^{October 2023}

^{MONTHLY DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER}

LINKS

October 2023 Serra Calendar (PDF)

2023 Special Colle c tions Chart (PDF)

2024 Special Collections Chart (PDF)

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE

Please feel free to put the Sunday TV Mass

in your parish bulletins at www.stcdio.org/tvmass.

October 1 ♦ Respect Life – A link to the USCCB Respect Life Month materials is available on our website at https://stcdio.org/respect-life/. You will find an action guide, homily helps and many other resources to use at your parish. If you have any questions, please contact Janet Dusek at (320) 258-7616.

October 2-5 ♦ Annual Clergy Conference – Arrowwood in Alexandria.

October 5 ♦ Mass of Hope & Healing – This special Mass will be held at St. Mary of Mount Carmel, Long Prairie, at 7:00 p.m. It is for couples and individuals who have suffered from infertility or the loss of a child through miscarriage, SIDS, illness, accident or abortion. It Includes a candle-lighting ceremony remembering those who have died. Refreshments will be served after Mass. For the latest details, visit https://stcdio.org/event/mass-of-hope-healing-2023/.

October 14 ♦ Social Ministry Gathering – “Propelled Forth to Transform the World: Eucharistic Love Lived Out” will take place at St. Louis Parish in Paynesville. It features Mass and keynote speaker Scott Hurd, vice president for leadership development at Catholic Charities USA, as we explore what Eucharistic love looks like when lived out through service and social justice both as individuals and parish communities. Vendors will be available from various service and advocacy organizations in central Minnesota, along with prayer, activities and networking with others from around the diocese. The event will be bilingual in English and Spanish. Cost is $20 and includes lunch; group discounts are available. Learn more or register at www.ccstcloud.org/services/social-concerns.

October 22 ♦ Mass for Health Care Workers – This Mass is at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel on the campus of St. Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph. Formerly known as the Mass for Health Care Professionals or the “White Mass,” this Mass seeks to raise awareness and offer gratitude for those who serve in all the various areas of health care. A reception in the gathering space will follow the Mass. More information and promotional flyers for the Mass can be found at https://stcdio.org/event/mass-for-healthcare-workers/.

October 28-30 ♦ As we enter the parish year of the Eucharistic Revival, there are three diocesan events Catholic Education Ministries is offering with Catholic composer/musician and national speaker Steve Angrisano.

October 28 – Young Adults: Vessels of Hope Steve Angrisano, Catholic musician and speaker will lead our Diocesan Young Adult Day from 10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Christ Church Newman Center and St. Cloud State University.For more information and to register, please visit https://stcdio.org/vessels-of-hope/. Cost: $20 until Oct. 19, $30 from Oct. 20-26.

October 29 – High School Youth Day: Chosen Vessels The youth day will be held at Lake Geneva Convention Center in Alexandria from 11:30 a.m. - 7:45 p.m. Packets were mailed to youth ministry leaders in each parish. If you have not received a packet for your parish, please contact Laura Gorder at [email protected]. More information about the event and registration materials can be downloaded from https://stcdio.org/event/chosen-vessels-high-school-youth-day/. Registration cost through October 19 is $40. October 20-26 registration cost is $50.

October 30 – Retreat: Vessels of Faith All are invited to attend a day of renewal and reflection with Catholic musician and national speaker Steve Angrisano. This day will provide an opportunity for you to be renewed in your love of the Eucharist and reflect on your mission to be the Body of Christ in the world. This event will be held at St. Mary Help of Christians in St. Augusta. The day will start with hospitality at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 2:00 p.m.. Cost for the day is $15 per person. Please register by October 23 at https://stcdio.org/event/vessels-of-faith/.

EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

October 28-30 – We are in the parish year of the Eucharistic Revival, and there are three diocesan events Catholic Education Ministries is offering with Catholic composer/musician and national speaker Steve Angrisano.

Fr. Tom Knoblach ♦ Vicar for Clergy and Vicar for Health Care Ethics ♦ (320) 251-2340

Vicar for Clergy – Thanks to all of you who have responded to the pastoral planning survey and questionnaire sent this summer. While schedules do not allow us to share all of the results at the Clergy Conference as originally proposed, we will find a way to give you feedback on your feedback. Your responses will be taken into account as we continue discussions both on diocesan planning and Personnel Board. Thank you for taking the time to let your voice be heard.

Please feel free to share ideas, concerns, and best practices and successes in ministry as you serve God’s people. I can be reached by phone at (320) 493-5160 (call or text) or by email at [email protected].

Vicar for Health Care Ethics – The issue of assisted suicide is slowly gaining wider approval in Minnesota and elsewhere. In a society where individual choice and liberty are such strong values, the idea of controlling the time and place even of one’s death appeals to many people’s imaginations. Yet repeatedly studies show that when people encounter facts about the wider consequences of assisted suicide and its potential impact on the disabled, elderly, and marginalized members of our communities, such approval greatly drops. One of the best resources for up to date information and resource material on this issue can be found at the Alliance for Ethical Health Care, a growing coalition of a wide range of Minnesotans of various faith backgrounds, professions, groups, and experiences that was sparked by the Minnesota Catholic Conference a few years back. See https://ethicalcaremn.org.

Related to this issue, accurate understanding of Catholic ethics on end of life decisions and palliative care is an important response. In conjunction with the Office of Marriage and Family, we are interested in providing education to parishes and ACCs on this topic. Catholic United Financial also presents on this topic, along with estate and financial planning portions of their work. If you are interested in a presentation on Catholic teaching on advance care planning, the use of medical technology and interventions in serious illness, assisted suicide, hospice and palliative care, and more, please contact me as above, or Janet Dusek at the Office of Marriage and Family at [email protected].

Cremated Remains Collection & Burial – Do you have cremated remains of a family member in your possession that you would like to have laid to rest in a sacred place? Proper burial helps people grieve and find closure while showing respect for the life and remains of our beloved dead. As a free service to people in the diocese and those who have died, the Church of St. Ann in Wadena and Sacred Heart in Staple are collecting cremated remains of deceased members who have not yet been buried.

There will have a Memorial Mass for all the dead, with special prayers for the collected remains on November 2 at 8:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart, Staples and St. Ann, Wadena. There will be a private burial of the collected remains to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Wadena and Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples, depending upon which cemetery the family chooses.

Cremated remains must be more than 18 months past the date of death, need not be Catholic or from the area, and must be accompanied with paperwork. For more information, contact the parish office of Sacred Heart in Staples (218) 894-2296 or St. Ann in Wadena (218) 632-7309.

NOTES FROM THE DIOCESAN OFFICES

David Fremo ♦ (320) 251-0111

Catholic Schools – One of our strongest allies in Catholic education is the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). Over the past two years, NCEA has worked diligently to transition to a more direct and accessible level of service and support for member schools across the US. In addition to the National Standards and Benchmarks (NSBECS), NCEA has consolidated and made available a host of resources on nearly every topic, in multiple forms: https://ncea.org/NCEA/How_We_Serve/Resources/NCEA_Collective.aspx

You are encouraged to take advantage of your NCEA member benefits at every opportunity. It’s not too early to begin thinking about Catholic Schools Week (January 28-Feb 4)! The full marketing kit is already available: https://www.ncea.org/csw

Friday, November 3 is the annual MNSAA conference, open to all nonpublic schools. This year’s theme is “Lead, Inspire, Transform,” and will take place at Shakopee Area Catholic School. There are sessions on a wide variety of topics, including how to maximize and prepare for your school’s self-study and onsite visit: https://mnsaa.org/2023-mnsaa/

Lastly, please remember that CEM can help provide support for graduate studies in education for you and your Catholic school teachers. Reach out to David Fremo, superintendent, with any questions at [email protected].

October 9 & 23 – Parish Ministry Zoom Prayer – Join the staff of Catholic Education Ministries for prayer to start your week. We will pray at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom every other Monday throughout the school year. Prayer is essential in the ministry we do, and praying together builds connections both with one another and with our God who has called us to the ministry in which we participate. Prayer sessions will be no longer than 30 minutes and prayer leader/prayer styles will vary each week. Come to pray, share faith, and connect with God and each other. For more information, and the Zoom link, visit https://stcdio.org/event/zoom-prayer-sessions-for-parish-ministers-3/.

October 12 & 13 – DRE/YM Gathering – Reclaiming Reconciliation – Join us for our October faith formation/youth ministry gatherings, either October 12 at St. Ann’s in Brandon or October 13 at St. Ann’s in Wadena. Explore the Sacrament of Reconciliation: the new Order of Penance, formation for the sacrament, and how to encourage all ages to embrace this sacrament of healing. Be inspired by others and bring your own ideas to share. Morning hospitality starts at 9:30 a.m. and lunch is included. There is no cost for these gatherings, but please register using the link at

https://forms.gle/QiqUM6diNAFV4k6X6 before October 9.

Diocesan Confirmation Retreats are a great option for parish leaders who would like to have someone else prepare materials and lead the youth through the retreat. Retreats are planned for this school year and will be held at Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on the following Saturdays: October 14, and November 11, January 13, and February 10. Each retreat can host between 40-50 youth, so sign up early at: https://signup.com/go/imaCbbQ. This link is for confirmation coordinators. Please do not share with parents or students. We are happy to accept as many students as we have room to accommodate. Each parish is requested to bring at least one adult leader per eight students. Cost for the retreat is $45.00 per student and $20.00 per adult. As always, we are also willing to come to individual parishes or ACCs to lead retreats. Contact Kent for more information or to schedule at (320) 251-0111 x4 or [email protected]..

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. Feel free to visit: https://nfcym.org/first-things/ for more details. Please note we will have at least one diocesan group, rather than the national group. You may also contact Kent Schmitz at (320) 251-0111 x4 or [email protected].

Parish Visits – My name is Christine Pinto and I am the associate director for faith formation making my way around the diocese. I am attempting to take the pulse of what is happening in parishes/ACCs throughout the next few months. You can contact me at [email protected] or (320) 251-0111 x3 to set up a time for your parish/ACC. Thank you to those with whom I have already met. It has been a joy to get to know you and I look forward to meeting more in the coming weeks/months.

Joe Towalski ♦ Director of Communications ♦ (320) 251-2340

Social media and branding guidelines • The diocese recently adopted new social media and communications branding guidelines for diocesan offices and staff. Parishes and ACCs may wish to use these to assist in creating their own social media and branding policies. The social media policy can be downloaded at Social Media Policy (PDF). The guidelines can be accessed at Branding Guidelines (PDF). If you would like to consult the Communications Office staff regarding the formation of your own parish/ACC social media or branding guidelines, please email [email protected] to set up a time for a visit in person or via Zoom.

Deacon Richard Scheierl ♦ (320) 203-0554

God bless You on your birthday

October 5 – Deacon Steven Dupay

October 19 – Deacon John Wolak

October 28 – Deacon Joe Kresky

October 28 – Deacon Roger Osborne

October 29 – Deacon Eugene Kramer

Prayer Requests especially for those who are ill:

Deacon Jerry Schwarzbauer who is retired and lives in Mora.
Deacon Vern Schmitz who is recovering from a stroke.
For all those needing prayers.

Upcoming Diaconate Events

October 1-5 – Clergy Conference
October 26 – Deacon Formation Session, Pastoral Center Lounge, St. Cloud from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
October 26 – Institution of Acolyte, Cathedral of Saint Mary, St. Cloud at 7 p.m.
October 27-29 – MEG Retreat, Camp Onomia, Onamia
November 2 – Admission to Candidacy, Cathedral of Saint Mary, St. Cloud at 7 p.m.

Bethany Tollefsen ♦ (320) 251-2700 Ext. 51637

October 10 – Christian Counseling in Central MN

9:30-11:00 a.m.

at CentraCare Plaza or virtually

Join Brandon Jensen and Jenny Peterson - marriage and family therapists from Beacon Hill Family Services - as they discuss current counseling resources, approaches, and insight into community resources. Register at: https://forms.office.com/r/9yZbFY8kUe.

October 22 – Mass for Health Care Workers

10:30 a.m.

Sacred Heart Chapel (Saint Benedict’s Monastery) in St. Joseph, MN

Do you work at a health care facility? Whether you are in housekeeping, dietary, maintenance, nursing, or other areas, you are invited to a Mass for Health Care Workers.

November 5, 6, 12 and 13 – Become a Faith Community Nurse!

Virtual Class

Are you a nurse (or do you know a nurse) who has been feeling a little burnt out and would like to incorporate more of their spirituality into their nursing practice? Encourage them to consider Faith Community Nursing.

A Faith Community Nurse (FCN) can do so much for a church family, creating an atmosphere of wellness and vibrancy while focusing on the intentional care of the spirit and whole-person health from a faith perspective. Some examples of how FCNs may achieve this is through:

Home and hospital visits and calls,
Educational offerings to church members and/or the wider community,
Connection to community resources,
Care group facilitation,
Baby blankets and prayer shawl ministry,
Mental health care,
Blood pressure screenings,
Parenting classes,
Support of clergy and ministry leaders,
Evidence-based wellness workshops,
Volunteer coordination,
Much much more.

Scholarships are available. Early bird and group discounts are also available!

December 12 – Cannabis Education: What Faith Communities Need to Know

9:30-11:00 a.m.

St. Cloud Hospital Hoppe Auditorium or Virtually

Join speaker, Merone Melekin from the Office of Cannabis Management Implementation at the Minnesota Department of Health as she discusses challenges, successes, federal, and state laws related to Cannabis in Minnesota. Register at: https://forms.office.com/r/5ag3vrXD9V.

For resources on mental health, visit the Diocese of St. Cloud - Mental Health Ministry website at https://stcdio.org/mental-health-ministry/.

Patrick Flynn ♦ (320) 251-4721

Natural Family Planning Instruction for October & November 2023

A First Instruction in the Billings Ovulation Method will be offered in:

• Alexandria: Monday, October 16 & November 20 at 6:30 p.m.

• Little Falls: Tuesday, October 3 & November 7 at 7:30 p.m.

• Long Prairie: Monday, October 23 & November 27 at 7:00 p.m.

• Rice: Monday, October 2 & November 6 at 6:30 p.m.

• Sauk Centre: Thursday, October 19 & November 16 at 6:30 p.m.

• St. Cloud: Thursday, October 26 & Monday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m.

• St. Michael: Tuesday, October 3 & November 7 at 6:00 p.m.

• Wadena: Friday, October 27 & November 24 at 5:30 p.m.

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

October 5 & 12 – Virtual Fully Engaged Sponsor Couple Training in English – This event will be held via Zoom from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Register at least 10 days prior to the class. The cost of the webinar is $25.00 per couple. You will also need a Pre-Marital Preview Package which is $45 plus shipping and handling. Register at https://getfullyengaged.com/new-mentor-training/ or contact Jill Svihel at [email protected] or call (320) 258-7611.

October 6-8 – Beginning Experience of Central MN – This event, held at Luther Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria, is a weekend program for separated, divorced, or widowed adults designed to facilitate the grief resolution process and thereby free people to live and love themselves, others and God. Individuals should be beyond the initial feelings of anger and despair. For further information or to receive an application, please call (320) 319-8863 or email [email protected]. Visit http://www.beginningexperiencemn.com.

October 6-8 – Retrouvaille weekend – This event will be held at the Best Western Hotel, Eagan, MN. Thinking about separation or divorce? Hurting? Angry? Feel helpless? Retrouvaille is a lifeline for troubled marriages. Couples learn the tools to rediscover each other and heal their marriage. 100% confidential. Contact [email protected] with questions. Find out more information and register at http://www.helpourmarriage.org.

October & November – Worldwide Marriage Encounter – 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.

October 6 – 8 held at Christ the King Center, Buffalo, MN. Contact Brent & Tracy Chessen at (612) 234-7440 or register at: https://wwme.org/
October 28 – 29 held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Alexandria, MN. Contact Miki Schultz at (507) 227-8229 or register at: https://wwme.org/
November 17-19 held at Shalom Hill Farm, Windom, MN. Contact Miki Schultz at (507) 227-8229 or register at: https://wwme.org/.

October 7 – 2nd Marriage Course – This event will be held in St. Cloud at the Pastoral Center from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 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 that you complete the course well in advance (six months or more). Many couples take the course one year before their wedding. For more information, visit https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/.

October 9 & 10 – Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) “Save the 12,000” Meetings – At each meeting, MCCL will update attendees about the extremism of Minnesota’s current laws. We’ll also provide pro-lifers with the tools they need to have confident and effective conversations that persuade others. And we’ll lay out practical steps everyone can take that will save lives.

Oct. 9 – 7:00 p.m. at Fergus Falls https://www.mccl.org/_files/ugd/e95b3f_6d36e5e47cb640869e5ad26083441725.pdf (PDF) (Trinity Lutheran Church)
Oct. 10 – 7:00 p.m. at Alexandria https://www.mccl.org/_files/ugd/e95b3f_25cdab9867c049f887e39623d1a3c9ea.pdf (PDF) (New Life Christian Church)

October 13-14 – Messy Family Project – This event will be held at the Church of St. Mary, Alexandria. Empowering moms and dads to embrace their calling. More info to come. Visit the parish's website for future postings at https://www.stmaryalexandria.org/event/messy-family-retreat-weekend-save-the-date/.

Natural Family Planning Witness Couples

We are blessed to have many NFP “Witness Couples” in our diocese. We would like to add a few more to this amazing group! Many couples tell us that NFP brought joy and blessings to their marriage & family life. If you know of a couple willing to speak for 10-15 minutes about their experience using NFP, please invite them to consider witnessing. Ask them to contact Sheila Reineke at (320) 252-7609 or [email protected].

October 28 & December 2 – Engaged Couples Retreat – This event will be held at Sacred Heart in Sauk Rapids from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. Visit https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/ for more details or call the office with questions at (320) 258-7615.

November 11 & 12 – Honoring Veterans at weekend Masses – Please remember our veterans, those currently serving in the military and their families. For the blessing during the concluding rite, visit https://stcdio.org/from-the-director-2/clergy-resources/recognition-of-veterans-during-mass/.

November 11 – Spanish-Speakers 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 weeks before the course and include the $110 registration fee per couple. For more information, contact Patrick Flynn at [email protected] or (320) 258-7619 or visit https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/.

Upcoming Events:

December 2– Virtual Fully Engaged Sponsor Couple Training in English
February 24 – Catholic Men’s Conference

Elizabeth Brown ♦ (320) 251-1100

October is World Mission month, a time when Catholics all over the world join together to support and celebrate global missionary work. The Mission Office has already mailed/emailed packets for World Mission Sunday (October 22) and World Mission Rosary day (October 6) as well as other resources to help promote and celebrate our call as Catholics to live a life of mission. Please watch the Central Minnesota Catholic magazine this month as well as our website for more information on Mission Month at stcloudmissionoffice.com.

As you begin the new school year, faith formation and youth ministry programs, consider inviting the Mission Office to connect with you to offer a perfect teachable moment about fair trade, Catholic social teachings, peace and justice. We love to come to you and to your communities!

The Missionary Appeals scheduled in your parishes have come to a close for this year, and thank you once again for your generosity and hospitality! Please gather and submit your collections to the Mission Office before the end of October so that we can forward these gifts. Thank you!

Brenda Kresky ♦ (320) 251-2340

Mass Counts – Twice a year, in July and October, the Diocese of Saint Cloud requests parish Mass counts from parishes in the Diocese. We use these numbers regularly for planning purposes. As you know, this is becoming more important as demographics change and our Area Catholic Communities use these numbers to create long-term plans.

We will again be using an online format to submit Mass counts. This helps expedite data entry at the diocesan level. Please submit your Mass counts using the following link for October 2023 counts: http://bit.ly/Link-to-submit-numbers.

Pastoral Visits with Bishop Neary – Starting in November there will be monthly visits for ACCs, in groups of 3-4, with Bishop Neary at St. Mary’s Cathedral. During this visit each ACC will give a short presentation on who they are as an ACC, what they are proud of, their biggest struggles, how they are listening, how they are nurturing a eucharistic spirituality, how they are investing in the call and formation of leaders, and 3-4 of their priorities.

The goals for this visit are threefold:

To build bridges for a thriving mission across parishes in an ACC
To develop ACCs as learning communities through listening and dialogue
To offer radical hospitality to nurture relationships between Bishop Neary, the diocesan staff, and ACC pastoral leadership

ACC Care Teams, members of diocesan staff, will walk with each ACC to prepare for the visit. Dates for these visits are as follows:

November 29 – Harvest of Hope, Northern Cross, One in Faith
December 20 – One in Christ, Benedictine Catholic Communities, Christ Our Hope
January 17 – Isanti Area, Parishes on the Prairie, WOHVn in Faith
February 21 – Centered on Christ, Come to the Water, Four Pillars in Faith
March 20 – Foley Area, Haven of Mercy, Together as One
April 17 – All Called to Christ, Saints by the Lake, Red River Valley
May 15 – COR, Pelican Valley, Mary and the Saints, Fr. Francis Xavier Pierz
June 19 – Disciples of the Mission, Five Star, Holy Saints, Sherburne Area
July 17 – MAAA, Mary Mother of the Church, Cross Rock

Kateri Mancini ♦ (320) 229-6020

October 14 – There’s still time to join the Social Ministry Gathering. Please share the following information in your parish bulletins and announcements:

Everyone is invited to join us for our fall gathering, “Propelled Forth to Transform the World: Eucharistic Love Lived Out,” taking place on Saturday, October 14 at St. Louis Parish in Paynesville. Join us for Mass and keynote speaker Scott Hurd, vice president for leadership development at Catholic Charities USA, as we explore what Eucharistic love looks like when lived out through service and social justice both as individuals and parish communities. Vendors will be available from various service and advocacy organizations in central Minnesota, along with prayer, activities and networking with others from around the diocese. The event will be bilingual in English and Spanish. Cost is $20 and includes lunch; group discounts are available. Learn more or register at www.ccstcloud.org/services/social-concerns.

November 13 – Companions on the Journey: Understanding Migration Webinar – Social Concerns is partnering with Lutheran Social Service to offer a webinar addressing the terminology, processes and stories of immigrants, refugees and asylees in our diocese. Join us for the Companions on the Journey: Understanding Migration webinar from 6:00-8:00 p.m. For registration information, email [email protected].

November 19 – World Day of the Poor – Pope Francis is once again calling on people of faith to recognize the 7th annual World Day of the Poor. This year’s theme is “Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor” (Tobit 4:7). Parishes are strongly encouraged to include an intercession in their weekend liturgies for this day. A sample intercession is included below:

On this World Day of the Poor, may we hear in the cry of the poor the hope of future liberation, grounded in Your love; may we never turn our face away from those experiencing poverty, and may we see with Your eyes, Lord, their tremendous dignity and the care You seek for them through our outreach of compassion, concern and action.

For more information on World Day of the Poor or additional resources for how your parish can honor this day through education, action and prayer, contact [email protected].

Read Pope Francis’ message for World Day of the Poor at: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/poveri/documents/20230613-messaggio-vii-giornatamondiale-poveri-2023.html

And learn more about poverty in the US and within your own community at: www.povertyusa.org.

CCHD Collection – Thank you to those parishes who promoted and took up the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) collection in September. Here are just a few ways that the generosity of our parishes through this collection is helping make a difference in our diocese:

A rural mental health program, focusing on advocacy to get more access to rural communities as well as to develop a warm-line available 24/7; different from the 9-8-8 crisis line, this is just someone to talk to for those feeling isolated or otherwise struggling, but not reaching crisis yet; the goal is to prevent crisis.
Providing meals for homeless neighbors when a local shelter had to close down, along with other support for renovations and ongoing work of providing no-barrier shelter and community resource connections for community members living with homelessness.
Providing know your rights trainings for workers in central MN, as well as helping connect workers to pro-bono or low-bono attorneys when workers have experienced wage-theft or other rights violations. Often these are low-wage workers already, sometimes but not always with limited English language skills, who employers feel they can discriminate against and take advantage of.
Helping fund a part-time, temporary staff person to do advocacy work around the Drivers License for All bill that passed this past spring; prior to that, the MN bishops had been advocating for this bill for years, and a local organization was able to dedicate an organizer to help push this important change forward for our state!
Supported a grass roots cultural event for the community.
Supported education around migration realities, including a pilgrimage, simulation experience and prayer experience for pastoral leaders.
Supported transportation for faith community to travel to the capital to do advocacy around legislation and issues important to Catholic, along with other faith, community members.
Helped a MN agricultural group conduct research, and based on that research, do advocacy to increase opportunities for emerging farmers and BIPOC farmers, who face increased struggles in acquiring land and other elements of getting into agriculture.

Anna Kampa ♦ (320) 258-7654

Bishop's Annual Appeal • As of September 18, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for 2023 has raised total cash and pledges of $1,244,083 toward our goal of $1,400,000 (88.86%). This was made possible through the generous donations of 6,947 people throughout the 16 counties of our diocese.

Fr. Virgil Helmin ♦ (320) 251-6557

October 9-12 – Canon Law Society of America Annual convention, Milwaukee, WI

All Tribunal forms are located on the diocesan website under the Tribunal page.

A petitioner can fill out the necessary forms found on our diocesan website under the Tribunal office at: www.stcdio.org/tribunal/annulments/annulment-forms/.

The documents required are the same for each annulment process and are:

1. baptismal certificates for both principals

2. marriage certificate (copies, not originals)

3. divorce decree (signed by the Judge) (copies, not originals)

For the formal annulment process, the petitioner can submit the completed form Formal Petition (PDF) or Formal Petition (DOC)) and appear in person for a scheduled appointment, or complete a narrative (see the guideline on the Tribunal webpage #2, A-H) or participate in a telephone interview with the Tribunal Office, visit https://stcdio.org/tribunal/annulments/

In the formal process, hearing the witnesses will no longer 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, and to set-up an individual appointment you can contact the Tribunal Office at (320) 251-6557 or email [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected].

Fr. Doug Liebsch ♦ (320) 251-5001

November 5-11 – National Vocation Awareness Week – Please consider doing one of the following during this week:

• Saying the vocation prayer at the conclusion of the petitions.

• Preaching on vocations.

• Offering your vocation story. People love to hear them!

• Offering Mass for an increase of vocations.

If we can help in any way, please contact the Vocation Office at (320) 251-5001.

Seminary Visits– If you know of any juniors or seniors in high school who would be interested in visiting a seminary, please let Fr. Doug know. Thanks!

Totus Tuus – The Totus Tuus, Summer Catechetical Youth Program, ended August 4. This is the seventh summer Totus Tuus was held in the diocese. Thank you for your participation in this great program. This program keeps growing. This past summer we had 20 Totus Tuus areas, three teams, and 12 team leaders! Please register for 2024 summer; The deadline is October 31. Call (320) 251-5001 if you have any questions.

Sr. Jeanne Wiest, O.P. ♦ (320) 255-9068

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Workshop – The fall workshops for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion began in September and are experiencing attendance beyond expectation – perhaps it is the free give-away?!?!? Workshops continue through October. Please check the website for upcoming dates: https://stcdio.org/series/extraordinary-ministers-of-holy-communion/. Please note: These workshops are for those serving (or interested in serving) as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Workshops for those who bring Communion to the homebound/hospitals/nursing homes will be held Spring 2024.

TV Mass Musicians and Presiders Needed

There are still a few openings for our TV Mass tapings between now and December. Please use this link to sign up https://signup.com/go/WPgKCFO for this very important ministry in our diocese. Please call the Worship Office with questions, (320) 255-9068.

Liturgical Resources Order from LTP – Last call for LTP orders for your parishes. The diocesan discount will only be available until November 15, 2023. Please remember all individual parishes are responsible for making payment directly to LTP. For questions about ordering, contact the Office of Worship.

Important Dates

December 3, 2023 – First Sunday of Advent
February 18, 2024 – RCIA: Rite of Election
March 21, 2023 – Chrism Mass

Bridge-Builders for a Thriving Mission ♦ Barbara Sutton

We will be hosting information sessions around the diocese this fall, beginning October 21, for a new initiative to prepare lay people for pastoral care ministries. These information sessions will describe the program, offer an experience of accompanying another person, and inform you how to begin it in your ACC. Companioning one another spiritually is one of the most important ministries of a faith community. The vision of this project is to equip teams of compassionate listeners who are steeped in a Benedictine spirituality. Participants who complete the process will be well prepared to offer pastoral care in various settings, form prayerful caregiver communities within their ACCs and lovingly practice being a non-judgmental listening presence to whomever they encounter in daily life. This program is being offered for both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking people. The training will begin in February 2024. Come and see. For more on the information sessions and to register visit www.thrivingmission.org, contact Sam Rahberg at [email protected] or Barbara Sutton at [email protected].