REAL LIFE
Newsletter from the Office of Marriage & Family
Bishop Kettler: Statement on U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision
In our efforts to protect vulnerable life in the womb, we also must not forget that women facing crisis pregnancies are also vulnerable. They, too, need our care and assistance throughout their pregnancies and after the birth of their children. The people of our diocese have a long history of offering financial support and supplies to pregnancy centers and other organizations that serve both mother and child. I am very grateful for these efforts. They make an incredible difference in helping women choose life.

Now that the Supreme Court’s ruling returns the issue of abortion to the states and access to abortion will continue in Minnesota due to a past state Supreme Court decision, we face the challenge of stepping up our educational and charitable efforts even more. I fully support the involvement of our parishes and Area Catholic Communities in programs such as “Walking with Moms in Need” (www.walkingwithmoms.com), which helps local church communities “walk in the shoes” of pregnant and parenting women by filling in service gaps that may exist. We must also redouble our advocacy for public policies that support pregnant women, strengthen families and limit any expansion of abortion. The Minnesota Catholic Conference (www.mncatholic.org) is a valuable resource for learning more about the issues and how to take action.

Click here to learn more & to register
Natural Family Planning Instruction for July & August 2022
 A First Instruction in the Billings Ovulation Method will be offered in:

• Alexandria: Monday, July 18 & August 15 at 6:30 p.m.
• Little Falls: Tuesday, July 5 & August 2 at 7:30 p.m.
• Long Prairie: Monday, July 25 & August 22 at 7:00 p.m. 
• Rice: Monday, July 11 & August 1 at 6:30 p.m.
• Sauk Centre: Thursday, July 21 & August 18 at 6:30 p.m.
• St. Cloud: Thursday, July 21 & Monday, August 22 at 6:30 p.m.
• St. Michael: Tuesday, July 5 & August 2 at 6:00 p.m.
• Wadena: Friday, July 22 & August 26 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.
Natural Family Planning (NFP) Awareness Week is July 24-30, 2022
Plan now to celebrate NFP Week. This year’s theme from the USCCB is, “Called to the Joy of Love”. Resources can be found at usccb.org/topics/natural-family-planning/national-nfp-awareness-week
2022 Humanae Vitae Mass & Award Reception 

July 28, 2022 will mark the 54th Anniversary of Humanae vitae!

In celebration, we'll host our annual diocesan Humanae vitae Mass & Award Reception on Thursday, July 28 at Saint Mary's Cathedral, Saint Cloud at 7:00 p.m. with Bishop Donald Kettler.


Questions? Contact Sheila Reineke, sreineke@gw.stcdio.org or 320-252-4721 x308.

Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley will hold its annual PRO-LIFE RETREAT on Saturday, August 13, 2022. 

There will be an Outdoor PRAYER VIGIL coinciding with Eucharistic Adoration in the church from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The 4pm week-end Mass intention is for an END TO LEGALIZED ABORTION.  

A light supper will follow Mass.  

Speaker to be announced.

For more information:
Contact the parish at assumptionev@meltel.net or 320-453-2785
Contact Judy at judy4life@meltel.net or 320-453-7592   
A newsletter from the Office of Marriage & Family
Contact us for more information at
320-252-4721 or pflynn@gw.stcdio.org 
Check out our website at www.stcdio.org/omf