March 2022
MONTHLY DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER
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Please feel free to put the Sunday TV Mass
March 4 ♦ Spring Clergy Education Day. The gathering will be from 1-4 p.m. at St. Mary Help of Christians Church in St. Augusta. “Do This in Memory of Me” will be presented by the diocese's Stewardship Advisory Council. The afternoon will focus on fostering a culture of stewardship rooted in the Eucharist as we look ahead to the National Eucharistic Revival. The program will include Eucharistic Adoration, testimonials, a presentation by Fr. Gregory Paffel, and practical information about encouraging stewardship in our parishes and ACCs. Priests should RSVP to Kate Steinbach at 320-251-2340 or [email protected] by Wednesday, March 2.
March 6 ♦ The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion is at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Bishop Donald Kettler presiding.
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Be a Listener For the Synodal Church - Do you want to plant dreams, draw forth a renewed vision, allow hopes to be nourished, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, and learn from one another for the sake of the Church? Would you be a listener? The Diocese of Saint Cloud is seeking to listen to 12,000 people between now and May 2022. We are looking for listeners to help us in group and/or one-on-one settings. What will a listener do? A one-on-one listener will host a conversation with individuals (our goal is 8 to 10 people over three months) about their experience of faith and the Catholic Church for approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Afterward, the listener will submit summary notes to a diocesan database. Those we listen to will not be identified by name. A group listener will facilitate a group experience that includes prayer, silence, individual reflection, small group conversation, and large group sharing. The size of these groups will vary for each group. Summary notes will be taken and submitted to a diocesan database.
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Synod consultations are happening throughout the diocese now through May. Each Area Catholic Community is asked to host as least one synod consultation. Consultations — both those open to the public as well as those for specific groups — will be listed on the diocesan synod webpage, https://stcdio.org/synod-2021-2023, under the heading Synod Listening Consultations/Gatherings.
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NOTES FROM THE DIOCESAN OFFICES |
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David Fremo ♦ (320) 251-0111
Catholic School Updates – All of our schools are currently enrolling students for the 2022-2023 school year. The schools of the Diocese of Saint Cloud can be found at: https://stcdio.org/cem/catholic-schools/. We are proud to build a better future for our communities and world through the ministry of Catholic education. Please show your support for our Catholic schools as you are able, through prayer and your generosity.
March 11 – Castaway Retreat and Planning meeting – Our annual 3-day high school retreat is scheduled for March 25-27, 2022 at the Young Life Camp near Detroit Lakes. The next planning meeting will be at Seven Dolors Parish in Albany 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Please visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPLp5ZUWVqeM49F_vdECpQPCDiSZeiFN_ISrOovcI59pLW6w/viewform to register for March 11. Initial registration excel file is past due at this time. All parishes of the diocese have been invited to participate and should be enrolled and registered at this time. Parish leaders may learn more about the weekend, enroll their parish(es) and register their group by visiting: https://stcdio.org/event/castaway/. Reach out to Kent in CEM at 320-251-0111 ext. 4 or [email protected] for more clarifying information or questions.
April 29 – Leadership Day 2022: Resilience and Wellness – has been rescheduled to this day, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 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 is limited, please register soon 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 the 2022-2023 academic year is open. Anyone interested is welcome to come observe a class or two, in person or on Zoom! Please contact Kristi Bivens at 320-251-0111 or [email protected]. More information as well as registration materials can be found at https://stcdio.org/emmaus-institute/.
Zoom Retreat: Healing Divisions: The Science and Spirituality for Engaging in Polarized Times – Looking to spiritually grow this Lent? 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. Join us to gain more skillful & prayerful ways for engaging in dialogue about polarized topics, and navigating all those relational rubs that we can have with families, friends, and colleagues. It runs for 4 Sundays from 6pm-8pm: Mar 6, 20, 27, & Apr 4 via Zoom. For more information and to register: https://healingdivisions.org/healing-divisions-retreat. Free will donations appreciated.
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Joe Towalski ♦ (320) 258-7624
Bishop’s Annual Appeal – Thank you so much for your work with the launch of the 2022 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. As of February 25, the Appeal has raised total cash and pledges of $216,422 toward our goal of $1,400,000 (15.5%). This was made possible through the generous donations of 1,521 people throughout the 16 counties of our diocese.
Please remember to turn in the gifts from your offertory in a timely manner. Many of these gifts are time-sensitive. If you have any questions, please contact Anna Kampa at 320-258-7654 or [email protected]. Thank you!
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Patrick Flynn ♦ (320) 252-4721
Natural Family Planning Instruction for March and April 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, March 1 & April 5 at 7:30 p.m.
· Long Prairie: Monday, March 28 & April 25 at 7:00 p.m.
· Rice: Monday, March 7 & April 4 at 6:30 p.m.
· Sauk Centre: Monday, March 21& April 18 at 6:30 p.m.
· St. Cloud: Thursday, March 24 & Monday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m.
· St. Michael: Tuesday, March 1 & April 5 at 6:00 p.m.
· Wadena: Friday, March 25 & April 22 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, opening and closing rally details and vigil sign up information, visit https://stcdio.org/respect-life/forty-days-life/.
March 5 – Sponsor Couple Training – Location: Pastoral Center in St. Cloud from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please register couples with names and contact information to Janet Dusek at [email protected] or (320) 258-7616. Your parish will be billed $125 per couple for the cost of training (which includes Fully Engaged supplies).
March 19 – Spanish Speaking Marriage Course – 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/.
March 25 - 27 – Beginning Experience Weekend – The loss of a loved one through separation, divorce, or death is one of life’s most traumatic experiences. Many people who have suffered this loss feel left out by their church, uneasy around married friends, unsure of themselves and uncertain about their futures. This program is intended for those suffering the loss of a love relationship through death, divorce or separation who are ready to come to terms with that loss and begin to move forward with their lives. More information can be found at https://beginningexperience.org/program/beginning-experience-weekend/.
March 26 – 2nd Marriage Course – Location: The Pastoral Center in St. Cloud from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Second Marriage Preparation Course is for couples preparing to marry after the death of a spouse or an annulment. Marriage preparation must be completed at least three months before the date of the wedding celebration. It is recommended you complete the course well in advance (six months or more). Many couples take the course one year before their wedding. For more information, visit https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/.
May 7 – Honoring Marriage Day – Location: 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 email 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 – Location: 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.
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Elizabeth Neville Brown ♦ (320) 251-1100
March 2 – Ash Wednesday, begins the Rice Bowl Collection across the country. All parishes, schools, faith formation and youth ministry programs should have already received promotional supplies and resources based on order requests last fall. If you are looking for more resources and supplies, please vist our website at www.stcloudmissionoffice.com. Thank you for all you do to support this awesome project!
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Linda Kaiser ♦ (320) 251-2340
Safe environments – The Diocese of Saint Cloud had its onsite safe environment audit Feb. 15-16. This was a remote audit conducted by Stonebridge Partners, which are the auditors for the USCCB. I appreciate the cooperation of all the people who were interviewed and the parishes and schools that worked diligently to make sure their sites were up to date. The auditors chose two parishes and one Catholic school from across the diocese. Each year the diocese completes an annual audit, and this is completed with data from each of the parishes and schools on the CMGconnect database. Every three years the diocese has an onsite audit from the auditors as part of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
This would be a good time of the year to put in your parish bulletins the annual announcement.
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Kateri Mancini ♦ (320) 229-6020
March 15 – Day on the Hill – DON’T FORGET: The Day on the Hill is almost here! Join the Catholic bishops of Minnesota, along with Protestant, Jewish and Muslim leaders and community members from throughout the state, for the annual Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC)’s Day on the Hill on Tuesday, March 15. The event will be held virtually again this year from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. There will be opportunity for multi-faith prayer, hearing from a fantastic speaker, and sharing from the JRLC leaders about key advocacy priorities that all the participating religious communities have agreed on. It is a great opportunity to use our strength in numbers to make positive change in our state stemming from our common faith-based-justice beliefs! More information and registration is available at: https://jrlc.org/2022-day-on-the-hill. A donation of $10 is asked for, but no one will be turned away due to financial concerns. You and your parishioners may also contact Social Concerns if you are in need of a scholarship.
Social Concerns is now on the MyParish App!
We are excited to announce that Social Concerns will soon be a part of the MyParish App family. Parishioners throughout the diocese can download the app and select Social Concerns in order to connect with our staff, advocacy opportunities, community resources and more. If parishioners already use the MyParish app with your 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. We will launch our app on March 15.
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” and add it as another of your favorites to get connected!
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 at: 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.
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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
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.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Retreat Weekend – Our next “IHM Visit” Immaculate Heart of Mary Retreat weekend is March 19-21.
April 28 – Andrew dinner – 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 this Andrew Dinner, please contact the Vocation Office at (320) 251-5001. Thank you!
May 7 – The Shepherd is Calling – This event will be held from 9:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. in Upsala, MN for elementary aged boys and girls and their families. We will be hands on with sheep and tangibly experience what it means to be a shepherd in hopes of grasping more closely how God loves each of us! I ask the priests especially to promote this in your parishes among your families with kids. Also, I invite the priests to join for all or part of the day. Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. (Mike and Alice Westrich farm. 1652 Abbey Road Burtrum, MN 56318).
Please announce and put in your bulletins:
Jesus talks a lot about being a Good Shepherd and we don't really even know what it means to be a shepherd. This is a chance for you and your children to learn what it means to be a shepherd so that we can understand what it means for Jesus the Good Shepherd to love and give his life for each of us. We will be hands on with young lambs and have a variety of other activities for kids that help us realize how much Jesus loves us. Please Come: The Shepherd is Calling – Saturday, May 7, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Mike and Alice Westrich farm,1652 Abbey Road, Burtrum, MN 56318. Please register at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ShepherdisCalling.
2022 Summer Vocation Events
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May 7: The Shepherd is Calling (elementary aged kids and their families, all are welcome)
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June 21 – 23: Avon Vocation Camp (7th – 10th grade)
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July 11 – 13: Bus Tour (7th – 12th grade)
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August 13: Paschal Challenge, Sauk Centre (9th – 12th grade)
2022 Totus Tuus
Totus Tuus Planning Meeting – Thursday, March 24, 2022, at 3:30 p.m., Pastoral Center Lounge, 305 7th Avenue North, St. Cloud.
2022 Totus Tuus schedule:
June 11 - 17, 2022
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, 2022
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, 2022
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, 2022
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, 2022
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, 2022
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
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Aaron Carpenter ♦ (320) 255-9068
Please contact the Office of Worship with questions at (320) 255-9068.
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 or return used bottles. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron at [email protected] or (320) 255-9068.
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 at [email protected] to sign up. If we have enough interest, it is our hope to have regional rehearsals to properly prepare.
Group Reservations for Chrism Mass – Youth groups, confirmation groups and other groups are invited and encouraged to participate in the Chrism Mass on Thursday, April 7. To reserve seating for your group, email Laura at [email protected]. We are also looking for volunteers to help with the procession of oils.
Protocols for Holy Week – 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).
June 4 – Confirmation for Baptized Catholics – Bishop Kettler will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for adults, those 18 and older, at the Vigil of Pentecost 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. Register at: https://stcdio.org/adult-confirmation/.
Important Dates
- March 6 – RCIA: Rite of Election
- March 11 – Extra Oil Orders Due
- April 7 – Chrism Mass
- April 8 – Delivery of Oils to Deans
- June 4 – Sacrament of Confirmation for Adults
- June 11 – Ordination of Deacons
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Catholic Charities ♦ (320) 650-1641
Catholic Charities Pack the Porches Food and Fund Drive – Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf joins other food shelves, faith communities, businesses and organizations across Minnesota in acting to end hunger and food insecurity during the 41st annual Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, February 28 through April 10, the largest annual grassroots food and fund drive in the state.
Join us Friday, March 18, for our 12th annual Pack the Porches food and fund drive, benefiting Catholic Charities Food Shelf. Visit ccstcloud.org/packtheporches to learn more.
Can’t make it to Pack the Porches? Join us throughout the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign. Please bring nonperishable items to Catholic Charities Food Shelf in St. Cloud, and donate funds in person or online. Visit ccstcloud.org/mnfoodshare to learn more.
Together we can give our neighbors the hope and stability they need. Together we can ensure food for all throughout Minnesota. Together we can make a different tomorrow.
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Barbara Sutton ♦ (320) 363-3052
Book Companion on Radical Hospitality: Benedict’s Way of Love – Hospitality is at the heart of Christianity. Do you want to be on the Gospel road to renewing the ancient Christian practice of radical hospitality? Do you want to expand your heart to welcome and care for those who are unlike us or different than us? Do you want to develop a small community of faith this Lenten season who will explore and have a deep conversation on radical hospitality? Each small community will be given up to six books: Radical Hospitality: Benedict’s Way of Love. These books can be ordered at www.thrivingmission.org. You can also find a printable Companion Guide at the website. Cindy Gonzalez, keynote speaker from Diocesan Ministry Day in October will also lead a book study on ZOOM during Lent beginning Tuesday, March 8 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. or 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. They will meet each Tuesday during Lent. Sign-up on the website. For more information, contact Barbara Sutton at [email protected].
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Happy Birthday to our Retired Priests |
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Reverend Gerald Dalseth will celebrate his 84th birthday on March 10.
308 Third Street S, Apt 105
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Telephone: (320) 250-3686
Reverend Albert Holmes will celebrate his 78th birthday on March 26.
302 Balmoral Avenue
Henning, MN 56551
Telephone: (612) 716-4977
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