February 2022
MONTHLY DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER
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Please feel free to put the Sunday TV Mass
POSTPONED February ♦ Leadership Day 2022 – Leadership Day Resilience and Wellness has been postponed. Please watch https://conta.cc/3yMnhM3 for the most up to date information as we work on rescheduling.
We are still in need of priests to hear confessions at the Men’s Conference. Confessions will take place from 12:00 to 1:30 pm. As a volunteer you are invited to attend the entire conference at no cost. To have an accurate count for the conference and lunch, email Janet directly at [email protected] by February 11.
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Regional Ministry Gatherings – The next two Regional Ministry Gatherings will continue to focus on the synod:
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Wednesday, Feb. 9, 11 a.m. — "Our Impact on the Synod: Why does it matter locally? Philip Shefveland, a member of the diocesan synod team, will explore how the information we share through the synod process will have a lasting effect right here in our diocese.
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Thursday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. — "Your Voice in the Synod: How can you make a difference? Toni Hudock, a member of the diocesan synod team, will discuss how everyone can get involved and have their voice be heard. She also will unpack the consultation process so you know what to expect in the upcoming conversations.
Both gatherings are free and will be held on Zoom. Register for either or both at: https://stcdio.org/synod-2021-2023. Click on "Regional Ministry Gatherings for the Synod."
The first RMG in the synod series was held in January. It featured Kristin Colberg, associate professor at St. John's School of Theology and Seminary and the sole U.S. member of the synod's international theological commission. Her recorded presentation — "The Heart of the Synod: What is a synod and why are we having one now?" — can be viewed at https://youtu.be/1vR73rTEzbI.
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Be a Listener For the Synodal Church - Do you want to plant dreams, draw forth a renewed vision, allow hopes to be nourished, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, and learn from one another for the sake of the Church? Would you be a listener? The Diocese of Saint Cloud is seeking to listen to 12,000 people between February and May 2022. We are looking for listeners to help us in group and/or one-on-one settings. What will a listener do? A one-on-one listener will host a conversation with individuals (our goal is 8 to 10 people over three months) about their experience of faith and the Catholic Church for approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Afterward, the listener will submit summary notes to a diocesan database. Those we listen to will not be identified by name. A group listener will facilitate a group experience that includes prayer, silence, individual reflection, small group conversation, and large group sharing. The size of these groups will vary for each group. Summary notes will be taken and submitted to a diocesan database.
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Synod consultations are happening throughout the diocese now through May. Each Area Catholic Community is asked to host as least one synod consultation. Consultations — both those open to the public as well as those for specific groups — will be listed on the diocesan synod webpage, https://stcdio.org/synod-2021-2023, under the heading Synod Listening Consultations/Gatherings.
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NOTES FROM THE DIOCESAN OFFICES |
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David Fremo ♦ (320) 251-0111
Catholic School Updates – It’s that time of year where our schools dive deep into learning and invite new families to see and experience the beauty of Catholic education. February is an exciting month of the school year! We pray for kind and generous hearts to support the work of our educators and students in many efforts: dinner auctions, events, challenge grants, concerts, festivals and more. Thank you to all for generously giving of your time and treasure; this ministry is made abundant by the hands of many. Please be sure to thank someone for their contributions–and ask them to pass it on!
Castaway Retreat and Planning meeting – Our annual 3-day high school retreat is scheduled for March 25-27, 2022 at the Young Life Camp near Detroit Lakes. All parishes of the diocese are invited to participate and help plan this faith-filled and impactful experience. Parish leaders may learn more about the weekend, enroll their parish(es) and register their group by visiting: https://stcdio.org/event/castaway/. The next planning meeting will be Friday, February 4th. Please visit: https://stcdio.org/event/castaway-2022-planning/ to register for February 4. Youth primary registration (excel file) is due Feb. 4. Reach out to Kent in CEM at 320-251-0111 Ext. 4 or [email protected] for more clarifying information or questions.
February 14 – Faith Formation and Youth Ministry Leader Gathering – The Faith Formation/Youth Ministry gathering scheduled for Monday, February 14 has been canceled. Ministers are encouraged to attend Leadership Day 2022: Resilience and Wellness on Thursday, Feb. 17.
Emmaus Institute – The first group of students have completed their work! We will be celebrating them and awarding them a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry from the Diocese of St. Cloud on Sunday, February 6 in the Abbey Church at Saint John’s University. Please pray for them as they celebrate their accomplishment.
As we move into 2022, perhaps it is time for you to consider joining us at Emmaus Institute. Registration for the 2022-2023 academic year is open. Anyone interested is welcome to come observe a class or two, in person or on Zoom! Please contact Kristi Bivens at 320-251-0111 or [email protected]. More information as well as registration materials can be found at https://stcdio.org/emmaus-institute/.
Zoom Retreat: Healing Divisions: The Science and Spirituality for Engaging in Polarized Times – Most of us struggle with finding peace in relationships, and how to remain in authentic connection with others who see important dimensions of the world in a radically different way. The contemplative stances and skills that we prayerfully cultivate on the retreat not only equip us with more skillful ways for engaging in dialogue about polarized topics, but also for navigating all those relational rubs that we can have with families, friends, and colleagues.
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Dates: Sunday, February 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Zoom.
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Full cost: $125.00. Generous subsidies are available; no one will be turned away due to full cost. Space is limited. Please register by January 28.
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For more information and to register: https://healingdivisions.org/healing-divisions-retreat. This event is sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls and Catholic Education MInistries.
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Joe Towalski ♦ (320) 258-7624
Bishop’s Annual Appeal for 2021 Achieves Goal! As of December 31, 2021, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal raised total cash of $1,525,906 toward our goal of $1,400,000 (108.99%). This was made possible through the generous donations of 8,645 people throughout the 16 counties of our diocese. If you would like to know how your parish completed the year, please contact Anna Kampa at [email protected] or (320) 258-7654. Thank you to everyone who contributed! Your generosity makes the work of diocesan ministries possible.
2022 Bishop’s Annual Appeal – The theme for the 2022 Bishop’s Annual Appeal — “Believe. Celebrate. Live.” — describes our response to the sacred mystery of the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. We are deeply grateful for all the support diocesan ministries receive through the help and participation of our clergy and parish staff.
The goal for the 2022 Appeal is $1,400,000.
Dates for the launch are:
- Announcement Weekend: February 12 - 13
- Commitment Weekend: February 19 - 20
You may have already received your parish kit for in-pew giving or will receive it very soon. 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 yet to receive your parish kit(s), please contact Anna Kampa at (320) 258-7654 or [email protected].
Electronic versions of the bulletin inserts, posters and bishop’s message will be emailed to parishes and can also be accessed on the diocesan website on Feb. 7 at www.stcdio.org/annualappeal. The video version of Bishop Kettler’s message is at also available on the site.
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Patrick Flynn ♦ (320) 252-4721
POSTPONED – Honoring Latino Marriage Day
This event is moved from January 29 to Saturday, May 14
This event will be held at St. Mary’s in Melrose from 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. This event is for all Latino couples who have received the Sacrament of Marriage. The bishop will celebrate Mass with the couples and their guests and offer a blessing to the couples. Parishes are asked to send names and addresses of married Latino parishioners 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.
February and March 2022 Natural Family Planning Instruction
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 1 & March 1 at 7:30 p.m.
· Long Prairie: Monday, February 28 & March 28 at 7:00 p.m.
· Rice: Monday, February 7 & March 7 at 6:30 p.m.
· Sauk Centre: Monday, February 21 & March 21 at 6:30 p.m.
· St. Cloud: Monday, February 28 & Thursday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m.
· St. Michael: Tuesday, February 1 & March 1 at 6:00 p.m.
· Wadena: Friday, February 25 & March 25 at 5:30 p.m.
February 11 – 13 – Worldwide Marriage Encounter – For more than 50 years, Worldwide Marriage Encounter has helped over 3.5 million couples in almost 100 countries unlock the power of their relationships with new ways to do the “I do.” The Marriage Encounter experience helps you listen, share, and connect more deeply. There’s no group discussion. It’s just about the two of you learning to be the best, most loving and thriving couple you can be. Nine in ten couples who attend a Marriage Encounter recognize a long-lasting positive effect on their lives. Apply at https://wwme.org/.
March 5 – Sponsor Couple Training – This event will be held at the Pastoral Center in St. Cloud from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please register couples by February 18 with names and contact information to Janet Dusek at [email protected] or (320) 258-7616. Your parish will be billed $125 per couple for the cost of training (which includes Fully Engaged supplies).
March 19 – Spanish Speaking Marriage Course – This event will be held at the Pastoral Center in St. Cloud from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Couples should register at least two weeksbefore 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/.
March 25 – March 27 – Beginning Experience Weekend – The loss of a loved one through separation, divorce, or death is one of life’s most traumatic experiences. Many people who have suffered this loss feel left out by their church, uneasy around married friends, unsure of themselves and uncertain about their futures. This program is intended for those suffering the loss of a love relationship through death, divorce or separation who are ready to come to terms with that loss and begin to move forward with their lives. More information can be found at https://beginningexperience.org/program/beginning-experience-weekend/
March 26 – 2nd Marriage Course – This event will be held at the Pastoral Center in St. Cloud 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, go to https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/.
May 7 – Honoring Marriage Day – This event will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Alexandria from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for couples celebrating their 5th, 10th, 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 60 plus anniversaries in 2022. Parishes are asked to send names and addresses of parishioners celebrating 5, 10, 25, 40, 50, 60 & 60 plus years of marriage in 2022 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.
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Elizabeth Neville Brown ♦ (320) 251-1100
February 1– Please join us for our Mission Connections Team meeting at 4:00 in the Mission Office. This team works to promote and support our different mission connections we have around the globe, including our diocesan partnerships in Kenya and Venezuela. We also are active in forming and educating ourselves in all areas of mission animation, Catholic Social Teachings and mission documents. We would love to have you join us!
The 2022 schedule for Missionary Appeals for all parishes who are either doing a voluntary appeal or an every other year scheduled appeal should have received your paperwork in the mail. Please be sure to provide the information of the appeal process with your parish staff. These appeals can be scheduled anytime beginning now until September 1. Thank you for your willingness to bring to your parish/es these wonderful mission experiences!
March 2 – CRS Rice Bowl begins – You will be receiving your resources in the next couple of weeks to help prepare your community/ies for this wonderful form of solidarity. Please let us know if there is anything that you need for a successful 2022 Rice Bowl collection.
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Brenda Kresky ♦ (320) 251-2340
Parish Profiles – Individual parish profiles will be sent to all pastors by the first part of February. If you see any discrepancies, contact the Planning Office. We give a copy of the parish profile to the bishop when he visits the parish for Confirmation.
MissionInsite – We have purchased a license to use MissionInsite. This is a demographic tool that provides data on a variety of things including number/ages/types/finances of households in your area, ethnicities and socio-economics , 5 and 10 year projections for population, ages, etc. Making data driven decisions is helpful for long-term visioning and planning. Contact Brenda if you or someone you know in your ACC is interested in having access to the information in your ACC. Training sessions are coming in February.
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Linda Kaiser ♦ (320) 251-2340
The audit by the USCCB is scheduled for the week of February 14. This audit occurs every three years in the diocese. The last audit was completed in September 2019. This year there will be a remote audit which means parishes and schools will not be visited onsite but may receive a call from the auditors asking about their safe environment programs and protocols.
Thank you to pastors and site administrators for your support of the safe environment programs and policies of the Diocese of Saint Cloud.
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Kateri Mancini ♦ (320) 229-6020
Please share the below information in parish bulletins and announcements:
Day on the Hill – The Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC) is a statewide 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 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 on Tuesday, March 15. The event will be held virtually from 6:30-8:30pm. More information and registration is available at: https://jrlc.org/2022-day-on-the-hill Cost is $10; contact Social Concerns if you are in need of a scholarship.
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 fourth annual Catholic Century Farm Awards. If your family or members of your parish have been working the same land for 100 years or more, please visit the Rural Life section of the Social Concerns website for requirements and application form: https://www.ccstcloud.org/services/social-concerns. Or reach out to JoAnn Braegelman at [email protected] with questions. Recipients will be honored at the Rural Life Celebration Mass with the bishop in August.
Rural Life Fund – Just a reminder that Social Concerns has a Rural Life Fund, in which faith leaders (pastors, parish and diocesan staff and parish social ministry team leaders) can make a request for one-time financial assistance on behalf of an individual or family facing a difficult financial situation or emergency. Funds cannot be used to pay rent, mortgage or utilities, but all other requests (vehicle repairs, appliance replacement, medical expenses, and more) will be considered. If you have parishioners or community members in need and do not have the resources as a parish to assist them, please contact Kateri to learn more about this fund to see how we might be able to help!
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Fr. Virgil Helmin ♦ (320) 251-6557
The work of the Tribunal has continued throughout these months – but with the inability to meet in person with clients we have made several adjustments to meet the needs of the people. In this process the staff has chosen to make some adjustments to the annulment process.
The adjustments are as follows:
- The documents required are the same for each annulment process and are:
- baptismal certificates for both principals;
- marriage certificate
- divorce decree.
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For the formal annulment process, the petitioner can submit the completed form (Formal Petition (PDF) or Formal Petition (DOC)) and a narrative –or– participate in a telephone interview –or– appear in person at the Tribunal Office for a scheduled appointment.
- In the formal process, hearing the witnesses will not have to be in person at the Tribunal. The witnesses will be contacted by phone and the petitioner will assure the availability of the witnesses for a phone interview at a time designated by the Tribunal.
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Fr. Doug Liebsch ♦ (320) 251-5001
Totus Tuus Leaders Needed – We need 12 fabulous college students who are ripe for taking their faith to the next level. Please invite college students to apply to be a Totus Tuus team member. Totus Tuus offers them an intense summer of growing in their faith and sharing it with the younger generation. There’s more information at http://vocations.stcdio.org/totus-tuus/leaders/.
Andrew Dinner – Andrew Dinner with Bishop Kettler will be Thursday, February 10. Do you have young men grades 8-12 in your parish who have potential for a priestly calling? This simple and powerful night consists of evening prayer and dinner with Bishop Kettler, while priests share their vocation stories. Young men find it very meaningful and special to have a night with the bishop and priests! If you have young men wanting to attend this Andrew Dinner, please contact the Vocation Office at (320) 251-5001. Thank you!
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 meet real seminarians, all of the stereotypes break down! It is a game-changer for their ongoing discernment. Please contact the Vocation Office at (320) 251-5001.
Vianney Visit – Our next “Vianney Visit” to Saint John Vianney Seminary will be February 17-19.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Retreat Weekend – Our next “IHM Visit” to Immaculate Heart of Mary Retreat weekend is March 19-21.
2022 Vocations Events:
- Camp: June 21 – 23 – Avon
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UPDATED DATES: Bus Tour: July 11 – 13
- Paschal Challenge: August 13, 2022 – Sauk Centre
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Aaron Carpenter ♦ (320) 255-9068
2022 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 2022 recording schedule is live. All priests and musicians (along with lectors) are encouraged to take a look to see how they might be able to serve. Sign up at https://signup.com/go/SdRTAeO. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Worship at (320) 255-9068 or email [email protected].
March 6 – Rite of Election and Call to Continued Conversion – All catechumens, as a part of their faith journey to the Easter Sacraments at the Easter Vigil in 2022, 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 you must contact the Office of Worship to discuss the options available. Those candidates, already one with us in baptism, are strongly encouraged to participate in this liturgy. Register at https://stcdio.org/catechumenate-rcia-process/riteofelectionandcall/. Please register by February 18.
All Holy Oils will be bottled and packaged and will be delivered to the Deans on Friday, April 8. Please DO NOT send your own vessels. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron at [email protected] or (320) 255-9068.
June 4 – Confirmation for Baptized Catholics – Bishop Kettler will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for adults (18+) at the Vigil of Pentecost on Saturday, June 4 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. Registration at https://stcdio.org/adult-confirmation/.
Important Dates
- March 6, 2022 – RCIA: Rite of Election
- April 7, 2022 – Chrism Mass
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Bethany Tollefson ♦ (320) 251-2700 Ext. 54621
Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Virtual Course
Interested in becoming a Faith Community (Parish) Nurse or know someone who is? Save the dates for the May 2022 course.
May 12: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
May 13: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
May 19: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
May 20: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Faith Community Nursing (FCN) is a specialty of nursing that focuses on whole-person health. FCNs also help prevent illness in their communities. Some examples of how FCNs do this is through home and hospital visits and calls, educational offerings to church members or the wider community, connection to community resources, care group facilitation, baby blankets and prayer shawl ministry, as well as many other ministries.
Take the first step by talking to your clergy/leadership. It always works well to enter this ministry as a team; register for the Foundations of FCN class with a friend! A current RN license is required. Scholarships are available.
Do you know a nurse who might be interested in Faith Community Nursing? Encourage them to attend our Faith Community Nurse Partnership of Central MN virtual meeting on February 23 from 1:30-3 pm (right after the educational opportunity below) to find out what this ministry is all about. Let me know you are coming and I will get you additional details at [email protected] or call (218) 289-2380.
Virtual Mental Health First Aid for Faith Community Nurses
Friday, March 4
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Barbara Sutton ♦ (320) 363-3052
Book Companion on Radical Hospitality: Benedict’s Way of Love – Hospitality is at the heart of Christianity. Do you want to be on the gospel road to renewing the ancient Christian practice of radical hospitality? Do you want to expand your heart to welcome and care for those who are unlike us or different than us? Do you want to develop a small community of faith this Lenten season who will explore and have a deep conversation on radical hospitality? Each small community will be given up to six books: Radical Hospitality: Benedict’s Way of Love. These books can be ordered at www.thrivingmission.org You can also find a printable Companion Guide at the website. Cindy Gonzalez, keynote speaker from Diocesan Ministry Day in October will also lead a book study on ZOOM during Lent beginning Tuesday, March 8 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. or 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.. They will meet each Tuesday during Lent. Sign-up on the website. For more information contact Barbara Sutton at [email protected].
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Happy Birthday to our Retired Priests |
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Reverend Thomas Olson will celebrate his 75th birthday on February 22.
6221 19th Street N
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Telephone: (320) 217-5389
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