Minnesota’s Most Rural Diocese Diocese of New Ulm Vol. 35 No. 1 September 2020

“As time goes on, God lets you know what you need to know. He doesn’t show you miles down the road, but he shows you the next step.” — Bishop John M. LeVoir

Bishop LeVoir retires (Read SPECIAL REPORT on pages 6-7 and 11.) (photo by Tamara Klawitter) A new normal. Catholic school students throughout the Diocese of New Ulm are back in class, but little is “normal” when it comes to education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pictured is third grader Lincoln Reinarts during class at St. Anthony Elementary School in New Ulm. (Read more on page 2.) Minnesota’s Most Rural Diocese Diocese of New Ulm Vol. 35 No. 1 September 2020 Parishioners say farewell to end of an era as five parishes hold final Mass by Katie Roiger Joe Steinbeisser on Sunday, June 7. Mass at St. Mary’s in Seaforth. Prairie Catholic correspondent Attendance was smaller than usual Concelebrants were parish pastor due to health concerns, but those Fr. Jeff Horejsi and Fr. Aaron NEW ULM – As Bishop John M. who were present appreciated the Johanneck, the Diocese of New LeVoir continued to shepherd the opportunity to gather. Ulm’s Director of Worship. Both implementation of the Fourth Plan priests are native sons of the for Parishes, he celebrated five last “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Seaforth parish. Sunday liturgies during June. In it was difficult bringing the order to ease the burden on parish community together for saying While the church building is now priests and recognizing smaller goodbye to the church and to for sale, one significant piece of parish’s decreasing revenues, celebrate the many years of parish the building will continue to enrich closing Masses were held at Sacred life together,” said Fr. Steinbeisser. its former parishioners and new Heart in Franklin, St. Mathias in “We are hoping that, when we audiences. The church’s treasured Wanda, St. Mary in Seaforth, St. can resume social gatherings, we pipe organ was dismantled and John in Hector, and Our Lady of will gather community members moved to the Church of St. Mary Victory in Lucan, now merged together again for a proper in Arlington. Community members with St. Anne in Wabasso. During welcome into their new parish,” he are happy to know that its life of each closing Mass, parishioners said. making music will continue. gathered to celebrate their long and vibrant parish histories. Following the Mass, many sacred At the closing Mass, Fr. Johanneck and blessed items were removed Sacred Heart, Franklin parishioners gathered for a last Mass celebrated shared some of his favorite The first to gather to remember from the building, including the by Bishop LeVoir on Sunday, June 28. In a nod to the parish’s steadfast memories of growing up in the their parish were members church bell, steeple cross, stained devotion to St. Patrick, siblings Tim, Molly, Pat, and Joe Sullivan sang the St. Mary parish community. of the Church of St. John in glass windows, and altar apparel. “Irish Blessing” after Communion. (Photo by Tom Keaveny) “I think it was really from the Hector. The closing Mass was According to Fr. Steinbeisser, some parish in Seaforth that I learned celebrated by Bishop LeVoir and of the liturgical items are being in Wanda for two years following there is a grieving process.” the importance of reverence for concelebrated by parish pastor Fr. incorporated into the Church of his ordination to the permanent Due to COVID-19 concerns, the sacred spaces like the church and St. Mary in Bird Island. “The altar diaconate and assisted Bishop last Mass took place outdoors, and reverence for the Eucharist,” Fr. angels now surround the tabernacle LeVoir at St. Mathias’s closing Communion was distributed to Johanneck said. “I remember that at St. Mary’s, and the Mary and Mass. He added that the church’s those dispersed around the church after Mass, the church would be Joseph statues have been placed in parishioners were aware of their grounds in lawn chairs or in their quiet, everyone would kneel, we’d St. Mary’s social hall,” he said. parish’s need to close, but wanted vehicles. all pray for a few moments, and inside an opportunity to commemorate its then we’d quietly work our way out On June 20, Bishop LeVoir passing. “It was very different than what of church. All of our conversations Page 5 & 8 celebrated the last Mass with we had planned,” said Deacon would happen outside, even in the Preparing for parishioners of the Church of St. “Parishioners are certainly Pope, mentioning that the original winter! The church is holy and the Eucharist is there – it’s not a social Election Day 2020 Mathias in Wanda. understanding that the church as a intention before the pandemic whole is much bigger than even our was to have the last Mass inside hall. That really had a deep impact on me.” Page 9 “It’s difficult,” Deacon Ryan Pope local diocese and that the church the church one last time. “It was a said regarding church closings. “I isn’t necessarily a building – it’s a somber moment, but also one that Mathiowetz assumes think that because of what happens, people,” Deacon Pope explained. had an air of family to it. So many Fr. Horejsi recalled the impact of role as DCCW president we almost identify ourselves with “But the church itself is a physical could get together and reminisce the former St. Mary’s pastor, the a parish. So many sacraments representation of an invisible about it.” late Monsignor Stan Grabowski, Page 10 happen at a parish, within a church reality. It’s a way for parishioners on the parish’s faith life. “He was Ask a Canon Lawyer building, that there are memories to experience all of those things According to the parish a strong influence in the faith,” attached, there are life events that are sometimes hard to put into community’s wishes, the Church of Fr. Horesji shared. “He was in the attached, and that’s difficult to words in the beauty of the building St. Mathias has now been razed. Dachau concentration camp as a Visit us online! imagine ever coming to a close.” and the gathering of the people. young priest, and he certainly That’s what a parish is all about, On Sunday, June 21 Bishop LeVoir www.dnu.org Deacon Pope served St. Mathias and when it gets merged or closed, celebrated an early morning (Continued on page 11)

The Prairie Catholic l Page 1 l September 2020 diocesan church On Good Ground

priests and must be at least 35 appointed bishop could come from when I was ordained by Bishop years old. another province. Raymond A. Lucker. Prayer for On Aug. 10, the Diocese of New These names are submitted to the I had the privilege of serving as a new bishop Ulm college of consultors met to apostolic nuncio in Washington, the chancellor for Bishop Lucker elect a diocesan administrator. I D.C., who then forwards the during his last year as bishop Almighty God, was elected and entrusted with names to the Congregation of of New Ulm. I was also part of Who by the Holy Spirit moves the responsibilities and authority Bishops at the Vatican. From this the transition process when Fr. the hearts of Your people, of a diocesan bishop until a new roster of candidates, a list of three John Berger served as diocesan bishop is appointed. I felt humbled names is usually presented to the administrator in 2001. Direct the counsels of those but was confident that with the Holy Father, who makes the final who are appointed to choose a help of God, our pastoral leaders, decision. For the past 19 years, I have had bishop for the Diocese of New and you, the faithful of the the privilege of serving as vicar Ulm, that we may be given a diocese, I would be able to serve During this interim period, I will general for both Bishop John C. pastor who in faithfulness and by Msgr. Douglas Grams until the fifth bishop of New Ulm devote myself to serving the Nienstedt and Bishop LeVoir. wisdom shall lead Your people Diocesan Administrator is installed. Diocese of New Ulm as diocesan Although there may be speculation in the way of holiness. On Aug. 6, 2020, Pope Francis administrator. At age 60, I am in about who the next bishop of accepted the early resignation of Many of you may be wondering my thirty-third year as a priest. New Ulm will be, there is no Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop John M. LeVoir due to how long we will have to wait. campaigning. Rather, we pray in Amen. health concerns. Of the 196 dioceses in the United I have had the good fortune thanksgiving for our past bishops States, there are currently seven to know the four bishops who who have guided us during these Mary, Mother of the Church, last 63 years as a diocese. According to canon law, when a dioceses without a diocesan have served our diocese. Bishop pray for us. See (diocese) becomes vacant, bishop. Normally, there is an eight Alphonse J. Schladweiler (who the diocesan college of consultors to 15 month waiting period. built the church, school, and As we await the appointment of must convene and elect a The bishops of each province convent of my home parish, the the fifth bishop of New Ulm, we diocesan administrator within gather to nominate candidates Church of the Holy Rosary in pray in anticipation that we may To download a copy of eight days after the See is known for the episcopate. Our province North Mankato) confirmed me and receive our new shepherd with joy the prayer card visit to be vacant. The administrator is includes Minnesota, North and was present at my ordination to and that our hearts and minds be www.dnu.org/levoirretirement chosen from any of the diocesan South Dakota; however, a newly the priesthood on June 13, 1987, filled with the spirit of the Gospel.

THE Catholic schools in diocese reopen with ‘mindful’ approach by Dr. Michelle Kramer each day. Others have asked RA RIE families to take on this NEW ULM – Let the school bells responsibility before sending P CATHOLIC ring! We are in the classroom! their children off to school each morning. With ventilation The Prairie Catholic, the official After a spring consumed with remaining an important concern, newspaper for the Diocese of New Ulm technology, trials, and a fair amount of tears, New Ulm teachers are choosing to hold since May 1972, is published classes outside as weather every six weeks, Sept.-June. diocesan Catholic schools are eagerly welcoming their students permits. We are implementing the protocols for Mass, mirroring our Interim Publisher: back – masks and all. Sunday experience. Field trips Msgr. Douglas L. Grams Looking back will be rare (at least for now), and Editor: Christmas concerts are yet to be Christine E. Clancy March 16, 2020, will live in infamy for those of us in determined. We are finding new Submission deadline is the 1st of each education in Minnesota. It marked WABASSO - St. Anne’s first grade students returned to school ways to maintain community, to month prior to publication. the start of our new normal, on Aug. 25 each donning a face mask, a requirement under the fundraise, and to celebrate. beginning with the year’s final COVID-19 Minnesota guidelines. (Photo submitted) quarter spent implementing a No doubt, the days ahead will Diocesan Pastoral Publication office: distance learning model. This and be grateful for when the world as new methods and science produce anxiety. However, the Center, 1421 6th Street North, New Ulm, looked different in each of seemed to stop. Although we become available. overwhelming voice of our MN 56073; phone: 507-359-2966, our 16 Catholic schools, and were overwhelmed with work and diocesan school families called for a return to face-to-face learning. Email: [email protected] it presented challenges for family, we were also fortunate to Like in the spring, each school As educators and students, we Website: www.dnu.org teachers and parents alike. But be forced to stop the rollercoaster will have a slightly different will continue to pray through we made it through the year, and enjoy family. approach to implementing our the nerves and smile behind the Postmaster: Send notice on Form 3579, finding remarkable ways to new face-to-face model, but with a masks. Amidst the challenges, “The Prairie Catholic,” 1421 6th Street remain connected to our kids. We Looking ahead few commonalities. Per Governor there is joy in being back in the North, New Ulm, MN 56073-2071. frequently met online via Zoom or Times are changing once again, Walz’s mandate, all K-12 students classroom. Periodical postage paid at New Ulm Google Hangouts, and we created and we are looking hopefully and teachers are required to wear and additional mailing offices. take-home packets for families. ahead to our newest normal. masks, social distancing USPS 926-760. We even celebrated graduations Our schools have spent months is to be honored as and prayed the rosary online. writing carefully crafted plans for much as possible, and a safe return to school. They have volunteers are being kept We live in a time where our place considered everything from lunch to a minimum. The health The Prairie Catholic and experience of prayer look protocols, to air ventilation, to of students and staff is a Dr. Michelle Kramer is available online different, and the concept of the masks, to Mass. These plans have top priority. is director of Catholic domestic Church takes on a whole been shared with school families Schools in the Diocese at www.dnu.org new meaning. However, one day via email and on school websites. Some schools are of New Ulm. we will look back on these days They will be tested and tweaked checking temperatures

The Prairie Catholic l Page 2 l September 2020 diocesan church Former Clara City pastoral Retired priest and rural Sleepy Eye native administrator dies at age 81 Fr. Robert Goblirsch dies at age 86 graduated from St. Mary’s High on to attend Nazareth Hall Minor In 1968, he oversaw the building School, Dell Rapids, S.D., in 1956 Seminary in New Brighton, of the Church of St. James in and entered Presentation Convent Minn. He entered St. Paul Major Nassau. He led the rebuilding of on Jan. 4, 1957. She professed her Seminary in the fall of 1954 St. John Cantius School in Wilno, vows on Aug. 10, 1959, receiving receiving a bachelor of arts in along with renovation of the St. her religious name of Sr. Mary History in 1960. John Cantius Church. He also Perpetua. led the building of a new rectory He was ordained to the priesthood and parish center at St. John’s She earned a bachelor's degree in for the Diocese of New Ulm on parish in Ortonville in 2001. He Education in 1969 from Northern Feb. 21, 1960, at his home parish was instrumental in establishing State College in Aberdeen and a of St. Mary’s in Sleepy Eye by the Bonczek Scholarship Fund, master's degree in Administration Bishop Alphonse J. Schladweiler. The burse has contributed over in 1973. She dedicated 18 years to a million dollars of assistance education in Anoka and Mound, Parish assignments included: St. towards the education of priests Minn., and Mitchell, Milbank, and Mary in New Ulm, Cathedral of for the diocese and aided the Sr. Catherine Fiegen Fr. Robert Goblirsch Woonsocket, S.D. She also served the Holy Trinity in New Ulm, Schoenstatt Sisters with building Sr. Catherine Fiegen, 81, a Sister as a pastoral associate in Anoka. Fr. Robert Goblirsch, a retired Holy Redeemer in Marshall, the Schoenstatt Chapel on Sleepy of the Presentation of the Blessed priest of the Diocese of New St. Raphael in Springfield, St. Eye Lake. Virgin Mary and a former pastoral In the Diocese of New Ulm, she Ulm died on Aug. 19 at Divine Thomas in Sanborn, St. John administrator at the Church of St. served as a pastoral associate Providence Community Home in Cantius in Wilno, Ss. Peter & In 1974 he was honored with the Clara in Clara City, died June 9, at the Church of St. Philip in Sleepy Eye, Minn. He was 86. Paul in Ivanhoe, St. Michael in 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus. 2020, at Mother Joseph Manor, Litchfield from 1978-1991 and Madison, St. James in Dawson, St. Aberdeen, SD. as a pastoral administrator at the A Mass of Christian Burial for Fr. John in Ortonville, St. Joseph in Fr. Goblirsch celebrated 60 years Church of St. Clara in Clara City Goblirsch was held on Aug. 24 at Rosen, and St. James in Nassau. of priesthood in 2020. He retired The Mass of Christian Burial was from 1991-1997. the Church of St. Mary in Sleepy to Divine Providence Villa in 2013 held privately due to COVID-19. Eye. Burial was in the church On the diocesan level, Fr. and transitioned to the Divine A memorial Mass will be held Sr. Catherine then served as cemetery. Goblirsch served as defender Providence Nursing Home in at a later date. Burial was in the director of Chaplaincy and of the bond for the Marriage 2019. Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery Mission Service at Avera Holy Fr. Goblirsch was born on the Tribunal. in Aberdeen. Family Hospital in Estherville, family farm in rural Sleepy Eye Iowa, from 1998-2002, followed on Nov. 24, 1933. He graduated Fr. Globirsch’s priestly ministry Catherine Fiegen was born Sept. by four years on the Presentation from St. Mary’s Catholic School was highlighted by several 9, 1938, in Sioux Falls, S.D. She Sisters leadership council. in Sleepy Eye in 1951 and went significant construction initiatives. Amid COVID-19, support continues for San Lucas Toliman mission by Bill Peterseon slow spread, but a steady spread, mission employees don’t feel so Friends of San Lucas nonetheless. disconnected from what used to be executive director a steady stream of visitors. The Friends of San Lucas, a non- Civil War. Earthquakes. Tropical profit organization, has focused on Supporter matters storms. Typhoid pandemic. preparing the mission’s healthcare It has been a lot of change and Floods. Droughts. The collapse program to combat the virus. adaptation on everyone’s part. of the coffee markets. The death Friends of San Lucas is blessed to But one constant has been the of the mission’s longtime pastor have a healthcare committee with extraordinary commitment shown Msgr. Greg Schaffer, and now extensive experience in global by contributors to the mission, the coronavirus (COVID-19) medicine and public health. especially the faithful supporters pandemic. It would seem that the from the Diocese of New Ulm. San Lucas Toliman mission in The immediate concerns were The San Lucas mission grew out Guatemala has survived almost to develop protocols for treating of the soil of this diocese, and everything that has come its way. and isolating patients, remodel support from the diocesan faithful And it has. clinic space to accommodate the has been unwavering. outbreak, acquire PPE (Personal By the grace of God and through Protective Equipment), and was done through the Charity with distribution program for first the extraordinary support of the develop educational materials to Dignity Program of the mission. responders and mask-making and Annual Mankato Gala people of the Diocese of New distribute in the communities. Program director Emi Tun and seed distribution programs. The Ulm, as well as thousands of The clinic staff and community- goes viral! her team began a distribution school, which has been shut down On Sept. 28 through Oct. 2, others, the mission continues to based health promoters worked rotation that targeted the most since March, is meeting with small 2020, friends of the mission will serve the people of San Lucas closely with medical professionals vulnerable families in San Lucas groups of parents and distributing have a chance to demonstrate faithfully, with grit, determination, from the healthcare committee and the surrounding communities. homework packets for the students their support by participating and a singular vision created 57 to prepare. In late July, the virus Currently, this program is on an every two-week basis. in what will be held viral this years ago. began showing up in San Lucas distributing food to 200 families year, the annual Friends of San and some of the surrounding every week while following social The Visitors Program has been Lucas Mankato Gala. This year’s As you might imagine, this has communities. distancing guidelines. suspended since March and will been an extraordinary year. The goal is $200,000. Visit www. stay closed for the near future. sanlucasmission.org for further coronavirus began impacting A second area of focus was All programs of the mission Friends of San Lucas has designed information. To be included Guatemala in March, and the to develop a food distribution have adapted to the pandemic. weekly Zoom presentations with in Friends of San Lucas email Guatemalan government began program that would alleviate some Construction and coffee growers program directors so that people updates, contact Julie.knopp@ to take immediate steps to slow of the hunger issues related to follow all safety protocols. The in the United States still feel sanlucasmission.org. its spread.The result has been a travel and work restrictions. This Women's Center started a meal connected to the mission and

The Prairie Catholic l Page 3 l September 2020 diocesan church En Tierra Buena Diocese welcomes three new principals Muchos de ustedes se estarán preguntando cuánto tiempo tendremos que esperar. De las 196 diócesis en los Estados Unidos, actualmente hay siete diócesis sin un obispo diocesano. Normalmente, hay un período de espera de ocho a quince meses. Los obispos de cada provincia se reúnen para nominar candidatos al episcopado. Nuestra provincia incluye Minnesota, Dakota del por Monseñor Douglas Grams Norte y del Sur; sin embargo, un Administrador Diocesano obispo recién nombrado podría venir de otra provincia. Estos Percy Lingen Anthony Biese John Kimec El 6 de agosto del 2020, el Papa nombres se envían al Nuncio St. Philip’s, Litchfield Holy Trinity, Winsted St. Anthony’s, New Ulm Francisco aceptó la renuncia Apostólico en Washington, D.C., anticipada del obispo John M. quien luego envía los nombres by Christine Clancy Elementary and High School He hopes to work closely with LeVoir debido a problemas de a la Congregación de Obispos The Prairie Catholic in Winsted. He comes to the the Winsted community, and with salud. en el Vaticano. De esta lista de Diocese of New Ulm from San God’s help, set the stage for an candidatos, generalmente se Según el derecho canónico, NEW ULM –Three new Diego, Calif. but is originally increase in enrollment and vitality presenta una lista de tres nombres principals started the 2020-2021 from western Wisconsin, moving of the school. cuando una sede (diócesis) queda a Nuestro Santo Padre, el Papa vacante, el Colegio de Consultores year at three Catholic elementary to Eden Prairie, Minn., when he Francisco, quien toma la decisión schools in the Diocese of New entered high school. John Kimec is the new principal de la diócesis debe convocar final. y elegir a un administrador Ulm. Each was looking forward at St. Anthony’s Elementary to passing on the faith to their Biese earned his bachelor’s degree School in New Ulm. diocesano dentro de los ocho días Durante este período interino, me in theology, philosophy, and the posteriores a la fecha en que se dedicaré a servir a la Diócesis de students. sabe que la sede está vacante. El New Ulm como Administrador Great Books Honors Program Kimec received both a bachelor’s administrador se elige entre los Diocesano. A los 60 años, estoy Percy Lingen is the new principal at the Franciscan University and master’s degree from St. sacerdotes diocesanos y debe en mi trigésimo tercer año como at St. Philip’s Catholic School in of Steubenville. His masters in Mary’s University in Winona and tener al menos 35 años. sacerdote. He tenido la suerte de Litchfield. theology is also from FUS, and his principal licensure from the conocer a los cuatro obispos que he completed some coursework University of Minnesota in the El 10 de agosto, el colegio de han servido a nuestra diócesis. El A resident of Hutchinson, she for a Ph.D. in scripture at Loyola Twin Cities. He has been working consultores de la Diócesis de obispo Alphonse J. Schladweiler begins her 29th year in the University of Chicago before in education for 16 years and New Ulm se reunió para elegir (quien construyó la iglesia, la field of education. She holds a leaving to enter the Norbertines have spent 13 of those years in un administrador diocesano. escuela y el convento de mi bachelor’s degree in elementary as a seminarian in southern administration. Me eligieron a mí y por ende parroquia de origen, la Iglesia del education from Morningside California. confiaron las responsabilidades Santo Rosario en North Mankato) College in Sioux City, Iowa and He and his wife Lindsay have y la autoridad de un obispo me confirmó y estuvo presente en a master’s degree in curriculum After a year in the seminary, five children. He is excited to diocesano hasta que se nombre un mi ordenación al sacerdocio el 13 and instruction and education Biese began his teaching career be moving back to Minnesota nuevo obispo. de junio de 1987 por el obispo administration from Minnesota in 1998. He has 17 years of from Chicago and is “looking Raymond A. Lucker. Tuve el State University in Mankato. teaching experience and 21 years forward to the beautiful nature and Me siento muy honrado, pero privilegio de servir como canciller tengo la confianza que con la of administrative experience, with changing of the seasons that this del obispo Lucker durante su Lingen said she feels the best the last six years as Headmaster great state has to offer.” ayuda de Dios, nuestros líderes último año como obispo de pastorales y ustedes, los fieles de part about working in a Catholic of Saint Joseph Academy in San New Ulm. También fui parte del school is that “every aspect of the Marcos, Calif. Kimec looks forward to his new la Diócesis, podré servir hasta que proceso de transición cuando el child is considered. We help them role at St. Anthony Elementary elijan al quinto obispo de New Reverendo John G. Berger se grow academically, physically, He and his wife, Shivaun together and working with the staff at Ulm. desempeñó como Administrador have eleven children. Cathedral High School which Diocesano en el 2001. Durante and spiritually.” already began on July 6. Oración para los últimos diecinueve años he tenido el privilegio de servir como Anthony (Tony) Biese is the Biese is excited to return to his un Obispo Nuevo Vicario General tanto del Obispo new principal at Holy Trinity home state and serve as principal. Dios Todopoderoso, Nienstedt como del Obispo Quien por el Espíritu Santo LeVoir. mueve los corazones de tu pueblo, Aunque puede haber especulaciones sobre quién será Ilumina y guía al consejo de el próximo obispo de New Ulm, aquellos que están designados no hay una campaña. Más bien, para elegir al siguiente obispo oremos en agradecimiento por dela Diócesis de New Ulm, nuestros obispos que nos han para que se nos conceda un pas- guiado durante estos últimos 63 tor que con fidelidad y sabiduría años como diócesis. pueda guiar a Tu pueblo en el camino de la santidad. Mientras esperamos el nombramiento del quinto obispo Por Jesucristo nuestro Señor. de New Ulm, oremos con la Amén. ilusión para recibir a nuestro María, Madre de la Iglesia, nuevo pastor con gozo, y que nuestros corazones y mentes se ruega por nosotros. llenen del espíritu del Evangelio.

The Prairie Catholic l Page 4 l September 2020 social concerns Relatedly, if we find that there our most secret core and sanctuary, are some who are excluded from where the voice of God echoes in political life, including voting, then our hearts summoning us to love we have a special responsibility to good and avoid evil; do this and Preparing for work for their inclusion (Matthew shun that (“Gaudium et Spes,” 25). We must work to give a voice no. 16). But we aren’t born with to those who have none, and already-developed consciences. prioritize the needs of the poor Conscience formation is a lifelong and vulnerable who often don’t process. Election Day 2020 have the resources or organization to bring an effective voice to the How do we form our conscience, public policy conversation. specifically regarding our positions “What’s a good Catholic voter to do?” on various issues? First, we must Voting is one small but important approach issues with an openness part of the call to participation. In to seek the truth. We must study The following discussion features Jason Adkins, executive director of Minnesota a representative government, it is Scripture and Church tradition, Catholic Conference, the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota; Jill important to carefully choose those examine facts and background Rauh, director of education and outreach for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ who make important decisions information, and consult the on behalf of those whom they advice of experts. All of this Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development; and Bernie Evans, professor represent and the broader political must be done prayerfully and emeritus of theology at the St. John’s School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville community. But we cannot reduce in a spirit of discernment. At the call to participation in public FaithfulCitizenship.org, Catholics as first published in the Sept. 2020 Diocese of St. CloudCentral Minnesota Catholic as life to voting and be content with can find several resources from part of “The Big Question” series. checking that box. the [U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops] to assist them in the Taking part in the political ongoing process of conscience process is an activity of service formation. where people come together to discuss how we ought to order our lives together. It should not be a Q. What principles/values power game. People who object should we take into account when to the Church offering its moral casting our vote? Should Catholic perspective on the issues of the social teaching be our guide? day or the participation of religious people in public life often view Adkins: We need to form politics through the prism of power. our consciences with the right In this way, they do not want principles, and then inform our religious people imposing their votes. Doing so will help transform views on others who do not share our legislatures. their faith. The Church does not tell us how Catholics, too, can fall into the to vote in every election. Rather, it trap of viewing politics solely provides the principles for shaping through the lens of power, and not our participation in community life. wanting the Church to undermine Formed in those principles, we go its ability to reach people with out and transform the world and the Gospel by causing stumbling restore all things in Christ. blocks for people. But the Church Jason Adkins Jill Rauh Bernie Evans calls us to see politics through the Catholic social teaching is that lens of service and a community toolbox of principles. It is not a work toward a just ordering of for the good of our neighbors – conversation about what serves set of prescriptions or ready-made What does the Church say Q. society reflective of God’s vision whether they live near or far, and the common good. Therefore, we answers. Instead, it is a mental about Catholics’ involvement for the world. The political sphere whether we know them personally cannot sit on the sidelines of these model for well-formed Catholics in political life and voting? is where laws and policies are or not – is enacting policies that important matters. to guide their actions. How those Shouldn’t the Church stay out of made about how society is ordered, protect human dignity and promote principles apply in addressing politics? Is there any scriptural impacting peoples’ ability to live the common good. When we engage in the political social problems, or when voting, is basis for its involvement? with dignity, so we must engage process in the right way with the a question of prudence. Prudence in the political process – both In the Church’s social teaching, this right principles, our witness will be is a virtue that allows us to do the Rauh: By our baptism, we are on Election Day and beyond. responsibility is known as the “call evangelical and bring people closer right thing in the right way at the each members of Christ’s body and In addition to voting, we are to participation” in community. A to Christ. The political arena is right time. his mission to bring “good news to called to advocate to our elected community is literally a “sharing of mission territory (Matthew 28:20). the poor, liberty to captives, new officials and be active members gifts,” and if we do not participate, That is certainly my experience sight to the blind, and to set the of our community who stand in we deprive the community of our after almost 10 years serving in this Sometimes, Catholics will differ in downtrodden free” (Luke 4:18). As solidarity with those who are most perspective and the gifts that we position. their prudential judgments, that is, disciples of Christ, we are called to vulnerable. It is essential to our have been given to share. the application of the principles of be instruments of grace, working to mission in the world. Catholic social teaching in politics heal the brokenness of the world. Certainly, we do not all have the Q.. The document and in elections. That is OK. The Pope Francis tells us in “The Joy of Adkins: Pope Francis says that same responsibility, as we have “Forming Consciences for key, however, is for Catholics to be the Gospel” that an authentic faith politics is one of the highest different gifts(1 Corinthians Faithful Citizenship” notes operating on the firm foundation “always involves a deep desire forms of charity because it serves 12:12). So, even though you may the importance of forming our of the right principles. To do so, to change the world, to transmit the common good. Participating not be the elected official who consciences properly. What is we must form our conscience values, to leave this earth somehow in the political process is an votes yea or nay to enact a law, conscience? What does it mean to (conscience means “with better than we found it.” Therefore, act of loving service or charity you can use your gifts to advocate form our consciences properly? knowledge”). he says, the Church “cannot and (“caritas”) because it is part of our for good policies. We can do this How does one go about doing must not remain on the sidelines in responsibility to love our neighbor by building relationships with our that? If we fail to form our conscience in the fight for justice”(no. 183). (Mark 12:30-31). To love our elected officials. Each of us cannot the truth of the Church’s teachings, neighbor means to work for his or do everything, but we can all do Rauh: The Second Vatican It is part of our baptismal call to her authentic good. Part of working something. Council described conscience as (Continued on page 8.)

The Prairie Catholic l Page 5 l September 2020 Special Report: Bishop LeVoir retires as bishop of New Ulm Bishop John M. LeVoir - a humble and loving servant a steadfast and faithful leader guided by patience and compassion by Christine Clancy The Prairie Catholic Given the significant health challenges that Bishop John LeVoir has been experiencing n Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020, the Diocese of New Ulm announced that and addressing, I was pleased to learn OPope Francis had accepted the early resignation of Bishop John M. LeVoir, that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, had who has guided the diocese and its community of nearly 51,000 Roman granted his request to be relieved of his Catholics since 2008. responsibilities as bishop of New Ulm and In July, Bishop LeVoir took a leave of absence to seek a physical and to begin his well-deserved retirement. psychological assessment at the Sacred Heart Mercy Health Care Center in Alma, Mich. Based on his diagnosis, the bishop underwent an extensive Bishop LeVoir, ordained as a priest of the Archdiocese therapy plan. of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in 1981, has long distinguished himself as a loving shepherd and faithful “I applaud Bishop LeVoir for recognizing his health concerns and making the servant of the Church. For nearly a dozen years, he request for early retirement,” said Monsignor Douglas Grams, the bishop’s provided compassionate and steady leadership to the vicar general in the diocese and most recently elected diocesan administrator. “I thank him for his devoted leadership during his tenure as the shepherd of Diocese of New Ulm, always pointing his flock to the love our diocese.” of God and the joy of the Gospel, even in extraordinarily difficult times. Here in the archdiocese, he is still Customarily, bishops do not submit letters of resignation to the pope until remembered fondly at the parishes in South Saint Paul and they reach the age of 75. Bishop LeVoir will turn 75 in February 2021. Stillwater where he served as pastor. He always put the needs of his flock before his own. He continues to inspire In an Aug. 6 letter to the faithful of the diocese, Bishop LeVoir acknowledged me by his example. the challenging times that the diocese and the Church as a whole have experienced during the past six years (referring to both clergy sexual misconduct claims and bankruptcy). However, he said he considers it a Ever grateful for his friendship, I ask the faithful of the privilege to have served the faithful of the Diocese of New Ulm. “Serving archdiocese to join me in praying for Bishop LeVoir, and Bishop LeVoir lays hands on the head of Fr. Matthew Wiering as your bishop has been a great honor and an enriching experience as I have for the priests, religious, and faithful of his beloved Diocese during what would be his first celebration of the rite of priestly come to know many people throughout this local Church,” Bishop LeVoir of New Ulm. - Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda ordination on July 3, 2010, at the Cathedral in New Ulm, During his said. “It would not have been possible to serve as your shepherd without your Aug. 6, 2020 time in the diocese, bishop ordained six men as priests and 19 men continued support, cooperation, and prayers.” The bishop asked parishioners as permanent deacons. to “continue to deepen your love for Jesus Christ, to be willing to share your Eleven men were ordained by Bishop LeVoir on April 14, 2012, at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. The men were the first group to be Catholic faith, and increase your concern for the less fortunate.” ordained as permanent deacons for the Diocese of New Ulm since it was formed in 1957. Bishop LeVoir went on to ordain 7 more men as deacons, one in 2013, and the remaining six in 2018. Before entering the seminary, Bishop LeVoir received a bachelor of science degree in Chemistry in 1968 from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul. to Bishop LeVoir’s warm and patient nature, combined with his pastoral gifts the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus to New Ulm, and in March, 2010, he In 1971 he attended the University of Minnesota in St. Paul and became and his ability to connect with people. established this new community as a public association of the faithful in the a certified public accountant in 1973 and worked for several years in the hope of becoming a religious community of diocesan rite. This was the first accounting profession and as an accounting instructor at his alma mater of During his time as bishop of New Ulm, Bishop LeVoir served on several religious community to be established in the diocese since the diocese was the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis from where he also received a committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, including formed in 1957. In 2014, the bishop welcomed to the diocese the Sisters of bachelor of arts degree in history in 1974. In his early 30s, he pursued an the Audit Subcommittee (Chair), the Committee on the Protection of Children Mary Morning Star, a contemplative, non-cloistered religious group who ecclesiastical career, entering the St. Paul Seminary in the Archdiocese of St. and Young People, the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of have taken up residence in the former St. Eloi parish rectory and school in Paul and Minneapolis in 1981, earning a master of Theology. Marriage, and the Budget and Finance Committee. Ghent. LeVoir was ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1981, for the Archdiocese Leadership highlights Diocesan Financial Reorganization of St. Paul and Minneapolis by Archbishop John R. Roach. Among his As principal teacher, Bishop LeVoir consistently communicated sound During a 2008 interview, Bishop LeVoir stated that he had hoped to draw writings, he is co-author of two books, “Covenant of Love: Pope John Paul Catholic doctrine through his “Be Not Afraid” column in The Prairie upon his previous experience in the business world and his ministry in five II on Sexuality, Marriage and Family in the Modern World” and “Faith for Catholic and his pastoral visits to parishes. He commonly participated in parishes, to help determine diocesan goals and foster cooperation. In March Today: Pope John Paul II’s Catechetical Teachings.” He also is the author of diocesan workshops and training days and was a constant speaker at the 2017, he continued to rely on his business and pastoral experience, while the “Image of God” catechetical series. diocesan marriage and remarriage preparation programs. Annually he would leading the diocese through Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, in the wake of lawsuits accept invitations to speak at parish adult and youth education programs. pertaining to clergy sexual misconduct. On July 14, 2008, he was appointed bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm by Pope Benedict XVI. At that time, he was serving as pastor of the Church of Bishop LeVoir took great pride in Catholic education throughout the diocese. Three years later, on March 10, 2020, a U.S. bankruptcy judge gave final Twenty-five years after Bishop Raymond A. Lucker promulgated the Throughout his leadership in the diocese, respect for human life St. Michael and the Church of St. Mary in Stillwater, Minn. Annually during Catholic Schools Week, he would celebrate Mass with approval to a $34 million settlement agreement involving 93 survivors of Diocese of New Ulm’s First Plan for Parishes, Bishop LeVoir, with remained a top priority of Bishop LeVoir. Each January he joined students and visit classrooms. He often participated in school fundraisers, clergy sexual abuse. “The Church is a safer place for children and young the recommendation by the Diocesan Pastoral Council, released the Two months later, on Sept. 15, an estimated 2,300 well-wishers packed the thousands of pro-life marchers during the Minnesota Citizens attended extracurricular events, and handed out diplomas to graduating high people today thanks to the courage of abuse survivors who advocated diocese’s Fourth Plan. The unanimous decision was made at the May the New Ulm Civic Center to witness the ordination and installation of the Concerned for Life (MCCL) March for Life held at the State Capitol school seniors. Each year the bishop would host a Children’s Holy Field Trip strongly for changes to protect the vulnerable and hold abusers and Church 4, 2013, quarterly meeting (pictured). The Plan not only would describe fourth bishop of New Ulm. Throughout the liturgy, Bishop LeVoir frequently in St. Paul. Prior to the march, a prayer service is held at the for all Catholic elementary school students and home-schooled students in the leaders accountable,” stated Bishop LeVoir. “I am grateful to them for their how the diocese’s parishes can continue to provide quality pastoral referred to himself as a “humble servant” and was quick to give credit to Cathedral in St. Paul. This served as an opportunity for the bishop diocese, a Vocations Day for sophomores in the Catholic high schools, and a bravery and perseverance . . . and apologize for the harm they endured.” care in the face of mounting demographic and cultural challenges, others for his new appointment. Lectio Divina prayer group for high school boys in the New Ulm area. but it also exhorted the diocese 60,000-plus Catholics to live out their to greet the hundreds of high school students from the three Catholic high schools in the diocese (Sleepy Eye, Winsted, and New In his June 2020 Prairie Catholic column “Be Not Afraid,” written shortly baptismal calling with greater conviction, imitating Christ as priest, Following the liturgy, hundreds of people waited patiently in long lines to During his tenure as bishop of New Ulm, Bishop LeVoir ordained six men prophet, and king. Ulm) who each year travel by bus to participate in the March. either say goodbye or welcome the new bishop to New Ulm, a true testament to the priesthood and 19 to the permanent diaconate. In 2009, he invited (Continued on Page 11)

The Prairie Catholic l Page 6-7 l September 2020 social concerns Catholic social teaching - a major guide when it comes to voting (Continued from page 5) could be a helpful guide in our social supports that help create the legislative networks. Many people Evans: I wish there were an easy preparation to vote in November. conditions for stable family life. underestimate the potential for way to do that. But one thing or malform our conscience with the Second, avoid starting with a impact at the local level. Consistent we could do is to simply listen opinions of TV news talking heads, preferred voting outcome and then engagement at the neighborhood, better, to read and hear different we will not only fail to bring the Q. “Forming Consciences for working backward to justify it. city, county, and state levels can viewpoints, not always listening to Gospel into public life, we may do Faithful Citizenship” identifies People can take some portion of really make an impact. the same political commentators, more harm than good. two temptations in public life that the Church’s social teaching to whether that’s CNN or Fox News, can distort the Church’s defense justify almost any vote. But we Adkins: Again, voting is a whichever one we’re directed Evans: I think Catholic social of human life and dignity: 1) a should strive to think with the mind question of prudence. Catholics toward. But to try to hear other teaching should be a major guide moral equivalence that makes of the Church and let our actions can come to different conclusions voices and try to understand and for us. I think several values or no ethical distinctions between and our votes be rooted in the right about the wisdom of various appreciate where other people principles really stand out. One that different kinds of issues involving principles. choices. Because we operate in an are coming from. Make efforts we all know within the Catholic human life and dignity; and 2) electoral system dominated by two to be with people who are not Church is the protection of human the misuse of these necessary Evans: It’s probably the biggest parties, with candidates chosen by always in agreement with us. And life, especially against any direct moral distinctions as a way of hurdle that I hear people struggling a small group of very ideological try to connect with people on a attacks on life, like abortion or dismissing or ignoring other with. I think a very easy answer activists, we are sometimes not more human, loving level and not like the death penalty. Abortion serious threats to human life and is to look at all the issues. But the given a choice between two good presume that other views represent numbers are still very high. [Just dignity. How should Catholics bishops are telling us something candidates, but instead we are a personal attack against me or my recently], the federal government navigate through these two more than that. On the one hand, picking the lesser of two evils. We views. resumed capital punishment after it temptations? there is a temptation to see all ask ourselves, “Which candidate had not been in use for 15 years in issues as equal, as having the same will do the least damage to the Something parishes could do is federal cases. So those are concerns Rauh: Some issues carry special importance. That’s something we dignity of the human person and to hold listening sessions where and examples of the kinds of moral weight and we must give need to avoid; we need to recognize the common good?” people can come and talk about things we should have in mind in particular attention to those issues. that not all issues are equal. their views and their concerns. In terms of voting with an eye toward However, concern for those issues Issues like abortion and climate In some cases, a person in good doing so, they could model how we protecting human life against such does not allow us to dismiss other change, the COVID-19 pandemic conscience cannot vote for either can be together even when we have attacks. important issues. For example, and racism are on a different of the major-party candidates. different political views. we are called to protect human level of importance than whether Voting for a third-party candidate Another broader, but related, value life, and we must also work to the fishing opener should be on or skipping a vote in a particular or principle is to promote and end the scourge of racism, seek Mother’s Day [or] whether monthly race are legitimate options. They Q. What are some do’s and protect the dignity of every person. just immigration policies, and Social Security payments should are not “wasted votes” but actions don’ts for Minnesota parishes That means not just making sure be attentive to all other “serious increase by 2%. These may be taken out of principle and in good when it comes to election season? people’s lives are protected, but moral issues that challenge our kind of silly comparisons, but there conscience. that they also have the basic things consciences and require us to act” are differences in issues and we Adkins: MCC offers a guide to that are needed to live a dignified (no. 29). absolutely have to recognize that. Not voting altogether because one permissible political activities life from birth until death. does not like the options at the during election season. It can be Another way of thinking about top of the ballot seems imprudent. found at mncatholic.org/election. A third principle or value I would this is that the Catholic perspective Q. What if you feel no There are many other candidate point to, to guide us in voting as is often described as a “both/ candidate for a particular office races on a ballot that merit study Parishes are often afraid of Catholics, is the preferential option and” rather than the “either/or.” fully embraces a commitment to and careful consideration. As we overstepping permissible bounds for the poor and the vulnerable – a We advocate for the unborn and the dignity of the human person? have been reminded during this and endangering the parish’s tax- very major part of Catholic social we welcome the immigrant. We How do you decide for whom to pandemic, major decisions are exempt status, and therefore avoid teaching. Especially today, I think protect families and we safeguard cast your vote? made at the state and municipal any election-related programming. that should include our efforts to the environment for future levels, and we cannot ignore those This is a mistake. Parishes have address racism in our country and generations. Catholics are called to Rauh: Catholics often experience candidates and issues out of disgust broad latitude to offer non-partisan what candidates are open to looking live out this “both/and” approach frustration because no candidate at what goes on in Washington. educational material and events to at that for the very serious issue in our political participation, from or party fully represents us. When inform voters. that it really is. the voting booth to our ongoing this is the case – and it often That being said, some Catholics, engagement in addressing issues is – we must each do our best such as Dorothy Day, rarely voted. A few key recommendations: Avoid A final principle or value that I that impact our communities. to assess imperfect choices and Though one cannot ignore voting endorsing candidates explicitly. would say we should be taking select candidates whose positions, and public life, it may reach a Similarly, avoid the appearance of into account in this time is caring Adkins: First, read “Forming character and abilities best reflect point where the refusal to vote is a strongly implied endorsement and for creation and looking especially Consciences for Faithful our Catholic perspective. its own form of witness. Voting is do not distribute voter guides from at the frightful issue of climate Citizenship” to be rooted in a important, but it’s not a sacrament. partisan organizations that are not change. Pope Francis made that so consistent ethic of life that protects In some circumstances, a Catholic Ultimately, it is a question of approved by your bishop. clear in his document “On Care for human life from womb to tomb may discern not to vote at all. conscience. Like everything else Our Common Home” – Laudato and promotes human flourishing in However, this is a decision that we do, how we vote should reflect Si’. between. Not all issues are created should not be taken lightly. Not Gospel values and a commitment to equal. But the full spectrum of voting means leaving up to others seeking first a kingdom that is not Another way of talking about this issues should be part of the voting who will be elected, so the decision of this world. is simply saying that we should calculus. An issue may not seem not to vote should only be made be guided by doing what we can like it affects you or be your issue after very careful deliberation. Evans: I think we should vote and Election 2020 Resources to promote the common good, to of preeminent concern, but it likely recognize that there is no perfect For resources help build communities where all affects someone else and needs to It is essential to recognize that our candidate – just like there is no to assist you in be considered. That is called voting people’s needs can be met in the political participation doesn’t end perfect voter. We’re all broken and preparing for specific ways that I just mentioned. in solidarity with others. in the voting booth. After we vote, we come up short, and we simply And the common good simply we need to get out there and try need to make the best of what is Election Day means all those things that people Further, as Pope Francis reminds our best to ensure that those who before us. 2020 and public need to live a dignified life: food, us in Laudato Si’, everything is represent us act in ways that reflect policy advocacy shelter, health care, education, etc. connected. For example, if you our values. We need to get involved throughout the If we can get our heads around are concerned about marriage in community organizations and Q. It seems like there’s a lot year visit the Minnesota Catholic the notion of the common good, and the well-being of the family, school boards, advocate with more polarization out there in the and for the simple and practical you should also be concerned our elected officials, and join political sphere. How do we get Conference website https://www. meaning that it has, I think that about economic policies and diocesan or statewide Catholic beyond that? mncatholic.org/.

The Prairie Catholic l Page 8 l September 2020 Catholic life Mathiowetz of Olivia to serve two-year Knights of Columbus founder term as NUDCCW president to be beatified in October Catholic Women (NUDCCW) Church of St. Aloysius in Olivia, Olympics, coat drives, and food president for the next two years. part of the Heart of Jesus Area drives for needy families. Faith Community (Bird Island, Between 2017 and 2018, the Her official installation as Olivia, and Renville). The couple Knights raised and delivered president was to have taken reside in rural Olivia, growing $2 million for the Iraqi town of place during the annual DCCW crops and raising cattle and Karamles; the Knights have helped Convention last April, but due sheep. Christian survivors of the ISIS to the guidelines put forth by genocide in the town resettle in the Center for Disease Control Although her current goals their homes and rebuild for the to help stop the spread of the as DCCW president have future. coronavirus (COVID-19), limitations due to COVID-19 the convention was canceled. social distancing guidelines, In an audience granted to Supreme Barb Mathiowetz However, NUDCCW by-laws Mathiowetz hopes to assist Knight Carl Anderson earlier this state that she would assume the each parish CCW use this time year, Pope Francis praised the by Christine Clancy duties as president even in the to evaluate their plans they organization’s “particular faithful The Prairie Catholic absence of in-person installation. have had in place and how they witness to the sacredness and want to move forward. She dignity of human life, evident at When Barb Mathiowetz was Mathiowetz comes to her also hopes to encourage more Fr. Michael McGivney both the local and national levels.” growing up in Chicago’s suburbs, new position with leadership spiritual enrichment across the from what she can recall, the experience. She has served as the organization. by Catholic News Agency He also noted the Knights’ parish her family were members NUDCCW service commission dedication to aiding, “both of did not have a Council of coordinator and continues to As president, Mathiowetz Fr. Michael McGivney, the founder materially and spiritually, those Catholic Women. Mathiowetz serve as treasurer for her parish encourages all women in the of the Knights of Columbus Christian communities in the said it wasn’t until a CCW CCW and as the CCW leadership diocese to join the Council of Catholic fraternal organization, Middle East that are suffering Recognition Sunday, an annual commission coordinator for Catholic Women. “Each of us will be beatified on Oct. 31, 2020, the effects of violence, war, and parish event in the Diocese of Deanery 3. She also has served has a God-given talent that can the Congregation for the Causes of poverty.” New Ulm, that she was first as parish CCW president and benefit the CCW,” she said. Saints announced July 20. exposed to the organization. secretary and CCW president and “In our world, marked by treasurer of what was at one time For further information about A miracle credited to the divisions and inequalities, the Serving in several Council Region 5 (now part of Deanery the Council of Catholic Women, intercession of Fr. McGivney generous commitment of your positions throughout the years, 3). visit nudccw.org or the National was approved by the Vatican and Order to serve all in need offers, Mathiowetz will take on the top Council of Catholic Women at announced by Pope Francis on May especially to young people, an leadership role serving as the Mathiowetz and her husband, nccw.org. 27, 2020. important inspiration to overcome New Ulm Diocesan Council of Kevin, are members of the a globalization of indifference A child who was diagnosed as and build together a more just and terminally ill in the womb was inclusive society,” Pope Francis miraculously healed following said in February. Service projects an important component prayers for the intercession of Fr. McGivney. Beatification, being declared of the Council of Catholic Women “blessed” by the Church, is the final The priest’s beatification Mass is by Lori Rixe passed away from an infection in Lucas Toliman, Guatemala. step of recognition before a person expected to be celebrated in his NUDCCW Service November of 2010. can be declared a saint. native Connecticut. Commission coordinator LEAST is a subcommittee of In an attempt to keep his the non-profit organization “The Fr. McGivney will become the The New Ulm Diocesan legacy alive, Tanner’s family Foundation for Saving Sight Inc.” Fr. McGivney founded the Knights fourth U.S.–born man to be Council of Catholic Women and friends created Tanner’s and was established in 2015 to of Columbus in New Haven, Conn., beatified, joining Bl. Stanley (NUDCCW) seeks to enrich Team, a foundation that helps answer the call to love Christ in in 1882. Initially, the organization Rother, Bl. James Miller, and Bl. the lives of Catholic women by families with children with life the poor – most especially in the was intended to assist widows and Solanus Casey. pursuing projects designed to threatening illnesses. abandoned elderly of Guatemala. their families upon the deaths of spread the Gospel message and their husbands. It has grown into While the Church has recognized further spiritual and family life Tanner’s Team allows families The organization has created a worldwide Catholic fraternal three women born in the United in all parishes and communities in Minnesota to apply for grants shelters, provided food, water, order, with more than two million States as saints, St. Elizabeth Ann throughout the diocese. to help pay for the mounting and medical care and addressed members carrying out works of Seton, St. Katharine Drexel, and St. expenses and regular bills that elderly needs for affection and charity and evangelization across Kateri Tekawitha, there have been Each year for their annual pile up during a child’s treatment. compassion. the globe. The Knights also offer no U.S.–born canonized men. service project, the NUDCCW life insurance policies to their selects organizations to support. Tanner’s Team grants are For further information about members. Editor’s note: There are 38 Knights This year, two wonderful available to families in 45 LEAST visit https://jesus of Columbus Councils in the organizations have been selected, counties in Minnesota.To learn thirstinginsanlucas.blogspot. In 2018, the Knights’ 16,000 Diocese of New Ulm. Membership Tanner’s Team and LEAST. more visit www.tannersteam.org/ com/. councils worldwide donated more is open to males 18 years of age or than $185 million to charity and older who are practicing Catholics. Tanner’s Team LEAST Information about either of these gave over 76 million hours of To join visit www.KofC/Joinus and At the age of 11, Tanner Ful was Loving the Elderly and Satiating service projects can also be hands-on service, worth over $1.9 complete the online form. A Knight diagnosed with Myelodysplastic His Thirst (LEAST) was the obtained from your Council of billion according to a valuation of in your area will contact you. Syndrome. He went through perfect name for an organization Catholic Women parish president. volunteer work by the Independent chemotherapy and eventually a that focuses on helping the Sector. Their volunteer work bone marrow transplant before he elderly and forgotten in San included support for the Special

The Prairie Catholic l Page 9 l September 2020 education Ask a Canon Lawyer investigation, the local bishop “Blessed”: a second scientifically- This month’s question: may declare the person a servant proven miracle and second How is a person canonized (declared a saint)? of God. The second phase begins acceptance by the pope results when the Congregation for the in the individual being called for the Christian faith, or someone Centuries, it was the responsibility Causes of Saints in Rome accepts saint by the Catholic Church, and who is known for heroic virtue. of a bishop in his diocese to the bishop’s submission of a cause given a feast day on the Church In an official declaration of evaluate the lives of specific and recognizes the heroic virtue calendar each year, either for a someone as a saint, the Church is individuals known for holiness by Fr. Mark Steffl, STL, JCL of the person: from this time, specific group of people or for the doing more than just declaring that or as martyrs, who had a popular the individual is referred to as Universal Church. an individual is holy. In fact, we following and recognition in his “Venerable.” The Congregation rom the earliest beginnings of are all, as followers of Jesus and own diocese. Beginning with for the Causes of Saints conducts The entire process often takes Christianity,F the Church, in turn, members of his Church, called to Pope Gregory IX in 1234 AD, its own further investigations into many years, if not centuries. The which has always believed that the holiness. Rather, someone given the official declaration of saint the life of the person whose cause last American canonized (in 2015) Apostles and Martyrs were quite the title of saint is recognized for was reserved to the pope, after is proposed, to make sure there was Junipero Serra, a Spanish closely joined to us in Christ, has the example their life gives for the the local bishop had supported is nothing that can be found in Franciscan priest who spent his shown them, together with the greater Church. and approved a candidate to be the life or writings of the person life setting up Catholic missions Blessed Virgin Mary, and the holy canonized. Successive centuries that conflicts with the faith or in the southwestern USA and died Angels, particular veneration and The process for making such a saw the creation of a special teachings of the Catholic Church. in 1784 in what is today the State has devoutly implored the aid of declaration has evolved over the office in Rome to evaluate these (An interesting side note here: the of California. An example of an their intercession. To these were centuries, but goes back to the “causes” (individuals who were term “Devil’s Advocate” comes unusually quick canonization soon added others also who had earliest days of the Church. In being proposed for canonization): from the person who is a part of was the case of Mother Teresa of imitated more closely the virginity the first centuries of the Church, Pope Sixtus V established the the process of vetting candidates Calcutta, who died in 1997 and and poverty of Christ, and finally, individuals who were universally Congregation of Rites in 1588, for canonization whose task is to was declared a Saint in 2016 by others whose outstanding practice acknowledged for their holiness and the current Congregation for try to find reasons why a person Pope Francis. of the Christian virtues and the or witness to the Lord as martyrs the Causes of Saints was created proposed for canonization cannot divine charisms recommend were given the title of “Saint” 1969 by Pope Paul VI. proceed.) Next issue: “What do parishes them to the pious devotion and which means “holy.” Individuals keep in their Baptismal imitation of the faithful. such as the Apostles or others Today, the process of proposing a For a person to continue to be Registers and why are they so – Divinus Perfectionis mentioned in the Gospels such cause or candidate for sainthood considered (if the person is not a important”? Magister, paragraph 3 as Mary Magdalene or Martha has two distinct phases. The first martyr for the faith) there must (whose feast day was just a while part begins on the local level with be a miracle attributed to the The preceeding quote is from a ago (July 29th) or early martyrs the bishop of the diocese where person’s intercession, which is If you have a question regarding document written in 1983 under such as the names that are listed the individual lived. After the seen as a validation that the person canon law, email The Prairie the authority of Pope John Paul II in the Roman Canon (First individual proposed for sainthood is in Heaven. This proof of a Catholic, [email protected]. that governs the process of how Eucharistic Prayer) Agnes, Cecilia, has been dead at least five years, t miracle is a very serious inquiry the Church officially declares an Linus, or Clement, were popularly he bishop will appoint a procurator made (in the case of medical individual to be a saint. In this recognized as saints without – an individual who will conduct a miracles ) with the help of medical Editor’s note: Fr. Mark Steffl serves paragraph it mentions that there ever having been officially been thorough study of the person’s life professionals. After the first as judicial vicar of the Office of the are two categories of individuals declared by the Church. of, involving interviews or people miracle is approved scientifically, Tribunal for the Diocese of New who can be declared by the who can attest to their holiness and at the acceptance of the pope, Ulm and is a canon lawyer. Church as a saint, either a martyr From the 6th to the 12th or heroic virtue. Following this the individual is then declared 2020 Election: As your heart is your conscience, vote with your heart of our country by voting. At this point, I out to him that this is more easily said than to natural death. magine yourself imagine Jesus asking me for an explanation done. Itaking a long walk on of how I make such decisions as to how I The blessings of Liberty to our posterity a beautiful wooded cast my ballot? My question then to Jesus would be, “By and ourselves depend on we the people path with Jesus. For establishing justice can we guarantee such bonding together as family in loving me it would be a Our laws guide how we treat each other. respect for all?” All Jesus says is, “Follow compassion for each person residing among walk like none other. I would cite to Jesus the preamble to our me!” He makes it sound so easy! us. At that point in my walk, I sense Jesus What would I say constitution. “We the People of the United but find myself surrounded by a multitude and where might the States, in Order to form a more perfect Jesus, can you just tell me how to vote? hungry from a past where food was in short by Deacon conversation go? At Union, establish Justice, insure domestic I explain this dilemma of the complexity supply. In a whisper, I hear Jesus say, “Feed Timothy Dolan some point, it seems Tranquility, provide for the common of politics, political parties, controversial my sheep!” the conversation defense, promote the general Welfare, and candidates, and a long list of issues. Jesus would get to how people treat each other. secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves just looks back at me as if to say, “My yoke The miracle of the United States of America How have I done unto others based on my and our Posterity, do ordain and establish is easy and my burden is light.” will be its people who come together and anticipation of loving and compassionate this Constitution for the United States of actually form a more perfect union, a place treatment from others? I think I would America.” So, where is your yoke in all of this where God’s peace is the law of the land. expect that his questions would pierce the that makes your burden so light? Jesus issue on how I love God and my neighbor. As the conversation continues, Jesus responds, “My food is to do the will of the As I finish my walk I still wonder which Opportunities to demonstrate love and questions me about my interpretation of one who sent me and to finish his work.” way to vote. In the silence, I hear a voice compassion for one another are a constant “Give to Caesar what is his and to God At that point, it came to me that I also have say, “As your heart is your conscience, vote in life. Not a day goes by devoid of such what belongs to God, and what might a part in doing the will of the one who sent with your heart!” moments of opportunity. a more perfect union look like.” Good him. To love one another I must put my question! Do we, as children of God, not trust in candidates that I feel will also come One such opportunity as citizens of the belong to God? I sense Jesus pointing me to understand this and lead our country Deacon Timothy Dolan is director of Social United States of America is our opportunity to support a candidate that will respect all to have the courage to have this love and Concerns for the Diocese of New Ulm. to charge leaders with the governance people as of one family. However, I point compassion for all people from conception

The Prairie Catholic l Page 10 l September 2020 diocesan church LeVoir retirement (Special Report and to welcome those who are new to our continued from pages 6-7) communities.” before he sought treatment for his health, “I believe these changes are positive. With Bishop LeVoir wrote that while the diocese prayer and proper planning, there can be had come out of bankruptcy in March, it had stronger parishes and area faith communities, not “finished with the healing andwelcoming even though there is real pain and sadness that it needs to do regarding survivors and involved as we leave some of the past the lives of all those whom this great tragedy behind,” Bishop LeVoir said. has touched. We are committed to doing what we can to help those harmed as minors by A compassionate leader with pastoral gifts clergy sexual abuse.” People throughout the diocese will remember Bishop LeVoir as a compassionate, loving, Planning for the future Bishop LeVoir’s work and his episcopal and pastoral leader, who had empathy for legacy in the diocese and his parish pastoral those facing challenges in their lives and in planning initiatives will most likely be their faith. At times, his leadership required viewed as unprecedented. In his introduction much courage and conviction as he dealt with to the Fourth Plan for Parishes, Bishop a wide range of issues of concern to Church and society: the plight of the unborn and LeVoir clearly articulated our gifts and On Jan. 3, 2010, the Justice for Immigrants Office of the United States Conference responsibilities as Christian Catholics. vulnerable, religious freedom, family life, the of Catholic Bishops sponsored a postcard campaign as a tool to build support for safeguarding of children, social inequality, When the diocese was formed in 1957, comprehensive immigration reform in Congress and to enhance the ability of the justice, and peace. there were 68,094 Catholics, 98 priests, 86 Church community to advocate for immigration reform. Pictured above, during the 2009 parishes, seven Catholic high schools, and feast day celebration of Our Lady of Guadelupe at St. Pius in Glencoe, Bishop LeVoir In 2008, during an interview with The 37 Catholic elementary schools. Sixty-five signs the first postcard as a symbol of his solidarity with all immigrants: “Especially those Catholic Spirit newspaper of the Archdiocese percent of U.S. Catholics were attending who are our brothers and sisters here in the Diocese of New Ulm.” of St. Paul and Minneapolis, shortly weekend Masses. following his appointment to New Ulm, Committee on Parishes, the Priests’ Council, efficient sharing of parish resources and Bishop LeVoir stated that he felt some The statistics are much different today. The and the Priests’ Personnel Board, and worked talents,” Bishop LeVoir stated in a 2018 apprehension about his “new job” and a diocese has 50,933 Catholics, 33 active with priests, deacons, pastoral leaders, and pastoral letter to the faithful of the diocese. bit nervous about the responsibility that priests, 19 permanent deacons, 61 parishes, parishioners to determine necessary parish “Through pastoral planning, the merging it brought – carrying out God’s will as a three Catholic high schools, and 13 Catholic closings and mergers. Under the bishop’s of parishes is resulting in greater numbers bishop. However, he stressed that, “As time elementary schools. In addition, there are leadership, 15 parishes and an oratory were of worshipers at fewer weekend liturgies, a goes on, God lets you know what you need to only about 33 percent of Catholics who closed or merged, and a network of 19 area reasonable workload for our priests, and with know. He doesn’t show you miles down the attend Mass on weekends. The decrease in faith communities, each under a pastor’s parishioners actively involved with the New road, but he shows you the next step.” active parishioners usually means decreased leadership was formed to better serve Evangelization,” he said. financial support for parish facilities and parishioners’ needs in light of changing rural After 12 years as shepherd of the Diocese fewer people to plan and work at parish demographics. In addition, the number of He continued: “The overall goal of the of New Ulm, God has shown the bishop his activities. Clearly, the diocese cannot active parishes in the diocese went from 78 Fourth Plan for Parishes and our pastoral next step – retirement. continue to operate as it had in the past. to 61 and six regions were consolidated into planning is to look honestly and prayerfully three deaneries. at the situation in the Diocese of New Thank you for your steadfast leadership, To carry out the Plan, Bishop LeVoir worked Ulm. Parish mergers are only part of the Bishop LeVoir. Godspeed. closely with the diocesan director of Pastoral “These and other efforts have enabled Plan. Parishioners are being asked to invite Planning, consulted with the diocesan increased collaboration of staff and the back home those who have left the Church

Parish closings and merge ease burden on parish priests (Continued from page 1) Victory in Lucan also gathered with in order to maintain worship native son of Franklin. “It was a Tim, Molly, Pat, and Joe Sullivan Bishop LeVoir as he celebrated the communities. program of music and joke-telling. sang the Irish Blessing after experienced some difficult things parish’s last Sunday Mass before I would play the piano, and my Communion. Following the Mass, in his life. But he was a very it was merged with the Church of “There’s a priesthood shortage, father would dance a jig.” the organ was removed from dedicated priest and was always St. Anne in Wabasso. According but there’s also a people shortage,” Now a Benedictine monk at St. the church and delivered to its caring about his parishioners.” to parish pastor, Fr. Tony Hesse, Fr. Hesse said. “I think sometimes John’s Abbey and University new home at St. John’s Abbey. the church will remain open for we’re fearful of sharing our faith. in Collegeville, Minn., Fr. Ruff Estimates for the demolition of the Thanks to their vibrant sacramental weekday Masses and marriages and The big thing is that we have that recalled the care and reverence church building are in progress. life, the parishioners at Seaforth are funerals. However, there will be no personal relationship with our with which Fr. Berger and his a welcoming, tight-knit community. weekend Mass. Lord, that we’re so delighted in congregation approached the At each closing Mass, the faith As a suitable remembrance of the his presence and in the Church he liturgy, including Holy Week. communities enjoyed gathering at many happy hours of socializing “It was a sad celebration,” said Fr. instituted that we would be willing their parish one last time and drew as a parish family, following the Hesse of the final weekend Mass, to evangelize.” “The strong faith and strong comfort from their fellow members’ closing Mass, parishioners gathered mentioning that his parishioners commitment of the whole parish support. While the celebrations for donuts. “This is not the end of were resigned but mournful about At Sacred Heart in Franklin, the formed me,” Fr. Ruff said. “The were tinged with sadness, the God’s plan for us,” Fr. Johanneck losing their weekend liturgy. “I closing Mass was celebrated by people were deeply Catholic and overall mood was of anticipation assured those gathered. “We are think they were hoping that it Bishop LeVoir on Sunday, June 28. committed to the Church. It was for the ways that God will continue grateful God blessed us with this would not happen in their lifetime.” It became an opportunity to revel the kind of parish that supported to work through his Church. parish for so many decades, and To commemorate the event, the in the parish’s special traditions and respected clergy.” Fr. Ruff’s now he’s going to bless us in parish distributed keepsake mugs in of commemorating holy days, vocation was realized at an early “It’s like mourning a loved one,” different ways, through different remembrance of the church. particularly saint feast days. age within the Sacred Heart said Fr. Johanneck. “You’re sad, but places and other parishes.” community. you just try to remember the good Fr. Hesse said he reminds his “I remember the St. Patrick Day times as well and be grateful and Later on in the morning of June parishioners of the importance celebrations with Fr. (John) In a nod to the parish’s steadfast move on to whatever comes next.” 21, parishioners of Our Lady of of building up the body of Christ Berger,” said Fr. Anthony Ruff, a devotion to St. Patrick, siblings

The Prairie Catholic l Page 11 l September 2020 and the White House to reach a that prioritizes the poor and Brothers” on fraternity and social deal on the next COVID relief vulnerable. friendship. The title, whose package that meets the urgent official English-language version needs of the nation: “My brother bishops and I have has not yet been released, is a written multiple times with reference to the writings of St. “Earlier this year, the leaders specific recommendations on how Francis: “Let us all, brothers, of our government reached a to meet the needs of this moment. consider the Good Shepherd bipartisan deal that provided It is imperative to act soon. May who to save His sheep bore VATICAN CITY (CNA) – The diocese said it “has no other significant relief to those suffering God grant all those participating the suffering of the Cross” Pope Francis has accepted the allegations of sexual abuse from the health and economic in negotiations a heart that (Admonitions, 6, 1: FF155). resignation of the Bishop-elect involving Father Mulloy.” crises that we continue to eagerly responds to the cry of the of Duluth, Michel J. Mulloy, experience. Many of the good poor.” Due to COVID-19, the visit will after an accusation of sexual The Rapid City diocese said it relief measures in that previous take place in private, without the abuse of a minor surfaced in early is “following the established package are running out. Families ITALY – Pope Francis will visit participation of the faithful. August. procedure” and informed law and individuals are having trouble the Italian town of Assisi on enforcement about the allegation. affording food, housing, and Oct. 3 to sign a new encyclical Mulloy, 66, was appointed to Mulloy was also directed to health care, and hunger-related entitled Fratelli tutti or “All lead the Minnesota diocese on refrain from engaging in ministry. crises grow internationally. Many June 19, and his consecration non-public schools must choose and installation as bishop were WASHINGTON – On Sept. 8, between reopening and permanent scheduled to take place Oct. 1. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley closure and require additional of Oklahoma City, chairman of assistance to safely reopen. According to a statement, the the U.S. Conference of Catholic Diocese of Rapid City on Aug. Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee Hospitals are bracing for a spike 7 “received notification of an on Domestic Justice and Human of cases in the Fall and continue allegation against Father Mulloy Development, issued a statement to experience fewer preventative that occurred in the early 1980s.” calling on lawmakers in Congress and elective health visits. Cases are spiking in detention centers, prisons and jails. Many businesses and charities are suffering dire hardship again. States, cities, and towns face shortfalls providing essential services.

Today, I ask our leaders in Washington to once again set aside their differences in order to reach an agreement