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Bringing joy of Jesus to youth

4 August 1, 2013

The Catholic Spirit News with a Catholic heart

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‘GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS’

Above: Pope Francis waves from his popemobile after arriving in Rio de Janeiro July 22. (CNS photo / Ueslei Marcelino, Reuters)

Left: A pilgrim sings during the closing Mass of World Youth Day on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro July 28. (CNS photo / Tyler Orsburn)

Pope commissions young people to be missionaries without borders By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

Pope Francis commissioned some 3 million young people — including some from Minnesota — to join forces and form what could be called Missionaries Without Borders. “Where does Jesus send us?” he asked World Youth Day pilgrims July 28. “There are no borders, no limits: He sends us to everyone.” PLEASE TURN TO HIGHLIGHT ON PAGE 9

! !

More photos from Rio, pages 10 & 11 For more stories about WYD, visit TheCatholicSpirit.com

AUGUST 1, 2013 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Papal ministry confirms our faith, keeps us on right path

That They May All Be One Archbishop John C. Nienstedt

In this column, Cardinal George shares his insights about spirituality, religion and the role of the successor of St. Peter

Cardinal Francis George, OMI, is one of the most intellectually gifted bishops of our time. I recently came across a column he wrote at Easter, following on the conclave that elected Pope Francis, in which he was a participant. I wanted to share his insight with you: “It’s somewhat fashionable these days to describe oneself as ‘spiritual but not religious.’ This is supposed to mean that one is open to an experience beyond the commercial or the political but not tied to ‘institutional’ religion. One claims an experience of transcendence that is bound by no one else’s rules. “People can always make claims to any kind of experience. The question is always: Who cares? Why should anyone care where someone else gets a spiritual high? Because no one really cares, the claim to be spiritual but not religious is always safe. It’s never a threat and can be dismissed quite easily. “The claim to be religious is different. It is a claim that God Himself has taken the initiative to reveal Himself to us and tell us who He is and who we are. Religion binds us to God according to His will, not ours, in a community of faith that He has brought into existence. Being religious can therefore be threatening. “Being religious as a Christian starts with the belief that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. Faith in Christ’s resur-

Archbishop’s schedule ! Friday-Sunday, Aug. 2-4: Sacramento, Calif., Third Annual Napa Institute Conference — Topics: reason and faith, work and leisure, and building a Catholic culture. ! Monday, Aug. 5: 10 a.m., St. Paul, Chancery: Meeting with Regina Medical Center. ! Tuesday, Aug. 6: 8:30 a.m., St. Paul, Archbishop’s Residence: Scheduling meeting with staff. 1:30 p.m., St. Paul, Chancery: Archbishop’s Cabinet meeting. 2:30 p.m., St. Paul, Chancery: Development Planning Committee meeting. ! Thursday, Aug. 8: 10 a.m., Mendota, Church of St. Peter: Archdiocesan Catholic schools meeting of pastors, presidents and principals. 4 p.m., St. Paul, Chancery: Meeting with religious sister from Nagasaki, Japan. ! Friday-Monday, Aug. 9-12: Trip with seminarians to the Boundary Waters. ! Tuesday, Aug. 13: 8:30 a.m., St. Paul, Archbishop’s Residence: Scheduling meeting with staff. 2:30 p.m., St. Paul, Chancery: Development Planning Committee meeting. ! Wednesday, Aug. 14: 9 a.m., St. Paul, Cathedral of St. Paul: Mass for archdiocesan new leaders and new teachers. 11:30 a.m., St. Paul, St. Catherine University: The Catholic Spirit Leading With Faith awards luncheon. ! Thursday, Aug. 15: 11 a.m., Maple Grove: Groundbreaking for Ave Maria Academy School. 3:15 p.m., St. Paul, Chancery: Meeting with Catholic Extension Society.

rection is central to Christian religion. Jesus is not just someone’s personal idea. He really exists in a real body, now transformed by conquering death itself. “Those who are ‘spiritual’ often deny Christ’s resurrection as a physical event, something that makes its own demands when you bump into it. They prefer a Christ who is safely an idea in their minds, made in their image and likeness. By contrast, the Risen Christ, the real Christ, breaks into our

The Catholic Spirit

experience and personally seeks those He calls to be religious, to believe what God has done for us, much to our surprise. “Meeting the Risen Christ spiritually therefore depends upon believing in Him religiously. We are given the gift of faith in the sacrament of Baptism, in which we are configured to the Risen Christ. Faith perdures, even when there’s not a lot of spiritual tingle in our lives! ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief,’ is the cry of a religious

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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.

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“Our personal

faith needs communitarian buttressing, lest it degenerate into an individual spirituality. One solid and sure means of corroborating our personal faith is to check it against the faith of the Church, the community founded by Christ upon the apostles.

”

CARDINAL FRANCIS GEORGE OF CHICAGO

person who asks Christ to take him beyond his own spiritual experience into a new world where bodies as well as minds share in God’s grace. “Faith takes seriously everything that comes from God. The faith-filled person is sure of God and distrustful of himself. Unlike faith in God, experience is often wrong in religious matters. “Our personal faith needs communitarian buttressing, lest it degenerate into an individual spirituality. One solid and sure means of corroborating our personal faith is to check it against the faith of the Church, the community founded by Christ upon the apostles. One way to make that check is to go to Peter, the apostle Jesus called to be a rock. Peter and his successors confirm our faith and keep us on the path of true religion. “The Church has a new successor of Peter, a recently elected Bishop of Rome who has chosen to call himself ‘Francis.’ St. Francis was called by Christ to renew and rebuild the Church, and he checked every move he made with the Pope and his advisors. Pope Francis now takes up Peter’s ministry in the universal Church. He will confirm our faith and keep us tied to God’s loving plan for our salvation. “As we celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead and renew the faith professed for us at our baptism, let us also say a prayer for Pope Francis. His is the faith of the apostles and of the saints of all the ages, the faith that conforms our minds and hearts to the mind and heart of Jesus Christ, Who is ‘the same yesterday, today and forever.’” God bless you! (Cardinal George is archbishop of Chicago. His column is reprinted with permission from Catholic New World, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Chicago.)

“If we only have the will to walk, then God is pleased with our stumbles.” C.S. Lewis

Local News from around the archdiocese

AUGUST 1, 2013

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Faith journey = walking 3,000 miles in 100 days By Kristi Anderson For The Catholic Spirit

When Dick and Mary Beth Reinke watched their son, Daniel, take his first steps 20-some years ago, they never imagined he would be taking more than six million steps to walk across America on a personal pilgrimage of faith. Daniel Reinke, 25, a member of St. Peter in Forest Lake, was inspired to begin this journey, which he calls Cross America, after reading Matthew REINKE Kelly’s book, “Rediscover Catholicism.” He left Portland, Ore., May 5 and plans to end his 3,000-mile trip in Virginia Beach, Va., around his 100th day of walking. Before Daniel left on his journey, he created a blog to track his progress and share photos, videos and reflections with family and friends. He added a link to a personal tracking device that shows his location and keeps a pedometer to record his steps. In a blog post dated March 30 — more than a month before his journey would begin — he shared his motivation for the pilgrimage. “We should not read Scripture, a book like ‘Rediscover Catholicism,’ or any spiritual book for that matter, and not see our lives dramatically change,” the blog post read. “I have not always lived a good Catholic life, but God has been working on my heart and I felt called to make real changes in my life . . . and the change has been great!” Daniel’s brother Robert, also of Forest Lake, describes his sibling as an adventurous spirit who was a bit of a “wild child” in his younger years but has recently begun taking his faith more seriously. Daniel increased his reading of Scripture and was later encouraged by his pastor at the time, Father Donald DeGrood, to read Kelly’s book as part of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ Rediscover: ini-

Follow Daniel’s journey To follow Daniel’s journey, visit

WWW.DANREINKE.BLOGSPOT.COM.

Photo courtesy of Robert Reinke

Daniel Reinke pauses to take in the scenery during his journey. He was inspired to begin this 3,000 mile faith journey after reading “Rediscover Catholicism” by Matthew Kelly.

tiative. “After reading Kelly’s book, something sparked inside Daniel,” Robert said. “He always wanted to do something adventurous and now he felt he had a motive, an intention.” As Daniel enters new towns, he looks for parishes to visit as well as city parks and, of course, campgrounds, where he often pitches his tent. Occasionally, he finds respite in the kindness of strangers who offer him food and water and sometimes even a bed, hot meal and shower. Often, he stops at libraries to update his blog and challenge himself and readers to live out their faith daily. “God is moving and at work in this world,” Daniel says in his blog post dated May 13, “The best way I can say it is that the only reason bad can seem so evident is when good people fail to act. “If each of the faithful stood up when

God prompts us to do so, the world would be shining with blinding goodness.” “Without even knowing it, Daniel has shown all of us what it really means to live out our faith actively,” said Robert. “If he can do this, how can I just sit back and watch? Daniel is calling us all to this task that God has asked of us and that is to take our faith to the next level.”

Gift of each other When The Catholic Spirit caught up with Daniel, he was near Greenfield, Ohio, just finishing day 80 and recently passing the 2,000-mile mark. With the sound of cars whizzing by in the background, he communicated via cell phone. “I’m literally just going where the road takes me,” he said. “I don’t have a plan but I lean on God every step of the way.” As Daniel approaches the last leg of his travels, he said he “has no complaints”

but is ready to be home with family and friends. Although he has had no major bumps in the road, he has had a few of what he terms “humility checks” with God — from minor flare ups and muscle soreness to heavy rain and scorching heat. But he said those are God’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m the reason you are doing this, remember?” Then he wakes up the next day, the aches and pains gone, and he gets back on the road again. “In this Year of Faith, this is a trip of faith,” he said. “It’s a lesson in relying on God everyday and at every encounter. It will also be a way for me to look back on all the ways God has blessed me. I think that as Christians we have a gift of each other all around, in our towns, schools, places of work and in every corner of our lives.”

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • AUGUST 1, 2013

Summer program brings the joy of Jesus to youth By Jennifer Janikula

Totus Tuus — Totally Yours

For The Catholic Spirit

Two seminarians, a soon-to-be band director and a former NET Ministries team member spent the last six weeks together, moving from parish to parish, sharing the joy of their faith-filled lives with students in grades one through 12. Their unique ministry, called Totus Tuus (Latin for “totally yours”), offers young adults who are in the process of discerning their vocation the opportunity to lead parish youth to Jesus through Mary and the sacraments. The team, including Ben Nelson and Danny Fiedler from St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul, Maddie McCarthy from Holy Family in St. Louis Park and Angelyn Von Rueden from St. Anthony in Menomonee Falls, Wis., presented youth programs at six parishes in the archdiocese. Lisa Stockman, Totus Tuus coordinator for St. Timothy parish in Maple Lake, described the biggest benefit of Totus Tuus: “The team leaders love the Lord and love their faith. They are young people relating to young people as instruments to pass on their faith and their relationship with Christ.” This year’s Totus Tuus program provided five full-day sessions for elementary school students and four evening sessions for junior high and high school students. The young students learned about the sacraments, the saints and the joyful mysteries of the rosary. They played games, attended daily Mass and received the sacrament of reconciliation. The older students attended eucharistic adoration, received the sacrament of reconciliation and participated in discussion groups.

Spiritual flashes The Totus Tuus team ended its summer tour last week at St. Joseph in Waconia. “We have already seen so many little spiritual flashes,” said Maggie Smith, St. Joseph’s director of faith formation for preschool through fifth grade. “The team has an aura about them. They lead the kids by example.” The Totus Tuus leaders spent time each morning preparing the elementary students for Mass. They practiced genuflecting, they showed the students how to make an altar with their hands to receive Jesus’ body, and they practiced the Angelus prayer, which they said at the end of each Mass. Carla Folz, St. Joseph’s director of faith formation for grades six through confirmation, said, “The kids are receiving Communion differently — more reverently and respectfully.”

“The mission of Totus Tuus is to inspire in young people a true longing for holiness, a deep desire for daily conversion and an openness to their vocation by constantly challenging them to give themselves entirely to Christ through Mary and by continually strengthening their prayer lives in imitation of Her.” — The Catholic Diocese of Wichita The five pillars of Totus Tuus are: 1. The Eucharist 2. Marian devotion 3. Catechetical instruction 4. Vocational discernment 5. Fun

Leading by example

Jennifer Janikula / The Catholic Spirit

Totus Tuus leader Angelyn Von Rueden sings with the elementary students from St. Joseph in Waconia.

Adoration is awesome The middle school and high school students from St. Joseph’s used one of their Totus Tuus evenings to prepare for and participate in eucharistic adoration. They spent one hour face to face with Jesus — sitting quietly, without talking, without cell phones and without distractions. Believe it or not, the students agreed that adoration was their favorite part of Totus Tuus. “I like listening,” said sophomore Mark Folz. “I don’t hear big things — it’s little things and feelings. It’s cool. Jesus is right there.” Olivia Doeden, also a sophomore, agreed, “I like the one-on-one connection with Jesus — just me and him. It feels more personal during Adoration than in Mass.”

Totus Tuus leaders strive to be an example of how young people can live out their faith. “Having a college-aged person teaching them, especially for the high schoolers is a completely different experience,” said Nelson. “A lot of people lose their faith in high school and college, but these kids get to see us living and teaching our faith.” The students see college-aged adults paging through worn out, dog-eared, highlighted copies of the catechism. They hear the leaders say things like: “I want to say a prayer from my prayer book” or “let me pull up a quote from St. Claire on my cellphone.” The students listen carefully to each leader’s powerful, personal testimonies of faith. “We are people who love God and have fun with our faith,” McCarthy explained. “The men are studying to be priests and still having fun. The students see that it is still possible, in our crazy world, to enjoy their faith.” The Totus Tuus summer Catholic youth program originated in the Diocese of Wichita, Kan., in the 1990s. Since then, several dioceses across the country have adopted the Totus Tuus model and catechetical curriculum. Though other dioceses in Minnesota have been sponsoring Totus Tuus for several years, 2013 marks the first year a Totus Tuus team has been sponsored by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The archdiocese hopes to expand the program to more parishes next summer. For more information about bringing Totus Tuus to your parish, please contact Nancy Schulte Palacheck at the Office of Marriage, Family and Life at (651) 291-4489.

Mississippi kids welcome group from Savage

Corrections

By Dianne Towalski

! On page 14 of the July 18 edition of

so they have them available to pick up the students at their homes and bring them to Immaculate Heart of Mary for the vacation Bible school program.

The Catholic Spirit

A group of 41 teens, young adults and chaperones from St. John the Baptist in Savage recently spent six days on a road trip to their sister parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary, in the small town of Houston, Miss., to organize a vacation Bible school program for elementary school students there. This was the 10th year that the parish has offered the vacation Bible school and reading enrichment program for the mostly Latino parish community in Houston. They served up to 133 kids, ages 5 to 12, during the four-day program, with the highest number participating on “Water Wednesday” when the afternoon was spent playing water games in the southern heat. “I want them to know that there is a God that loves them,” said Andi Little, director of faith formation for the parish. “I hope they see the face of God in us, because we certainly see the face of God in them.” The children they serve are mostly from immigrant families and some have to work

The mornings are spent learning about saints and Scripture, playing games, creating crafts and participating in small group discussions. After lunch, the volunteers read with the students one-on-one to help them develop comprehension skills.

Photo by Kathy Lerick

Vacation Bible School students at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Houston, Miss., enjoy water games in the heat during “Water Wednesday,” July 10. In yellow shirt at left is volunteer Alicia Gruenwald, a member of St. John the Baptist in Savage.

at a very young age. They say they look forward to this week every summer because they can be kids again for a while, Little said. The volunteers drive vans to Mississippi

Funds for the July 6 to 12 trip came from a turkey bingo fundraiser, St. John the Baptist School’s mission carnival and the local Knights of Columbus. During their visit, the group also was presented the key to the city of Houston by Tom Byrne, a city council member and parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary. Byrne’s family has provided a pizza lunch on the last day of vacation Bible school for all 10 years the Savage group has organized it. After returning to Minnesota, the group presented the key (actually a picture of a key) and formal declaration to Father Mike Tix, pastor of St. John the Baptist.

The Catholic Spirit, David and Kayla Meier’s parish was incorrect. The Meiers are members of St. Joseph in West St. Paul.

! In the story, “Tribute to Adam: Lacrosse tourney helps parents heal,” on page 23 of the July 18 edition, it was incorrectly stated that Adam was awarded All-State while at Hill-Murray School. He was awarded "All-Section, 2nd Team" honors.

“Prayer, sacraments and helping others.” Phrase that Pope Francis asked World Youth Day pilgrims July 27 to repeat with him as a reminder of how Christ “asks us to train” for a fulfilling life on earth and eternal happiness in heaven

Nation/World AUGUST 1, 2013

News from around the U.S. and the globe

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Nuncio criticizes both sides in Syrian conflict

Briefly

Catholic News Service

Pope most influential world leader on Twitter

The papal nuncio to the United Nations criticized the “persistent refusal” of Syria’s warring factions to negotiate an end to the country’s 28-month-long civil war. Archbishop Francis Chullikatt told participants in the Security Council’s open debate on the Middle East that the nations of the world must act to reverse the trend that results only in “more deaths, fear, hatred and destruction.” “There can be no military solution for the Syrian conflict,” he said July 23. “Regardless of this, parties to the conflict manifest determination, with total impunity, to shed yet more blood, to supply yet more weapons and to destroy more lives before they can be brought to the negotiating table.” Archbishop Chullikatt blamed “outside influences and extremist groups” for continuing the devastating war. He said their involvement is seen as an “opportunity for political or ideological gains rather than as an appalling disaster that is engulfing Syria.” “War can never more be considered a means of resolving conflicts. Yet war, when it occurs, can only be won through peace, yes peace won through negotiations, dialogue and reconciliation,” he said.

Pope Francis is the most influential world leader on Twitter, with the highest number of retweets worldwide. He also is the second most-followed leader of the world, running behind — albeit by a long stretch — U.S. President Barack Obama. The rankings were released July 24 in a recent study titled “Twiplomacy,” which refers to the use of Twitter by world leaders. President @BarackObama is the most followed head of state, with more than 33.5 million followers. But the second most-followed world leader is Pope Francis, @Pontifex, with 7.2 million followers.

CNS photo / Bassam Khabieh, Reuters

A man points toward a burning car in the Duma neighborhood of Damascus July 23, with the fire the result of what activists said was shelling by forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad.

“War can never more be considered a means of resolving conflicts. Yet war, when it occurs, can only be won through peace, yes peace won through negotiations, dialogue and reconciliation.

”

Concern for refugees The archbishop expressed concern about the mounting death toll from the war, numbering nearly 5,000 people per month since March and approaching 100,000 total since hostilities began. Pointing to the plight of Syrian refugees, the archbishop cited statistics that show more than 1.8 million people have fled to neighboring countries, while another 4 million people, about 18 percent of the population, have been internally displaced. About 6.8 million people are in need

ARCHBISHOP FRANCIS CHULLIKATT Papal nuncio to the United Nations

of humanitarian assistance, he said. “Moreover, the challenges faced by neighboring countries in assisting and protecting refugees appear to contribute to further destabilization in the region,” he said. He also addressed the Vatican’s concern for Syria’s Christians, who he said have faced challenges to their survival. He cited the June murder of Father

Francois Murad, the kidnappings of other Christians, including bishops and priests, and the destruction of more than 60 churches and affiliated institutions as cause for concern. “My delegation is convinced that there can be no social progress and no justice without according religious and ethnic minorities their rightful places as full members of society,” he said.

Judge stops enforcement of N.D. fetal heartbeat law Catholic News Service A federal judge’s temporary injunction stopping enforcement of a new North Dakota law barring abortion when a fetal heartbeat is detected “is not surprising and is typical in most legal challenges to pro-life laws,” said the North Dakota Catholic Conference. U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Hovland issued the ruling July 22 in a suit filed by Red River Women’s Clinic, the state’s only abortion clinic. In March, North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple signed three abortion bills into law in March, one to require doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a local hospital; another to

ban abortion for the purpose of sex selection or genetic abnormality; and a third to ban abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, which could be as early as six weeks. All three laws were to take effect Aug. 1.

Other laws Hovland called the fetal heartbeat law “clearly invalid and unconstitutional” and said it stands in “direct contradiction” to U.S. Supreme Court decisions in cases “addressing restraints on abortion.” A statement posted on the website of the state Catholic conference, which represents the bishops of Fargo and Bismarck, said the plaintiffs did not seek a temporary injunction against the prohi-

bition on performing an abortion solely for reasons of sex selection or genetic abnormality. “Although it is part of the clinic’s lawsuit, absent further actions, that law should go into effect Aug. 1, which would make North Dakota the first state in the nation to protect unborn children with disabilities,” the statement said. The Red River Women’s Clinic also plans to challenge the requirement its doctors have admitting privileges at a hospital. In March, when lawmakers passed the three abortion bills, Bishop David D. Kagan of Bismarck said their actions “affirmed our state’s commitment to the protection of all human life.”

Catholic to head religious freedom group Robert George, a Catholic legal scholar and ethicist who is the McCormick professor of jurisprudence at Princeton University, has been elected to head the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. He was appointed to the bipartisan commission in 2012 by House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio and is serving his first term as a commissioner. GEORGE George succeeds Katrina Lantos Swett, an appointee of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. She completed a one-year term as commission chair. The commission is an independent government agency charged with reviewing violations of religious freedom throughout the world and making appropriate policy recommendations to the president, secretary of state and Congress.

Former U.S. ambassador to Vatican dies Former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Lindy Boggs, whose career in public service spanned 60 years, including four years in Rome during which she served as a staunch advocate for human trafficking victims, died July 27 at her home in Chevy Chase, Md. She was 97. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Aug. 1 in New Orleans at St. Louis Cathedral, where she was an active parishioner. Boggs served nine terms as the first woman from Louisiana to be elected to Congress. She retired in January 1991, and in 1997 President Bill Clinton appointed her U.S. ambassador to the Vatican when she was 81 years old. She held the post until 2001. — Catholic News Service

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” From the text of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution

This Catholic Life THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Opinion, feedback and points to ponder

AUGUST 1, 2013

Does big government crowd religion into a corner?

he theme of the next election cycle may be big government. The Internal Revenue Service audits of conservative groups are a reminder that bigger isn’t always better. (David Axelrod, a former Obama adviser, said the problem eluded presidential supervision because “the government is so vast.”) The National Security Agency’s metadata-surveillance program seems both necessary and Orwellian. The signature programs of President Obama’s first term filled thousands of John Garvey pages in the law books, and grew the size of government by trillions of dollars. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act handed out $831 billion in stimulus dollars. The Dodd-Frank Act runs 848 pages. Obamacare will cost $1.1 trillion (probably more) over the first 10 years. Not that Republicans are models of restraint. President Bush gave us No Child Left Behind, Medicare prescription-drug coverage ($1.2 trillion, in one estimate), and a huge government reorganization for homeland security. I focus on the federal government because it gets media attention, but state and local governments have grown at a similar pace. Together, they employ 19 million Americans, six times more than the federal government.

Commentary

Affecting religious freedom I don’t want to get into the merits of big government. I am interested in one of its side effects. In a world where the government is so big that it regulates the smallest aspects of our daily lives, we have had to reconceive religious freedom. Think about the world the First Amendment was written for. Thomas Jefferson observed in his Notes on the State of Virginia that “the legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others.” The federal government of his day handled foreign affairs, imposed tariffs, delivered mail, and punished treason, piracy and counterfeiting. Because the government’s jurisdiction was so limited, Jefferson might well say (as he later did to the Danbury Baptists) that man “has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.” We might call this the two-kingdoms view — the idea that religion and government operate in distinct and non-overlapping spheres. Difficulties arise only in the rare cases when religious dissenters are pulled into the machinery of government — for example, Quakers pressed into military service or Jews subpoenaed to testify on the Sabbath. Think now about the world of big gov-

Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit

Catholics Caitlin Heaney, right (holding sign), and her sister, Elizabeth, show their support during a rally for religious freedom in downtown Minneapolis June 8, 2012.

ernment. Dallas has an ordinance requiring people who feed the homeless to register and be certified. Dallas would like to keep Big Heart Ministries from feeding people on the streets. The city of Alhambra, Calif., has accused the First Baptist Church of violating its zoning and fire codes by hosting homeless families. Chino, Calif., would like to prevent the Al-Nur Islamic Center from building a mosque. It argues that the mosque will violate the California Environmental Quality Act by not making adequate mitigation for increased traffic, sound and effluents. The state of Montana recently ordered the Hutterite Big Sky Colony to purchase workers’ compensation insurance over their religious objection. The Hutterites take a vow of poverty, hold their possessions in common and self-insure. Then there is the effort by the Department of Health and Human Services to require religious institutions and others to provide insurance coverage for surgical sterilizations and prescription contraceptives, including some that cause earlystage abortions. The department wants to mandate these services under Obamacare. It’s hard to hold the two-kingdoms view when the government’s kingdom occupies all the available space. Religion gets crowded into a corner, and must make itself smaller and smaller to avoid conflict.

Right to exemption This is why for the past 50 years, we have elected to reconceive religious freedom. It may be unrealistic to insist that

government shrink to a more modest size. Instead, we have chosen to view religious freedom as a right to exemption from laws that impose substantial burdens. We let the Amish ignore compulsory school-attendance laws after eighth grade. We excuse Native Americans from obeying the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. We no longer have two small kingdoms that don’t overlap. The government’s kingdom is very large, but it allows little pockets of freedom (think Swiss cheese) for religious people. For about 30 years, the courts enforced this exemption model. Twenty years ago, Congress decreed it in the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The worrisome trend in recent affairs is the administration’s inclination to couple big government with an 18th-century two-kingdoms view of religious freedom. The enthusiasm for big government is obvious. The administration also wants to assert, like Jefferson, that man “has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.” Because it is unwilling to allow exemptions from its policies (think about the Health and Human Services regulations), it can avoid conflict only by making religion smaller and smaller. In this year’s Religious Freedom Day message, for example, Mr. Obama equated religious freedom with “the freedom to worship as we choose.” Worship is a private activity shared within a community of believers. The First Amendment protects the free exercise of religion, though, an idea that comprises many forms of activity motivated by conscientious belief.

The president’s proposal was not an idle thought. It has been the administration’s position on a number of fronts. In the contraceptive regulations, for example, Health and Human Services defines “religious employers” as “houses of worship,” ignoring religious groups who have ministries of service (like Catholic Charities or Big Heart Ministries). In a Supreme Court case about the ministerial exception to antidiscrimination laws, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission conceded that it couldn’t regulate the ordination of priests and rabbis, but argued that it could review the employment of religion teachers. National Labor Relations Board regional offices have ruled in several recent cases about exemption from the Wagner Act that Catholic universities aren’t really religious unless they engage in “indoctrination” and “proselytizing.” This disregards the modern compromise we have made to preserve religious liberty in a world overrun with taxes and regulations. We have lately seen a number of reasons to oppose big government. Those who want more of it — if they have an eye on the next election — would do well to avoid adding another one. John Garvey is president of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C, and the co-author of “Religion and the Constitution” (Aspen Publishers, 2011). This article appeared in The Washington Times on July 1 and is reprinted with permission.

This Catholic Life / Commentary-Opinion

AUGUST 1, 2013 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Pope Francis isn’t changing course on Church teaching

Editorial Joe Towalski

Despite the spin many media put on his comments from a recent news conference, Pope Francis really didn’t drop any bombshells

fter a World Youth Day in which Pope Francis made headlines for his message to millions of young people about Christ’s love for them, the importance of staying close to the Church and the need to live a Gospel-centered life, the pope was making news again on his flight back home — this time, for what he had to say on a number of hot-button topics, including homosexuality, divorce and the role of women in the Church. If you read the headlines about his remarks in the secular media, you might think Pope Francis was ready to change the Church’s teaching on a number of issues related to faith and morals: “Pope signals major reversal on gay priests,” (Huffington Post); “Behind the pope’s surprising shift,” (The New York Times); “Pope’s comments stir hope for change among Minn. Catholics,” (StarTribune). Nothing, however, could be farther from the truth. What is apparent after reading what the pope actually said is that many media outlets, whose understanding of Catholicism is often superficial at best, are simply getting it wrong or failing to provide the full context of Church teaching on which Pope Francis is basing his remarks.

Nothing new The transcript of the pope’s comments regarding homosexuality show that, while he was responding to a question about a “gay lobby” that some have alleged exists at the Vatican, his answer did not specifically reference gay priests. These were the pope’s words: “If a person is gay and seeks the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge that person? The

But he also said it needs to do a better job of explaining the importance of women in the life of the Church.

All are invited

CNS photo / pool via Reuters

Pope Francis listens to a question from a journalist on his flight heading back to Rome July 29. The pope answered questions from 21 journalists over a period of 80 minutes on his return from Brazil.

Catechism of the Catholic Church explains this point beautifully but says, wait a moment, how does it say, it says, these persons must never be marginalized and they must be integrated into society.” This is not new, nor does it signal changes on the horizon. While the catechism states that homosexual acts are immoral and calls those with homosexual inclinations to chastity, it also states that they “must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity” and that “every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.” What this means, and what the pope was reiterating in a less formal way, is that gay and lesbian people are our brothers and sisters in Christ to whom we must show the same love and mercy we would show anyone else. Ultimate judgment about the state of their souls — and our souls, for that matter — is left to God

alone. None of what the pope said, however, amounts to a reassessment or revision of what has been longstanding Church teaching. While on the plane, Pope Francis also fielded questions about divorce and the role of women in the Church. There weren’t any bombshells there either. On a question regarding divorced Catholics and the sacraments, the pope made it clear that divorced Catholics can receive the sacraments, but that problems begin when they remarry civilly without having their first union annulled, according to a report about the exchange from Catholic News Service. At the same time, he spoke about the need to reform the annulment process and develop a comprehensive pastoral program for the family. Addressing the role of women, the pope repeated the Church’s teaching that it is not able to ordain women.

Some say that, at the very least, Pope Francis is choosing to emphasize a different pastoral approach on certain issues. What’s certain is that every pope must respond to the particular circumstances that exist in the Church and the world during his ministry. Clearly, Pope Francis is a missionary pope with a heart for the new evangelization who wants to invite everyone into a deeper friendship with Christ and his Church — particularly those who feel they are on the margins of society. To do that, he has since the beginning of his pontificate in March stressed themes of hospitality, simplicity, care for the poor, mercy and forgiveness at a time when many people are turning away from religion and casting their lot with the false idols of modern society, including wealth, power, pleasure and unhealthy individualism. His invitation, similar to the invitation extended by the archdiocese’s Rediscover: initiative, is to “come and see” how a deeper relationship with Christ and the Church — a journey that will inevitably include both joys and challenges — can bring real meaning, real happiness, real peace and a real sense of belonging to one’s life. Pope Francis isn’t changing course on any teachings, despite what some media pundits may think. But he is reaching out far and wide to make sure no one is left off the invitation list.

New same-sex ‘marriage’ legislation imperils religious liberty

Faith in the Public Arena Jason Adkins

The new law poses numerous problem for religious institutions and people in the pew

n Aug. 1, the state of Minnesota will begin to legally recognize same-sex unions as “marriages.” The social, legal and cultural consequences of the redefinition of marriage have been discussed numerous times in this forum and in others. Confusion remains, however, as to the effect of this law on churches, ministries, charities, educational institutions and persons who continue to assert that marriage is only between a man and a woman.

Clergy, church protections The same-sex marriage legislation states that religious associations, religious corporations, religious societies, and any educational institutions “operated, supervised, or controlled by” one of these organizations cannot be penalized for “taking any action with respect to the provision of goods, services, facilities, or accommodations directly related to the solemnization or celebration of a civil marriage that is in violation of its beliefs.” Further, each religious entity mentioned maintains “exclusive control over its own theological doctrine, policy, teachings, and beliefs regarding who may marry within that faith,” and that clergy cannot be pun-

“The legal landscape has changed. The

bottom line is that, on Aug. 1, acting on your belief that marriage is between a man and a woman could get you punished in Minnesota.

”

JASON ADKINS

ished for refusing to solemnize a civil marriage for any reason. The religious liberty protections of the legislation essentially end there. Proponents of the redefinition of marriage sold the bill by stating that religious liberty was adequately protected because churches and clergy would not have to marry same-sex couples. What sounded like a concession was really nothing of the sort. Most legal experts know that our state and federal constitutions protect the right of clergy and churches to conduct religious rites regarding marriage consistent with their theological beliefs.

Remaining problems There are three troubling problems

with regard to the bill’s accommodations for religious institutions. First, the protections for a religious entity, such as a church, do not extend to so-called “secular business activities . . . unrelated to the religious and educational purposes for which it is organized.” It is unclear how churches or the government will analyze whether certain church or ministry activities are “secular,” and therefore not allowed to refuse the use of their goods, services or facilities for a same-sex “wedding.” What about a church bookstore and gift shop that is open to the public? Or a church social hall or facility that is used sometimes for non-religious purposes, or which is made available to the public for rent? Or

food service present in the church? Not all of these examples apply to Catholic parishes, but they are present in other communities. Second, any religious entity that receives government grants or funds for programs such as adoption services or anti-poverty efforts, cannot act according to its beliefs about marriage for that specific program. This provision could effectively exclude many faith-based entities from performing social services. Third, the exemptions are limited to organizations specifically incorporated as religious entities, but exclude non-profit organizations that have a religious mission; religious educational institutions not controlled or run by a religious corporation, society, or association; and for-profit religious institutions such as a Catholic gift store. All of these could be required to provide goods, facilities, or services related to the solemnization or celebration of a same-sex “marriage.” They also could be required to “perpetuate” those unions through, for example, the required provision of married student housing for samePLEASE TURN TO CONSEQUENCES ON PAGE 8

Commentary

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • AUGUST 1, 2013

/ This Catholic Life

Upcoming events focus on Church teaching about women

Guest Column Sharon Wilson

Events mark anniversary of Blessed Pope John Paul II’s letter ‘On the Dignity and Vocation of Women’

hen my daughter started preschool, I anxiously awaited her first day home. I asked her what she learned that day. She replied with wide eyes and great excitement, “Mom, they have two bathrooms, one for boys and one for girls!” Yes, at an early age she knew that there was a difference between boys and girls. The differences, of course, go much deeper than that. Two events on Aug. 15 will celebrate those differences as the Church marks the anniversary of “Mulieris Dignitatem,” Blessed Pope John Paul II’s letter “On the Dignity and Vocation of Women.”

Want to attend? ! Siena Symposium: “An Evening of Reflection on the Mission of Women,” Aug. 15. 6 p.m. Mass with Bishop Lee Piché at St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity, University of St. Thomas. 7 p.m. registration and refreshments, Brady Education Center, UST. 7:30 p.m. panel discussion BEC 120 with Deborah Savage, R. Mary Lemmons and Gina Bauer. For more information, contact Lemmons at RMLEMMONS@STTHOMAS.EDU or (651) 962-5357. Or visit WWW.ARCHSPM.ORG, and click on “view all events.” ! “‘Mulieris Dignitatem’: A discussion on ‘The Dignity and Vocation of Women,’” Aug. 15. 7 p.m. Mass at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive Faribault. 8 p.m. presentation and refreshments. For more information, visit WWW.DIVINEMERCY.CC.

Deeper understanding As part of a worldwide effort to celebrate and further understand this document, the Siena Symposium for Women, Family and Culture at the St. Paul Seminary will be hosting a panel discussion on the topic. The document has its roots in the Second Vatican Council, said Deborah Savage, a professor at the seminary who will be one of the panelists. Because of Pope John Paul’s influence at the council, the topic of women came up more than once, including in its closing messages: “The hour is coming, in fact has come, when the vocation of women is being acknowledged in its fullness, the hour in which women acquire in the world an influence, an effect and a power never hitherto achieved,” the council said. “That is why, at this moment when the human race is undergoing so deep a transformation, women imbued with a spirit of the Gospel can do so much to aid humanity in not falling.”

Both events are free and open to the public.

Like many church documents, the significance and implications of this statement and the letter “Mulieris Dignitatem” are still be being unpacked, but they are having an influence on many people’s thinking. The council’s words, for example, have had a great impact on Eileen Douglass, executive director of faith formation at St. Croix Catholic Faith Formation, which serves the parishes of St. Michael and St. Mary in Stillwater and St. Charles in Bayport. Having heard a presentation by Savage, Douglass was so taken with the quote from Vatican II that she describes it as “something that you have felt in your heart but weren’t able to find the words for. Then, there it is — someone else has said it so well.” This has prompted her to keep a focus on adult education with an eye toward women. “Women are so key

in our culture,” she said. “We have to reach out to those people who have an influence and educate them.”

Resisting pressures Angela Neumann, a parishioner at St. Joseph in West St. Paul who has a master’s degree in theological studies, also has been affected by John Paul II’s letter on women. At 26 years old, she has grown up in the post-feminism movement and is grateful for the Church’s teachings on women. “The world’s feministic ideologies pressure me into choosing one of two extremes: hate men or try to transform myself into a man,” she said. “I don’t want to do either. I refuse to drink the Kool-Aid,” she said, noting her refusal to cave in to the pressures that the secular culture places on women her age.

“‘Mulieris Dignitatem’ is about what it means to be a woman and what it means to be a man,” Neumann said. “The two are absolutely complementary, and each absolutely necessary.” she said. She will be part of a question-andanswer session about “On the Dignity and Vocation of Women” after a presentation by Father Spencer Howe at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault, also on Aug. 15. There is a lot of misunderstanding about what the church teaches regarding women, and both events will shed more light on the Church’s true teachings about women and the complementarity between the genders. Wilson is respect life coordinator in the archdiocesan Office of Marriage, Family and Life.

Consequences of new marriage law could be far-reaching CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 sex couples on a college campus, or the use of certain facilities to celebrate wedding anniversaries. Churches, ministries and organizations should review their policies and bylaws to ensure they can continue to operate consistent with their mission and beliefs, as well as not run afoul of anti-discrimination laws.

People in the pew As has been made clear by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, the legislation provides no conscience and religious liberty protections for nonprofits or businesses owned and run by people of faith, nor for the individual person in the pew. Florists, like the woman in Washington State who — though willing to make arrangements for and sell flowers to individual LGBT persons — refused to make arrangements for a wedding and is now being sued by the Washington attorney general, could be punished in Minnesota as well. Bakers, innkeepers and other wedding industry professionals could face sanctions for refusing to provide goods or services that would give approbation to a samesex union, and could also face legal pen-

alties or proceedings in front of human rights commissions as they have in states such as Vermont and New York, after marriage was redefined there. Further, licensed professionals such as counselors or social workers who refuse to counsel or serve same-sex couples in a way that would require them to acknowledge the validity and moral goodness of the relationship could be punished, excused from public educational programs, or lose their licenses altogether.

What is, isn’t discrimination Same-sex marriage proponents steadfastly refused to offer broader accommodations because, in their view, no samesex couple should feel the stigma of “discrimination” and suffer what they think is no different than the animus which African-Americans suffered during Segregation. Further, they errantly claimed that such “discrimination” was already forbidden by the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Two points are in order in response to these claims. For one, the Church does not support, nor has ever argued for, individuals and businesses that hold themselves out as public accommodations to be able to deny

a person goods or services simply on the basis of sexual orientation. For a restaurant to deny an individual person food simply because they are openly gay is wrong and is the kind of unjust discrimination that the Church consistently condemns. It is not discriminatory, however, to treat same-sex couples differently from a male-female couple, especially in the context of the provision of goods or services related to the solemnization, celebration or perpetuation of a marriage (e.g. counseling, wedding cakes, facilities use, florists, and caterers). One should not be forced to give consent to and approval of a same-sex relationship. Second, it is an error to argue that refusing to do so in the business context has long been considered discriminatory and illegal, as some politicians, officials and legal scholars have done. How could it be the case that acting consistent with what was once state law is “discrimination”? Unfortunately, the legal landscape has changed. The bottom line is that, on Aug. 1, acting on your belief that marriage is between a man and a woman could get you punished in Minnesota.

Where to go for help Should you, your business or your organization face a complaint or investiga-

tion, there are places you can turn to for help. The Minnesota Catholic Conference will gladly take calls about your situation and try to refer you to an attorney for help. Often, attorneys will take these cases pro bono. There are also legal organizations such as Alliance Defending Freedom and the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty that also may be able to assist you in re-writing your organization’s bylaws or handling an administrative complaint. Both can be found on the Internet. Not everyone is called to file lawsuits, close their business or suffer legal penalties to stand up for the truth. But we are all called to witness to the importance of religious liberty as essential to the dignity of each human person and its importance as a bedrock principle of American public life. The Minnesota Catholic Conference will continue to push for religious liberty accommodations at the State Legislature and in Congress. We hope you will raise your voice with us. Jason Adkins is executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference. This article represents the opinion of the author and does not constitute legal advice.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • AUGUST 1, 2013

Highlight for Minnesota pilgrims was experiencing Church’s universality CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 On the white sand of Copacabana beach — under partly sunny skies, a relief after days of rain in Rio — Pope Francis celebrated the closing Mass for the July 23-28 celebration of World Youth Day Rio. Although retired Pope Benedict XVI had chosen the theme for the gathering — “Go and make disciples of all nations” — it was tailor-made for Pope Francis, who continually tells Catholics: “Go out. Go forward. Keep going.” “Sharing the experience of faith, bearing witness to the faith, proclaiming the Gospel: this is a command that the Lord entrusts to the whole church, and that includes you,” he told his beachfront congregation, which included hundreds of thousands who had spent the night on the sand, sleeping or not.

Minnesota pilgrims

It’s Poland in 2016

Need to share Long journeys, days of rain and sometimes improvised accommodations did not dampen the spirits of the World Youth Day participants, and Pope Francis told them at the final Mass that if they did not share their experience of God’s love with others it would be “like withholding oxygen from a flame that was burning strongly.” Jesus did not tell his disciples to share the Gospel “if you would like to, if you have the time,” the pope said. Instead, he commanded them to proclaim the Good News to the world. Sharing the love and mercy of God and the salvation offered by Christ through the church “is born not from a desire for domination or power, but from the force of love,” the pope told the young pilgrims, who were joined on the beach by tens of thousands of Rio residents and other Latin Americans, including Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, Bolivian President Evo Morales and Suriname’s President Desi Bouterse. But even more special guests were present: The pope invited a couple and their baby girl, who has anencephaly (missing part of her brain), to come forward during the offertory. Pope Francis met the family July 27 as he was leaving Rio’s St. Sebastian Cathedral and invited them to participate in the Mass. Under Brazil’s abortion laws, the couple would have been able to abort the child, but chose not to. With the father carrying the baby, the parents walked up to the pope wearing shirts with a Portuguese message on the back: “Stop abortion.”

John Sondag of St. Helena in Minneapolis chaperoned a group of 25 young adults to Rio. Sondag has participated in past World Youth Days and said the highlight for him, aside from seeing the pope, is feeling the universality of the Church. “Everywhere you turn, there’s some group from a different part of the world and you get to talk with them,” Sondag said. Michael Ochs of St. Helena said that before attending his first World Youth Day in Rio, he was frightened to share his faith. “I see now that I’ve got 4 million people in that area from different cultures backing me up,” Ochs said. He said he was surprised that even people who are different can come ‘A life for others’ together to worship Jesus, saying “the cultural boundaries didn’t even play a In his homily, Pope Francis told the role in it.” young people that evangelizing requires “The Catholic faith is, I think, the a personal witness of love for God and only faith that can get that many people love for others, especially the weak, the together from different countries and poor and the defenseless. still be able to understand each other,” When the psalm Ochs said. says “Sing a new song On Thursday, July “Evangelizing means to the Lord,” he said, 25 a group from the St. it is not talking about Cloud area left at 8 bearing personal witness a certain set of lyrics a.m. to secure a spot or a specific melody, on Copacabana beach to the love of God, it is rather “it is allowing for Pope Francis’ 6 our life to be overcoming our p.m. arrival. The identified with that of popemobile passed the it is sharing his selfishness, it is serving Jesus; group, including Ben sentiments, his Borash from Holy thoughts [and] his by bending down to Cross in North Prairie actions.” who quickly held out a “The life of Jesus is a wash the feet of our red, white and blue life for others,” the rosary that he and his brethren, as Jesus did.” pope said. “It is a life group helped to make. of service.” “To my utter Pope Francis The pope did not amazement and mince words with his astonishment, the young audience, guard to the left of Pope Francis took the telling them: “Evangelizing means rosary from me and promptly handed it to the pope,” Borash said. “Once I finally bearing personal witness to the love of God, it is overcoming our selfishness, it got over the excitement of seeing the is serving by bending down to wash the pope and realizing that he had received feet of our brethren, as Jesus did.” my rosary, I was filled with joy and I Pope Francis said he knows how knew that I had been where I was meant daunting it can be to recognize that each to be at that moment.”

CNS photo/Paul Haring

Polish pilgrims in Rio de Janeiro cheer as Pope Francis announces that World Youth Day 2016 will take place in Krakow, Poland. He made the announcement shortly after celebrating the final Mass of this year's World Youth Day before a crowd of more than 3 million people on Copacabana beach. Krakow is the former episcopal see of Blessed John Paul II, who founded the tradition of World Youth Day in 1986. The 2016 event will be the second World Youth Day to take place in Poland — the other was the 1991 celebration in Czestochowa.

Christian bears personal responsibility for sharing the Gospel with his or her actions and words, but Jesus told the first disciples and tells disciples today, “Be not afraid.” “Jesus does not leave us alone; he never leaves you alone,” the pope said. And the church does not leave any of its members, or even small groups, to go it alone, he said. “Jesus did not say: ‘One of you go,’ but ‘All of you go.’ We are sent together.” “Be creative. Be audacious,” he said. “Do not be afraid.”

Parting words Pope Francis thanked the hundreds of bishops and thousands of priests who accompanied their young pilgrims to

Rio, but told them the pilgrimage was just one step on the young people’s journey of faith. “Continue to accompany them with generosity and joy, help them to become actively engaged in the church; never let them feel alone,” he said. He gave the younger generation a final instruction, “As you return to your homes, do not be afraid to be generous with Christ, to bear witness to his Gospel.” It can change the world, he said. “Bringing the Gospel is bringing God’s power to pluck up and break down evil and violence, to destroy and overthrow the barriers of selfishness, intolerance and hatred.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • AUGUST 1, 2013

WORLD YOUTH DAY in pictures

“Where does Jesus send us? There are no borders, no limits: He sends us to everyone. . . . Sharing the experienc bearing witness to the faith, proclaiming the Gospel: this is a command that the Lord entrusts to the whole C and that includes you.” Pope Francis, speaking to some 3 million young people July 28 at the closing Mass for the July 23-28 celebration of World Youth Day

“Jesus, with his cross, walks with us and takes upon himself our fears, our problems and our sufferings, even those which are deepest and most painful.” Pope Francis, speaking to more than 1 million young people who gathered July 26 on Copacabana beach for a meditation on the Stations of the Cross

Photos by CNS

ce of faith, hurch

“There is no more powerful force than the one released from the hearts of young people when they have been conquered by the experience of friendship with Him.” Pope Francis, in his remarks July 22 to Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and other leaders in Rio de Janeiro

“I will take home from this experience that I need to be more vocal and don’t let fear stand in front of my faith.” Elisa Nirei, a WYD pilgrim from St. Ann Parish in Kaneohe, Hawaii

“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Luke 12:15

12 T

The Lesson Plan

Reflections on faith and spirituality

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

“We are called to humble ourselves

before God and one another. When someone legitimately asks for help, we ought to do it if we can. As it says in Scripture, ‘To whom much has been given, much is expected.’

”

DEACON PAUL SHOVELAIN

AUGUST 1, 2013

Daily Scriptures Sunday, Aug. 4 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23 Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11 Luke 12:13-21 Monday, Aug. 5 Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major Numbers 11:4b-15 Matthew 14:13-21 Tuesday, Aug. 6 Transfiguration of the Lord Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 2 Peter 1:16-19 Luke 9:28b-36 Wednesday, Aug. 7 St. Sixtus II, pope, and companions, martyrs; St. Cajetan, priest Numbers 13:1-2, 25—14:1, 26-29a, 34-35 Matthew 15:21-28 Thursday, Aug. 8 St. Dominic, priest Numbers 20:1-13 Matthew 16:13-23 Friday, Aug. 9 St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, virgin and martyr Deuteronomy 4:32-40 Matthew 16:24-28

Path to holiness paved by humility, doing God’s will

restige, status, honor, glory, wealth: Are these the things that motivate us? The Scriptures for this coming weekend seek to purify our motivation. In the Gospel, Jesus warns against greed. His parable about the farmer encourages us to store up treasure in heaven rather than on earth. I remember recently seeing a frontpage article in a local newspaper that the owner of a $10 million house in the metro area was going to tear down the house and build a larger one. That seems like a great modernday example of our Gospel reading. It appears that greed is prevalent in our society. People want more and more money in the hope that it will bring them happiness. Christ, on the other hand, shows us that humility is the attitude we Deacon Paul Shovelain ought to have. In the second reading, we hear St. Paul speak about Jesus sitting at the right hand of God. Now the spot at the right hand is the most prestigious spot in heaven. To be at the right hand is to have the best spot and to be at the spot of the most influence. Jesus, however, did not grasp at this spot. Rather, as St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Philippians, “Though he was in the form of God, Jesus did not regard equality with God something to be grasped at. Rather he emptied himself and took the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. It was thus that he humbled himself, obediently accepting even death, death on the cross. Because of this God, highly exalted him.” So, what was Jesus’ motivation? Not prestige, status, honor, glory or wealth, but obedience. He was motivated by a desire to do the Father’s will. He did not grasp or cling to his spot in heaven, but humbled himself. Jesus became a man like us out of love for us. He humbled himself in order to redeem us. That was all

Sunday Scriptures

Readings

Saturday, Aug. 10 St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 John 12:24-26

Sunday, Aug. 4 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time ! Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23 ! Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11 ! Luke 12:13-21

Sunday, Aug. 11 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Wisdom 18:6-9 Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 Luke 12:32-48

Reflection

Monday, Aug. 12 St. Jane Frances de Chantal, religious Deuteronomy 10:12-22 Matthew 17:22-27

In what ways do I need to simplify my lifestyle in order to be a better servant of God and others?

part of the Father’s will. As a result of doing the Father’s will, he was given the greatest spot in all of heaven.

Doing God’s will What are we to do? We, too, are called to humble ourselves. When we choose to reject a Church teaching or disregard what our shepherds are asking us to do, we will suffer. We are called to humble ourselves before God and one another. When someone legitimately asks for help, we ought to do it if we can. As it says in Scripture, “To whom much has been given, much is expected.” So, too, we have been given much in our society. Yet, our motivation should not be just to acquire more, but rather to use what we have been given in the way God intends. As we continue on the path to holiness, may we be motivated by our desire to do God’s will. May we humble ourselves and seek to live in conformity with God’s will. In doing so, we hope and pray that God will have mercy on us and grant us also a seat in heaven. Deacon Shovelain is in formation for the priesthood at the St. Paul Seminary for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. His home parish is St. Michael in St. Michael, and his teaching parish is St. Patrick of Cedar Creek in Oak Grove.

Tuesday, Aug. 13 St. Pontian, pope, and Hippolytus, priest, martyrs Deuteronomy 31:1-8 Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 Wednesday, Aug. 14 St. Maximilian Kolbe, priest and martyr Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Matthew 18:15-20 Thursday, Aug. 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a; 10ab 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 Luke 1:39-56 Friday, Aug. 16 St. Stephen of Hungary Joshua 24:1-13 Matthew 19:3-12 Saturday, Aug. 17 Joshua 24:14-29 Matthew 19:13-15 Sunday, Aug. 18 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10 Hebrews 12:1-4 Luke 12:49-53

“Everything we see in a Catholic church is there for a single purpose: to tell a love story.” Cardinal Donald Wuerl and Mike Aquilina, in their book “The Church: Unlocking the Secrets to the Places Catholics Call Home”

Arts & Culture Exploring our church and our world

AUGUST 1, 2013

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Why Catholics call churches home In new book, cardinal and co-author explain features of a typical Catholic church By Mark Zimmermann Catholic News Service

In their book “The Mass: The Glory, the Mystery, the Tradition,” co-authors Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington and Mike Aquilina wrote about the Mass, the place “where heaven meets earth” as Catholics receive Christ in the Eucharist and then are called to go forth and bring Christ to the world.

CARDINAL WUERL

From the opening procession to the closing prayer, they examined how each aspect of the Mass is rooted in Scripture and Church teaching and tradition, and how today’s Masses are a continuation of the way the first Christians worshipped.

In their latest book, “The Church: Unlocking the Secrets to the Places Catholics Call Home,” Cardinal Wuerl and Aquilina AQUILINA offer a tour of the backdrop and setting for Mass — the church buildings where Catholics pray. “Every part of a church is rich in

Open Window Theatre announces new season Open Window Theatre has announced its schedule for the 20132014 season. After the successful premiere last spring of the play “Mercy Unrelenting,” it is returning to start the new season Sept. 20-Oct. 13. “Mercy Unrelenting” is about Maria Goretti, a young Italian girl who is murdered, and the later transformation of her murderer, Alessandro. Also coming to the stage are: n “A Christmas Pudding,” Nov. 29Dec. 29; n “A Man for All Seasons,” Feb. 1416 — a historical drama exploring the last years of St. Thomas More as lord chancellor of England during the reign of Henry VIII; and n “The Lilies of the Field,” April 25May 25. The theater is located at 1313 Chestnut Ave., Ste.#102, Minneapolis. For more information on donating to Open Window Theatre or purchasing tickets, visit WWW.OPENWINDOW THEATRE.ORG, or call (651) 336-3302.

meaning and mystery, theology and history. Every furnishing or ornament reveals some important detail of the story of our salvation,” they write. Rather than produce a guidebook, the authors said their goal is to help deepen people’s understanding of the features of a typical Catholic church so they can better pray and encounter God there. Churches, they write, “are temples of the living God who wills and wishes to meet you there.”

Two perspectives Cardinal Wuerl approached the project from his perspective as a priest who has celebrated Mass at the altar for 46 years, and Aquilina offered his perspective as a Catholic layman who has prayed with his family in the pews of hundreds of churches and tried to see the arches and vaults, ceilings and cloisters through his children’s eyes. “The Church: Unlocking the Secrets to the Places Catholics Call Home” is published by Image, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc. The new book is a companion volume to their earlier book on the Mass, which is now in paperback. Every Catholic church — from those whose steeples rise in small towns to

cathedrals nestled amid skyscrapers — “is, by definition ‘holy ground.’ . . . God is present there,” the authors write. They note that every Catholic church tells a love story — a story of a community’s love for God, and God’s love for them, a love fulfilled in the Eucharist and by how they in turn bring Christ’s love to the world. The grandeur in a simple country church or in a gothic cathedral provides people from generation to generation the chance to offer praise and thanksgiving to God.

From bells to votive candles Just as they did with their book on “The Mass,” Cardinal Wuerl and Aquilina in this new book offer readers a walk through the meaning and history of each feature in a Catholic church building, so they can deepen their experience of worshipping God in their parish church during Mass. For example, they note that bells, part of the soundtrack of life in a church’s neighborhood, “are the insistent and very public voice of the church, summoning the whole world to prayer.” When Catholics dip their hands in a holy water font near the church’s entrance, they are repeating a gesture made by Catholics from the times of the

early church, a tradition that fosters remembrance of their baptismal promises. They note that the humble poor box located near the back of church points to how loving and serving the poor is in itself “an act of worship” and central to the life of Christian communities from the Church’s beginning. The flickering lights of votive candles, they write, serve as a sign of God’s presence, and of people’s prayers, and the paschal or Easter candle used at the Easter Vigil and at baptisms and funerals signifies Christ’s light amid the world’s darkness. Sacred images of the saints and Mary in different artistic media are meant to remind people of their call to holiness and to follow Christ. “Sacred art points beyond itself, to heaven, which touches earth in sanctuaries of Catholic churches,” the authors write. And they noted that the ornate tabernacles in every Catholic church are a place of Jesus’ constant presence, where the eucharistic hosts consecrated during Mass are reserved. Cardinal Wuerl and Aquilina tell readers that every visit to a church should be a homecoming — a reminder of who they are and what God calls them to be. By ending the book with the dismissal at Mass, the authors emphasize that the story doesn’t end when people leave Mass and walk out the doors of church, because Massgoers are called to go share Christ’s love with others.

Calendar

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • AUGUST 1, 2013

Dining out Fish fry at Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomington — Every Friday: 5 to 9 p.m. at 1114 American Blvd. Cost is $10.95. Call (952) 888-1492 for reservations. Chicken and rib dinner at Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomington — Every Wednesday: 5 to 9 p.m. at 1114 American Blvd. Cost is $12. Call (952) 8881492 for reservations. Pancake breakfast at St. Richard, Richfield — August 11: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 7540 Penn Ave. S. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children. Ages 2 and under are free.

Prayer/ liturgies Sant’Egidio Community Evening Prayer at St. Richard, Richfield — Every Thursday: 7 p.m. at 7540 Penn Ave. S. Legion of Mary prayers in front of Planned Parenthood, St. Paul — Every Friday: 3 p.m. at the corner of Vandalia and Charles. For information, call (651) 439-9098. First Friday day of prayer at St. Richard, Richfield — August 2: 8 a.m. Mass followed by eucharistic adoration until Benediction at 5:30 p.m. at 7540 Penn Ave. S. Community meal at 6:30 p.m. and Taizé Prayer (an ecumenical prayer service that focuses on simple meditative songs, Scripture, and contemplative silence) begins at 7:30 p.m. Event is held the first Friday of each month. Celebration of the Feast of God the Father of All Mankind at St. Peter, Richfield — August 4: Mass at 11 a.m. followed by consecration prayers at 6730 Nicollet Ave. Father Gerald Dvorak will be the celebrant. For information and supplies needed, call (952)

Don’t Miss An introduction to ‘Lumen Fidei’

St. John the Baptist Excelsior Catholic Parish “When we receive Holy Communion, we experience something extraordinary – a joy, a fragrance, a well-being that thrills the whole body and causes it to exalt. “ ~ St. John Vianney

School events

Join in a discussion of Pope Francis’ encyclical letter “Lumen Fidei” at 7 p.m. Aug. 6 in the Cathedral of St. Paul’s Hayden Hall. The evening begins with a presentation and overview of the encyclical, with selected emphasis on making connections to previous studies offered this summer featuring the books “Rediscover Catholicism” by Matthew Kelly and “Time for God” by Father Jacques Philippe. Small group discussion will follow. Read the document before attending the study; copies can be obtained online. No registration is necessary. For information, call (651) 357-1337. 884-6638. Irish Fair of Minnesota Hibernians Sunday Mass on Harriet Island, St.Paul — August 11: 9 a.m. on the Cara Irish Pubs main stage at the Irish Fair on Harriet Island. Msgr. Aloysius Callaghan will be the celebrant.

Parish events Rummage sale at Holy Cross, Minneapolis — August 7 to 9: Early bird sale Wednesday 5 to 8 p.m. with $2 admission. Sale begins Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1630 Fourth St. N.E. Continues Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2-day summer healing retreat at St. Joseph the Worker, Maple Grove — August 9 and 10: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at 7180 Hemlock Lane N. Lunch is included. Free will offering. For information, call (651) 303-0532. Garage sale at All Saints, Lakeville — August 14 to 17: Early bird sale Wednesday 4 to 8 p.m. with $3 admission at 19795 Holyoke Ave. Sale be-

Welcome Father Alex Carlson! Congratulations on your installation as Pastor. We’re glad you’re here!

be served and the event is free of charge. Please register online by August 12th at HTTPS://GIVING.ARCHSPM.ORG/ VOCATIONDAY2013. For information, call (651) 962-6890.

Preschool roundup at Little Angels Christian Preschool at Guardian Angels, Oakdale — August 7: 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 8260 Fourth St. N. Meet teachers, see the school, enjoy a chuckwagon dinner. Call (651) 730-7450 for information.

gins Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Continues Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday ($3 bag sale) 8 a.m. to noon.

Other events Catholic Charismatic Summer Conference at St. Peter, North St. Paul — August 9 and 10: Begins at 6 p.m. Friday at 2600 N. Margaret St. Continues Saturday at 9 a.m. Speakers are Father Michael Schmitz and Caroline Gambale Dirkes. Father Jim Livingston will lead a session on Empowerment in the Spirit. For information, visit WWW.MNCRO.ORG. Vocation Day retreat at the St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul — August 17: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 2260 Summit Ave. The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Vocation Office, in cooperation with the Office of Marriage, Family and Life, invite young Catholic men, ages 12 to17, to learn about listening to the call of Jesus Christ to their vocation. Includes Mass, prayer, recreation, talks and fun. Lunch will

Singles Sunday Spirits walking group for 50plus Catholic singles — ongoing Sundays: For Catholic singles to meet and make friends. The group usually meets in St. Paul on Sunday afternoons. For information, call Judy at (763) 221-3040 or Al at (651) 482-0406. Singles group at St. Vincent de Paul, Brooklyn Park — ongoing second Saturday each month: 6 :15 p.m. at 9100 93rd Ave. N. Gather for a potluck supper, conversation and games. For information, call (763) 425-0412.

Calendar Submissions DEADLINE: Noon Thursday, seven days before the anticipated Thursday date of publication. LISTINGS: Accepted are brief notices of upcoming events hosted by Catholic parishes and institutions. 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:

Young adults

SPIRITCALENDAR@

Theology on Tap Summer Series at The Glockenspiel, St. Paul — Wednesdays August 7 and 14: 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 605 Seventh St. W. Presented by the Cathedral Young Adults and sponsored by Catholic United Financial. Visit CATHEDRALYOUNGADULTS.ORG for the speaker lineup and more information.

ARCHSPM.ORG. (No attachments, please.)

FAX: (651) 291-4460.

JERICO CHRISTIAN JOURNEYS POLAND PILGRIMAGE with Fr. Robert Fitzpatrick (Fr. Fitz)

Sept. 16-26, 2013 Fr. Fitz

Last Call • Space still available • Call by Aug. 15th For further information/brochures, call:

Toll-free 1-877-453-7426

19091 Island View Drive, Mora, MN 55051-7304

www.jericochristianjourneys.com • colleen@jericochristianjourneys.com

Consider a Winter Get-Away

Costa Rica

Tentative date: Feb. 2014 ••• Motor Coach Tour — High Desert of the Southwest — Land of Enchantment — Tentative Date: March 2014 Includes: Areas of Albuquerque, Grand Canyon, Sedona & Phoenix

“I love the outdoor festival feeling.” Joshua Bell, Grammy award-winning violinist

Parish Festivals A Catholic Spirit special section

AUGUST 1, 2013

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

August 2 to 4 — Crystal: Festival at St. Raphael, 7301 Bass Lake Road. Hours are: 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. August 2 to 4 — Columbia Heights: FunFest Summer

Jam at Immaculate Conception, 4030 Jackson St. N.E. Hours are Friday, 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Live music all three days. Also features bingo, raffle, silent auction, kiddie games and inflatables. Sunday: outdoor Mass at 10 a.m., live auction at noon, car show and craft bazaar.

August 4 — Cleveland: Chicken dinner and festival at Nativity, corner of Main and First Streets. Food served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also features an antique car show, coffee bar, raffles and more.

August 4 — Lonsdale: Polka Mass at 10 a.m. followed by a roast beef and ham dinner served until 2 p.m. Also features live entertainment, bakery booth, ice cream stand, children’s games and more. August 4 — Dayton: Parish festival at St. John the Baptist from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 18380 Columbus St. Features a chicken dinner served until 2:30 p.m., silent auction, wall of wine, pony and carriage rides and more.

August 9 and 10 — St. Louis Park: Festival at Holy

Family, 5900 W. Lake St. Friday 6 p.m. poker gathering including a rib dinner, whiskey and cigars. Family Fun Day Saturday from 1:30 to 10 p.m. features outdoor games, food and live entertainment.

August 10 and 11 — Lino Lakes: Summer festival at

St. Joseph of the Lakes, 171 Elm St. Outdoor Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday with live music from Metro Jam to follow and fireworks. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday with a chicken dinner, music, carnival games and raffles.

August 10 and 11 — Long Lake: Corn Days at St. George, 133 N. Brown Road. Hours are Saturday 1 to 11 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Saturday Mass at 4 p.m. followed by a spaghetti dinner. Sunday Mass at 9:15 a.m. followed by a pancake breakfast. Corn Days parade at noon. August 16 and 17— Brooklyn Park: CornFest at St.

Gerard, 9600 Regent Ave. N. Features live entertainment, beer garden and fresh sweet corn with butter. For information, visit WWW.ST-GERARD.ORG.

August 16 and 17— Bloomington: Nativity Fest at PLEASE TURN TO NEXT PAGE

Jim Bovin / The Catholic Spirit

Les Lilly places his son Mason, 2, on a Ford tractor during the summer festival at St. Patrick of Cedar Lake, Jordan July 21. The event featured live music, a grilled chicken dinner, raffles, auctions, country store, as well as the antique tractor display.

Church of the Immaculate Conception

COME JOIN THE FUN! Bake Sale Bean Ba Bags gs Beer Garden Bingo Cake W Walk alk Carnival FFace ace PPainting ainting Fireworks Fireworks Games Karaoke Kid Central Laser Tag Tag Live Music Market Place Pull Tabs Tabs a Raffle Silent Auction Softball Teen Teeen Games 5K Run Lots of Food! Food!

Lonsdale, MN

ANNUAL PARISH FESTIVAL Sunday, August 4, 2013

ROAST BEEF AND HOT HAM DINNER Including homemade rolls and kolacky, pies for dessert • Buffet style — Take out available Air conditioned Civic Center open for eating take out dinners

SNACK BAR opens at 12:30 p.m. Serving hamburgers and hot dogs

AUGUST 23-25, 2

Refreshments • Homemade bakery booth in Civic Center • Bingo • Games for kids • Ice cream stand • Chance booth • Country Market & Crafts • Raffle Wheel • Used-A-Bit • Split the Pot

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

St. Francis ncis Xavier Catholic Church St. Francis Education Center 219 19th St. NW, Buffalo, MN 553 www.stfxb.org

!! ks . or p.m w & ire 0:00 ay ay

F 1 rid rd F tu Sa

including the Czech Area Concertina Club

DRAWING AT 5 P.M. Masses — Saturday: 5:00 PM Sunday: 8 AM; 10:00 AM POLKA MASS (featuring The Immaculate Conception Church Choir)

Parish Festivals

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • AUGUST 1, 2013 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 9900 Lyndale Ave. S. Begins Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. with a talent show and live music. Saturday hours are 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Features a fried chicken dinner, live music, classic car show, games and more.

August 17 — Centerville: Annual

Chicken Dinner at St. Genevieve, 6995 Centerville Road. Features booths, games, refreshments and more.

August 17 — Annandale: Parish festival at St. Ignatius, 35 Birch St. Polka Mass at 4 p.m. followed by a chicken dinner, games, beer stand, raffles and bingo.

August 17 and 18 — St. Paul: Blessed

Sacrament FunFest at St. Thomas the Apostle, 2119 Stillwater Ave. Saturday features a car show from 3 to 7 p.m. and live music from Robby Vee and His Rockn-Roll Caravan from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday begins at 11 a.m. with an old fashioned hog roast, games, pie shop and more. Live music from noon to 4 p.m.

August 18 — Minneapolis: Heart of the Northside Festival at St. Bridget, 3811 Emerson Ave. N. 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. includes brunch, a pig roast, silent auction and kids’ games.

August 18 — Corcoran: Parish festival

and turkey dinner at St. Thomas the Apostle, 20000 County Road 10. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

August 18 — Rich!ield: Fun Fiesta at

Assumption, 305 E. 77th St. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. festival features Mexican food, roast beef sandwiches, music and entertainment.

August 18 — Centerville: Annual Chicken Dinner at St. Genevieve, 6995 Centerville Road. Features booths, games, refreshments and more. August 18 — Veseli: Annual Ho-Down

at Most Holy Trinity, 4939 N. Washington St. Polka Mass at 11 a.m. followed by a chicken cook-off, home baked kolacky and more.

August 18 — St. Bonifacius: Annual Countryfest at St. Boniface, 8801 Wildwood Ave. Pork roast and pork chop dinner served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also features a country store, bingo and live music. August 23 to 25 — Buffalo: Glory Days

at St. Francis Xavier, 219 19th St. N.W. Carnival, silent auction, games for all, market place, live entertainment, laser tag and a variety of music. Fireworks Friday and Saturday and a turkey dinner Sunday. Visit WWW.STFXB.ORG.

August 24 and 25 — Hamel: Street dance and festival at St. Anne, 200

If you have been abused or victimized by someone representing the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, we want to hear from you. We are here to offer you help and healing. We will also help you make a formal complaint of abuse to this Archdiocese or assist you in contacting another archdiocese/diocese/eparchy. Please call me, Greta Sawyer on my confidential phone line, 651.291.4497, or email me at sawyerg@archspm.org.

Hamel Road. Street dance Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. featuring country artist Shane Martin. Sunday features a chicken dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., inflatables, games, white elephant sale and entertainment by Sonar.

August 25 — Hampton: FunFest at St. Mathias, located on the corner of Highway 50 and County Road 47. Polka Mass at 11 a.m. with activities to folllow. Features games, beer stand, country store and live music by Ron E. Cash. August 25 — Clearwater: Parish festival at St. Luke, 17545 Huber Ave. Polka Mass at 10 a.m. followed by a pork chop dinner. Silent auction, food, games, inflatable obstacle courses, quilts and more at 2 p.m. September 6 to 8 — Blaine: Fall Carnival at St. Timothy, 707 89th Ave. E. Hours are: 5 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. September 6 to 8 — Oak grove: Annual CountryFest at St. Patrick, 19921 Nightingale St. N.W. Teen dance Friday. Saturday and Sunday feature games, food, beer garden, street dance, car show, fireworks and more. Visit WWW.STPATRICKS.ORG.

September 7 — Mahtomedi: CornFest at St. Jude of the Lake, 700 Mahtomedi Ave. Hours are 2 to 10 p.m. Features

food and live music with High & Mighty. Visit WWW.STJUDEOFTHELAKE.ORG.

September 7 and 8 — Shoreview: Fall festival at St. Odilia, 3495 N. Victoria St. Hours are: Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Features auctions, food, games, inflatables and a quilt raffle. More than 14 hours of live music. September 8 — St. Paul: Fall festival at Sacred Heart/Sagrado Corazon, 840 Sixth St. E. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Features authentic Mexican and American foods, music, dancers, games, raffles and more. September 8 — Belle Plaine: Fall festival at Our Lady of the Prairie, 215. N. Chestnut St. Mass at 10 a.m. followed by a chicken and ham dinner served until 2 p.m. Also features live music, children’s games, rereshments, country store and more. September 12 to 15 — Inver Grove Heights: Fall festival at St. Patrick, 3535

72nd St. Begins Thursday with a rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m (continues Friday and Saturday). Continues Friday with a beer and wine tasting event, with live music from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Continues Saturday with Mass at 4 p.m., and a Taco Dinner at 5 p.m. PLEASE SEE NEXT PAGE

FALL FESTIVAL SUNDAY September 15th

KICK OFF SATURDAY September 14th

5 pm 6-10 pm Live Music 210 Broadway in Jordan

NEW!

Bean Bag Tournament

Festival Begins 9 am Mass 8 am & 10 am Home Cooked Chicken & Bone-In Ham Dinner 11 am - 2 pm Quilt Auction 3 pm

PLUS Local Crafts Bingo Fun Land for Kids & Much More!

(952)-492-2640 • stjohnthebaptistjordan.org

CORN DAYS

Touch of Lebanon Festival St. Maron Catholic Church 602 University Avenue, NE – Minneapolis

Saturday, September 21, 2013 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday, September 22, 2013 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Authentic Lebanese Cuisine, Games, Raffle, Silent Auction, Gift Shop, And Live Music. Dancing by The Cedars Dabke Group

Church of St. George Long Lake, MN

Aug. 10 & 11, 2013 Sat. 1-11 p.m.; Sun. 12-5 p.m. Enjoy a variety of fun family activities including kids & teen games, live music, food & beverages, bingo, silent auction, and much more!

Spaghetti Pancake Parade Sunday dinner Breakfast 12:00 p.m. Saturday 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Sunday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

(952) 473-1247

www.CornDays.com

For more information call or visit St. George is located 4 blocks south of Cty. Rd. 112 (Old Hwy. 12) on corner of Brown Rd. and Watertown Rd. in Long Lake

ARCHSPM.ORG THECATHOLICSPIRIT.COM

Parish Festivals

AUGUST 1, 2013 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

St. Boni s Fall Festival

FestivalFun for Everyone FRI., SEPT. 6

Chicken Dinner 4:30-7 p.m.

Adults: $10; Children 5-12: $5 4 and Under: Free

First weekend after Labor Day

St. Bonaventure

901 East 90th St., Bloomington (Between 10th and Chicago) Phone: 952-854-4733 Fax 952-851-9690 office@saintbonaventure.org www.saintbonaventure.org

SAT., SEPT. 7 10 a.m.: Parade 6:30 p.m. Raffle 3 p.m.: Dakota 7:00 p.m. Mass Ramblers Band Free Entertainment all day 200+ Classic Cars • Rides • Games • Quality Foods Galore

Jim Bovin / The Catholic Spirit

Between 2,000 and 2,500 visitors and parishoners enjoyed a full day of food, games and music at St. Patrick of Cedar Lake, Jordan July 21. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 Sunday festivities start at noon and include a food court, the country store, cookie and bar walk, Irish Yat-zee and more. Sunday will also be the 15th Annual Classic Motor Show, from noon to 5 p.m.

South Shore Drive. Saturday features a family dance with The White Sidewalls and a fireworks display. Inflatable activities, games, bingo, wine toss, concession Stand and more running all Saturday and Sunday. Grilled pork and turkey dinner Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

September 13 to 15 — Oakdale: Fall

September 22 — Delano: Harvest

festival at Guardian Angels, 8260 Fourth St. N. Street dance Friday night from 5 to 9 p.m. with Midas Touch. Saturday features food, kids’ games and fireworks. Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. features food, games and raffles.

September 14 and 15 — Jordan: Fall

festival at St. John the Baptist, 210 Broadway. Polka Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday with live music to follow. Begins Sunday at 9 a.m. with crafts, bingo, Fun Land for kids and a chicken and ham dinner. Festival also features a bean bag tournament.

September 14 and 15 — Hastings:

Parish festival at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 2035 15th St. W. Annual Golf Fun Day Saturday at the Hastings Country Club, 1:30 p.m. shot-gun start. Festivities begin Sunday with 11:30 a.m. Mass followed by food, fun and games. Visit WWW.SEASPARISH.ORG.

September 15 — Kilkenny: Festival at

St. Canice, 183 Maple St. W. Mass at 10 a.m. followed by a chicken and ham dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Country store, jar bar, games and raffles are open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

September 15 — Minneapolis: 75th

annual parish festival at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 701 Fillmore St. N.E. 10 a.m. Mass followed by a Marian procession through the neighborhood. Spaghetti dinner served from noon to 4 p.m. and there will be games and activities.

September 15 — Cannon Falls: Fall

festival at St. Pius V, 410 Colville St. W. Polka MAss at 10 a.m. followed by a hog roast dinner served until 1 p.m. Also features craft and country store, music and dancing, bing and other games and more.

September 21 and 22 — Forest Lake: Community festival at St. Peter, 1250

Festival at St. Peter Church grounds, 204 S. River St. 10:30 a.m. polka Mass and turkey dinner to follow. Also features concessions, a farmers’ market, games, and an inflatable obstacle course.

September 22 — St. Paul: Fall Festival at St. Pascal Baylon, 1757 Conway St. Noon to 5 p.m. event includes a homecooked spaghetti dinner, bingo, cake walk, beer, tacos and more. September 27 to 29 — New Brighton:

FallFest and booya at St. John the Baptist, 835 Second Ave. N.W. Friday features a market fair, pig roast and a dance. Saturday market fair continues, GB Leighton will be in the main tent, and fireworks at dusk. 10:30 a.m. polka Mass Sunday and booya. Rides and food concessions all three days.

October 6 — Mendota: Fall festival at St. Peter, 1405 Hwy 13. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. October 6 — Deephaven: Oktoberfest at St. Therese, 18323 Minnetonka Blvd. 3 to 11 p.m. with music from Boogie Wonderland, beer and wine garden with German fare, kids’ carnival and more until 3:30 p.m. October 6 — St. Paul: Fall festival at St. Casimir, 930 E. Geranium Ave. Polka Mass at 10 a.m. followed by a turkey dinner served until 2:30 p.m. Also features a silent auction, raffle, games and more unti9l 3:30 p.m.

October 6 and 7 — North St. Paul: Fall festival at St. Peter, 2600 N. Margaret St. Mass at 4 p.m. Saturday followed by entertainment, homemade pizza and bingo. Family Fun Day Sunday starting at 11:30 a.m. Features Father D’s Steak Spectacular, games for all ages and a broasted chicken dinner. For information, visit WWW.CHURCHOFSTPETER NSP.ORG.

44th ANNUAL WILD RICE FESTIVAL AND CHICKEN DINNER St. Mary’s Church Adults $10 Children 4-10 $5 3 & under FREE

THECATHOLICSPIRIT.COM

Saturday 10–10, Sunday 11–5 Along the Mississippi River Across from Riverplace & St. Anthony Main Minneapolis, Minnesota www.tcpolishfestival.org

423 S. 5th St., Stillwater

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013 Dinner served from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Wild Rice • Chicken • Potatoes • Relishes • Rolls • Fruit Pie Kids and Teens Games, Crafts, Homemade Quilts, Bingo, Silent Auction

Church / Ministry Jobs Policy Director Location: Minnesota Catholic Conference; St. Paul, MN The Policy Director assists in the development and implementation of the public policy initiatives of the Catholic bishops of Minnesota. Duties include lobbying public officials, developing a grassroots network of advocates, educating clergy and laity through writing and speaking events, and building coalitions in and outside of the Catholic Church. Minimum requirements include a thorough knowledge of Catholic social teaching; fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church; bachelor’s degree and three-years’ experience in government relations, advocacy organizing, public policy, or related field; excellent communication skills; an entrepreneurial and evangelical spirit; proficiency in Microsoft Office. Preferred qualifications: Graduate or law degree; Spanish language fluency. Social Studies Teacher – Senior High Location: Benilde-St. Margaret’s School; St. Louis Park, MN Full-time senior high Social Studies Teacher to begin in August 2013. Seeking candidates with experience teaching AP Government, AP European History or AP Macroeconomics. Qualifications: Minnesota Teaching License required and teaching experience preferred. Director of Music & Liturgy Location: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church; Oak Grove, MN The Director of Music and Liturgy will lead/develop liturgical music for all parish liturgies, including choirs, vocal ensembles, cantors, instrumentalists, accompanists and others in music ministry. Develops musical opportunities for children and youth. Arranges for music for funerals and weddings. This position provides liturgical direction to the pastor for all liturgies and training for our liturgical ministries including lectors, servers, sacristans, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Includes supervising of volunteers, preparing and managing a budget. Qualifications: BS/BA in Music with special credentials in Liturgy; thorough understanding of Catholic liturgy. Must be able to provide clear direction/leadership to others. For more information on these and other job openings, or to apply online, please visit www.archspm.org/careers.

AUGUST 1, 2013 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

2013 Reservations now being taken! Archbishop John C. Nienstedt will present the

Award Winners

“Leading With Faith” Awards

SMALL BUSINESS

Jeff Berg President/Owner Integrated Wealth Advisors Holy Family, St. Louis Park

Archbishop John C. Nienstedt

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Rick DesLauriers Founder/President Recruiters of Minnesota Church of St. Therese of Deephaven

St. Catherine University

Dan & Barb Massman Station Owners KDWA Radio St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Hastings

at a noon luncheon banquet on

Emcee Tom Hauser KSTP-TV

For reservations, call Mary Gibbs 651-251-7709 or email gibbsm@archspm.org

Christopher Zeman Vice President/Co-owner Zeman Construction Co. Inc. Parish Community of St. Joseph, New Hope

LARGE BUSINESS

Jim & Debbie Hannigan

Thank You

to our sponsors for making this event possible! PATRON SPONSORS

Owners J & J Distributing Assumption, St. Paul

Tim Rethlake Director of Training Hearth & Home Technologies All Saints, Lakeville

NONPROFIT

Marguerite Dummer

SPONSORS

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The Catholic Spirit News W ith a Catholic Heart

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • AUGUST 1, 2013

Ships at Holy See Popes once navigated more than spiritual waters By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

One could say it all started with St. Peter’s fishing boat. One day, that humble vessel turned into a powerful pontifical fleet, particularly during the life of the Papal States. While St. Peter’s boat was clearly used for fishing and helping Jesus preach to the crowds on shore, the papal navy was decidedly used for defense, conquest and commerce. Historians believe the pontifical navy was established in the 10th century by Pope John VIII. Popes Nicholas V and Sixtus IV sent military ships against the Turks during the Ottoman wars, and the “St. Bonaventure” was commissioned by Pope Sixtus V to fight seafaring pirates in the 16th-century. The armed frigates, corvettes, steamer ships and schooners were blessed with the names of the saints, the most popular being “St. Peter” and “St. Paul.” At least one was named for a female saint, St. Firmina, and one gunboat was called the “Immaculate Conception.” The fleet was beefed up when the Papal States were under considerable threat, first by the French in the 18th century and then by burgeoning Italian nationalism in the 19th century. Armed papal ships guarded the Italian port of Civitavecchia and cruised the waters of the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas

in search of contraband. Three paddle steamers built in England joined the fleet in 1842 to run upstream the Tiber River, a major route for bringing commercial goods and materials to Rome. Another paddle ship joined the ranks, and in 1848 the ships were used to fight nationalist forces that sought to end the popes’ temporal power and establish a Roman Republic. The pontifical navy came to an end with the end of the Papal States in 1870. Even though the Holy See no longer had direct access to the sea, it still signed the League of Nations’ “Convention and Statute on the Freedom of Transit” of 1921. Known as the Barcelona Convention, it gave landlocked territories, like the Holy See, the right to have its own ships and access to the high seas.

Seeking help in World War II One world leader wanted to take advantage of the Vatican’s right to sail a ship at sea. In an attempt to bring desperately needed food and medicines to Europeans during World War II, the prime minister of Vichy France, Philippe Petain, wrote to Pope Pius XII asking him to allow the American aid to be transported on ships flying the Vatican flag in the hopes that its widely recognized neutrality would be respected. Even though the pope was deeply concerned about bringing relief to the people, he was advised to scrap the idea by a sec-

CNS photo/courtesy of Art Resource, New York

The 1571 Battle of Lepanto between the fleet of the Holy League — a coalition that included the Papal States — and the Ottoman Empire is depicted in an early 20th-century illustration.

retary who reportedly quipped that not only would they have to hold an exam to hire a fleet admiral, the Vatican newspaper headline would scream: “From the Barque of Peter to the Vatican Fleet.” The right to a papal flotilla was reaffirmed in 1951 when Vatican City State published an official decree on “The Maritime Navigation under the Flag of Vatican City State.” The document codifies the rights and procedures for having ships that belong

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“We remind you that no human being made in the image of God is illegal.” From a letter signed by nearly 100 current and former heads of Catholic colleges and universities appealing to Catholic members of the House of Representatives to support comprehensive immigration reform

Overheard THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Quotes from this week’s newsmakers

“May Our Lord Jesus Christ bless and protect them, and may the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph intercede for them.”

Minneapolis parish honors active members over 90

— Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster, England, in a statement of congratulations to Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, on the birth July 22 of their first son, George Alexander Louis, who is third in line for the British throne

Dianne Towalski The Catholic Spirit

St. Bridget in Minneapolis honored active parishioners who are age 90 or older with a special Mass and brunch July 27. “I believe it’s important to honor and recognize these people because they have been models and examples of faithfulness, dedication and commitment for so many years,” said Franciscan Father Anthony Criscitelli, pastor of St. Bridget. Father Criscitelli said he wanted to do something like this for a long time. He spent five years at the parish as an associate pastor in the early 1980s and returned as pastor in 2002. “When I returned here after 20 years, I saw that many of the same folks who were active and invested in the life of the parish at that time were still active and invested — maybe in a different way or to a lesser degree, but active and invested nonetheless,” he said. Father Criscitelli helped guide the parish through a merger with St. Austin in Minneapolis last year and realized that there were just as many active seniors there. Between the two parishes, he identified 54 over age 90 who come to Mass regularly, participate in ministries and attend events. The idea to celebrate the senior parishioners came from a few religious

Champions for Life nomination deadline is Aug. 15 The deadline for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ annual Champions for Life Awards is Aug. 15. An ideal candidate for the award is someone who works tirelessly to help the poor or elderly, someone who works The with people with Catholic Spirit disabilities, someone who has worked to help a woman or family through a difficult pregnancy or someone who prays tirelessly for respect life issues. There are four categories: adult — prolife professional; adult — volunteer; youth/young adult (individual or group); couple, family or Catholic-affiliated group. Go to WWW.SURVEYMONKEY.COM/S/ ZB273DL to submit a nomination online,

News Notes

AUGUST 1, 2013

“When you get to see all of his glories like I have — the beautiful terrain, the gorgeous sunsets, the stars at night, all the great people I’ve met — it’s hard for your faith to dwindle. At the end of the day, you just have to say, ‘God is good. He is glorious.’ It’s definitely solidified and strengthened my faith.” Dianne Towalski / The Catholic Spirit

Phoebe Nosker, 98, talks with Dorothy Berghoff about the flowers on the table during a brunch July 27 at St. Bridget in Minneapolis to honor active members of the parish over 90 years old.

communities that have similar events for aging sisters, he said. The parish staff was very supportive of the idea and agreed to host the event. “Our church has never had anything like this and I think its wonderful,” said Margaret Bach, 90, one of the 26 seniors who attended the event. During the brunch, Father Criscitelli asked if there was anyone present that was 99 years old. No hands went up. “Is anyone 98?” he asked. Ninety-eightyear-old Phoebe Nosker enthusiastically raised her hand. He asked her what her

or visit WWW.ARCHSPM.ORG to download a paper nomination form.

Fundraiser set for Cretin-Derham Hall grad battling injury The Joy Recovery Project will hold a fundraiser from 6 to 11 p.m. Aug. 10 at Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul. The organization was created by friends and family of 20-year-old Ellie Cizek, a Cretin-Derham Hall graduate who is battling a severe brain injury. Cizek was in a skiing accident in Colorado in January. She was initially in a coma but is now recovering, according to a press release issued about the fundraiser. She is currently working toward the goal of living independently and returning to school at the University of Kansas. Her progress has been slowed, however, because insurance does not cover the cost of her recommended cognitive therapy,

secret is to a long life. “Always be happy,” she said. “Be kind to everyone.” Father Criscitelli sees these long-time parishioners giving stability and a sense of continuity to the parish community as they adapt to the changes they have experienced recently. “I see firsthand how very special they are and how fortunate we are to have them among us,” Father Criscitelli said. “ In a very real way, they are among the treasures of the Church and of our parish community.”

the press release stated. Tickets for the event are $25. For more information, or to order tickets, visit WWW.JOYRECOVERYPROJECT.ORG.

Japanese girls’ choir to perform at Cathedral The Junshin Singers, a girls choir from Nagasaki, Japan, will perform during the noon Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul on Aug. 11. The group is making its third trip to St. Paul since 2007 to celebrate the strong sister city relationship between St. Paul and Nagasaki that began in 1955. The singers are 14 students from Nagasaki Junshin High School and University. The girls will perform Nagasaki's peace anthem, “A Thousand Paper Cranes,” the Junshin school song, and the “Ave Maria.” The Junshin Singers will also perform at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 9 at Carondelet Village in St. Paul.

— Luke Bielawski, a 24-year-old Catholic, who is on a “Tee to Shining Tee” journey (WWW.GETONTHEGREEN.ORG) to hit a golf ball across the country with the goal of raising at least $100,000 to help youth receive a Catholic education at Providence Cristo Rey High School in Indianapolis

“I want children to know that what they have learned about Jesus aren’t just stories. The people who lived when Jesus walked the earth were real people and their lives were forever changed. I hope that my books will awaken a desire to know and love Jesus more deeply in the hearts of my readers.” — Daughter of St. Paul Sister Maria Grace Dateno, author of a new children’s book series titled “Gospel Time Trekkers,” about three young siblings who are mysteriously transported to the time of Jesus and encounter people who met him and were present for events described in the Gospels

“Even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect.” — Pope Francis, in a message released in the run-up to the annual Day for Life, celebrated by the Catholic Church in England and Wales July 28

Reconciliation Learning more about our faith The Catholic Spirit’s 4-page Rediscover: pullout section in each issue of 2013 highlights a new Rediscover: theme for you to reflect on and discuss with others. Coming up Aug. 15: The local Church

A sacrament that gives peace and strength

HEART OF THE MATTER Father Michael VAN SLOUN

ur sins get us down. For anyone with a conscience, sins are terribly bothersome. We do not feel good about what we have done. We do not feel good about ourselves. As our sins mount up, we become progressively more crippled. The weight of our remorse and sadness is enormous, and it causes us to be bent over, completely incapable of standing upright. Our heads are slumped down. Our eyes are downcast. We smile less.We are afraid. We feel empty inside. Sins rob us of our joy and happiness. A classic example would be the disciples huddled together in the Upper Room during Jesus’ Passion and after his burial. They sinned miserably. When the band of soldiers and the guards from the chief priests and the Pharisees came to arrest Jesus, Peter, a follower of the Prince of Peace, resorted to violence and committed a terrible sin when he cut off the ear of the high priest’s slave. As Jesus was apprehended, the disciples sinned when they fled and abandoned their Master.

The Catholic Spirit • August 1, 2013

When Peter denied Jesus in the high priest’s courtyard, he sinned again. When Jesus was on trial, the disciples failed to appear and testify on their Master’s behalf. As Jesus hung on the cross, the disciples were nowhere to be found. A friend to Jesus they were not.

‘Peace be with you’ The disciples disappointed Jesus. Our sins disappoint Jesus. Our sins are enough to make us want to crawl in a hole in the ground, or as the disciples did, hide themselves, barricaded behind locked doors in seclusion in the Upper Room, not only afraid of the Jews, but even more important, afraid of Jesus whom they had offended. The risen Jesus was aware that his disciples were depressed and miserable. Sins do that. As he prepared to enter the Upper Room, he was aware that they would cower in fear. So Jesus, filled with compassion, broke the silence with a merciful greeting, “Peace be with you” (John Please turn to SACRAMENT on back page of section

Rediscover-faith.org

“The forgiveness of Jesus gives peace to the sinner. It relieves the burden, reconciles the relationship, helps the person stand upright, puts a smile back on one’s face and restores lost joy.” Father Michael Van Sloun

How have you turned away? When John the Baptist first appeared in the desert of Judea, this was his message: “Repent, prepare the way of the Lord” (Matthew 3:2). Later, when Jesus began his ministry, he led with this message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). “Repent” is a powerful word. But what does it mean for you and me, here and now, more than 2,000 years later? It means the same as it did to the people walking around the dusty pathways in their sandals, trying to inch closer to Jesus as he passed through their town or village. Repent means “to turn back to God.” I find myself needing to turn back to God many times a day, in ways small and large. It is not a matter of guilt, and it is not a shameful thing. It is simply that at his side I am a better person — a better son, husband, father, brother, friend, employer and citizen. Over time, I have also come to realize, quite painfully, that when I turn away from God I am also turning my back on my true self. Do you need to turn back CELEBRATING to God today? Do you need to repent? We often turn away from God, sometimes in small ways, CATHOLICISM just for a moment, and at other times in much larger ways. Turning our backs on God is an inner action. It is quite Matthew possible for people to turn their backs on God and still go to KELLY church every Sunday. The external actions don’t guarantee the internal disposition. Have you turned your back on God? Very few people turn their backs to God completely. Most of us just turn our backs on him in one or two areas of our lives. Most of us turn our backs on God in one corner of our hearts. In what area of your life have you turned your back on God? The journey toward the-best-version-of-yourself is a journey away from the defects of the-present-version-of-yourself. The question that really presents itself to you, me and this modern age collectively is: Are we willing to turn back to God? Are we willing to be more attentive to what God is calling us to be? It is within this context that I speak about the beauty and genius of the practice of confession, or reconciliation. In my own personal journey, confession has played a very powerful role, “Confession is the helping me to strive to become the-best-versionperfect spiritual of-myself. I find confession to be a humbling but not a humiliating one. Above all, practice to rekindle experience, I find that it is an experience of liberation that enables me to reassess where I am in the journey, our passion for helps me to identify what is holding me back, and excellence in the encourages me to continue along the way. The sacrament of reconciliation is much more spiritual life.” than just confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness (though that in itself can be Matthew Kelly tremendously powerful both spiritually and psychologically). Confession is an integral part of the genius of Catholicism, which seeks to nurture the whole person and transform the entire world into a place where all men and women can live in the peace and joy of God. While any spiritual exercise can be helpful in our journey, I find regular confession to be a particularly powerful tool. People striving to excel in any area of life want to know their weaknesses so they can work to overcome them. This striving for excellence is precisely what needs to be re-ignited in Catholics today. Confession is the perfect spiritual practice to rekindle our passion for excellence in the spiritual life.

Receiving the gift of grace When I close my eyes in prayer, I see the-person-I-am and the-best-version-ofmyself side by side, and I am challenged to change. This is what takes place in confession. We prepare by asking ourselves some soul-searching questions in an examination of conscience. Those questions give birth to the dual vision of the person we are at this moment and the person we are capable of becoming. We then bring our faults, failings and flaws to God. Through this process we open ourselves up to God and the mysterious gift of grace. This grace often takes the form of a stronger desire to become a-better-version-of-ourselves. Grace is the power of God alive within us. It heals the wounds that our sins have created and helps us to maintain moral balance. Grace helps us to persevere in the pursuit of virtue. It enlightens our minds to see and know which actions will help us become all God has created us to be. Grace inspires us to love what is good and shun what is evil. Grace is not a magical illusion. It is mystical and real. I come to this sacrament to reconcile with myself, with God and with the community. Confession is not just a cleansing experience; it is also a strengthening experience. It also increases our desire for holiness, and that is a desire we should fan with all our energy. Kelly is an international best-selling author, speaker and founder of The Dynamic Catholic Institute.

The Catholic Spirit • August 1, 2013

Climbing towers? No problem. Goi At least that’s what Dan Weber thought until his son and parish pastor changed his mind

Daniel was 9 or 10, Dan’s mother urged him take them to faith formation so they could ceive the sacraments of penance and Commu ion.

By Dave Hrbacek

Child’s challenge

The Catholic Spirit

Dan Weber regularly climbs to what may be the highest point in downtown St. Paul. He walks the stairs to the roof of the First National Bank Building on Minnesota Street, which sits 31 stories and 402 feet high. That’s the easy part. Then comes the nerverattling ascent to the top of the “1st” sign that shines like a beacon on most nights. He climbs an aging ladder and hopes that the piece of fabricated metal will not collapse under his weight. “It’s scary,” said Weber, 46, a member of Sacred Heart in Rush City. “The first time I did it, I remember I got halfway up and I almost came back down. “You get that high and look down and you can no longer see the roof of the building. You can just see down to the street. You really feel like you’re out there.” As part of a family-operated electrical company, he is called upon to repair electrical problems on the brightly lit sign. He keeps hoping someone else will take a turn on the roof. But, every time, he’s the one who ends up making the climb. Yet, ascending the heights of downtown St. Paul pales in comparison to what he said was a more daunting challenge he faced about 10 years ago — going to confession.

Troubled times Though he was raised Catholic, he abandoned his faith during high school, then eventually dropped out. He met a girl and ended up getting her pregnant three times. Each time, they chose to abort the baby. He dutifully drove her to the abortion clinic on all three occasions, then sat in his truck waiting for her to come back out. The third time, she needed to make two visits to complete the procedure. After the first visit, the two drove to Phalen Park in St. Paul. He will never forget what happened at the park after the two sat down on a swingset. “I remember sitting there with her and all of a sudden, she got up and she grabbed her stomach and she said, ‘Oh my God, Dan, the baby’s doing flip flops.’” he said. “And, she ran off crying, and I ran behind her. I’ll never forget that moment. That moment as I was running behind her, it was like a dream.” In those few seconds of chasing after her, the horror — and the truth — of what was happening landed on his mind and heart. “I realized, ‘We’re killing a human being.’” he said. “That ruined my soul. That was a defining moment in my life.” He tried to numb the pain and regret with marijuana and alcohol, but it didn’t work. As he would find out several years later, there was only one remedy — the sacrament of reconciliation. Not long after the third abortion, he broke up with the woman. Then, he met a girl named Amy and the two started dating. She became pregnant; they chose to have the baby, and they got married. Still, they did not go to church, and did not have their first-born, Lauren, baptized. Same with their next child, Daniel. Several years later, the the children were baptized, and then, when

Having caused his devout Catholic moth such pain during his rebellious years — she on threw him out of the house, leaving his belon ings out in the yard and locking the door — D decided to honor her wishes. While the kids were attending their week classes, Dan received a telephone call that it w time for Daniel to make his first confession, a a parent needed to be there. Dan chose to g but stopped short of receiving the sacrame himself. Daniel noticed that his father was staying in the pew, In his own and he began to protest. Visit Redis “He’s like, ‘Dad, I’m a video o not going.’” Dan said. journey o “And, I said, ‘You have to go, just go.’” But the young boy persisted. Dan was too e barrassed and scared to head to the confession yet he was determined to see his son do so. “I said, ‘It’s easy. Just go back there and t him some things you’ve done wrong,’” Dan sa “And, he stood up and he looked at me and sa ‘Why do I have to do this if you don’t do it?’ That remark stabbed Dan’s heart. Dan ma up his mind to go, after eventually persuadi his son to do it. But, after getting up seve times to go to the confessional that day, backed down each time. What fueled his reluctance was the sense shame over his past. With his long list of tran gressions, he was convinced that if he shared with a priest, he would “never be able to sho my face around here.” He thought he would get kicked right out the church. Little did he realize that, in just tw weeks, he finally would be healed of what called the “black daggers” — his name for t sins he had committed.

Change of heart

Not long after the episode with his son, was cutting wood on his property in Rush C on a Saturday afternoon. As he swung his lar axe and drove it into a log, it got stuck. Af trying unsuccessfully to pull the axe loose, flung it away in anger, jumped into his pick and drove into town. He saw the church of Sacred Heart and slow down. He thought about pulling in, but dro past it instead. He circled around and tried aga Once more, he steered clear of the parking l Finally, on the third try, he summoned the ner to pull the truck onto church property. “I went walking in there and there was nobo in there,” he said. “I walked up to the front the church and the church was dark. And turned around to leave, and there’s a . . . pri standing right there named Father Xavier Th lakkatt. I said, ‘Do you do confession?’ And, said, ‘Yeah.’ And, I said, ‘Well, I need to go.’ An we went to the back of the church and just in the pew. “I told him everything. And, he just sat the When I got all done, I was crying. I was bawli my eyes out. And, he took my hands and held them really tight. And, he said, ‘I resp your courage.’ I thought, ‘My courage?’ I’m l the biggest coward around. And, he sat th and told me all kinds of great things. I’ll nev

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forget it. He told me how God would forgive me no matter what.” In those few minutes, the black daggers were pulled out, and the healing began. He sang in his truck all the way home and made a decision to start going to Mass on Sunday. He hasn’t missed a Sunday since, he said.

Serving others Father Thelakkatt (who has since become pastor at St. Albert in Albertville and St. John the Baptist in Dayton) eventually asked him to start working with youth several years ago. Dan now teaches confirmation classes to teenagers preparing to receive the sacrament. And, in educating them about things like the fruits of the Spirit, he also stresses the importance of receiving forgiveness in the confessional. And, he says, the kids are heeding his advice. “They all have said to me they love confession,” he said. Nothing brings such great joy to him as seeing a young person experience the joy of reconciliation. Well, something else comes close. After praying to God that he could help a young woman choose not to have an abortion, he got his chance to make a difference when he made a connection with a crisis pregnancy center in Cambridge. “I walked into a Pregnancy Resource Center because I was asked if I could deliver these baby bottles,” he said. “The lady there asked me if I would be interested in volunteering there. I used to say to God, ‘Help me tell one kid not to have an abortion. Please help me just tell one kid.’ For seven years now, I’ve been a men’s ministry coordinator at the pregnancy center in Cambridge. I counsel young kids that come in there that

want to have abortions, the boys and the girls.” Dan has even taken his testimony of forgiveness into the Isanti County Jail, where he sat down with a man who was arrested for murdering his 6-week-old child. In fact, that man was the first person he helped while volunteering at the pro-life center. The man was arrested in 2006 and charged in the death of his infant son, Jonah. Dan had met him at the center six months earlier when the man attended one of his programs for dads. After the initial shock at hearing the news, Dan decided to pay him a visit at the jail. The visit went so well that the man later said the only person he wanted to see was Dan. “We would read the Bible together and talk,” Dan said. “He’s since been sentenced to life in prison and he’s at the Rush City Correctional Facility. I still see him once in a while, as often as I can try to get in there. For a year and a half, it was every Monday night.” And, what of the boy whose protest in the pews spurred his father to make a much needed trip to the confessional 10 years ago? “He goes to church every Sunday,” Dan said, of his son, now 19 and a student at St. Cloud State University. In the course of his volunteer work at the crisis pregnancy center, Dan has encounters with people who have backgrounds just like his. And, he’s not shy about offering his perspective. “I can’t tell you how many Catholic people come to me and say, ‘You know, I grew up Catholic and got away from the Church,’” Dan said. “‘And, after hearing your story, it makes me really want to think about going back to the Catholic Church.’ So that’s what keeps me going.”

There’s nothing like scraping dried macaroni and cheese out of a pot to make you feel defeated. While everyone else was munching on kale, sprinkling flaxseed on their Greek yogurt and tweeting photos of their Dr. Oz-approved meals, the height of your culinary ambition was a packet of powdered cheese. And you didn’t even marshal the energy to rinse out the pot when you were done. But tomorrow you may be picking up plump raspberries at the farmers’ market, plotting a fresher dinner, so don’t be too hard on yourself. The older I get, the better perspective I have on the low points in a day: They will come and go — sometimes remarkably quickly — and you will be fine. Sometimes you just have to let them ride out, REFERENCE bearing down and remembering how much better the situation may look after a short walk, a long talk, POINTS a hot bath or a good night’s sleep. I find myself quoting Anne of Green Gables, Christina rebounding from a disastrous attempt to impress the CAPECCHI minister’s wife with a homemade layer cake. “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” What a great comfort, that we can do better tomorrow, sleeping soundly in the promise of a new day. It is an American virtue. It is an optimistic one. And, ultimately, it is a Catholic one. As Catholics we have access to the sacrament of reconciliation, a chance to absolve our sins, to wipe the slate clean.

Revealing God’s mercy

For

In popular culture, confession is a low-hanging reflection fruit for comics and cartoonists. But the cheap In what ways have jokes dismiss the depth of the sacrament, you felt God’s conveying it as a punishment and not a privilege. mercy and love Pope John Paul II corrected that notion, saying, after going to “The confession boxes of the world in which confession? people bring their sins to light do not proclaim the severity of God, but above all they speak of his merciful goodness.” My favorite explanations of the sacrament frame it in similarly positive terms. Take Jennifer Fulwiler, a popular Catholic blogger who wrote: “I know that God doesn’t need us to participate in the sacrament of confession. He knows our hearts and doesn’t need any kind of formality in order to grant us forgiveness. But from my experience, I think I know why he has given us this beautiful ritual: for us. It’s a gift. It’s a way for him to allow us humans to have something tangible to cling to in our fallen world, to better feel the tragedy of sin and the glory of his perfect love.” In his book “Introduction to the Devout Life,” St. Francis de Sales asserted that a humble, heartfelt confession can be “welcome and sweet” because it honors God, “and there is always something soothing in fully telling the physician all the details of our pain.” When you confess, he added, you exercise “humility, obedience, simplicity and love, and by this one act of confession you practice more virtue than in any other.” If your heart is as crusty as yesterday’s Mac & Cheese, don’t fear: Absolution is awaiting. No matter how much you’ve messed up, no matter how entrenched you are in sin, confession can totally free you. “As far as the East is from the West,” David the Psalmist reassures us, “so far have our sins been removed from us.” This stands in stark contrast to the quick fixes we see on reality TV, where dramatic turnarounds readily come undone. Weight-loss champions rediscover donuts and pack on the pounds. Bachelors break off their high-profile engagements. Families lose their fancy new homes to foreclosure. But we can receive a sacrament that unlocks extreme grace to power an extreme makeover, which begins with the hope that we can do a little better tomorrow. Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights.

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Book club members support each other in returning to sacrament of reconciliation

Sacrament of reconciliation strengthens us to live holy life

By Susan Klemond

20:19), words that mean, “I forgive you.” The forgiveness of Jesus gives peace to the sinner. It relieves the burden, reconciles the relationship, helps the person stand upright, puts a smile back on one’s face and restores lost joy. The forgiveness that Jesus imparted in the Upper Room is the same forgiveness that is granted to the penitent in the sacrament of reconciliation. In fact, the words of absolution say, “Through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace.” Jesus desperately wanted his message to get through, so he said, “Peace be with you,” not once, not twice, but three times (John 20:19, 21, 26). Jesus repeated himself for emphasis to drive home the point that his disciples, whom he forgave in person, and each of us, who Jesus forgives through the ministry of the priest in the sacrament, is truly absolved and blessed with peace. Jesus wants us to be happy! After we have been forgiven, Jesus wants to strengthen us to go forth, restored and empowered by his grace, to live a holy and virtuous life and to serve God and neighbor. Jesus gave his disciples a commission after they were forgiven: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21). After the sacrament of reconciliation, similarly we are sent forth. But the disciples were not sent away empty-handed. Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the holy Spirit” (John 20:22). The Holy Spirit is a rich source of spiritual power that enabled the disciples to do many signs and wonders. Likewise, the grace of the Holy Spirit that we receive through absolution empowers us to do great and mighty deeds that give glory to our Father in heaven.

For The Catholic Spirit

When Gina Peschel reached the chapter on confession last winter in Matthew Kelly’s book “Rediscover Catholicism” she thought she’d skip it. The parishioner of Our Lady of Grace in Edina hadn’t received the sacrament in more than 20 years and didn’t feel comfortable. “I guess I was of the era when we were doing confessions in the dark room with the screen,” she said. But with her parish Rediscover: book club, Peschel did read and discuss the chapter. Then club leader Renee Allerheiligen invited her and the 13 other moms in the club — all of whom have children at OLG School — to go as a group to receive the sacrament individually at a Lenten parish penance service in order to support each other. Leaving her comfort zone, Peschel said she “ended up going and having a wonderful experience with it and having a new outlook on it — that it is more of God not wanting you to feel guilty.” She said the book club and going to confession represent deeper spiritual involvement than she’s experienced in the past. She shared her experience with other club members, some of whom also hadn’t received the sacrament in a number of years, as they met afterward at Allerheiligen’s home to celebrate. Allerheiligen decided to invite the women to confession, as some of them had talked about their children’s positive experiences with the sacrament in school. Some club members were apprehensive, but many were glad for the opportunity to go to confession and support one another, she said. “It was probably one of the most grace-filled highlights of our year so far in terms of that real encounter with Christ, and also it was a real concrete action of putting our faith into practice,” she said. The club, which has met since the beginning of the year when the archdiocesan Rediscover: initiative began taking root, is one of more than 500 Rediscover book clubs with a total of about 5,000 members that have come out of the initiative. In forming the club she leads, Allerheiligen sought mothers who knew each other casually but not necessarily in a faith context.

“It was probably one of the most gracefilled highlights of our year so far in terms of that real encounter with Christ, and also it was a real concrete action of putting our faith into practice.” Renee Allerheiligen, speaking about her book club’s decision to invite members to go as a group to receive the sacrament of reconciliation individually Although she had attended annual communal penance services, Amy Murnan was nervous about making a private confession for the first time in 10 years. “The longer you wait the more difficult it does get,” she said. “Exactly what I needed was this group to push me along to go.” She said she felt a lightening of the burden afterward and has found it easier to go to confession on her own since. The book club and the Rediscover: initiative have helped Murnan keep faith at the forefront when life is busy, she said. “It’s been that weekly reminder that I’m on this journey,” she said. “I have these goals to enrich my faith in certain areas, and I have this group that is wanting the same things and we’re all supporting each other.” From Rediscover: Peschel found encouragement to pray more and take her faith to a new level. Referring to her past experience, she said, “Praying together? Not so much. Talking about God? . . . Being in a setting where you talk about your faith and prayer, deeply and read about it and talk about it and pray about it? No, not like that.” Now, she said, that has changed. Book club members will again focus on prayer as they start a new book this fall, Allerheiligen said. “Now that we’ve realized that we can have a personal encounter with Christ through our faith, that he’s with us on this journey every step of the way, that’s what keeps people coming, as well as the friendships and support that we give to one another.”

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Father Van Sloun is pastor of St. Bartholomew in Wayzata.

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The Catholic Spirit • August 1, 2013

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