April 2022
MONTHLY DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER
|
|
Please feel free to put the Sunday TV Mass
April 7 ♦ Chrism Mass — The annual Chrism Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. This special Mass takes its name from the chief anointing oil, the holy chrism, which can only be consecrated by the bishop. At the chrism Mass, Bishop Donald Kettler will bless the oils that will be used for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, holy orders and the anointing of the sick. Also at the Mass, priests of the diocese will come together to renew their priestly commitment.
|
|
If you or someone you know is interested in being a listener for the synod please email the diocesan synod team at [email protected] and they will arrange a time to walk through the materials to lead a consultation.
Are you hosting a public group synod consultation? Please email us the date/time/location at [email protected] and we will add the consultation to our diocesan synod website.
We ask you to encourage others to participate in our synod consultations. There is a self-guided consultation available for anyone to take. Visit our synod website https://stcdio.org/synod-2021-2023/ and encourage others to be heard. The goal is to have 12,000 participants in our synod process in the Diocese of Saint Cloud. Go to the diocesan synod website to see our progress.
If you were not able to participate in the three virtual Regional Ministry Gatherings on the synod, you can watch them online:
|
|
Office of the Vicar General ♦ Rev. Robert Rolfes ♦ (320) 251-2340
Reminder: Guidance for the Paschal Triduum
As preparations continue for the celebration of all the liturgies of the Triduum, Bishop Kettler is not placing any restrictions on many of the liturgies including Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. However, pastors are asked to inform and educate their communities on the Veneration of the Cross. Those who are participating in this veneration are asked to approach the cross and make some sign of reverence (e.g. profound bow, touching the cross, genuflection, etc.) as indicated in the Roman Missal, The Passion of the Lord, paragraph 18. At this time, the assembly and all ministers are asked to refrain from the kissing of the cross.
Pastors and those who prepare the liturgy of Good Friday should also take note that only one Cross is to be used for the veneration (RM, The Passion of the Lord, paragraph 19). Even for larger gatherings there is no indication of using multiple crosses (RM, The Passion of the Lord, paragraph 19).
|
|
NOTES FROM THE DIOCESAN OFFICES |
|
David Fremo ♦ (320) 251-0111
Catholic School Updates – Catholic schools around the Diocese are now enrolling for the 2022-2023 school year. Continued prayers from the office of Catholic Education Ministries as you embark on enrollment, open houses and all of the excitement of spring in our schools. Together, we are building a brighter future!
April 25 – Faith Formation and Youth Ministry Meeting – Coordinators of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry are invited to Christ Church Newman Center from 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Our time together will include opportunities for continuing formation, lunch and prayer. Please use this link https://stcdio.org/event/faith-formation-and-youth-ministry-gathering-4/ to register.
April 29 – Leadership Day 2022: Resilience and Wellness has been rescheduled. This event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Saint Mary in Alexandria. This workshop, provided by Dr. Jessica Werner of Northshore Consulting, will focus on practical tips for resilience and overall mental wellness. Dr. Jessica is an experienced coach who assists leaders in a fast changing society to manage the social and emotional needs of those they are leading. It will be a wonderful opportunity for all who attend. Registration will close soon. Please register at https://conta.cc/3yMnhM3.
Emmaus Institute - Are you looking to learn more about your faith? Perhaps new skills for ministry? Then it is time for you to consider joining us at Emmaus Institute. Registration for 2022-2023 academic year is open. Anyone interested is welcome to 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/.
|
|
Joe Towalski ♦ (320) 258-7624
2022 Bishop's Annual Appeal – As of March 21, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for 2022 has raised total cash and pledges of $763,408 toward our goal of $1,400,000 (54.53%). This was made possible through the generous donations of 4,867 people throughout the 16 counties of our diocese.
Thank you for your participation in the launch of the Appeal for 2022! If you have yet to return gifts collected at your parish, please do so as soon as possible as they contain time-sensitive checks and pledges. Questions can be directed to Anna Kampa at [email protected] or (320) 258-7654.
Clergy Education Day March 4 was presented by the diocese’s Stewardship Advisory Council. The day focused on fostering a culture of stewardship rooted in the Eucharist. It included Eucharistic adoration, testimonials, a presentation by Fr. Greg Paffel, and practical information about encouraging stewardship in parishes and ACCs. A number of the presentations were recorded:
• “A Culture of Stewardship Within the Eucharist”
Keynote by Fr. Greg Paffel, keynote
• Stewardship reflections
Randy Bayerl, St. Andrew Parish, Elk River
Janet ZenZen, Our Lady of Angels Parish, Sauk Centre
Bob Leukam, St. Mary Parish, Melrose
They are suitable for viewing and discussion in group settings, including ACC/parish stewardship committees and pastoral councils. Please consider using these videos as a continuing education resource.
Summer parish festivals – Parish festivals will soon be on the horizon. To ensure that your event is listed in The Central Minnesota Catholic magazine's festival calendar, contact Carol as soon as possible at [email protected] or (320) 258-7626. All known festivals will be listed individually on the magazine's online calendar and as part of a comprehensive "festivals at a glance" post. Festivals will also be featured in the print magazine if information is submitted in time. Additionally, paid ads are available for those parishes who wish to highlight their festival in a larger format. Contact Carol for more information.
|
|
Patrick Flynn ♦ (320) 252-4721
Nominations open for the 2022 Humanae vitae Award – July 25 will mark the 54th anniversary of Humanae vitae! In celebration, we'll host our annual diocesan Humanae vitae Mass & Award Presentation with the bishop at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 28, at St. Mary's Cathedral in St. Cloud. We are blessed to have people in our diocese who have dedicated themselves to the promotion of Natural Family Planning and the principles of Humanae vitae. If you know a person(s) who has demonstrated courage in promoting Natural Family Planning, submit your nomination in writing (500 words or less). For more information, visit: https://stcdio.org/event/humane-vitae-award-nominations-open/. Send, fax, or e-mail nominations before April 29 to the Office of Marriage and Family, Natural Family Planning Advisory Committee, 305 7th Avenue North Suite 100, Saint Cloud, MN 56303; fax:
Natural Family Planning Instruction for April and May 2022
A First Instruction in the Billings Ovulation Method will be offered in:
· Little Falls: Tuesday, April 5 & May 3 at 7:30 p.m.
· Long Prairie: Monday, April 25 & May 23 at 7:00 p.m.
· Rice: Monday, April 4 & May 2 at 6:30 p.m.
· Sauk Centre: Monday, April 18 & May 16 at 6:30 p.m.
· St. Cloud: Monday, April 25 & Thursday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m.
· St. Michael: Tuesday, April 5 & May 3 at 6:00 p.m.
· Wadena: Friday, April 22 & May 27 at 5:30 p.m.
March 2 – April 10 – 40 Days for Life Spring Campaign – 40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life effort that consists of 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of peaceful vigil, and 40 days of community outreach. Visit our website for opening and closing rally details and vigil sign-up information at https://stcdio.org/respect-life/forty-days-life/.
April 30 – Sponsor Couple Gathering – This event will be held at the Church of Seven Dolors, Albany, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for sponsor couples throughout the diocese. If you are currently an active sponsor couple, you will be receiving an invitation soon.
May 6-8 – World Wide Marriage Encounter – This event will be held in Buffalo, MN at Christ the King Retreat Center. Looking for a way to increase the love and romance in your marriage? Do you need time just for the two of you? A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend Experience may be the answer! Instead of simply listening to lectures about how to improve your marriage, you will actually learn a practical communication technique and have an opportunity to rediscover your hopes and dreams for your marriage. Find more information at www.wwme.org or call Brent & Tracy Chessen at (612) 756-8720.
May 7 – Honoring Marriage Day – This event will be held at St. Mary’s 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.
May 14 – 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 [email protected] or fax (320) 258-7658 as soon as possible. Invitations are also available in some parish offices.
May 21 – Engaged Couples Retreat – This Saturday-event will be held at Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, Rockville, MN from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. See our website at https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/ for more details or call the office with questions, (320) 252-4721.
June 4 – Spanish Speaking Marriage Course – Location: Pastoral Center in St. Cloud from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 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/.
|
|
Elizabeth Neville Brown ♦ (320) 251-1100
The Lenten collections for the CRS Rice Bowl and CRS Bishops' Appeal can please be sent to the Mission Office as soon as all funds are in from parishioners. Thank you all so very much for your continued promotion and support of these programs in your community/ies. Please remember that 25% of what is collected in our diocese for the Rice Bowl remains local for emergency food programming. Applications for the 2022 local Rice Bowl Grant request forms are available online.
|
|
Brenda Kresky ♦ (320) 251-2340
Each Area Catholic Community is expected to host at least one group listening consultation as part of our local synod process. When you have a gathering scheduled, please send the date and time of the consultation to [email protected] so we can put the date/location on the diocesan synod webpage for all to see.
May 14 – Save the date!! Synod Listener Recap – This will be a time for all trained synod listeners to come together and share themes they heard, stories that stick with them, and help the synod team with focus some of the material for the report. More information will be coming soon.
June 4 – Save the date!! ACC Pastoral Council Formation Day – This event will be held at St. John’s University. This day will address the role of the ACC Pastoral Council, Pastoral Planning, and include time to share some of the things ACCs have done, etc. More information will be coming in May.
|
|
Linda Kaiser ♦ (320) 251-2340
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Let us continue to be vigilant with making sure all those who volunteer to work with children and youth complete safe environment training and background checks. Remember the diocese requires background checks and training every five years.
The diocese will soon start parish and school audits to ensure that parishes and schools are following the sexual misconduct policy of the diocese.
Please make sure all children and youth training is completed by May 15. There is no excuse this year for not completing the required training.
|
|
Kateri Mancini ♦ (320) 229-6020
Social Concerns is now on the MyParish App! We are excited to announce that Social Concerns is now a part of the MyParish App family. Parishioners and staff throughout the diocese can download the app and search for “Social Concerns” in the “find a parish” option, then select Social Concerns as one of your favorites. The app will allow you to connect with our staff, advocacy opportunities, community resources and more. If parishioners already use the MyParish app with their parish(es), they can also select Social Concerns as an additional “favorite” to stay connected to both local parish work and our diocesan efforts to meet community needs.
This FREE APP can be downloaded from your Apple or Android app store, or by texting APP to 88202. Or learn how to download the app here: https://vimeo.com/219570148.
You can also connect with Social Concerns’ app and text updates by texting the word “concerns” to 55321.
If your parish already uses MyParish App, please consider putting the following announcement in your parish bulletins or other communication tools after March 15:
Do you enjoy using the MyParish App to connect with our parish? Then we invite you to use the app to connect with the diocese’s Social Concerns ministry as well. Social Concerns is now on MyParish app, and offers community resources, advocacy opportunities, prayers for rural life and peace and justice, and more. Simply search for “social concerns” in the “find my parish” on the app, and add them as another of your favorites to get connected. You can also connect with Social Concerns’ app and text updates by texting the word “concerns” to 55321.
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, neighbors 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.
|
|
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
-
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.
|
|
Fr. Doug Liebsch ♦ (320) 251-5001
April 28 – Andrew Dinner – The Andrew Dinner will be held with Bishop Kettler. Do you have young men in 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 story. 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 the Andrew Dinner, please contact the Vocations Office at (320) 251-5001. Thank you!
May 7 – The Shepherd is Calling – For elementary-aged kids and their families! Come to the farm and discover more about what it means for Jesus to be a Good Shepherd. There will be a variety of activities for kids, including hands-on time with young lambs. We will conclude with a Mass and hog roast. This event will run from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Mike and Alice Westrich Farm. 1652 Abbey Road Burtrum, MN 56318. Register by April 22 at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ShepherdisCalling. Please announce this event and place in your bulletins!
2022 Summer Vocation Events
May 7: The Shepherd is Calling (elementary aged kids and their families, all are welcome)
June 21 – 23: Avon Vocation Camp (7th–10th grade)
July 11 – 13: Bus Tour (7th–12th grade)
August 13: Paschal Challenge, Sauk Centre (9th–12th grade)
May 8 – World Day of Prayer for Vocations – As a priest, please consider simple ways you can highlight your vocation story and pray specifically for more vocations.
2022 Totus Tuus schedule:
June 11 - 17
Haven of Mercy
Belle Prairie, Flensburg, Little Falls, Randall, Sobieski
(320) 632-5720
Mary and the Saints
Elmdale, Holdingford, St. Anna, St. Francis, St. Wendel, Upsala
(320) 250-7332
Together As One
St. Michael’s, St. Paul’s, St. Peter’s, Waite Park
(320) 251-6923
June 18 - 24
All Called to Christ
Christ Church Newman Center, Holy Spirit, St. Anthony, St. Augustine, St. John Cantius,
St. Mary Cathedral
(320) 251-8335
Northern Cross Area Community
Butler, Dent, Perham, Rush Lake
(218) 346-7030
Mary, Mother of the Church
Bertha, Blue Grass, Bluffton, Menahga, Motley, Staples, Verndale, Wadena
(218) 632-7312
June 25 - July 1
Foley Area Catholic Community
Brennyville, Clear Lake, Duelm, Foley, Gilman, Minden Twp, Morrill
(320) 968-7913
Holy Saints
Kimball, Luxemburg, Pearl Lake, St. Augusta, St. Nicholas
(320) 333-6992
Come to the Water
Alexandria, Belle River, Osakis
(320) 763-9202
July 9 - 15
Four Pillars in Faith
Foreston, Milaca, Mora, Ogilvie
(320) 983-3255
Parishes of the Prairie
Belgrade, Brooten, Elrosa, Sauk Centre, West Union
(320) 290-6996
Isanti Area Catholic Community
Braham, Cambridge, Isanti
(763) 689-1221
July 16 - 22
Parishes of the Prairie Community
Belgrade, Brooten, Elrosa, Sauk Centre, West Union
(320) 293-6980
Sherburne Area Catholic Community
Becker/Big Lake, Elk River, Princeton/Zimmerman
(763) 441-1483
Four Pillars in Faith
Foreston, Milaca, Mora, Ogilvie
(320) 679-1593
July 23 - 29
Cross Rocks Catholic Community
Bowlus, North Prairie, Opole, Rice, Royalton
(320) 393-2725
Disciples of the Mission
Battle Lake, Brandon, Henning, Maine, Millerville, Parkers Prairie, Urbank
(320) 766-5312
|
|
Aaron Carpenter ♦ (320) 255-9068
Contact the Office of Worship at (320) 255-9068 with questions.
Chrism Mass Singers – All singers from throughout the diocese are invited to come together to minister for the Chrism Mass on Thursday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m. If you would like to be a part of the choir, please email Aaron ([email protected]) to sign up. We will have rehearsal on Thursday, April 7 at 5:30 p.m.
April 7 – Group Reservations for Chrism Mass – Youth groups, confirmation groups and others are invited and encouraged to participate in the Chrism Mass. To reserve seating for your group, please send an email with the number of seats you will need and what group you are bringing to Laura at [email protected]. We are also looking for volunteers to help with the procession of oils.
April 8 – Holy Oils Delivery – All Holy Oils will be bottled, packaged, and will be delivered to the deans. Please DO NOT send your own vessels to the Chrism Mass. 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 at the Vigil of Pentecost at 5:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Mary. This is for baptized Catholics,18 years of age or older, 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. To register, visit: https://stcdio.org/adult-confirmation/.
Important Dates
- April 7 – Chrism Mass
- April 8 – Delivery of Oils to Deans
- June 4 – Sacrament of Confirmation for Adults
- June 11 – Ordination of Deacons
|
|
David Eickhoff ♦ (320) 258-7657
Living the Promise Grant Application Guidelines for 2022-23 Academic Year –
Catholic Elementary Schools Direct (Non-Application) Grant checks have been mailed!
Parishes and schools are invited to apply for LTP grants that will fund education programs. Parishes have the potential of receiving up to $600 for their youth and $425 for their adult faith formation programs through the grant process. Catholic elementary schools have the potential of receiving $1,800 through the grant process.
Grant application forms must be submitted by Thursday, April 7, 2022.
Fill out one grant application form per initiative with required signatures and submit by:
Hand delivered to the Foundation office on or before April 7, 2022, 4:30pm
US Mail – postmarked by April 7, 2022
The Catholic Foundation
C/O Sara Wolf
207 7th Avenue North
St. Cloud, MN 56303
|
|
Happy Birthday to our Retired Priests |
|
Reverend Arlie Sowada will celebrate his 76th birthday on April 14.
10961 State Hwy 87
Menahga, MN 56464-2171
Telephone: (218) 298-1099
Reverend Richard Leisen will celebrate his 92nd birthday on April 26.
Benedict Court
1980 15th Avenue SE, Apt. 104
St. Cloud, MN 56304
Telephone: (320) 217-8369
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
