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Annulments 12 • Religious Jubilees 14 - 15 • Fish Fries 19 March 13, 2014 Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

thecatholicspirit.com

Joining the Church: ‘There is no greater joy’

Archbishop Nienstedt returns to public ministry Ramsey County Attorney’s Office says charges will not be filed The Catholic Spirit

From left, Bishop Andrew Cozzens greets Kate Valiant, LaVonne Luker and Jareck Horton of Sts. Joachim and Anne in Shakopee during The Rite of Election and The Call to Continuing Conversion at the Cathedral of St. Paul March 9. Luker and Horton are catechumens, and Valiant is Luker’s sponsor. The catechumens and sponsors all came forward to present themselves to Bishop Cozzens, carrying the Book of the Elect. A similar event took place at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit

See story on Page 5

The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office announced March 11 that it has declined to file charges against Archbishop John Nienstedt after Archbishop police conJohn ducted an NIENSTEDT “extensive investigation” following an allegation that the archbishop inappropriately touched a minor during a group photo session after a confirmation ceremony. Archbishop Nienstedt will now resume all of his public ministry duties, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said in a statement. “I am thankful to the St. Paul Police for their thorough investigation, as well as to the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office for their professional work regarding this matter,” Archbishop Nienstedt said. “I look forward to returning to public ministry during this Lenten season, especially during Holy Week and the great feast of Easter. “While I look forward to my return to public ministry, I remain Please turn to ARCHBISHOP on page 3

ALSO inside

Focused on evangelization

Redefining beauty

Lessons in style

The archdiocese has hired biblical scholar Jeff Cavins as its new director of evangelization. — Page 4

University of St. Thomas student launches Lenten project aimed at focusing on others and on Christ. — Page 6

Pope Francis’ gestures and choices in his first year are teaching moments. — Page 8

Page Two

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in PICTURES

“Fasting makes sense if it really chips away at our security and, as a consequence, benefits someone else, if it helps us cultivate the style of the good Samaritan, who bent down to his brother in need and took care of him.” — Pope Francis, at his Ash Wednesday Mass March 5 at Rome’s Basilica of Santa Sabina

ASH WEDNESDAY Martha Johnson receives ashes on her forehead from Father Thomas Wilson, pastor of All Saints in Lakeville, during an Ash Wednesday liturgy for students of All Saints School. Johnson is a sixth-grade teacher and school librarian. Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit

“If you have a rock to lean on in your Catholic faith, God is always going to be there. And you have fellow coaches who share the same faith and values as you that you can lean on. That’s a huge benefit going forward. And as a young coach, it’s definitely encouraging for me because it’s not an easy business. But my faith is always going to be strong.” — Ben Steele, offensive quality control coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and one of more than 100 Catholic coaches who gathered for Mass and a meal together Feb. 22 during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis

NEWS notes • The Catholic Spirit

Archdiocesan communications director resigns

PEACE PRAYERS Anti-government protesters pray during a rally against violence in Caracas, Venezuela, March 5. Bishops in Caracas urged both the government and protestors to resist violence amid a deepening standoff in Venezuela that has further polarized the country and left church charities struggling. CNS photo/Tomas Bravo, Reuters

WHAT’S NEW on social media A Catholic Spirit Facebook post this week asks: What is the most unique Lenten meal you have created? Follow the latest news about the local and universal Church by following The Catholic Spirit on Twitter @CatholicSpirit. This Lent, join Fr. Leo Patalinghug in CRS Rice Bowl’s Global Kitchen and learn how to use simple ingredients to cook up delicious meatless meals from around the world. Visit the CRS YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/CatholicRelief. Do Catholics have a personal relationship with Jesus? Blogger Susan Klemond says yes. Read her reflection at CatholicHotdish.com.

Share your favorite meatless meals with us on Pinterest! Just include #TCSlent in the description field when you pin your favorite Lenten meals.

The Catholic Spirit is published bi-weekly for The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Vol. 19 — No. 6 MOST REVEREND JOHN C. NIENSTEDT, Publisher JOE TOWALSKI, Editor

March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

Sarah Mealey, director of the archdiocesan Office of Communications, has resigned, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis announced March 10. “I am thankful for Sarah’s tremendously self-sacrificing service to this local Church,” Archbishop John Nienstedt said. “She has made a great contribution through her dedicated efforts.” Mealey assumed her responsibilities with the archdiocese in April 2012. “Sarah is a woman of deep faith and incredible talent,” Father Charles Lachowitzer, archdiocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia, said in a statement March 10. “She will be greatly missed. In Sarah’s communication with the archbishop and her team, she expressed a desire to spend more time with her family.” During her time with the archdiocese, Mealey led the reorganization of The Catholic Spirit, spearheaded a soon-to-launch refresh of the archdiocesan websites, and played a key role in the development and rollout of the Rediscover: evangelization and catechesis initiative. The search for a new director of the Office of Communications will begin as soon as possible, Father Lachowitzer said.

Center for Mission’s Living Water project After Easter, the Archdiocesan Center for Mission will launch its Living Water program to benefit the Diocese of Kitui, Kenya. The program, which was piloted in a few parishes and schools last year, builds on the pillars of the Global Solidarity Partnership the archdiocese has had with the Diocese of Kitui for the past 10 years — the mutual sharing of faith, resources and our lives with one another. Immediately after Easter, each parish or school participating will receive a Living Water calendar with information, prayers and encouragement, and a Living Water bottle to collect change for each person. Money collected will be used to help build much-needed earthen dams to hold rainwater in Kitui. There is no cost to participate, but materials must be ordered by March 19. For information about participating in the program, call the Center for Mission at (651) 291-4504.

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Catholic men, please accept my personal invitation to gather for a morning of worship, fellowship and inspiration We all face times of trouble and trial in our lives, from health problems to the loss of a job, from challenges with children to reports which shake our trust in Church leaders. Our faith helps us to set a steady course, to remain strong during these times of trouble and trial. Our parish communities help us do this. Coming together in communion through the holy Eucharist with fellow people of faith is our strongest source of affirmation and hope. Other gatherings of faith can also buoy us. I would like to personally invite men to one such gathering coming up on March 22: the annual Men’s Conference. It’s a great opportunity for men from across this local Church to come together for Mass, find fellowship with men of faith, and hear inspiring speakers. I’m humbled and honored to be one of the speakers for the morning men’s conference. I’ll be talking about “Becoming the Man God Wants You to Be.” It’s a work in progress for me as it is for all of us. I will share some of what I have found helpful in striving to grow as a person of faith. Our keynote address will be by Dr. Douglas Bushman from the Augustine Institute. He’ll be speaking on the theme of the 2014 conference: “Set a Steady Course.”

GUEST COLUMN

Dr. Bushman will offer an inspiring message about God setting the course in our lives, and how our job, our dignity as Christians, is to trim the sails of our freedom in order to best catch the breath of truth that he sends to sustain us on our earthly pilgrimage of faith.

We’ll hear a testimonial by local hockey star and former National Hockey League player Brian Bonin on “How the Holy Spirit Changed a Guy Who Lived for Hockey to a Man Who Lives for the Lord.” You will recognize your own struggles to properly place priorities in your life in his personal conversion story.

Bishop Lee Piché

The men’s conference is an invitation to place seeking the truth as the highest priority, and an encouragement to embrace the grace and humility required to be a man of conscience, which is necessary to be a man of truth. It will be a time to focus on our ongoing personal conversion to be the men God wants us to be.

Effective March 3, 2014 Reverend Stephen LaCanne, appointed chaplain to Abbott Northwestern Hospital. This is in addition to his current office of pastor of the Church of Saint Leonard of Port Maurice in Minneapolis. Effective March 10, 2014 Reverend John Hofstede, appointed pastor of the Church of Saint Cecilia in Saint Paul. With this appointment, the Very Reverend Charles Lachowitzer ceases his office of parochial administrator. Father Hofstede will also continue in his office as chaplain to the

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that we are incorporated into Christ by baptism, and so are “dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” We participate in the life of the Risen Lord. Following Christ and united with him, we should strive to be “imitators of God as beloved children, and walk in love” by conforming our thoughts, words and actions to the “mind which is yours in Christ Jesus,” and by following his example. We belong to him and he longs for us to use all that is in us for the service and glory of the Father. We need, with the help of God’s grace, to embrace our call to personal holiness to become the person God wants us to be. The 2014 Men’s Conference offers encouragement to embrace this call through the Eucharist, fellowship and inspiration. The day also will offer opportunities for eucharistic adoration and confession. There’s a breakfast break right after Mass with refreshments (included in your ticket price). Walk-in registration is available the day of the event, but to allow organizers to plan properly for food and print materials, advance registration is greatly appreciated. Catholic men, I hope to see you there!

Register now for Men’s Conference Speakers: • Bishop Lee Piché on “Becoming the Man God Wants You to Be.” • Keynote: Doug Bushman of the Augustine Institute, “Set a Steady Course.” • Testimonial: Brian Bonin, “How the Holy Spirit Changed a Guy Who Lived for Hockey to a Man Who Lives for the Lord.” When: 7 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 22. (Adoration and confession, 7 a.m.; Mass, 8 a.m.) Where: Anderson Field House, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul campus. Registration: Online at www.archspm.org under “events,” or call (651) 291-4488 for assistance. Walk-in registration is available the day of the event, but advance registration to properly plan for food and print materials is appreciated.

Archbishop offers prayers for abuse victims

OFFICIAL His Excellency, the Most Rev. John C. Nienstedt, has announced the following appointments in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

The subtitle of the day’s theme is, “Christians, acknowledge your dignity.” The Church recognizes the inherent relationship between dignity and conscience. Our Catholic faith provides the content for conscience. Prayer and the sacraments open us up to the grace necessary to live as persons of conscience. We have inherent dignity because we share in God’s own nature and therefore must live as children of God.

From the Bishop

2014 Men’s Conference: ‘Set a steady course’

University of Minnesota Medical CenterFairview. Effective April 1, 2014 Deacon Gerald Little, appointed “ad nutum episcopi” to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of Saint Hubert in Chanhassen. This is a transfer from his current assignment at the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Savage. Retirements Reverend Donald Piché, released from his assignment at the Church of Saint Joseph the Worker in Maple Grove and granted the status of a retired priest. Father Piché has served the Archdiocese as a priest since his ordination in 1977. Deacon Gary Hoffman, retired from his weekend assignment at the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Jordan after 30 years of active service as a deacon.

Continued from page 1 committed to the ongoing work needed to provide safe environments for all children and youth,” he added. “I continue to offer my prayers for all victims, their families and their communities, as well as to all who have been harmed by clergy sexual abuse. I once again offer my apology to all who have been affected by these terrible offenses.” The archbishop had voluntarily stepped aside from all public ministry in December while St. Paul Police investigated an allegation that he inappropriately touched a male minor on the buttocks in 2009 during the post-confirmation photo session. The allegation was brought to the police on Dec. 16, 2013. In a Dec. 17 letter to the faith-

ful, Archbishop Nienstedt called the allegation “absolutely and entirely false.” In a memo accompanying the announcement from the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, Richard Dusterhoft, the office’s criminal division director, said the case was reviewed by an assistant county attorney “with many years of experience prosecuting child sex abuse cases,” who agreed the case should not be charged. The archdiocese said it continues to urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse in Church ministry, or anyone who knows a victim of such abuse, to call the police or other civil authorities. They also are invited to call the archdiocese’s director of advocacy and victim assistance at (651) 291-4497.

March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

Local

Jeff Cavins named archdiocese’s new director of evangelization The Catholic Spirit Internationally known speaker and author Jeff Cavins has been hired as the director of evangelization for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Cavins is the founder of the Great Adventure Catholic Bible Study, and he will continue his work on this scriptural series with Ascension Press in his new position. He also has authored other books and videos about the faith and hosted long-running shows on EWTN, a national Catholic television network, as well as Read more in Relevant Radio, a the next issue national Catholic radio network. The March 27 edition of The Catholic Spirit will feature an in-depth interview with Jeff Cavins about his new role as archdiocesan director of evangelization.

The Archbishop Harry J. Flynn Catechetical Institute in St. Paul, a program of the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity, has continued to grow with Cavins as its director. Since welcoming its first class in 2008, the institute has graduated 600 people.

Jeff Cavins served as the emcee of the 2013 Rediscover: Catholic Celebration Oct. 12 at the RiverCentre in St. Paul. Dianne Towalski / The Catholic Spirit Cavins will remain director of the Catechetical Institute until a transition in leadership can take place. He received a master’s degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville with catechetical

certification. Before returning to the Catholic Church in 1995, Cavins served 12 years as a Protestant pastor. Among his best-selling books is “My Life on the Rock,” which chronicles his faith journey

and conversion story. Cavins and his wife Emily, who is also a Catholic author and speaker, are members of St. Vincent de Paul, Brooklyn Park. They have three daughters.

Set a Steady Course “Christians, acknowledge your dignity”

Please Continue the Tradition of Giving

– Saint Leo the Great

Register now for the 2014 Men’s Conference — March 22 Come together for Mass, find fellowship with men of faith, hear inspiring speakers!

ON CAT TI

Brian Bonin Testimonial: How the Holy Spirit Changed a Guy Who Lived for Hockey to a Man Who Lives for the Lord

IC SER V OL H

Dr. Doug Bushman Augustine Institute Keynote: Set a Steady Course

OUNDA LF

ES APPEA IC

Consider a Gift to the 2014 Catholic Services Appeal to Support Vital Ministries in this Local Church

I NTRODUCING THE C ATHOLIC S ERV ICES A PPE A L FOUNDATION

Saturday, March 22 • 7 a.m. – noon Adoration and Confession beginning at 7 a.m. Mass at 8 a.m. Anderson Fieldhouse on the University of St. Thomas St. Paul Campus

All Catholic Services Appeal contributions will be used and for no other purposes.

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csafspm.org or 651-291-4448 March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

Registration is open now online or call 651-291-4488 for assistance. Walk-in registration available the day of the event.

5 By Dianne Towalski The Catholic Spirit Jareck Horton grew up Baptist, but said he later lost his faith. When he started searching again, the people who surrounded him, like his sponsor Steve Ricci, along with things he read, led him to Catholicism. Ricci gave him the book “Rediscover Catholicism” by Matthew Kelly and a copy of The Catechism of the Catholic Church. “I knew the word,” Horton said. “But now I’m really starting to understand the word.” Horton is one of 82 catechumens from around the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church who came to the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion at the Cathedral of St. Paul March 9. At the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, 141 catechumens joined the elect. In total, 654 people — catechumens and candidates — participated. “It just spoke to me, and this is the path I seem to be taking,” Horton, who attends Sts. Joachim and Anne parish in Shakopee, said of the Catholic faith. The Rite of Election marks the beginning of the final preparation

“If you will give yourself to this Church, you will find that there is no greater joy in your life than your Catholic faith because this Church brings you Jesus.” Bishop Andrew Cozzens

of catechumens — those not baptized — for the sacraments of initiation (baptism, Eucharist, confirmation), usually celebrated during the Easter Vigil. Kameron Gillen, a catechumen from Divine Mercy in Faribault, is sharing the journey to the Church with her 6-year-old son. Never having attended church as a child, she wants her son to experience the community that she didn’t have growing up, getting to know the other members of the parish and sharing beliefs. “We’re doing it together, so it’s a good journey for us together,” she said. Those in attendance said recent news stories about past clergy sexual misconduct is not affecting their decision to join the Church. “I have had my doubts a couple

of times,” said Angela Rudd, a candidate from Nativity of Our Lord in St. Paul. “But, I’m not going to let it get between me and our Father.” Cory Mathews, a candidate from St. Pius X in White Bear Lake, said he has no hesitation joining the Church before his wedding. “After we get married, [our faith] will be something we share between the two of us,” he said, and it won’t be impacted by outside factors. During the Call to Continuing Conversion, 188 candidates — individuals who already are baptized and are preparing for entrance into the Catholic Church — were recognized at the Cathedral, and 243 at the Basilica. Karen Speltz, a member of St. Pius X in White Bear Lake, was at

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the Cathedral to sponsor Mathews, her fiance. “My faith is very important to me, so having someone to share it with means a lot,” she said. Mathews grew up Lutheran, but the two decided together that it was important for them to have one faith. “One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was the gift of faith,” Speltz said. “I would love to be able to give that to our kids and have that as part of our family someday.” The rite also is a reminder that the catechumens and candidates are not only becoming members of their local parish, but also of the broader Church. “If you will give yourself to this Church, you will find that there is no greater joy in your life than your Catholic faith because this Church brings you Jesus,” Bishop Andrew Cozzens told those gathered during his homily. Horton looks forward to that joy in celebrating the faith. “I haven’t had that in a long time, and the Catholic family is amazing,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to learning more and being more enlightened, just praising, really. I love to praise.”

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Hundreds prepare to join the Church at Rite of Election

Open the book. Build the foundation. Grow your faith.

ARCHBISHOP HARRY J. FLYNN

CATECHETICAL INSTITUTE

Become informed, formed and faithful. Classes begin September 15 at The Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity. Application deadline is June 1, 2014. For more information and an application, call (651) 962-5028 or visit www.CIstudent.com.

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March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

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A Lenten reflection

Food campaign seeks donations through March By Bridget Ryder For The Catholic Spirit

Angela Deeney of Holy Name of Jesus in Wayzata and a senior at the University of St. Thomas is embarking on her Lenten pledge to avoid looking in the mirror until Easter Sunday. As a reminder of her commitment, she has painted a message on her own mirror that conveys her theme for Lent. Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit

University of St. Thomas student sets out to redefine beauty By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit Just two months ago, Angela Deeney was afraid to look in the mirror. Now, she won’t have to — at least not until Easter Sunday. What started as shyness to see her reflection turned into a Lenten practice that could continue beyond the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus next month. Right after Christmas, the University of St. Thomas senior went on a mission trip to Venezuela with some classmates. She helped out at the parish of Jesucristo Resucitado in San Felix, a mission of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. “We were living very simply doing mission work,” said Deeney, 21, of Holy Name of Jesus in Wayzata who is double majoring in Catholic studies and journalism/ communications. “So, I had no makeup, had no hair stuff, was showering not as often as I usually would. I really saw that I was avoiding mirrors more because I was afraid of what I’d see inside of it. Instead, I put my focus on the people in front of me and what I was doing and what I thought was beautiful in them.” Ironically, focusing on the beauty of others made her feel more beautiful herself. She said the experience changed her, and she began to think about continuing the mirrorless routine here. But, coming back into a culture that emphasizes physical appearance made that more difficult.

A new look Enter Lent. As the season approached, she decided it was time to take a bold step. No more mirrors. And, to solidify the choice, she took up a brush and wrote a message across her own mirror, which she displays in the small apartment she shares with five other women near the campus. The words for her Lenten season this

March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

year are these: “Paint the Mirrors.” The seed for her move to get away from the glass was planted a year ago when she caught a glimpse of a newscast featuring Kjerstin Gruys, a graduate student at UCLA who decided to go a year without looking in the mirror. “I remember thinking, ‘That’s crazy. How could someone do that? I could never do that,’” Deeney said. “I was just so awed by it. But then it bugged me that I thought, ‘I could never do this.’ And, I started thinking, ‘Why couldn’t I do this?’” Not only did she decide to leave the mirror behind for the 40 days of Lent, but she also produced a website, www.paintthe mirrors.com, that features a blog. She is hoping others will visit the site and maybe follow in her footsteps. “I feel inspired to do this not only for myself, but also for others,” she wrote. “I want girls to know that the light they radiate doesn’t come from that shiny piece of metal, but from the love they give to others in confidence reflecting back to them, illuminating who they really are.” Although Deeney is focusing on the spiritual side of this Lenten maneuver, she is painfully aware of the practical side, which will prick her every morning as she prepares to go out into the world. The hardest part of her daily routine will be “makeup and hair,” she said, a few days before she was to start. “It may take a bit of practice. I remember the first time I tried putting makeup on without using a mirror — I practiced once just to see if it was possible. And, I had mascara on my nose. If that happens during the challenge, I would hope that someone would tell me or, if they didn’t, that I would never find out because I wouldn’t be looking in the mirror later. “It’s a great opportunity to not take yourself so seriously. . . being able to laugh at yourself and say, ‘Oh, well, just move on.’”

Minnesota FoodShare is calling on parishes to restock the state’s food shelves this month as part of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches’ March Campaign. “Our goal is to raise at least 50 percent of the food that will be distributed throughout the year,” said Suzanne Shatila, director of Minnesota FoodShare. The monthlong food and fundraising drive is the largest statewide grassroots campaign of its kind, according to Shatila. Almost 300 of the state’s 350 food shelves participated in the campaign last year, and more signed up this year. The March Campaign raises awareness of hunger and food insecurity in Minnesota, and Susanne encourages religious SHATILA congregations and other groups to donate to food shelves. In January, Minnesota FoodShare reached out to more than 3,600 congregations with information about food insecurity in Minnesota. The cadets at St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights responded to the call to help the hungry. As part of their sixth annual Advocacy for the Hungry Food Drive, the students at the all-boys military high school distributed grocery bags to their neighbors and collected donations during the weeks leading up to Lent. On the morning of Ash Wednesday, the entire student body loaded 10,440 pounds of food onto a semi truck for delivery to Neighborhood House, the largest single-site food shelf in Ramsey County. For its efforts, the school received a Star of the North Congressional Award from U.S. Rep. John Kline of Burnsville. The Pack the Pews weekend March 21 encourages churches to “line the aisles” with donations to a local food shelf. During last year’s campaign, individual food shelves raised $8.3 million and collected 4 million pounds of food. Monetary donations also can be made directly to the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches. All donations made during the campaign go into its food fund for disbursement to food shelves. In 2013, it dispersed $775,000. For those wanting to contribute, Shatila said donating money is a good option because food shelves can purchase food at reduced prices and “get more bang for their buck.” Cash donations also buy perishable items such as fresh produce and meat. Food shelves may also serve people with specific dietary needs or an immigrant population. Shatila recommended checking with the food shelf about its particular needs before donating. According to Minnesota FoodShare, in 2012, more than 8,500 people per day used a food shelf in the state. Shatila said despite glimpses of economic recovery, needs remain high. In November, Congress made cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly called food stamps. “That put a strain on budgets,” Shatila said. “Even though we’re hearing that unemployment is going down, that’s not impacting families. They’re still struggling.” School closings because of cold temperatures this winter were an additional burden on families that rely on school food programs to meet their children’s basic nutritional needs. “Because kids who usually get free or reduced-price lunches at school weren’t getting that, that put a strain on family budgets,” Shatila added. For more information about Minnesota FoodShare, to sign up to participate or to donate, visit mnfoodshare. gmcc.org.

7 Enhanced innovation, staffing among collaborative’s goals By Jessica Trygstad The Catholic Spirit A new collaborative among eight Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis will enable the schools to accomplish together what they aren’t able to individually, organizers say. West Collaborative for Catholic Schools, an inaugural program in the archdiocese, includes Guardian Angels in Chaska, Notre Dame Academy in Minnetonka, Our Lady of the Lake in Mound, St. Bartholomew in Wayzata, St. Bernard in Cologne, St. John the Baptist in Excelsior, St. Joseph in Waconia and St. Therese in Deephaven. To form the collaborative, the archdiocese’s Office of Catholic Schools enlisted the expertise of the Alliance for Catholic Education at the University of Notre Dame. “It is not about closing or consolidating schools, or anything of that nature,” said Jill Reilly, interim superintendent for the archdiocese’s Office of Catholic Schools and coordinator for the collaborative. “There’s an enormously strong commitment from those pastors and principals at those schools.”

As is the case for many small schools — the eight WestCo schools have an average enrollment of 117 students in kindergarten through eighth grade — resources can be limited. But by communicating their needs, together the schools have the opportunity to add staff, offer specialized services and purchase learning tools, among other goals.

Catherine University in St. Paul.

WestCo schools The following Catholic elementary schools in the archdiocese comprise the new collaborative in the west metro: Guardian Angels, Chaska

Each parish and school will retain its independent governance and financial structure.

Notre Dame Academy, Minnetonka

Through the collaborative, St. Joseph principal Bruce Richards would like to be able to offer services for students with special needs instead of having to go through the local school district.

Our Lady of the Lake, Mound St. Bartholomew, Wayzata St. Bernard, Cologne St. John the Baptist, Excelsior

That could mean more assistance for students with learning disabilities or enhanced curriculum for students identified as “gifted and talented.” “We still have a lot to discover, but we’re scratching the surface and knocking on doors that we didn’t know existed before,” said Richards, who is in his first year as principal at St. Joseph. Although WestCo is still in its infancy, St. Joseph already is benefiting. After sending teachers to learn about science-technology-engineering-mathematics curriculum, the school adopted a new educational model — C-STEM — by adding a Catholic component.

St. Joseph, Waconia St. Therese, Deephaven “Embracing different models is giving us another value-added piece; we already have that by teaching our Catholic faith. It’s like a charm bracelet — adding more jewels to something already beautiful,” Richards said of C-STEM. “I’m excited about it.” St. Joseph recently received a $75,000 grant for the program, and its teachers will receive graduatelevel certification in STEM from St.

“I just think being able to share ideas is so, so important,” Richards said. “When we work together better as leaders, it benefits everyone in the Catholic system.”

Local

Schools band together to improve Catholic education

Having a coordinator to help market and stay abreast of educational standards will be valuable to all the schools, said Father Michael Van Sloun, pastor at St. Bartholomew in Wayzata. As a former school administrator, Father Van Sloun knows the importance of staff development, but also how difficult that can be to coordinate for a small staff. Joining other schools in the collaborative will make it more feasible. “We have to form the teachers who are going to form the kids,” Father Van Sloun said. “The more viable your school is, the more students we’re able to serve, and we’re going to be able to fulfill the mission of the Church.” With improved consistency in marketing, the Catholic climate will be front and center, said Father Van Sloun. As a new model, Reilly said WestCo has a lot of room to evolve. “When you have people working together, it infuses new ideas and collaboration, instead of staying strictly in your silo,” Reilly said. “And that can only be good for the local Church.”

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March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

U.S. & World

Lessons in style

Pope’s gestures, choices are teaching moments

How Pope Francis has inspired the local faithful By Jessica Trygstad The Catholic Spirit

Pope Francis arrives at the Basilica of Sant’ Anselmo before walking in procession to the Basilica of Santa Sabina for Ash Wednesday Mass in Rome March 5. CNS By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service From the moment Pope Francis stepped out on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time and bowed, he signaled his pontificate would bring some style differences to the papacy. He celebrates his one-year anniversary as pontiff on March 13. Some of the style changes are simply a reflection of his personality, he has explained. Others are meant to be a lesson. But, sometimes the two coincide. Answering questions from students in June, he said the Apostolic Palace, where his predecessors lived “is not that Every Vatican luxurious,” but he decided to live in the Domus office — not to Sanctae Marthae, a Vatican guest house, “for mention the psychiatric reasons.” Jesuits and other Living alone or in an isolated setting “would religious orders not do me any good,” he said, because he’s the kind — has a funny of person who prefers living “among the story about people.” However, he added that he tries to live someone as simply as possible, “to not have many things and answering the to become a bit poorer” like Christ. phone and Unlike his choice of thinking it’s a joke residence, his decision to travel around Rome in a blue Ford Focus instead of when they hear, one of the Mercedes sedans in the Vatican “This is Pope motor pool was meant to Francis.” be a message. Meeting with seminarians and novices in July, he said too many people — including religious — think joy comes from possessions, “so they go in quest of the latest model of

March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

smartphone, the fastest scooter, the showy car.” “I tell you, it truly grieves me to see a priest or a sister with the latest model of a car,” he said. For many priests and religious, cars are a necessity, “but choose a more humble car. And if you like the beautiful one, only think of all the children who are dying of hunger.” A few days after his election, Pope Francis told reporters who had covered the conclave, “How I would like a Church which is poor and for the poor.” In October, he traveled to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi and met clients of Catholic charities in the room where St. Francis had stripped off his cloak and renounced his family’s wealth. The pope said he knew some people were expecting him to say or do something similarly shocking with the church’s material goods. Living simply is important, he said, not just out of solidarity with the poor, but because it is so easy to get attached to worldly possessions, turning them into idols. The Church, he said in Assisi, “must strip away every kind of worldly spirit, which is a temptation for everyone; strip away every action that is not for God, that is not from God; strip away the fear of opening the doors and going out to encounter all, especially the poorest of the poor, the needy, the remote, without waiting.”

A year of encounters A pope, like priests around the world, celebrates Mass every day. Before he became infirm, Blessed John Paul II would invite visiting bishops and special guests to attend his early morning Mass in the chapel of the papal residence. Pope Benedict XVI’s morning Mass generally was more familial, including his secretaries, his butler and the women who ran the apartment. With a much larger chapel in the Domus Sanctae Marthae and more priests and bishops in residence there, Pope Francis has had a Please turn to POPE on page 9

Habemus papam! These words, spoken one year ago to announce the election of Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the 265th pope, marked the beginning of a headline-making year for Pope Francis. From physically embracing people with disabilities to celebrating his birthday with homeless men, Pope Francis has shown the world what it means to be a Christian. And in word and deed, he has called Catholics to achieve the high moral standards required by the faith. Below are impressions of Pope Francis from several local faithful who have struggled in various ways, but have found inspiration and hope during his first year as pontiff. Linda O’Connell, a parishioner at St. Wenceslaus in New Prague, got divorced four years ago after a 40-year marriage. She belongs to a support group at her parish and said that while some people feel disconnected from the Church after a divorce, the reason she stays with the Church is because of its views on marriage and divorce. She hopes Pope Francis’ work will focus on keeping families together so that divorce doesn’t happen. “[The pope] is open. I think everyone I’ve talked to, Catholic or not, sees someone humble and meek, and a good person. I think he’s going to do some really good things,” she said. Porfidio Martinez, a parishioner at Our Lady of Guadalupe in St. Paul, emigrated from El Salvador more than 20 years ago during the country’s civil war and has lived in Minnesota ever since. “I am not happy about Pope Francis simply because he is from Latin America,” he said.” Personally, I am very excited because he is a model of how we are to live our faith. He is not Superman or some superstar, but this pope is an illuminating light for all of us. He is modeling for us a profound faith and a real spirituality of the incarnation. A spirituality of the incarnation is rooted in the humility of Jesus living among us as a ‘poor’ person with those most marginalized. And Pope Francis models for us this spirit of God in talking of the poor, of illuminating a ‘Church of the poor,’ for changing our hearts and putting into action the preferential option for the poor. “I am excited in Pope Francis, but also in the very great light he is modeling for Church leadership. Personally, the most important question is: How do we as a Church live the spirit of Jesus today? How do we live our faith today? How do we model the incarnation of Jesus as the Church today? Pope Francis’ spirituality is a testimonial of the love of God for the poor, the God of justice, and the incarnation of Jesus as a poor man. As Minnesotans, the pope pushes us forward, deepens our faith and challenges us to be a Church of the poor and for the marginalized in our community, most especially those immigrants without [documentation and citizenship].” Mary Kellett, a parishioner at St. Raphael in Crystal, and her family founded Prenatal Partners for Life after her son, Peter, died at the age of 6 in 2011 from Trisomy 18, a chromosomal defect. The ministry provides information, support and encouragement to families who receive an adverse diagnosis. “Pope Francis is so very good at showing us the unconditional love we should have for every person. He is just so full of love for everyone, and that’s so apparent. The less we care for [children with disabilities], the more our hearts are hardened. I think our pope is softening our hearts by his example of love,” she said.

9 By Antonio Enrique Catholic News Service

in place practices that will help; not just how to respond in cases of abuse, but how to avoid it. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, particularly when it is something as tragic as child abuse. The Holy Father is very committed to a policy of no tolerance and is anxious to have this commission formed to be able to work with the bishops’ conferences who have been asked to develop clear guidelines and policies around this whole area of child protection. We are very edified by how many people have already volunteered to be a part of this.

Cardinal Sean O’Malley recently spoke to The Pilot, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston, about the impact Pope Francis has had on the Catholic Church and the world since his March 13, 2013, election. Cardinal O’Malley is the only U.S. member of Pope Francis’ international Council of Cardinals, an eight-member group advising him on the reform of the Vatican bureaucracy and other issues. Below are excerpts from the interview. Q. How would you characterize the first year of Pope Francis’ pontificate? A. For many people it has been a year of surprises. The Holy Father has such a refreshing style and a desire to be close to people and accessible. He is even accessible in the way he expresses himself. He has made quite an impact on the world. I don’t remember any other pope whose daily homily was followed so assiduously by so many around the globe. Before, we used to think that the Holy Father’s travel and linguistic abilities were the way he communicated, but this man communicates without leaving home and without saying anything except in Italian! It is amazing. Q. At last year’s consistory right before the conclave, then-Cardinal Bergoglio spoke about his views on the current state of the Catholic Church. Those themes have characterized his first year as Pope Francis. One of them was how the Church needs to come out of herself and go to the peripheries, geographical and existential. Why is this emphasis important today? A. There is always a danger of the Church retreating to the sacristy and abdicating our responsibility to do precisely what Jesus tells us to do — make disciples of all nations, to leave behind the 99 and go in search of the one lost sheep. The Lord in the Gospels is always reaching out to people on the periphery — the lame, the blind, the halt, the tax collector, the prostitute, the foreigner — and the Lord brings them center stage. So, the Holy Father is simply reminding us that this is what the Gospel is about, that these people on the periphery become the protagonists of Jesus’ ministry and they need to be the object of our love and our pastoral care. Q. You were appointed to the Holy Father’s “G-8” Council of Cardinals last April and recently returned from Rome, where you attended the third meeting of the council. Why do you think reforming the Roman Curia is such an important issue?

U.S. & World

Boston cardinal: Pope’s impact on Church, world ‘amazing’

Q. One of the perceptions about this papacy is that the pope is going to change Church teaching. What is your reaction to that? Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley gestures during a March 4 interview at his residence, the rectory of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Cardinal O’Malley said with his “refreshing style” and accessibility, Pope Francis’ impact on the world is “amazing.” CNS A. The Roman Curia is not a very large organization, but it is the only organization that the Holy Father has to help him perform his ministry. Obviously, he wants the Curia to be at the service of the universal church and to do that there needs to be greater efficiency, transparency, collaboration among the different departments — or dicasteries as they are called — and a greater focus on collegiality, involvement with bishops around the world and the local churches. I think the Holy Father feels a very strong mandate because prior to the conclave it is something the cardinals spoke about so much. Of course, it all took place within the context of Vatileaks and all the other problems that have surfaced about the Vatican bank. These situations should never exist and the Holy Father is striving to make a Curia that will be more pastoral and will be at the service of the entire Church and be able to communicate that vision and enthusiasm for the joy of the Gospel that he is always preaching about. Q. Beyond the ongoing work to reform “Pastor Bonus” (Blessed John Paul’s 1988 apostolic constitution on the structure and responsibilities of the Curia), could you comment on the importance of a commission to work on child abuse prevention worldwide? A. The focus of the commission will be child protection. In other words, to make sure that all of the practices of the Church are geared towards creating safe environments and having

A. I like the phrase that someone said, that he is not changing the lyrics but only the melody. Sometimes the Church’s message was perhaps too harshly presented to people and out of context. He is trying to show us the whole context of the demands of discipleship. The whole context is in the context of God’s love and mercy and desire to accompany us and to forgive us when we fall and to help us overcome our weaknesses and to have a sense of connectedness to the Lord and to one another. Q. The Holy Father’s first trip outside the Vatican was to the Italian island of Lampedusa where he spoke about the plight of immigrants. Do you think that his emphasis on immigration will have an impact on the U.S. immigration debate? A. I hope so. The Holy Father talked about the globalization of indifference, and we cannot be indifferent to human suffering. We cannot pretend that people are not trying to get into Europe and into the United States; they are trying to escape some horrific economic or political situations to be able to have a better life for their children. Q. The past year has been full of important moments. What do you anticipate moving forward? A. It is hard to forecast, but obviously the enthusiasm that the Holy Father’s simplicity, joy and accessibility has created, not just in our own Catholic community, but in the larger society, is something that I think has been helpful to the world. Even the situation in Syria where the Holy Father called for prayer and a solution was found — it was a very moving thing; we are reminded that when we all come together in faith and hope and put our trust in the Lord and when we invoke his guidance and blessing on our endeavors that wonderful things can happen.

Pope wants to ensure ministry isn’t used by the powerful Continued from page 8 larger congregation for his morning Masses. Although the Masses are considered private by the Vatican, Pope Francis has been inviting Vatican employees to attend, beginning with the garbage collectors and gardeners. While transcripts of his morning homilies are not printed in the Vatican’s official daily news bulletin, excerpts are provided by the Vatican newspaper and Vatican Radio. In the first months of his papacy, especially as the weather warmed, he’d go for a walk, dropping in on

Vatican workers in the garage or the power plant. And, when he has a request of a Vatican office or wants to make sure something he requested is being done, he simply picks up the phone. Every Vatican office — not to mention the Jesuits and other religious orders — has a funny story about someone answering the phone and thinking it’s a joke when they hear, “This is Pope Francis.”But his phone calls go well beyond the inner circle of the Vatican and the Church. Pope Francis has called journalists and people either he has read about or who have written to him with stories of suffering and desperation.

His telephone calls, in some ways, have taken the place of his Buenos Aires habit of riding public transportation and walking the streets of the poorer neighborhoods to stay in touch with how people live. While he will pose with pilgrims for photos and “selfies,” reciprocate when given a big hug, sign autographs for children and accept cups of “mate” — an herbal tea popular in parts of Latin America — he learned in Argentina that there are times when the ministry of an archbishop or pope can be used by the powerful, and he has taken steps to make sure that does not happen.

At his morning Mass and at his large public liturgies, Pope Francis gives Communion only to the altar servers and deacons, then he sits down and prays. In a 2010 book written with Buenos Aires Rabbi Abraham Skorka, Pope Francis said that at large Masses for special occasions — Masses attended by government officials and leading business people — “I do not give Communion myself; I stay back and I let the ministers give it, because I do not want those people to come to me for the photo op. One could deny Communion to a public sinner who has not repented, but it is very difficult to check such things.”

March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

U.S. & World

Local Ukrainians say faith is uniting force amid conflict By Susan Klemond For The Catholic Spirit Amid tensions between Ukraine and Russia following months of protests for government change, Ukrainians in Minnesota and Kiev say peacemaking and justice efforts promoted by many of the country’s faith communities are helping. “I’ve never seen in the history, in centuries, that the unity of different churches was so strong and so supportive of the people,” said Taras Rafa, who attends St. Constantine Ukrainian Catholic Church in Minneapolis. He and his wife, Maria, are natives of western Ukraine. When peaceful demonstrations calling for the ouster of then-president Viktor Yanukovych began in November, many of the country’s five major Catholic and Orthodox churches united demonstrators in prayer and the sacraments, helped moderate radicalism, sometimes served as intermediaries in police confrontations and offered churches and monasteries as refuges and hospitals for protesters. Following several months of protests, mainly in Kiev’s Independence Square (Maidan) against the former government’s corruption and its refusal to seek closer ties with the European Union, Yanukovych left Ukraine, and the country appointed its current acting government. Ukraine’s churches have helped bring about unity, and even Ukrainians who are less religious became more faith-focused during the demonstrations, said Mykola Symchych, who teaches philosophy at the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences in Kiev and is a member of

PEORIA, Ill.

Medical experts OK reported miracle attributed to Sheen A seven-member team of medical experts convoked by the Vatican reported there is no natural explanation for the survival of a child delivered stillborn and whose heart did not start beating until 61 minutes after his birth. The survival of the child, James Fulton Engstrom, now 3 years old and developing normally, was credited by his parents to a miracle attributable to the intercession of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, a Peoria diocesan priest who gained fame for his 1950s television show “Life Is Worth Living” and his 16 years at the helm of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. The medical experts’ report was announced March 6 in Peoria by the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation, which is headed by Bishop Daniel Jenky of Peoria. “Today is a significant step in the cause for the beatification and can-

March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

among church leaders who wrote to ask the patriarch to take a stronger position on the issue. He also is petitioning the Obama administration to take greater action on Ukraine’s behalf and is considering boycotting upcoming religious conferences and events.

Prayer needed most

Orthodox clergymen pray next to armed servicemen near Russian army vehicles outside a Ukrainian border guard post in Ukraine’s Crimean region March 1. Catholic leaders in Crimea say Ukraine has the right to determine its own future, and they urge prayers for peace. CNS photo/Baz Ratner, Reuters the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the largest Catholic church in Ukraine. “It’s interesting because not only religious people were in Maidan,” said Symchych, who frequently prayed at the tent chapel in the square with protesters and brought them supplies. “There were different [leaders of church denominations], but everyone was united in prayer. The prayer was very important because it helped people to fight more. They knew that not only human powers help them, but also God helps them.”

While the Maidan movement brought about “an ecumenism of peacemaking, an ecumenism of justice” among different churches, Moscow Patriarch Kirill I, who is the head of Ukraine’s largest church — the Ukrainian Orthodox Church — has not spoken specifically about the events in Ukraine, according to Pavel Gavrilyuk, theology professor at the University of St. Thomas and a native of Ukraine. A deacon in the Orthodox Church in America (which is affiliated with, but not under the Moscow Patriarch), Gavrilyuk was

onization of our beloved Fulton Sheen,” Bishop Jenky said in a statement. “There are many more steps ahead and more prayers are needed. But today is a good reason to rejoice.”

PHILADELPHIA

CHICAGO

Cardinal George to undergo new round of chemotherapy Chicago Cardinal Francis George is preparing to undergo a new round of chemotherapy to address “current signs of activity of cancer cells surrounding his right kidney,” according to a March 7 announcement by the Chicago Archdiocese. The cardinal has met with his medical team, which recommended the course of treatment based on the results of several recent tests. Cardinal George, 77, was diagnosed with urothelial cancer in August 2012 and underwent chemotherapy at that time. The cancer, dormant for well over a year, is still confined to the area of his right kidney.

Archbishop: 2015 meeting can help transform families A powerhouse team of religious, civic and business leaders will travel to Rome to plan for the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia next year. Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput led a news conference with Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter on March 7 to announce they will lead a delegation March 24-26 to meet with Vatican officials to plan the international event. They also will have an audience with Pope Francis. Throughout the news conference, speakers told of their confidence that the pope will visit Philadelphia in September 2015 and vowed to personally convince him to make his first pastoral visit in North America to the city for the conclusion of the eighth World Meeting of Families. Corbett said he expected perhaps

Despite the efforts of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and European leaders, Russia refuses to acknowledge the acting Ukrainian government. The country’s citizens are of Ukrainian and Russian ethnicities with differing views on Ukraine’s political orientation and involvement with its neighbors. Russian troops and ships are in and near Crimea in southern Ukraine, a predominantly Russian-speaking region. Gavrilyuk said he hopes Ukraine and the world will recognize Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “tremendous moral loss,” in his actions in Crimea. It is an “imposition of brutal, cynical power,” he said. “To compound the problem . . . the escalation has happened as Lent was about to begin in the Orthodox Church. That’s also an interesting reflection on the extent to which Putin can credibly call himself an Orthodox Christian.” Ukraine needs help from the West, not only in the face of aggression, but also to restore its economy, Symchych said, adding that prayer is needed most of all. “Our family, every day we are praying for our future,” he said. “Only God can help us. I am absolutely strong in such beliefs. I wanted to ask American Catholics to pray for Ukraine.” 1 million visitors if Pope Francis celebrates the public Mass on Sept. 27, 2015, the concluding day of the event.

BEIRUT

Kidnapped nuns released in Syria The release of at least 12 Greek Orthodox nuns who were abducted in Syria in December was an answer to prayers, said regional Catholic officials. Melkite Patriarch Gregoire III Laham said March 10 that he felt “a wave of joy” along with “thousands and thousands” of other people when he heard the nuns had been freed a day earlier. Islamist rebels claimed responsibility for the abduction of the nuns in December from Syria’s ancient town of Maaloula, where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is still spoken. Two Orthodox bishops and three priests, including an Armenian Catholic and Italian Jesuit, also have been abducted in Syria and remain missing.

11 Readings Sunday, March 16

Deacon Paul Shovelain

Second Sunday of Lent • Genesis 12:1-4a • 2 Timothy 1:8b-10 • Matthew 17:1-9

When we suffer with Jesus, we grow in union with him Have you ever been somewhere, and you didn’t want to leave? That is how St. Peter felt at the Transfiguration, which we hear in this Sunday’s Gospel. There have been multiple retreats where I’ve felt like Peter in this passage. The beauty and awesomeness of God was made manifest, and I did not want to leave that spot. However, as Jesus summons Peter, James and John to follow him down the mountain, so, too, he calls you and me down from those blessed experiences. In God’s providence, he often allows us to experience his deep, personal love before suffering. Jesus knew that he had to go down from the mountain and fulfill his Father’s will. Just a few verses before the passage of the Transfiguration, Jesus predicted his suffering and death. When Jesus

DAILY Scriptures Sunday, March 16 Second Sunday of Lent Genesis 12:1-4a 2 Timothy 1:8b-10 Matthew 17:1-9 Monday, March 17 St. Patrick, bishop Daniel 9:4b-10 Luke 6:36-38 Tuesday, March 18 St. Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop, doctor

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spoke about his suffering, Peter rebuked him, as Peter did not want Jesus to suffer. However, Jesus turns and rebukes Peter for “not thinking as God does but as men do.” Then a few verses later, the divinity of Christ is displayed before Peter and the other two apostles at the Transfiguration. The Father speaks from heaven affirming the Divinity of Jesus and his authority. He says, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” At this, Peter grows in wonder and awe of the majesty of Jesus. Jesus comforts Peter and the others saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” Divine providence allowed Peter, James and John to grow in faith so that they would be sustained in the difficult days that lie ahead. The Church in her wisdom gives us this passage on the second Sunday of Lent. The sacrifices we

Reflection How does God prepare you for difficult moments? This Lent, what are you doing to suffer with Jesus?

make and the extra prayers we promise to pray during Lent are getting more difficult. Maybe you forgot to fast, or didn’t say the prayers you said you would. When we come to Mass, we are invited into this beautiful Gospel passage. This man, Jesus, whom we know as the son of Mary and Joseph, is manifest as the Son of God, in whom the Father is well pleased. In Jesus, God has come to dwell among us and be with us in all of our brokenness and suffering. This reminder of the humility of God helps us to persevere and humble ourselves. We grow in humility by giving alms, doing penance and spending more time in

prayer. We grow in union with Jesus as we suffer with him. Yet, we have hope in the resurrection of Jesus that our lives will not end in suffering, but that we will be glorified with him and his Mother Mary in heaven. May we persevere in our Lenten practices, so that one day in heaven, we can say with St. Peter, “Lord, it is good that we are here!” Deacon Shovelain is in formation for the priesthood at St. Paul Seminary for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. His home parish is St. Michael in St. Michael, and his teaching parish is St. Patrick in Oak Grove.

of the Church Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 Matthew 23:1-12

Friday, March 21 Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Monday, March 24 2 Kings 5:1-15b Luke 4:24-30

Wednesday, March 19 St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22 Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Saturday, March 22 Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Tuesday, March 25 The Annunciation of the Lord Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38

Thursday, March 20 Jeremiah 17:5-10 Luke 16:19-31

Sunday, March 23 Third Sunday of Lent Exodus 17:3-7 Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 John 4:5-42

Wednesday, March 26 Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 Matthew 5:17-19 Thursday, March 27 Jeremiah 7:23-28

Focus on Faith • Scripture Readings

SUNDAY SCRIPTURES

Luke 11:14-23 Friday, March 28 Hosea 14:2-10 Mark 12:28-34 Saturday, March 29 Hosea 6:1-6 Luke 18:9-14 Sunday, March 30 Fourth Sunday of Lent 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41

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Have total recall. Search “ARCHIVES” at www.TheCatholicSpirit.com March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

Focus on Faith • Seeking Answers

12 SEEKING ANSWERS Father Michael Schmitz

Annulment criteria: Did a sacramental marriage exist? Q. What’s the concept of an

annulment? It seems like it is just a term for “Catholic divorce.”

A. The concept of annulment is sometimes difficult to understand (or explain), but it is even more difficult to navigate around all of the painful histories and broken hearts that are always present in the annulment process. Please keep this in mind as I address this topic: I cannot even begin to fathom the depth of pain that many people reading this have gone through in their divorces. I don’t think that the pain of divorce can be underestimated. There are many individuals with whom I have spoken who never wanted a divorce, but their spouse walked away. I have spoken with others who know that they were responsible for walking away, and they regret the decision. This is also not to ignore those people who were in physical or emotional danger, and it seemed that the only option for their

Learn more For more information about marriage and annulments in the local Church, visit the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ Metropolitan Tribunal at tribunal.archspm.org

safety was to leave. Nonetheless, we have to come face-to-face with the words of Jesus. If the words of Christ aren’t optional, then we can’t ignore what he said about divorce. Jesus clearly states that “if a man divorces his wife and marries another, he is committing adultery.” Jesus is making it clear that marriage is more than a contract, it is a covenant. We are accustomed to the idea that marriage is a “contract.” Contracts are useful. They are an

March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

agreement to an exchange of goods or services. They are also “conditional.” If I hire someone to re-roof my house, we will work up a contract. If he doesn’t do the work, he has violated the contract, and I am released from my part of the deal (I don’t have to pay him), and vice versa.

Covenant vs. contract Sometimes people will look at marriage as a contract. Maybe they will see it as an exchange of affection or support or faithfulness. But, the Bible reveals that marriage is meant to be an image of God’s faithfulness. God doesn’t enter into “contracts” with people; God initiates “covenants.” Covenants differ radically from contracts. A contract may be an exchange of goods or services, but a covenant is an exchange of persons. Contracts may be conditional, but covenants are without condition; they are literally “unconditional.” This means that they cannot be broken; you cannot void the conditions of an unconditional relationship. The groom makes a vow about what he will be for his bride (and vice versa). He promises that he will be hers in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, etc., until death. His vow contains nothing about “as long as you are good to me” or “as long as you are faithful to me” or “as long as we are living in the same house.” He will be hers until death. This means that, as long as both of them are alive, they are married to each other. If she were to leave him, he would be no more free to date another woman than he would if they were geographically together. Now, what we call “granting an annulment” is actually more accurately called a “declaration of nullity.” This does not mean that the Church is “undoing the covenant” or making the “one become two.” No one has the ability to break an unbreakable bond. But the Church has a process to try to establish whether there was a covenant in the first place. Obviously, this is not simple.

“Please keep this in mind as I address this topic: I cannot even begin to fathom the depth of pain that many people reading this have gone through in their divorces.” Father Michael Schmitz

But, if it can be demonstrated that there were certain obstacles (or impediments) to a covenant existing, then it is reasonable to declare that a covenant never existed.

Important criteria A covenantal marriage (or sacramental marriage) must be entered into with sufficient freedom, without reservation, intending faithfulness, and open to life. For example, if it can be demonstrated that one or both of the spouses never intended to be faithful, then that would be an impediment to a sacrament being established in the first place. Or if one or both parties were never open to children, then it could be revealed that no covenant existed. This is different from a spouse intending faithfulness at the time of the sacrament but then failing to be faithful. The requirement for a sacramental marriage is not

whether a couple lives up to the vows, but whether they meant the vows at the wedding. The Church always presumes that a covenant exists until it is demonstrated that it hasn’t existed. For this reason, the sacrament of matrimony is a solemn thing and should never be entered into lightly. A person is risking their entire life when they make this vow. They are taking the entirety of their future and placing it into the hands of the person they love. They do this knowing that the other person will continue to grow and change. They do this knowing that the other person will fail them at times. They are staking their life on this covenant. But this is what love calls us to do. Father Schmitz is director of youth and young adult ministry for the Diocese of Duluth and chaplain of the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Reach him at fathermikeschmitz@ gmail.com.

By Susan Klemond For The Catholic Spirit Nicole Bettini gives her spouse everything. And Christ, her husband, has not been outdone in generosity. Since her consecration as a virgin by Archbishop Emeritus Harry Flynn in 2007, Bettini has lived in a spousal relationship that in some ways resembles marriage and in other ways religious life. She and others want more Catholics to know about it. Consecrated virginity is “a vocation that you hold nothing back from our Lord and that you found one that’s worth giving everything for, just lived in the world,” said Bettini, a religious education and youth ministry coordinator at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin in St. Paul. Consecrated virgins are women who publicly resolve to live in perpetual virginity as an exclusive spouse of Christ. One of the first consecration rites established in the early Church, the consecration of a virgin in the world was mostly forgotten during much of Church history until its restoration after the Second Vatican Council. At a ceremony much like a wedding, virgins are consecrated by the local bishop and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to live out the

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spousal relationship. Consecrated virgins reflect the Church’s love for Christ, and serve the Church. As the spouse of Christ, consecrated virgins “witness as individual women this very specific relationship as a spouse of Christ,” said Sister Carolyn Puccio, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet who in January became the archdiocesan delegate for religious, which includes serving as a liaison between consecrated virgins and Archbishop John Nienstedt. The 10 consecrated virgins in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis range in age from 36 to 70 and work in a variety of professions. During the vocation’s discernment and formation process, candidates for consecration meet with a mentor and Archbishop Nienstedt, who oversees the archdiocese’s consecrated virgins. Consecrated virgins must physically be virgins, age 30 or older and women, because only women can physically represent a bride. The vocation is also permanent and public, Bettini said. Having a regular schedule of a prayer life is a characteristic of consecrated virgins, said Sister Mary Madonna Ashton, also a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet. She served as delegate for religious before her recent retirement. “They bring what

Vocations

Consecrated virginity: a special vocation

As a consecrated virgin, Nicole Bettini lives in perpetual virginity as an exclusive spouse of Christ. Bettini, a religious education and youth ministry coordinator at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin in St. Paul, became a consecrated virgin in 2007. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit you would see the religious bringing, except they bring it in an individual way. They’re working in their professional world or their vocational world bringing the Gospel to the people that they live with, that they work with, just like religious do,” she said. Dr. Linda Long, a retired cardiologist who was the first to be consecrated in the archdiocese almost 19 years ago, said one of her “sub vocations” in the Church has been supporting and “mothering” seminarians and young clergy. While consecrated virginity resembles religious life, women don’t make vows, and they don’t share in a religious community. Long, a parishioner at St. Agnes in St. Paul, said consecration has given her peace and joy. “Secondly,” she

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12 DAYS TO GERMANY & AUSTRIA • Oct. 6-17, 2014 SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR: FATHER TOM KNOBLACH

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For information about consecrated virginity, contact the delegate for religious at delegate@archspm.org or call (651) 290-1635.

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said, “it gave me a sense of having a place, of really belonging in the Church, and that gave me far more freedom internally at work and in my private life.” Sister Carolyn would like to make consecrated virginity better known. “My guess is that other women are possibly called to that vocation, but aren’t aware of it,” Learn more about she said. religious vocations Soon, updated materials, including a www.10000vocations.org brochure, will be available at parishes.

www.jericochristianjourneys.com

TheCatholicSpirit.com • archspm.org March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

Jubilees

Religious women and men celebrate jubilees The Catholic Spirit congratulates the following members of women’s and men’s religious communities who are serving in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and are celebrating jubilees this year. The information is provided by the archdiocese.

WOMEN RELIGIOUS Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Dubuque, Iowa 50 years Sister Barbara Brooks Sister Frances Donnelly

Contemplatives of the Good Shepherd, St. Paul 60 years Sister Ann Joseph Dye

Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Joseph 75 years Sister Marie Antoinette Chouinard

Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Paul

Sister Betty Gits Sister Marie Grossman Sister Dorothy Jorgenson Sister Mary Virginia Micka Sister Mary Charlene O’Keeffe 60 years Sister Marie Theresa Belanger Sister Anna Marie DeVos Sister Mary Hasbrouck Sister Ansgar Holmberg Sister Bernadette Newton Sister Carol Podlasek Sister Lucy Knoll Sister Marian Walstrom Sister Virginia Webb 50 years Sister Mary Frances Allen Sister Margaret Brown Sister Ann Diehl Sister Connie Gleason Sister Karen Hilgers

80 years Sister Monica DuCharme 70 years Sister Eileen Breault Sister Patricia DeMoully

8th Annual Lenten Retreat It is All More than Meets the Eye! Reflections on faith as a way of seeing and seeing as a way of believing.

The Gospel reading for this Fourth Sunday in Lent is John 9: “The Man Born Blind.” One of Father Gillick’s special gifts is the insight he brings from having been blind since he was eight years old. Saturday, March 29: 9 a.m.—4:00 p.m. Continental breakfast & check-in at 8:30 am Location: Church of St. Patrick, Edina $50.00 — includes a catered lunch For Reservations Call: Loyola Spirituality Center 651.641.0008 Loyolaspiritualitycenter.org March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Paul 25 years Sister Dorothy Struzinski

Dominican Sisters, Sinsinawa, Wis. 60 years Sister Catherine Thomas Dwyer Sister Martha Wiegand 50 years Sister Elaine LaCanne 40 years Sister Judith Jewison

Benedictine Sisters, St. Joseph 60 years Sister Michon Lanners Sister Cynthia Schmit

Benedictine Sisters, St. Paul 75 years Sister Bertha Karels 60 years Sister Susan Bourauel Sister Monica Raway

15 Franciscan Sisters, Little Falls

School Sisters of Notre Dame, St. Louis, Mo.

60 years

Sister Rita Kuhl

Sister Jan Halbach

Sister Anne Becker Sister Mary Butzer Sister Veronica Horvat Sister Paulissa Jirik Sister Edna Lanners Sister Mary Gen Olin Sister Paul Therese Saiko

Franciscan Sisters, Sylvania, Ohio

Visitation Nuns, Mendota Heights

60 years

50 years

Sister M. Clarinda Coffel

Sister Brigid Marie Keefe

Servite Sisters, Ladysmith, Wis.

Visitation Nuns, Minneapolis

75 years

60 years

Sister Mary Catherine Izral

Sister Mary Margaret McKenzie Sister Mary Virginia Schmidt

Franciscan Sisters, Rochester 50 years

Sisters of the Living Word 60 years Sister Mary Nicholas Eiden

MEN RELIGIOUS Christian Brothers, Burr Ridge, Ill.

Dominicans, Chicago, Ill.

80 years Brother Basil Rothweiler

50 years Father Joseph Gillespie (vows)

Franciscan Friars Minor, St. Louis, Mo.

Benedictines – St. John’s Abbey, Collegeville

50 years Father Eugene Michel (ordination)

Conventual Franciscans, Mount St. Francis, Ind. 50 years Father Jim Van Dorn (vows)

Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Washington, D.C. 70 years Father Aloysius Svobodny (vows; 65 years ordination)

60 years Father James J. Pillar (ordination) 50 years Father Harry Winter (ordination)

Jubilees

WOMEN RELIGIOUS

50 years Father Bernardine Ness (ordination)

Jesuits, Wisconsin Province 60 years Father Edward Sthokal (ordination) 50 years Father Leon Klimczyk (vows) 40 years Father Patrick McCorkell (ordination) 25 years Father Charles Sim Teck Kim (vows)

Society of Mary, Marists, Washington, D.C. 40 years Father Joseph Hurtuk (ordination)

March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

This Catholic Life • Commentary

16 EDITORIAL Joe Towalski

Seeking balance in the story of the cosmos More than 30 years after Carl Sagan brought the beauty and wonder of outer space to millions of TV watchers, a new version of the popular “Cosmos” series debuted on several cable channels last Sunday. I remember watching the original series as a child, captivated by Sagan’s ability to explain the grandeur of a universe populated by “billions and billions” of stars and other mysterious objects. It nurtured in me an interest in astronomy and stargazing that continues to this day. That’s why I was looking forward to the new show, “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey,” hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, a talented communicator in his own right. Astronomers have learned much in the last three decades, and the show could be a good vehicle for conveying those discoveries and inspiring the next generation of

young stargazers. But, while there was much to like in the first episode, it also left me shaking my head at the way religion was treated. Certainly, the dialogue between religion and science has not always been congenial. But the episode painted an incomplete picture about the history of science and religion, particularly in relation to the Catholic Church. The episode spent more than 10 of its 60 minutes telling the story of Giordano Bruno, a 16th-century Italian friar who came under the scrutiny of the Inquisition for his beliefs about God and the universe and was subsequently burned at the stake. The Church was painted as a close-minded institution intent on silencing scientific inquiry. Fans of classic TV may even have noticed the resemblance of the chief inquisitor portrayed in the retelling to Ming the Merciless of “Flash Gor-

CNS photo/NASA don” fame. This was the extent of the show’s focus on organized religion. The Church’s treatment of Bruno is indeed a sad mark on its history, but it doesn’t come close to telling the whole story about the Church’s relationship with science through history and into the present day. Perhaps future episodes of “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” will note that much of modern science was born in Europe’s Catholic universities, or that many of history’s best scientists were clergymen, including Father Georges Lemaitre, who proposed what later became known as the “big bang” theory of the universe’s beginning. The Vatican even maintains an observatory — its roots date back to the 16th

century — and staffs an astronomical research center hosted by the University of Arizona. Perhaps today’s best-known Vatican astronomer, Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno, described the relationship between faith and science best in an interview I had with him in Rome a few years ago. “God created the universe,” he said. “God said the universe is good. God is expressing who he is to us [in part] through the physical universe. So knowing how the universe works gives us a sense of God’s personality, and it’s a way of getting to know God better.” This is hardly a close-minded approach to science. Both religion and science are ultimately focused on the search for truth, each using their own methods, vocabulary and areas of expertise. Viewers of “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” didn’t get this part of the story Sunday night. No one wants a whitewashing of history — some people representing the Church have committed serious wrongs during its 2,000-year history — but a little balance is in order in the interest of fairness, accuracy and truth. Let’s hope some of that is forthcoming in a series that has the potential to inspire viewers about the beauty of creation that surrounds us all.

TWENTY SOMETHING Christina Capecchi

Let’s hear it for the nuns! When Mary Margaret Gefre’s boyfriend drove her to the train station in their small North Dakota town, the 19-year-old farm girl didn’t tell him where she was headed on that brisk December day, clutching a small bag containing a rosary, her childhood prayer book, a few dresses and a pair of shoes. She was bound for a cloistered convent in St. Paul. She was going to become a nun. Today, at age 84, she marks the passage of that heart-wrenching winter by three feast days. It was on Dec. 28, the Feast of the Holy Innocents, that her boyfriend Baltzer took her to the train station, giving her a peck on the cheek before driving away. The dark-haired young man had won her over with his deep faith and gentle ways. “I was sure he was going to be my husband,” she told me. “I could envision a happy life with him, babies.” It was on Feb. 2, the Feast of the Presentation, that Mary Margaret officially entered the Sisters of St. Joseph’s community, a bundle of hopes and fears. In the open fields back home, she could see for miles: every sunrise engulfed her, every

March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

cloud floated overhead, every star pierced the midnight sky. But in the city, trees crowded in on her. “I felt imprisoned,” she said. “It was sort of like the end of the world.” It was on Feb. 14, the Feast of St. Valentine, that Mary Margaret received a love letter from Baltzer. Her superior, Sister Sara Claire, had already read it and handed it to Mary Margaret soberly. The sight of his neat cursive and urgent plea to come home opened a floodgate of emotion. “It all came back to me. I had to do lots of thinking. It was very hard to give him up, but I just knew my call by then. In my heart I felt that this was my home, “ she said.

The right choice To modern ears, this may sound like a tragedy, but Mary Margaret — who for 65 years now has been Sister Rosalind — describes it as a happily ever after that keeps getting sweeter. Her life has been wildly, richly full: working as a nurse and witnessing childbirth, establishing an esteemed massage school to bring the healing touch to people in pain, fielding appeals for prayer at every

Sister Rosalind Gefre. Photo courtesy of Christina Capecchi turn. She is a short, wrinkled woman with stardust in her eyes and a mile of joy coiled in her body, compelling her to hug repairmen in the elevator and hold your hand as you walk to lunch. “I am so glad I chose the sisterhood!” she said. “I would not exchange it for anything in the world.” I believe her. Many sisters have told me that religious life enabled them to do more than they ever could have hoped, opening up new avenues and awakening new desires. For 20-something women facing big decisions, sisters have surprising wisdom to offer. They’ve been there, they get it. And for those of us who feel frustrated by times when the urgent-but-not-impor-

tant manages to trump the important-but-not-urgent, as Stephen Covey puts it, sisters model an integration — daily actions that perfectly correspond with their dearest values. Walking the walk, seldom needing to talk the talk. Their profound impact is being recognized this March through Women’s History Month. National Catholic Sisters Week is a worthy addition to a month that celebrates movers and shakers, sisters who lead by serving, who show up with great faith and open hearts, seeing God in each stranger on the street. I can’t imagine our country, our Church or my life without them. Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights and editor of SisterStory.org, the official website of National Catholic Sisters Week.

Jason Adkins

The Church and the minimum wage This session, state legislators are considering raising the minimum wage to $9.50 for large businesses (those businesses with over $500,000 in annual gross revenue), which was a recommendation of the 2010 bi-partisan Legislative Commission to End Poverty. Currently, the House and Senate are debating whether to index for inflation the proposed minimum wage increase. The Minnesota Catholic Conference supports an increase in the minimum wage among other policies such as tax credits and childcare assistance recommended by the commission that are designed to foster family economic security and restore work as a ladder out of poverty for many Minnesotans. The economics of the minimum wage have been hotly debated. Therefore, it is worth revisiting how MCC arrived at its support for an increase in the minimum wage.

Ladder out of poverty In 2004, 35 ecumenical and interfaith leaders in Minnesota, including the state’s Catholic bishops, came together and published “A Common Foundation: Shared Principles for Work on Overcoming Poverty.” “A Common Foundation” eventually led to the creation by state lawmakers of the Legislative Commission to End Poverty. The commission conducted its business through hearings, research, interviews, multiple listening tours and

fact-gathering sessions. It found that increasing the minimum wage could, on its own, lower the poverty rate by at least a half of a percentage point, and increase the wages of approximately 479,000 Minnesota workers (LCEP, p. 33). A minimum wage increase combined with tax credits, child care assistance and education spending could cut the poverty rate by as much as 3 percent (LCEP, p. 21). A measured increase in the minimum wage is desirable from an economic standpoint and is supported by other statistics as well. The purchasing power of the minimum wage is 30 percent lower than it was in 1968. As policy analyst Bill Galston has discussed repeatedly in the Wall Street Journal, gains in productivity over the last 30 years have not been matched by wage increases, which have remained stagnant, meaning the benefits of economic growth are not being widely shared. One concern with raising the minimum wage is that it will affect small businesses and cost jobs. But the effect on small businesses may be overstated. According to the National Employment Law Project (raisetheminimumwage.com), the majority (66 percent) of low-wage workers are not employed by small businesses, but instead by large corporations with more than 100 employees. And what of the big businesses? Will they be able to handle an increase in the minimum wage without shedding jobs? The data say

“The Church has almost always led the way in being an advocate for the poor and the worker. Pope Francis has highlighted the importance of the Church’s work in the community and in the legislatures to combat ‘an economy of exclusion.’” Jason Adkins, Minnesota Catholic Conference executive director

yes. According to the National Employment Law Project, the 50 largest employers of low-wage workers have mostly recovered from the recession and are in strong financial positions: 92 percent were profitable last year; 78 percent have been profitable for the last three years; 75 percent have higher revenues now than before the recession; 73 percent have higher cash holdings; and 63 percent have higher operating margins (a measure of profitability).

One piece of the puzzle All of this data supports the bishops’ judgment that raising the minimum wage (to a certain point) is a good policy for Minnesota. Support for a higher minimum wage, however, is a prudential judgment, not an infallible one, and reasonable people of goodwill can disagree on the merits of the policy. A minimum wage is not necessarily an unmitigated blessing for workers, businesses or the economy as a whole. As noted earlier, a wage floor that is too high will likely eliminate jobs. And a minimum wage that does not take into account the difference between large and small businesses and their ability to absorb additional labor costs could hurt the very people it is designed to help. Further, a “minimum” wage is not mandated by the Gospel. That

being said, paying a “just” wage is a Gospel requirement (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2434). Public policy, however, is incapable of mandating “just” or “living” wages across the labor market because not every deficiency in human affairs has a legislative solution. The just wage comes about primarily through the solidarity and cooperation shown between labor and capital. But sometimes the market is not able to adequately distribute the resources necessary for the human growth of all its citizens (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 353). Therefore, a government-mandated “minimum” wage is one way in which the political community can help workers participate in the fruits of the economy and foster just wages.

This Catholic Life • Commentary

FAITH IN THE PUBLIC ARENA

The Church has almost always led the way in being an advocate for the poor and the worker. Pope Francis has highlighted the importance of the Church’s work in the community and in the legislatures to combat “an economy of exclusion.” A minimum wage is not a perfect solution, nor is it the only solution for combating poverty and fostering economic opportunity. But it is one policy that looks more prudent and pressing every day. Adkins is executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference.

Talking points to consider for two social issues of concern for Catholics: Join the Minnesota Catholic Conference in reaching out to state legislators this session

Combating bullying “Please support SF 2411, the ‘Bullying Prohibition Policy,’ and oppose SF 783, the ‘Safe and Supportive Schools Act.’ Unlike SF 783, the primary goal of SF 2411 is to protect all students from bullying equally, while respecting the ability of our local community’s parents and school officials to design policies that are in the best interest of our children.” Restoring the right to vote “Please support legislation (HF 491/SF 107) that restores the right to vote for Minnesotans who have finished their period of incarceration and are participating in our community. Seventy-five percent of those who can’t vote in Minnesota are in the community trying to support their families and pay taxes, and the percentage of those disenfranchised in Minnesota has grown more than 400 percent in the last 30 years. Voting restoration will make the law more equitable, save government resources, and encourage positive community participation.”

The Catholic Advocacy Network is an initiative of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota. To join the advocacy network and get tips on how to talk to legislators, visit mncc.org. You can also call Senate Information directly at (651) 296-0504 for help in identifying your representative and senator.

March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

Faith & Culture

Comic book captures pope’s spirituality By Mary Stachyra Lopez Catholic News Service A new comic book hero is fighting for truth, justice and the Christian way. “Pope Francis: I Believe in Mercy” is a new biography written by Regina Doman, a Front Royal, Va., resident and parishioner at St. John the Baptist Church. Sean Lam, an artist based in Singapore, illustrated the book in the Japanese style of comics, manga. “For a long time I have been looking for an opportunity to get involved in a more visual project,” said Doman, a writer whose background is in television production. The book, released in August, is an attempt to “evangelize the culture,” she said. Until a few years ago, Doman herself didn’t know much about manga. She learned quickly after Manga Hero, the publisher of “Pope Francis,” enlisted her help on a different project. “I really do feel there is scope for depth in there that you don’t often see in western comics,” Doman said.

Telling the story The book reads more like a spiritual autobiography than a blow-by-blow account of major events in the pontiff’s life. There is a sizable amount of text in Francis’ own words. The narrative moves forward through a personal profession of faith that Pope Francis made just before being ordained, and through the spiritual exercises of the Jesuit order’s founder, St. Ignatius of Loyola. The saint’s recommendations included picturing oneself within a scene from the Scriptures. Francis does just that in key moments. In one scene, then-Father Jorge Bergoglio celebrates Mass right before he speaks to Argentina’s

ruthless new president on behalf of a pair of Jesuits taken as political prisoners. “Padre Jorge,” as he was called, has every reason to be afraid — after all, the dictator has no qualms about punishing priests. A panel juxtaposes an upclose drawing of Father Bergoglio’s dark eyes with a scene of terrified apostles, clinging to a boat during a storm. Then, Christ appears to the apostles. Father Bergoglio lifts the host, his mind apparently made up. Then, jumping forward in time, he tells the dictator, “I’ve come to ask you about my brother priests.” Many comic book writers would simply have let the reader eavesdrop directly on Father Bergoglio’s troubled thoughts by placing a “thought bubble” next to his head. Pope Francis is a different sort of book — though he faces challenges and has the personal virtues worthy of any “superhero” storyline.

Other popes Francis is not the only papal comic book star: The lives of the popes have provided enough drama for several other adaptations. In 2012, Doman wrote “Habemus Papam: Pope Benedict XVI.” In 2000, the Vatican approved an Italian serial comic strip aimed at young people, “Karol Wojtyla: Pope of the Third Millennium.” Copies of 1983’s “The Life of Pope John Paul II,” originally published by Marvel Comics for $1.50, now go for $10 to $20 on eBay. And when Francis seems to make headlines on a daily basis, who knows? There could be another book in the offering. “It would be really fun to revisit later in his pontificate,” Doman said. “Pope Francis: I Believe in Mercy” can be ordered at www.mangahero.com or www.amazon.com.

Lenten film series is part of online TV program Catholic News Service The Chicago-Detroit Jesuit province is teaming up with Loyola Productions’ online IN Network for a seven-part Lenten film series making its debut on seven Wednesdays in Lent. The first film aired on Ash Wednesday. The series is part of the program “The INNdustry,” hosted by Sister Rose Pacatte, a Daughter of St. Paul. Sister Each episode of “The INNdustry” features clips Rose from films and television PACATTE series, along with interviews and commentary from producers and directors behind those movies and shows. The episodes highlight Lenten themes and foster reflection and

March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

conversation. Questions for reflection and commentary are also offered. The film series can be used in prayer groups, young adult ministry, retreats, classrooms and individual Lenten preparation for Easter. A promotional video and press kit materials can be viewed at http://getinn.tv/lent-2014-epk.

Series schedule The series began March 5 with “Redemption of the Prosecutor,” a documentary short, and continued March 12 with “Champions of Faith: Baseball Edition” featuring former major leaguer Mike Sweeney. The remaining schedule is: • March 19: “The Way” with Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez. • March 26: “Desert Wedding,” about how a “bridezilla” deals with the unexpected.

• April 2: “I Am,” director Tom Shadyac’s autobiographical documentary. • April 9: “Joan of Arcadia” with creator Barbara Hall. • April 16: “Small Change,” about how one boy’s action gives hope to a family in crisis. The IN Network — short for Ignatian News Network — is an online platform specifically designed for the global Jesuit family, presenting news, culture, lifestyle and original series content through a uniquely Ignatian lens. The IN Network has an App available for iOS devices such as the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. An Android version is coming soon. To watch the Lenten Film Series on “The INNdustry” or to get more information, visit http://getinn.tv/ lent-2014 or search for “IN Network” on the iTunes store.

19 Fish Fries and Lenten dinners — March 14

Prayer/ liturgy

Holy Family Maronite Church, Mendota Heights — 4 to 7 p.m. at 1960 Lexington Ave. S. Fish and Lebanese side dishes. Epiphany, Coon Rapids — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 11001 Hanson Blvd. N.W.

campus), Rogers — 5 to 7 p.m. at 21304 cam Church Ave.

St. Peter, Forest Lake — 5 to 7 p.m. at 1250 S. Shore Drive.

Holy Family Maronite Church, Mendota Heights — 4 to 7 p.m. at 1960 Lexington Ave. S. Fish and Lebanese side dishes.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Paul — Lenten Enchilada dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 401 Concord St. St. John the Baptist, Hugo — 5 to 8 p.m. at 14383 Forest Blvd. St. Bernard, Cologne — 3:30 to 8 p.m. at 300 Church St.

Epiphany, Coon Rapids — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 11001 Hanson Blvd. N.W. Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Paul — Lenten Enchilada dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 401 Concord St.

Knights of Columbus Events Center, Shakopee — 5 to 7:30 p.m. at 1760 Fourth Ave. E.

St. John the Baptist, Hugo — 5 to 8 p.m. at 14383 Forest Blvd.

Holy Cross, Minneapolis — 5 to 7 p.m. at 17th Avenue and Fourth St. N.E.

St. John Byzantine, Minneapolis — 4:30 to 7 p.m. potato pancake and soup dinner at 2201 Third St. N.E.

Sacred Heart, Robbinsdale — 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 4087 W. Broadway St. Stephen, Anoka — 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 525 Jackson St. Epiphany, Coon Rapids — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 11001 Hanson Blvd. Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomington — 5 to 9 p.m. at 1114 American Blvd. St. John the Baptist, Jordan — Waffle dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 313 E. Second St. St. John Neumann, Eagan — 5 to 7 p.m. at 4030 Pilot Knob Road.

Knights of Columbus Events Center, Shakopee — 5 to 7:30 p.m. at 1760 Fourth Ave. E. Guardian Angels, Oakdale — 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 8260 Fourth St. N. Holy Cross, Minneapolis — 5 to 7 p.m. at 17th Avenue and Fourth Street N.E. Sacred Heart, Robbinsdale — 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 4087 W. Broadway St. Stephen, Anoka — 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 525 Jackson St.

March 21

Epiphany, Coon Rapids — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 11001 Hanson Blvd.

St. Peter School, North St. Paul — 4 to 7 p.m. at 2620 N. Margaret St.

St. Pius X, White Bear Lake — 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 3878 Highland Ave.

St. Pascal Baylon — 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 1757 Conway St. Nativity of Mary, Bloomington — 4 to 9 p.m. at 9900 Lyndale Ave. S. Mary, Queen of Peace (St. Martin

Parish events St. Pat’s Night fundraiser at Transfiguration, Oakdale — March 15: 6 p.m. at 6133 15th St. N. Features a corned beef and cabbage or ham dinner, live Celtic music, cash bar and more. Cost is $20 per person. For information, visit www.transfigurationmn.org. Bingo and ham raffle at Immaculate Conception, Columbia Heights — March 16: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 4030 Jackson St. N.E. Play bingo for cash, cards 50 cents each or 3 for $1. Snacks and beverages available for purchase. For information, visit www.ICCSonline.org. ‘The Lenten Conversion Stories of the Gospel of John’ presented by Art Zannoni at St. Albert the Great, Minneapolis — March 18 and 25: 7 to 9:15 p.m. at 2836 33rd

Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomington — 5 to 9 p.m. at 1114 American Blvd. St. Joseph of the Lakes, Lino Lakes — 5 to 8 p.m. at 171 Elm St. Ave. S. Emphasis on breaking open the biblical texts to better appreciate their content, context and meaning. In addition, the dramatic character and rich symbolism of water and spirit, sight and insight, light and faith, death and life, found in these Gospel readings, will be explored as an ideal model for the practice of adult faith. High Tea at St. Helena, Minneapolis — March 23: 2 to 4 p.m. at 3204 E. 46th St., downstairs in Rowan Hall. Treats to sample with singer and guitarist Mary Hall providing the entertainment. Make reservations by calling (612) 729-7344. Cost is $6. ‘Feast of the Golden Fork’ at Holy Childhood, St. Paul — April 5: 7 p.m. at 1435 Midway Parkway. Features a four course Polish dinner with all the trimmings. Tickets are $60 for one or $100 for two. Call Holy Childhood

Annual Mass and brunch for people with disabilities at St. Edward, Bloomington — March 15: 9 a.m. at 9401 Nesbitt Ave. S. Features live entertainment by Colleen Hiebeler. RSVP by calling (952) 835-7101.

Don’t miss More events online Additional parish and school events in the archdiocese can be found at TheCatholicSpirit.com/ calendar.

Calendar

parish office at (651) 644-7495 for tickets and information. Proceeds will help fund the cost for the Orchestra Masses for Easter and Christmas.

Healing Mass at St. Gabriel the Archangel, Hopkins — March 18: Rosary at 7 p.m. followed by Mass at the St. Joseph campus, 1310 Mainstreet. Father Jim Livingston will be the celebrant. The Passion of Jesus in Music, Word and Light at St. Mark, Shakopee — March 14: Music begins at 7:45 p.m. and performance at 8 p.m. at Fourth Avenue and Atwood Street.

Retreats Women’s Retreat at Good Shepherd Church, Golden Valley — March 15: 8:30 a.m. to noon at 145 Jersey Ave., S. For all women – confirmed and up. Elizabeth Kelly will speak on “Heaven in You and You in Heaven, Awakening to the Divine in Daily Life.” Retreat also includes Mass, lecture, prayer and reflection time. Cost is $10 per person and includes light refreshments. Register by calling (763) 544-0416, ext. 810. Retreat featuring Msgr. Aloysius Callaghan at Christ the King Retreat Center, Buffalo — March 21 to 23: Theme of the retreat is “Mary and the New Evangelization.” For information, call (763) 682-1394 or visit www.kingshouse.com. Men’s Retreat at Good Shepherd Church, Golden Valley — March 22: 8:30 a.m. to noon at 145 Jersey Ave., S. For all men - Deacon Thom Winniger will guide us to a better understanding of where we are headed, how to discover the meaning in our lives and share a pattern that will bring joy and satisfaction to our lives and career. Cost is $10 per person and includes a continental breakfast and pizza lunch. Register by calling (763) 5440416, ext. 810. Women of Worth retreat for high school women at the NET Center, West St. Paul — March 28 to 30: 7 p.m. Friday to 11:45 a.m. Sunday at 110 Crusader Ave. W. Cost is $100 and includes four meals and dorm-style lodging. For information, visit www.netusa.org/wow. Lenten retreat at St. Agnes, St. Paul — April 5: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 535 W. Thomas Ave. Presenter is Father Robert Altier. Theme is,”Every Saint has a Past and Every Sinner has a Future.’ Women’s Morning of Reflection ‘A Heart for God’ at Immaculate Conception, Columbia Heights — April 5: 9 a.m. to noon at 4030 Jackson St. N.E. A morning to renew your heart, mind and spirit with presenter Dr. Jackie Witter. $12 includes lunch. Info and RSVP by March 24 to (763) 788-1897 or tiedendc@gmail.com Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Meetings Minneapolis Deaneries Council of Catholic Women quarterly meeting at St. Raphael, Crystal — March 24: 9 a.m. at 7301 Bass Lake Road. Speaker Alyssa Bormes will present “Hospitality and Healing.” Rosary before noon Mass, followed by lunch. Cost is $13. Register by March 19 by calling (763) 536-0553.

School events ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ presented by the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students at Notre Dame Academy, Minnetonka — March 13 to 16: 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at 13505 Excelsior Blvd. For information, visit www.nda-mn.org/ academics/drama.asp.

Other events Archdiocesan Men’s Conference at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul — March 22: 7 a.m. to noon at the Anderson Fieldhouse on campus. Adoration and confession beginning at 7 a.m. with Mass at 8 a.m. Keynote speaker is Doug Bushman, Augustine Institute. Testimonial from Brian Bonin. Register at events.archspm.org/MFL-MensConference-2014. ‘Rediscovering JOY in Health Care – The Call to Virtue & Holiness’ at St. Catherine University and the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul — March 28 and 29: 5 to 9 p.m. (Friday) at Couer de Catherine, 2004 Randolph Ave. and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Saturday) at the Anderson Student Center, 2115 Summit Ave. Conference is sponsored by Curatio, in cooperation with: St. Catherine University Myser Initiative for Catholic Identity and Henrietta Schmoll School of Health, University of St. Thomas Center for Catholic Studies, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the Catholic Medical Association Twin Cities Chapter: Catholic Physicians Guild. For information, visit www.curatioapostolate.com

CALENDAR submissions DEADLINE: Noon Thursday, seven days before the anticipated Thursday date of publication. Recurring or ongoing events must be submitted each time they occur. LISTINGS: Accepted are brief notices of upcoming events hosted by Catholic parishes and institutions. If the Catholic connection is not clear, please emphasize it in your press release. ITEMS MUST INCLUDE the following to be considered for publication in the calendar: • Time and date of event • Full street address of event • Description of event • Contact information in case of questions E-MAIL: spiritcalendar@archspm.org (No attachments, please.) FAX: (651) 291-4460 MAIL: “Calendar,” The Catholic Spirit, 244 Dayton Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102

March 13, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

The Last Word

10 things

Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay, Wis., chairman of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, offers the following list for Lent:

8. Be patient with yourself. When we’re confronted with our own weakness during Lent, the temptation is to get angry and frustrated. “What a bad person I am!” But that’s the wrong lesson. God is calling us to be patient and to see ourselves as he does, with unconditional love.

to remember for Lent

1. Remember the formula. The Church does a good job capturing certain truths with easyto-remember lists and formulas: Ten Commandments, seven sacraments, three persons in the Trinity. For Lent, the Church gives us almost a slogan — “Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving” — as the three things we need to work on during the season.

form of penance, which helps us turn away from sin and toward Christ.

2. It’s a time of prayer. Lent is essentially an act of prayer spread out over 40 days. As we pray, we go on a journey, one that hopefully brings us closer to Christ and leaves us changed by the encounter with him.

4. It’s a time to work on discipline. The 40 days of Lent are also a good, set time to work on personal discipline in general. Instead of giving something up, it can be doing something positive. “I’m going to exercise more. I’m going to pray more. I’m going to be nicer to my family, friends and coworkers.”

3. It’s a time to fast. With the fasts of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, meatless Fridays, and our personal disciplines interspersed, Lent is the only time many Catholics these days actually fast. And maybe that’s why it gets all the attention. “What are you giving up for Lent? Hotdogs? Beer? Jelly beans?” It’s almost a game for some of us, but fasting is actually a

5. It’s about dying to yourself. The more serious side of Lenten discipline is that it’s about more than self-control — it’s about finding aspects of yourself that are less than Christ-like and letting them die. The suffering and death of Christ are foremost on our minds during Lent, and we join in these mysteries by suffering, dying with Christ and being resurrected

6. Don’t do too much. It’s tempting to make Lent some ambitious period of personal reinvention, but it’s best to keep it simple and focused. There’s a reason the Church works on these mysteries year after year. We spend our entire lives growing closer to God. Don’t try to cram it all into one Lent. That’s a recipe for failure.

9. Reach out in charity. As we experience weakness and suffering during Lent, we should be renewed in our compassion for those who are hungry, suffering or otherwise in need. The third part of the Lenten formula is almsgiving. It’s about more than throwing a few extra dollars in the collection plate; it’s about reaching out to others and helping them without question as a way of sharing the experience of God’s unconditional love.

7. Lent reminds us of our weakness. Of course, even when we set simple goals for ourselves during Lent, we still have trouble keeping them. When we fast, we realize we’re all just one meal away from hunger. In both cases, Lent shows us our weakness. This can be painful, but recognizing how helpless we are makes us seek God’s help with renewed urgency and sincerity.

10. Learn to love like Christ. Giving of ourselves in the midst of our suffering and self-denial brings us closer to loving like Christ, who suffered and poured himself out unconditionally on the cross for all of us. Lent is a journey through the desert to the foot of the cross on Good Friday, as we seek him out, ask his help, join in his suffering, and learn to love like him.

in a purified form.

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a prayer routine Learning more about our faith The Catholic Spirit’s 4-page Rediscover: pullout section in each issue highlights a new Rediscover: theme for you and discuss with others. Coming up March 27; What is “lectio divina”?

How do we cultivate good prayer habits?

M HEART OF THE MATTER Jeff CAVINS

ost people would agree that creating bad habits is easy and creating good habits is more difficult. A habit, whether good or bad, is the result of repeatedly doing or not doing something. If we were to seriously examine our lives, we would find that most days are made up of repeating many things. We tend to drive the same way, eat the same meals, watch the same news and surf the net at predictable times. From morning until evening, we string together repeated tasks, and we call this “our life.” We often want to break out of our habits and start new ones that point to, feed and nurture the things that are really important. The problem we face is that in most cases the things our hearts really crave — peace, meaning and mission — do not have daily habits pointing to them. As Christians, our goal in life is to be with God forever in heaven. We call this goal the beatific vision. If our goal is to be with our heavenly father forever, maybe a good habit to develop on earth would be to be with him

every day. This daily time spent with God is called prayer. What makes Christian prayer unique is that Jesus reveals to us that the basis of our relationship with God is a filial one. This means that we are God’s children and he is our Father. Everything we know about prayer springs from this perspective. God is not simply an omnipotent being who we have to figure out. God is our Father, and we can communicate with him as his children.

Responding to God’s love We have an added advantage when it comes to developing a habit of prayer: God has drawn our hearts to him, initiating the habit by drawing us with his love. Prayer is always a response to the initiative of God’s love. “God calls man first. Man may forget his Creator or hide far from his face; he may run after idols or accuse the deity of having abandoned him; yet the living and true God Please turn to GOOD on back page of section

“God is not simply an omnipotent being who we our Father, and we can communicate with him as Jeff Cavins

‘Prayer Process’ helps form regular conversations with God In 2014, the Rediscover: section’s “Celebrating Catholicism” column will feature a variety of writers. The following is an excerpt from Matthew Kelly’s book “The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic: How Engaging 1% of Catholics Could Change the World.” It is reprinted with permission. Too many of us tell ourselves that we will pray when we get around to it. This of course means that on many days we don’t get around to it. Over time we are more likely to fall into the habit of not praying every day than we are to fall into the habit of praying every day. The reason is because we tend not to just fall into really good lifechanging habits. We tend to fall into bad habits. The good ones CELEBRATING need to be sought out intentionally. And prayer is one of CATHOLICISM them.

Matthew KELLY

The Prayer Process

The Prayer Process . . . provides a consistent format to guide you in your daily prayer. The first barrier to entry for most people who feel drawn to prayer is that they simply don’t know how to pray. They have never been taught to pray. It is amazing how little time we as a Church spend teaching people to pray. The Prayer Process overcomes the first barrier to entry by providing people with a format and a method. It provides the routine within the routine that Dynamic Catholics have spent decades developing through the painstaking process of trial and error. Here is the process in its simplest form. 1. Gratitude: Begin by thanking God in a personal dialogue for whatever you are most grateful for today. 2. Awareness: Revisit the times in the past twentyfour hours when you were and were not the-bestversion-of-yourself. Talk to God about these situations and what you learned from them. 3. Significant Moments: Identify something you experienced today and explore what God might be trying to say to you through that event (or person). 4. Peace: Ask God to forgive you for any wrong you have committed (against yourself, another person, or him) and to fill you with a deep and abiding peace. 5. Freedom: Speak with God about how he is inviting you to change your life, so that you can experience the freedom to be the-best-version-ofyourself. 6. Others: Lift up to God anyone you feel called to pray for today, asking God to bless and guide them. 7. Finish by praying the Our Father. Each of the first six steps in the process should stimulate a conversation with God. It is easy to fall into the trap of merely thinking about these things. When you find yourself doing that, return to actually speaking with God about whatever it is you are thinking. The goal is to develop the ability to have intimate conversations with God during this time set aside for prayer. The more deeply rooted we become in this daily habit of prayer, the more those conversations with God will spill over into the moments of our daily lives. Kelly is an international best-selling author, speaker and founder of The Dynamic Catholic Institute.

The Catholic Spirit • March 13, 2014

Derek Waldbillig All Saints, Lakeville Currently serving as a missionary for St. Paul’s Outreach at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan.

It wasn’t until within the last year that I began to strive after taking time to pray every day. Through this journey, there is really only one word that can sum it up: relationship. My prayer life has turned from praying before meals, a couple recited prayers before bed, and an occasional rosary into an actual relationship with the Lord. Starting out, it was my goal to pray for at least 15 minutes every morning before my day started. To start off my time of prayer, I submit myself to the Lord, to re-establish the position of authority and power that he has in my life. Something along the lines of “O Lord, most holy, I submit myself to you and to your authority.” When doing this, I invoke the Holy Spirit by literally calling upon him. The Holy Spirit is the

true teacher, so I ask him to teach me conversation with my Father, how to the Lord’s voice in that silence.

Praying out loud, even in whispers so allows me to hear my own prayers what I am saying. Next, I move into praise. In heaven, we will be in const important to do that on earth as well from Scripture to help with prayers o

From this point, I move to the dail mini Lectio Divina with the reading a what the Lord may want me to get fr

After sitting in silence for about 5 m a time just to have a conversation wi actually talking this out, I write it out might sound, I literally have a dialog person. This is, by far, where the rich where I become aware of the endless the Lord. I allow the conversation to and continually seek Him out throug

Invite the Holy Spirit in, and watch

My prayer routine

The Catholic Spirit asked four people in the archdiocese to offer reflec prayer routine: what they do, why they do it and what impact it has on Here are their responses: Jim Cahill St. Bonaventure, Bloomington

Years ago my personal prayer time was made up of Catholic schools, the seminary and at home. I think I thought there w not certain where my heart was at in those days. Then, several years ago, the Holy Spirit awakened my heart. was at and fill me with his love as I made efforts to change. Th I learned that the Holy Spirit is the mutual love the Father and love became the meeting place for the Lord and me. What I discovered was that with the love of God available to me and planted in my h God loves and to pray for what was on God’s heart. Now when I pray, it isn’t the word but rather a relationship in which the words are personal between us. Here are some examples of the changes: I say the Stations of the Cross most days, wh love he has for me. My heart breaks with gratitude as this love story unfolds before me Stations. I learn at daily Mass that he loves mankind and me so deeply that he wants to be vis us through his presence in the Eucharist. As this sense of friendship grows, daily adora adore him with a full heart, and he gives me a sense of his gratitude that we are togeth difference from earlier days. As wonderful as this relationship is that helps me pray, it is also hard. Every day I fa laziness. Every day I’m forgiven. Every day I keep my eyes on where my life is heading, people as possible to travel together with me toward heaven. It’s hard for me to be consistent in my prayer life. Something happened to me in the years ago that makes it much easier. While praying in the Upper Room, the Holy Spirit ask daily to receive the love of the Holy Spirit. These are the questions: 1. Every day we tell him we are sorry. Is this something I believe, and is it something I would like to do He is a friend to me as well. How would I like that friendship to grow? 3. The Holy Spir Son have for one another. How would I like to receive more of this love into my heart awakened in my life? Yes, and this is where I ask him to help me daily. These are some of the elements of my personal prayer time, which I owe to the Holy ask the Holy Spirit to fill me for the work of love that is before me. He is the strength o

e how to pray: how to have a o silence myself so I can hear

s, is important because doing s. This helps me to believe a time of thanksgiving and tant praise, so I think it is l. I suggest using the Psalms of praise (Psalms 144-150, etc.).

ly Gospel reading. I perform a and try to open myself up to rom it.

minutes or so, I then move to ith the Lord. And instead of t. As unorthodox as this gue with the Lord – in first hest prayer takes place, and s strength, graces and mercy of be directed by the Holy Spirit ghout the conversation.

h Him work, because He will.

ctions on their n their lives.

c prayers I had learned in Catholic was power in the words alone. I’m

. I invited him to meet me where I his changed my prayer life forever. d Son have for one another. This

heart, I could begin to love what ds alone as it was earlier in my life,

here I am reminded of this intense e again and again in front of the

sually and physically together with ation is a moment when I can her. This is how it is now. A big

ail because of distractions and , and that means I want as many

e Upper Room in Jerusalem three t gave me three questions I should e offend God and every day we can o? 2. Jesus is a friend to everyone. rit is the love the Father and the and have the Holy Spirit

Anne Nicklaus Our Lady of Peace, Minneapolis “Mommy, have you had your prayer time yet today?” asked my 4-year-old. I admitted, I had not. “O-o-h,” she sighed.“I know what that feels like.” Those words reveal the deep need we all have for relationship with the Lord. I won’t kid you, it is a challenge to work it in, and there is a reason it is called the battle of prayer. But, I can’t give what I don’t have, and it is prayer that sustains me amid the never-ending demands of my vocation. As I wake, I pray a morning offering to direct my heart to the Lord and resist the enemy who attempts to discourage me when my spirit and thoughts are most vulnerable. Magnificat is one of several good Catholic devotionals, and having a regular time and place helps, too. I don’t worry any more whether or not I will be interrupted; rest assured, I will be. But, I know my children will do what I do and not what I say. And how shall they remember me? With an iPhone in my hand or a Bible? But what of St. Paul’s invitation to “pray without ceasing”? How does that work? My answer came in a most unexpected and delightful way. It was the feast of the Sacred Heart, and I sat in the pew, struggling with a baby and a toddler, wondering what I could possibly get out of the Mass. Then came the reading from Hosea: “I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks.” The jovial, retired priest beautifully described the love of our Father, who tenderly looks upon us, irresistibly drawn to hold us close to his cheek. Just like a human parent. I get that! How many times have I labored to get the baby down for nap, only to return to gaze at her sleeping? Forever erased was the image of God as unyielding judge. I was given new eyes that day, eyes to see a loving Father who continually draws me to him, who is with me always. Throughout my busy days as a mother of five, I sense the hands of the Father lifting my face to his, turning back my heart to his love. So, when a disappointed child is in front of me, and the washer repairman is at the door and I need to drive carpool, all at the same time, God is there! Not in the past or future, but here, now. I don’t want to miss him!

Olivia Ring St. Michael, Prior Lake Since I was a young girl, I was taught to pray, and I have continued to do so. As I have grown older, however, my prayers have developed. I used to consider praying a habit, almost a chore, but I continued to pray because I knew it was the right thing to do. Thank goodness I continued, because my relationship with God and my life have improved immensely all because of it. Thanks to St. Michael’s youth ministry and my friends, I have learned and adapted a variety of prayers. I love to switch up the manner in which I pray, as it allows me to talk to God in different ways. One of my favorite methods of prayer is praying with the saints, and I do so by wearing medals and praying rosaries, novenas and chaplets. The Virgin Mary and St. Rita are my all-time favorite saints. This past summer, I consecrated myself to Mary. Basically, I give everything up to her: my actions, intentions and thoughts, and she transforms and purifies them for Jesus. The saints are awesome for intercessions; nevertheless, I still love simply sitting and talking with God. I do so through reading the Bible, singing, journaling or sitting in adoration. Adoration is undoubtedly my favorite form of prayer. When I am in front of the Eucharist, it is so easy for me to know God is right there, in front of and within me. I feel immense peace and joy, as if a great light is shining from within me. It is an amazing experience. As I have continued to pray every morning and every night, and attempt to go to adoration every Wednesday, I have learned that the more I pray, the more I turn to prayer. It is my first response to any problem or happiness in my life. I know it all comes from God, and it just brings me joy to dwell on all of his blessings. Without prayer, I would not have the confidence or perseverance for my daily life. God gives me the strength and grace I need, for as Jesus said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you,” (Matthew 7:7). Prayer is the way to talk to Jesus, to find Jesus and to love Jesus.

y Spirit. Each day I’ve learned to of my prayer life.

Rediscover-faith.org

Making time for God will give your life purpose, peace Sitting in the confessional, I anxiously relayed my sins to the priest, saving the biggest weight on my heart for last. Hoping for a release and to receive some good advice, I explained to him that although I go to Mass, sometimes daily; and although I’m involved in all of the “right” Catholic PRAYER groups on campus and spend time JOURNAL studying and working out, I never feel like I’m doing enough. Angela The priest gently looked me in Deeney the eye and said, “I want you to set aside 10 minutes every day to pray.” I looked at him incredulously. “Did he not just hear me?” I thought to myself. I said I am so busy and overwhelmed. Why would he give me something else on my list to do? He caught my unwilling expression and hesitation and reminded me that he was trying to help. “OK, fine,” I said, still unsure of how this would help me unclutter my life. Sometimes, we think of prayer as just another thing on the to-do list. We have our schedules written out for each minute of every day. If by chance we do include prayer on the list, it’s usually listed near the bottom as an “if I have time at the end of the day” thing to do. But as the night stretches on, we realize we didn’t

tirelessly calls each person to that mysterious encounter known as prayer” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2567). Jesus is our model when it comes to establishing a daily habit of prayer. He learned to pray according to his human heart. He learned to pray according to the formulas and rhythms of first-century Judaism. His first teachers

prayer These evenings are a unique opportunity to experience Cor Jesu, meaning “Heart of Jesus,” as we worship Christ in community with the Church through Eucharistic adoration, confession, praise, benediction and fellowship. Tuesday, March 25 St. Hubert, Chanhassen Tuesday, April 8 All Saints, Lakeville All Cor Jesu evenings begin at 7 p.m. and end around 9 p.m.

Part of the rhythm of daily life

Someone once told me, “our souls are like flowers that need to be watered every day with prayer, otherwise they will begin to wilt and die.”

In the book, “Time for God,” Father Jacques Philippe encourages praying at the same time and in the same place whenever possible. He says, “Mental prayer should not be treated as something exceptional, done at a time snatched with difficulty from other activities, but should become a habit, part of the normal rhythm of our lives, so that its place is never questioned, even for a single day.” Whatever the time of day it is, it is important that we guard this time of prayer from every distraction so we can fully enter into the peaceful presence of our Lord where he can refresh us. Pretty soon after I took the priest’s advice to pray every day, I discovered that 10 minutes was no longer enough time to cover all of the things I wanted to bring to the Lord and he was bringing to me. And, as my time in prayer has increased, the Lord has never ceased to multiply my time so I can still complete what I need to do each day. This Lent, make prayer a priority and let it turn into a part of your daily routine. Let God speak to the depths of your heart and be open to receiving all of the graces he wants to offer you each day.

So, too, I began to notice that the days I missed intentionally being with the Lord in prayer, I was more anxious, worried and void of the strength I could only receive through prayer.

Deeney is a senior at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul and an intern for the Office of Communications of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

What keeps you from committing more of your time to prayer? What can you give up for the remainder of Lent that will allow you to have more daily prayer time with God? get as much done as we would have liked to, and we go to bed overwhelmed and weary, with God shoved into the back of our mind. I wish I could explain to you how precious those 10 minutes of prayer a day became for me once I made an effort to commit. Although at first I thought of prayer as another thing I had to do, I quickly realized that those 10 minutes were integral to giving me strength for the rest of the day. It was those 10 minutes of honest conversation with God that shaped (and continue to shape) my priorities and help me carry out my daily duties with purpose and peace.

were his parents, Mary and Joseph. Jesus set aside not only a special time of prayer on a daily basis but also before the decisive moments of his ministry: before his Father’s witness to him during his baptism and Transfiguration, and before his own fulfillment of the Father’s plan of love by his passion (Luke 3:21; 9:28; 22:41-44). In addition to the set times of prayer for the Jewish people, Jesus draws apart in solitude to a mountain (often at night) to listen to his Father (Luke 5:16; 11:1). We can learn from Jesus and emulate his habits. We have set times of prayer as Catholics — Mass, both daily and Sunday, the Angelus at noon, and the Divine Mercy at 3 p.m. For those who want to follow an even more disciplined habit of prayer, the Church offers the daily Office, called the Liturgy of the Hours, in which prayer follows the hours of the day. For many of us, the key to starting a new habit of prayer is simply to start small and repeat the action daily until prayer becomes a habit. Three things are important for those who are developing the fruitful habit of prayer: place, time and content. • Place: In order to develop a habit of prayer, I would encourage you to pick a place where you can meet with God. Jesus is often found on the mountains around Galilee talking to his Father. The place you choose could be a place in your home, during a walk, going to the adoration chapel at your

The Catholic Spirit • March 13, 2014

parish or while on a coffee break at work. One place isn’t right for all, but one place will be right for you. Choose that place and protect it. Consider your meeting place with God a special place of encounter. The Church teaches us that “whether we realize it or not, prayer is the encounter of God’s thirst with ours. God thirsts that we may thirst for him” (CCC 2560). • Time: Like any appointment with a friend or colleague, having a specific time to meet is important. We are all very busy, so choosing your time to meet with God will reflect your choice to make prayer a priority, but it will also eventually become a natural part of your daily routine. If you are a morning person, start by setting aside 15 minutes before breakfast to meet with God. Maybe stopping at your parish on the way to the office would work well with your schedule. Whatever works best, put that time on your calendar, and don’t let anyone take it away from you. • Content: Now that you have a place and time to meet with God, some material or content that will guide you in your prayer would be helpful. You can go to any of the fine Catholic bookstores in your area and ask about popular devotions and prayer books. I highly recommend the ancient practice of “lectio divina,” the four-step method of praying the Bible, whereby you talk to God and God talks to you through his words. This is a very popular way to pray

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and helps you to hear from God in a practical way. Tim Gray has a wonderful book on this topic, “Praying Scripture for a Change” published by Ascension Press.

Changing your life Again, Jesus is the model for us when it comes to prayer and, according to the catechism, the topics of his personal prayer life seemed to be very practical. We learn that Jesus’ daily actions were a manifestation of his prayer in secret — “. . . his words and works are the visible manifestation of his prayer in secret” (CCC 2602). As you continue to study the Bible, which is a record of God’s words and deeds, you will not only come to know God more intimately, you also will gain insight into the communication between Jesus and God the Father. When you read about Jesus healing, comforting and restoring people, you are seeing the manifestation of his prayer time. That’s the goal, that your daily life, at home, work and with extended family, would be influenced by your habitual time with God in prayer. The key is starting today! Pray in the same place at the same time with a good devotional for 30 days and you will be well on your way to creating a life-changing routine. Cavins is founder of the Great Adventure Bible Study Series and director of the Archbishop Harry J. Flynn Catechetical Institute.