December 2025
The
COURIER
Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona-Rochester, MN | dowr.org
900 Nativity Sets
Austin Knights of Columbus Are Gifted "Nativity House" Collection By NICK RELLER
�his Advent and Christmas season, Queen of Angels
Parish in Austin becomes the new home for a display of nativity sets that some area residents may recognize as having belonged to the Nativity House of Austin. From 2003 until last year, retired teachers Helen and Bill Holder welcomed the public into their home each year to view their more-than 900 nativity sets, which they began collecting in 1968. It is believed to be the largest collection in Minnesota, and among the largest in the United States and Canada. After the Holders announced that last Christmas would be the Nativity House's final season, Neil Drees of the Austin Knights of Columbus made a visit with his wife, was amazed by the collection, and learned from the Holders that there was no plan in place for the future of the nativity sets. Through collaboration among the Holders, the Knights of Columbus, former Queen of Angels Pastor Fr. Raúl Silva, and current Pastor Fr. Jim Starasinich, a plan formed to turn some classrooms of the former parish school into a Nativity House museum that will remain open by appointment year-round, in addition to its walk-in Christmas schedule (Nov. 30 - Jan. 11) of 12-5 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
A Worldwide Tradition Since 1223, when St. Francis of Assisi created the first seasonal nativity scene, with living people and animals in a cave outside of Greccio, Italy, the tradition of nativity scenes has invited Christians around the world to reflect on the incarnation of Christ with images that resonate within their own homes and cultures. The worldwide reach of the tradition is on full display in the Nativity House collection, which, at the time of this writing, is still being unpacked by Knights and parish volunteers, from 98 totes and boxes (not
Nativity Sets, cont'd on pg. 15
USCCB November Plenary Assembly By LEANDRA HUBKA
�hat do you get when 250+ Catholic bishops
from the entire United States, gather in one location? Welcome to the November Plenary Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), held annually in Baltimore, Maryland, home of America’s first diocese and cathedral. This year, I was privileged to have been afforded an inside glimpse into this episcopal gathering. In addition to the bishops and requisite USCCB staff, attendees at the “General” (open) Sessions also include select guests, approved media, and invited observers. Observers represent an array of Catholic associations and groups; as a consecrated virgin active in the US Association of Consecrated Virgins, I was asked to represent US consecrated virgins at this year’s November Assembly. Central to the bishops’ time together is both prayer and fraternity. Daily Masses concelebrated by hundreds of bishops are held in a large wing of the convention center configured as a chapel. One room is set aside as the Adoration Chapel, where Jesus is reserved (or exposed) in the Blessed Sacrament and attendees can stop by for private prayer. Meals are a time of sharing and fraternity, which observers were welcome to join on the days of the General Sessions. The General Sessions are the public portion of the Assembly, held on Tuesday and Wednesday of the Monday-Thursday gathering. These include addresses by the apostolic nuncio and USCCB
Assembly, cont'd on pg. 15
INSIDE this issue
Opening the Door to Christ This Advent page 6
Sports Gambling page 9
Christ's Healing Power in Counseling page 12