June 2026
The
COURIER
Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona-Rochester, MN | dowr.org
Fond F
From Our Graduates arewell
Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary Bids 2026 Seniors a
Graduating Seniors from DOW-R Catholic High Schools Reflect on the Impact of Catholic Education in Their Lives
�Diocese ongratulations to the 2026 graduates of the of Winona-Rochester's four Catholic high schools: Cotter in Winona, Lourdes in Rochester, Pacelli in Austin, and Loyola in Mankato. As they prepare for their next chapters, we've asked the following graduates to reflect on the Catholic education that has helped bring them this far. Grayson Bickler Pacelli Catholic Schools
By NICOLE WENINGER
�
n the blink of an eye, another academic year has passed and Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary (IHMS) celebrates another class of graduating seminarians. On May 2, IHMS was blessed to witness 21 seniors walk across stage during Saint Mary’s University’s graduation ceremony in Winona. We were fortunate to have so many seniors this year, to help lead 22 propaedeutic (freshman) seminarians, one of the largest propaedeutic cohorts IHMS has seen in almost a decade. It was a joy to watch them as they guided the new seminarians just as their seniors did for them. The graduation weekend began with the May
Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a tradition that honors our most Blessed Mother near Mother’s Day. IHMS was blessed to have Bishop Barron present to lead the ceremony and join the formators, seniors, and their families for the annual Baccalaureate Mass in St. John Vianney Chapel. A beautiful commencement ceremony took place the following day as the graduates walked across stage and celebrated their academic achievements throughout their time at IHMS and Saint Mary’s University. We thank all those who have followed the journey of these men and have supported them spiritually, emotionally and financially. We are forever grateful for the love and strength your support has provided, and we ask that
Farewell, cont'd on pg. 6
For as long as I can remember, a Catholic education has been a part of my life. It has helped shape who I am, not just as a student, but as a person. Going to a Catholic school like Pacelli means learning the same important subjects as anywhere else, while also learning values like kindness, respect, responsibility, and service to others. It teaches you how to succeed in life while staying grounded in your faith. Faith is what makes the experience truly special. Without religion class, Mass days, prayer, the rosary, and Stations of the Cross, school would feel incomplete. It would be like a peanut but-
Graduates, cont'd on pg. 10
INSIDE this issue
Magnifica Humanitas
2026 Walk to Mary page 2
Happy Anniversaries! page 7
pages 8-9