January 2022
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.


January Respect Life Month – The USCCB has prepared resources for parishes wanting to highlight the gift of human life through key January events and observances. For more details, check out the January Action Guide and other tools on the USCCB website https://www.respectlife.org/action-guides.

January 1 Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God – not a holy day of obligation this year. 

January 16 Vespers For Life – This event will be held at the Church of St. Anthony, 2405 1st St N, St Cloud. Rosary at 3:30 p.m. and Vespers at 4:00 p.m. Bishop Donald Kettler will preside at the Vespers service. The service includes music, prayer, scripture and reflection for the over 63 million children who have been aborted since 1973. Monetary donations accepted to Mother Mary’s Fund to assist crisis pregnancy centers in the Diocese of St. Cloud. The flyer can be seen on our website at https://stcdio.org/event/vespers-for-life/.

January 22 March For Life – The Diocese of St. Cloud is coordinating buses to St. Paul. Details are posted on our website at https://stcdio.org/event/march-for-life-in-st-paul/.

January 29 Honoring Latino Marriage Day – 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 jzylla@gw.stcdio.org or fax (320) 258-7658 as soon as possible. Invitations will be sent to the celebrating couples.

January 30 – February 5 Catholic Schools Week – Schools and parishes can find resources at https://www.ncea.org/csw/.  



Regional Ministry Gatherings – RMGs will return in 2022 beginning with a series of three gatherings this winter focused on the synod. The first gathering later in January will feature Kristin Colberg, associate professor of theology at St. John’s School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville and the sole U.S. member of the synod’s international theological commission. She will speak about the synod from a global perspective and the concept of synodality. Subsequent gatherings will focus on the synod locally, including how to get involved. These first three RMGs will be held via Zoom. RMGs focused on the National Eucharistic Revival will follow later this year. Watch for information coming soon regarding dates and times for the synod-focused gatherings. For the latest information about the synod — globally and locally — visit the diocese’s synod resource page at https://stcdio.org/synod-2021-2023

NOTES FROM THE DIOCESAN OFFICES
David Fremo ♦ (320) 251-0111
 
Catholic School Updates: As we celebrate a new year, let us pray for our Catholic schools, for the continued blessings of growth in the faith that builds a stronger future for our Church!  

Part of looking to the future is planning for our needs. Thank you to all staff, parents, friends and neighbors who have so generously supported our schools, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your gifts and sacrifices continue to help share the Gospel of Christ in our communities and world. 

Before long, schools will be preparing for the 2022-2023 school year. Catholic education is growing in Minnesota, and for good reason! Our schools are great places of learning, care and development. Our teachers and staff accompany children in their relationship with God, and prepare them for lives open to love and service. Know of a family interested in a Catholic school? Connect them with the principal – it’s never too early!

February 17 – Leadership Day 2022 – Principals, pastors, and directors of faith formation and youth ministry are invited to join Catholic Education Ministries for Leadership Day 2022: Resilience and Wellness. This event will take place at the Church of Saint Mary in Alexandria, on Thursday, Feb. 17 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The day includes a morning session with Dr. Jessica Werner from Northshore Coaching and Consulting. More information about Dr. Werner and Northshore Coaching and Consulting can be found at https://northshorecc.org/. The day also includes lunch and time for discussions on the progress made at the diocesan level for the 2021-2023 Synod: For a Synodal Church. Registration is limited. Please register before Friday, Feb. 11, at: https://conta.cc/3yMnhM3

Faith Formation and Youth Ministry Leader Gathering – Diocesan Confirmation Retreats – There is one confirmation retreat opportunity remaining for the 2021-2022 year. The Confirmation Retreat on February 5 will be held at the Central Minnesota TEC Center in Belle Prairie and has several spaces available. This retreat can host between 40-50 people, so sign up early at:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4CACA729A2F49-septemberThis link is for confirmation coordinators. Please do not share with parents or students. Each parish is requested to bring at least 1 adult leader per 8 students. Cost for the retreat is $40.00 per student and $15.00 per adult. If your parish would like to host a diocesan led confirmation retreat, please contact Kent Schmitz Kschmitz@gw.stcdio.org to schedule. 

First Things in Ministry Training: If you are new to parish ministry, CEM has a new endeavor to train you and your parish/ACC team(s), primarily in the areas of youth ministry and faith formation. We hope to have a few cohorts begin training in the next few months beginning in December or at the best timing for your ACC. Feel free to visit: https://nfcym.org/first-things/ for more details. Please note we will have at least 1 diocesan group, rather than the national group. You may also contact Kent Schmitz at (320) 251-0111 x4 or kschmitz@gw.stcdio.org.

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. The Mass will be at 1:00 p.m. at the Abbey Church at St. John’s University with a reception to follow. All are welcome to help us celebrate!  

As we move into 2022, perhaps it is time for you to consider joining us at Emmaus Institute. You are always welcome to come observe a class or two, in person or on Zoom! Please contact Kristi Bivens at (320) 251-0111 or kristi.bivens@gw.stcdio.org.  More information is always available 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. 

  • Dates: Sunday, February 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Zoom. 
  • 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.
  • 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.


Joe Towalski ♦ (320) 258-7624

Thank you for your generosity! As of December 20, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for 2021 raised total cash and pledges of $1,401,543 toward the goal of $1,400,000 (100.11%). This was made possible through the donations of 8,350 people throughout the 16 counties of our diocese. These gifts help to ensure our ministries receive the funding they require to meet the needs of the people of God across the 16 counties of our diocese. All of us on the diocesan staff are so very grateful for your contribution. 

Synod and Eucharistic Revival – Local preparations are underway for both the World Synod of Bishops in 2023 and a multi-year National Eucharistic Revival.



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Patrick Flynn ♦ (320) 252-4721

January and February 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, January 4 & February 1 at 7:30 p.m.
• Long Prairie: Monday, January 24 & February 28 at 7:00 p.m. 
• Rice: Monday, January 3 & February 7 at 6:30 p.m.
• Sauk Centre: Monday, January 17 & February 21 at 6:30 p.m.
• St. Cloud: Thursday, January 27 & Monday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m.
• St. Michael: Tuesday, January 4 & February 1 at 6:00 p.m.
• Wadena: Friday, January 28 & February 25 at 5:30 p.m.
 
For additional sites, information or to register, visit www.stcdio.org/omf/nfp or contact Sheila Reineke sreineke@gw.stcdio.org at (320) 252-4721 ext. 308.
 
January 8 – Engaged Couples Retreat – This event will be held at Sacred Heart, Sauk Rapids. See our website at https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/ for more details or call (320) 252-4721 with any questions.

January 14 – Retrouvaille – As a peer ministry of couples helping other couples who are living in hurting marriages, the Retrouvaille program focuses on teaching couples communication skills that can help them work on their differences. For more information, visit www.helpourmarriage.org.

January 16 – “The Most Persuasive Pro-Life Argument” This event will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Alexandria from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The pro-life event is sponsored by the Sanctity of Life group at the parish. The presentation will be given by Emily Albrecht who is a speaker, writer, and coach with Equal Rights Institute. As the former Co-President of Oles for Life at St. Olaf College, she worked to transform campus culture using ERI’s apologetics to foster respectful and productive dialogues about abortion. At ERI, she uses her educational background to write, develop curriculum, head the ERI Affiliate Group Program, and teach pro-life advocates how to change minds, save lives, and promote a culture of life in their communities.

January 19 – 27 9 Days for LIFE Novena – Join thousands of Catholics nationwide in the annual Respect Life novena, 9 Days for Life. Sign up for 9 Days for LIFE Novena Resources which include daily intentions, brief reflections and more at https://www.respectlife.org/9-days-for-life.

January 28-29 – Engaged Couples Retreat in Perham, MN
See our website for more details at https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/. 

Sponsor Couple Training, Saturday, January 29, 2022 – MOVED to March 5, 2022 (See below)
 
February 12 – Engaged Couples Retreat – This event will be held at Sacred Heart in Sauk Rapids. See our website at https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/ for more details or call (320) 252-4721 with any questions.

February 26 – Catholic Men’s Conference – This event will be held at St. Francis Xavier, Sartell. This year’s theme is “Saint Joseph’s Men”. Our keynote speaker will be Monsignor Thomas Richter, pastor of Queen of Peace Church in Dickinson, ND. Cost is $35. Details will be posted on our website at https://stcdio.org/event/catholic-mens-conference-2022/ as they become available. Registration is now open at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CMC2022
We are in need of priests to hear confessions at the Men’s Conference. Confessions will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. 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 jdusek@gw.stcdio.org by February 1.

March 5 – Sponsor Couple Training This event was moved from January 29 and 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 jdusek@gw.stcdio.org or (320) 258-7616. Your parish will be billed $125 per couple for the cost of training (which includes Fully Engaged supplies).

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 jzylla@gw.stcdio.org or fax (320) 258-7658 by February 1. Invitations will be sent to the celebrating couples.


Elizabeth Neville Brown ♦ (320) 251-1100

Thank you to everyone who shopped Fair Trade at the Mission Office in December for their Christmas gift giving! We appreciate your interest and investment in helping provide just wages, just treatment and just financial support for so many throughout the world. You truly help make a difference!

The Mission Office would LOVE to come to your parishes, schools, staff meetings, youth groups and faith formation classes to promote and support with your community/ies our baptismal call to living a life of mission. Please contact us at (320) 251-1100 to schedule an opportunity!
 
Linda Kaiser ♦ (320) 251-2340

Happy 2022! The Safe Environment Audit has been scheduled for the week of February 14. The Diocese is planning to have a remote audit which means the auditors will be reaching out to several parishes and schools remotely rather than onsite like has been done in the past. Be sure all your data is up to date and you have evidence to show that training of children and youth has been completed or planned on your faith formation or school calendar. 

Many of you know that Tim Welch is retiring. His last day is January 14. If you have questions regarding training, passwords etc. contact Linda Kaiser at the Chancery at lkaiser@gw.stcdio.org or (320) 251-2340 ext. 106). I will be out of the office for a few weeks in January. Please reach out to Joe Spaniol or Bailey Ziegler if you need immediate help.  

May you have very Blessed New Year.


Kateri Mancini ♦ (320) 229-6020

January is Poverty Awareness Month 
Just a reminder that Poverty Awareness Month has arrived! During the month of January we invite you and your parish community to reflect on the meaning and impacts of poverty. Consider following our Social Concerns social media handles (https://www.facebook.com/CCSocialConcerns and https://www.instagram.com/ccsocialconcerns ) to see information and reflections throughout Poverty Awareness Month, or visit www.povertyusa.org for information from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and their invitation to answer our Catholic call to serve and advocate on behalf of those experiencing poverty.  

March 15 – JRLC 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 on Tuesday, March 15. Please mark your calendars, and invite fellow Catholics to join in this opportunity. Catholic Charities will sponsor a bus to the Capitol for the event. Watch for more information and registration info coming soon.   

Catholic Century Farm Awards – Please share the below information in parish bulletins and announcements: 
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 JoAnn.Braegelman@ccstcloud.org with questions. Recipients will be honored at the Rural Life Celebration Mass with bishop in August.
 
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:
  1. baptismal certificates for both principals;
  2. marriage certificate
  3. divorce decree.

  • 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. 

If you are uncertain about the annulment process or any have other questions, you can contact the Tribunal Office at (320) 251-6557 or email vhelmin@gw.stcdio.orgtwyburn@gw.stcdio.orgmcrane@gw.stcdio.org or kmollner@gw.stcdio.org.

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 8-12 grades 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, 2022 – Avon
  • Bus Tour: July 12 – 14, 2022
  • Paschal Challenge: August 13, 2022 – Sauk Centre


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 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 at https://signup.com/go/SdRTAeO. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Worship at (320) 255-9068 or email aaron.carpenter@gw.stcdio.org.
 
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.
 
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 11. Please make your request online 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, April 8. Please DO NOT send your own vessels. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron at aaron.carpenter@gw.stcdio.org 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
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 January 26 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (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 bethany.tollefson@centracare.com or (218) 289-2380.

Educational Opportunity: 

All are welcome
This event will be held from 1: 00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
1 Contact Hour for Nurses


Catholic Charities ♦ (320) 650-1641

Catholic Charities 2022 Mardi Gras Anniversary Celebration – Catholic Charities 40th anniversary Mardi Gras “Celebration with a Cause” is Saturday, January 22, at St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center.

Join us for this fun-filled night of dining and dancing, with live music by the Fabulous Armadillos and Vista Jazz Club, a gourmet dinner, wine, a silent auction, games of chance, masks and beads, and more, benefiting Catholic Charities Emergency Services and Domus Transitional Housing.

Join the celebration and support Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud while also helping the Central Minnesota community, needed today now more than ever. 

Order tickets and learn more at ccstcloud.org/mardi-gras.

Happy Birthday to our Retired Priests

Reverend William Vos will celebrate his 84th birthday on January 5.
1664 Payton Court NE
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Telephone: (320) 217-2910

Reverend Geno Doyle will celebrate his 72nd birthday on December 7.
6205 19th Street N.
St. Cloud, MN 55303
Telephone: (320) 493-1012
Email: eoghand@aol.com

Reverend Gerald Mischke will celebrate his 84th birthday on January 8.
308 Third Street S., Apt. 106
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Telephone: (320) 232-0794