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November 2023
MONTHLY DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER
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Please feel free to put the Sunday TV Mass
in your parish bulletins at www.stcdio.org/tvmass.
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 the Vocation Office can help in any way, please contact us at (320) 251-5001.
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 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. 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]. For additional information about this day, view the Social Concern office's section below in this newsletter.
November 26 ♦ Mass for Suicide Healing and Remembrance – The mental health ministry team of the diocese is offering a Mass for Suicide Healing and Remembrance at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. This 9:30 a.m. parish liturgy is open to everyone with a special invitation to those who have lost loved ones or community members to suicide. Please come and pray with us! For more information, visit the Mental Health Ministry page of the diocesan website: https://stcdio.org/event/2023-mass-for-suicide-healing-and-remembrance/.
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Fr. Tom Knoblach ♦ Vicar for Clergy and Vicar for Health Care Ethics ♦ (320) 251-2340
Vicar for Health Care Ethics
Cemetery Management Questionnaire – Catholic cemeteries are sacred places and public witnesses to the dignity of every human life and our faith in the Resurrection and eternal life. They are also a responsibility that intersects with pastoral care, canon law, civil law, and parish policies.
Recently, the secretaries and other parish staff in the diocese were invited to an informational day, including sacramental record keeping and the management of Catholic cemeteries. The following is a brief questionnaire as a follow-up to the discussion on our cemeteries: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2023ParishCemeteries
We are not planning to implement uniform policies across the diocese or replace local control of parish cemeteries. Rather, this questionnaire is intended as a support to this important work, and to assist in understanding the management of these sacred places in our diocese.
Please have those responsible for cemetery management in your parish(es) respond to this questionnaire for each cemetery by November 6 as you are able. There may be areas that are unclear or in progress in your parish or ACC, and that's fine. We understand this will be a work in progress. Thank you!
Minnesota Catholic Health Care Directives – You may occasionally have inquiries about preparing a health care directive that is in accord with Catholic teaching. The Minnesota Catholic Conference provides these free resources on its website. Go to www.mncatholic.org/healthcaredirective for both the directive template and background information on these documents and Catholic moral teaching.
As a part of 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, the diocese is 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].
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NOTES FROM THE DIOCESAN OFFICES | |
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David Fremo ♦ (320) 251-0111
Catholic Schools are alive and well in the Diocese of Saint Cloud! In addition to welcoming new families this fall, we have been welcomed into new partnerships with educators and supporters from the Catholic Schools Center of Excellence (CSCOE).
It was wonderful for many of our diocesan principals to gather at Madden’s on Gull Lake in October for the CSCOE VIP “UnConference.” The programs and opportunities from Madden’s and CSCOE staff were outstanding, and the keynote speakers really hit on topics of high importance for our school communities: extending radical hospitality to our students and families and attending to our well-being. Drs. Michael Boyle and Jules Nolan offered inspirational and practical examples of how we can more deeply engage and serve in our Catholic educational mission.
Our new partnership with CSCOE extends to many ongoing services and activities, beyond the in-person gatherings. Please take some time and explore what is available to your school and your families. In addition to grants, webinars and educational and professional development events, the staff at CSCOE will consult with you and your staff and teams on a variety of initiatives: preschool, enrollment and marketing, philanthropy, capital campaigns and more. When you see the “Easy Button” in the weekly CSCOE e-mail, click on it! They are ready to listen, and to serve.
You are invited to share school events, celebrations and other happenings with us so we can help spread the good word about them. You can e-mail Laura Gorder, [email protected] or David Fremo, [email protected] in Catholic Education Ministries. You can share also with the Central Minnesota Catholic Magazine (including the online magazine) by contacting Kristi Anderson, [email protected].
November 6 & 20 - Zoom Prayer Sessions – Join us every other Monday at 9:00 a.m. for thirty minutes of prayer via Zoom. Jesus reminds us of the need to pray, but as leaders we are often in charge of leading prayer rather than allowing prayer to transform us as ministers. This opportunity is for anyone in parish ministry who would like to start their week off with Jesus. To join us, click this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84715180569?pwd=RXl4YTN6aDMvNGVxSXlNQmRPdi9jUT09
Meeting ID: 847 1518 0569
Passcode: pray
NCYC Prayers - There are 125 youth and adults joining Bishop Patrick and other Catholic leaders and youth from across the United Stated for the National Catholic Youth Conference this November. Please pray for our participants as they learn more about and celebrate our rich faith at NCYC!
November 1, 15, 29, and December 13 – Formation Opportunity on engaging parents in the formation of their children– Join Fr. Tim Donovan and others for a four-session books study. The sessions will take place via Zoom every other week (Nov. 1, 15, 29, & Dec. 13) and will focus on specific chapters of the book, "Mission Field", written by Fr. Tim (it's only 40 pages long). You can purchase a PDF or physical copy at https://www.fflcm.org/shop/category/pathways-mission-field-12 Sessions will focus on specific chapters of the book and will include discussions, time for questions, and thoughts from the author. Register here: https://www.fflcm.org/event.
November 11, January 13, and February 10 – Diocesan Confirmation Retreats – The retreats are a great option for parish leaders who would like to have someone else prepare materials and lead the youth through the retreat. Three upcoming 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. 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.
January 27-28 – Annual Middle School Gathering will again be a Middle School Lock-in – This youth event is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday through 6:00 a.m. Sunday in St. Cloud. The lock-in includes: Mass, swimming, climbing wall, Ga-Ga Ball, game shows, prayer opportunities, silent disco, great food and much more. More details available at https://stcdio.org/event/middle-school-lock-in/. Feel free to contact Kent at [email protected] with any questions.
February 11 – Festival of Families - Festival de Familias – Mark your calendars! This event will be held at Sacred Heart in Sauk Rapids and is designed for families to come together, play, worship, and learn. Parishes, watch your mail and email for the promotional materials to advertise this new event for families.
March 22-24 – Castaway – This event is an annual 3-day retreat for high school students. “Shoulder to Shoulder” is this year’s theme. Be sure to save the dates and follow this link to register your parishes: https://forms.gle/NcmmqTGe6jE5gDQe6. Watch the diocesan website for more information https://stcdio.org/event/castaway-retreat/.
First Things in Ministry Training – If you are new to parish ministry, CEM has a wonderful opportunity 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 in December. If that doesn’t work for your ACC, reach out and we will make other arrangements. More detailed information can be found at https://nfcym.org/first-things/. We will have at least one diocesan group, but national groups are available as well. Please contact Kent Schmitz at (320) 251-0111 x4 or [email protected] if you are interested.
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Deacon Richard Scheierl ♦ (320) 203-0554
God Bless You On Your Birthday
November 24 – Deacon Carl Nord
November 30 – Deacon Craig Stich
Prayer Requests especially for those who are ill:
- Deacon Vern Schmitz who is recovering from a stroke.
- For all those needing prayers.
Upcoming Diaconate Events:
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November 2 – Admission to Candidacy, Cathedral of Saint Mary, St. Cloud at 7 p.m.
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November 9 – Deacon Dinner and Social Gathering, Greenwald Pub, Greenwald at 6 p.m.
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Bethany Tollefsen ♦ (320) 251-2700 Ext. 51637
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!
Register at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SeqeZcWeU3zQBdLHdnnkUq4tzoi5wSco/view?usp=sharing
December 4 – Virtual Advent Devotional - This event will take place at 7:30-8:30 p.m. For more information and registration, view the flyer at: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFvHac524g/936oRj7fU2xs2vJClIfPhw/edit?utm_content=DAFvHac524g&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
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.
Mental Health Ministry – For resources on mental health, visit the Diocese of St. Cloud - Mental Health Ministry webpage at https://stcdio.org/mental-health-ministry/.
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Patrick Flynn ♦ (320) 251-4721
Natural Family Planning Instruction for November & December 2023
• Alexandria: Monday, November 20 & December 18 at 6:30 p.m.
• Little Falls: Tuesday, November 7 & December 5 at 7:30 p.m.
• Long Prairie: Monday, November 27 & December 18 at 7:00 p.m.
• Rice: Monday, November 6 & December 4 at 6:30 p.m.
• Sauk Centre: Thursday, November 16 & December 21 at 6:30 p.m.
• St. Cloud: Monday, November 20 & December 18 at 6:30 p.m.
• St. Michael: Tuesday, November 7 & December 5 at 6:00 p.m.
• Wadena: Friday, November 24 & December 22 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.
November 2 – 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. The next one in our diocese is held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena at 7:00 p.m.
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/.
November 17 – 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. This event will be held at Shalom Hill Farm, Windom, MN. Contact Miki Schultz at (507) 227-8229 or register at: https://wwme.org/.
December 1-3 – 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
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.
Upcoming Events:
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December 2 – Virtual Fully Engaged Sponsor Couple Training in English
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February 24 – Catholic Men’s Conference
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January 21 – Rosary for Life and Vespers for Life
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January 22 – March for Life
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Elizabeth Brown ♦ (320) 251-1100
Thank you to all who participated in our online auction for the Mission Office this past October! We appreciate your support and we hope that you love your fair trade items purchased!
Thank you to all parishes, pastors and staff for your incredible promotion and participation in Mission Month and World Mission Sunday! Your support for the global church means so much!
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Brenda Kresky ♦ (320) 251-2340
October Mass Counts – Please submit October Mass counts to https://forms.gle/Cixakw4KqaEhFBb28 by November 15. As we begin to look at next steps for our Area Catholic Communities, these numbers will be imperative for our planning purposes.
Pastoral Visits with Bishop Neary – Starting this month and going through July 2024, we will be hosting a monthly meeting with 3-4 ACCs, Bishop Neary and some members of the diocesan pastoral team including the ACC Care Teams. The goals of the visits 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 pastoral team, and ACC pastoral leadership
Some of the questions that may be addressed in the ACC presentations are:
- Who are you as an ACC?
- What is one thing you are proud of as you build bridges with one another?
- What is your biggest struggle in the ACC?
- How are you “listening” to the people in your ACC?
- In what ways is your ACC nurturing a Eucharistic spirituality?
- How are you investing in the call and formation of leaders now and for the future?
- What role does the Catholic school(s) play in the ACC?
- What are the 3-4 priorities of your ACC to build a cohesive and unified mission?
November 29 – Pastoral Visit – We look forward to welcoming the teams from the Harvest of Hope, Northern Cross, and One in Faith ACCs. This effort is a collaboration between the Diocese of Saint Cloud and Bridge Builders for a Thriving Mission Initiative.
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Linda Kaiser ♦ (320) 251-2340
Please remember that children and youth training should be completed as soon as possible. The goal is to have all training for children and youth completed by January 1. Please let the office know if you need more time, but please don’t leave the training until May. Remember also to record the training as soon as it is completed. If training is done as an ACC, please note that when the information is recorded.
Keep up the good work in making sure all employees and volunteers are up to date. Your help in keeping the database accurate is a huge help.
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Kateri Mancini ♦ (320) 229-6020
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. 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.
Please share the following information in your parish announcements:
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 this free webinar, Companions on the Journey: Understanding Migration, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 13. Register online at https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=iUAOOCrh5Ey2c10u5-KNcooBErn4JfZJoR0GA28JLllUNjFVUUxFUU1JN0xYQlgxNzhXNDJFSVc3VC4u or email [email protected].
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Anna Kampa ♦ (320) 258-7654
Bishop's Annual Appeal – As of October 30, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for 2023 has raised total cash and pledges of $1,322,243 toward our goal of $1,400,000 (94.45%). This was made possible through the generous donations of 7,198 people throughout the 16 counties of our diocese.
The end of year solicitation letter will be mailed November 27.
If you would like to know how your parish is progressing toward its goal, please contact Anna Kampa at [email protected] or (320) 258-7654.
2024 Bishop’s Annual Appeal – The theme for the 2024 Bishop’s Annual Appeal — “Behold who you are. Become what you receive.” — describes our response to this sacred mystery of the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. We are deeply grateful for all the support diocesan ministries receive through the help and participation of our clergy and parish staff.
The goal for the 2024 Appeal is $1,450,000.
Dates for the launch are:
- Announcement Weekend: February 3-4
- Commitment Weekend: February 10-11
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Fr. Doug Liebsch ♦ (320) 251-5001
Seminary Visits – If you know of young men interested in visiting a seminary, please contact Fr. Doug at [email protected] or (320) 533-0291. Thanks!
Totus Tuus Leaders – Do you know of college-age, young adults who are ready to take their faith to the next level? Invite them to apply to be a Totus Tuus team leader. Application deadline is March 15. More information at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024TotusTuus.
February 8 – Andrew Dinner – The next Andrew Dinner will be held at the Marmion House. Do you have young men in your parish grades 9-12 who have potential for a priestly calling? Fr. Doug would love to hear from you! This simple and powerful evening consists of evening prayer and dinner with the bishop while priests share their vocation story. Young men find it very meaningful and special to have a night with the bishop and priests! Pastors are encouraged to join their young men. Fr. Doug can be reached at [email protected] or (320) 533-0291.
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Sr. Jeanne Wiest, O.P. ♦ (320) 255-9068
TV Mass Musicians and Presiders Needed
There are still openings for musicians to assist with our taping on Tuesday, December 19. The schedule for 2024 is available! Please use this link to sign up https://signup.com/go/XnWbHrA. Please call the Worship Office with questions, (320) 255-9068.
Liturgical Resources Order from LTP – Last call for LTP orders for your parishes. The permission to order under the diocesan account 112975, will only be available until November 15. Please remember all individual parishes are responsible for making payment directly to LTP. For questions about ordering, contact the Office of Worship.
Dec. 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent – Masses for Christmas may not be celebrated earlier than 4 pm on Dec. 24. Bishop Patrick encourages pastors to consider reducing the number of Masses on Sunday, Dec. 24 for the 4th Sunday of Advent taking into consideration additional Masses later on that day for the celebration of Christmas.
Important Dates
- December 3 – First Sunday of Advent
- December 8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception
- February 18 – RCIA: Rite of Election
- March 21 – Chrism Mass
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Catholic Charities ♦ (320) 650-1641
Make God's Love Visible 2023 Annual Appeal
The weekend of October 28 and 29 marked the beginning of Catholic Charities' annual appeal, Make God’s Love Visible, our single most important funding request of the year.
Catholic Charities has continued to work towards our mission – to serve and enhance human dignity for all people – by building community, promoting family life, and providing vital services. We are called to make God's love visible in our community by serving those in need.
Learn More at ccstcloud.org/mglv.
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Bridge-Builders for a Thriving Mission ♦ Barbara Sutton
Please feel free to place the following information in your parish bulletins:
November 5 – Sowing Seeds, Bearing Fruit: the theology of synodal listening
with Dr. Kristin Colberg
3:00 – 4:45 pm
Dinner (free) included
Saint John’s University
Collegeville, MN
Registration is required. Please click here to fill out the form.
A translator will be available for Spanish-speakers.
This is really happening in and for the universal church! Pope Francis is calling everyone to participate in the synod on synodality. In particular, he is asking us to listen to each other so that we can know what the Holy Spirit is revealing to the churches.
We want to keep responding to that call! We invite you to come for an hour of sharing and listening about our hopes for the church. The sharing will be followed by a wonderful (and free!) dinner!
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Happy Birthday to our Retired Priests | |
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Reverend Kenneth Popp will celebrate his 71st birthday on November 14.
27138 93rd Street
Pierz, MN 56364
Email: [email protected]
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Diocese of Saint Cloud Chancery and Pastoral Center
(320) 251-2340 • (320) 258-7600
www.stcdio.org
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