May 2021
MONTHLY DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER
LINKS
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE
Please feel free to put the Sunday TV Mass
in your parish bulletins at www.stcdio.org/tvmass.


May 22Confirmation for Baptized Catholics – Bishop Kettler will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for adults (18+) at the Vigil of Pentecost on Saturday, May 22 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 by May 17, 2021. Follow this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Adult_Confirmation_2021


2021 Diocesan Ministry Day (DMD)

Save The Date DMD 2021 will be held on Saturday, October 23 at Saint John's Abbey and University. The day will gather the people from across the Diocese of Saint Cloud to celebrate who we are as a diocese and to share with one another the gifts each of our Area Catholic Communities offers. We will be joining Catholics from around the diocese for a presenter, rally and Mass with the Bishop.

Please consider publishing this bulletin announcement:

SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 23, 2021 Diocesan Ministry Day 2021
One Body: Gathered, Nourished, Sent

We’ve got Spirit! Yes, we do! We’ve got Spirit. How about you? This year, Diocesan Ministry Day will be a rousing celebration of all that we are as a diocese. This rally-themed day, to be held at Saint John’s Abbey and University, will honor the gifts of each of our parishes and ACCs. Save the date to come and cheer on the whole diocese and be filled with the love of community and the spiritual gifts of our faith. All are welcome to attend this event. Stay tuned for more details.

_________________________________________________

Regional Ministry Gatherings 2021

Nine Regional Ministry Gatherings are being planned for this spring, summer and fall under the theme “One Body: Gathered, Nourished, Sent.” The gatherings — 3 for all people of the diocese and 6 geared toward parish and school leaders — will focus on relevant issues facing our Church and Area Catholic Communities. They will be offered using virtual and hybrid models in the lead-up to Diocesan Ministry Day in October. Watch for more information soon.

OCP Parish Grants Program – The OCP Parish Grants Program seeks to support and enhance the worship experience of the faithful as they begin returning to in-person celebrations. Applications are being accepted through May 30. Applicants are required to fill out an online application at ocp.org/parish-grants to provide information about their parish: demographics, pastoral ministries offered and intentions for the grant. Grant recipients will be announced in August.


NOTES FROM THE DIOCESAN OFFICES
David Fremo ♦ (320) 251-0111
 
Celebrate Catholic Schools – Like a garden, our Easter hope, nourished with our kindness and warmed by our generosity, will bloom into something beautiful at Pentecost. Much the same, this is what we see every Spring in our students as we near the end of the school year. Where did the time go? How did they grow up so fast? And how could we possibly be more proud of them? There is so much to celebrate, even in this year of challenges, confusion and uncertainties. Some things are certain--the faith and bonds we share, and the promises which God has given that come into our lives every day. It is in the big things, yes, but the innumerable little things where we begin to count the many, many blessings we have in each other. Thank you to our Catholic school students, teachers, staff, administrators, boards, pastors and friends! It takes all of us to make our ministry shine. And our schools are ready for more! Share your Catholic school story with others, and encourage new families to experience our schools.  
 
Emmaus Institute   As Catholics, we have the greatest story to tell – the story of Jesus Christ. Our parishes, now more than ever, need well-formed leaders to help tell the story. Do you feel called to be a witness in your parish and community? Do you know someone who could benefit from theological and ministerial formation? The Emmaus Institute invites you to develop your faith with others seeking the same goal. Come hear the story of our formation journey from current students, instructors, and others. Open houses will be held in Spanish and English and registration is required. See the list of dates and times with their registration links below:


For more information, visit www.stcdio.org/Emmaus-Institute or contact Kristi Bivens at (320) 258-7642 or kbivens@gw.stcdio.org
 
Becoming Eucharist: Mealtime Table Talk for Families  Becoming Eucharist continues to be available for print and digital viewing. Check out the resources for May at http://familytogether.stcdio.orgAll resources are available in English and Spanish!

National Cathoilc Youth Conference (NCYC 2021): The delegation planning is in full swing. More information about NCYC can be found at 
https://stcdio.org/cem/youthministry/youthrallies/. If you are still interested in joining the diocesan delegation please contact Kent Schmitz at kschmitz@gw.stcdio.org.



Joe Towalski ♦ (320) 258-7624

As of April 26, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for 2021 has raised total cash and pledges of $947,587 toward our goal of $1,400,000 (67.68%). This was made possible through the generous donations of 6,396 people throughout the 16 counties of our diocese. 

Please remember to turn in gifts collected at your parishes since the launch of the appeal. Your response helps us process gifts in a timely manner and set up pledges that are able to be complete by December 31, 2021.
 
Thank you so much to our pastors and parish staff who are working to make this year’s appeal a success and support our diocesan ministries.

MASS TIMES – Please check the entry for your parish in the parish section of the diocesan website — https://stcdio.org/parishes — to ensure the listing of Mass times is accurate and other parish information is correct. If you have changes to submit, please email them to Barb Simon-Johnson at Barb.Simon-Johnson@gw.stcdio.org.


Bailey Ziegler ♦ (320) 258-7655

Patrick Flynn ♦ (320) 252-4721

Natural Family Planning Instruction for May & June 2021
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, May 4 & June 1 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Long Prairie: Monday, May 28 & June 28 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Rice: Monday, May 3 & June 7 at 6:30 p.m.
  • Sauk Centre: Monday, May 17 & June 21 at 6:30 p.m.
  • St. Cloud: Monday, May 24 & Thursday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m.
  • St. Michael: Tuesday, May 4 & June 1 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Wadena: Friday, May 28 & June 25 at 5:30 p.m.
 
For additional sites, information or to register, visit www.stcdio.org/omf/nfp or contact Sheila Reineke sreineke@gw.stcdio.org at (320) 252-4721 ext. 308.

May 22 – Engaged Couples Retreat Held at Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Rockville, MN from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. See our website at https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/ for more details or call (320) 252-4721 with questions.

June 4-6 – Retrouvaille weekend – Held at the Best Western Dakota Ridge Hotel in Eagan, MN. Retrouvaille Marriage Help: 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. Find out more information and register at http://www.helpourmarriage.org.

September 11 – Engaged Couples Retreat – Location: TBD from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. See our website at https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/ for more details or call (320) 252-4721 with questions.
 
September 18 – Sponsor Couple Training – Held at the Pastoral Center in St. Cloud from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration for couples (names, address, phone number, parish and email address) should be made at least two weeks (September 3) before training. Call Janet at (320) 258-7616 or email jdusek@gw.stcdio.org to register. The parish will be billed $110 per couple for the cost of training (which includes Fully Engaged supplies).
 
RESCHEDULED Date: October 2 – Honoring Marriage Day – Held at St. Mary’s in Melrose. This event is for couples celebrating their 5th, 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th and 60 plus anniversaries in 2021. 
Parishes are asked to send names and addresses of parishioners celebrating 5, 25, 40, 50, 60 & 60 plus years of marriage in 2021 to the Office of Marriage & Family, 305 7th Avenue North, Suite 100, Saint Cloud, MN 56303 or via email to Jan at jzylla@gw.stcdio.org or fax (320) 258-7658 as soon as possible. Invitations will be sent to the celebrating couples.
 
October 8-10 – World Wide Marriage Encounter – 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. For more information, visit www.wwme.org or call Brent and Tracy Chessen at (612) 756-8720.
 
October 9 – 2nd Marriage Course, Saturday – 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 annulmentMarriage 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/.
 
October 30 – Engaged Couples Retreat – Location: TBD from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. Visit the website at https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/ for more details or call (320) 252-4721 with questions.


Elizabeth Neville Brown ♦ (320) 251-1100

The Mission Office has LOTS of tasty and wonderful new Fair Trade coffees, teas and chocolates for your global palate! Come and stop in and see what we have to offer!

Our second Mission Connections meeting is set for Tuesday, May 4 at 4:00 p.m. at the Mission Office and virually on ZOOM at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84671582782?pwd=REtIUjc0VUVYVG1SRE51cVhDaWtKUT09. Please join us as we are putting together a new “Mission Connections” Team and are looking for people passionate about mission to join! This team will work to promote and support different mission connections we have around the globe, including our diocesan partnerships in Kenya and Venezuela. If you are interested in joining or would like more information about this exciting new opportunity, please contact Teresa at the Mission Office!


Linda Kaiser ♦ (320) 251-2340

May is here and for most parishes and schools the year is winding down. The Diocese of Saint Cloud needs your children training data to complete the audit for this year which is due in August. Please put the data on to the CMG Connect platform or email Linda Kaiser at lkaiser@gw.stcdio.org with your data. If you did not do training this year, information is still needed so it can be added to the audit. Remember children and youth training is required every year.  Parishes and schools will be contacted for data if you don’t have it in by June 1. Adult training is synced to the background check renewal which happens every five years.  

If parishes are having any summer youth activities, all adults (18+) need to have background checks.

Please contact the Safe Environment Office with any changes of site administrators. It is important to keep the database up to date especially if meetings and any changes in safe environment take place.

Kateri Mancini ♦ (320) 229-6020
 
 
Rural Life Initiative Conversations of Hope Series: FINAL session May 13 – The diocese is invited to join us for the Rural Life Initiative’s monthly virtual sessions, Conversations of Hope: Sharing Community Concerns and Resources. Participants will pray and share together in a community conversation around pressing issues in our communities; community leaders will also be part of the conversation to answer questions and share ideas for how to address these community concerns. Join us the second Thursday of every month at Noon. Our next and final session on May 13, will focus on Immigration. To join in this Conversation of Hope, email Rebecca Fiedler at Rebecca.Fiedler@ccstcloud.org or register online at https://www.ccstcloud.org/services/social-concerns
 
Catholic Century Farm Awards – Catholic Charities Social Concerns is now taking applications for the diocese’s third annual Catholic Century Farm Awards for Catholic families who have nurtured the same land for 100 years or more. If your family or members of your parish have been farming the same land for 100 years or more, please visit the social concerns website (https://www.ccstcloud.org/services/social-concerns) and look under “Rural Life” for the application form, which includes requirements and deadlines to apply. Recipients will be honored by Bishop at a special celebration Mass on August 1. Application deadline is June 1.
 
Certification in Parish Social Ministry – Catholic Charities and the Diocese of St. Cloud are proud to offer Certification in Parish Social Ministry. We believe the work of social concerns and lay leadership formation in this ministry area is extremely important. Catholic Charities and the Diocese of St. Cloud want to recognize those individuals who are leading their communities in the area of Parish Social Ministry. Catholic Charities Social Concerns is now taking applications for those who wish to be certified. Please visit our website (https://www.ccstcloud.org/services/social-concerns) and look under “Parish Social Ministry” for the application form. Certificates will be presented, and recipients honored by the bishop at a special ceremony on June 29. Application deadline is May 15.
 
CCHD Anniversary – The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is the national anti-poverty office of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. For 50 years now, CCHD has been educating the faithful about the realities of poverty, lifting up the voices of those living in poverty and marginalization, and supporting groups around the country that are actively working to fight the cycles of poverty and make a difference for all our community members! Join in a nation-wide virtual celebration of this anniversary and the great work of CCHD on May 14-15. Register by May 10, to celebrate the last 50 years of CCHD's transformative work, look forward to the next 50 years, and find ways you can get involved in the work to end poverty in the U.S.
 
Honoring Farmers and Rural Life – Catholic Charities Social Concerns invites you to consider ways to affirm and celebrate agriculture and rural life in your local communities and throughout the diocese. Farmers and agricultural workers are essential to our way of life by providing food security, protecting the environment and being stewards of God’s creation. There are many ways of supporting farm families and rural communities through prayer, celebration and fellowship. Consider starting with a rural life novena to St. Isidore, patron saint of farmers, beginning May 7 and ending May 15, on the saint's feast day. To get the Novena to St. Isidore - Catholic Rural Life, visit https://catholicrurallife.org/resources/spiritual/novena-to-st-isidore/. Other ideas include Mass on a local farm; blessing of seeds, equipment and farm sites; or taking up a special collection for our diocese’s Rural Life Fund, which helps rural individuals and families with emergency funds in their time of need. Contact JoAnn Braegelman at JoAnn.Braegelman@ccstcloud.org for more ideas and information.


Fr. Virgil Helmin ♦ (320) 251-6557

ANNULMENT PROCEDURE
 
The Tribunal of the Diocese of St. Cloud has established a policy that the annulment process will not be started until six months after issuance of the final divorce decree.
 
No wedding date must be set until an affirmative decision has been rendered.
 
The annulment process requires the following:

A) The petitioner contacts his/her parish priest or a Tribunal staff member in order to petition and begin the annulment procedure.

1. The petitioner needs to present the following documents at the time of the application:
 
a) Baptismal certificate and/or Profession of Faith of self and of former spouse.
b) Certificate of marriage and/or Validation and/or Dispensation
c) Divorce decree (Final Judgment).
d) Current address of former spouse.
 
2. The petitioner has a recorded preliminary interview (conducted by a parish
priest, deacon, parish minister or a Tribunal Staff Member) -OR- writes a
narrative that covers in depth the following factual information about the
petitioner and his/her former spouse:
 
a) Description of childhood and home life of self and former spouse. Alcoholism
or chemical addiction in family background?
b) Description of dating process and maturity of self and former spouse.
c) Description of how the decision to marry was reached.
 d) Description of ability to communicate and resolve conflicts.
 e) Description of problems that developed in the marriage and when they
began.
 f)  Description of attempted solutions to the problems.
 g) Description of performance of roles of husband/wife, father/mother.
 h) Description of how the decision to divorce was reached.
 
B) When there are ground(s) for a declaration of nullity, the Tribunal will contact both, the petitioner and the respondent.
 
C) Prior to the formal hearing, the petitioner must complete and return the witness list. Witnesses include 2-3 adult people who knew them prior to and during their marriage and can give us information about the marriage. At the time of the formal hearing, the petitioner must bring these witnesses in with them. A witness can be a brother, sister, parent, friend, co-worker, neighbor or a member of the wedding party. Witnesses should not all be relatives. We do not interview children of the marriage. At the formal hearing the petitioner and the witnesses will be questioned privately. 
 
D) If the petition comes to formal hearing the following will occur:
 
  1. All testimony is gathered and sent to the Court Members.
  2. The defender of the bond presents its brief to the Judge.
  3. Judge(s) renders a decision. Petitioner and respondent are notified.
  4. Both the petitioner and the respondent have the right to appeal the decision of the Court of First Instance. Also, both are notified of the decision and given 15 working days to review that decision and/or to appeal the decision.
  5. If the decision is not appealed by either person, the defender of the bond signs off on the waiver. Once that is returned to the Tribunal office the process is complete and the petitioner and the respondent are notified along with the parish of baptism and parish of marriage.
  6. A vetitum (prohibition) may be attached to the decision, requiring that either or both spouses must attend professional counseling with a counselor approved by the Tribunal before being allowed to marry in the Catholic Church.
 
The average length for the Tribunal to process a petition is 12 months. If the process is appealed by either parties, the process may take longer than 18 months. No wedding date can be set until an affirmative decision has been rendered. The Court could require that the person participate in an evaluation or counseling with their intended spouse. This requirement is made so that the future marriage may be happy and fulfilling. 
 
As of July 1, 2016, the Tribunal of the Diocese of St. Cloud no longer charges a set fee for annulments. If you wish to make a donation to help defray the cost(s) of the work of the Tribunal, it would be greatly appreciated. Please make checks payable to: Tribunal of the Diocese of St. Cloud. Or, you may go to: www.stcdio.org/pay to make an online donation, under “Tribunal – Annulments”. Thank you for your kind donation.


Fr. Scott Pogatchnik ♦ (320) 251-5001

• June 27: Paintball with the priests (9th grade young men and older)
• July 31: Paschal Challenge, Sauk Centre (9th – 12th grade)
More information or to register, visit to https://stcdio.org/vocations/events-3/.
 
Totus Tuus – Below is the schedule and locations for Totus Tuus this summer:
  • June 5 – 11:             Little Falls & Foley
  • June 12 – 18:           St. Michael, St. Cloud & Perham
  • June 19 – 25:           St. Augustine, St. Cloud & Fergus Falls
  • June 26 – July 2:     Bluffton/Wadena & Sauk Centre
  • July 10 – 16:            Elk River & Milaca
  • July 17 – 23:            Belgrade/Brooten/Elrosa & Holdingford/Upsala

NOTE: We are still in need of leaders for this program, please help us spread the word. Interested individuals (college sophomores and older) can apply at https://stcdio.org/vocations/totus-tuus/leaders/.
 

Aaron Carpenter ♦ (320) 255-9068

2021 TV Mass Schedule Now Online – Thank you to the many people who support the ministry of the TV Mass for the Diocese of Saint Cloud. I’m sure you can imagine how important this has been over the past several months. Our viewership and requests for Living Liturgy guides has seen a substantial increase. The 2021 recording schedule is now live. All priests and musicians (along with lectors) are encouraged to take a look to see how you might be able to serve. Sign up at https://stcdio.org/worship/tv-mass/tv-mass-volunteer-musicians-information/. If you have questions, contact the Office of Worship.

Bethany Tollefson ♦ (320) 251-2700 Ext. 54621

The Faith Community Nurses of Central MN Partnership is sponsoring a workshop entitled: Grief and Loss in Complicated Times for those who have encountered Grief and Loss during the pandemic. With the disruption of communal gatherings, there has been a sense of loss and grief in many different areas of life ranging from grieving the loss of a loved one to grieving the loss of celebrating together (weddings/birth/etc.) and normalcy. The goal of this workshop is to talk about challenges related to grief and loss during complicated times, allow time to listen to experts on grief and loss, and create spaces to share with others who have experienced grief. 
This will be a virtual workshop offered on Tuesday, June 8 from 8:00 a.m. to noon and will feature experts in the field including Hospice Chaplains, Roxann Storms and Lisa Bershok. Continuing education hours will be offered to nurses and social workers. Registration information and links will be coming at the end of April.

You are invited to consider adding the Faith Community Nurse (FCN) specialty to the Health Ministries in your faith community. Faith Community Nurses can support community members in many ways with special focus on the intentional care of the spirit as well as the promotion of whole-person health and prevention of illness. Some examples of how FCNs do this is through home and hospital visits, education, connection to community resources, as well as many other ministries. A current RN license is required. To become a FCN, you must take the Foundations of FCN Course. The next Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Course is offered virtually on May 20, 21, 27 and 28. Scholarships are available. Contact bethany.tollefson@centracare.com for more information.

Helpful Links:
Become a Faith Community Nurse! Link to the Foundations of Faith Community Nurse Course Information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GV3tIzJbaVjMAmyzjfUHi21tC9WppCRT/view?usp=sharing  



Happy Birthday to our Retired Priests

Reverend Vincent Lieser will celebrate his 80th birthday on May 10.
308 Third Street S, Apt. 204
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Telephone: (320) 290-8768