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The Catholic Spirit March 3, 2011

■ Archbishop Nienstedt: Time to ‘get on board.’ Page 2A

■ Who does the Appeal help? Pages 4A-5A

■ Ways to give Pages 8A

d ge un a o p r 8 -a ion p t ra sec w

Catholic Services Appeal

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • MARCH 3, 2011

‘Get on board’ for this year’s Appeal

That They May All Be One Archbishop John C. Nienstedt

Hundreds of people recently boarded buses to see the actual sites where CSA money is being spent

Something happened in this Archdiocese on Wednesday, Feb. 23. Three hundred-plus Catholics boarded motor coaches in order to visit five destinations sponsored by the Catholic Services Appeal. The idea was the brainchild of our chair couple for this year’s CSA, Pat and Mary Regan, who own the bus company and provided the buses. Their concept was simple and straightforward: Let’s get people “on board” to see the actual sites where the CSA money is being spent. And so, buses left from Lakeville, Burnsville, Savage, Eden Prairie, Anoka, Maple Grove, White Bear Lake, New Brighton, Hastings and Oakdale. The sites visited were varied and vibrant: Risen Christ Catholic School, Blessed Trinity Catholic School, Ascension Catholic School, Seton Services of Catholic Charities and The Saint Paul Seminary. After a brief introduction and tour, everyone got back “on board” and converged on the Basilica of St. Mary where a delicious pasta dinner awaited them, served by students from the very schools just visited.

Rich legacy When I arrived for the dinner, the room was abuzz with excitement. It was as if we were all back in high school after a day’s field trip. The energy was palpable. After dinner, testimonials from each ministry site were made. Again it was emphasized that the purpose of the CSA is to support ministries that no one single parish or one single individual can do. These are our “shared ministries” as an archdiocese. For more than 41 years, Catholics have used this Appeal to build up the Body of Christ in this local church, sharing with those in need a

More inside

Archbishop Nienstedt’s schedule

For a story about the bus tour, see page 3A.

portion of the gifts God has given to us. Over the years, literally hundreds of thousands of our brothers and sisters have been helped. It is a rich legacy indeed! I hope you will have the opportunity to view the 2011 CSA DVD this weekend, March 5-6. It does a wonderful job of telling the CSA story from the viewpoint of those receiving our assistance. I thought it was a powerful message. The following weekend, March 12-13, is our pledge Sunday when, either by mailing your pledge card before, bringing it with you to church or filling out a card in the pew, you can join in this tremendous campaign in Christ’s name.

Commitment is key I ask you to consider prayerfully what gift you wish to make to the 2011 CSA. Remember: you can give over a period of time. My first pastor taught me to donate at least 10 percent of my income to charity, i.e., 4 percent to my parish, 3 percent to the CSA and 3 percent to other charities. That’s a great formula. Of course, if you are able to give at a greater level, so much the better. With your ongoing commitment, I know our 2011 CSA will be the most successful ever, thus enabling us to build up further the Body of Christ in this great Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. In the words of Pat and Mary Regan, “Come along and get on board!” God bless you!

■ Saturday, March 5: 6:34 p.m., St. Paul, Church of Holy Childhood: Golden Fork Fundraising Dinner. ■ Sunday, March 6: 11 a.m., Rogers, Church of Mary, Queen of Peace: Sunday liturgy. 5 p.m., St. Paul, Xcel Center: Wild hockey game as fundraiser auctioned item for The St. Paul Seminary. ■ Monday, March 7: 9:30 a.m., St. Paul, Chancery: Minnesota Catholic Conference board meeting. 5:30 p.m., St. Paul, Archbishop’s Residence: Little Sisters of the Poor fundraiser auction dinner. ■ Tuesday, March 8: 8:30 a.m., St. Paul, Archbishop’s Residence: Planning for “lectio divina” at the University of St. Thomas. 9:30 a.m., St. Paul, Chancery: Archdiocesan Comprehensive Assignment Board meeting. 10:30 a.m, St. Paul, The St. Paul Seminary: Meeting with administration. 11:35 a.m., St. Paul, The St. Paul Seminary: Holy Eucharist, followed by lunch. 1:30 p.m., St. Paul, Chancery: Archbishop’s Cabinet meeting. 3:30 p.m., St. Paul, Chancery: Meeting with Catholic Community Foundation administration. 6 p.m., St. Paul, Crowne Plaza St. Paul - Riverfront: St. Paul’s Outreach annual banquet. ■ Wednesday, March 9: 9:30 a.m., Mendota Heights, St. Thomas Academy: Ash Wednesday Mass. 5:30 p.m., St. Louis Park, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church: Ash Wednesday Mass and soup supper. ■ Thursday-Friday, March 10-11: Financial summit on Catholic schools sponsored by USCCB/NCEA in Chicago, Ill. ■ Saturday, March 12: 8 a.m., St. Paul, Cathedral of St. Paul: Archdiocesan Men’s Conference. ■ Sunday, March 13: 10 a.m., St. Paul, Church of St. Columba: Sunday liturgy. 2 p.m., St. Paul, Cathedral of St. Paul: Rite of Election. 8 p.m., St. Paul, University of St. Thomas: “Lectio divina.” ■ Monday, March 14: 6 a.m., St. Paul, St. John Vianney College Seminary: Holy hour and Holy Eucharist, followed by breakfast. ■ Tuesday-Wednesday, March 15-16: Recognition Events in Florida: March 15, 11:30 a.m., NET Ministries luncheon. March 15, 5:30 p.m., Holy Eucharist and reception with Catholic Community Foundation. March 16, 6 p.m., St. Paul Seminary reception.

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Catholic Services Appeal

MARCH 3, 2011 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Roll out the buses for Appeal tour By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit

It wasn’t exactly the Magical Mystery Tour, but a group of five buses traveling to ministry sites in the archdiocese was a novel way of kicking off this year’s Catholic Services Appeal. The idea started with this year’s Appeal chair couple, Mary and Pat Regan of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Hastings. They own a bus company called Minnesota Coaches and decided to put their fleet to use on Feb. 23. At a meeting with Archbishop John Nienstedt and Father Peter Laird, vicar general, the archbishop mentioned wanting to get people “on board” with the Appeal. “I thought we could get people on board by taking them to the ministry sites that are benefited by the campaign,” Pat Regan said. “If you can get people to see, touch and feel the fruits of the campaign, that will generate excitement.”

Firsthand look More than 300 donors and Appeal leaders in their parishes got on board five buses and headed to five different sites to take tours and hear descriptions of how Appeal donations make a difference. One of the drivers was Father Michael Tix, pastor of St. John the Baptist in Savage, who has done work for the Regans since age 15, when he got a summer job washing buses. Gerry Merth and dozens of others took a bus ride to Catholic Charities’ Seton Services in St. Paul, which helps poor, unwed mothers through their pregnancies and deliveries, providing practical and spiritual support. There, she was welcomed by director Mary Ann Sullivan, who addressed the group on site and also gave a presentation to everyone on the tour at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, the tour’s final stop where children from three Catholic schools served dinner. For Merth, of St. Joseph in Taylors Falls, the timing of the tour couldn’t have been better. Just days after the event, she was scheduled to address parishioners at St. Joseph and nearby St. Francis Xavier in Franconia, with whom her parish is clustered. As an Appeal leader at her parish,

By the numbers Your investment in the Catholic Services Appeal:

Parish rebates $2,109,839

Clergy services Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit

Mary Ann Sullivan, right, director of Catholic Charities’ Seton Services in St. Paul, greets Clara Perlinger, left, and Marlene Longpre, both of Our Lady of Lourdes in Minneapolis, during the Catholic Services Appeal bus tour Feb. 23.

she was chosen to speak at all weekend Masses at both churches. “I was impressed to learn about the [Seton Services] clinic,” she said. “I really was not aware of it. It’s important to bring that [information about the clinic] to our parishes so that they know where their donations go.” Another bus stopped at the St. Paul Seminary, while three others went to Catholic elementary schools — Risen Christ and Ascension in Minneapolis, and Blessed Trinity in Richfield.

Visits appreciated It wasn’t just the tour guests who were touched by the visits. The hosts found them meaningful as well. “I felt a lot of gratitude that they would take the time to come and visit our school and hear our stories,” said Dorwatha Woods, principal of Ascension. “It shows the depth of dedication to the life of the Catholic schools.” Woods brought with her someone who has been sending children to the school for the last eight years, Gerardo Escamilla. An immigrant from Mexico, he represents a fastgrowing demographic group at schools like Ascension, Risen Christ

and Blessed Trinity. So many of the children from these families need help with, not only English, but tuition. “When we had the opportunity to enroll our children at Ascension School, we didn’t think twice,” Escamilla said. “We were convinced it was the best option. “We hope they continue to open their doors for many years to come for people like our family.” Helen Dahlman, principal of Risen Christ, put the concept in even more practical terms when she stood up to address the tour guests. “Over 90 percent of our families live in poverty,” she said. “The average annual income for families at Risen Christ is $24,945. That doesn’t leave much room for tuition. We depend on the generosity of this archdiocese and the Catholic Services Appeal to provide [Catholic] education.” The final speaker of the night was Archbishop Nienstedt, who said the tour was “like a field trip in high school.” When he arrived as coadjutor, he felt the need to infuse more energy into the Appeal. His assessment of this year’s kickoff? “We have put life into it tonight.”

$1,440,376 ■ St. John Vianney College Seminary ■ St. Paul Seminary ■ Hospital chaplains ■ Prison chaplains ■ Byrne Residence for retired priests

Community services $1,168,997 ■ Catholic Charities

Education $2,638,539 ■ Elementary schools ■ Secondary schools ■ Campus ministries

Parish outreach $741,785 ■ Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women ■ Hispanic ministry ■ Indian ministry ■ Deaf ministry ■ Venezuelan mission

Marriage, Family and Life $405,423 ■ Marriage preparation ■ Persons with disabilities ■ Respect life

Fundraising/communications $795,041

TOTAL APPEAL GOAL $9.3 million

Annulment Questions? Staff members of the Archdiocesan Metropolitan Tribunal will be available for confidential consultation and to answer questions regarding the Declaration of Nullity process at the

Cathedral of St. Paul 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul, MN

March 9, Ash Wednesday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information contact the Tribunal at (651) 291-4466

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • MARCH 3, 2011

“WE HAD AN ANONYMOUS DONOR SET UP AN EDUCATION FUND.

. . . WE

HAVE USED THIS EDUCATION FUND, PARTIALLY FUNDED BY THE ARCHDIOCESAN REBATE, TO HELP OUR PARISHIONERS WITH THE OUT-OF-PARISH TUITION COSTS.

EVERYBODY WINS.

. . . IT WORKS BEAUTIFULLY. . . . THE 25 PERCENT THAT COMES BACK FROM THE

CATHOLIC SERVICES APPEAL HELPED KEEP THAT EDUCATION FUND FUNDED.” Barbara Staats, business administrator, St. Gerard Majella, Brooklyn Park

WHO

DO YOU HELP

through your donations to the Catholic Services Appeal?

We are one body strivin MARY STREIFF

, 17, is a junior at Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield and a member of Our Lady of Peace in Minneapolis. She previously attended St. Helena School in Minneapolis, where her principal, Jane Hileman, told her about the tuition assistance available through funds from the Catholic Services Appeal. “At St. Helena, I had teachers, classmates and a principal who convinced me that anything is possible. They challenged me in a new way every day. I read several books in eighth grade beyond the requirement because I wanted to challenge myself. These included ‘Hamlet’ and ‘Night,’ both of which I just read again this year as a junior. St. Helena placed a great emphasis on learning, and it’s where I acquired my passion for it. “[Tuition assistance] opened the door for me to go to Holy Angels. Without it, it would have been very difficult, maybe impractical, for me to have attended. With the help of the Catholic Services Appeal tuition assistance, I’ve been able to go to Holy Angels and learn things about my faith and myself that I never in a million years would have thought to learn. “At Holy Angels, I have dozens of opportunities open to me to cultivate my passion for learning, including a wide array of advanced placement classes and dozens of fine art classes — the only limit is the number of class periods in the day. In fact, even this doesn’t stop the most passionate — independent studies are also available for students who are willing to come before school a few days each week. “I plan to acquire an advanced degree, but I have yet to narrow my search. These schools have given me such a love of learning and such a depth of knowledge in so many areas that I feel anything is possible. All things, in fact, are possible, through Christ who strengthens me. My experience at Catholic schools has empowered me to do and become the impossible and the future is nothing but bright.”

ST. HELENA PRINCIPAL JANE HILEMAN

got to know Streiff when she transferred to St. Helena in sixth grade. “My daughter and I coached her in basketball. When her grades got in the way of her athletic eligibility, it just did not make sense. Mary was reserved, but sharp and quick witted. Something else was getting in the way of her success. When it all became apparent, St. Helena provided her the support that she needed. “The Catholic Services Appeal is dedicated to promoting the Catholic faith and to education. Any time Catholic schools have someone helping to raise funds for our students, the whole community wins. St. Helena also receives a tangible payback monetarily from the Appeal. Any money that the parish receives touches all of us at the school. The support of all parishes for Catholic education is imperative. The future of our Catholic faith lies in our children. “Day-to-day I watch children succeed at St. Helena when the odds are against them. Whether it is standing up and taking responsibility for actions, learning how to be assertive or finding out the mystery of getting all of your

CATHOLIC CHARITIES A Survivor

SEMINARIANS

who will become priests and care for the spiritual and sacramental needs of people in the archdiocese.

PRIESTS who serve 65,000

parishioners in the archdiocesan mission in Venezuela.

FAMILIES who turn to Catholic

Charities for prenatal, refugee or adoption services.

STUDENTS who could not

otherwise afford to receive a Catholic education.

MINISTRIES

that serve individuals in parishes through the 25 percent parish rebate.

CLERGY

who are retired and living at the Byrne Residence, yet still provide sacraments to the community.

HIMANOT

, 28, was considering an abortion when she first sought help from Catholic Charities Seton Services. She was pregnant with her now 7-year-old son, Abel, and Catholic Charities helped her get signed up for Medical Assistance. The agency also gave her diapers, food and other essentials, including school supplies, clothing and Christmas gifts for her son. She told Margaret Sapp, her social worker at Seton Services, that the emotional support of staff and the clinic helped her through three pregnancies. “I love it,” Himanot said of Catholic Charities, which, she added, treated her “very good.”

MARGARET SAPP

has worked about 10 years with women such as Himanot in the prenatal program. “I was drawn to Catholic Charities because of their great reputation in providing high quality services. But the longer I remain here, I feel Catholic Charities is grounded in the belief that we are all created in the image of God and that this work is very spiritual work. “I am inspired every time a woman gives birth, even if I cannot always see the baby or hold it. It is such an incredible experience helping these women bring forth new life.”

DAWN PETROSKAS

is the health services manager at Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, where she has worked about two years. “I started working here part time as a nurse in the clinic while I was going to graduate school. I decided to stick around . . . because I fell in love with the clients that we serve, the committed staff, and the strong leadership within the agency. “I am inspired by the new immigrant women we serve. They face many barriers in their lives and in receiving care, but they overcome them with resiliency and courage. I am inspired by the women who, though they may not be excited at first by their pregnancies, eventually fall in love with their babies and take on the responsibilities and challenges of motherhood with joy and grace. Lastly, I am inspired by Catholic Charities mission of social justice. Leadership and front line staff have demonstrated an amazing commitment to the vulnerable in our society and actively believe that healthcare and housing are human rights.”

ho dai

wo “ Ma dre “ Ser yea

Catholic Services Appeal 5A

ng to serve many parts CATHOLIC EDUCATION A Seeker

mework assignments completed and handed in, I see big and small successes each day. Success happens on a ily basis because of the generous hearts of those who give to St. Helena and to the Catholic Service Appeal.”

ACADEMY OF HOLY ANGELS PRINCIPAL HEIDI FOLEY

orks with staff and students such as Streiff to create an environment where students can thrive. “Mary’s academic and social gifts complement the student body of AHA. We want to advocate for and support ary, and students like Mary, to excel in a rigorous high school education, so that she is able to realize all of her eams and become a vital person in our community and society at large. “Each year, Holy Angels receives financial aid dollars from the archdiocese. Funded, in part, by the Catholic rvices Appeal, these dollars help ensure access for students with the highest financial need. Over the past five ars, these funds have helped 30 to 35 students attend AHA each year.”

CLERGY SERVICES A Servant

FATHER DOUG PIERCE

studied for the priesthood at the St. Paul Seminary and was ordained in 2010. Today, he is an assistant pastor at St. Odilia in Shoreview and chaplain at Totino-Grace High School in Fridley. According to the Catholic Services Appeal brochure, “He skis with teens, texts their parents and sings the Mass parts. Parishioners rave about his voice.” Father Pierce also paints watercolor landscapes, practices his Spanish and works on developing good relationships with parishioners and students. He told The Catholic Spirit: “I love my time at Totino-Grace. Being a part of that community is certainly one of my greatest joys since being ordained. I feel like I am still learning how to effectively minister to our young people, but what I have become convinced of is that we can’t leave them out. We need to explain the Gospel to them in a way that makes sense and is life-changing, otherwise it won’t be attractive to them. “The main thing I have learned [from serving at St. Odilia] is also a confirmation of what I have learned elsewhere in ministry — it’s important and essential to get to know the community. Without having a connection to people, it will be hard to be heard; and if you don’t know where people are at, it will be difficult to minister well to them. “I love being a priest and I’m grateful for all the help and support that I have received that helped me on the path to becoming a priest. “[The assistance from the Catholic Services Appeal] made it financially feasible to enter the seminary when I did.”

“COLLEGE IS A CRITICAL TIME IN YOUNG PEOPLE’S LIVES. IT IS DURING THIS TIME WHEN THEY ASK QUESTIONS OF THEMSELVES, OF LIFE, OF THE WORLD, AND OF

GOD THAT SET

THEIR DIRECTION FOR YEARS TO COME. IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR THESE YOUNG PEOPLE TO ENGAGE THEIR FAITH THROUGH CAMPUS MINISTRY.

OTHERWISE, THEY ARE DOMINATED BY THE DESIRES AND DEMANDS OF THE WORLD AROUND US.

REGULAR SACRAMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES SUCH AS

MASS AND RECONCILIATION, ALONG WITH RETREATS, VOLUNTEER SERVICE AND ACTION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.” Father Erich Rutten, campus ministry director, chaplain at the University of St. Thomas

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • MARCH 3, 2011

Catholic Services Appeal

Meet the couple who serve as ‘the face’ of the 2011 Appeal selor and mentor at the Total LifeCare Center in Hastings. As chair couple, the Regans are “the face of the campaign,” Patrick said. They appear in a video about the Appeal to be shown in parishes this weekend, work with deanery representatives and the archdiocesan Development Office, and attend various meetings. On Feb. 23, the couple donated five of their buses for a day, giving potential donors and parish volunteers an opportunity to tour sites around the archdiocese where Appeal money is being put to work. Because individual parishes are required to appoint Appeal chairpersons, the Regans also have volunteered to serve as chair couple at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

By Julie Carroll The Catholic Spirit

After Patrick and Mary Regan received a surprise phone call from Archbishop John Nienstedt inviting them to lunch at the chancery a few months ago, the Hastings couple wondered how they landed on the archbishop’s guest list. Archbishop Nienstedt didn’t immediately tell the Regans what he had in mind, only that there was something he wanted to discuss with them, Patrick said. When the couple arrived for lunch, the archbishop and Father Peter Laird, vicar general, warmly greeted them at the archdiocesan headquarters on Summit Hill overlooking downtown St. Paul. It was then that the archbishop asked them if they would serve as chair couple for the 2011 Catholic Services Appeal. “We considered it an honor,” Patrick told The Catholic Spirit. A 2007 winner of this newspaper’s Leading With Faith Award for business leaders, Patrick, 52, owns Minnesota Coaches, Inc., and several other bus companies in the state. His family also owns Premier Banks. For many years, the Regans, parishioners at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Hastings, have contributed to the archdiocese’s main fundraiser, which supports everything from Catholic schools to the archdiocesan mission in Venezuela.

Helping local people The goal for the 2011 Catholic Services

A concerted effort

Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit

Mary and Patrick Regan, pictured in their Hastings home, are the chair couple for this year’s Catholic Services Appeal.

Appeal is to raise $9.3 million. Mary, 52, said she likes that the money goes to help people in the local community. “Not that I don’t want to give money to people in Africa, but we know that there are so many people so close to home that need help,” she said.

Catholic schools and the Total LifeCare pregnancy resource centers, which the Appeal supports, are especially close to the Regans’ hearts. The couple first met as students at Hill-Murray School in Maplewood, then sent their four children to the school. And, Mary volunteers as a coun-

Serving as Appeal chair couple requires a significant time commitment, the Regans have found. But they’re quick to point out that it takes hundreds of people volunteering their time and talent to make the Appeal a success. “It’s been an eye-opener for us to see the people who work on this campaign year after year after year,” Patrick said. “They don’t get many accolades, but they really are the strength behind the campaign. . . . They’re living their faith through this work.” As to why people should donate, Patrick summed it up: “As an archdiocese, we can do so much together. It’s a real good way for people to put their faith into action.”

Catholic Services Appeal

MARCH 3, 2011 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Holiness is stewardship’s goal By Bob Zyskowski The Catholic Spirit

If you think stewardship is just a fancy way a parish asks for more in the collection basket, Father Daniel Mahan invites you to think again. “Stewardship is much more important than money, much more valuable than silver or gold,” the priest from Indiana said. “Holiness is our goal. Stewardship is a practical spirituality that gets us there.” Stewardship calls people to imitate Jesus in his generous self-giving, he added, “and when we do that we become more Christ-like. FATHER MAHAN We grow in holiness.” Father Mahan, executive director of the Center for Catholic Stewardship at Marian University in Indianapolis, offered a vision of stewardship as spirituality in his keynote address at the 2011 Archdiocesan Stewardship Conference. More than 250 people from around the archdiocese and neighboring dioceses attended Feb. 26 at Pax Christi in Eden Prairie.

Everyone’s task To take up “Stewardship as a Way of Life” (the conference theme) and to help build vibrant and engaged parishes and communities, growing in holiness is key, Father Mahan said. “It’s a day-by-day turning away from sin and turning toward Jesus Christ,” he said. An aid in doing this could be opening the Bible and meditating on the readings of the day’s Mass. Prayer of that nature has three aims: to be close to the Lord, to be close to the church, and to gain a keen sense of mission, purpose and direction in life. “It is no accident God has put us here in this place at this time with these people,” he said. “Everyone has a role to play in the building up of the kingdom, and nobody else can do it like you are called to.”

Support from bishops The bishops of the United States identified four prime elements of stewardship when they wrote a pastoral letter on the subject, Father Mahan said. ■ Gratitude — A steward knows everything is from the Lord, so is grateful. Father Mahan noted, “You cannot be both grateful and unhappy at the same time.” ■ Responsibility — A steward takes care of God’s blessings. ■ Generosity — It is very natural to hold on to God’s gifts exactly the way God wants us to: loosely.

Archbishop supports stewardship Archbishop John Nienstedt welcomed attendees at the Archdiocesan Stewardship Conference and led the morning’s prayer. Those who practice stewardship “have a keen sense of what it means to give back to God,” he told the gathering. “A good steward knows that he or she is not the owner, user or exploiter of the resources entrusted to his or her care,” but that God’s gifts are to “be used in service of all God’s children.” All have an innate spiritual desire to give of ourselves, the archbishop noted. “You are called to be leaven in your home parishes and in your local communities.” — Bob Zyskowski

■ To return with increase — As in the Gospel parable of the master who gave money to his servants and returned expecting that they would have grown that investment, there will come a day when each of us will have to render an account to God, Father Mahan said. God will ask: “What did you do with your life? With your time, your talent and your opportunities? What did you do with all that money that passed through your hands?”

Good for the world Building on the bishops’ points, Father Mahan said that when stewardship is taught and learned, people attain a greater sense of living out one’s mission in the world. “Stewardship is about your parish, but it’s more,” he said. The primary place lay Christians are to witness to their faith, to make a difference, is out beyond the doors of the church, beginning with the family and extending to the workplace, the school, the community and the world. “Wherever you have influence in the world, you are called to do what cannot be done by anyone else, to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ into the world,” he said. “Stewardship is not just something good for our parishes,” Father Mahan added. “Stewardship is something that will transform the world. Through stewardship, the face of Jesus will shine forth in the world.” Because stewards are the living body and blood of Jesus out in the world, stewardship is a eucharistic spirituality, Father Mahan said. Having been nourished at the eucharistic table, he said, pointing to the altar in the worship space at Pax Christi, “Take what you have received and be a great steward in your words, deeds and works of mercy.”

steps to stewardship success

Increased generosity in gifts of time, talent and treasure can come to a parish that follows these seven steps, according to Father Daniel Mahan, who presented these steps in a break-out session at the Archdiocesan Stewardship Conference. 1. Personal witness — Once a year parishioners should speak at the appropriate time during weekend liturgies about what stewardship means to them and how they are living it. But that’s not the only time those personal stories should be told. Plan for people to tell their stories at regular committee, council and organization meetings several times during the year. Record them on a YouTube video for the parish website. Priests need to tell their stewardship story, too. 2. Commitment of leadership — When pastor and pastoral team are united in a vision of stewardship, and when key leaders and parish groups that meet on a regular basis are united as well, when stewardship as a way of life is talked about at large parish gatherings, the vision becomes shared and is more easily shared with the wider parish community. “Then it passes ‘the parking lot test,’” Father Mahan said. “After Mass in the parking lot, when someone says, ‘Stewardship is just a fancy way to say money,’ someone will be able to respond, ‘That’s not how I understand stewardship.’” 3. Hospitality, evangelization and outreach — Be a welcoming community that invites people to get involved. 4. Communication and education — Stewardship requires a message of hope, a message of building up. Have communication vehicles that engage people and communicate in a variety of ways, because different people learn in different ways. 5. Recruiting, training and recognizing gifts of talent and time — Identify what people are good at, what they want to do, give them any needed training, and be sure to thank them. People using their talents don’t care how much time they’re giving. 6. Stewardship of treasure — Focus on Nos. 1-through5 above and it will only be natural to speak about financial giving, because parishioners have been made aware of all the parish does and they want to be part of that. Invite people to give a gift that is prayerful, planned, proportionate to their income and sacrificial (it pinches). 7. Accountability — Proper control of who handles money — never just one person — is a must, as is transparency. Report regularly, not just on the financial position but on all aspects of parish life. Send the report to every parish household. Bonus step: Persevere — Keep working at stewardship. It doesn’t happen overnight.

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Catholic Services Appeal

ways

to give

Registered parishioners will receive a letter in the mail along with a personalized pledge envelope in early March. Blank pledge envelopes are available in parish pews or in parish literature racks. Please fill out the pledge envelope information and return it to your parish.

You can . . .

1 Donate online This is a quick and easy way to make your yearly donaton. Go to HTTP://APPEAL.ARCHSPM.ORG/ GIVING.HTML to make your donation online. You can use your credit card or bank account.

2 Write a check

NOW YOU HAVE A

CHOICE!

Your pledge envelope and check can be mailed directly to your parish or to: Development and Stewardship Office, 328 Kellogg Boulevard West, St. Paul, MN 55102.

Create an automatic bank withdrawal

Instead of a one-time gift, consider spreading your pledge throughout the year. Both the pledge envelope and the online giving site allow you to create a weekly or monthly gift withdrawal from your credit card or bank account.

4 Transfer stock The Minnesota Catholic Directory is yours either “by the book,” online or both! The 360-page book AND the Web version are available RIGHT NOW! Order the regular print version of the 2011 Official Minnesota Catholic Directory by calling 651.251.7700 or online at www.TheCatholicSpirit.com Purchase an online Directory subscription today and your subscription starts today with information that will be updated whenever changes are made throughout the year! Just go to www.MNCatholicDirectory.com for Web subscription rates that start at $30/year.

Either in the book or on the Web, finding names, addresses, phone and fax numbers, e-mails and web sites is so convenient. Find clergy, religious, lay ministers and over 1,000 Catholic institutions in each of the state’s six dioceses, plus driving directions to most of the 720 churches in Minnesota.

Regularly priced, the book costs $44.95, but order before April 1 and we’ll wave postage and handling AND cut the price to $40. You SAVE $7.95!

Transfering appreciated stock directly to the Catholic Services Appeal is both easy and tax deductible. Contact Jennifer Beaudry, development officer, for more information at (651) 291-4529.

5 Give from your IRA Individuals age 701⁄2 or older can now transfer a gift from their IRA account to a public charity — such as the Catholic Services Appeal — without reporting it as taxable income.

6 Seek matching funds It may be possible to double your gift to the Catholic Services Appeal through a matching gift. Many employers (and former employers, for retirees) match the charitable gifts of their employees. Check with your employer’s human resources department to see if they will match your charitable contribution. Complete their matching gift form (or fill one out online) and send it in along with your gift information to the archdiocesan Office for Development and Stewardship.

Journey through Lent with Dante

17B March 3, 2011

Pope says Lent is time to renounce all selfishness

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GETTING READY FOR LENT

Catholic News Service Lent is a time for self-examination and to let go of all traces of selfishness, which is the root of violence, Pope Benedict XVI said. “The greed of possession leads to violence, exploitation and death,” which is why during Lent the church encourages almsgiving, “which is the capacity to share,” the pope said in his annual message for Lent. The text of the pope’s message for Lent 2011, which begins March 9 for Latin-rite Catholics, was released at a Vatican news conference Feb. 22.

Renewing commitment The theme of the pope’s message was taken from the Letter to the Colossians: “You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him.” Pope Benedict said Lent is a special time for people either to prepare for baptism or to strengthen the commitment to following Christ originally made at baptism. In his message, the pope took the year’s Lenten Sunday Gospels and used them to draw lessons he said would be helpful in making the Lenten journey toward Christian conversion. The Gospel account of Jesus’ victory over temptation in the desert “is an invitation to become aware of our own fragility in order to accept the grace that frees from sin and infuses new strength,” he said. The story of Jesus meeting the woman at the well is a reminder that all people, like the woman, desire the “water” of eternal life, he said. The Gospel account of Jesus healing the man born blind “is a sign that Christ wants not only to give us sight, but also to open our interior vision so that our faith may become ever deeper and we may recognize him as our only savior,” the pope said. The story of the raising of Lazarus, read on the fifth Sunday of Lent, reminds Christians that their destiny is eternal life with God, who “created men and women for resurrection and life,” he said.

Opening hearts The Lenten process of conversion, he said, is designed “to free our hearts every day from the burden of material things, from a self-centered relationship with the ‘world’ that impoverishes us and prevents us from being available and open to God and our neighbor,” Pope Benedict wrote.

Photo illustration by Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit

Ash Wednesday, March 9 this year, marks the beginning of Lent.

Why do we receive ashes on Ash Wednesday? The following is a condensed version of an article by Father Michael Van Sloun, pastor of St. Stephen in Anoka, that first appeared in 2008 in The Catholic Spirit. The imposition of ashes is a solemn ritual that signals the beginning of the season of Lent. The ceremony is distinctive; there is no liturgical action like it throughout the entire church year. The ashes come from a previous Palm Sunday. The palms are burned, the ashes collected and then crushed into a fine, sooty powder and placed into bowls. The ashes are blessed by the priest during the Ash Wednesday Mass — March 9 this year — after the homily. Then, in a Communion-like procession, those who wish come forward, and the ashes are applied to each person’s forehead in the shape of a cross as the minister says either, “Turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15), the usual prayer, or “Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19), the older, more traditional invocation.

More Lent articles inside See The Catholic Spirit’s special Lent section, pages 11B-14B, to learn more about the following topics: ■ Lenten regulations: Fasting and abstinence. ■ Online Stations of the Cross. ■ Operation Rice Bowl. ■ This year’s Pay It Forward project participants. ■ New 40 Days for Life campaign. ■ Books and apps to deepen your Lenten experience.

Ashes symbolize two main things in the Old Testament.

Death, repentance Ashes are equivalent to dust, and human flesh is composed of dust or clay (Genesis 2:7), and when a human corpse decomposes, it returns to dust or ash. Ashes are an ominous sign, and we

use them on Ash Wednesday to remind ourselves of our own impending deaths. We need to be prepared, and the time to prepare for death is now, and the way to prepare is to live according to God’s ways. Also, when the prophet Daniel shamefacedly clothed himself in sackcloth and ashes, they were a sign of his people’s contrition for their rebellion, wickedness and treachery (Daniel 9:3). Ashes are a plea to God for mercy and compassion, pardon and forgiveness. Moreover, they are a public admission of guilt, an expression of sorrow for sins that have been committed, a promise to reform and a pledge to resist temptation in the future. We, too, are sinners. When we come forward to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, we are saying that we are sorry for our sins, and that we want to use the season of Lent to correct our faults, purify our hearts, control our desires and grow in holiness so we will be prepared to celebrate Easter with great joy.

MARCH 3, 2011 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Appointments

Three priests appointed as regional vicars Another to serve as vicar for Latino ministry The Catholic Spirit Three priests of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis have been appointed by Archbishop John Nienstedt as regional vicars to help foster communication between parishes, clergy and the archbishop. In addition, the archbishop has appointed a vicar for Latino ministry. The regional vicars are: ■ Father Michael Skluzacek, pastor of St. John the Baptist, New Brighton, for Region 1 (Northeast); ■ Father Charles Lachowitzer, pastor of St. John Neumann, Eagan, for Region 2 (South); and ■ Father Robert Schwartz, pastor of Our Lady of Grace, Edina, for Region 3 (Northwest). ■ Father Kevin Kenney, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe in St. Paul, will serve as vicar for Latino ministry. The vicars will exercise several delegated canonical and administrative responsibilities, including conducting regular parish visitations and serving on the

The Catholic Spirit The Catholic Spirit’s mission is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. It seeks to inform, educate, evangelize and foster a spirit of community within the Catholic Church by disseminating news in a professional manner and serving as a forum for discussion of contemporary issues.

FATHER SKLUZACEK

FATHER LACHOWITZER

Archbishop’s Council. The vicars will continue as pastors of their parishes. The Strategic Plan announced last October for the archdiocese’s parishes and schools included the creation of the regional vicariate structure. “I think better communication, with the priests in particular, is one of the big things I see as a value in the vicariate system,” Archbishop Nienstedt said at the time. The vicariate structure will serve as a complement to the already existing deanery structure. The role of the Presbyteral Council — a body of priests that serves in a consultative role to the archbishop — remains unchanged. The archdiocese previously had a

FATHER SCHWARTZ

FATHER KENNEY

regional vicariate structure from the mid1980s until 1999 in which auxiliary bishops served as vicars. The system was disbanded when the deanery system was reorganized, according to a 2001 Catholic Spirit article. Father Skluzacek was ordained in 1980 and served at the Cathedral of St. Paul, St. John the Baptist in Savage and St. Michael and St. Mary, both in Stillwater. He also served on the faculty at St. John Vianney Seminary in St. Paul and as spiritual formation director at American College in Louvain, Belgium. Father Lachowitzer has served at St. Michael in Stillwater and Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Maplewood.

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He was ordained in 1990. Father Schwartz, who was ordained in 1967, has served at St. Peter in North St. Paul, Christ the King in Minneapolis, St. Mary of the Lake in Plymouth and St. John Neumann in Eagan. He completed studies at North American College in Rome and served at the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity in St. Paul as director of continuing education for priests and on the faculty. Father Kenney, who was ordained in 1994, previously served at St. Olaf and at Our Lady of Peace, both in Minneapolis. Official Archbishop John C. Nienstedt has made the following appointments in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: Effective February 18, 2011: ■ Rev. Kevin Kenney, Vicar for Latino Ministry and continuing as pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Paul. ■ Rev. Michael Skluzacek, Vicar for Region 1 (Northeast) and continuing as pastor of St. John the Baptist, New Brighton. ■ Rev. Charles Lachowitzer; Vicar for Region 2 (South) and continuing as pastor of St. John Neumann, Eagan ■ Rev. Robert Schwartz; Vicar for Region 3 (Northwest) and continuing as pastor of Our Lady of Grace, Edina.

Women’s retreat set for April 2 Women of all ages are invited to a morning retreat of prayer, sacrament and reflection. “Turning Away from Sin: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving,” sponsored by the archdiocesan Office of Marriage, Family and Life, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 2 at Holy Spirit church in St. Paul. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The day will include reflections from Father Peter Laird, vicar general of the archdiocese, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and a walk with Mary through the Stations of the Cross. The day will conclude with Mass. Confessions will be heard throughout the retreat. The cost of the retreat is $10. Registration can be completed by sending in a registration form with a check payable to: “Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis,” to: MFL-Women’s Retreat, 328 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102. Registration forms available at WWW.ARCH SPM.ORG/FAMILY. Or, individuals can preregister in advance by calling the MFL office at (651) 291-4489 and pay at the door (cash or check only).

New Roman Missal seminar March 11 A workshop on the upcoming changes in the prayers of the Mass will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 11, at Guardian Angels in Oakdale. “Mystical Body, Mystical Voice” is sponsored by the archdiocesan Office of Worship. It will help parish and diocesan leaders to implement the new Roman Missal, which is set for the first Sunday of Advent, the weekend of Nov. 26-27. Cost is $55 per person, which includes lunch and a copy of the book used in the workshop. For information and registration, visit or call (651) 251-7727.

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“Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, and in their pleasure takes joy, even as though t’were his own.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quote

Local MARCH 3, 2011

Men’s apostolate chaplain to offer inspiration By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit

Before Father William Baer says a word at the annual Archdiocesan Men’s Conference March 12 at the Cathedral of St. Paul, he will smile at what he sees — an audience of several hundred men looking for spiritual inspiration. Father Baer will be happy to oblige. That’s part of his job as the new chaplain of the archdiocesan men’s apostolate. He believes it is important for FATHER BAER men to come together, not just to listen to speakers such as himself, but to find support for being a Catholic man in a culture that seems increasingly hostile toward that idea. “One of the real purposes of this conference and this apostolate is to bring [men] into contact with each other,” said Father Baer, pastor of Transfiguration in Oakdale. “There’s something incredibly inspiring about men gathering together.”

Dads need support Father Baer is one of four keynote speakers at the conference, which starts at 8 a.m. with Mass and goes until noon. The other speakers are Archbishop John Nienstedt, John Buri, psychology professor at the University of St. Thomas, and Dave Rinaldi of NET Ministries. Father Baer’s theme is, fathers need fathers. “I mean that in three different ways,” he said. “The first is that dads facing the challenge of raising their children and being good spouses to their wives need the support and example of other dads who are doing the same thing.” The second way is that today’s men need the influence of those who have gone before them — their own fathers, grandfathers and other “spiritual fathers.” The final way is to recognize that every man is called to be a father in some way, whether to his children, or as a priest, or as a single man who teaches or helps men and boys. “There’s so much I’ve learned about my vocation from watching fathers,” he said. “By coming together with hundreds of other men, you catch a vision.”

News from around the archdiocese

The Catholic Spirit

CALLING ALL MEN

Former Wild player among speakers slated for annual archdiocesan men’s conference By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit

Former Minnesota Wild player Wes Walz remembers what it was like getting ready for a crucial NHL playoff game, like the famous Game 7 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in 2003 that gave the team its first-ever playoff series win. Those feelings have returned as he gets ready to speak to an audience of several hundred men at the Cathedral of St. Paul March 12 at the annual archdiocesan men’s conference. Walz will give a brief testimony during the event, which also will feature Archbishop John Nienstedt, Father Bill Baer, pastor of Transfiguration in Oakdale, John Buri, psychology professor at the University of St. Thomas, and Dave Rinaldi of NET Ministries. The event begins with Mass at 8 a.m., and ends at noon.

Stepping outside the box “It’s something that I’ve never done before,” said Walz, 40, of St. Ambrose in Woodbury, about sharing his faith with an audience. “I do a lot of talking about hockey. . . . I think it’ll be good for me to step outside the box a little bit and talk to some people about my faith and how important it is to me and my family. “I’m a little nervous. Whenever you get up in front of somebody and talk about something that you’ve never really talked about in front of 500 people, it can be a little nerve wracking. But, once I get up there, I’ll be fine.” Fortunately, his first foray into faith at a podium will be a “home game.” He likely will get a receptive ear and a positive response from the men in attendance. He says he will tell a few hockey stories, plus give examples of how his faith has guided him in a profession that can get rough, even violent. “This is a setting for me to talk about my faith and how important it’s been for me,” he said. “I can relate it to hockey. I’m going to try to tie the two together.” Some might wonder whether faith is compatible with a profession in which fights are commonplace and blows to the head happen every

Bruce Kluckhohn / Minnesota Wild

Former Minnesota Wild player Wes Walz served as an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning after retiring as a player, then moved back to Minnesota when he was replaced in Tampa. He will be a guest speaker at the Archdiocesan Men’s Conference March 12 at the Cathedral of St. Paul.

game, if not every shift. Does Walz, who has children who play hockey, battle this kind of tension? “Not at all,” he said. “This is our job and our profession. We go out there and we play hard against each other. We’re respectful of each other even though it’s a hard-nosed game.” Walz was one of the original players of the Wild, playing from 2000 until 2007, when he retired during the season. He served as an assistant for the Tampa Bay Lightning for two years, then chose to leave the organization when he was told he would be reassigned. Walz, his wife, KerryAnne, and their five children then

moved back to Minnesota. “We moved right back into the same home we did when we left for two years,” he said. “We tried to sell our house [after moving to Tampa]. We had it rented out when we were gone for about seven months of the year, and then we had it on the market for five months and, probably like everybody else, couldn’t get rid of it. So, we ended up just moving right back into it. So, it was like it was meant to be.”

Happy to be here Walz said he plans on staying in Minnesota for the long term. He has PLEASE TURN TO GOD ON PAGE 23B

If you go ■ What: Archdiocesan Men’s Conference 2011: “The Archbishop Calls His Men.” ■ When: 8 a.m. - noon, March 12. ■ Where: Cathedral of St. Paul. ■ Speakers: Archbishop John Nienstedt, Father Bill Baer, Dave Rinaldi, John Buri, Wes Walz. ■ Cost: $20 adults; $10 students. ■ To register: Download form online at WWW.ARCHSPM. ORG. You can also call (651) 291-4488 or e-mail MFL@ ARCHSPM.ORG.

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • MARCH 3, 2011

Catholic Conference supports asking wealthy to pay more By Susan Klemond For The Catholic Spirit

Minnesota needs to solve its current state budget crisis justly by asking those with higher incomes to pay more in taxes to prevent the poor — already hit hard by the economic downturn — from having to bear more of the burden, said Father David McCauley, interim executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference. The organization represents the state’s Catholic bishops on public policy matters. “As a nation and a state, we face incredible budget deficits,” Father McCauley said, during his keynote address at the Feb. 17 Day on the Hill gathering organized by the Joint FATHER MCCAULEY Religious Legislative Coalition at St. Paul RiverCentre. “It is the role of government to responsibly respond to the deficits,” he added. “It seems our choice is to raise revenue or fail in justice — in meeting the needs of the common good. Yes, those who are able are called on to share more fully so those who lack are not denied justice.” Commenting later, Father McCauley said he supports Gov. Mark Dayton’s decision to “bite the bullet” and propose tax increases for top earners. “He’s putting the greater burden on those who can most afford it, himself included, and a lesser one on people in the upper middle class, not on the poor,” he said.

Group acts on faith The JRLC is a Minnesota-based non-partisan interfaith public policy organization whose membership

CSJ’s justice coordinator honored for her work Joänne Tromiczak-Neid, coordinator of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Justice Office, was presented the Lawrence D. Gibson Social Justice Award Feb. 17 by the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition during its annual Day on the Hill. Tromiczak-Neid has served as justice coordinator for the Sisters of St. Joseph and Consociates since 1992. During that time, her work of advocating for the common good has been recognized on local, state and national levels. Tromiczak-Neid has focused on coordinating CSJaffiliated groups to meet the needs of the times through education, advocacy and action. “One of Joänne’s great gifts is her ability to bring people of diverse backgrounds together and to enable dialogue among them,” said St. Joseph Sister Susan Oeffling. “She also has wonderful networking skills and has built partnerships with so many groups outside our CSJ community, which has strengthened our work in social justice.”

— The Catholic Spirit includes Catholics, Christians of other denominations, Jews and Muslims. At this year’s Day on the Hill, 850 participants were briefed on social justice issues and then visited legislators at the state Capitol. Beside supporting Dayton’s tax increase proposal, the MCC is concerned about proposed cuts to nursing home funding, the workforce and affordable housing, said Katie Conlin, MCC interim social concerns director. However, an improved state budget forecast may reduce the need for the cuts, she said. Among the cuts proposed by the Legislature, which Dayton later rejected, the MCC was especially concerned about reductions in child protection and child

support payment enforcement, and emergency assistance grants, she said. It’s too early to know if those cuts will be back on the table as the Legislature prepares a complete budget, Conlin added. While some sectors of the economy have shown recovery since the 2008 downturn, unemployment, the use of homeless shelters or food shelves and mortgage foreclosures have not, Father McCauley said. That, coupled with real estate taxes, assessments and service reductions has affected the poor. The state and country’s tax systems aren’t as progressive as they once were, he said.

Who is our neighbor? For some, government has become an enemy. “We have lost the realization that our individual wellbeing is tied to the well-being of our neighbors,” he said. “Through our government, we build roads and hire teachers; we employ police and firefighters to keep us safe and establish courts to maintain order, we protect our land and build parks; we must also care for the poor, the powerless, and empower them.” Sue Kainz of St. Thomas Aquinas in St. Paul Park said the annual Day on the Hill offers people of faith an opportunity to remind legislators of the needs of the less fortunate as they make legislative decisions. Kainz, who has attended the event for 13 years, is Minnesota FoodShare’s March campaign coordinator. “Those people don’t have a voice,” she said. “We have to continue to be that voice.” Our freedom as Americans comes with responsibility, Father McCauley said. “Too often, in reflecting on freedom, we look only to a freedom from unjust aggressors, freedom from illness, freedom from exploitation — and, too seldom, the freedom to work together to overcome natural disasters, to defeat threats to our security, to end injustice — and, let’s be very pragmatic to deal with budget deficits.”

St. Paul’s Outreach marks 25 years of sharing faith By Susan Klemond For The Catholic Spirit

As he encourages the high school juniors in his Providence Academy, Plymouth, religion class to become better Catholics, Kevin Ferdinandt draws on what he learned as a college student almost 25 years ago from the ministry now known as St. Paul’s Outreach. “It’s about how the Gospel permeates every part of my daily life, and that still stays with me,” said Ferdinandt, Providence Academy’s upper school director. “How do I seek to help others come to the faith, too?” Ferdinandt, a parishioner at St. Anne in Hamel, is one of many Catholics who as college students and young adults have developed their faith — and the means to both live it out and share it — through SPO during the past quarter century. As SPO leaders reflect on the ministry’s early days of evangelizing students on several Minnesota campuses, they look forward to continued growth around the country as more students seek an authentic Catholic faith experience.

Branches in five states On March 8, the West St. Paul-based ministry will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a Minnesota benefit banquet at the St. Paul RiverCentre. Other anniversary events are planned for August. Now with branches in five states serving 13 campuses, SPO has come a long way from the mid-1980s when founders

“One of the things I realized while I was there is I don’t go halfheartedly at anything in my life. Why do I go halfheartedly in my faith?

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KEVIN FERDINANDT PROVIDENCE ACADEMY

Gordy DeMarais, Christina Smith and (now) Father Kevin Finnegan recruited the first student missionaries to reach out to their peers at the University of St. Thomas and then-College of St. Catherine, said Smith, who along with working with SPO formation, is an instructor at the Archbishop Harry J. Flynn Catechetical Institute. “Really what we were trying to do was instill a vision in the student for what their Christian responsibility is to reaching out to other students,” she said. Before starting campus work, SPO established its first men’s and women’s summer households where students lived together and received faith formation, Smith said. Later, prayer meetings and other campus events drew more students, she added. Currently, the ministry has 12 households in four states. One of SPO’s goals, then as now, has been to prepare students to influence their peers positively, encourage them and strengthen them in making Christcentered choices, said DeMarais, SPO executive director.

UPPER SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Along with this peer relational dynamic, which in the 1980s was uncommon in Catholic campus ministry, faith formation in the context of community life is at the heart of the ministry, he said. Before becoming friends with an SPO missionary in one of his UST classes in 1986, Ferdinandt said he attended Mass on Sundays but was not very committed to his faith. Through personal relationships with SPO friends, Ferdinandt said he saw the importance of integrating faith in all areas of life. “One of the things I realized while I was there is I don’t go halfheartedly at anything in my life,” Ferdinandt said. “Why do I go halfheartedly in my faith? That didn’t make any sense to me.” Ferdinandt said his SPO experience influenced his decision to pursue a career in Catholic education and taught him about praying daily and healthy relationships — information he still uses today. University of Minnesota graduate and Maternity of Mary parishioner Jenna Krause said participating in SPO has also

helped her with prayer, and understanding who she is as a Christian woman. Since finishing her bachelor’s degree in 2008, Krause continues to work as an SPO missionary. Before learning about SPO during her sophomore year, Krause said she practiced her faith but lacked fellowship to resist pressures of college life. She said she’s grateful for friends she made who continue to call her and help her grow in faith. Krause added that her college years weren’t just about her and her degree but an opportunity to share the Gospel with students seeking truth. “Our goal is not to make Christians for four years but give a foundation for how to live out the rest of their life.” Word about SPO spread quickly as students’ lives were impacted and more young people became aware of their need for the ministry SPO provides, DeMarais said. As college culture becomes even more secular, that need is still growing, he said, adding that SPO receives requests for help in starting similar ministries around the country. Said Smith, “In my mind, it’s a work of God. I see so much grace being poured out and such great hunger on the college campuses still. There is probably even a deeper hunger for spirituality, true Catholic teaching and support in living a moral life than 25 years ago.” For more information about SPO’s benefit banquet or to register, call Lauren Becker at (651) 451-6114, ext. 113.

Local

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT â€˘ MARCH 3, 2011

Pastor asks for prayer after priest charged with abuse The Catholic Spirit The pastor at Nativity of Our Lord in St. Paul was quick to reach out to parishioners after a priest who had served at the parish was arrested Feb. 17 on charges of sexual contact with an adult woman. Father Christopher Wenthe, who most recently was serving as pastor of the Delano Catholic Community, was charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct for incidents that allegedly took place while he was serving at Nativity between November 2003 and February 2005. In a letter on the parish website dated Feb. 18, Father Patrick Hipwell, Nativity pastor, extended his concern for the parish community and â€œespecially those of you who were associated with Father Wentheâ€? while he served at Nativity. â€œAt this time, we have no knowledge of the circumstances and details surrounding these allegations other than what has been reported through the media,â€? Father Hipwell wrote. He went on to ask parishioners to pray for all the individuals impacted by the events, â€œin particular, the woman who filed the complaint, Father Wenthe, and your fellow parishioners.â€? A Feb. 17 statement from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said: â€œThe matter was reported to archdiocesan authorities in September 2005. The woman subsequently met with archdiocesan representatives and was offered counseling and therapy. She was informed, as consistent with archdiocesan policy, that she could report the contact to the police but chose not to do so. Following an internal review, the archdiocese sent Father Wenthe for a psychological assessment and treatment.â€? The statement went on to say that after the priest completed â€œa psychological assessment and treatment,â€? the independent Clergy Review Board recommended he be allowed to return to active ministry, with certain conditions and restrictions.

When Father Wenthe was appointed parochial vicar of St. Michael/St. Mary parish in Delano in October 2006, the pastor and trustees were given a full report of the incident, the statement said. He was later appointed pastor, after another review by the Clergy Review Board, it said, adding that no complaints or incidents have been made over the past five years of Father Wentheâ€™s ministry. The alleged victim, now 29, claims the priest was serving as her counselor at the time of the sexual contact. Father Wentheâ€™s attorney said that it was a consensual relationship with a â€œclose friend,â€? which is not illegal, although is not in agreement with his priestly vows. A 1993 state law makes it a felony for any clergy member to have sex with another adult who is seeking or receiving religious or spiritual advice, aid or comfort in private. On Feb. 25, The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis posted a statement by Archbishop John Nienstedt regarding the allegation against the priest. The archbishop wrote: â€œI was deeply saddened to learn of the arrest [Feb. 17] of Father Christopher Wenthe, a priest of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, on allegations of criminal sexual conduct between Father Wenthe and an adult woman more than five years ago. Independent of the charge of criminal conduct, which will now be answered by a court of law, promises were broken and lives were deeply wounded by the actions of a priest of this Archdiocese. â€œThis moment of profound pain and humiliation for the local church, not to mention those directly involved, provides us all, clergy and laity alike, with the opportunity to commit ourselves anew to that holiness of life that is the vocation of every Christian. To this end, let it be remembered that we are called to be a people of mercy and forgiveness even as we promote justice and steadfastly serve the protection of all Godâ€™s holy people.â€?

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CHRISTIAN JOURNEYS

Guadalupe-Mexico City March 17-21, June 15-19, Oct. 6-10, 2011 Guadalupe-Mexico City Sept. 19-26, 2011 Fr. Mark Willenbring, Spiritual Director EWTN - Irondale & Hanceville, Alabama April 13-17, 2011 + Weekend Retreat at Casa Maria-Irondale Green Bay Wisconsin Shrine of Our Lady of Good Hope Bishop Ricken issues formal decree. 1st Marian apparition approved by the church in USA Motorcoach from Twin City area June 8-9, 2011 & July 7-8, 2011 Pilgrimage to Fatima 9 days â€” June 30-July 8 Fr. Dan Walz, Spiritual Director Greece/Turkey â€” Walking the Lands of the New Testament Oct. 11-23, 2011 Fr. Robert Fitzpatrick St. Rose of Lima, Roseville, MN Rome and the Finest of Italy Sept. 12-21, 2011 Fr. Thomas Knoblach, Spiritual Director

Visitation Sisters announce yearlong volunteer program for young adults The Catholic Spirit The Visitation Sisters of Minneapolis are launching the Visitation Internship Program to provide an opportunity for young adults to live in community in north Minneapolis with other young adults and ministers in the neighborhood for one year. North Minneapolis is an economically challenged area of the Twin Cities, and the Visitation Sisters are working to create a prayerful presence in the neighborhood. Women and men between the ages of 20 and 35 are eligible to apply to the program, according to a press release from Visitation Monastery. The interns will live in an intentional VIP community and commit to community nights once a week with their house

and also with the sisters on a regular basis. The interns will serve in a ministry within the north Minneapolis community. They will learn Salesian spirituality through the Visitation Sisters, Visitation Companions, north side neighbors, and through study and retreat opportunities. They also will be offered spiritual direction, vocational discernment and prayer opportunities through the Visitation Sisters. Applications are currently being accepted for the inaugural year beginning in August. For more information, visit:

Click on â€œVisitation Lay Programsâ€? and then on â€œVisitation Internship Program.â€?

Help CommonBond with challenge grant CommonBond Communities, a nonprofit affordable housing corporation that is affiliated with the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, is in the midst of trying to raise $200,000 by March 31 to avoid losing funding as part of a challenge grant. Read the Feb. 17 story about a couple

who lives in one of the agencyâ€™s senior housing units at THECATHOLICSPIRIT.COM. For more information about CommonBond Communities or to donate: â– Call Deb Lande at (651) 290-6225. â– Visit WWW.COMMONBOND.ORG.

0OF 'BNJMZ *O .JTTJPO â€œMy God, my God, why have you abandoned me?â€? Havenâ€™t we sometimes felt abandoned ourselves? As we cope with illness, death, job loss or other burdens? At these times, hope seems to have disappeared. And yet, in the midst of our darkness, we remember that God did not abandon His beloved Son, but raised Him from death to glory. And God does not abandon us. Everyone should know that. Local priests, Religious and lay catechists in the Â’ÂœÂœÂ’Â˜Â—ÂœČąÂ‹Â›Â’Â—Â?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŠÂ?ČąÂ‘Â˜Â™ÂŽČŹÄ™Â•Â•ÂŽÂ?ČąÂ–ÂŽÂœÂœÂŠÂ?ÂŽČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ™Â˜Â˜Â›Čą ÂŠÂ—Â?ČąÂœÂžÄ›ÂŽÂ›Â’Â—Â?ÇŻČą Â‘Â’ÂœČą ÂŽÂ—Â?Ç°ČąÂ Â’Â•Â•ČąÂ˘Â˜ÂžČąÂ‹ÂŽČąÂ Â’Â?Â‘ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽÂ–Ç° in prayer and support,

i)FMQJOH )PQF -JWFw in the Missions!

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Rev. Mr. Mickey Friesen 328 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102-1997 Â—ÂŒÂ•Â˜ÂœÂŽÂ?ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ–Â˘Čą ÂŽÂ—Â?ÂŽÂ—ČąÂœÂŠÂŒÂ›Â’Ä™ÂŒÂŽČąÂ?Â˜Â›ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČą Â’ÂœÂœÂ’Â˜Â—ÂœČąÂ˜Â?ČąÇžČ?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č? ÂŠÂ–ÂŽČąČ?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č?Č? Address City Â?ÂŠÂ?ÂŽ Zip www.GiveToTheMissions.org

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TheCaholicspirit.com

“More than ever, the dignity of the worker is a foundation upon which we should measure much of what is good, and not so good, in the financial, industrial and service sectors of our economy and our world.” Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y.

Nation/World 6B

The Catholic Spirit

News from around the U.S. and the globe

Archbishop says hard times don’t justify restricting workers’ rights save the state $30 million in the short term and up to $300 million over the next two years. In exchange for the savings, Walker promised no layoffs or furloughs — but threatened to lay off 6,000 workers if the bills failed to pass. Republicans, who hold majorities in both houses of the Legislature, have said they have enough votes to pass the bills.

Catholic News Service Quoting Popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II, Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki issued a statement Feb. 16 that came down squarely in favor of workers’ rights in the face of efforts by Wisconsin’s new governor to restrict those rights. “Hard times do not nullify the moral obligation each of us has to respect the legitimate rights of workers,” Archbishop Listecki said. “Every union, like every other economic actor, is called to work for the common good, to make sacrifices when required, and to adjust to new economic realities,” he said. “However, it is equally a mistake to marginalize or dismiss unions as impediments to economic growth.”

Cooperation needed

Limits on unions Archbishop Listecki was responding to efforts by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, to push through measures restricting the rights of unions in a special session of the state legislature. The bill would strip most government workers — at the state, county and local levels, including teachers — of nearly all collective bargaining rights. The only exceptions would be for police, firefighters and the state patrol. Unions would have to gain approval in a public referendum to seek pay raises higher than the consumer price index. The legislation would also require union members to vote every year on whether they wanted to continue to be represented by their union,

CNS photo / Ernie Mastroianni

Mike Rickey, a Wisconsin state prison corrections officer, demonstrates during a massive rally Feb. 18 at the Capitol in Madison against a proposal by Gov. Scott Walker that would reduce collective bargaining rights for state employees.

and would forbid unions from forcing employees to pay dues, known as “right to work.” The legislation would require state employees to pay half of their pension costs and 12.6 percent of their health care coverage, moves Walker expects to

Archbishop Listecki noted that Pope Benedict XVI said in his 2009 encyclical “Caritas in Veritate,” “The repeated calls issued within the church’s social doctrine, beginning with ‘Rerum Novarum,’ for the promotion of workers’ associations that can defend their rights must therefore be honored today even more than in the past.” The archbishop also took note of what Pope John Paul II said in his 1981 encyclical “Laborem Exercens,” that a union “remains a constructive factor of social order and solidarity, and it is impossible to ignore it.” “It is especially in times of crisis that new forms of cooperation and open communication become essential,” Archbishop Listecki said. “We request that lawmakers carefully consider the implications of this proposal and evaluate it in terms of its impact on the common good. We also appeal to everyone — lawmakers, citizens, workers and labor unions — to move beyond divisive words and actions and work together, so that Wisconsin can recover in a humane way from the current fiscal crisis.”

Bishops criticize Obama decision on marriage law Catholic News Service The U.S. bishops’ Office of General Counsel said the Obama administration’s decision to no longer support the Defense of Marriage Act in legal challenges ahead “represents an abdication” of its “constitutional obligation to ensure that laws of the United States are faithfully executed.” “Marriage has been understood for millennia and across cultures as the union of one man and one woman,” the office said in a statement issued Feb. 23 after President Barack Obama instructed the Justice Department to stop defending the federal law passed by Congress and signed into law in 1996 by President Bill Clinton. The Defense of Marriage Act says the federal government defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman

and that no state must recognize a samesex marriage from another state. “The principal basis for today’s decision is that the president considers the law a form of impermissible sexual orientation discrimination,” the Office of General Counsel said.

Changing course In a Feb. 23 statement, Attorney General Eric Holder said that although the administration has defended the 1996 law in some federal courts, it will not continue to do so in cases pending in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Unlike in the previous cases, said Holder, the 2nd Circuit “has no established or binding standard for how laws concerning sexual orientation should be treated.” In response to the announcement, the National Organization for Marriage,

which opposes same-sex marriage, called on Congress to “get lawyers in the courtroom who actually want to defend the law, and not please their powerful political special interests.” The U.S. bishops’ Office of General Counsel said refusal to support the law was “a grave affront to the millions of Americans who both reject unjust discrimination and affirm the unique and inestimable value of marriage as between one man and one woman.” It also stressed that support for traditional marriage “is not bigotry,” but is a “reasonable, common judgment affirming the foundational institution of civil society.” The office said “any suggestion by the government that such a judgment represents discrimination is a serious threat to the religious liberty of marriage supporters nationwide.”

MARCH 3, 2011

Briefly Abortion proponent turned pro-life advocate, dies at 84 Dr. Bernard Nathanson, once a leading figure in the movement to legalize abortion and keep it legal, spent the last decades of his life raising awareness about the horrors of abortion and repenting for the tens of thousands of abortions for which he felt responsible. Nathanson, who died of cancer Feb. 21 in New York, also described himself for many years as a Jewish atheist but was baptized a Catholic in 1996 by Cardinal John O’Connor, then the archbishop of New York. Nathanson stopped performing abortions in the late 1970s and later narrated “The Silent Scream,” a 28-minute film depicting the abortion of a 12-week-old baby.

Vatican expresses concern about Libya With pro-democracy movements moving across North Africa and the Middle East, the situation in Libya worries the Vatican because of the loss of human lives, “the targeting of civilians and of peaceful protesters, and the indiscriminate use of force,” a Vatican representative told the U.N. Human Rights Council. Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Vatican representative to U.N. agencies in Geneva, told the council Feb. 25 that the Vatican supports all efforts to encourage a dialogue between pro-democracy demonstrators and the government of Col. Moammar Gadhafi. Since late January, demonstrators across the region have taken to the streets calling for democratic reforms; the protests led to leadership changes in Egypt and Tunisia, but saw a violent crackdown in Libya where some 1,000 people were believed to have been killed, foreign workers were being evacuated and about 100,000 people were said to have fled to Egypt and Tunisia.

New Zealand quake closes churches No Catholic church or school in Christchurch, New Zealand, will be used until engineers have declared it safe. Christchurch Bishop Barry Jones announced the measure Feb. 25, three days after a magnitude 6.3 earthquake rocked New Zealand’s second-largest city, causing more than 100 deaths and widespread damage. The NZ Catholic newspaper reported that some churches in the quake zone were severely damaged while others escaped relatively unscathed. — Catholic News Service

“Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7

This Catholic Life MARCH 3, 2011

Opinion, feedback and points to ponder

The Catholic Spirit

What if Delta were a diocese? What the church could learn from airline’s move to teach employees good manners elta Sends Its 11,000 Agents to Charm School,” announced a Wall Street Journal headline in early February. The subhead read: “Airline Ranked Last Among Major Carriers in Customer Service, So Training Targets Problem-Solving and Personal Skills.” “What if Delta were a diocese?” I found myself asking as I read that article. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the drop-off in attendance at Father Sunday Masses in William Byron many parts of the country, and the drift of Catholics away from the church. I’ve been hearing horror stories from former Catholics about bad treatment received at the hands of parish professionals. Not that those who have left are without blame. But reports of inept “customer relations” coming from so many who have had a bad experience with their priests and parish staff members have convinced me that the church, like Delta Air Lines, has a lot of work to do in improving customer relations.

“D

Commentary

One bad experience “When a flier is frustrated,” says the Wall Street Journal story, “it takes just one surly airline agent to give a black eye to an entire company.” The same can be said for an entire diocese or the church in general. One bad experience with the rectory telephone receptionist can do it for a parishioner. Add to that a few pointless and ill-prepared homilies, and parishioner discontent can lead to a quiet departure from the pews. One frustrated but still faithful Catholic said to me that he wished his bishop would “go undercover, i.e., dress in mufti and sit in the back pews for a

“Reports of inept ‘customer relations’ coming from so many who have had a bad experience with their priests and parish staff members have convinced me that the church, like Delta Air Lines, has a lot of work to do in improving customer relations.

”

JESUIT FATHER WILLIAM BYRON

What do you think? What other “customer service” tips do you have? Comment on this story at THECATHOLICSPIRIT.COM.

few Sundays so that he could observe firsthand just how poor the worship experience is.” So, what might be done? Delta Air Lines is putting every gate and ticket agent, baggage handler and their supervisors through daylong renewed training sessions. There is a five-point “lesson plan” that Delta uses with its employees to help them improve customer service: 1. “Make it personal.” Focus on the person right there in front of you; greet each one “memorably.” 2. “Be empathetic.” Put yourself in the

other person’s shoes. 3. “Listen, ask, listen again.” Past experience has shown that just as customers “tune out” routine announcements, agents tend to “tune out” customers. 4. “Solve together.” Involve customers in solutions by offering them choices. 5. “Be there.” Really be present to the customer; “if you don’t remember your last three customers, you are just processing,” not serving them.

Parishioners as customers Perhaps some diocese somewhere (or many dioceses, if the Spirit moves them) will come up with a lesson plan of their own to enhance the effectiveness and attractiveness of pastors and all pastoral associates in relating to parishioners and others who seek their services. Indeed, the providers of pastoral services can themselves seek out potential beneficiaries of those services, if they had a few training sessions in outreach strategies organized for them

by the diocese. If an airline can do it, the church certainly can. Speaking of the Delta program, the Journal said, “Lessons boil down to finding ways to assist customers rather than shunt them aside, trying harder to smile, and being more appreciative of their travel dollars.” Dollars aside, dedicated parish staffs will be eager to “assist,” loathe to “shunt,” ready to “smile” and always “appreciative” of the unique value of the persons they are privileged to serve. It will surely be worth taking time to hold a daylong diocesan-sponsored session to talk about improved “customer relations,” even though we don’t ordinarily think of our parishioners as customers. Jesuit Father William Byron is university professor of business and society at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • MARCH 3, 2011

Opinion/Letters

/ This Catholic Life

World events reveal dangers of selfishness n countries across the Middle East, huge crowds of people — including large numbers of young adults — continue to gather in squares and streets demanding a voice in how their lives are governed and how they are treated. They are tired of dictators using their power to violate human rights. They are finished with corrupt leaders, who have siphoned off their countries’ wealth and live in luxury while the vast majority of citizens remain in poverty. And they are demanding respect for their lives and God-given human dignity. In his message for Lent this year, Pope Benedict XVI reminds the world that selfishness ultimately destroys peace and leads people away from God. “The greed of possession,” he said, “leads to violence, exploitation and death.” Lent, however, is meant to be a time of conversion — a time, the pope says, “to free our hearts every day from the burden of material things, from a self-centered relationship with the ‘world’ that impoverishes us and prevents us from being available and open to God and our neighbor.”

I Editorial Joe Towalski

In his Lenten message, the pope warns that greed and selfishness ultimately destroy peace and lead people away from God

Time for introspection While this Lent we pray for peace-

“How much money do I spend on items I don’t really need, or that I lose interest in soon after I buy them?

”

JOE TOWALSKI

ful transitions to more just societies in other countries, we should also use this time in the lead up to the celebration of Easter to re-examine our own lives and what changes — large or small — we need to make to be less selfish, more generous, more “open to God and our neighbor.” It

isn’t just about material possessions. We can begin by asking ourselves: ■ Do I find myself at times more concerned about things than people? ■ How much money do I spend on items I don’t really need, or that I lose interest in soon after I buy

Lenten fasting: ‘Why?’ more important than ‘What?’ s Lent is quickly approaching, I can’t help but ponder and reflect about my participation in this season. I have often been asked the question, “What are you giving up for Lent?” I usually respond, without hesitation, “coffee.” Truly, have you ever wondered how giving up something like coffee, chocolate or any other simple pleasure can help you get to heaven? It doesn’t. Unless, you connect the “what” you are giving up with the Jean “why.” So the true Morehead issue is not what I fast from, but rather why I choose to fast and make sacrifices. I do it because Christ did it and I am to imitate him in all things. He doesn’t ask me to die on a cross, literally, but he does ask me to die to self. He must increase, and I must decrease are the words of John the Baptist, who cried out to sinners to repent. I have to learn how to fight temptations and to avoid falling into sin, as well as control my passions. Who better to teach me this but Jesus? For strength during times of temptation, Christ prayed. In order to keep focused on doing the Will of God, Christ fasted. I know that I have been set free from the enslavement to sin, but the possibility to sin remains. I have learned much from meditating on Christ’s suffering and death. I have come to understand that I must suffer with him in order that I may be glorified with him (Romans 8:17).

My Turn

Spiritual workout Lent is a time to focus and examine myself to see whether I am holding to my faith. What are my weaknesses? Where

“I do it because Christ did it and I am to imitate him in all things. He doesn’t ask me to die on a cross, literally, but he does ask me to die to self.

”

JEAN MOREHEAD

am I lacking in love? How am I living out my vocation as a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend? I am grateful for this tradition because it motivates me to grow in love and deepen my faith in Christ. Lent, for me, is a spiritual workout. For the sake of Christ I know that I am called to go beyond believing in him, to also suffer for his sake. I am invited to enter fully into the life of Christ, which includes his death. St. Paul said; “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.”

of redemption with him. What an honor! He doesn’t need me to do this, he gives me the opportunity. It is similar to God’s plan for the family. He does not need a father and mother to bring forth life; he invites them to cooperate with him. He has given them the great privilege of becoming co-creators of life.

Growing closer to Christ

St. Paul said he rejoiced in his sufferings for our sakes, for my sake. I take this to mean that I can suffer for others, too. My prayers and sacrifices that I offer up during Lent, and always, can truly help others to know Christ and accept him into their hearts.

Lent is a reminder to me that I am called to put to death what is earthly in me and to put love in its place. I am referring to the attachments and passions that are controlling me and causing me to sin. Identifying them takes real effort, and making a plan to take back control takes sacrifice and prayer. The task ahead of you is never as great as the power behind you. Christ is that power in our lives. Take the opportunity this Lent to deepen your relationship with Christ. Unite your sacrifices to his. Make this Lent your wake-up call and stay awake, for the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. Ready yourself to stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught by word of mouth, or by letter (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

Even something as simple as denying myself that morning cup of coffee can have tremendous value when I unite it to Christ. He has invited me to do this work

Jean Morehead, wife and mother of three children, is a member of St. Agnes in St. Paul.

I struggled with what this could possibly mean for quite some time. I heard a priest give a homily one morning that helped bring clarity to my understanding. What could possibly be lacking in Christ’s suffering? Me!

them? How could I use the money instead to help other people, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable in my community? ■ Do I let work, television, video games or social media dominate too much of my life? Where can I cut back so I can spend more person-toperson time with friends and family? ■ What in my life distracts me from staying focused on God? What must I stop doing in order to spend more time in prayer, so I can deepen my relationship with Christ? ■ What concrete commitment am I willing to make this Lent to be less self-centered, less materialistic and more open to God and neighbor? We have been seeing in other parts of the world how selfishness and a lack of respect for human dignity take their toll, and how huge masses of people are standing up to say, “Enough!” Lent is an opportunity for us in a different way as individuals to say, “Enough!” in our personal lives, to turn away from selfishness and to make an intentional commitment to be more generous and more prayerful. Let’s not squander that opportunity.

Church is welcome voice in support of union workers I wanted to thank [The Catholic Church] for its support for the Wisconsin public employees whose legal rights are being threatened. I am a Minnesota public worker, and an officer in my union (MAPE).

Letter

As one formed in the Catholic faith, I was so proud to see Milwaukee’s Archbishop Jerome Listecki voice his support for the union workers. It appears the “consistent life ethic” is again appearing in Catholic consciousness. Pope Benedict’s encyclical “Caritas in Veritate” reinforces workers’ rights, and specifically union rights. The bishop’s support of the Wisconsin employees is a wonderful continuation of the justice struggles of the last century that editor Joe Towalski reminded readers about in his article “Fighting for Racial Equality in the 1960s” [Feb. 17]. It seems some Wisconsin politicians want a “race to the bottom” by blaming civil servants for the economic situation. How does removing legal rights help solve an economic crisis caused by deregulation and banking malfeasance? As Christians, we cannot stand idly by when the rights accorded the human person are in danger of being violated. RYAN CHEGWIN St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, Minneapolis

This Catholic Life / Commentary

MARCH 3, 2011 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

A Catholic’s reflections on Cairo s the drama unfolded in Tahrir (“liberation”) Square in Cairo, Egypt, for days I joined in the world’s awe at the hundreds of thousands who gathered to demand an end to the autocratic reign of Hosni Mubarak and its three-decadesold “emergency law.” I kept asking myself the question, What does this remarkable movement have to do with me as a Catholic, and why Mike Haasl am I being so captivated by it? As a member of a people of sacramental faith, I try to be attentive to expressions of God’s passion for dignity and hope bubbling to the surface in the world. When I watch movies, I always get emotionally choked up when I see scenes of people sacrificing their own safety and well-being for others — and I see those experiences as people responding to God’s invitation to selflessly love.

Opinion

Taking a stand As I learned that each one of the multitudes of people who decided to go to Tahrir Square each day were putting their lives on the line for a pie-in-the-sky ideal that might well end badly, I saw in their commitment an incredible expression of God’s invitation to selflessly love. How was it possible for three decades of iron-fist dictatorship to succumb to nonviolent protesters who carried no weapons except that of persistent courage? Theorists of active nonviolence know that all governments rest on the consent of the governed — the obedience to the nation’s laws. When individuals withdraw their support for what they view as unjust laws, those individuals are subjected to harsh consequences. When massive numbers say, “I will not obey your oppressive decrees,” the governing bodies’ show of force and intimidation and bloodshed intensifies, the resolve of the protesters usually weakens and the movement collapses. When the Mubarak government tried that strategy it did result in harsh consequences — indeed, more than 300 were killed, hundreds more were detained, including some with torture — but it surprisingly only served to increase the numbers of people in the square. That the strategy didn’t work in Cairo is a testament to the courage of the people, to the restraint of the local military — many of whose members sided with the people — and to the increasing billions lost in tourist revenue. The fact that the protesters were able to remain nonviolent in the face of a violent response served to attract admirers and support throughout the world. Some even say that this event has helped to “mainstream” nonviolent action as a means to overcome powerful, unjust systems.

CNS photo / Yannis Behrakis, Reuters

Anti-government protesters celebrate atop a tank in Tahrir Square after the announcement in Cairo of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s resignation

The second was how the Catholic Church in the Middle East will likely lose many young people because the church leadership did not support this movement toward rights and democracy for fear of repercussions. Standing on the side of change for the sake of justice will always have its detractors, particularly for those who benefit from the status quo or those who fear the repercussions. But our faith calls us to take a stand for justice and dignity — just as Jesus refused to participate with Jewish laws of Sabbath and ritual purity when they detracted from health and human dignity — even when it might cost us. Our faith calls us to selflessly love our neighbors, most

Where to write ■ E-mail: catholicspirit@archspm.org

On the side of change

■ FAX: (651) 291-4460

In a recent edition of The Catholic Spirit, two articles related to this caught my eye. The first was the looking back at how the editor of the diocesan paper continually supported the movement for civil rights in the South in the 1960s, even when this wasn’t a popular stance with some of the readers.

■ Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Catholic Spirit, 244 Dayton Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102

Material printed in This Catholic Life does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the archdiocese or The Catholic Spirit.

especially those who are weakest in society.

Challenging questions When I reflect back on the situation in Egypt and the Middle East, I see not only the face of God, but I am challenged by some troubling questions. How was it that I did not know that our own government — through both Democratic and Republican administrations’ foreign policies — was sending $1.5 billion of mostly military aid per year, the second most to any country in the world, to prop up a dictatorship which was using an “emergency law” to detain thousands of people without charge?

Why was it that our presidents and secretaries of state were often shown embracing the likes of Hosni Mubarak whose corruption resulted in $70 billion in his offshore bank accounts? Why was it that our government was embracing a transfer of power to Mubarak’s hand-picked Vice President Omar Suleiman, who had been the point person on the extraordinary rendition program in which our government was sending suspects to be tortured in Egypt, and who was known to be directly involved in torture? I recognize that stability in order to ensure the flow of oil to continue our economy is a value, but if the cost is collaboration with dictatorships where human beings are not allowed to be free, where do we as Catholics come down? While I am joyful in the celebration of God’s love and freedom bubbling to the surface, I also feel called to be more attentive to other areas of our world where people are oppressed, particularly with the assistance of my own government. I find this democracy movement in Egypt calling me to open my eyes and heart in a new way. Mike Haasl promotes global solidarity at the archdiocesan Center for Mission. He can be reached at HAASLM@ARCH SPM.ORG.

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • MARCH 3, 2011

Commentary

/ This Catholic Life

Demands of phones and computers straining our Sabbath comedian recently quipped that today’s information technologies have effectively rendered a number of things obsolete, most notably phone-books and human courtesy. That’s also true for human rest. Today’s information technologies have made us the most informed, efficient and communicative people ever. We now have the capability, all day, every day, of accessing world events, world news, whole libraries of information and detailed accounts of what our families and friends are doing at any moment. That’s the positive side of the equation. Less wonderful is what this is doing to our lives, how it is changing our expectations and robbing us of the simple capacity to stop, shut off the machines and rest. As we get more wrapped up in mobile phones, texting, e-mail, Facebook and the Internet, we are beginning to live with the expectation that we must be attentive all the time to everything that’s happening in the world and within the lives of our families and friends. The spoken and unspoken expectation is that we be available always — and so, too, others.

hours) on Monday night, we end our Sabbath as we began it, symbolically: We break our cyber-fast and fire up again our phones and our computers and begin answering our messages. We get back on the wheel for another week. Sometimes, making ourselves unavailable like this irritates our families and friends, but if we are to celebrate Sabbath, given our pressured lives, this pulling away is the most important single thing that we have to do. It’s either that — or working seven days a week!”

A Food for the Journey Father Ron Rolheiser

Technology is robbing us of the simple capacity to stop, shut off the machines and rest

An unhealthy compulsion We used to send each other notes and letters and expect a reply within days, weeks or months. Now the expectation for a reply is minutes or hours, and we feel impatient with others when this expectation is not met and guilty inside of ourselves when we can’t meet it. So we are, daily, becoming more enslaved to and more compulsive in our use of technology. For many of us, it is now existentially impossible to take off a day, let alone several weeks, and be on a genuine holiday

An older Sabbath concept

“We now have the capability, all day, every day, of accessing world events, world news, whole libraries of information and detailed accounts of what our families and friends are doing at any moment.

”

FATHER RON ROLHEISER

or vacation. But the rhythm of time as God designed it is meant to give us, regularly, weekly, some time off the wheel, some “Sabbath-time” when ordinary life, ordinary pressures, ordinary work and ordinary expectations are bracketed and we give ourselves permission to stop, to shut things down and to rest. Today, nowhere is this more appropriate and urgent than in regard to our use of phones, notebooks and computers. They, more than anything else, constitute regular time, servile work and the occupations and preoccupations from which the commandment to keep holy the Sabbath ask us to refrain.

I know a woman who works for her church, as does her husband. Since they are both in ministry, they need to work on Sunday mornings and often into the afternoon as well. So they begin celebrating the Sabbath late afternoon on Sunday. Here is how she describes what they do: “We start our celebration of the Sabbath at 4 p.m. (1600 hours) on Sunday and we begin it symbolically by unplugging our computers, turning off our mobile phones, disconnecting our house phone and turning off every information gadget that we own. For the next 29 hours we don’t receive any calls and we don’t make any. We are on a cyber-fast, non-contactable, off the wheel, unavailable. At 9 p.m. (2100

When I was young both our churches and our culture still took the concept of Sabbath (for Christians, especially the idea of not working on Sunday) more seriously. A popular question was always: What are you allowed to do on a Sunday and what are you not allowed to do? Mostly this focused on different kinds of physical labor: May you work in your garden on a Sunday? May you harvest your apples on a Sunday? Today, I worry less about gardening or picking apples on a Sunday. The more important issue is: Can we step off the treadmill of phones and computers on Sundays and be available to celebrate Sabbath? Sabbath, as Wayne Muller tells us, is time off the wheel, time when we take our hand from the plow and let God and the earth care for things, while we drink, if only for a few moments, from the fountain of rest and delight. Today, that plow looks a lot like a mobile phone or a computer. Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, teacher and award-winning author, is president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas.

Debt should be prayerfully respected, not feared n Hamlet, William Shakespeare warns: “Neither a borrower nor a lender be.” There are financial experts who advise as Shakespeare does, saying that debt should be avoided at all costs. But, practically, I don’t know how you get through life in early 21st-century America without using debt to some degree. My experience with debt is that it is somewhat like chocolate or alcohol — a little can be good but too much can destroy you.

I Faith and the Workplace Tom Bengtson

My story I don’t know how you get through life today without using debt to some degree

I run a small publishing company, which I purchased in 1992. At that point in my life, I had little money and even less credit history; no bank would give me a loan so I turned to my father, who dipped into his savings to lend me enough for a down payment on the business. It was a huge risk but something compelled Dad to make the loan anyway. I worked hard and, over time, prospered. During the last 20 years, the business has provided employment for a dozen or so people, put

food on the table for my family, and returned enough to repay my Dad with interest. For every success story, however, we know there are stories of failure. Only about half of all new businesses last five or more years; less than 30 percent survive 10 years. Anyone who funds an entrepreneur behind a failing business is unlikely to get his or her money back. Clearly, there is wisdom in Shakespeare’s advice.

Borrowing money But wisdom alone is insufficient for navigating through life. Parents do things for their children because they love them; that love manifests itself in all kinds of ways, like encouragement, instruction and sometimes a loan. Banks and credit unions serve a legitimate purpose, so if you need to borrow money, consider whether these traditional lenders can help. If not, don’t be afraid to approach trusted family members and friends. Shakespeare notwithstanding, we should not be afraid of debt but respectful of it, regardless of which

end of the transaction is yours. Scenario No. 1 — If you are thinking of borrowing, consider: ■ Do I need the money for something important or frivolous? Only proceed if you can honestly claim it is important. ■ Do I need this money because of poor spending habits? If so, develop a budget and stick to it for 12 months before reconsidering the question of borrowing. ■ What is my debt situation now? If a substantial portion of your income already is going toward debt repayment, don’t add to your debt burden at this time. ■ What is my plan for repaying any new debt I take on? Never borrow money without knowing how you are going to repay it in a timely fashion. Scenario No. 2 — If you are thinking of lending, consider: ■ Can I afford to lose the entire amount of money I lend? If not, then don’t make the loan. ■ If the loan is not repaid, will I end up hating the borrower? If so,

then don’t make the loan. ■ Should I put the loan agreement in writing? Yes. The terms of repayment should be written down in a document both parties sign. Such a document minimizes opportunities for misunderstandings about the timing and amount of repayment. ■ Should I charge interest? Every lender can choose the degree of charity he or she wishes to extend to the borrower, so the answer varies depending on personal preference. Generally, however, a service of this value warrants the payment of interest at least equal to what the lender could earn in a certificate of deposit. Debt can be an emotional topic. Debt involves risk for all parties, so pray over any decision to borrow or lend. But if a loan is the only thing between you and great opportunity, then ask for the loan; if you love the borrower more than your money, then say yes when asked. Small business owner Tom Bengtson can be reached at INFO@GE OPRINCIPLE.COM.

“Lent teaches us how to live the love of Christ in an ever more radical way.” Pope Benedict XVI, in his Lenten message for 2011

Lent MARCH 3, 2011

A Catholic Spirit special section

The Catholic Spirit

11B

Plan to make a good Lent this year self-denial is the path to self-mastery. If we want to have a good Lent, it would be worthwhile to give up some non-essential pleasure like dessert, candy, pop, ice cream, alcohol, tobacco or television for a day or the week. The foremost form of self-denial is fasting from food, and Jesus demonstrated its importance when he fasted 40 days and nights in the desert (Matthew 4:2), and he presumed that his disciples would do the same (Matthew 6:16,17). When hunger pangs come, it takes determination to say, “No!” and if we can consistently say “no” to something small like food, with improved self-control it is much more likely that we will be able to say “no” when something bigger like temptation comes our way.

By Father Michael Van Sloun For The Catholic Spirit

Lent is a penitential season, a time to “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” (Mark 1:15). The season lasts for 40 days, the same amount of time Jesus spent in prayer and fasting in the desert. The liturgical color is violet or purple, the symbol of repentance and sorrow for sin. Sin is real and, over the course of the year, spiritual slippage normally occurs. Our sins can become more frequent or grow more serious. Lent is a time to reexamine our lives, acknowledge how we have offended God and neighbor, admit our failings, seek God’s forgiveness, receive God’s healing grace, reform our lives, conform ourselves to God’s will and make headway in virtue and holiness.

Almsgiving

Following regulations One way to make a good Lent is to observe the two Lenten regulations: abstinence and fasting. The abstinence regulation requires all those who have reached their 14th birthday to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all of the Fridays of Lent. The fasting regulation applies from one’s 18th to 59th birthday. All those in this age range are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting means one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal the larger one, with no food between meals except beverages. This obligation does not apply to those with special health conditions or physically demanding work. Those in doubt should consult a priest or confessor. Another way to make a good Lent is to observe the four penitential or ascetical practices: prayer, fasting, almsgiving and works of charity.

Prayer Prayer is at the top of the list. Lent offers an opportunity to intensify prayer, to pray more, or better or with a richer variety. There are two main types of prayer: communal-liturgical and individual-private, and both are necessary for a well-balanced prayer life. Regular communication is key to every quality relationship, and if we hope to be close to God, regular prayer is a must. ■ Communal prayer The cornerstone of communal prayer is the Sunday Mass, and it is the indispensible starting point, whether in Lent or any time of the year. To have a good Lent, consider adding something to your communal prayer. The highest-rated option is daily Mass, one or two times a week, or possibly every weekday. Parishes offer a variety of other options: the communal recitation of Morning or Evening Prayer, the rosary, the Stations of the Cross or a parish retreat or mission.

Reto Demetz / WWW.DEMETZ.COM

Deepen Lenten experience with online Stations of the Cross

Almsgiving is not the same as stewardship of treasure or sacrificial giving, money shared to support the ministries of the parish and the wider church. Almsgiving is giving over-and-above what is given to the church: money, food or clothing, goods or services that are shared to help the poor and needy. Almsgiving is penitential, as Scripture says: “Prayer and fasting are good, but better than either is almsgiving accompanied by righteousness” (Tobit 12:8); “Almsgiving expiates every sin” (Tobit 12:9); and “Atone for your misdeeds by kindness to the poor” (Daniel 4:24). A fine way to make a good Lent would be to make special donations to disaster relief, a food shelf, a soup kitchen, an orphanage or some other charitable agency that cares for the poor or troubled.

The Catholic Spirit

CATHOLICSPIRIT.COM.

Charity

Prayer is one of the penitential practices of Lent, and the Stations of the Cross are a powerful meditation that can deepen our prayer lives and help us grow closer to Christ. To that end, The Catholic Spirit has created an online meditation to help you pray the 14 stations, depicting scenes from Jesus’ death sentence to his burial in the tomb. The “21st Century Stations of the Cross” can be viewed at THE

The text of the meditation was originally written in Lent 2001 by Catholic Spirit staff writer Emilie Ast Lemmons. An award-winning journalist, columnist, blogger and mother of two young boys, Lemmons succumbed to cancer in 2008 at the age of 40.

Kind deeds are also penitential, because “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Plan to do something thoughtful for someone: extend thanks, offer a compliment, fulfill a promise, listen attentively, run an errand, help with a job, make a phone call, send flowers or a card, be polite, tell a clean joke or visit someone in a hospital or nursing home. Random acts of kindness are good, but planned ones are better. Acts of love toward a neighbor draw a person away from selfish preoccupation and closer to God.

The Stations are narrated by Catholic Spirit photographer Dave Hrbacek. Craig Berry, the newspaper’s webmaster, produced the presentation.

Making a plan At home, the family can offer prayers together at mealtime, bedtime or any other time when two or more pray together. ■ Individual prayer Jesus frequently went off to pray by himself, and so should we. There are many options: eucharistic adoration; Scripture reading and reflection; a silent or directed retreat, contemplation and meditation; the rosary, the chaplet, lita-

nies, and prayer books; spiritual reading such as the writings or lives of the saints; a prayer journal; singing along with sacred music in the car; or a solitary prayer walk outside.

Fasting Fasting is a form of self-denial, one of the most traditional forms of penance. In some circles it is not fashionable to give something up for Lent, with the objection that it is “too negative”; however,

Lent is a time to break sinful habits that have not received the remedial attention they deserve, implement spiritual upgrades that have been put off for a long time, and break out of a spiritual holding pattern. Our plan for Lent should be to “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” (Mark 1:15). Father Van Sloun is pastor at St. Stephen in Anoka.

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Lent

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • MARCH 3, 2011

Operation

Rice Bowl

CRS program committed to ending world hunger By Carol Jessen-Klixbull

Haiti

The Catholic Spirit

The following is the first in a four-part series

“Hunger is the most cruel and concrete sign of poverty,” Pope Benedict XVI said during the opening session of the U.N. World Summit on Food Security in Rome in 2009. “Opulence and waste are no longer acceptable when the tragedy of hunger is assuming ever greater proportions.” More than a billion people — or over one-sixth of the planet’s population — suffer from hunger, according to Catholic Relief Services. This number is greater than the combined populations of the United States, Canada and European Union. Malnutrition and diseases related to hunger cause about six in 10 childhood deaths in developing countries — approximately 5 million per year. CRS notes that enough food is produced globally to feed everyone, but many people are hungry because they lack land to grow food or money to purchase it. Each year, CRS encourages Catholics to participate in Operation Rice Bowl — a Lenten program that helps parishes, schools and families learn more about the work of CRS and the people it serves. It promotes the Lenten practices of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Participants are urged to put money they save from eating simple, meatless meals into a symbolic “rice bowl” to be donated to CRS. You can learn more about the program on its website: http://orb.crs.org. Last year, Catholics raised more than $8 million through Operation Rice Bowl. Seventy-five percent of the collected funds are used to fund hunger and poverty projects in 40 countries; the remaining 25 percent stays in the United States to support food pantries and soup kitchens.

CRS worker in Haiti defines greatest need Jean Simon Ludger, head of food security and emergency/mitigation with Catholic Relief Services in Haiti, recently answered questions via an e-mail interview with The Catholic Spirit. A native of Haiti, Ludger is married and the father of five children. He has been serving with the organization in Haiti since April 2008. Q. What has struck you the most about your experience in Haiti? A. Haiti is a country with a lot of ecological and economical potential. Social injustice is the root cause of poverty and environmental degradation here.

Tents, homes for Haitians since the January 2010 earthquake, ring the stilldevastated Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in downtown Port-au-Prince. Photo courtesy of Tiffany Nelson

Q. What are the critical needs regarding food security in Haiti? A. Around 50 percent of the population lives in poverty caused by lack of access to employment — particularly in rural areas. Also contributing are a high population growth rate, environmental degradation and lack of access to good quality water and sanitation. Q. How do you see CRS making a difference? A. CRS empowers Haitian communities through education/training and coaching. It is important that resources are invested in programs that will have more sustainable impacts on people and the environment.

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Riz National (Creole for “national rice”) 2 tbsp. oil 1 onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 cup rice, uncooked* 2 cans kidney beans, drained 1 ⁄2 tsp. cumin 1 ⁄4 tsp. salt 1 ⁄4 tsp. oregano 1 ⁄4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 21⁄2 cups water Preheat oven to 350°F. Fry onion, garlic and green pepper in oil until tender. Combine and mix all remaining ingredients in a bowl. Add the onion mixture and stir well. Grease a medium-sized casserole dish. Pour mixture into casserole. Cover and bake at 350°F until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender — about an hour. Stir before serving. Yield: 4 to 5 servings * This recipe is prepared with white rice (not minute or converted varieties). If using brown rice, a longer cooking time will be required.

Operation Rice Bowl prayer We lift our prayers to you, God of love, on behalf of our brothers and sisters in need. As we learn about their struggles, our almsgiving comes to their aid; our fasting unites us in their hunger. You call us to be disciples for all nations. Bless us this Lenten season. Amen.

Lent

MARCH 3, 2011 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Youth groups step up to take on Lenten projects with Scripture passages or inspirational quotes from people such as Blessed Mother Teresa. “We were talking about selling them at the church and probably do an event on Facebook and have them contact one person. So our marketing would be on Facebook or Twitter or some of those things as well,” Pham said. Proceeds from the wristband sales will be sent to Humanitarian Services for Children of Vietnam, which was established to provide relief for Vietnamese children living in poverty. The group hopes to raise at least $500.

By Pat Norby The Catholic Spirit

Three age groups are represented in this year’s Catholic Spirit Pay It Forward for Lent project, which is based on the New Testament parable of the three stewards who each were given money to manage and grow. Each of the three groups will receive $100 to grow for their chosen charity during Lent. The recipients are: ■ A fifth-grade faith formation class at All Saints in Lakeville, led by Elizabeth Townley and Traci Schroer. ■ A high school group from St. Anne and St. Joseph Hien in Minneapolis, led by Hoangsa Pham. ■ A college-age group from St. Anne and St. Joseph Hien led by Teresa Tran.

Training ground Tran, coordinator of the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Group — Knights of the Eucharist II, said the project is a good way for the group of 18- to 20-year-olds to create camaraderie. “This group will be the next group of youth leaders and we thought this would be a good way for the group to give back to the community,” Tran said. “I’ve been part of the organization since I was 10 or so, and I’m 24 now.” Their proposal set out plans to increase abortion awareness by making pro-life Tshirts to sell to friends, family and parishioners. The profits will be given to the Robbinsdale Women’s Clinic, which encourages pregnant women to choose life.

A perfect match

PAY IT FORWARD 2011 Sherry Le, a member of the group who wrote the proposal letter, said group members go to a variety of colleges, where they can sell the T-shirts and promote the pro-life cause. “We have friends and family who are willing to support us and the message we want to send,” Le said.

Inspired to help Pham, 29, leads another Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Group of about 13 students who are 16 and 17 years old. The youth proposed selling wristbands

Townley, a Faith Enrichment Program teacher, said that submitting a proposal for Pay It Forward for Lent was a “perfect match” for the 14 fifth-graders because All Saints is focusing on social justice this year. “I wanted the kids to see that they can make a positive change in something — that they can go outside their community and make a difference,” Townley said. “I thought [a Pay It Forward for Lent project] would be a perfect vehicle for them to learn that lesson.” The students decided to raise money for the Red Cross to help people affected by last year’s oil spill on the Gulf Coast, she said. The students plan to go door-to-door with their parents and seek matching funds from companies to help increase the money, which they will use, in part, to print flyers about the project.

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40 Days for Life set to begin again at St. Paul hospital The Catholic Spirit An opening prayer vigil for the next 40 Days for Life campaign is set for 3 p.m. March 9 (Ash Wednesday) at HealthPartners’ Regions Hospital, 640 Jackson St. in St. Paul. In 2009, Regions Hospital performed more than 700 abortions, according to Pro-Life Action Ministries. 40 Days for Life is an international campaign involving 40 days of prayer, fasting and peaceful activism for an end to abortion. The local effort, the fifth coordinated by Pro-Life Action Ministries, will end Saturday, April 16 at 10 a.m. in order to accommodate Palm Sunday church activities. The campaign has a goal of filling every hour with two or more participants in prayer and peaceful vigil outside the hospital. At the Oct. 31 conclusion of last fall’s 40 Days for Life campaign, Archbishop John Nienstedt delivered remarks at the closing prayer session at Regions Hospital in front of an estimated crowd of 500 people. For more information, or to learn more about how individuals and groups can participate, visit WWW. 40DAYSFORLIFE.COM/TWINCITIES.

Lent

MARCH 3, 2011 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Books offer opportunity for spiritual growth Review by Ann Jonas

■ “Encounter the Cross: Meditations on the Seven Last Words of Jesus” by Father Dennis Billy, CSSR, Liguori Publications, November 2010, 109 pp., $10.99

Redemptorist Father Dennis Billy has authored a new meditation on the “Seven Last Words,” titled “Encounter the Cross.” Father Billy states in the book’s introduction that by remembering a loved one’s final words, we become closer to them. By pondering those final words “we are able to share in [our loved one’s] life and death, and their spirits are somehow resurrected in our hearts.” This assertion is the basis for “Encounter the Cross.” The book contains seven chapters, each corresponding to a statement Christ made while on the cross, along with an epilogue, “The Triumph of the Cross.” Each chapter ends with several discerning reflection questions and a related prayer. Father Billy explores the “Seven Last Words” from a human perspective; as a result, readers will find additional personal meaning in the dying words of Christ. Father Billy is currently the John Cardinal Krol Chair of Moral Theology at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa., and has authored more than 25 books.

Meditating on “The Seven Last Words” of Christ is a custom for many Catholics during Lent and Holy Week.

Ann Jonas is the general book buyer for the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University.

For The Catholic Spirit

More resources, activities

Lent is a time for reflection, deeper reading and spiritual growth. A Lenten activity book and a new reflection on “The Seven Last Words” offer spiritual sustenance for Lent and Holy Week.

For a listing of upcoming Lenten retreats and Lenten meals, turn to the Calendar on page 19B.

■ “Live Lent at Home: Daily Prayers and Activities for Families” by Paige Byrne Shortal, Liguori Publications, January 2010, 80 pp., $5.99 Families that would like to observe a meaningful Lent will find a helpful tool in “Live Lent at Home” by Paige Byrne Shortal. This day-by-day book contains reflections, activities and prayers that are simple but worthwhile for all members of the family. Each week in the book begins with the Sunday Gospel, and then each day has a reflection, a discussion question and a prayer to read together as a family. The discussion section, called “To do and to talk about,” often includes a suggested activity related to the reflection. The book also contains traditional prayers and “fun pages” comprised of a crossword puzzle, scrambled words and more. Shortal wrote this book with busy families in

Mardi Gras Festival

mind. She and her husband live on a small farm in Missouri with their three young grandchildren for whom they are guardians.

New Lenten reflections app for iPad and iPhone The Catholic Spirit If you’re looking for daily inspiration this Lent, you might consider a new app from Liturgical Press in Collegeville. The app makes the content of the book “Not by Bread Alone: Daily Reflections for Lent” by Bishop Robert Morneau, auxiliary bishop of Green Bay, Wis., available to iPad and iPhone users The app allows users to access the current day’s reading and a reflection on that reading. They also can jump to the page of any other day in the season, change the type size to their liking and share daily readings with friends through e-mail. The app is available for 99 cents from Apple’s App Store. Search for “Not by Bread Alone.” Liturgical Press has a direct link to the product from its website, WWW.LITPRESS.ORG.

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The Lesson Plan

MARCH 3, 2011 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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God’s commandments built on foundation of love T This is the God that inflicted plagues on the Egyptians, that split the sea, that led them through the desert.

his past January, the other transitional deacons and I were in Rome, studying how the church spreads the Gospel from the Chair of Peter to the whole world.

Thus, in the passage we hear, Moses seems to be calling for the people’s obedience because God in his high heaven is very powerful. Somewhat ominously, Moses says, “I set before your here, this day, a blessing and a curse.”

Because of the distances involved, it is easy, far from the seat of authority, to vilify the bureaucracy that assists the pope with his mission. Rome — faceless, foreign — can be seen as an unfeeling generator of rules, regulations, procedures, statutes, codes and teachings.

Sunday Scriptures

God appears as, and in fact is, a mighty and powerful legislator. Perhaps the Israelites imagined God as a faceless, inhuman generator of arbitrary statutes, he who sets up rules because he can.

However, having been there, I cannot ever hold such an opinion. In office after office, we met with priests, monsignors, even a cardinal, who each in turn showed only deep concern for individual people everywhere.

The law comes to life Yet, by the time of the Gospel, God no longer legislates through a proxy. God, Jesus Christ, stands before the people, personally giving his commandments.

All had a healthy awareness of the immensity of their task, the complexity and details involved, and, though appropriately daunted, they described their courageous efforts to nevertheless get it done quickly and correctly.

By making his appearance clearer, God has likewise changed the appearance of his rules and commandments.

Deacon Matthew Crane

Before I saw it firsthand , it was easy to imagine Rome as an arbitrary legislator, but now I know that all the congregations, councils, committees and academies of the pope are like him — pastors.

Power vs. love Reflecting on the readings this weekend, I am struck by a similar change in imagination between the first reading from Deuteronomy and the Gospel according to Matthew. In Deuteronomy, Moses sets out the great law for the People of Israel. Before and after what we hear at Mass, Moses sets down a multitude of commandments and calls upon Israel to remember God’s great power.

Readings

Following God’s law is compared to building a house on a firm foundation, a rock, in the midst of a dangerous world fraught with winds and floods. God’s high perch means he can see a world battered by sin.

Sunday, March 6 Ninth Sunday in ordinary time

So, he gives rules not simply because he can, but to guide us through the dangers.

■ Deuteronomy 11:18, 26-28, 32 ■ Romans 3:21-25, 28 ■ Matthew 7:21-27

For reflection How have you rebelled against a rule and later found out that it was implemented in your best interests?

Far from a faceless machine spitting out statutes, God gives rules because, like the pastors of Rome, he loves us. Deacon Matthew Crane is in formation for the priesthood at The Saint Paul Seminary for the Diocese of St. Cloud. His home parish is St. Andrew in Elk River and his teaching parish is the Five Parish Catholic Community in the Holdingford area.

Daily Scriptures Sunday, March 6 Ninth Sunday in ordinary time Deuteronomy 11:18, 26-28, 32 Romans 3:21-25, 28 Matthew 7:21-27 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” — Matthew 7:21 A friend tells the story of a young father who was spending a few moments of quiet time with the Lord, when his young daughter walked in the room looking for her shoes. The man was irate and began to shout “Can’t you see I’m trying to pray?” On the other hand, when Mother Teresa visited the United States, she occasionally stayed in the home of a woman who had a young family. On one occasion, the woman’s two little girls rushed into Mother Teresa’s room while she was praying. Instead of condemnation, they were met with hugs. Is our prayer making a difference in how we respond to the “interruptions” in our day?

Wednesday, March 9 Ash Wednesday Day of fast and abstinence Joel 2:12-18 2 Corinthians 5:20 — 6:2 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Is there any religious practice you do more out of habit than conviction?

busy, perhaps, even doing good things. However, if we are going to follow Jesus, it is not an option to skip prayerful reflection of our lives. By joining Jesus in the desert this Lent we can emerge more aware of our own imperfections and less critical of others.

Thursday, March 10 Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Luke 9:22-25 Silence and an honest examination of our motivations help us make lifegiving choices.

Monday, March 14 Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 Matthew 25:31-46 We forget that only God knows and can judge the motivations and intentions of others.

Friday, March 11 Day of abstinence Isaiah 58:1-9a Matthew 9:14-15 We don’t fast to change God but to change our hearts.

Tuesday, March 15 Isaiah 55:10-11 Matthew 6:7-15 Notice which part of the Lord’s Prayer you find most challenging at this time in your life.

Saturday, March 12 Isaiah 58:9b-14 Luke 5:27-32 What limits have you placed on God’s mercy and compassion?

Wednesday, March 16 Jonah 3:1-10 Luke 11:29-32 It is tempting to look for quick fixes rather than entering into the long process of changing our hearts.

Monday, March 7 Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs Tobit 1:3; 2:1a-8 Mark 12:1-12 We never outgrow the need to reexamine our intentions.

Sunday, March 13 First Sunday in Lent Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11 “At that time, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.” — Matthew 4:1 God allowed Jesus and allows us to be put into a position where we have to finally confront the things that pull us away from life-giving choices. Of course, we can run from that kind of self knowledge by remaining forever

Tuesday, March 8 John of God, religious Tobit 2:9-14 Mark 12:13-17 Notice whether your questions are rooted in a desire to learn or to defend your opinion.

Are you willing to pray for the desire to want to forgive? Saturday, March 19 Joseph, husband 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 In order for the Spirit to work through us we can’t cling too tightly to our perceptions and plans.

Thursday, March 17 Patrick, bishop Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 Matthew 7:7-12 Pray to recognize the daily opportunities you are given to grow in faith, hope and love.

Sunday, March 20 Second Sunday of Lent Genesis 12:1-4a 2 Timothy 1:8b-10 Matthew 17:1-9 “The Lord said to Abram: ‘Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.’” — Genesis 12:1 We may never be called to a foreign land but we all face moments when we know deep within us that we are being called to take a leap of faith into the unknown. We may feel a call to leave behind a position of power and prestige and serve the poor or discover a talent that thrills and frightens us. No matter what our challenge, both fear and trust will exist within us. We must decide for ourselves which feeling will guide our choices.

Friday, March 18 Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the church Ezekiel 18:21-28 Matthew 5:20-26

The daily reflections are written by Terri Mifek, a member of St. Edward in Bloomington and a certified spiritual director at the Franciscan Retreat House in Prior Lake.

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • MARCH 3, 2011

By Julie Pfitzinger For The Catholic Spirit

When the 14 members of this year’s Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults class at St. Mark Catholic Church in Shakopee come together at the parish on Easter Vigil, April 23, for full initiation into the church, in some sense it will be the end of their journey, but in many ways, it will be just the beginning. Since September, the group, comprised of folks attending St. Mark, St. Mary and St. Mary of the Purification, both also in Shakopee, has been meeting every Monday night for the catechetical portion of its instruction. Mickey Redfearn, programs director and RCIA coordinator at St. Mark, along with Father Tim Norris, pastor at St. Mark and Father Peter Wittman, pastor at St. Mary and St. Mary of the Purification, all take turns leading the classes. Redfearn began serving as a catechist for the RCIA program at St. Mark’s in 2000 and assumed the role of RCIA coordinator in 2008 when the three parishes combined their RCIA programs.

RCIA: An end and beginning

Mass is primary teacher “During the year, the candidates and catechumens are also encouraged to attend Mass every week since the Mass is the primary learning tool for people who want to become Catholic,” said Redfearn. “Once Lent begins, we no longer meet on Mondays, but we attend Mass together and then dismiss after the readings and the homily to break open the Word.” This year, the program has eight candidates — those who have already been baptized — and six catechumens — those who have not yet been baptized — in the class. Redfearn said the number of catechumens is slightly higher than usual. There is no “typical” candidate or catechumen. Ages of the participants traditionally range from the 20s to the mid 40s, which Redfearn believes “definitely adds richness.” “Often we have people in the program who are engaged to be married, or people who have kids in Catholic school but who are not Catholic themselves,” he said. “When their children get to second grade and are preparing for first Communion, this can bring parents to the church.” Others may be individuals who grew up Catholic, but “have drifted away over

The Lesson Plan the years and want to come back,” said Redfearn. As members of the group at St. Mark grow closer to becoming fully initiated into the church, Redfearn also believes it is important for them to see themselves as part of the larger church, so they all attend the Rite of Election at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis on the first Sunday of Lent. “It is very emotionally inspiring to see people gathered together who are prepared to be baptized at Easter,” said Redfearn. “I have found it brings courage and inspiration to my own faith.” Redfearn recalled a moment of inspiration that occurred last year, when one of the catechumens in the RCIA program at St. Mark was a high school senior. “There were many parishioners who told me they were inspired by seeing this young man baptized at the Easter Vigil. He had made the decision to become Catholic because it was important to him,” said Redfearn. It is the members of the three parishes that Redfearn relies on to help encourage potential RCIA candidates. Past candidates and catechumens are also often the best representatives of the program, he added. “We do bulletin and pulpit announcements every year before the classes start, but it is the people in the pews who most effectively recruit others,” he said. “I always tell people that it’s not the coordinator’s responsibility to bring people to the church, it is the church’s responsibility. And ultimately, it is God’s doing.”

Rite of Election: March 13 The Rite of Election marks the beginning of the final, intensive period of preparation of catechumens (those not baptized) for the sacraments of initiation, ordinarily celebrated during the Easter Vigil. During the ceremony, the church, through the bishop or representative, “elects” the catechumens to receive the sacraments of baptism, First Eucharist and confirmation at the vigil. This year, the Rite of Election will be celebrated on Sunday, March 13, at 1:30 p.m. at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis and 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul. Also attending will be candidates (baptized).

Only ordained ministers can preach the homily during Mass Lay preaching in the Catholic Church was the topic of a recent story in the StarTribune newspaper. The Catholic Spirit asked Father John Paul Erickson, director of the archdiocesan Office of Worship, to answer a few questions on the topic to clarify the church’s teaching. Q: What does the church teach about lay people preaching or speaking at Masses? In essence, what are the rules? What is the basis for them? A: The church’s authoritative teaching regarding preaching may be found in the 1983 Code of Canon Law, specifically canons 762 FATHER ERICKSON through 772. While Canon 766 does indicate that a lay person may in fact preach in a church or oratory when pastorally advantageous or necessity requires it, according to the prescriptions of the pertinent conference of bishops and subject to the authority of the local ordinary, the Code of Canon Law also makes a critical distinction in Canon 767 between the homily, that form of preaching that is particular to the Holy

Mass, and other kinds of preaching, such as might be given at a parish mission. The 1983 Code of Canon Law, like the 1917 Code before it, is clear on this point: The homily is reserved to a priest or deacon, as the homily forms an integral part of the liturgy, closely connected as it is to the proclamation of the Gospel, which is also reserved to an ordained cleric within the context of the Mass. The reservation of the homily to an ordained cleric has been the church’s practice both before and after the Second Vatican Council. Q: Some people have a hard time understanding why lay people — particularly women — cannot preach at Mass if they have advanced degrees in Catholic theology from reputable schools. They say it is wasting the gifts of some talented individuals. What does the church say about this? A: The church’s legislation regarding this matter absolutely does not arise from a lack of awareness of or appreciation for the intellectual and rhetorical gifts of the lay faithful. I have no illusions regarding the fact that there are many, many members of the lay faithful who are much better speakers than me and certainly

much better theologians than I am. But the Holy Mass is an act of the whole Body of Christ, a body that is ordered and structured in a particular way. And within that Body is found the ordained cleric, a man set aside by ordination for sacred service at the altar and to be a kind of living icon of Christ the Great High Priest within the sacred liturgy, or in the case of the deacon, a living icon of Christ the Servant. The homily, in which the ordained minister is called upon to “[explain] the mysteries of faith and the norms of Christian life . . . from the sacred text during the course of the liturgical year” (Canon 767), is meant to be a manifestation of that living icon, even as the natural abilities of the ordained minister may be quite limited. For this reason, the ordained cleric entrusted with preaching at Holy Mass must take this part of his ministry extremely seriously, striving to overcome his own natural deficiencies through continued training, regular theological and spiritual reading, and the humble acceptance of honest feedback. There are few things within clerical life that are more important than preaching, and fewer things still than preaching an effective homily.

“A mighty flame followeth a tiny spark.” Dante Alighieri

Arts & Culture The Catholic Spirit

Exploring our church and our world

MARCH 3, 2011

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Journey through Lent with Dante as your guide Mary Reichardt, professor of Catholic studies at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, will present a series of talks titled “The Divine Comedy and The Lenten Journey” on four consecutive Tuesdays, March 15 to April 5 at Hayden Hall in St. Paul. The Catholic Spirit recently interviewed Reichardt about the series being presented by the Cathedral of St. Paul. Q: How do you see Dante’s “Divine Comedy” as a metaphor or guide for our journey during Lent? A: Lent and Easter take us into the heart of the Catholic faith through the Paschal Mystery. Through the Crucifixion we realize the extreme penalty God paid for our sins and the extent of his love and mercy. Through the Resurrection and Ascension we are reminded that our life is but a pilgrimage here on earth and our true home is in heaven. The Lenten call to self-knowledge and penance is meant to “reorient” us to the things of God and to our true goal. The “Divine Comedy” does exactly this. In describing the three areas of the afterlife — hell, purgatory, and heaven — Dante gives us visual images to help us imagine our goal. The “Comedy” in effect asks us constantly: What destination are you now choosing?

Where are you on the road right now? In order to understand what the choice for God means, we must first understand the consequences of turning away from God, of rejecting his will in favor of our own will. That is Dante’s “Inferno.” Once we make the decisive choice for God and repent of sin, there’s still a long climb ahead of us before we can stand before the all-pure God. That’s Dante’s “Purgatorio,” a realm that many readers note looks a lot like our life on earth because we are expected to be working here and now on putting off vice and putting on virtue. Finally, to make progress on the spiritual road, we need to have some sense of where we are headed. Yet, heaven is for us often the hardest realm to conceive; our imaginations are terribly limited since we have no earthly experience of eternal and complete joy. Dante’s “Paradiso” fleshes out heaven in detail, providing ample food for the imagination. We always need to keep in mind that Dante is writing an imaginary work but at the same time he uses real spiritual principles that are especially resonant with the Lenten journey. Q: Many people may not think of this work as faith formation material. Has it had an impact on your own faith life? If so, how? A: In “Paradiso,” when Dante has a discussion with one of his ancestors, we are told that the “Comedy” will be “vital nourishment” for readers disposed to its spiritual content. It has also been said that serious readers of the “Comedy” always come face to face with themselves in reading the work: They see their own sins and failings, they realize their need for both effort and grace in purgation, and they start to get a glimpse of the goal — heaven — through the power of the imagination. I remember well that these matters hit me forcefully when I first read the “Comedy” years ago, and they’ve only deepened as I’ve read and taught the work many times since then. So I’d say yes, the spiritual impact of the work in my life has been profound: it indeed provides the “vital nourishment” of hope for anyone who may feel lost or alone, as Dante does at the beginning of the story and as we all do at times. Q: Is it necessary for someone to read the entire work before coming to your presentations? A: No, it is not necessary to read the work before attending the talks. But it will certainly help in getting the full experience out of the lectures. I’ll be using Mark Musa’s translation of the work, and I’ll be quoting often from it. You can, of course, use any translation but to follow along fully you might want to purchase the Musa text. It is available at any book venue: Mark Musa, “The Portable Dante” (Penguin Classics, 1995).

If you go ■ What: “The Divine Comedy and The Lenten Journey” ■ Where: Hayden Hall, 328 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul

“Inferno.”) Session 2: March 22, “Sin as Slavery and the Turning of Conversion,” (“Inferno” and “Purgatorio”)

■ When: Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Session 3: March 29, “Climbing the Seven Storey Mountain,” (“Purgatorio”)

Session 1: March 15, “Down Another Road: Descending into Hell,” (Introduction and

Session 4: April 5, “Soaring Through the Heavens,” (“Paradiso”)

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Arts & Culture

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • MARCH 3, 2011

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at Chanhassen is a thought-provoking Lenten musical Review by Pat Norby The Catholic Spirit

When “Jesus Christ Superstar” opened on Broadway in 1971, I recall that many critics attacked the contemporary rock musical, written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, as sacrilegious. As songs like “Superstar,” “Everything’s Alright” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” played on the radio and in our minds, the rock opera garnered five Tony nominations, toured across the nation and in London, was turned into a movie and reworked for the stage to tour again. Yet, the first time I saw this classic musical was the Feb. 18 Chanhassen Dinner Theatres performance of the last seven days in Jesus’ life on earth. That night changed any preconceived notions I had about “Jesus Christ Superstar.” While the stage set with stone and metal takes you back 2,000 years, the layered costumes and swirling scarves pull you into a discordant present and future, visually and musically.

An emotional ride From the opening “Heaven On Their Minds” by Jared Oxborough as Judas, to Ben Bakken as Jesus raging in “The Temple” to Michelle Carter as Mary Magdalene singing “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” the audience is tossed from one emotion to another. That is just in the first act! During the second act, the turmoil continues from the scene of the Last Supper, to Peter’s denial of Christ to the

CNS photo / Sony Pictures Classics

Lambert Wilson and Jean-Marie Frin star in a scene from the movie “Of Gods and Men.”

Film on murdered monks takes top prize at Cannes Catholic News Service

Chanhassen Dinner Theaters photo

The talented cast of “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres brings to life the last days of Jesus and his disciples. The choreography places the actors amidst the dinners, making them feel close to the production of this timeless tale.

death of Judas and the culminating crucifixion. I walked out of the theater impressed, disturbed, saddened and talking all the way home about the marvelous voices, acting and wonderful food and hospitality. If you are looking for a meaningful, yet enjoyable Lenten activity with family and friends who are 8 years old and more, think about seeing “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. You, too, may experience the last days of Christ in a new light.

Throughout March, cast members will be collecting monetary donations after the performances to benefit Minnesota FoodShare and its food shelves across the state.

Performances continue through July 30, Tuesday through Sunday evenings, with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Cost for dinner and the show is: from $59 to $77, depending on the day and time. Call (952) 934-1525 or 800-362-3515 or visit WWW.CHANHASSENDT.COM.

Exhibit portrays Washington’s deep faith Caron Cadou talked with Catholic Spirit News Editor Pat Norby on Feb. 16, while overseeing the installment of the George Washington exhibit currently on display at the Minnesota History Center. Cadou is vice president for collections at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens in Virginia.

gious faith as something that grounded him and served as a means of strength and hope. He referred frequently to divine providence — that America is in the hand of divine providence, that some force is at work that is helping guide the Founding Fathers in a establishing a democratic government based on equality.

Why do you think people in Minnesota are interested in George Washington and this exhibit? He’s sort of that farm boy who made good and I think some in Minnesota can relate to that and others can relate to his interest in America and its freedoms.

What myths about George Washington are true and what are false? George Washington never threw a silver dollar across the Potomac River. He never cut down a cherry tree and said, “Father I cannot tell a lie.” And he did not have wooden teeth. These were all myths perpetrated by a well-meaning biographer of Washington by the name of Parson Weems. One myth that is true — George Washington was the largest distiller of whiskey in the United States. In the last year before his death, he distilled more than 11,000 gallons. It was one of his entrepreneurial activities that was very profitable.

Was Washington a religious person? How did that influence his life? George Washington is shown as a man of faith, who is guided by principles and an understanding of a greater world, a higher being that helped him to form ideas of what is truly right and what not only he, but a young country must do, to uphold certain moral standards. He was raised in the Anglican faith. He had a Christian wedding when he married Martha Washington in 1759 and he participated as an Anglican throughout his life. I would think that George Washington’s religious beliefs would have played a role in the moral conflict he felt about

Minnesota History Center

This photograph shows one of three lifesize wax models in the George Washington exhibit at the Minnesota History Center.

slavery and why he was such a troubled slave holder. He’s the only Founding Father to free his slaves. . . . We can’t let George Washington completely off the hook [however] because he could have found the means to free Martha Washington’s slaves [whom he did not free]. Washington did not wear his religion on his sleeve, which I think was appropriate, because he wanted America to be a place of religious freedom for all. Rumors say he converted to Catholicism on his deathbed. Is that true? I have not heard that Washington converted to Catholicism on his deathbed. Washington was influenced by his reli-

The exhibit includes replicas of the distillery and the grounds at Mount Vernon, a church pew, paintings, life-size statues of Washington at different stages in life and many artifacts, including a set of his teeth. For more about exhibit times and cost, visit WWW.MINNESOTAHISTORYCENTER.ORG.

“Of Gods and Men,” the Cannes Film Festival grand prize-winning feature now debuting across the country, had a “monastic adviser” on the set to help faithfully depict the lives of the French monks whose story is at the heart of the movie. The film features seven Trappist monks, living in turmoil-ridden Algeria, who were kidnapped in 1996 and ultimately beheaded. Henry Quinson, who lived for six years at a Cistercian monastery in France, knew two of the monks portrayed in the film, Quinson told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview from France. Xavier Beauvois, who directed and cowrote “Of Gods and Men,” asked Quinson for help with the film after seeing his memoir on monastic life; Quinson had translated into French an English-language book on the murdered monks. “My little job,” Quinson said, “was to tell their story.” Quinson said Algeria in the mid-1990s was struggling through many of the same issues today roiling Muslim-majority nations in North Africa and the Middle East. “The murder of the monks was a turning point in Algeria. That doesn’t mean there’s no violence in Algeria today,” he told CNS. But, he added, no Christians were murdered after ’96. “For the two months when we shot the movie in Morocco, I was there every day. Beauvois would have me very close to him — ‘Henry, are you sure this is right?’ — to re-create the atmosphere of the monastery,” Quinson said. When it came to the chapel scenes, Beauvois declared Quinson the film director. So, he found all the songs, rewrote a speech about being a martyr and coached the actors, working with Beauvois, to re-create the monastery for filming. Quinson, 49, who was born in New York City but has lived in Europe since age 5, said, “I’m not a part of a monastic order. But I’m celibate, working within the church.” John Mulderig of CNS’ Media Review Office said the film is “a restrained religious masterpiece and a memorable viewing experience.” The film is classified A-III — adults — for brief gory violence, some unsettling images and a single instance each of rough and crass language.

Calendar

MARCH 3, 2011 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT presented by Liz Kelly. Cost is $10. Make reservations by March 10 by calling (763) 788-1897.

Lenten dinners Enchilada dinner at Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Paul — All Fridays of Lent: 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 401 Concord St. Take-out and enchiladas by the dozen also available. Lebanese Lenten dinner at Holy Family Maronite Church, Mendota Heights — All Fridays of Lent: 5 to 7 p.m. at 1960 Lexington Ave. S. Fish fry at Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomington — All Fridays of Lent: 5 to 9 p.m. at 1114 American Blvd. Call (952) 888-1492 for reservations. Fish fry at Epiphany, Coon Rapids — All Fridays of Lent: 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 1900 111th Ave. N.W. Fish fry at St. John the Baptist, Hugo — All Fridays of Lent: 5 to 8 p.m. at 14383 Forest Blvd. N. Fish fry at St. Peter, Forest Lake — All Fridays of Lent: 5 to 7 p.m. at 1250 South Shore Drive. Fish fry at St. Pascal Baylon, St. Paul — All Fridays of Lent: 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 1757 Conway St. Fish fry at St. John Vianney, South St. Paul — All Fridays of Lent: 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 789 17th Ave. N. Fish fry at St. Bernard, St. Paul — All Fridays of Lent: 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the corner of Rice Street and Geranium Avenue. Fish fry at St. Timothy, Blaine — March 4 and All Fridays of Lent: 7 p.m. at 707 89th Ave. N.E. Fish fry at St. Patrick of Cedar Lake, Jordan — March 4: 5 to 8 p.m. at 24425 Old Hwy. 13 Blvd. Fish fry at St. Peter Catholic School, North St. Paul — March 11: 4 to 7 p.m. at 2620 N. Margaret St. Fish fry at Knights of Columbus Hall, Shakopee — March 11 and 18: 5 to 8 p.m. at 1760 Fourth Ave. E. Fish fry at St. Bernard, Cologne — March 11: 3:30 to 8 p.m. at 300 Church St. Fish fry at Guardian Angels, Chaska — March 11: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 215 W. Second St. Fish fry at St. Pius X, White Bear Lake — March 11: 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 3878 Highland Ave. Fish fry at Most Holy Trinity, St. Louis Park — March 18: 5 to 8 p.m. at 3946 Wooddale Ave. S. Fish fry at Mary, Queen of Peace, Rogers — March 18: 5 to 7 p.m. at 21304 Church Ave. Fish fry at St. Anne, Hamel — March 18: 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 200 Hamel Road.

Dining out

Don’t miss 43rd annual Sisters’ Appreciation Day The Knights of Columbus Council No. 4381 will hold its annual Sisters’ Appreciation Day for all religious sisters in the Twin Cities area March 20. The event, which includes socializing, games, prizes and lunch, begins at noon at the KC Hall, 6831 Hwy. 65 N.E. in Fridley. Please RSVP by calling (651) 636-2382.

Sauerkraut supper at Holy Cross, Minneapolis — March 8: 4 to 7 p.m. at 1621 University Ave. N.E. Cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Also features music and dancing. Meatless spaghetti dinner at St. Stanislaus, St. Paul — March 9: 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 395 Superior St. Cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children. KC Chicken and rib dinner at Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomington — March 9 and 16: 5 to 9 p.m. at 1114 American Blvd. Cost is $12. Call (952) 888-1492 for reservations. Fat Lorenzo’s spaghetti dinner at St. Helena, Minneapolis — March 12: 5 to 8 p.m. at 3204 E. 43rd St. Cost is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and children under 12. $25 for families. Corned beef and cabbage dinner at St. Joseph, Miesville — March 13: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 23955 Nicolai Ave. E. Wine and green beer will be available for purchase. Also features a silent auction. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12. Pancake breakfast at Mary Queen of Peace, Rogers — March 13: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 21304 Church Ave. Free will offering. Spaghetti dinner at St. Bernard, St. Paul — March 19: 4 to 7 p.m. at the parish center on Rice Street and Geranium Avenue. Cost is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $4 for children 6 to 12.

Parish events Mardi Gras celebration at St. Charles Borromeo, St. Anthony — March 6: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2727 Stinson Blvd. N.E. Features hot breakfast, games, food, auctions and a spaghetti dinner. For information, visit WWW.STCHB.ORG. Jeff Cavins to speak at St. Odilia, Shoreview — March 11: 7 to 9 p.m. at 3495 N. Victoria. He will present, “The Mystery of Suffering.” Free will offering.

KC pancake breakfast at Transfiguration, Oakdale — March 6: 8 a.m. to noon at 6133 15th St. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12.

Full day retreat with Jeff Cavins at St. Odilia, Shoreview — March 12: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3495 N. Victoria. He will present, “The Gospel of Matthew: The King and His Kingdom.” Cost is $35. To register, visit WWW.STODILIA.ORG.

KC pancake breakfast at St. Michael, Farmington — March 6: 9 to 11:30 a.m. at 22120 Denmark Ave. Free will offering.

National speaker Molly Sanborn at St. John the Baptist, Savage — March 13: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 4625 W. 125th St. Recommended for middle school

and high school students and their parents. For information, visit WWW. MOLLYBARNHART.COM. Free will offering. Author Steve Ray to speak at St. John, Little Canada — March 15: 10:50 a.m., 5:45 p.m. and 7 p.m. at 380 Little Canada Road E. For information, visit WWW.STJOHNSOFLC.ORG. Rabbi Norman Cohen to speak at Mary, Mother of the Church, Burnsville — March 18: 9:30 a.m. at 3333 Cliff Road. He will present, “How Jews Approach the New Testament.” St. Patrick’s Week Irish Ceili (folk dance/party) at St. Joan of Arc, Minneapolis — March 18: 7 p.m. instruction, dancing begins at 7:15 p.m. at 4537 Third Ave. S. Music by Barra, refreshments, raffle and Guatemalan craft sale. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for students and $2 for children under 10. For information, visit WWW.SJACEILI .COM. Saturday Morning Breakfast for Men at St. Helena, Minneapolis — March 26: Mass at 8 a.m. followed by breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and a talk. Featured speaker is Bishop Lee Piché. Cost is $5. Call (612) 729-7321 for reservations before noon on the 25th.

Retreats Lenten retreat at St. Genevieve, Centerville — March 7: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m at 6995 Centerville Road. To sign up, call (651) 429-7937. ‘The Spirituality of Parenting” morning retreat at Benedictine Center, Maplewood — March 12: 9 a.m. to noon at 2675 Benet Road. Cost is $30. To register, visit WWW.STPAULSMONASTERY .ORG. Senior Day of Reflection at St. Peter, North St. Paul — March 16: Begins with Mass at 10 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. at 2600 N. Margaret St. Theme is “I am God’s Child.” Call (651) 4811012 to register. Life in the Spirit retreat at St. John the Baptist, Savage — March 19: Communion service at 8 a.m. followed by retreat. Concludes with Mass at 5 p.m. at 4625 W. 125th St. Call (952) 890-9434 for reservation. Women’s retreat at Immaculate Conception, Columbia Heights — March 19: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4030 Jackson St. N.E. “Woman, Go and Flourish: On the Dignity and Vocation of Women”

Prayer/ liturgies Taizé prayer service at St. Richard, Richfield — March 4: 7:30 p.m. at 7540 Penn Ave. S. All night vigil with the Blessed Sacrament at Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Paul — March 4 and 5: 7 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday at 401 Concord St. Knights of Columbus traveling rosary at St. Columba, St. Paul — March 6: 2 p.m. at 1327 Lafond Ave. Knights of Columbus traveling rosary at St. Mary, St. Paul — March 13: 2 p.m. at 261 Eighth St. E. Taizé Prayer at St. Hubert, Chanhassen — March 17: 7 p.m. at 8201 Main St.

Singles 50-plus Second Sunday Supper event at St. Joan of Arc, Minneapolis — March 13: 5 p.m. at 4537 Third Ave. S. Includes social hour, supper and program at 7 p.m. Cost is $10. Call (952) 884-5165.

School events Pre-K open house at Immaculate Conception School, Columbia Heights — March 5: 10 a.m. to noon at 4030 Jackson St. N.E. Mardi-Gras themed games for children ages 3 and 4. For information, call (763) 7889065. Tour day at Blessed Trinity Penn Campus, Richfield — March 10: 8 a.m. to noon at 7540 Penn Ave. S. For students entering grades Preschool to 3. Call (612) 866-6906 to RSVP.

Other events World Apostolate of Fatima annual Marian Congress at St. Joseph, West St. Paul — March 5: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1154 Seminole Ave. Mass with Bishop Lee Piché at 8 a.m. followed by presentations, prayer and reflection. Concludes with a concert by Randy Albright. Register online at WWW.FATIMAONLINE.ORG or call (763) 5020792. David Walsh to speak at St. Peter, Mendota — March 19: 9 a.m. to noon at 1405 Hwy. 13. “Parenting with the Brain in Mind: What Science Tells Us About Raising Successful, Healthy Kids.” Sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office of Marriage, Family and Life. Cost is $10 or $20 per couple.

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Calendar Submissions DEADLINE: The Catholic Spirit is biweekly. Items should be submitted by 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. Items are published on a space available basis. 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.

“If you are what you should be, then you will set the world on fire.” St. Catherine of Siena

Women’s Jubilees 20B

The Catholic Spirit

A Catholic Spirit special section

MARCH 3, 2011

Sister Janssen puts many gifts to work cult for me to leave. I was extremely lonesome and it took me time to adjust,” she said. “A few months later, the Sister Helen Janssen has always been Mother Superior told me she hadn’t grateful to God for “good health and so For a list of women expected me to stay, but that I had blosmuch energy” and the life experiences of religious celebrating somed like a rose.” this 89-year old Sister of St. Joseph of jubilee milestones this In 1941, Sister Helen received her Carondelet convincingly prove that she year, see page 21B. habit and made her final vows in 1946. has made exceptional use of both gifts. Soon after, “Sister Nicholas,” as she was As she prepares to celebrate her 70th called at the time, received an assignment that seemed jubilee anniversary on March 19, Sister Helen reflected overwhelming, but ended up being one of the most on a life filled with the blessings of family, her fellow sis- rewarding experiences of her life. ters and the hundreds of students she taught over the “I worked at the Catholic Boys Home in Minneapolis years. and was the one responsible for 20 little boys, ages 2 to Growing up on what she called “a nice cozy farm” in 6 years old, who had come from broken homes or the southwestern Minnesota town of Minneota, Sister orphanages,” she said. “Baths every night, stories — I Helen was one of 15 children — number 13 to be exact was a mother to them and I loved it.” — born to parents who emigrated from Holland. When told by her Mother Superior that she would be Her call to vocation came rather unexpectedly at the sent to teacher’s college, Sister Helen said, “At the time, age of 17. it was not a joyful message for me because I didn’t think “I remember that we were having a wonderful Janssen I wanted to be a teacher, but the Mother Superior’s decidance at the farm and my brother’s wife said to me that sion was filled with wisdom. I loved every one of my 51 she thought I would make a good nun,” Sister Helen years in education.” recalled with a smile. “I knew my mother would be From teaching to healing delighted, so I started to pray about it.” Sister Helen taught locally at several Catholic schools Sister Helen was familiar with the Sisters of St. Joseph in St. Paul, including St. Columba, Holy Spirit and St. since several were living in Minneota, running St. Luke. She was then sent to Hawaii for 16 years where Edward’s grade school. “I was very inspired by them and thought they were she taught in a CSJ school and loved her experience “with the people and the rich culture.” very happy people,” she said. Sister Helen finished her teaching career back home at A major adjustment St. Edward in Minneota, where she was thrilled to have At age 18, Sister Helen entered the CSJ order, which several of her nieces and nephews in class. However, meant moving to the Twin Cities to live in a convent Sister Helen did much more than teach in her homeand also attend high school, which she hadn’t done town — for several years, she taught CPR in the commuwhile on the farm because there was no bus to take her nity and worked as an emergency medical technician. “I to school. PLEASE TURN TO STILL ON PAGE 22B “I loved my family and the farm, so it was very diffiBy Julie Pfitzinger

For The Catholic Spirit

Anniversary listings

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Dianne Towalski / The Catholic Spirit

Sister Helen Janssen puts finishing touches on a woven basket in the activity room at Bethany Convent in St. Paul Feb. 26.

Women’s Jubilees

MARCH 3, 2011 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

21B

This year’s jubilarians from women’s religious communities The Catholic Spirit congratulates the following members of women’s religious communities who are serving or have served recently in the archdiocese and are celebrating jubilees this year.

Franciscan Sisters Rochester

School Sisters of Notre Dame, Mankato

WWW.ROCHESTERFRANCISCAN.ORG

WWW.SSNDMANKATO.ORG

50 years Sister Nancy Kinsley

60 years Sister Mary Louise McKenna

Sisters of St. Benedict St. Paul’s Monastery

Franciscan Sisters Sylvania, Ohio

WWW.STPAULSMONASTERY.ORG

50 years Sister Ellen Cmiel Sister Eucharista Ward

60 years Sister Patricia Collins Sister Benita Gerold Sister Agnes Trombley 50 years Sister Mary Courteau Sister Annette Esboldt Sister Bernadine Frischmon

Sister Marjorie Rosenau Sister Andrea Zelenak 50 years Sister Denay Ulrich PLEASE TURN TO JUBILARIAN ON PAGE 22B

Good Shepherd Sisters St. Paul WWW.BUONPASTOREINT.ORG

70 years Sister Genevieve Lusian 65 years Sister Helen Mary Yates 60 years Sister Elsie Fields

Dominican Sisters Sinsinawa, Wis. WWW.SINSINAWA.ORG

60 years Sister Patricia Brockmeyer 50 years Sister Lou Anne Willette

Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary WWW.IHMSISTERS.ORG

Franciscan Sisters Little Falls

60 years Sister Amata Miller

WWW.FSLF.ORG

Franciscan Poor Clare Nuns Bloomington

75 years Sister Helen Anne Klepaida 50 years Sister Betty Ann Berger Sister Jeremy Hein Sister LaVonne Schackmann

WWW.POORCLARESMINNEAPOLIS.ORG

50 years Sister Elizabeth J. Lynn Sister Mary Catherine Martin

Congratulations, Blessings & Thank You,

Jubilarians from the

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet & Consociates

2011 SISTER ANNIVERSARIES

~ 75 ~ ~ 70 ~ Marie Agnese Arsenault Anne Grady Helen Janssen Denis Neville Rosa Nugent Mary L. O'Hara Grace Saumur Eunice Tussing Karen Wadsworth

~ 65 ~ Agatha Grossman Jane Hurley Agnes Iten Ann William Leach

~ 50 ~

~ 65, cont. ~

Irmina Kelehan

Rita McDonald Grace McKigney Edith Joseph Runck Marie Therese Smith Jane Svobodny Elizabeth Tobin Dorothy Wyant Dorothy Zahler

~ 60 ~

Shirley Deutsch Margaret Gillespie Mary Kraft Susan Oeffling Carolyn Puccio Catherine Mary Rosengren Kathleen Ryan

Daughters of the Heart of Mary A Greatt Choice e for r over r 220 0 Yearss

~ 25 ~ Ruth Brooker

Frances Mary Benz Elaine Conrad Kathleen Holmberg Anne Joachim Moore Mary O'Brien Jean Rooney Helena Sheridan Florence Steichen Ann Denise Sullivan

Serving in ministries as diverse as our PHPEHUV DQG WKH QHHGV RI *RG·V SHRSOH

Women religious totally committed to Christ and His project: The Kingdom

Living vowed lives supported through daily Eucharist, community prayer and spiritual sharing

Faithful to Christ and His Church

2011 CONSOCIATE ANNIVERSARIES

~ 25 ~ Catherine Bennett Kathleen Donahue Belle Flynn Mary Reinhardt

~ 10 ~

~ 10, cont. ~

Linda Andreozzi Diane Gardner Terry Casey Barbara Larson Pat Casey Linda Villegas Virginia Claessens McDonald

www.csjstpaul.org

Vocation Contact: Paula Gaudet Email: vocations@dhmna.org Telephone: 413-534-4502

www.dhmna.org

22B

Women’s Jubilees

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • MARCH 3, 2011

Jubilarian anniversaries

Sister Anne Grady Sister Helen Janssen Sister Denis Neville Sister Rosa Nugent Sister Mary L. O’Hara Sister Grace Saumur Sister Eunice Tussing Sister Evelyn Wadsworth

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21B Sister Bernadette Welter

Servants of Mary (Servite Sisters), Ladysmith, Wis. WWW.SERVITESISTERS.ORG

70 years Sister Mary Catherine Izral

60 years Sister Rosemarie Cramble Sister Antoinette Kassa

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul WWW.CSJSTPAUL.ORG

75 years Sister Irmina Kelehan 70 years Sister Marie Agnese Arsenault

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20B

50 years Sister Shirley Deutsch Sister Margaret “Meg” Gillespie Sister Mary E. Kraft Sister Susan Oeffling Sister Carolyn Puccio Sister Catherine Mary Rosengren Sister Kathleen Ryan

65 years Sister Agatha Grossman Sister Jane Hurley Sister Agnes Iten Sister Ann William Leach Sister Rita McDonald Sister Grace McKigney Sister Edith Joseph Runck Sister Marie Therese Smith Sister Jane Svobodny Sister Elizabeth Tobin Sister Dorothy Wyant Sister Dorothy Zahler

Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy, Hastings

Still delighted, at 89, to be giving to others

Sister Kathleen Holmberg Sister Mary O’Brien Sister Jean Rooney Sister Helena Sheridan Sister Florence Steichen Sister Ann Denise Sullivan

25 years Sister Ruth Brooker

Visitation Nuns, Minneapolis WWW.VISITATIONMONASTERYMINNEAPOLIS .ORG

50 years Sister Katherine Mullin

60 years Sister Frances Mary Benz Sister Elaine Conrad

Source: Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

think I’m the only Sister of St. Joseph who’s ever done that,” she said. Sister Helen also helped start Prairie Home Hospice in the Minneota area, where she served as a chaplain and health aide to terminally ill patients receiving hospice care in their homes. “I saw miracles of grace, one after another,” she said. “It was very life giving.” Sister Helen returned to St. Paul in 2004 and moved to Bethany Convent, where she lives today and frequently accompanies members of her community to doctors’ appointments. An avid artist, Sister Helen paints, weaves rugs on the convent’s loom and makes quilts. “It has been a wonderful life. I’ve delighted in all my years with the Sisters of St. Joseph and in the years of loving, sharing and happiness with my family,” she said. “I couldn’t hope for any more until I get to heaven.”

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23B

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • MARCH 3, 2011

Book co-written by Catholic journalist retells basketball ‘miracle’ By Amy Kotlarz Catholic News Service

Much has changed for Greece Athena High School varsity basketball coach Jim Johnson and former team manager Jason “J-Mac” McElwain since Feb. 15, 2006. That was the night Johnson put McElwain into the game, and the teen — who is autistic — went on to score 20 points in the final 3:11 of the only varsity contest he ever played. The story of what Johnson terms a miraculous night was picked up by news media around the country. In the five years following that game, the pair shook hands with President George W. Bush and exchanged autographs with celebrities at the 2006 NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis, the ESPN Espy Awards and the Teen Choice Awards. Jim Johnson and McElwain also are fixtures on the inspirational speaking circuit, sharing their stories of the game with everyone from educators to executives. And with the release of a new book, Johnson is now a published author.

Through eyes of faith In “A Coach and a Miracle: Life Lessons From a Man who Believed in an Autistic Boy,” he frames the game and season within his Catholic faith and reveals how he nearly quit coaching at the beginning of the 2005-06 season because of internal team strife. Johnson, a parishioner of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Greece, N.Y., cowrote the book with Mike Latona, senior staff writer at the Catholic Courier, Rochester diocesan newspaper. The book is being published by Beacon Publishing. “When I had a vision of this book after

God had a plan that the Walz family embraced CONTINUED

FROM PAGE

been doing some volunteer work with the Wild and is open to being on the coaching staff some day. He spent the winter coaching his son, Kelvin, a senior at East Ridge High School, whose season ended in the Section 3AA playoffs. Two of his daughters, Jaedyn, 14, and Brehna, 11, also play hockey. Whether he coaches their teams or works with them one-on-one, he is glad to have more time to spend with them and their siblings. “Things happen for a reason, and we would never have had this opportunity if things wouldn’t have blown up down in Tampa,” he said. “There’s always a silver lining to every story. My wife and I laugh at each other now — all those prayers and everything we talked about, and the guidance from God. It was like it was meant to be. And, we’re so happy to be back here.”

the story exploded, I felt there were so many wonderful life lessons throughout that season,” Johnson said during a break in basketball practice Feb. 7. “This was a way I could share the things I’ve learned.” The book invites readers at the beginning and end of each chapter to try such self-improvement tasks as setting goals, writing a personal mission statement and serving others. The book also puts the game in perspective through reflections from sports celebrities and experts, including a foreword by University of Florida Coach Billy

Donovan, and reactions from families who have struggled with disabilities and acceptance. In the book, Johnson recalls that his whispered prayer for “J-Mac” to make a single basket was answered sevenfold. The manager-turned-player made seven baskets, including six three-pointers, and he became the team’s high scorer for the game. “I walk into the gym, and I still get chills,” said McElwain, now 22, who has chronicled his personal story in his own 2008 book “The Game of My Life: A True Story of Challenge, Triumph, and Growing Up Autistic. Today.” McElwain works part time and volunteers as a program assistant with the Greece Athena varsity basketball team.

when the team captured the Section 5 championship. That title had always eluded Johnson, but the coach notes in his book that the personal thrill of that win was eclipsed by the joy of helping make someone else’s dream come true. Johnson said the key to McElwain’s success was his total perseverance to reach his dream. “He is the only student-athlete that has actually tried out for our program three years in a row,” said Johnson, noting that McElwain agreed to be team manager even after having been cut three times.

Never giving up

Nearly every day, McElwain reminded Johnson of a preseason promise to find him a jersey and a few minutes of playing time.

Yet, McElwain said the Feb. 15 game was not the highlight of the team’s season, in his opinion. That came days later,

“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought he would have scored 20 points,” Johnson said.

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“They were extraordinary people who wanted to make a difference in the world. . . . We were praying for their safe return.” Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson, pastor of the Santa Monica parish that was home to Jean and Scott Adam, who sailed around the world distributing Bibles and were killed Feb. 22 by Somali pirates

Overheard 24B

The Catholic Spirit

“You and our brother bishops in Wisconsin are offering a timely reminder of what the church teaches on the rights and duties of workers, including the right to form and belong to unions and other associations, and the obligation to address difficult problems with respect for the rights and needs of all.”

Quotes from this week’s newsmakers

MARCH 3, 2011

New statue for St. Maron

— Bishop Stephen Blaire of Stockton, Calif., chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, in a Feb. 24 letter to the archbishop of Milwaukee regarding Wisconsin’s budget battle

“He was like St. Paul, who was a great persecutor of the church, yet when he saw the light of Christ, he was perhaps the greatest apostle for the Gospel.” — Pro-life activist Joan Andrews Bell, speaking about Dr. Bernard Nathanson, once a leading figure in the movement to legalize abortion who spent the decades before his death Feb. 21 raising awareness about the horrors of abortion

“We want to thank God for all that he did for us. Our faith and hope were fundamental for our survival.” — Mario Gomez, one of the Chilean miners trapped for more than two months underground, commenting during a recent visit to the Holy Land with many of the other miners

CNS photo / Paul Haring

Pilgrims, above, arrive carrying Lebanon’s flag for the blessing of a statue of St. Maron, right, by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican Feb. 23. The pope blessed the statue of the patron of the Maronites in a niche on an exterior wall of St. Peter’s Basilica. A delegation from St. Maron church in Minneapolis attended the blessing.

Benedictine sisters in St. Joseph elect new prioress Sister Michaela Hedican was elected prioress of the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict Feb 27. She will be installed as the religious community’s 16th prioress June 5 at the monastery’s Sacred Heart Chapel in St. Joseph, Minn. The Sister Michaela Catholic Spirit served as prioress of St. Bede Monastery in Eau Claire, Wis., from 2008 until the community joined the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict in St. Joseph last August. She is a native of Virginia, Minn. Sister Michaela will replace Sister Nancy Bauer, who has served as prioress for the last six years.

News Notes

SISTER MICHAELA

off a yearlong 125th anniversary celebration March 5. The event begins with a 4 p.m. Mass celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Harry Flynn. A Mardi Gras dinner and dance in the social hall will follow and are open to the public. The dinner features traditional New Orleans food including gumbo, rice, Kings cake and bananas foster. City Vibe will provide music from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are available through the parish by calling (651) 224-9793.

St. Matthew anniversary

St. Matthew parish, the German Catholic parish on the city’s West Side, was formally organized in 1886, but the church and school buildings weren’t finished until a year later. While they waited for their own space, parishioners gathered at St. Michael, the Irish parish on the West Side, where the first weddings and baptisms were performed.

St. Matthew in St. Paul will kick

The anniversary celebration will continue through Mardi Gras 2012

when the school begins its 125th anniversary. Events planned include a speaker series, fall festival, a Mother’s Day brunch and an all-school reunion. For more information, visit the parish website at HTTP://WWW. ST-MATTS.ORG.

Perfect student John Hanson, a senior at HillMurray School in Maplewood, may have trouble being humble as he takes perfection to the limit. Besides scoring a perfect 36 on his ACT test, he is a National Merit Commended Scholar, an academic letter winner, AP U.S. History Student of the Year and was nominated for the Presidential Scholar Award. He also earned the Hill-Murray Bronze Service Award for his volunteer work to serve the poor and vulnerable. Hanson’s perfect score helped HillMurray School capture its second consecutive Red Quill Award for academic excellence from the American College Testing Service. The

school is one of only six schools and the only Catholic school in Minnesota to receive the award.

Kudos to Father McDonough Father Kevin McDonough, pastor of St. Peter Claver in St. Paul and parochial administrator/chaplain at Incarnation/Sagrado Corazon de Jesus in Minneapolis, was honored during the Jan. 17 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast with a Local Legend Award for community involvement and service, which demonstrates King’s legacy of nonviolent social change.

Spirit staffer home John Wolszon, production supervisor at The Catholic Spirit, returned home safely Feb. 17 from a month-long trip to Egypt. Watch a video interview in which he talks about his experience of the historymaking protests at THECATHOLIC SPIRIT.COM.