedral Rapid City, SD 57701 May 17, Tuesday Benefactors: Day of Mercy for All Parishes United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Office of Home Missions, Catholic Extension 4 WRC News April 2016 Petition to open the cause for canonization (Editor’s note: The grandchildren of Nicholas Black Elk presented Bishop Robert Gruss with a petition to open the cause for canonization of Black Elk during Pastoral Ministry Days. Below is a copy of the letter accompanying the signatures.) Bishop Gruss, Hehani waste’, Cante wasteya nape ciuzapelo. Good morning, I greet you with a good heart and a warm handshake in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. My name is George Looks Twice, I am an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Nation and a member of Our Lady of the Sioux Parish in Oglala, South Dakota, where I was commissioned a Lay Minister for the Rapid City Diocese in 2009. I am the eldest of three grandsons and two granddaughters of the Oglala Holy Man, Chief, and Catechist Nicholas Black Elk. It is with great honor and privilege to be present on this historical day with my relatives, fellow tribal members, other native people, priests and lay min- isters from across the diocese to present you with this petition. The petition contains over 1600 signatures from people of goodwill across the United George Looks Twice, center, and the grandchildren of Nicholas Black Elk stand States and Canada. The petition requests that the Diocese of Rapid City pro- before Bishop Robert Gruss and Deacon Marlon Leneaugh, director of Native ceed as the petitioner to nominate Nicholas Black Elk, Sr. for the cause for Ministries, after presenting a petition requesting the diocese to nominate canonization. Black Elk for the cause for canonization. (WRC photo) Our grandfather, Nicholas, was born in 1866 into a lineage of great medicine men; and atop Hinhan Kaga, “The Making of Owls” (Harney Peak) Tunkasila (God) blessed him with a great vision, and his gifts were affirmed as he went on to became a recognized healer and respected medicine man at a very young age. Curious about Christianity, he began to watch and study. In 1885, he learned about Kateri Tekakwitha and signed the petition supporting the cause for her canonization. In 1904, he met a Jesuit priest who invited him to study Christi- anity at Holy Rosary Mission, near Pine Ridge, S.D. He did so, and on the feast of St. Nicholas, December 6, he was baptized Nicholas William. Saint Nicholas, appealed to him because he exhibited a model of Christian charity that resonated with grandpa’s role as a traditional spiritual leader and his own generosity in service to the Native People. Believing that Wakantanka, the Great Spirit, called him to greater service, he became a Christian and practiced his Lakota ways as well as the Catholic religion. He was comfortable praying with his pipe and his rosary and partici- pated in Mass and Lakota ceremonies on a regular basis. In 1907 the Jesuits appointed him a catechist because of his love of Christ, his enthusiasm and excellent memory for learning scripture and Church teach- ings. Like St. Paul, he traveled widely to various reservations; preaching, sharing stories and teaching the Catholic faith with his “Two Roads Model” of catechism. He is attributed to having over 400 native people baptized, and since then his books and model lifestyle have inspired countless others in their spiritual journeys. He died in 1950 having lived an exemplary life of being faithful to Tunkasila and always wanting to serve the native people. There are many who are waiting to share the joy of the day when Nicholas Black Elk, Sr., will be counted among the company of saints by Holy Mother Church. We thank you bishop for this opportunity to make this presentation to you on behalf of the Black Elk family, our grandfather Nicholas and all the people of God who support this cause. God Bless you! Mitakuye Oyasin, George Looks Twice, Virginia Black Elk (Iyotte), Nicholas (Patrick) Black Elk, Copyright ©2015, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. Gerald Black Elk, Caroline Black Elk, Matthew Black Elk All rights reserved. Photo credit: ©iStock, Lightstock April 2016 News WRC 5 Ablaze: Essential elements of a lively faith By Laurie Hallstrom and is one of Pope Francis’ Missionar- Richter, Pope Emeritus, Bene- ies of Mercy. It is a ministry that calls dict XVI said, “‘the faithful Hospitality is still an important part him to be a sign of the church’s caring expect only one thing from of the diocesan stewardship plan, but for people and the Father’s readiness to priests — to be specialists in another element is being introduced. pardon those who ask. In addition to his promoting the encounter be- Bishop Robert Gruss opened Pastoral speaking engagement, the evening of tween man and God.’ When Ministry Days, March 14-15, titled March 15 he heard confessions at the you think ‘heart experts’ think “Ablaze,” by explaining the Diocese of Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Catholic priests — teaching a Pastoral Ministry Days opened with the Song of the Rapid City is moving to the second lens Help, Rapid City. heart how to be in love, it Four Directions followed by Azilya Ritual or blessing of our stewardship process — lively Msgr. Richter enumerated two converts one’s life. That is with sage. During the Divine Office, Deacon Ben Black Bear, St. Francis, read the Gospel in Lakota. Next to faith. The two-day gathering was held threats to lively faith today affecting the pastoral priority par ex- the ambo is a framed icon of Nicholas Black Elk. A at Terra Sancta Retreat Center, Rapid people sitting in the pews. “The greatest cellence. petition was presented for Black Elk’s canonization. City. threat to Christianity today is reducing “The most fruitful activity See page 4. (WRC photos by Becky Berreth) Msgr. Thomas J. Richter, rector of it to being a good person and doing the of the human person is to re- the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bis- right thing. The duty to do the right ceive God,” he said. “Pray marck, N.D., was the keynote speaker. thing is pre-Christianity, it is basic like a pirate, the acronym is ARRR. He has served on the National Confer- human nature. Second, a big challenge It stands for Acknowledge, Relate, ence of Diocesan Vocation Directors is a sacramentalized person, but not an Receive, Respond. That is the dy- evangelized person.” namic of the heart wanting to be He described a person who close to another heart. It is honestly practices the faith, but does and consistently acknowledging and not have the joy or the love relating what is in my heart to God, that Christianity is about. receiving comes from that. When passing on the faith to “Most of the passion in my belly Msgr. Thomas J. Richter, Bismarck, N.D. the next generation rules are is wanting to teach people how to was the keynote speaker at PMD. not contagious or attractive. pray,” he said. He had copies of a “Lively faith is about thou prayer direction handout, “If I want 1960s, 60 percent of families attended claiming me, wounding my to spend time with Jesus in daily weekly church. It is down to 24 percent heart in a way that I want to be prayer what would it look like?” now. with this person,” he said ex- That handout, videos, audio files and In his parish, 35-40 percent of the March 14, the annual blessing of holy oils, Chrism plaining the difference be- a list of recommended books are families go to weekly Mass. To im- Mass, was held at the cathedral; here Bishop Robert tween the heart and head. available on the diocesan website, prove that figure, he said he has formed Gruss breathes the Holy Spirit into the Oil of Chrism. According to Msgr. www.rapidcitydiocese.org, click on a hand picked group of eucharistically Altar server Max Daniel is at left. the “Ablaze” icon. awakened families called the St. An- According to Msgr. Richter, drew group. They ask Jesus in prayer CARA, the Center for Applied Re- who he wants them to bring back. Msgr. search in the Apostolate, Catholic Richter hopes each family can bring Mass attedance has dropped. In the one family back per year. 6 WRC News April 2016 ‘How often do we miss those moments of encounter?’ By Laurie Hallstrom and international affairs and the ple in Denver. We don’t have this many poor could be very personal. “We had a Those attending the annual Catholic Catholic Campaign for Human Devel- in Chicago.’ It’s not her fault. … They gentleman in Denver, very influential Social Services fundraiser, Palm Sun- opment, the bishop’s anti-poverty pro- are excluded, invisible and isolated and businessman, who said each day he was day Brunch, March 20, were asked to gram. there is no greater poverty than isola- going to seek out and have an en- look at a global Reyes drew on Pope Francis’s warn- tion.” counter. I saw him eight months later culture of exclu- ing about the dark side of globalization. Reyes said the pope said the solution and he said his life has completely sion wherein the He described people who have lost a is a culture or inclusion or encuentro. changed. One of the things he does is poor and home- sense of life’s meaning, lost a sense of “The Spanish word encuentro comes go down to the homeless shelter. He less are left on belonging to any home or family, re- with a meaning of a real personal ex- knows them each by name, prays with the margins, in- lentless violence, the inability to love, change — a recognition of a person’s them, they say the rosary together, he visible, hungry forgive or understand, and a sense of humanity. Even when you have the helps them out. and lonely. The abandonment and solitude. briefest encounter with someone it is “It’s worth noting that if you decide keynote speaker “It even happens here in the U.S. In more meaningful.” to live a life of encounter it’s going to was Jonathan J. Denver, when I took over Catholic According Reyes, Mother Teresa cost something, because love comes Reyes, Ph.D., Charities, we started a program called said the healing starts at home with lov- with sacrifice and you don’t want to executive direc- “Christ in the City” where college stu- ing your family. “How often do we miss walk in not knowing that.” Jonathan J. Reyes tor of the Depart- dents come for a year or two. One of the those moments of encounter? They are In conclusion he said, “The basic ment of Justice, things we did when they first (arrived all around us. We live in a world of iso- point of the virtue is that everyone is Peace and Human Development of the in) the city was have a formerly home- lation and we have the opportunity to made for greatness, a great and mighty U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, less person show the students where the be the source of life and light. How do destiny, one so great we can’t even Washington, D.C. homeless people sleep, eat, and live,” we heal the world we live in? We heal it imagine. The destiny is so high that we He was formerly president and chief he said. “The story goes that one of vol- by being deliberate in saying that every can’t accomplish it ourselves. God has executive officer of Catholic Charities unteers was a middle class person from exchange and every moment we have to make it possible. The vice that goes and Community Services of the Arch- Chicago. When asked what they expe- can be a genuine encounter,” he said. with this virtue is acedia — spiritual or diocese of Denver, 2009-2015. Now he rienced this young person said, ‘I had He continued his speech illustrating mental sloth. Sadness comes when we oversees USCCB efforts in domestic no idea you had so many homeless peo- the call of discipleship. He spoke of a don’t pursue the greatness we were wealthy donor who realized helping the made for.”

Thank you Knights of Columbus Councils 1489 and 8025 for assisting with parking during Pastoral Ministry Days at Terra Sancta — especially when it was cold and windy the second day. — Dan Brechtel, Facilities Manager April 2016 Events Schedule WRC 7 April 22, Friday sion. Using a lectio prayer format, this re- camp, grades 9-12 ends June 17. Grades 6- sDivine Mercy Chaplet: Sundays, 3 sRachel’s Vineyard: For those hurting treat day will help you to prayerfully ex- 8, June 14-17. $20 off if you register before p.m., Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual due to an abortion. Held in Rapid City. press yourself. Held at St. Martin May 15. Registration deadline: May 25. Help. Followed by the patriotic rosary. ) Ends April 24. )Carol Kling 605-374-5639 Monastery from 9:15 a.m.-3 p.m. Sr. Registration forms can be found at )Ellen Robertson 605-718-9909. ) or [email protected] about the retreat. Therese Marie, 605-343-8011. www.gods-call.org or at your parish. Of- sFamily Rosary: Sundays, 7 p.m., St. sArt Exhibit: The Benedictine Sisters May 11, Wednesday fice of Vocations 605-716-5214 x233 or Therese the Little Flower Church, Rapid 8 and friends will show their work from sTaizé: Experience the sacred through [email protected]. City. )Mark Biggs 605-343-2467. noon-4 p.m. at St. Martin Monastery. Also song, silence and scripture. Held at 7 p.m. July 11, Monday sHope for New Life Jail Ministry: on display April 23-24. in the Holy Cross Chapel, Terra Sancta. sTotus Tuus Boys: An opportunity to re- Third Monday, 7 p.m., Catholic Social April 23, Saturday May 14, Saturday flect on God’s call with religious sisters and Services. )Tony Galles 605-348-2301 or sNatural Family Planning: Seminar sCatholic Daughters Mother-Daugh- priest. Includes hiking, campfires, swim- Mary Sperlich 605-342-9343. for engaged couples or anyone wanting to ter Brunch: Held 10 a.m., St. Therese ming, games, Mass, adoration, and more. sVocation Discernment Retreats: learn more about natural family planning. Parish Hall, Rapid City. Join us for our an- Held at Terra Sancta. Leadership camp, )Sister Mary Wegher, OSB, 605-343- To be held at St. Therese the Little Flower nual brunch along with entertainment and grades 9-12 ends July 15. Grades 6-8, 8011. Church, Rapid City, from 9 a.m.-noon. Pre- door prizes. Menu: quiche, yogurt with July12-15. $20 off if you register before sSpiritual Direction: At St. Martin registration required. Next seminar, May 14 fruit and granola, assorted sweet breads, May 15. Registration deadline: May 25. Monastery. )Sr. Margaret Hinker, OSB, Sr. at Terra Sancta, Rapid City. )Amy at Fam- and beverages. Reservations are required; Registration forms can be found at Florence McManamen, OSB, or Sr. Edna ily Life Ministries, 605-716-5214 x236 or see your bulletin for registration form. www.gods-call.org or at your parish. )Of- Marie Stephenson, OSB, 605-343-8011. [email protected]. Deadline to register is May 9. )Dorothy fice of Vocations 605-716-5214 x233 or sDivine Mercy Image: Would you like April 29, Friday Kies 605-342-0147. [email protected]. to host a traveling Divine Mercy Image in sWRC deadline for submissions. May 20, Friday July 29, Friday your home for up to 27 days to pray the Di- Paper mailed Tuesday, May 17. sNiobrara Young Adult Retreat/ sHeart to Heart Weekend for the vine Chaplet/Novena? A rosary and infor- )605-343-3541 or Canoe Trip: A weekend of camping, ca- Engaged: For engaged couples to deepen mation about the image are included. [email protected] or noeing, fellowship, and prayer. Limited their relationship with each other and God )Georgine 605-441-8140 [email protected] space — first come, first serve. Held at by exploring the Catholic Church’s vision sTutors Volunteers Needed: Overcom- April 30, Saturday Smith Falls campground. Ends May 22. of marriage. Attendance is required for cou- ing the language barrier ministry at Blessed sAlzheimer’s/Dementia Information Applications at 8www.rapidcitydiocese ples doing marriage prep in the diocese. Sacrament Church, Rapid City, is looking Day: For those who would like to know .org/youth-and-young-adult-ministry or Ends July 31. Register online at 8terra for volunteers interested in helping adults more about caring for someone or if you )Randy Vette, 605-716-5214 x228. sancta.org. with English reading, writing, and speak- need support, please attend any or all of the June 7, Tuesday Standing Events ing skills. Participants will be introduced to workshop provided by healthcare profes- sSilent Retreat for Women: Silent sShattered Hearts … A Grandparents the Lauback Way to Reading with an em- sionals. Opportunities for one-on-one vis- preached retreat with Father Tim Hoag. Be- Grief: For grandparents grieving the death phasis on English language learners. its with local agencies that offer help and gins with daily Mass at 11 a.m. and ends of a grandchild. Meets the fourth Saturday )Christine Leichtnam 605-342-8598, several professional care-giving agencies with lunch on Friday. Prices listed include from 9-10a.m. at the Rapid City Public 8cleicht@rap. midco.net or Maria Munoz that will care for your loved one so that you lodging (strongly recommended you stay at Library, Room B (upstairs). )Lynn 341- 605-791-3430. can attend. Free light lunch. Held at the the center), meals and director fees. Lodg- 7663 or March Anne 342-9220. sSpanish Bible Study: Reflect on the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, ing options: Monastic — twin bunk beds sCentering Prayer: Held Wednesdays Sunday readings, 3:45-4:45 p.m. Wednes- Rapid City, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. — $220, family — two queens with private at 5 p.m. at Terra Sancta. Led by Sandi days at Blessed Sacrament Church, Rapid 8www.cathedraloplh.org for details and bath — $330. Register at 8terrasancta.org. Ohlen. Please use south patio entrance and City, room 107. Everyone is welcome. Re- registration or )Judy Hasenohrl, 605-342- June 10, Friday join the group in the Solarium at Terra fleccionando en las lecturas del Domingo. 0507 if you have questions. sNPM Choir Festival: All music min- Sancta. Miercoles de 3:45-4:45 p.m. Todos estan May 6, Friday isters are invited to participate in a week- sCor Jesu – Rapid City Catholic Bienvenidos. salon 107. )Maria Munoz sBishop’s Luncheon: 11:15 a.m. Mass, end of sacred music. Nelly and Clayton Young Adults: Meets in the large meeting 605-791-3430. Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Southwick will be leading singers through room, Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Rapid City. Noon lunch in Cathedral Hall, a wide gamut of liturgical music culminat- Help for catechism Monday nights 7-8:30 talk by Bishop Robert Gruss. Lunch $6. ing in a concert Saturday, June 11. Held at p.m. Open to young adults ages 18-35. Everyone welcome. the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual )Nathan Valle 850-361-6825 or Randy Holy Spirit sWorld Apostolate of Fatima: First Help, Rapid City. Preregistration requested. Vette 605-641-3303. Novena Friday Mass at 5:30 p.m. with prayers and $15 fee includes three meals and social. sOLPH Eucharistic Apostles of Divine May 6-14 devotions. First Saturday, May 7, begins )Jackie Schnittgrund 605-342-6132 or Mercy: NEW TIME. First Saturday, 9a.m., with prayers at 7:45 a.m. followed by 8 mail checks to Kathy Little, 14645 Country Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. http://www.spiritans.com/ a.m. Mass and exposition. Both in Our Road, Rapid City, SD 57701. )Pam Ekberg 605-719-9669. holy_spirit_novena.htm Lady’s Chapel, Cathedral of Our Lady of June 13, Monday sPrayer and Lectio: Thursdays 6:30 Pray for the gifts s ) Perpetual Help. Dr. Kopriva 605-343-6202. Totus Tuus Girls: An opportunity to p.m., St. Martin Monastery. Sister of the Holy Spirit. May 7, Saturday reflect on God’s call with religious sisters Marmion Howe, OSB, 605-343-8011. sPrayerful Painting: Theme is “God’s and priest. Includes hiking, campfires, sPatriotic Rosary: Thursdays 6 p.m., Transform your Creation.” You need not be an artist for God swimming, games, Mass, adoration, and Blessed Sacrament Church, Rapid City. life! to speak to you through creative expres- more. Held at Terra Sancta. Leadership )Ellen Robertson 605-718-9909. 8 WRC Columns April 2016 It’s always fishing season “For the clergy it is easier to be pas- (Mt 4:19). I know there are more fish- sacrament of confession and he said he tors than to be fishermen — that is, it ing stories still out there, but to give you was. I really wanted to help him get to is easier to nourish those who come to some hope and encouragement, I confession before Holy Week so he the church through word and the sacra- thought it would be good to share with could enjoy that liturgy and also be ments than it is to seek out those who you one of those stories: ready for Divine Mercy Sunday. are far off in cultural environments that “I met my friend Brandon while “I called the Denver Cathedral are very different. The parable of the working in the panhandle of Texas in Basilica office and asked if I could lost sheep is reversed today: ninety- 2013. He was half my age, a hard schedule a general confession. The sec- nine sheep have gone off and one worker and eager to learn. As our work- retary said she would see if there was a pretty happy. I assured him they had remains in the sheepfold. The danger ing relationship grew, I learned that he priest who could accommodate me and definitely thrown a party in heaven that for us is to spend all our time nourish- was raised Catholic but was no longer call me back. As I was driving through day.” ing this one remaining sheep and not to practicing the faith. He was, at the time Wyoming on March 15, I had a lot of Wow! That’s what I call fishing! have time — also because the scarcity of this meeting, anti-Catholic; what I anxiety about not finding a confessor This man drove all the way to Denver of clergy — to seek out those who are mean is he would say negative things for Brandon. I said out loud with all my from the Black Hills to accompany lost. The contribution of the laity in this about the Catholic faith and Christian- heart, ‘Please Jesus, send a confessor to someone to confession. What a gift of situation seems providential.” ity in general, and did not attend church help me!’ extraordinary generosity and an exam- —Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa of any kind. “That was all it took. About 30 ple of taking to heart Bishop Gruss’ in- “Christ Yesterday and Today” “There were two of us on that job seconds later, my cell phone rang and I vitation to accompany others in their who were active Catholics and we had an appointment with Fr. Ron for a journey to Christ. In 2013 there was a television mini- would travel an hour to Amarillo on general confession at 1 p.m. on March This joy-filled Easter season is a series titled “The Bible” that aired on Sundays to attend Mass at St. Mary 18 for Brandon. Tears of joy came great time to apply Jesus’ words about the History Channel. One of my Cathedral, followed by a trip to a shoot- down my face. I called my friend and fishing for people. Who is the one favorite scenes is when Jesus says to ing range and lunch. After a few weeks told him to meet me at the cathedral in person — just one — you could help Peter, “Let’s go fishing.” As they were of talking to Brandon about shooting, Denver for their noon Mass “We went bring back to the church, to a deeper in the boat conversing with one another he asked if he could come with; I told to lunch and he told me that it had been relationship with the Son of God? I and fishing, Jesus sticks his hand into him we attend Mass before we go out 20 years since his last confession and look forward to hearing your fishing the Sea of Galilee and begins to to the range. That was okay with him, that he thought his father and grandfa- story at 605-716-5214 x235 or email summon the fish. That day Peter and even though he had not been to Mass ther, who are deceased, were probably [email protected]. the other disciples netted a miraculous for quite a long time. catch of fish. “When that job was completed, Terra Sancta Retreat Center Highlights — May I thought of this story last summer Brandon returned to his home in Den- May 14: Cornerstone Rescue Mission Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast when I was competing in Bishop ver and we stayed in contact through Nearly 300 volunteers make a difference each year for families, veterans and Robert Gruss’ fishing tournament for email and an occasional phone call. I individuals fleeing homelessness and poverty, and are a vital part of the seminarians. The fish were not biting was working in Colorado in August Cornerstone Rescue Mission’s success. so I decided to stick my hand into Lake 2015 and Brandon and I ended up going May 19: Jesuit Day of Reflection Oahe and start summoning the fish. to a Rockies game one weekday after- The Jesuits serve our diocese in many places — Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School, Porcupine, one of the pioneer schools on the reservations A fellow in the boat next to us yelled noon. We had a great day and before we to incorporate Lakota studies as a vital part of the curriculum; Red Cloud Indian out, “Hey, buddy, does that sort of thing parted company, he told me that he School, Pine Ridge, an education of the mind and heart in our Lakota, really work?” wanted to go to confession but was Catholic, and Jesuit tradition, we offer skills for life; Saint Francis Mission, I yelled back, “For those who have scared. Rosebud Indian Reservation, a ministry of the Jesuits among the 20,000 Lakota (Sioux); Sioux Spiritual Center, Howes, the heart of the Diocese of Rapid City’s faith it does!” “He asked if I would help him get to efforts to develop native clergy and leadership on the reservations; and He smiled, but never stuck his hand confession. I said, ‘Sure!’ but I didn’t St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Rapid City. in Lake Oahe to summon the fish. My know when this could happen because May 21-22: Marriage Matters team won; his did not. the job I was working was ending that Sponsored by Catholic Social Services. See page 18. After last month’s column, in which week and I knew I had no chance to do http://catholicsocialservicesrapidcity.com/marriagematters/ Other events in May: Dakota Choral Union Spring Concert (May 1); Annual I invited you to share your “fishing anything for him right then. Tribunal Provincial Meeting (May 2-4); Clergy Convocation (May 23-26). Terra stories,” I received several phone calls. “As Lent 2016 progressed, the prom- Sancta staff will also host several graduation parties, wedding showers, a family Two calls in particular were about an- ise I made to my friend stayed on my reunion, and a wedding. swering Jesus’ challenge, “Follow me, mind. I sent him a text a few weeks ago June 7-10: Silent Retreat for Women with Fr. Tim Hoag. and I will make you fish for people” to see if he was still interested in the More information on-line at http://terrasancta.org/SilentRetreats April 2016 Columns WRC 9 After the “G-word” has been spoken, killing continues In the early church, witnesses to the faith who had been persecuted and tor- Holy Thursday tured but not killed were known as Pope Francis kisses the “martyr-confessors.” It’s been one of foot of a refugee during the great privileges of my life to have Holy Thursday Mass of known such men and women: Czech the Lord's Supper at the priests who spent years as slave labor- Center for Asylum Seek- ers in uranium mines; Lithuanian ers in Castelnuovo di priests and nuns condemned to Perm Porto, about 15 miles Camp 36 in the Gulag; a Ukrainian north of Rome, March Greek Catholic scholar who knew the 24. The pope washed tary Kerry’s statement was the mention and kissed the feet of bone-chilling bite of the Siberian winter of Christians as targets of genocide. refugees, including Mus- because of his fidelity to Christ and to lims, Hindus and Copts. That statement would not have hap- the Bishop of Rome. These modern (CNS photo/L'Osserva- pened without the relentless, persistent martyr-confessors are part of that “great tore Romano) work of human rights campaigner Nina cloud of witnesses” who form a living Shea, who has lobbied for redress for link between the church here and now persecuted Christians in the Middle and “the assembly of the first-born who East with a tenacity that deserves the are enrolled in heaven” (Heb 12: 23). martyr-confessors I have met had a zone in which Christian lives were au- highest respect. It wouldn’t have hap- I treasure the memory and the friend- story quite like that of Father Douglas tomatically forfeit. Today, Father Bazi pened without the leadership of Con- ship of these great souls. All their sto- Bazi, of the Chaldean Catholic Diocese lives with his exiled people in the Kur- gressman Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska, ries are remarkable; so was the of Erbil, whom I met three weeks ago. dish Autonomous Region of crumbling who introduced the House resolution equanimity they exhibited as I got to Simply because he was a Christian Iraq. The ISIS assault on his people, he that passed on March 14 while Father know them — the sense they conveyed, and a Catholic priest, Father Bazi had told me, was but the latest of eight dif- Bazi looked on from the House gallery. quite naturally, that it was a privilege to his teeth knocked out, his nose ferent assaults on Chaldean Catholics And the Kerry statement wouldn’t have suffer for the faith. Comparative marty- smashed, and his back broken with a over the last century, which have re- happened without the prod of a report, rology is out of place in such a com- hammer. And that was before ISIS duced what was once a population of “Genocide against Christians in the pany of heroes. Still, none of the turned large parts of Iraq into a killing three million to about 180,000. In the Middle East,” prepared by the Knights brutal politics of a region where the of Columbus and the organization “In withdrawal of American power has led Defense of Christians:” a remarkably to seven demons worse than the first, detailed account of anti-Christian per- Chaldean Catholics are especially at secution, destruction, and slaughter that risk because, as Father Bazi put it, they was addressed to the Secretary of State “can’t play the game the way the others and contained a legal brief arguing that do” — they can’t indulge in revenge the “G-word” should be invoked and killings because their faith forbids them the matter referred to the Criminal Di- to do so. vision of the Justice Department and Father Bazi was in Washington to the Security Council of the United Na- bear witness for his people in the U.S. tions. House of Representatives, which, a few Father Bazi was aware that merely hours after we spoke, voted unani- saying the “G-word” would change mously to declare that what ISIS is nothing on the ground for his people. doing to Christians in Iraq is “geno- But he welcomed the congressional res- cide.” Three days after that, Secretary olution and the administration’s action of State John Kerry met a congression- because it called this ongoing atrocity ally mandated deadline by actually by its proper name and would thus give using the “G-word” — genocide — to his people hope that someone knew, describe ISIS’s assault on Christians, and someone cared. That caring, I sug- Yazidis, and Shiites in the areas of Iraq gest, should now extend to helping and Syria under its control. The new Chaldean Catholics rebuild their com- thing, and the welcome thing, in Secre- munities in the West. 10 WRC Columns April 2016 The triumph of goodness cannot be killed

The stone which rolled away from source of all being and life. This is what the tomb of Jesus continues to roll is revealed in the resurrection of Jesus. away from every sort of grave. Good- What the resurrection reveals is that the ness cannot be held, captured, or put to ultimate source of all that is, of all being death. It evades its pursuers, escapes and life, is gracious, good, and loving. capture, slips away, hides out, even Moreover it also reveals that gracious- leaves the churches sometimes, but ness, goodness, and love are the forever rises, again and again, all over ultimate power inside reality. They will the world. Such is the meaning of the have the final word and they will never body in a tomb and sealed it with a resurrection. be captured, derailed, killed, or stone, but the stone rolled away. His Goodness cannot be captured or ultimately ignored. They will break disciples abandoned him in his trials, killed. We see this already in the earthly through, ceaselessly, forever. In the end, but they eventually returned more life of Jesus. There are a number of too, as Imre Kertesz suggests, they are committed than ever. They persecuted passages in the Gospels which give the more fascinating than evil. and killed his first disciples, but that impression that Jesus was somehow And so we are in safe hands. No mat- only served to spread his message. The highly elusive and difficult to capture. And it is this, the constant resurrec- ter how bad the news on a given day, no churches have been unfaithful some- It seems that until Jesus consents to his tion of goodness, not that of viciousness matter how threatened our lives are on times, but God just slipped away from own capture, nobody can lay a hand on and evil, which speaks the deepest truth a given day, no matter how intimidating those particular temple precincts. God him. We see this played out a number about our world and our lives. The the neighborhood or global bully, no has been declared dead countless times, of times: Early on in his ministry, when Jewish-Hungarian writer, Imre Kertesz, matter how unjust and cruel a situation, but yet a billion people just celebrated his own townsfolk get upset with his who won the Nobel Prize for literature and no matter how omnipotent are Easter. message and lead him to the brow of a in 2002, gives a poignant testimony of anger and hatred, love and goodness Goodness cannot be killed. Believe hill to hurl him to his death, we are told this. He had as a young boy been in a will reappear and ultimately triumph. it! that “he slipped through the crowd and Nazi death camp, but what he remem- Jesus taught that the source of all life Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, went away.” Later when the authorities bered most afterwards from this experi- and being is benign and loving. He theologian, teacher, and award- try to arrest him we are told simply that ence was not the injustice, cruelty, and promised too that our end will be winning author, is President of the “he slipped away.” And, in yet another death that he saw there, but rather some benign and loving. In the resurrection Oblate School of Theology in San incident when he is in the temple area acts of goodness, kindness, and altru- of Jesus, God showed that God has the Antonio, TX. He can be contacted and they try to arrest him, the text sim- ism he witnessed amidst that evil. After power to deliver on that promise. Good- through his website www.ronrol ply says that he left the temple area and the war, it left him wanting to read the ness and love will triumph! The ending heiser.com. Now on Facebook “no one laid a hand upon him because lives of saints rather than biographies of of our story, both that of our world and www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser his hour had not yet come.” Why the war. The appearance of goodness fasci- that of our individual lives, is already inability to take him captive? Was Jesus nated him. To his mind, evil is explica- written — and it is a happy ending! We so physically adept and elusive that no ble, but goodness? Who can explain it? are already saved. Goodness is guaran- Prayer Intentions of one could imprison him? What is its source? Why does it spring teed. Kindness will meet us. We only the Holy Father These stories of his “slipping away” up over and over again all over the need to live in the face of that wonder- May are highly symbolic. The lesson is not ful truth. earth, and in every kind of situation? Universal: Respect for Women that Jesus was physically deft and It springs up everywhere because They couldn’t arrest Jesus, until he That in every country of the elusive, but rather that the word of God, God’s goodness and power lie at the himself allowed it. They put his dead world, women may be honored the grace of God, the goodness of God, and respected and that their and power of God can never be Monthly Message From Our Lady essential contribution to society captured, held captive, or ultimately On the 25th of each month, Our Lady appears to the Medjugorje may be highly esteemed. killed. They are adept. They can never visionary Marija to give us her message to the world. Evangelization: Holy Rosary be held captive, can never be killed, That families, communities, and and even when seemingly they are “Dear children! Today I am carrying my love to you. God permitted me to love you groups may pray the Holy killed, the stone that entombs them and, out of love, to call you to conversion. You, little children, are poor in love and Rosary for evangelization and always eventually rolls back and you still have not comprehended that my Son Jesus, out of love, gave His life to save peace. releases them. Goodness continues to you and to give you eternal life. Therefore pray, little children, pray so that in prayer you may comprehend God‘s love. Thank you for having responded to my resurrect from every sort of grave. For more information, go to: call.”3/25/16 APOSTLESHIPOFPRAYER.ORG April 2016 News WRC 11 Three men added to diocesan clergy ranks March 31, three men were ordained to the permanent diaconate at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rapid City, by Bishop Robert Gruss. Those ordained were Deacons Lloyd Frein, Philip; Andy Clark, Gregory; and Craig Pearson, Hot Springs. Find a full video of the ordination Mass on the diocesan website, www.rapidcitydiocese.org.

Deacon-elect Lloyd Frein promises his obedience to the bishop and his successors. Altar server Mary Kinyon is in the background. (WRC photo by Becky Berreth)

(Left to right) Fr. Ron Seminara, SJ, Howes; Margie Pearson and Deacon Craig Pearson, Hot Springs; Deacon Llyod Frein and Marianne Frein, Philip; Deacon Andy Clark and Patty Clark, Gregory; Deacon Pat Coy and Fran Coy, Hill City; Fr. Peter Etzel, SJ, Howes; and Bishop Robert Gruss, Rapid City. After the ordinations, the new deacons and their wives are shown with the Ministry Formation team. The team includes Fathers Etzel and Seminara and the Coys. (WRC photo by Becky Berreth)

Newly ordained Deacon Craig Pearson distributes Communion. (WRC photo by Becky Berreth)

During the litany of the saints, the Bishop Robert Gruss extends his hands over the candidates lay prostrate, laying down candidates and prays the prayer of consecration. their lives for the church. (WRC photo by Laurie Hallstrom (WRC photo by Becky Berreth)

During the kiss of peace, members of the deacon community welcome the new deacons. (WRC photo by Laurie Hallstrom) 12 WRC News April 2016 Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rapid City Featuring excerpts from the Holy Week homilies of Bishop Robert Gruss. Holy Week Find Mass videos at www.rapidcitydiocese.org and click on the Easter icon Bishop Gruss talks to Rose Kinyon before washing her feet. (WRC photo by Laurie Hallstrom)

... on the night when the Lord gathered the apos- tles to observe this annual memorial feast, he proclaimed himself the New Passover. Jesus offered them bread and wine and transformed them into himself. The bread and wine; they became his own Palm Sunday body, his own blood. Therefore, in this Holy March 20 Communion, in a real way, we ourselves are stained with the blood of Christ. With it we are marked, like the doorposts and lintels in that first Passover. By his Blessing palms, Bishop Gruss is assisted by Deacon Greg body and blood we are being saved. This Eucharist is Palmer and altar server Mary Kinyon. (WRC photo by Becky our memorial feast. ... In washing the disciples’ feet, Berreth) Jesus demonstrated his love for them in a most hum- As we slow down this week and come to gather ble act of service. True love does that. Love makes us around Jesus Christ in acknowledgment of the sin Holy Thursday want to serve. It fuels in us a desire to sacrifice from which he came to set us free, as we pray in March 24 ourselves for the Beloved and for others. This is what gratitude for the forgiveness which his suffering and was in the heart of Jesus toward his apostles and this death assure us, as we renew our commitment to live is what he desires to form in the heart of every priest, a new and different life in his resurrection, it is then every man, every woman and every child. that the answer to the question, “Just how much AM I loved?” comes into clearer focus.

Good Friday March 25 Easter Vigil Easter Vigil March 26 March 26

Deacons Jim Scherer and Greg Palmer hold the cross for people to venerate. (WRC photo by Becky Berreth) Altar server Sandra Cronin and Deacon Greg Palmer Bishop Gruss gives communion to Mason Grimshaw. He watch the bishop push wax nails into the Paschal Candle. attended RCIA in the Archdiocese of Boston, and was The cross stands as a distinctive sign especially in (WRC photo by Laurie Hallstrom) confirmed here. the areas of the world afflicted by violence and ter- (WRC photo by Laurie Hallstrom) rorism and oppression. Because of peoples’ faith in Christ Crucified and Risen, many, many Christians The Easter sacraments also send you into the sacraments cannot be taken lightly. You are accepting around the world have lost their lives or have fled world with a commission to live out the mission of not a life of mediocrity, but a call to a life of inten- their countries because of the genocide of Christians. Jesus Christ in the world today ... amidst all the temp- tional faith, hope, and love, empowered by the Holy From my perspective, in reality, the terrorists are tations that are out there. This is a great challenge for Spirit, so that you can give your life away as Jesus afraid of the Cross of Jesus Christ and its power. all of us. In fact, there is no greater challenge today did. This is accomplished by surrendering our lives They are afraid of it. So they want to rid the world of as the culture tries to remove Jesus from it altogether. to Christ each and every day, seeking his will, his de- those who embrace it. The Christian life and the demands that flow from the sire for us. April 2016 Priority Plan of the Diocese of Rapid City WRC 13 Diocese of Rapid City Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Wishing you many blessings in the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy! Since my arrival almost five years ago, I have deeply embraced my role as the bishop of this beautiful diocese. In these short years, I have experienced the deep faith of the people and have witnessed the wonderful ministry taking place across the Diocese of Rapid City. Many people have heard me express the sentiments, “I would like the Diocese to move from being a ‘mission diocese’ to a diocese with a mission.” I have spent time praying, reflecting, listening, and observing so as to best understand and discern the most appropriate way in which to move forward with such a vision. Growing out of this prayer and discernment came an envisioning process that would clearly define priorities and goals for the next three to five years. The document which you find here is the result of this process. The last time a similar process was undertaken in the Diocese was the Synod of 2002, completed fourteen years ago. It is always good for any organization to frequently look at itself and what it is doing to determine if the priorities are in alignment with its mission, to discern where it wants to be in five years and how it will get there. Any vision for the Diocese must be aligned with the mission of Christ and his Church. The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council defined this mission: “The Church seeks but a solitary goal: to carry forward the work of Christ under the lead of the befriending Spirit. And Christ entered the world to give witness to the truth, to rescue and not to sit in judgment, to serve and not to be served” [Gaudium et Spes, The Church in the Modern World, paragraph 3]. A diocese with a clearly defined mission and clearly focused on that mission will bear great fruit in carrying forward the work of Christ. The Church today finds herself at a crossroads. The attrition of her members is not only tragic, but one of her greatest challenges. This is a clear summons for all of us into the work of the New Evangelization. The word “evangelization” scares many people, but it shouldn’t nor does it have to. A spirit-filled Church lives in faith, hope and love [not fear] accepting the challenges of the times. This is our mission and our pathway to become a “diocese with a mission.” Our Holy Father, Pope Francis illuminates for us who we are called to be and what we are called to do: “In our day Jesus’ command to ‘go and make disciples’ echoes in the changing scenarios and ever new challenges to the Church’s mission of evangelization, and all of us are called to take part in this new missionary ‘going forth.’ Each Christian and every community must discern the path that the Lord points out, but all of us are asked to obey his call to go forth from our own comfort zone in order to reach all the ‘peripheries’ in need of the light of the Gospel” [Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, #20]. All of the efforts of the Diocese of Rapid City must be focused with this call and mission in mind. It is my belief, through the hard work of the Envisioning Team, this Diocesan Priority Plan has focused our ministry in the service of the Gospel in such a way. It is both challenging and motivating for all of us. But it offers a message of hope and opportunity that draws the People of God to something greater than themselves and inspires them to action. The power of the Holy Spirit will lead us to accomplish more than we can possibly ever imagine. As we go forth as a community of missionary disciples, we stand strong in knowing “that the Lord has taken the initiative, he has loved us first (cf. 1 Jn 4:19), and therefore we can move forward, boldly take the initiative, go out to others, seek those who have fallen away, stand at the crossroads and welcome the outcast” [The Joy of the Gospel, #24]. As you read and reflect upon this Diocesan Priority Plan and our vision statement – Reconcile – Make Disciples – Live the Mission – begin to pray and ask the Holy Spirit how you might be called to engage this vision in a personal way and in your parish community. Ask the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart to live this inspiring vision and pray for the fruitfulness of this important mission for our Diocese. Through the efforts of all of us, I am very hopeful that we will create a healthy, vibrant diocese for years to come – building the Kingdom of God. May God continue to abundantly bless you, your family and the Diocese of Rapid City. Sincerely in the peace, joy and mercy of Christ, +Bishop Robert D. Gruss 14 WRC Priority Plan of the Diocese of Rapid City April 2016 Priority Plan of the Diocese of Rapid City Those called to implement the Priority Plan of the Diocese of Rapid City and † We will create an attitude of openness toward all people: those that it will affect include the Bishop in his leadership of the diocese, Catholics, other Christians, people of other faiths and those with no faith. diocesan personnel, clergy and religious, members of parishes, missions, Catholic † We will be united to those who suffer from inequality, poverty and school communities and organizations and all people in western South Dakota. injustice. † We will be open-minded to people and their needs in our diverse cultures. Our Sacred Mission † We will look to the scriptures and Catholic social Why we exist as a Diocese teaching for guidance on how to be in solidarity. † We will prayerfully build consensus and charitably We, the Diocese of Rapid City, through the power of the Holy Spirit, are called support all decisions. to attract and form intentional disciples who joyfully, boldly and lovingly † We will work collaboratively and respectfully as proclaim and live the mission of Jesus Christ, leading to eternal life. brothers and sisters in Christ across the Diocese and the VB world. Our Core Values How we will decide, communicate, and behave as a Diocese Mercy: Steadfast kindness, compassion and forgiveness received from God and extended to others. Prayer: Seeking an encounter with God in Christ through the Holy Spirit, The behaviors that exemplify this value include but are not limited to the according to one’s own culture. following: The behaviors that exemplify this value include but are not limited to the † We will daily receive and proclaim the merciful embrace of the following: Father. † We will pray unfailingly each day for a renewed personal encounter † We will seek God’s mercy regularly in the Sacrament of with Jesus Christ1. Reconciliation. † We will actively join in the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist weekly † We will forgive others as Christ has forgiven us. and regularly participate in the sacramental life of the Church. † In the spirit of the Good Samaritan, we will carry out the Corporal and † We will reflect daily with the Word of God. Spiritual Works of Mercy. † We will turn to our Mother Mary and the saints as models of prayer and † We will attend Diocesan Year of Mercy events. intercessors. † We will regularly participate in the devotional life of the Church – e.g., Charity: Loving God and others because God has first loved us. Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary, Liturgy of the Hours, Stations of the The behaviors that exemplify this value include but are not limited to the Cross, Divine Mercy Chaplet. following: † We will seek God’s love in the Sacraments and prayer. Stewardship: Living a life of generous hospitality, lively faith and dedicated † We will share God’s love through building community and serving discipleship. others, especially those most in need. The behaviors that exemplify this value include but are not limited to the † We will protect and defend the dignity of human life in all its stages. following: 2 † We will evangelize through ongoing invitation. Family: The domestic church , the foundation of society, a communion of † We will strengthen our faith through formation and study. persons called to reflect the life of the Trinity. † We will identify and nurture the gifts that God has given to us. The behaviors that exemplify this value include but are not limited to the † In gratitude, we will joyfully and generously share our gifts out of love following: for God and neighbor. † We will pray as families and for families. † We will daily examine how we have received and shared our gifts, † As family members, we will talents and treasure. pray to Jesus for an openness † We will be responsible stewards of God’s creation. to our Catholic Faith. † We will support and promote the Solidarity: In Christ, recognizing and accepting all people as brothers and sisters; Church’s understanding of being responsible for the common good of all. marriage and family life. The behaviors that exemplify this value include but are not limited to the following: VB 1Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 3 2Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium, 11: cf. Apostolicam Acutositatem, 11. April 2016 Priority Plan of the Diocese of Rapid City WRC 15

† “With prudence, understanding, patience and docility to the spirit3” we FORMING DISCIPLES will accompany families in their various forms in the universal call to “And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others holiness. as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for † We will provide and participate in faith formation opportunities. building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and † As parents and guardians, we will be the primary educators knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full of our children in the Catholic Faith. stature of Christ, so that we may no longer be infants, tossed by waves † As family members, we will demonstrate our faith and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, (e.g., attending Mass, daily prayer, catechetical formation, …) from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming. Rather, living † We will cultivate a culture of vocations in family life. the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the body’s growth and builds itself up in love” Diocesan Five Year [Eph 4:11-15]. Statement of Vision We are called to a deep union with Christ – a relationship of love. We will VB Where we are going through 2021. work together for formation in the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral areas. This formation will empower us to grow as faithful stewards of God’s gifts, living a Catholic way of life through hospitality, faith and discipleship. Reconcile – Make Disciples – Live the Mission Goal: Increase by 5-10 the number of parishes which have met the criteria to be recognized as stewardship parishes by July 1, 2017.

Diocesan Pastoral Priorities Goal: Increase the participation rate in formation events (human, spiritual, What we will develop and do over an 18-24 month time period, through 2018. intellectual and pastoral) by at least 25% of average number of parishioners currently attending Mass in each parish or group of parishes by December 31, RECONCILIATION 2018. “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to FUNDING THE MISSION himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, God “Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” [2 Cor 5:17-20]. all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. you are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving As God has reconciled us through Jesus Christ, so we will promote forgiveness to God, for the administration of this public service is not only supplying the needs and healing within families; within and between communities; among racial of the holy ones but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God” groups; with the church. We will invite others to experience the good news of [2 Cor 9:6-9, 11-12]. God’s love through an encounter with Jesus Christ. Our Pastoral Plan lays out the vision and priorities for the Diocese of Rapid City. Goal: Identify areas where reconciliation and unity are strong and areas where Our plan will be successful because disciples of Jesus Christ accept their call to reconciliation is needed for each parish or group of parishes by December 1, 2016. joyfully and generously share their gifts so that the Gospel can be proclaimed and lived in western South Dakota. Goal: Each parish or group of parishes will submit to the Bishop a plan which engages and promotes reconciliation Goal: Develop a Diocesan Facility Master Plan by March 1, 2017 to include: and includes an implementation process by March 1, • Plans for a new chancery building 2017. • Plans for the Terra Sancta campus

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

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

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

EDUCATION & FORMATION Goal: Each parish or parish grouping will form a vocations committee to “Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious encourage and promote a culture of vocations by January 1, 2017. in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices Goal: Train and form 10-15 people from each parish or parish grouping in acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” [1 Peter 2:4-5]. relational ministry and sharing the joy of the Gospel of Christ through witness and testimony by January 1, 2017. Goal: Provide 3-5 ongoing opportunities for formation for catechists and parish- ioners in a distance learning format by January 1, 2017.

Goal: Directors of religious education will complete a certification program at the parish’s expense either through the VSI program or an approved equivalent by September 1, 2017.

GOVERNANCE & FINANCE “I urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift” [Eph 4:-7].

Goal: Provide a minimum of two Parish Leadership education sessions in each Deanery to help parishes operate within the Diocesan and Parish financial guidelines by August 1, 2017.

Goal: Implement a communication strategy that will support and enhance our foundational ministries by December 31, 2016.

SOCIAL SERVICES & OUTREACH “‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them The Church seeks but a solitary goal: to carry forward the in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of work of Christ under the lead of the befriending Spirit. mine, you did for me’” [Matt 25:37-40]. —Gaudium et Spes, The Church in the Modern World, paragraph 3 April 2016 WRC 17 Year of Day of Mercy — in each parish Jubilee Thursday, April 28, 2016 Immaculate Conception, Rapid City Confession & Adoration from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. May Saint of Mercy — St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Presentation begins at 7 p.m. Speaker: Deacon Mercy Larry Kopriva, “Divine Mercy and St. Faustina” St. Margaret Mary Alacoque grew up in seventeenth- ill and was dying when the mother superior began to Benediction at 7:45 p.m. Social to follow. century France during a time of rebellion against the think perhaps her story were true, and told the Lord that church and a turning away from her teachings. Mar- if Margaret Mary recovered, she would take it as a sign May 17, 2016 garet’s father died when she was about eight years old, that her visions were authentic. Margaret Mary did re- St. Isaac Jogues, Rapid City and so she was sent to live and go to school with the Ur- cover and the mother superior invited some theologians to Events Upcoming Speaker: Susan Safford, “Sacred Heart of Mercy” banist Sisters. She grew in devotion and loved the life of hear her story, but they determined the visions to be delu- In old English ... the convent, but had to be sent home when a paralyzing sions. Eventually, a Jesuit priest, Fr. Claude de la Prayer to St. Margaret illness kept her bedridden for Columbiere, believed in her revela- Mary Alacoque: four years. She made a vow to the tions and set out to promote devotion Blessed Mother to give herself to to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and put Saint Margaret Mary, thou who wast made a partaker of religious life and recovered, but, the life and visions of St. Margaret the divine treasures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, obtain following her father’s death, the Mary in writing, and so the Jesuits to for us, we beseech thee, from this adorable Heart, the family farm had been taken over this day continue his work. graces we need so sorely. We ask these favors of thee with by relatives until her brother St. Margaret Mary died at the age unbounded confidence. May the divine Heart of Jesus be came of age and took possession of 43, saying at the end of her life, “I pleased to bestow them upon us through thy intercession, of the property. The relatives need nothing but God, and to lose my- so that once again He may be loved and glorified through were unkind to her mother and self in the heart of Jesus.” Devotion to thee. Amen. controlling of Margaret’s every the Sacred Heart grew through the V. Pray for us, O blessed Margaret; move, and she was often not even work of St. Claude de la Columbiere R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. permitted to attend church. Once and St. John Eudus. In Margaret O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst wondrously open the the farm reverted to her brother, Mary’s vision, the Lord spoke: “Look unsearchable riches of Thy Heart to blessed Margaret their situation improved, and at this heart which has loved men so Mary, the virgin: grant unto us, by her merits and our Margaret’s mother encouraged much, and yet men do not want to love imitation of her, that we may love Thee in all things and her daughter to marry. Out of me in return. Through you my divine above all things, and may be worthy to have our love for her mother, Margaret spent time in discernment Heart wishes to spread its love everywhere on earth.” everlasting dwelling in the same Sacred Heart: who livest about this, and began to enter into worldly activities. One The Twelve Promises of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary for and reignest, world without end. Amen. night, upon returning from a ball, she had a vision of the those devoted to his Sacred Heart: scourged Jesus who called her away from the world and 1. I will give them all the graces necessary for Act of Consecration to the back to himself, having given her so many signs of his their state of life. Sacred Heart love, and at age 20, she made the decision to enter a con- 2. I will establish peace in their families. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to thee I consecrate and offer up vent. 3. I will console them in all their troubles. my person and my life, my actions, trials, and sufferings, During the time between her application and admis- 4. They shall find in my heart an assured refuge that my entire being may henceforth only be employed in sion to the convent, Margaret dedicated herself to helping during life and especially at the hour of their death. loving, honoring and glorifying thee. This is my and teaching some of the neglected children in her vil- 5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their irrevocable will, to belong entirely to thee, and to do all lage. Eventually she made her profession with the nuns of undertakings. for thy love, renouncing with my whole heart all that can the Order of the Visitation at Paray-le-Monial, a commu- 6. Sinners shall find in my heart the source of an displease thee. nity founded by St. Francis de Sales and known for hu- infinite ocean of mercy. I take thee, O Sacred Heart, for the sole object of my love, mility and selflessness. The name of Mary was added to 7. Tepid souls shall become fervent. the protection of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the her name, and she was assigned to the infirmary. She 8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection. remedy of my frailty and inconstancy, the reparation for struggled with her tasks but grew in love and virtue. 9. I will bless the homes where an image of my heart all the defects of my life, and my secure refuge at the hour Margaret Mary then began to have mystical experi- shall be exposed and honored. of my death. Be thou, O Most Merciful Heart, my ences in which the Lord invited her to take the place of St. 10. I will give to priests the power of touching the justification before God thy Father, and screen me from John at the Last Supper and revealed to her that he wished most hardened hearts. His anger which I have so justly merited. I fear all from the love of his heart to be made known and spread to all 11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their my own weakness and malice, but placing my entire people. He showed her how much he desired to be loved names written in my heart, never to be effaced. confidence in thee, O Heart of Love, I hope all from thine by all and to pour out his love and mercy upon them, to 12. The all-powerful love of my heart will grant to all infinite Goodness. Annihilate in me all that can displease reveal all of the treasures of his heart. He appointed the those who shall receive Communion on the first or resist thee. Imprint thy pure love so deeply in my heart Friday after the octave of the feast of Corpus Christi as the Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of that I may never forget thee or be separated from thee. solemnity of the Sacred Heart. Jesus desired that the final repentance; they shall not die under my I beseech thee, through thine infinite goodness, grant that graces of his Sacred Heart be made known through her, displeasure, nor without receiving their my name be engraved upon thy heart, for in this I place but when Margaret Mary approached her superior with Sacraments; my heart shall be their assured refuge all my happiness and all my glory, to live and to die as one this, she did not believe her. Margaret Mary fell seriously at that last hour. of thy devoted servants. Amen. 18 WRC Jubilee Year of Mercy April 2016 ‘You’re never too young to become a saint of mercy’ By Laurie Hallstrom mercy incarnate … the very love of supernatural devotion to our Lord. God, Jesus Christ, became flesh.” He “At age 20 he went to college to “It is important for Christians to read chose stories to show God reaching out become a mining engineer and he joined and take time to reflect upon the lives of with active mercy. Then, he began his the Catholic political party to the saints. They can teach us many discussion of saints with Blessed Pier invigorate faith and morals in the coun- things, about mercy, about following the Giorgio Frassati. try itself.” example of Christ, and living more “He was a little younger than me. He According to Father Dillon, Blessed courageously the gospel message,” said was an incredible man, born in Turin, Pier was giving almost everything he Bishop Robert Gruss. Italy. The year before his birth, King had away and his family did not know He was introducing the talk by Umberto had been assassinated. The it. Father Jonathan Dillon, who spoke at country was in chaos — prices rising “When they looked at him all they Fr. Jonathan Dillon the Day of Mercy observed, March 17, and people starving. Blessed Pier was saw was a college student. Most of the and they were all rejected. at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Rapid City. born into a very influential family. It pictures you see of Pier are of him Among those he converted was King Father Dillon said, “We have heard so should have been a comfortable life. I laughing with his arms around his Angus. As he was being baptized Patrick much about the mercy of God. What I don’t want to uphold Pier as someone in friends and a cigar in his mouth. All stabbed his crozier into the ground and am going to propose to you is mercy is the stained glass window who does not these incredible corporal works of impaled the king’s foot. “When Patrick nothing other than love. Jesus Christ is make any sense in your life. He had a mercy are happening out of his prayer sees all the blood (he says) ‘why didn’t life and devotion for the Blessed Sacra- you say something?’ and the king said, ‘I ment,” he said. Father Dillon went on to thought that was how the ceremony was recount many practical jokes Blessed supposed to go.’” Pier played on his friends, short sheet- ing beds and putting a donkey in one Father Dillon continued with Saint friends’ bed to remind him not to be a Faustina, apostle of mercy. “Through donkey. Saint Faustina God reminded us that he At age 24 he contracted polio from is madly in love with each and everyone his visits with the poor and he died six of you. days later. The family was startled — the “She first heard the calling of God at streets were absolutely packed for his age 7. At age 19, she was at a dance — funeral. “These were the people he fed in the middle of the room Jesus appeared and sat with in the gutter. Mercy, my to her and said, ‘How long will you keep brothers and sisters, is ordinary and joy- putting me off and how long will I put ful,” said Father Dillon. up with you?’ It broke her heart because she knew he was calling her.” He next told the story of St. Patrick, She went to Warsaw looking for a re- whose dad was a deacon. He grew up in ligious order that would accept her be- the cleric’s household, but he had no cause she was very poor. The Sisters of faith. When he was about 16 he was Our Lady of Mercy said if she paid for playing on the coast and a raiding party her own habit she could join. She got a of Irish pirates kidnapped him. Ireland job and earned the money for her habit. was a brutal pagan society under Druid Christ commanded her to paint his rule. He served as shepherd. In the image as he appeared to her. She painted lonely countryside, his despair led him a portrait with rays of blood and water to consider suicide, but it was also there from his heart. “He said the feast of Di- his faith came alive. With divine inspi- vine Mercy was to be celebrated the first ration he escaped. He dreamed the Irish Sunday after Easter,” said Father Dillon. were calling for him to come back. He “Pope John Paul II added it to the church studied and was ordained a deacon, a calendar in 2000. She faced opposition priest and then a bishop. every step of the way to get our Lord’s “He went to Pope Celeste to say he words out to the people. She contracted was a slave, he understands the people tuberculosis and died age 33. You’re in Ireland,” said Father Dillon. The never too young to become a saint of church had been sending missionaries mercy.” April 2016 Columns WRC 19 Aging gracefully deepens, softens, matures the soul It seems odd, even a bit repulsive, and infirmity. Unavoidably, our bodies when we encounter tales of elderly men decline. Our strength wanes. We get running after women who are young hemorrhoids and warts and cancers and enough to be their granddaughters. The high blood pressure and male pattern wheelchair-bound billionaire oil tycoon balding. J. Howard Marshall was 89 years old In the midst of it all, we can accept when he married the 26 year old Anna our lot with grace and gratitude. A Nicole Smith. He had met the Playboy serene acceptance of our struggles, and model and reality TV star in a strip even of the specific death that awaits club. Anna insisted that she really did us, is surely a great virtue. permanent dwelling here, we begin to love the old man, and wasn’t in it for But aging gracefully is not some- grapple with that mysterious truth that the money. thing many of us tend to do well. We re- heaven and home are synonymous. With age should come wisdom. It’s and are finally more in control of our sist the idea. We may cling to the Aging gracefully also involves rec- appropriate and fitting for older men to lives, our bodies begin to fall apart, and fantasy of eternal youth. Some in our ognizing and accepting the shortening leave behind their former ways, and no we need a bevy of doctors and medi- society even push the notion that we of the time ahead of us and the length- longer live and act like college frat cines to keep functioning? Is there some shouldn’t have to put up with the chal- ening of the time behind us. Even as we boys. It’s right to expect growth in self- wisdom in the very DNA of the life lenges of infirmity, and instead ought to achieve a much-sought independence in control as we mature, and to expect a process that mandates the breakdown receive help from the medical system our lives, we begin to cycle back to- more reflective and sober approach to of physical health in late life? Hillman so we can beat a hasty retreat to the wards a renewed dependence on others, life. Growing old invariably offers us says, yes. There’s an innate wisdom in exit. By pushing for physician-assisted on care-givers, family and the commu- the opportunity to redirect our focus, the process of aging and dying: the best suicide, they encourage us to despise nity, and we may even come to the re- and as our body weakens, our mind and wines have to be aged in cracked old the good of our own lives and to reject alization that our own mind will have soul can be drawn to consider matters barrels. The breakdown of our bodies the graces that arise from our struggles to be surrendered if dementia comes we may have previously avoided, like deepens, softens, and matures the by choosing to ingest any of a number our way. All of this can instruct us, if death and that which awaits us beyond soul.” of doctor-prescribed poisons. we accept it with grace, in the wisdom death’s threshold. Our later years can I once overheard a hospital nurse On the other hand, by embracing our of relinquishing our own willfulness powerfully provoke us to come to terms chatting with one of her patients and particular path into death, and by offer- once again like little children, and re- with our destiny and with higher truths. was caught a bit off guard when she ing up our trials, we acquire a poise of turning to a humble framework of in- In a recent column, Father Ron Rol- nonchalantly declared, with a little soul and human maturity that orients us terdependence in our shared destiny heiser, quoting James Hillman, speaks twinkle in her eye, “... when we get to towards our destiny, a destiny in the with others and with God. to the graces that aging and infirmity be over 40, who doesn’t have hemor- hereafter that so many seem largely can bring our way: rhoids?” oblivious to. By letting our infirmities He is a priest of the diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves as the Director of Education at “Why have God and nature so struc- The comment, I thought, reflected a existentially speak to us, and coming to The National Catholic Bioethics Center in tured things that as we age and mature healthy, positive attitude toward aging realize how true it is that we have no Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org. 20 WRC Social Justice April 2016 Church role in agriculture 2016 S.D. Legislation Final Update “It is necessary, then, to point in a “…as Catholics we are called to participate in public life in a manner truly unified way to a new balance be- tween agriculture, industry and services, consistent with the mission of our Lord, a mission that he has called us to so that development be sustainable, and share no one go without bread and work, and so — 2015 Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, #1 that air and water and the other primary These S.D. legislative bills of interest were signed by the Governor: resources be preserved as universal Abortion: HB 1157 requires a doctor to provide a woman additional goods.” information on possible reversal of chemical abortion. —Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Abuse & Human Trafficking: SB 168 adds “receiving” another person “Caritas in Veritate,” No. 27 to current trafficking law & raises victim’s age to 18. SB 169 child When it comes to economic sectors pornography laws to include electronic means and increases penalty like agriculture, some believe the to Class 4 felony. church should not get involved in Education: SB 129 requires suicide awareness/prevention training for business or policy matters. The church new/renewal of school professional certificate. SB 159 allows tax should only provide “spiritual nour- “The land has produced the harvest; credits to insurance companies for educational scholarship ishment” to its members. God, our God, has blessed us.” contributions. But bishops and church leaders fol- Environment: SB 17 appropriates up to $1.3 million for wildfire policy, but rather to create a moral low a different track: Hearing the cry suppression. framework. of vulnerable farmers in a merciless Medical related: HB 1110 provides prenatal care (not including abor- By doing so, the church reminds us global market beyond their control, tion, unless necessitated by a medical emergency) for unborn chil- of the common good and “living in the the church is compelled to act in the dren whose mothers are not eligible for Title XIX care based on light” of Gospel teachings. Church secular world. citizenship. The Catholic Church speaks out on leaders can raise questions and ask agricultural issues because much is at policy-makers — political leaders, stake in moral and human terms: food agricultural experts, advocates, and ac- is essential to sustain life. Who can tivists — to make policy choices with deny that providing food for all is a the most vulnerable in mind. Gospel imperative? This goes beyond providing food When the U.S. Farm Bill is periodi- for all: the church cares for all those cally reauthorized by Congress, the who produce the food — farmers and church gives due attention to agricul- farmworkers — and calls for good tural, food assistance and rural devel- stewardship of the land for future gen- opment issues. The bishops give erations. careful consideration and offer their (Reprinted with permission. Since 1923, Catholic Rural Life has served the faithful in perspectives based on Catholic social rural & agricultural communities. Find out teachings. They do so not to set public more at catholicrurallife.org.) Georgia governor says he will veto state RFRA measure ATLANTA (CNS) — Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory and Savannah Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer said that like all of the U.S. Catholic bishops, they support the Religious Freedom Restoration Act but “do not support any imple- mentation of RFRA in a way that will discriminate against any individual. In- deed, the dignity of each individual is the basis for religious liberty,” they said in a statement issued the afternoon of March 29. A day earlier, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal announced he would veto a religious exemptions bill. Supporters of the measure, HB 757, said it would protect religious freedom of clergy, for example, who oppose same-sex marriage and do not want to perform such wed- dings. But critics of the bill called it “appalling” and said it would have given faith-based organizations in Georgia the option to deny services and jobs to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Numerous corporations announced that if the bill became law, they would no longer do business in the state of Georgia. April 2016 News WRC 21

Pray and Work Ora et Labora Pray and Work Ora et Labora Pray and Work Ora et Labora Pray and Work Ora et Labora Pray and Work Ora et Labora Benedictines busy during season of Lent By Sr. Florence sA number of sisters attended the abandonment, the Holy Father re- sOn February 24, Nahyun Kang, ar- McManamen, OSB important diocesan functions during minded everyone to extend a personal rived for a three month period of serv- sHe has risen! Alleluia! How grate- March. Pastoral Ministry Days were “touch” of really noticing a person ice and renewal through the ful we are for the great love Jesus has enriching. This year the speaker, while extending charity or while ac- Benedictine Volunteer program de- shown to each person especially Msgr. Thomas Richter, encouraged knowledging someone. The month of scribed in a earlier copy of the West through his suffering, death and resur- everyone to develop a deeper relation- March closed with the ordination of River Catholic. This volunteer pro- rection. Through Father Bob Baden’s ship with God and gave many practi- three permanent deacons. Congratula- gram and living with the monastic generosity we were privileged to have cal ways to do this. The Chrism Mass tions to these deacons and blessings to community is designed to help the the Holy Week Services in our chapel is an important church gathering of their families. young person learn about religious on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the bishop, priests and faithful. The sSister Donna Marie Chartraw, a life. Early in April, Patricia Nguyen, Holy Saturday. In addition to Father Palm Sunday Brunch fundraiser for Benedictine Sister from Queen of An- the volunteer coordinator, two other Baden, we are always grateful for the Catholic Social Services was spiritu- gels Monastery, Mt. Angel, Oregon, is Benedictine volunteers and Nahyun dedicated priests who celebrate Mass ally uplifting also. The guest speaker, spending several months of her Sab- spent a discernment weekend at St. for us on weekdays and Sundays. Dr. Jonathan Reyes on the staff of batical at St. Martin Monastery. Sister Martin Monastery. The four women sSister Eleanor Solon’s brother, USCCB, echoed many of the concerns Donna Marie was prioress of her com- were with us for the March Benedic- John Solon passed away. His funeral of Pope Francis. As an antidote to the munity for two terms. She adds a tine Weekend. The next Benedictine was March 29, in Kadoka. greatest poverty, that of loneliness and cheerful spirit to our monastery. weekend is May 20-22.

Obituaries Sister M. Jacinta Fiebig, SHF, 87, served at Cathedral Parish______Sister Eva Sheehan, BVM, 98, taught in Rapid City____ Sister M. Jacinta Fiebig, SHF, died peacefully at AlmaVia of San Francisco on Dubuque, Iowa — Sister Eva Sheehan, BVM, 98, died April 1, at March 24. She was born Elizabeth Ann Fiebig on November 15, 1928, in Alam- Marian Hall in Dubuque, Iowa. Burial is in Mount Carmel ceme- agordo, New Mexico, and entered the Sisters of the Holy Family on July 2, 1949, tery, Dubuque. at the age of 20. In the Diocese of Rapid City, sister taught first grade at Perpet- Sister Jacinta served in various parishes and day homes in California, Nevada and ual Help Grade School in Rapid City. She was born in Killarney, Utah and in home visitation in Rapid City from 1980-1988, serving in the Cathe- Ireland, on April 12, 1917, to Harry and Ellen (Connor) Sheehan. dral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1937, from St. Paul Sr. Eva She returned to Oakland, California, to begin a six-month orientation in the AIDS Sheehan, Parish, San Francisco, Calif. She professed first vows on March 19, BVM Resource Center. On her second day, she found herself the day center director and 1940, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1945. a member of the staff. She wrote a book sharing some of her experiences there. Memorials may be given to the Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Since leaving the AIDS Resource Center, sister was involved in volunteer min- Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52003. istries, and until recently lived at the Motherhouse in Fremont. About three months ago, she was transferred to AlmaVia of San Francisco, where she was visited reg- ularly by sisters, friends and family. Her funeral was April 1, at Holy Family Motherhouse in Fremont. Contributions may be sent to the Sisters of the Holy Family, PO Box 3248, Fremont, CA 94539. 22 WRC Social Justice April 2016 NPM holds spring meeting, announces choir festival Thirty liturgical musicians met on On June 10–11, there will be an March 5 at Sacred Heart Church in NPM Choir Festival at the Cathedral of Philip. Parish members and Father Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rapid Kevin Achbach, Philip, started the pro- City. All music ministers in the diocese gram by giving us a priest’s perspective are invited to participate in the week- on the direction sacred music should end of sacred music. Local music con- lead us. Terry Schroeder, Blessed ductors Anella and Clayton Southwick Sacrament Parish, Rapid City, led the will lead singers through a broad gamut group in song as they sight-read a se- of liturgical music. On Saturday lection of Oregon Catholic Press (OCP) evening, the festival will culminate music. Jackie Schnittgrund, also from with a concert to benefit the Catholic Blessed Sacrament, provided some tips Social Services-Love INC Prosperity on incorporating various instruments in Initiative. The cost for the choir festi- Society of St. Vincent de Paul the liturgy — a musical enhancement val is $15 (includes meals and refresh- April 9, the new Rapid City Diocese District Council of the Society of St. and an effective recruiting tactic. She ments). Contact Kathy Little at Vincent de Paul held installation of officers and commissioning of members enlisted local talent to demonstrate cre- 605-484-7817 or [email protected] at Our Lady of the Black Hills Church, Piedmont. In addition to the Piedmont parish, there are two other new conferences, Cathedral of Our Lady of Per- ative ways to enrich the music liturgy. to register by the June 1 deadline. petual Help, Rapid City; and St. Mary/St. Joseph/St. Paul, Newell, Spearfish and Belle Fourche. The ceremony began with commissioning three spiritual Catholic Daughters “Lifesavers” fundraiser advisors, followed by the district council and conference officers. Next, the active and associate members were commissioned. Active members are Catholics who accept the charter of the society. In addition they need to Grace, Magalina, Catherine, take part in the life of the conference to which they belong. Associate and Trinity Mutchler collect members may or may not be Catholics, but sincerely and publicly accept the donations for the Catholic society’s basic principles, and as they are able, participate in the charitable Daughters of the Americas activism in their area. Each conference will discern its ministry through Lifesaver Drive at Our Lady prayer. (WRC photo by Laurie Hallstrom) of Mt. Carmel, Keystone. The sisters assisted Barbara Bertschinger raise money for local domestic violence shelters. (Photo courtesy Barbara Bertschinger)

A Safe Environment for Children and Young People The Catholic Diocese of Rapid City is firmly committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for our children and young people. To Nuncio Appointed report allegations of sexual abuse by church personnel, contact the Victim Assistance coordi- Archbishop Christophe Pierre, nator, Barbara Scherr. To ensure confidentiality in her outreach to victims, she can be con- apostolic nuncio to Mexico since tacted privately at 1-605-209-3418 (cell). Her phone has caller ID and messaging features. All 2007, has been appointed the new information will be treated confidentially. Alleged victims are advised of their right to report apostolic nuncio to the United States. Good Friday Protest alleged abuse to civil authorities. Archbishop Pierre is pictured during a Father Jonathan Dillon is covered in In accordance with diocesan policy, all allegations of sexual misconduct involving children press conference regarding the visit snow as he leads the rosary during or young people and priests, deacons, lay employees, or volunteers serving the Diocese of of Pope Benedict XVI in Leon, Mexico, the Friday protests in Rapid City. Rapid City will be investigated. The diocesan sexual misconduct policy and the code of conduct are posted on the diocesan in this March 19, 2012, file photo. More than 20 people attended during website at www.rapidcitydiocese.org. (CNS photo/Mario Armas, Reuters) the snow storm. (Courtesy photo) April 2016 News WRC 23 Ministry tackles suicide epidemic Mother Angelica, founder of EWTN, ROSEBUD (CNS) — A sad reality on dies after long illness a number of Native American reserva- BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (CNS) — Mother Angelica, who tions is the high suicide rate. That is es- founded the Eternal Word Television Network and turned it into pecially true on the Rosebud one of the world’s largest religious media operations, died Reservation in south central South March 27 at age 92. Born Rita Antoinette Rizzo in Canton, Ohio Dakota. In 2007 — at the height of an in 1923, she entered the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in ongoing suicide epidemic — the num- Cleveland on Aug. 15, 1944, at the age of 21. Feisty and out- ber of deaths by suicide on Rosebud spoken, she was a major controversial figure in the U.S. church was roughly 13 times the national aver- in the closing decades of the 20th century. At the same time, the age, making it, according to one report, international scope of EWTN’s media operations gave her a the highest in the world. To help address Mother Mary ready calling card at the Vatican. She built the venture into a net- Angelica of the this crisis, St. Francis Mission, a Jesuit work that transmits programs 24 hours a day to more than 230 Annunciation, ministry on this Lakota reservation, has million homes in 144 countries via cable and other technologies. P.C.P.A. started a suicide and crisis hotline. For It broadcasts in English and several other languages. Geraldine Provencial, its director, her Mother Angelica had been ill for years. She was operated on Dec. 24, 2001, in work has a strong personal motivation: a Birmingham hospital to remove a blood clot in her brain after she suffered her “What inspires me to work with the sui- second major stroke. It left her with partial paralysis and a speech impediment. cide and crisis hotline is the experience Last November, she was placed on a feeding tube as she continued to battle lin- I have had with suicides in my own im- Geraldine Provencial, director of gering effects of the strokes. Mother Angelica died at her order’s Our Lady of An- mediate family. I lost a sister to suicide, the suicide and crisis hotline gels Monastery in Hanceville, where she “was surrounded by the prayers and love a brother to suicide and my grandson’s started by St. Francis Mission. She of her spiritual daughters, sons and dear friends,” said a statement from the Poor says her ministry is providing the mother to suicide, which has resulted in Clares. “last grasp of hope” for those in my taking care of my grandson today, Mother Angelica “reflected the Gospel commission to go forth and make dis- who is 11 years old. He is my inspira- crisis served by the mission, a Je- suit ministry on the Rosebud Reser- ciples of all nations,” said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, tion.” Not having had support when she vation. (CNS photo/Rich Kalonick, president of the U.S. bishops’ conference. “Like the best evangelists, she used the herself had to deal with these suicides is Catholic Extension) communications tools of her time to make this happen. She displayed a unique ca- what spurs Provencial today to reach out pacity for mission and showed the world once again the vital contribution of to others on the reservation who are ex- See full story at https://www.face women religious.” Archbishop Kurtz was one of several Catholic leaders who periencing these difficulties. book.com/DioceseofRapidCity took note of the death of Mother Angelica, “Her work, begun in the cloister, reached across the globe,” Archbishop Kurtz said in a March 28 statement. “She was a convincing sign as to how even the humblest of beginnings can yield abun- dant fruit.” Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia, who served on the EWTN board of directors for many years, called Mother Angelica “a woman of extraordinary faith, intelligence, energy and determination.” 24 WRC News April 2016 April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month Safe Environment Program promotes abuse prevention daily Charlotte Verhey, Diocesan guided by the teachings of Jesus and The adult training for all those who child does disclose abuse is stressed. Safe Environment Coordinator our Catholic traditions. If we model work with children, youth, or vulnera- Quarterly Safe Environment Newslet- “Keeping God’s Children Safe” is Christ, then our actions toward others ble adults are required to include: ters are sent out as a way to provide ad- an age-appropriate, self-generated pro- demonstrate compassionate love, for- • Signs an adult may see in a child ditional information to those in the gram for pre-kindergarten through giveness, and dignity and respect for all who is abused parishes working in these areas, as well grade 12 and the special training mod- people, as we focus on others • Signs an adult may see in a person as for any interested adult. ule for adults. We are currently com- versus ourselves … all qualities who abuses children The children and youth lessons in pleting our third year using these of right relationships. We de- • What actions an adult the fall center on personal safety that materials with our adult training pend on Catholic traditions, should take when they conforms to Catholic teachings. Chil- process and the children/youth pro- including those of believe child abuse of dren hear messages that they are de- grams throughout the diocese. This Catholic social teachings any kind may be oc- serving of dignity and respect. God summer we will have an on-site audit that guide us in our call curring wants this dignity and respect to be the through the Child and Youth Protection to reach out to others The training in- foundation to developing right, healthy Office of the USCCB. Auditors will in- daily. These teachings and tra- cludes why our faith relationships; that if a relationship is terview various people and examine ditions are the foundation as compels us to be proac- not right or safe, they can ask for help. our records. we create safe faith environ- tive in protecting and The winter lesson centers on different Why is all this important? In the ar- ments for our children and reaching out to others in topics of right relationships. ticle, “From Safe Environments to youth, our vulnerable adults, and need. In fostering faith development, an Gratefully, this month you may hear Faith Environments,” author Elizabeth all our people. As Elizabeth further essential part of our faith environment much about child abuse prevention A. Heidt Kozisek, Ph.D, notes a key states in her article, “Safe environment must be safeguarding our youth, what from various sources. Be the watchful point of Archbishop Gregory Aymond programs are more than ‘risk manage- is involved in creating a safe environ- eyes and ears of protection and reach of New Orleans’s address to the Victim ment,’ focusing on the actions to reduce ment, as well as how to respond if a out to those in need. Assistance Ministry Conference in the risk of abuse, to reduce further dam- writing: “Our efforts to right the wrong age to our children and our church. of sexual abuse and to protect the life They involve modeling Christ, creating and dignity of our children are not just for children the kind of loving relation- about safety, but about our faith. All ships that Christ teaches about in his that we do as Church to respond to gospel message. Every protective mes- those suffering the pain of abuse; to sage to children, from noting their protect children and youth; and to pro- unique and special creation, their dig- mote right relationship models the nity as a person, and true meaning of Gospel message of Christ.” love in relationships furthers the Gospel As Catholic Christians we are message of Christ.” April 2016 WRC 25

To those who received one Alleluia, Christ is risen or more of the sacraments of initiation into the “Tonight, in receiving the Easter sacraments, you are Catholic Church at Easter being drawn into the very ‘holiness of God.’ These beautiful signs of Christ’s love ensure his continued Vigil or Easter, presence in the Church. The power of Christ lives in the sacraments and through our participation in them we Welcome to the remain connected to the vine. It is this way we remain in him.” —Bishop Robert Gruss Diocese of Easter Vigil Homily, March 26, 2016 Rapid City

Belle Fourche, St. Paul Hot Springs, St. Anthony Piedmont, Our Lady of the Carlene Landguth Rapid City, St. Therese Andrew Cazer of Padua Black Hills Amanda Moriarty the Little Flower James Courtney Haven Akers Andrew Boyd Robert Tschetter Jessica Meier Mark Roberts Stephanie Anise Mayra Boyd Stacie Tschetter Kimberly Reeves Tabitha Roberts Lauren Hildebrand Jaylyn Derickson Shane Watkins William Smith Amanda Shirley Devin Lamont William Greer Ayden Wrisley Trevor Stahl Xzerci Lamont Naomi Heid (Baptism Only) Acacia Trevillyan Bonesteel, Immaculate Shannon Sawyers Jennifer Kuyper Ashley Justice Conception Daniel Lee Smith Cathy Long Reliance, St. Mary Brianna Davis Tonya Weisbeck Richard Long Rapid City, Cathedral of Our Angela Reis Calli Davis Joshua Philbrick Lady of Perpetual Help Heidi Reis Lemmon, St. Mary Derrick Siemieniak Alexis Bohndorf Colome, St. Isidore Roy Schiley Hayley Bohndorf Spearfish, St. Joseph Lacey Koontz Brandy Schwab Pine Ridge, Sacred Heart William Bohndorf Francy Foral Abigail Kortan Mesha Schwab Este Hill Noah Brubaker Brandon Hofer Eli Kortan Tomee Warbonnet Bryan Carrier Mike Kaitfors Shannon Kortan Martin, Our Lady of the Aaliyah Weston Noah Carrier Jobeth Meyer Sara Petersek Sacred Heart Daniel Weston Sandra Carrier Ron Rosenau Richard Fairhead Myranda Johnson Mary Samson Custer, St. John the Baptist Rapid City, Bethany Gonzalez Marvin Ward Della Marie Martinez McLaughlin, St. Bernard Blessed Sacrament Mason Grimshaw Scott Williams (Baptisms only) Maria Alvarado Medora Guigliano Deadwood, St. Ambrose Kyligh Iron Road Ava-Joy Cannon Stephanie Hatley Sturgis, St. Francis Shirley Harvey Carter Schmeichel Joanna Cannon Torre Kavanaugh of Assisi Deborah Kullerd Colt Schmeichel Victoria Cannon Amanda Kopren Martin Fashbaugh Kenedi Schmeichel Stephanie Engelbrecht Ashley McBride Cerrina Lingwall Ft. Pierre, St John the Persephone Williams Michael Figge Jason Monroe Nodia Lippert Evangelist Sara Fitzgerald Karen Newman Nick Uherka Chris Fosheim Murdo, St. Martin of Tours Kirstin Hockhausen Mica Parson Julie Hand Jill Rankin Larenda Hondl (Norman, OK) Naomi Pulscher Wall, St. Patrick Nicole Knuppe Eli Huot Rory Ross Amanda Kjerstad Newell, St. Mary Star Ezra Huot Kent Kjerstad Gregory, St. Joseph of the Sea Kirsten Huot Paul Slaymaker Jessica Fehr Michael Huot Winner, Immaculate Zachary Peterson Haley Justice Conception Allison Knapp LoRel Christensen Kaden Knapp Jason Sachtjen 26 WRC News April 2016 ‘From the moment I walked into the church, I knew where I was supposed to be’ By Becky Berreth learning different prayers — that she Emotional. Home. The spirit work- remembers. ing. It was a calling. “I wake up every morning praying Sponsors Bob Those are just a few of the phrases because it’s so important. We try to go and Pam Richard and Cathy Long used to de- to adoration every week. I don’t know Weaver scribe their journey through RCIA and if we had ever prayed together as a cou- (back row) joining the Catholic Church at Easter. ple like that before — just sitting in si- and new The sixty-something year old couple, lence together and with Christ.” members began looking closer at the Catholic Richard found the sacrament of rec- Richard and faith when one of their grandchildren onciliation one of the hardest parts of Cathy Long was baptized. the class. after the Easter Vigil. “My daughter married a Catholic, so “I’m 60 some years old and I had I went to my grandson’s baptism and on never confessed anything. It was nerve- (Photo courtesy my way out I grabbed a Magnificat,” racking. I was shaking. It was so emo- Mountain explained Richard. “I read it, enjoyed tional, but there was a great relief Shadow what I was reading and a stirring kind afterward,” he said. Photography) of happened so I thought, ‘hey let’s go The one thing that both found mean- this way.’” ingful, was that, “this was the church Cathy received a few books from a that Christ made,” said Cathy. “Every friend who had joined the church in other church has a start date. The 2015 and began reading. The more she Catholic church has stuck to their be- pervisor at one point. I happened to see met with Richard once a week. read, the more questions she had, so she liefs all this time.” him at a blood drive at the church and I “We talked about the search for a would keep finding books. When she “We would sit in the back of the asked him if he was joining the church. saint, reconciliation, the background of decided that she agreed with what she church, watch people do things and He said ‘Yeah, because of my grand- the church, the history in the Bible,” he was learning she decided to stop at Our know that everything had meaning,” kids,’ and that was the end of it. Then said. “I still try to meet with Richard Lady of Black Hills Church, Piedmont. agreed Richard. one day he’s running down the stairs and I invite him to different events.” “From the moment I walked into the During the Long’s search for spon- after Sunday Mass and asked us if we “I call them the RCIA poster chil- church I just knew it was where I was sors they happened on a couple that would be their sponsors,” said Pam, dren,” said Pam. “They are at adora- supposed to be. Larry Williamson was they had known from their careers in Cathy’s sponsor. tion, daily Mass, they go to what they there and he was very welcoming. He the National Guard. Bob and Pamela “It was one of those things that just can. I have never seen anyone so new gave me a Catechism, the forms to join Weaver were just as surprised to learn happened. It was the spirit working,” to the church so on fire for the faith. I RCIA, a Bible, and a parish directory. I that the Longs’ were in the process of added Bob, Richard’s sponsor. am blown away.” finally felt like I was home.” becoming Catholic. According to the Weavers, both “I hope they continue to embrace the When Cathy was asked about her fa- “Bob came home from Mass one Richard and Cathy were eager to learn. faith. They are starting a new journey vorite part about RCIA, it was the day and said he saw Richard. I was a “I would give Cathy all these CDs and it will become a part of their life,” classes on prayer — how to pray and flight medic and Richard was my su- and books and she would consume said Bob, Richard’s sponsor. them,” Pam said. “We felt God the whole way. I may In Your Prayers Using his old materials and ques- have walked into that church,” Cathy In Your Prayers is designed to help us remember the birthdays, ordination and tions he had when he became Catholic, said, “But he nudged me in the rest of death anniversaries of the priests who serve us. Birthdays: May 1, Fr. Michael Bob, a convert to Catholicism himself, the way. It was a calling.” Hight; May 6, Fr. Edward Vanorny; May 10, Fr. Kevin Achbach; May 14, Fr. David Matzko, SJ; May 20, Fr. Michel Mulloy; May 31, Fr. Mark McCormick. Ordina- tions: May 8, 1954, Fr. Gerald Scherer; May 22, 1981, Fr. Richard Novotny; May 31, 1969, Fr. Joseph Daoust, SJ; May 31, 1991, Fr. Edward Witt, SJ. Necrology: May 1, 1951, William Sullivan; May 3, 2008, Andrew Morvay; May 5, 1940, Vincent Frech, OSB; May 6, 1984, Joseph Ford, SCJ; May 9, 1959, Daniel Daley; May 10, 1961, John Cohane; May 12, 1951, John Frei; May 13, 2014, Richard McCaslin, SJ; May 16, 1947, Henry Klein; May 17, 1921, Thomas McNaboe; May 17, 1973, Bernard Drew; May 17, 1978, Hugh Farrington, OSB; May 19, 1932, Dennis Casey; May 21, 1962, Stephen McNamara, SJ; May 23, 1873, Peter DeSmet, SJ; May 25, 1986, Leonard Fencl; May 26, 1913, Bede Marty, OSB; May 29, 1981, James O’Connor, SJ; May 31, 1953, Bishop Joseph Busch. April 2016 Ed Update WRC 27 RETURNING HOME: MIKE WELCH RETURNS TO STM MISSION TRIP TO JAMAICA Junior Dru Gylten, and seniors RED CLOUD INDIAN SCHOOL Kennedy Kirsch, Theresa Cronin, PINE RIDGE — From 1,800 miles capital campaign goals, and most re- Anna Eaton, and Ciara Duffy pose away Mike Welch could hear the drum- cently, designing a unique, community- for a photo while painting during ming all along. He could feel the vibra- curated art exhibit to be on display this the St. Thomas More High School tions from soft steps as the children fall. mission trip to Jamaica. A group 22 danced to the drumbeats. He could “We are so proud to see some former students and five chaperones smell the sweet dust in the air — the students now in leadership positions at served from March 22-April 2 at the Mustard Seed Communities, kind that can only come from the wide- the school and in parishes around the spending their Easter holiday help- open plains of the Midwest. And in his reservation,” Welch said. “Red Cloud is ing with the daily care of the heart knew he must return home. an integral partner in helping to break handicapped children and adults, This fall Mike and his wife Bridget the cycle of poverty on Pine Ridge by building sidewalks, painting, and will do just that: Bridget will teach at providing an education that helps em- other landscaping work at two or- Red Cloud Elementary School and power people to live lives that God de- phanages. Welch will serve as Red Cloud Indian sires. ” Today Mustard Seed Communities School’s Vice President for Institutional Welch will join Father Winzenburg serve over 600 children in 14 com- Development — Special Assistant to and others in an effort to expand the munities, throughout four nations. the President Father George Winzen- partnerships and strategic initiatives the The children and young adults they serve belong to the most vulnera- burg, SJ, in advancing national partner- school requires to maintain its position ble groups in Jamaican society — ships and support around the country. as a leader in native education. “We are children and young adults with disabilities, children affected by HIV/AIDS and “The Pine Ridge Reservation is a life one of the most successful K-12 educa- teen mothers along with their babies. They also manage a number of commu- transforming place filled with people tional institutions educating Native stu- nity outreach programs to combat poverty and provide education to local pop- who touched our lives and our hearts,” dents in the country,” said Fr. ulations. (Courtesy photo) Welch shared from his home in Massa- Winzenburg. “Yet we cannot allow our chusetts. “We have learned so much successes to date to be enough. Our stu- about life and about living from the dents and community members are Lakota people. Our coming to Red teeming with potential. We must con- Cloud at this time is our small way of tinue to strengthen ourselves so that giving back to a culture which has they, in turn, can continue to thrive in given us so much.” new and innovative ways.” Welch first arrived at the Pine Ridge Reservation to volunteer at Red Cloud (Article courtesy of Red Cloud In- Indian School in 1982. For two years he dian School. To learn more about the served as the director of religious edu- curriculum and the school, visit cation and later took on the role of www.redcloudschool.org) youth minister in the K-12 school sys- tem, serving across the reservation. Mike returned in 1990 to teach and help write the school’s religious education curriculum, and again in 1995 to serve as the Director of Development in the Advancement Office. Having met and married his wife Bridget, also a volun- teer, they began a family before they returned to the east coast to be closer to relatives. In the time since his departure from the reservation, the school has seen un- precedented growth, advancing its pro- gramming in STEM fields, developing lay leadership formation in its pastoral efforts, planning and surpassing its first 28 WRC April 2016 Now oung dults Playing The Jungle Book (Disney) Y A This adaptation of British author Rudyard Kipling’s 1894 collection of stories about the adventures of a “man-cub” (Neel Sethi) raised by animals offers delightful, good-na- tured, heartfelt entertainment for the entire family, the most easily frightened tots possibly excepted. Orphaned as a baby, the boy is led by a kindly panther (voice of Ben Kingsley) to a pack of wolves, which raises him as one of their own. A menacing tiger (voice of BHSU Newman Basketball Tournament Idris Elba) regards him as a threat (Above) The Black Hills State University Newman Club Leadership Team and orders him killed, but the boy escapes. On the journey that fol- — Krista Steinbessier, vice-president; Fr. Mark Horn; Jesse Willis, Secre- lows, he strikes up an unlikely tary; Marisa Sokoloski, Treasurer; and Jack Nelson, president — take a friendship with a happy-go-lucky team “Yodel” photo during the BHSU Newman Club Basketball Tourna- bear (voice of Bill Murray) and ment, March 19. The Newman Club sponsors the yearly tournament as a faces new challenges. Amid the fundraiser for activities and travels. This year’s tournament had five lavish, computer-generated forest teams participating and raised more than $200. (Right) Lakton and fauna, director Jon Favreau McLaughlin, of the winning team “McDonnel Farms,” goes in for a layup and screenwriter Justin Marks pay against the “Grangels.” (Photos courtesy Malinda Hetzel) homage to Disney’s 1967 animated version of Kipling’s work with mo- ments of humor and by incorporat- ing its toe-tapping tunes, “The $1.5 million grant boosts study of Do not say ‘I am only a youth’ Bare Necessities” and “I Wanna Be A “YouCat” nugget courtesy of the Like You.” A few scenes of peril. science, faith in seminaries The Catholic News Service classifi- Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry WASHINGTON (CNS) — A wave of courses cation is A-II — adults and adoles- What does the Holy Spirit do in my life? connecting branches of science with Catholic cents. The Motion Picture The Holy Spirit makes me receptive to Association of America rating is PG teaching is emerging in seminaries across the God; he teaches me to pray and helps me to — parental guidance suggested. country. The goal is to raise “the scientific liter- be there for others (738-741). Some material may not be suitable acy of clergy,” said Doris Donnelly, retired pro- Augustine calls the Holy Spirit “The quiet for children. fessor of religion at John Carroll University in guest of our soul.” Anyone who wants to suburban Cleveland, who is administering a sense his presence must be quiet. Often this three-year, $1.5 million grant funding the Sci- guest speaks very softly within us and with ence and Faith in Seminary Formation program us, for instance, in the voice of our con- for the school. The courses are not just limited science or through other interior and exte- to clergy, but also have seminarians, lay minis- rior promptings. Being a “temple of the Holy ters and anyone interested in the intersection of Spirit” means being there, body and soul, for (CNS photo/courtesy of NASA) Catholicism and the sciences in mind, Donnelly this guest, for God in us. Our body is there- told Catholic News Service. In all, staff at 15 seminaries received grants of fore God’s living room, so to speak. The Classifications $10,000 each in the program’s first year. Faculty and administrative staff are more receptive we are to the Holy Spirit in Barbershop: The Next Cut.....L introducing courses that address topics as diverse as human genetics and us, the more he becomes the master of our The Boss ...... O biotechnology, Christian anthropology, Darwin’s theory of evolution, marriage life, the sooner he will bestow on us even God’s Not Dead 2 ...... A-II and human sexuality, and brain science as it relates to Catholic ritual and mys- today his charisms for the upbuilding of the church. And so, instead of the works of the Classifications used by the USCCB are: ticism. Except in one case, the courses will roll out in the 2016-2017 academic A-I, general patronage; A-II, adults flesh, the fruits of the spirit grow in us (290- year. For some instructors, the emphasis on science and religion is a key com- and adolescents; A-III, adults; L, 291, 295-297, 310-311). limited adult audiences, films whose ponent of the new evangelization. Others see science education as crucial in a problematic content many adults world where science is usually portrayed as contradicting faith. Most impor- In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, would find troubling; O, morally tantly, however, instructors said, the courses can help students find new ways joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, offensive. For more information, visit faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. http://www.catholicnews.com/ of understanding God and share that understanding with people in the pews try- movies.htm. ing to make sense of the information they are bombarded with daily. Against such there is no law. (Gal 5:22-23).