December 2021
MONTHLY DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER
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Please feel free to put the Sunday TV Mass
December 8 ♦ Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary — patronal feast day of the United States; holy day of obligation.
December 24-28 ♦ Diocesan offices will be closed for the Christmas holidays.
December 31 ♦ Diocesan offices will be closed for the New Year's holiday.
January 1 ♦ Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God – not a holy day of obligation this year.
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NOTES FROM THE DIOCESAN OFFICES |
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David Fremo ♦ (320) 251-0111
Catholic School Updates – As we prepare for the coming of Christ this Advent, we ask for humble and generous hearts that will be open to serving the needs of those who are struggling at this time of year. There are many service projects underway in our schools that give students the opportunity to reflect on their faith and put it into action. They are touching lives and showing the love of God in the learning and in how they share themselves with family and friends. Please pray for the safety and health of our school communities!
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-september. This 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 per student and $15 per adult. If your parish would like to host a diocesan-led confirmation retreat, please contact Kent Schmitz — [email protected] — 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 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 [email protected].
Emmaus Institute – The first group of students has completed its work! We will be celebrating them and awarding them a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry from the Diocese of St. Cloud on Sunday, February 6, 2022. 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 [email protected]. More information is always available at https://stcdio.org/emmaus-institute/.
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Joe Towalski ♦ (320) 258-7624
Bishop's Annual Appeal – As of November 22, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for 2021 has raised total cash and pledges of $1,247,913 toward our goal of $1,400,000 (89.14%). This was made possible through the generous donations of 8,181 people throughout the 16 counties of our diocese.
Synod and Eucharistic Revival – Local preparations are underway for both the World Synod of Bishops in 2023 and a multi-year National Eucharistic Revival.
The Central Minnesota Catholic's Monday Morning Update e-newsletter – Read the top stories of the week — delivered directly to your email in-box. Stay up to date on the latest local, national and international Catholic news. Sign up at: https://bit.ly/3A56hQA .
Resources for stewardship are available on the diocesan website at https://stcdio.org/stewardship/. This site is a work in progress, so if you have comments or would like to see something added, please contact Anna Kampa at [email protected] or (320) 258-7654.
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Patrick Flynn ♦ (320) 252-4721
Natural Family Planning Instruction for December 2021 & January 2022
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, December 7 & January 4 at 7:30 p.m.
· Long Prairie: Monday, December 27 & January 24 at 7:00 p.m.
· Rice: Monday, December 6 & January 3 at 6:30 p.m.
· Sauk Centre: Monday, December 20 & January 17 6:30 p.m.
· St. Cloud: Monday, December 20 & Thursday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m.
· St. Michael: Tuesday, December 7 & January 4 at 6:00 p.m.
· Wadena: Friday, December 17 & January 28 at 5:30 p.m.
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 – Vespers For Life – Location: 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 62 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.
January 29 – Honoring Latino Marriage Day – 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.
January 29 – Sponsor Couple Training – Held at the Pastoral Center in St. Cloud from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please register couples by October 25 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).
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 as they become available at https://stcdio.org/event/catholic-mens-conference-2022/.
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Elizabeth Neville Brown ♦ (320) 251-1100
Please consider the Mission Office for all of your Christmas and gift shopping this December 1-22 as we offer 10% off ALL Fair Trade coffees, chocolates, teas, crafts, jewelry, quilts, ornaments, nativities.... We also are now able to do credit card sales for your convenience.
We will be doing our year ends the week of December 20-22, so please be sure to send all donations, collections and contributions in by December 17.
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Brenda Kresky ♦ (320) 251-2340
Parish Profiles – Updated Parish profiles will be sent to pastors in January. If you have not turned in Mass counts, please do so asap. These numbers get added to the parish profiles and are helpful in looking at the snapshot of the parish.
ACC Joint Pastoral Councils – All ACCs are expected to create an ACC joint pastoral council and a constitution and bylaws for guiding their meetings and membership. These should be submitted to the planning office and will be shared with the vicar general. If you have questions about the transition between the ACC Planning Council and the Pastoral Council, contact Brenda.
MissionInsite – The Bridge Builders for a Thriving Mission grant has purchased a MissionInsite license for the Diocese of Saint Cloud. This is a cloud-based geo-demographic platform designed for faith-based leaders. It helps bridge the gap between data and actionable information by answering the “where” and “what about” questions. We are planning on using this tool with our ACCs especially the next coming year. We would like at least one person from every ACC to become a little familiar with this tool as to be able to use it in their ACC. If you would like to learn more about this tool contact Brenda.
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Linda Kaiser ♦ (320) 251-2340
These next few months are good times to make sure your parish and school have all volunteers and personnel up to date with their safe environment training and background checks. Remember the diocesan policy requires that all diocesan, parish and school personnel have safe environment training and background checks. Time to check!
The diocese just received word that it will have an onsite audit between February 14 and November 11, 2022. This process evaluates some of the parishes and schools in the diocese for compliance. Might be good to be up to date in case your parish or school is selected.
I was so excited to see all the schools and faith formation programs that have completed the training of children and youth. Good job! Hope all parishes and schools have safe environment training on their calendars.
May the Holy Season of Advent bring you blessings and joy!
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Kateri Mancini ♦ (320) 229-6020
Catholic Social Ministry Gathering: The annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering will take place Saturday, January 29 - Tuesday, February 1, 2022. This year’s conference will once again be virtual. Because of its virtual nature, the conference is being offered at an unbelievable rate of only $50, with group discounts as well as youth and diverse leader scholarships available. Social Concerns staff will be helping lead advocacy visits for our area at the end of the conference, and we would love to see as many people from our diocese join in as possible! If you have never participated in this fantastic conference (traditionally held in D.C.), we strongly encourage you to give it a try this year; and for those who have been a part of the conference in the past, we look forward to having you join in once again! Please contact Social Concerns if you are interested in learning more. Or visit: https://web.cvent.com/event/cf67da4e-97ce-46ab-945e-8e38fcb03447/summary for information, full schedule and registration information.
Join Our Team: Social Concerns is hiring! Our team currently has openings for both a Rural Life Coordinator for the Eastern Region, and an Immigrant Community Organizer/Outreach Coordinator. Both are part-time positions, striving to reach out to the communities they represent in the diocese to learn more about needs and build networking relationships that can help address those concerns of the community, as well as support parishes in their work of social ministry. If you have parishioners with a passion for rural life, social teachings and building up the Church in our diocese, invite them to contact me or to visit our Catholic Charities employment page at https://www.ccstcloud.org/employment to view the full job postings or apply.
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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 – We are in need of 12 leaders for the Totus Tuus Program this coming summer to happen, six young men and six young women. Please think of a few college aged students that would make good candidates and let them know about this wonderful program. If appropriate, please pass on their names and contact information to us. Thank you!
Andrew Dinner – The next Andrew Dinner with the Bishop Kettler will be February 10. Do you have young men grades 8-12 in your parish who have potential for a priestly calling? Fr. Doug would love to hear from you! 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 this Andrew Dinner, please contact the Vocation Office at (320) 251-5001. Thank you!
Vianney Visit – Our next “Vianney Visit” to Saint John Vianney Seminary will be February 17-19. 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.
2022 Vocations Events:
- Camp: June 21 – 23, 2022 – Avon
- Bus Tour: July 12 – 14, 2022
- Paschal Challenge: August 13, 2022 – Sauk Centre
SEMINARIAN POSTERS/TRIFOLDS – If you need additional posters and trifolds please contact Julie at [email protected] or (320) 251-5001. Thank you.
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Aaron Carpenter ♦ (320) 255-9068
Looking Ahead – As we look forward to the new liturgical year, be sure to check your Ordo to see that on December 25, 2021, you celebrate The Nativity of Lord in the morning hours but, for evening Masses (Masses of anticipation), you celebrate The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
TV Mass Musicians and Presiders Needed – We have openings for musicians on December 7. If you would like to minister, please click here to sign up.
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 here. Please register by February 18, 2022.
Confirmation for Baptized Catholics – Bishop Kettler will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for adults (18+) at the Vigil of Pentecost on Saturday, June 4, 2022 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 here.
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. The NEW 2022 recording schedule is now live. All priests and musicians (along with lectors) are encouraged to look to see how you might be able to serve. Sign up here. Questions? Contact the Office of Worship.
Important Dates
November 28, 2021 – First Sunday of Advent
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.
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May 12: 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
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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 the intentional care of the spirit and 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 offers to church members or the wider community, connection to community resources, care group facilitation, baby blankets and prayer shawl ministry, service to those as well as many other ministries. Take the first step by talking to your clergy/leadership. It always works well to have a team interested in health and wellness; register for the Foundations of FCN class with a friend!
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 meetings. Please email at [email protected] for more information and additional details - or call (218) 289-2380.
Educational Opportunity: Ministering to people living with depression and anxiety
Save the Date: January 26 from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. More information to come.
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Catholic Charities ♦ (320) 650-1641
Make God’s Love Visible – Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud serves people in need across Central Minnesota.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, Catholic Charities has continued to provide essential services to individuals and families in need. Make God’s Love Visible, our single most important funding request of the year, is currently underway, and our ability to help our community next year depends on the success of this campaign.
Last year, Catholic Charities served more than 44,000 Central Minnesotans. Over 1,700 volunteers provided more than 174,000 hours of service. We provided 990 individuals with housing and shelter, and over 1.3 million pounds of food was distributed. With each interaction, we worked to advance our mission of serving and enhancing human dignity for people of all faiths and beliefs.
Thank you to the parishes across the Diocese of St. Cloud that have already joined our campaign. If your parish community would like to join or if you need additional resources, please email [email protected]. Visit ccstcloud.org/mglv for more information.
Volunteer with Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities is in need of program volunteers, including Emergency Services Food Shelf to assist with food distribution, and Senior Dining to deliver Meals on Wheels and help at newly opened congregate dining rooms and frozen meal distributions. Contact Annie Henriksen, volunteer coordinator, at 320-229-4590 or [email protected]. Learn more about Catholic Charities Volunteer program at ccstcloud.org/volunteer.
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Happy Birthday to our Retired Priests |
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Reverend Richard Leisen will celebrate his 93rd birthday on December 9.
308 Third Street South, Apt. 107
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Telephone: (320) 217-8369
Reverend Paul Folsom will celebrate his 83rd birthday on December 12.
39880 Crane Lake Drive
Battle Lake, MN 56515
Telephone: (218) 864-5916
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