The
COURIER
Holy Trinity May 26
May 2024
Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona-Rochester, MN | dowr.org
Diocese Participates in Inside the Capitol Synod On Synodality � Minnesota Catholic Conference
Legislators Roll Dice on Sports Gambling he debate over the legalization of sports gambling has intensified at the Legislature, raising concerns about the potential negative impacts on individuals and communities. The Minnesota Catholic Conference stands firm in our opposition to the expansion of gambling, advocating instead for strict limitations and expansive safeguards against addiction. The proliferation of online sports betting, easily accessible via smartphones, poses significant risks to society. It exploits vulnerabilities, particularly among young men, by capitalizing on addictive tendencies and exacerbating gamblingrelated harms. According to this 2023 Newsweek report, alarming statistics speak volumes: in Virginia, calls to gambling helplines surged by 387% after legalization, while nationally, the incidence of gambling addiction has risen by 30% since 2018. Shockingly, in New Jersey, an estimated six percent of residents now suffer from gambling disorder. Contrary to the belief that gambling is harmless entertainment, it often leads to devastating consequences for individuals and families, especially those already struggling financially. While some may argue for personal choice, the reality is that most gamblers lack the necessary self-control and financial stability to withstand potential losses.
By VERY REV. WILLIAM THOMPSON
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n March, parishioners from around the diocese took part in two listening sessions as part of the Interim Phase of the Synod on Synodality. Around Christmas, Rome requested that additional diocesan conversations take place to discuss particular questions and offer input to the second session of the Synod on Synodality, which will resume in October of this year. Sixty-six participants representing over twenty percent of the parishes in the diocese participated in two sessions. Among those who took part, 35 laywomen, 24 laymen, 2 religious sisters and 7 clergy joined Bishop Barron for Mass and a three-hour session. The first gathering was held on March 9 at Ss. Peter and Paul’s Parish in Blue Earth, and the second took place on March 23 at Holy Redeemer in Eyota. The majority of participants were, by design, parish leaders. Due to the nature of the questions discussed, pastors, parish pastoral and finance council members, trustees and staff were particularly invited to offer input on two guiding questions:
1. Where have I seen or experienced successes - and distresses - within the Church’s structure(s)/organization/leadership/life that encourage or hinder the mission? 2. How can the structures and organization of the Church help all the baptized to respond to the call to proclaim the gospel and to live as a community of love and mercy in Christ?
Greg Sobolewski moderates the March 9 synodal gathering at Ss. Peter and Paul's Parish in Blue Earth.
Participants began their discussion of each question with a prayerful listening to one another, as each person at the table took a turn to share from their lived experience. After everyone spoke, table groups then paid attention to where the Holy Spirit was highlighting convergences - or areas of agreement - and other matters for consideration. While there may not have been unequivocal agreement on successes and distresses within the Church’s structure, some general themes emerged. It was agreed that the Church in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester has been largely successful in areas such as: collaboration of laity and clergy, Catholic schools, lay formation programs, women’s participation in parish leadership (for example: parish and diocesan staff, catechists, pastoral councils), and in social service ministries. Synod, cont'd on pg. 14
Inside the Capitol, cont'd on pg. 16
INSIDE this issue
Recognizing and Living Out 'A Vision of the Good' page 4
Intercessory Prayer Team page 7
Poverty Immersion Program page 11