February 2021
MONTHLY DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER
LINKS
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE
Please feel free to put the Sunday TV Mass
in your parish bulletins at www.stcdio.org/tvmass.


February 6-7 ♦ World Day for Consecrated Life – World Day for Consecrated Life will be celebrated in parishes on the weekend of February 6-7. Please pray for all those who have made commitments to the consecrated life, and be sure to thank them on their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God's gift of their vocation. For resources, visit https://www.usccb.org/committees/clergy-consecrated-life-vocations/world-day-consecrated-life.

February 6-7 ♦ Bishop's Annual Appeal Announcement Weekend – In preparation for the 2021 annual appeal, parish kits were mailed January 22. This includes the Spanish-language kits for the nine parishes with Hispanic ministries. Follow-up emails were also sent with electronic versions of the instructions and Bishop Kettler's message. If your parish has not received them, please contact Anna Kampa at [email protected] or call (320) 258-7654.

February 13-14 ♦ Bishop's Annual Appeal Commitment WeekendThe theme for the 2021 Appeal flows from the Eucharist and is “Gifts Offered by Human Hands”. We are deeply grateful for all the support diocesan ministries receive through the help and participation of our pastors and parish staff. The first solicitation to parishioners will be mailed on February 11. The diocese's goal this year is $1,400,000. All gifts received will be used exclusively to support the ministries of the Diocese of St. Cloud.

February 17 ♦ Ash Wednesday – This year, in the Diocese of Saint Cloud, we will follow the guidance recently issued by the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments in its Note on Ash Wednesday: Distribution of Ashes in Time of Pandemic ( https://stcdio.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Note-on-Ash-Wednesday-002.pdf). Ashes should be sprinkled on the top of people's heads rather than using them to make a cross on people's foreheads.

February 21 ♦ 2021 Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion – This liturgy will be celebrated on Sunday, February 21 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Mary. All catechumens, as a part of their faith journey to the Easter Sacraments at the Easter Vigil in 2021, must be present at the Rite of Election. The Church has gifted us with this wonderful rite and we are called to celebrate it to its fullest. If for a serious pastoral reason, a catechumen is unable to participate in this liturgy he or she must contact the Office of Worship to discuss the options available. Protocols connected to COVID-19 will be followed and adapted as the Bishop indicates in the coming months. You are asked to register all catechumens and candidates by completing the forms on the Office of Worship webpage: https://stcdio.org/catechumenate-rcia-process/riteofelectionandcall/. Please register by February 5, 2021.

February 27 ♦ Virtual Catholic Men’s ConferenceAs Lent begins, this retreat/Bible study will have five presenters who will facilitate reflection opportunities on the Sunday Gospels of the Lenten season. Our presenters are Fr. Scott Pogatchnik, Fr. Tom Knoblach, Fr. Doug Liebsch, Fred Blonigan and Ryan Parsons. Visit the following webpage to register https://stcdio.org/catholic-mens-conference-2021/.


Ash Wednesday Home Service  Catholic Education Ministries and the Office of Worship have collaborated on an Ash Wednesday Home Service to be used by those not wanting to participate in in-person services this Ash Wednesday. This resource, along with other Lenten resources, can be found at https://familytogether.stcdio.org/.
NOTES FROM THE CHANCERY
Office of the Vicar General ♦ Rev. Robert Rolfes ♦ (320) 251-2340

• Bishop Kettler announced recently in a letter to pastors that in-person gatherings and social activities are permitted again at parishes in the diocese effective Sunday, Jan. 31. The letter as well as updated COVID-19 protocols for parish/diocesan ministries can be found at https://stcdio.org/coronavirus-update.

• A version of Fr. Tom Knoblach’s column about the morality of currently available COVID-19 vaccines (previously published in the January issue of The Central Minnesota Catholic) is now available as a bulletin insert to help answer questions parishioners might have about the vaccine. You can download the bulletin at https://stcdio.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Covid-19-Vaccine-bulletin-insert-002.pdf. Please feel free to reproduce it. Fr. Tom serves the diocese as consultant for healthcare ethics.

• An email was circulating again recently purporting to be from Bishop Kettler. The email claimed that the bishop has a request he needs handled discreetly. This email is a scam. If you receive one of these emails, please do not respond to it. Never reply to an email if you have suspicions about the sender, especially if it has anything to do with requests for money. A similar scam has used the names of priests in the diocese. If you are unsure if an email is from Bishop Kettler, please contact the Chancery at (320) 251-2340.


NOTES FROM THE DIOCESAN OFFICES
David Fremo ♦ (320) 251-0111
 
Celebrate Catholic Schools – January 31– February 6 – It’s Catholic Schools Week! Each year, the National Catholic Educational Association invites Catholic schools across the US to participate in prayer, service and activities that make their light shine. This has been a school year of particular challenges and opportunities, and our Catholic schools have been able to continue their growth as communities of faith and learning, each step of the way. We are so grateful for our Catholic school families and supporters who have helped in ways big and small to see that our ministry of hope and love is alive and well. Want to learn more? Contact your local Catholic school or visit their website to see how they are celebrating this year. Learn more about Catholic Schools Week at https://www.ncea.org/csw/Home_Page/CSW/Catholic_Schools_Week.aspx.

Video Prayer Service: You can join the celebration of Catholic Schools Week at home with this year’s video prayer service, featuring Bishop Kettler and scenes of life from all of our schools. The video will be available on February 1 on the Diocese of Saint Cloud's YouTube page. http://bit.ly/3olIiGq
 
Sacramental Prep for Confirmation Resources – Resources for the preparation of the Sacrament of Confirmation can be found under Catechetical Resources on the resources page of CEM’s website, https://stcdio.org/cem/cem-resources/. We have recently added the text for Sacramental Preparation Guidelines for Confirmation and materials for a “virtual” Confirmation retreat.   
 
Emmaus Institute – As Catholics, we have the greatest story to tell – the story of Jesus Christ. Our parishes, now more than ever, need well-formed leaders to help tell the story. Do you feel called to be a witness in your parish and community? Do you know someone who could benefit from theological and ministerial formation? The Emmaus Institute invites you to develop your faith with others seeking the same goal. For more information, visit www.stcdio.org/Emmaus-Institute or contact Kristi Bivens at (320) 258-7642 or [email protected]
 
Becoming Eucharist: Mealtime Table Talk for Families  In addition to the monthly printables Catholic Education Ministries has available for parishes and families to share, CEM is adding weekly mini-retreat reflection videos for Lent. These videos and printables can be accessed at http://familytogether.stcdio.orgAll resources are available in English and Spanish! The goal is to offer resources for families, small groups and individuals, as well as to serve as a model parishes can use for faith sharing.

National Cathoilc Youth Conference (NCYC 2021): The Diocese of Saint Cloud is gathering interested participants for NCYC 2021: Ablaze • Enciende El Fuego taking place in Indianapolis November 18 -20. Visit the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry’s event site at https://nfcym.org/featured-events/ncyc/ for more information about this exciting event. Anyone interested in attending should contact Kent Schmitz at [email protected].

Faith Formation and Youth Ministry Leaders will be participating in Zoom meetings on Monday, February 1 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and Wednesday, February 17 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Reminders, topics, speakers, and Zoom links will be emailed to parish leaders soon. If you would like to be added to the email list for these meetings, please contact Laura Gorder at [email protected].

 

Joe Towalski ♦ (320) 258-7624

2020 Bishop’s Annual Appeal Update – As of December 31, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for 2020 raised total cash of $1,373,566* toward our goal of $1,300,000 (105.67%). This was made possible through the generous donations of 9,294 people throughout the 16 counties of our diocese. If you would like to know how your parish is completed the year, please contact Anna Kampa at [email protected] or (320) 258-7654.

Diocesan staff and beneficiaries of the Bishop's Annual Appeal ministries created a short video to thank all those who contributed a gift in 2020. You can view the video at: https://youtu.be/9svlbi4SLko. Please feel free to share it on your social media channels.

2021 Bishop’s Annual Appeal – The theme for the 2021 Appeal flows from the Eucharist and is “Gifts Offered by Human Hands”. We are deeply grateful for all the support diocesan ministries receive through the help and participation of our pastors and parish staff.

The goal for the 2021 Appeal is $1,400,000. This is an increase of $100,000 or 7.69% over 2020. It is the first time the goal has been raised since 2016. 

Dates for the launch are:   
  • Announcement Weekend: February 6 – 7
  • Commitment Weekend: February 13 – 14

Parish kits were distributed the week of January 18. Some of you may notice that the quantity of in pew envelopes is greater than you indicated in your survey. This is because it is necessary for parishes to have some envelopes for distribution. The nine parishes that provide ministry to the Hispanic community also received additional parish kits in Spanish.  If you have not received your parish kit(s), please contact Anna Kampa at (320) 258-7654 or [email protected].

This year, for the first time, the Bishop's Annual Appeal will include an additional "virtual" kick-off event: "Dessert with the Bishop." This event will air at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16 on the diocese's social media channels. Join Bishop Kettler for dessert featuring his mother’s special crepe recipe and take a tour of the ministries serving the people of the diocese. The evening will also include a brief keynote address and music. Watch for an email invitation. Questions? Contact Joe Towalski at [email protected] or (320) 258-7624.


Patrick Flynn ♦ (320) 252-4721

Natural Family Planning Instruction for February & March 2021
Instruction will be by personal appointment following COVID precautions or virtual by Zoom or Google Meetings. A First Instruction in the Billings Ovulation Method will be offered in:
Little Falls: Tuesday, February 2 & March 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Long Prairie: Monday, February 22 & March 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Rice: Monday, February 1 & March 1 at 6:30 p.m.
Sauk Centre: Monday, February 15 & March 15 at 6:30 p.m.
St. Cloud: Thursday, February 18 & Monday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m.
St. Michael: Tuesday, February 2 & March 2 at 6:00 p.m.
Wadena: Friday, February 26 & March 26 at 5:30 p.m.

For additional sites, information/register, visit www.stcdio.org/omf/nfp or contact Sheila Reineke at [email protected] or (320) 252-4721 ext. 308.

Sunday, March 6/7 – Safe Haven Sunday – The weekend of March 6/7 is dedicated to bringing about awareness of the negative impacts of pornography on individuals, marriages, families and society. Safe Haven Sunday weekend is set aside by dioceses and parishes to directly address the harms of pornography in an appropriate way. Within the context of the Mass, dioceses and parishes are able to provide teaching and resources that will support and protect individuals, marriages and families in making all homes a safe haven. It is inspired by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ formal statement Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography. Year 3 Parish Resources can be found at https://www.covenanteyes.com/resources/parish-resources-year-3/.

Saturday, March 20 – Spanish Speaking Marriage Course – This could be virtual, otherwise, it will be held in St. Cloud at the Pastoral Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Couples should register at least two weeks before the course and include the $110 registration fee per couple. For more information contact Janet at [email protected] or (320) 258-7616 or register at https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/.

Saturday, March 27 – 2nd Marriage Course – This could be virtual, otherwise, it will be held in St. Cloud at the Pastoral Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Second Marriage Preparation Course is for couples preparing to marry after the death of a spouse or an annulment. Marriage preparation must be completed at least three months before the date of the wedding celebration. It is recommended you complete the course well in advance (six months or more). Many couples take the course one year before their wedding. For more information, visit https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/.

Thursday, April 15 – Catholics at the Capitol – There is no time more important than now to speak out in defense of life and dignity at the State Capitol! Even just a handful of people can influence the laws passed by our elected officials; just imagine the impact of every Catholic voice joining together!

Catholics at the Capitol is designed for YOU! Whether you are an "old pro" in the political arena, exasperated with divisive politics, or someone who doesn't know where to begin, “CatCap” will fortify your faith, provide you with the hope needed to heal the cynicism and division in politics, and equip you to speak with your lawmakers.

Early Bird Ticket pricing through January 31. Children and students under the age of 22 can register at no cost. A free-will offering will be accepted if you ride one of the buses provided by the Diocese of St. Cloud. Find out more information at https://stcdio.org/event/catholics-at-the-capitol-2021/.

Saturday, May 1 – Honoring Marriage Day – This event will be held at the Cathedral of Saint Mary in Saint Cloud at 1:00 p.m. for couples celebrating their 5th, 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 60 plus anniversaries in 2021. Parishes are asked to send names and addresses of parishioners celebrating 5, 25, 40, 50, 60 & 60 plus years of marriage in 2021 to the Office of Marriage & Family, 305 7th Avenue North, Suite 100, Saint Cloud, MN 56303 or via email to Jan at [email protected] or fax (320) 258-7658 as soon as possible. Invitations will be sent to the celebrating couples.


Elizabeth Neville ♦ (320) 251-1100

The Mission Office is extending an invitation to the Catholics across the diocese to be part of a leadership committee to collaborate, spread awareness, coordinate events and plan future delegations. This includes relationships with our current partnerships in Kenya and Venezuela as well as expanding to include various other mission connections. We are looking for people who are passionate about mission and solidarity, have an interest in learning about and experiencing other cultures, have ideas about ways to promote and raise awareness surrounding these topics, have been on delegations or mission trips or just are excited to learn more about this. 

The first Mission Connections Leadership Team meeting will be held February 2 at 4:00 p.m. To find out more, contact Teresa Trout via email at [email protected] or by calling her at (320) 251-1100.

The Lenten Rice Bowl begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17. Please check out our website, www.mission.stcdio.org, for resources as well as your parish for Rice Bowl resources mailed directly for distribution. Remember to Pray, Fast and Learn!


Brenda Kresky ♦ (320) 251-2340

2020 parish profiles will be sent to each pastor by the end of February. These include July and October Mass counts for 2020. If you feel there are discrepancies please contact the planning office


Linda Kaiser ♦ (320) 251-2340
 
Thank you to all site administrators who have been working diligently to keep their site database current. All employees of parishes and schools must have background checks and safe environment training. Please be sure all your employees have up to date training and background checks. 
 
Keep working at getting the children and youth training completed. All training must be entered on the database by June 1
 
Please check out the new diocesan website for safe environment information.
https://stcdio.org/safe-environment/. This site gives you all the information a parish or school needs for the 2020-21 school year.


Kateri Mancini ♦ (320) 229-6020
 
Rural Life Initiative Conversations of Hope Series: Next session February 11 – Please share the below information in parish bulletins and announcements:
The diocese is invited to join us for the Rural Life Initiative’s monthly virtual sessions, Conversations of Hope: Sharing Community Concerns and Resources. Participants will pray and share together in a community conversation around pressing issues in our communities; community leaders will also be part of the conversation to answer questions and share ideas for how to address these community concerns. Join us the second Thursday of every month at Noon. Our next session, on February 11, will focus on Youth and Concerns Facing Young People. To join in this or any upcoming Conversation of Hope, email Kateri Mancini at [email protected] or register online (for one session or the whole series) at https://www.ccstcloud.org/services/social-concerns.

  • Please share the below information in parish bulletins and announcements: Catholic Century Farm Awards – Catholic Charities Social Concerns is now taking applications for the diocese’s third annual Catholic Century Farm Awards. Especially during this challenging year, our farmers have endured hardships and called upon their faith to help them persevere, and we want to honor them for that! If your family or members of your parish have been farming the same land for 100 years or more, please visit the following link for requirements and application form: https://ccstcloud.formstack.com/forms/catholic_century_farm_award Recipients will be honored at the annual Rural Life Celebration (pending pandemic regulations) or a special awards Mass with Bishop in August.

Day on the Hill – The Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC) is a state-wide advocacy group made up of the Catholic bishops, along with Protestant, Jewish and Muslim leaders from throughout the state. Together, these major faith traditions determine legislative advocacy needed to uphold our common values and enhance our state. Parishioners and parish staff are invited to join the Bishops and other JRLC members for the annual Day on the Hill, this year being held virtually on Thursday, March 11.  Please mark your calendars, and invite fellow Catholics to join in this opportunity for multi-faith prayer, education and advocacy. Find more information or register at the JRLC website: https://jrlc.org.

Greater St. Cloud Faith Leaders – Bishop Kettler helped found the Greater St. Cloud Faith Leaders group in response to the 2014 vandalism at a local mosque; the group has continued to meet and share in multi-faith messages and events ever since. The group has a new website, and we invite you to check it out at: https://faithleaders.us The site includes recent statements or prayers released by the group, as well as a community calendar in which you can find great ecumenical, community-building and justice-oriented events happening throughout the area.


Fr. Virgil Helmin ♦ (320) 251-6557

ANNULMENT PROCEDURE
 
The Tribunal of the Diocese of St. Cloud has established a policy that the annulment process will not be started until six months after issuance of the final divorce decree.
 
No wedding date must be set until an affirmative decision has been rendered.
 
The annulment process requires the following:

A) The petitioner contacts his/her parish priest or a Tribunal staff member in order to petition and begin the annulment procedure.

1. The petitioner needs to present the following documents at the time of the application:
 
a) Baptismal certificate and/or Profession of Faith of self and of former spouse.
b) Certificate of marriage and/or Validation and/or Dispensation
c) Divorce decree (Final Judgment).
d) Current address of former spouse.
 
2. The petitioner has a recorded preliminary interview (conducted by a parish
priest, deacon, parish minister or a Tribunal Staff Member) -OR- writes a
narrative that covers in depth the following factual information about the
petitioner and his/her former spouse:
 
a) Description of childhood and home life of self and former spouse. Alcoholism
or chemical addiction in family background?
b) Description of dating process and maturity of self and former spouse.
c) Description of how the decision to marry was reached.
 d) Description of ability to communicate and resolve conflicts.
 e) Description of problems that developed in the marriage and when they
began.
 f)  Description of attempted solutions to the problems.
 g) Description of performance of roles of husband/wife, father/mother.
 h) Description of how the decision to divorce was reached.
 
B) When there are ground(s) for a declaration of nullity, the Tribunal will contact both, the petitioner and the respondent.
 
C) Prior to the formal hearing, the petitioner must complete and return the witness list. Witnesses include 2-3 adult people who knew them prior to and during their marriage and can give us information about the marriage. At the time of the formal hearing, the petitioner must bring these witnesses in with them. A witness can be a brother, sister, parent, friend, co-worker, neighbor or a member of the wedding party. Witnesses should not all be relatives. We do not interview children of the marriage. At the formal hearing the petitioner and the witnesses will be questioned privately. 
 
D) If the petition comes to formal hearing the following will occur:
 
  1. All testimony is gathered and sent to the Court Members.
  2. The defender of the bond presents its brief to the Judge.
  3. Judge(s) renders a decision. Petitioner and respondent are notified.
  4. Both the petitioner and the respondent have the right to appeal the decision of the Court of First Instance. Also, both are notified of the decision and given 15 working days to review that decision and/or to appeal the decision.
  5. If the decision is not appealed by either person, the defender of the bond signs off on the waiver. Once that is returned to the Tribunal office the process is complete and the petitioner and the respondent are notified along with the parish of baptism and parish of marriage.
  6. A vetitum (prohibition) may be attached to the decision, requiring that either or both spouses must attend professional counseling with a counselor approved by the Tribunal before being allowed to marry in the Catholic Church.
 
The average length for the Tribunal to process a petition is 12 months. If the process is appealed by either parties, the process may take longer than 18 months. No wedding date can be set until an affirmative decision has been rendered. The Court could require that the person participate in an evaluation or counseling with their intended spouse. This requirement is made so that the future marriage may be happy and fulfilling. 
 
As of July 1, 2016, the Tribunal of the Diocese of St. Cloud no longer charges a set fee for annulments. If you wish to make a donation to help defray the cost(s) of the work of the Tribunal, it would be greatly appreciated. Please make checks payable to: Tribunal of the Diocese of St. Cloud. Or, you may go to: www.stcdio.org/pay to make an online donation, under “Tribunal – Annulments”. Thank you for your kind donation.


Fr. Scott Pogatchnik ♦ (320) 251-5001

Seminarian Posters/Trifolds – All parishes and Catholic schools received seminarian posters and trifolds. If you want additional posters or trifolds, please let Julie know at [email protected] or (320) 251-5001.

Seminary Visits – Do you have men seriously thinking about priesthood? Men ages 16 and up are invited to join these impactful days with seminarians to engage in daily Mass, adoration, discernment talks, visits to a classroom, listening to seminarians, open gym, and a night out with the seminarians of St. Cloud! When men actually meet real seminarians, all of the stereotypes break down! It is a game-changer for their ongoing discernment. Please contact Fr. Doug at the Vocation Office at (320) 251-5001.

Aaron Carpenter ♦ (320) 255-9068

Parish Rite of Sending – All parishes with catechumens preparing for the sacraments of initiation are strongly encouraged to offer the Rite of Sending. For your convenience, a copy of this rite has been posted on the Office of Worship webpage: http://worship.stcdio.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/01/Parish-Celebration-for-Sending.pdf. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron in the Office of Worship (320) 255-9068.

Chrism Mass and the RCIA – Please include the Chrism Mass (Thursday, March 25) on the parish’s RCIA schedule. Catechumens are strongly encouraged to be present with the team. The bishop will celebrate a dismissal with the catechumens who will then break open the readings and the ritual. The dismissal will take place after the blessing of the oils. To register your Catechumens for this, please contact Laura in the Office of Worship at (320) 258-7634.

Chrism Mass Processions – As we turn our attention in the Office of Worship toward the Chrism Mass, we are looking for volunteers to help with the procession of oil. If you have parishioners who would be interested in helping with processing in the oils please send their contact information to the Office of Worship. Possible candidates for this procession would include: Confirmation candidates, Catechumens, nurses or doctors, and expectant mothers.

Holy Oils – As we did last year, a standard “order” for each parish will be 4 oz. of each of the Oil of the Sick, Oil of the Catechumens and Sacred Chrism. If your parish wants to increase the amount received, your request must be submitted to the Office of Worship by March 1, 2021. Please make your request through the online form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwObsGS0-JTZVi-nKSlBwB7pG1GfrAXf8UlbWKXt5VdlPRXw/viewform.

All Holy Oils will be bottled and packaged and will be delivered to the Deans on Friday, March 26, 2021. Please DO NOT send your own vessels. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron at [email protected] or (320)255-9068.

Confirmation for Baptized Catholics – Bishop Kettler will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for adults (18+) at the Vigil of Pentecost on Saturday, May 22 at 5:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Mary. This is for Catholic candidates who are seeking to complete their Christian initiation. Each parish that is preparing adult candidates for this sacrament is strongly encouraged to send its candidates, along with their sponsors and families, to the cathedral for this Diocesan Confirmation Liturgy. Register at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Adult_Confirmation_2021.

2021 TV Mass Schedule Now Online – Thank you to the many people who support the ministry of the TV Mass for the Diocese of Saint Cloud. I’m sure you can imagine how important this has been over the past several months. Our viewership and requests for Living Liturgy guides has seen a substantial increase. The 2021 recording schedule is now live. All priests and musicians (along with lectors) are encouraged to take a look to see how you might be able to serve. Sign up here. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Worship at (320)255-9068.

Important dates:
Rite of Election – February 21
Chrism Mass – March 25
Confirmation of Adults – May 22

Bethany Tollefson ♦ (320) 251-2700 Ext. 54621

Faith Community Nurses shared experiences during the Rural Life Initiative’s Conversation of Hope: Sharing Community Concerns and Resources related to the senior population and the challenges of isolation. There are many initiatives and resources in place related to this topic and FCNs in the area are committed to reaching out. If you wonder who your Faith Community Nurse is in your region or parish, please reference the FCN Finder at https://www.centracare.com/services/spiritual-care-services/faith-community-nursing/find-a-faith-community-nurse/.

Save the Date – The Faith Community Nurse Partnership of Central MN will be offering a workshop on grief and will include speakers that will discuss self-care, complicated grief, and grieving during especially challenging circumstances. Mark your calendars for June 8th, 2021. More details to come.

Want to become a Faith Community Nurse or know someone who does? There will be an online Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Course offered on the following dates: May 20, 21, 27, and 28th. Please contact [email protected] for more information or reference the https://www.centracare.com/services/spiritual-care-services/faith-community-nursing/ for more information.  

Please see the January Newsletter at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hoqBeX3_G6Yej7aHJdMLiAAbXs3DhOCPA-FtJxptIRg/edit?usp=sharing for all of the details regarding upcoming events and links to additional resources.


Catholic Charities ♦ (320) 650-1641

Catholic Charities Mardi Gras Celebration – Thank you for attending Catholic Charities 39th annual Mardi Gras celebration on January 23! This year’s Celebration with a Cause again benefited Catholic Charities Emergency Services and Domus Transitional Housing. If you missed this year’s event, you can still watch our virtual program at ccstcloud.org/mardi-gras. We hope to see you at next year’s 40th annual Mardi Gras celebration on January 22, 2022!


Catholic Charities Senior Dining Frozen Meal Expansion Project – Catholic Charities Senior Dining has adapted services amid the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to serve our most vulnerable population. With all our congregate dining sites suspended since March, the Frozen Meal Expansion Project provides our community seniors with easy-to-prepare, healthy food options in a no-contact, drive-through format. 

These nutritious frozen meals meet one-third of the recommended daily allowance for seniors. The meals are packaged in oven-safe containers that are easy to heat in both conventional and microwave ovens. Meals are available in quantities of 10 and up to 30 per calendar month. Participants must be 60 years of age and older to be eligible, and all clients must complete an annual registration form. There is no cost to participate; however, donations are accepted.

There are currently 19 events scheduled in February at the time of writing, including Avon, Ogilvie, Mora, Hinckley, St. Cloud, Foley, Brainerd, Milaca, Pillager, Little Falls, North Branch, Askov, Long Prairie, Sandstone, Rush City, Sartell, Paynesville and Pierz. Visit ccstcloud.org/events for a current schedule of locations.

The project is partially funded under a contract with the Central Minnesota Council on Aging as part of the Older Americans Act. 

About Catholic Charities – The mission of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is to serve and enhance human dignity for people of all faiths and beliefs. Learn more at ccstcloud.org.


Happy Birthday to our Retired Priests

Reverend Tom Olson will celebrate his 74th birthday on February 22.
6221 19th St. N
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Telephone: (320) 217-5389