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New Earth Archives - October 2007
Features
God
is changing hearts and saving lives during these 40 Days for Life Columns
We are called to be present; we are called to pray to end abortion NEWS briefs
Events across the Diocese of
Fargo youth news
from the bishop's office Bishop's Column Parents form hearts and minds of children through love and example Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, “Parents . . . are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and, therefore, must be recognized as the primary and principal educators. . . . Parents are the ones who must create a family atmosphere animated by love and respect for God and man, in which the well-rounded personal and social education of children is fostered. Hence, the family is the first school of the social virtues that every society needs. It is particularly in the Christian family, enriched by the grace and office of the sacrament of matrimony, that children should be taught from their early years to have a knowledge of God, according to the faith received in baptism, to worship Him, and to love their neighbor.” — Declaration on Christian Education As a new year of our religious education and sacramental preparation programs and our Catholic schools commences, it is good to recall these words taken from the Declaration on Christian Education from the documents of the Second Vatican Council. The Council reminds us that “the primary and principal educators” are the parents in the family, who set the example of what it means to be a Catholic for their children. Furthermore, the Council reminds us that, through the sacrament of matrimony, parents receive particular graces. These graces are given so that parents may help each other grow in holiness and raise the children entrusted to their care to be in a loving relationship with God and the church. Recognizing the essential role parents play in the lives of their children and seeing the challenges parents face today, I wish to address parents in this column. On the day of their children’s baptism, parents promise to “accept the responsibility of training” their children “in the practice of the faith.” This responsibility is to be their “constant care.” Parents are to “see that the divine life, which God gives them (their children), is kept safe from the poison of sin, to grow always stronger in their hearts.” Let us reflect on these words to understand what they mean for parents today. First, in order to accept the responsibility of training their children in the practice of the faith, parents must both practice and have knowledge of the faith. Today, parents are blessed with easy access to the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and adult faith formation programs. More important than materials, though, is the desire to deepen one’s knowledge of the faith by reading Scripture and the Catechism, and participating in various programs offered by our parishes or the diocese. Knowledge of the faith is something that continues to grow and deepen and is never complete until we enter into the fullness of eternal life. Hence, parents’ “constant care” for their own personal faith lives will carry over to the “constant care” for their children’s faith lives. Questions to ponder Good questions for parents to ponder in their hearts are: How well do I know and practice my faith? How often do I read the Bible or the Catechism, which are the essential sources for knowing the faith? How often, when seeking information about the teachings of the Catholic Church, do I turn to a Catholic newspaper or periodical, rather than the Bible or Catechism, simply because they are more entertaining or easier to read? How often do I participate in adult faith formation programs? How well do I know and understand the virtues and explain them to my children? If my children are in sacramental preparation, how much time do I spend each week teaching them how to pray, helping them memorize prayers or making it my “constant care” to ensure that they understand the material presented to them? How much time do we spend in prayer as a family? How do I prioritize my own faith formation as I care for my family? This brings us to the next element, the promises made by parents as the sacrament of baptism is celebrated for their children: to keep safe from the poison of sin the divine life God gives to children so that the divine life may grow ever stronger in their hearts. As Catholics, we recognize that God bestows his divine life on us. In baptism we truly become the daughters and sons of the Father, in the Son, Jesus Christ. This divine life is pure gift and allows us to enter into a personal relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We must be conscious and aware of our identity as beloved children of God (1 John 3:1-2). Good questions for parents to ponder are: Do I know myself as the beloved daughter or beloved son of the Father? Do I have a personal relationship with the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit? Am I faithful in that relationship? Am I prepared to foster that divine life in my children as I have promised at their baptism? Keep children safe from sin Parents are then called to keep this divine life safe from the poison of sin. Sin and evil are real. We have only to look at the world in which we live to see evidence of both. Whether it is abortion, war, murder, stealing, living together prior to marriage, contraception, violence, genocide, hunger, the misuse of drugs, etc., all these evils are either sin or consequences of sin. All sin breaks the clear law of God and goes against both reason and the natural law. Parents must teach their children that there is right and wrong — that there is good and evil. There is objective truth that we are all called to embrace. Pointing out sin is essential for the protection of the divine life within us. We always wound, and we can even lose, the gift of divine life when we choose to break God’s commandments. The Evil One is real and is given the name “father of lies” by Jesus, for he always leads us away from the truth, the good (John 8:44). Good questions to consider are: How do I understand sin and evil? Who forms my understanding of sin and evil — God or the world? How have I given in to the “father of lies”? Do I believe in objective truth? Have I lost my sense of sin and evil? Do I understand that in order to become good, which is the central core of the moral life, I must both choose the good and cease from all evil? Finally, faith and the living out of faith is always a part of the heart. Faith can “grow stronger in the heart” or wither and die. In Scripture, the heart is the place in the depth of one’s being “where the person decides for or against God” (CCC 368 and 2563). After baptism, the Holy Spirit dwells in the heart of the person and enables the person to cry out, “Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4:6). That love can grow and deepen as our hearts are purified and come to know in a most intimate way the living God. Questions to reflect on are: Have I given my heart to God? Do I ask God each day to purify my heart? Do I desire in my heart to know and love God above all things and to love my neighbor as myself? Do I live my life from the love of God living in my heart? Do I examine my heart each day to observe my faithfulness or lack of faithfulness to the love of God and neighbor? Divine life in the heart is most fully nourished in the sacramental life of the church, and most especially in Sunday Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation. Those two sacraments must be loved and lived-out by parents, if their children are to come to know the love of Jesus for them. The “practice of the faith” is lived out in those two sacraments. Parental priorities As a child, I can remember my parents giving priority to both Sunday Eucharist and confession. In those days, society was much more supportive of keeping the Sabbath holy. Because of the pressures society puts upon families today, it is even more critical that parents not waver in their expectations of their children or themselves when it comes to their lives of faith, or in the examples they provide. The only time a member of my family ever missed Mass was if we were seriously ill. Whether we were traveling, visiting relatives on the East Coast, or going to a football game, Sunday Eucharist always came first. The time for Sunday Mass was a settled question on Fridays when my parents would tell my sisters and me what time we were going to Mass on Sunday. We would go as an entire family with no questions asked. Good questions for parents to reflect on are: What priority do I give to Sunday Eucharist? Do I truly believe that I receive the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ each time I receive holy Communion? Do I desire to receive God’s love for me each Sunday in the Eucharist and make myself a total self-gift to the Father with Jesus? Do I set a good example for my children by making Eucharist a priority in my life? My parents routinely took us to confession each Saturday. The lines were long. In the line were grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, all going to celebrate the sacrament. No doubt existed in my mind that the sacrament was important and that my sins would be forgiven. The fact that my parents stood in line with me and my sisters taught us that they too needed God’s forgiveness, and that this forgiveness was something I would need my whole life. My parents taught us by their example. The same holds true today. Questions for parents to ponder are: Do I go to confession once a month? Do I, by my example, teach my children the importance of this sacrament and how it helps them to grow in the love of God and neighbor? I pray that all parents will undertake the responsibility of forming the hearts and minds of their children in our Catholic faith. Parents have an indispensable role to play, one that can never be stressed too much, one that cannot be simply handed off to catechists or school teachers. How well children will come to know and receive the love of Jesus for them will depend on how well their parents know and receive the love of Jesus. I pray that parents will come to know and receive that love, and be the best of teachers and examples for their children in the ways of faith! Sincerely yours in Christ, <signed>
October 2007
November 2007
DIOCESE OF FARGO OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, Bishop of Fargo, has made the following appointments and/or decrees: Reverend Jared C. Kadlec, appointed parochial vicar of Sts. Anne & Joachim Parish in Fargo, N.D., with residence in the parish rectory. This appointment is effective Sept. 5, 2007, and continues ad nutum episcopi. Reverend Jared C. Kadlec, J.C.L., appointed adjutant judicial vicar (c.1420 § 3) for a period of three years, effective as of Sept. 5, 2007. Reverend Al M. Bitz, appointed Dean of Deanery VII, Diocese of Fargo, N.D., beginning June 27, 2007, for a three-year period. Reverend Duaine M. Cote, appointed Dean of Deanery VIII, Diocese of Fargo, N.D., beginning June 27, 2007, for a three-year period. Reverend Samuel Ezeibekwe, appointed Dean of Deanery IV, Diocese of Fargo, N.D., beginning June 27, 2007, for a three-year period. Reverend James P. Gross, appointed Dean of Deanery VI, Diocese of Fargo, N.D., beginning June 27, 2007 for a three-year period. Reverend Scott J. Sautner, appointed Dean of Deanery V, Diocese of Fargo, N.D., beginning June 27, 2007, for a three-year period. Deacon Allen Baumgartner, to serve as a Permanent Deacon at St. Philip Neri’s Parish in Napoleon, N.D., retroactive to May 22, 2007, and continuing ad nutum episcopi. Deacon James M. McAllister, to serve as a Permanent Deacon at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish in Oriska, St. Agatha’s Parish in Hope and Sacred Heart Parish in Sanborn, all in North Dakota, retroactive to May 22, 2007, and continuing ad nutum episcopi. Deacon Gary Schumacher, to serve as a Permanent Deacon at St. Philip Neri’s Parish in Napoleon, N.D., retroactive to May 22, 2007, and continuing ad nutum episcopi. Official Announcements Rev. John L. Evans, was hired by the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., as a Catholic chaplain. He received faculties from the Diocese of Winona, effective Sept. 11, 2007. James McKinney, requested a dispensation from the obligation of the clerical state, including celibacy. His request was granted by the Holy See. He is no longer an agent of the Diocese of Fargo.
Diocesan reporting policy regarding sexual abuse The Diocese of Fargo is committed to the protection of youth. Please report any incidents or suspected incidents of child abuse, including sexual abuse, to civil authorities. If the situation involves a member of the clergy or a religious order, a seminarian, or an employee of a Catholic school, parish, the diocesan offices or other Catholic entity within the diocese, we ask that you also report the incident or suspected incident to Father Dennis Skonseng, Vicar General, at (701) 356-7945 or Briston Fernandes, Victims Assistance Coordinator, at (701) 356-7965 or VictimAssistance@fargodiocese.org. For additional information about victim assistance, visit www.fargodiocese.org.
Features
Hundreds walk with Christ to proclaim the dignity of life Despite dark clouds and drizzling rain, nearly 1,000 people participated in the annual Walk with Christ for Life Oct. 7 in downtown Fargo. Following noon Mass at the Cathedral of St. Mary, the streets of Fargo transformed into a flowing river of people carrying umbrellas, pushing strollers and praying in unison for an end to abortion in North Dakota. The procession moved slowly and deliberately toward the Red River Women’s Clinic, the only abortion facility in the state. At the head of the procession, priests sprinkled holy water upon the streets, preparing the way for the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament carried within a monstrance by Msgr. Dennis Skonseng, vicar general.
Once at the abortion facility, priests doused the facility’s walls and doorway with holy water before Msgr. Skonseng led the group in prayer. “In holding the Blessed Sacrament, I am holding Jesus,” Msgr. Skonseng told the faithful who formed a half-circle, 10 or more people deep at times, in front of the abortion facility. Msgr. Skonseng told of how much Jesus loves his people. “He gives us his body and blood that he can live in us,” and, he continued, “how the Holy Spirit tells us this is true and how the Blessed Mother tells us this is true, that this is the fruit of her womb, Jesus.” He assured the crowd, many of whom are also participating in the 40 Days for Life North Dakota 40-day prayer vigil at the abortion facility, that praying for the abortion facility to someday close is not praying for the impossible. “I have seen three abortion clinics close during the years of my life and I think this one will also close, but we need more prayer, more fasting, more witness to the preciousness of life,” he said. In his homily during the noon Mass, Msgr. Skonseng said he had not heard of abortion until 1974, his first year of seminary education. Some of the seminarians were involved with Collegians for Life and they wore bracelets with the date Jan. 22, 1973, inscribed on them — the date abortion was legalized in the United States. “Since that time, I haven’t done enough on behalf of unborn children,” he said. “I’ll do some things for awhile and then I’ll fall off. And then the Lord will prod me and I’ll come back and do some more.” He told the Mass participants, who filled nearly every pew in the Cathedral, that if people “do whatever we can to promote the Gospel of Life, the dignity of every human person, Jesus will work in us.” He encouraged them to ask Jesus “to give us the grace and strength to bear our share of hardship” for the dignity of life. Msgr. Skonseng said Jesus’ mother, Mary, stands beside those who promote the dignity of life. “She is walking with us, that Jesus may be born and live in each person.”
Those
working for social justice must address abortion When the 2004 Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church first fell into my hands some months before its promulgation, one pleasant surprise was the text’s specific treatment and forthright condemnation of abortion in the context of human rights. The disconcerting fact is that, more commonly, the topic of abortion is seen as falling outside the discipline of Catholic Social Doctrine as it is taught in most seminaries and universities. In part, this silence stems from the relatively recent advent of abortion as a large-scale ethical problem. The number of abortions has risen alarmingly in the past four decades. Therefore the first mention of abortion in a social encyclical appears only in 1971, in Pope Paul VI’s Octogesima Adveniens. Here Paul mentions abortion in the context of Malthusian solutions to the unemployment problem (No. 18). It was Pope John Paul II who effectively turned the tide, forcefully introducing abortion into the realm of Catholic social teaching. In his 1995 encyclical, Evangelium Vitae, he addressed the issue at great length, placing it in the context of social justice. Deserving of special attention Pope John Paul saw that abortion is an emblematic and singular socio-ethical problem, deserving central attention in Catholic social thought. To illustrate the uniqueness of abortion as a matter of social justice, here are six characteristics distinguishing it from related social phenomena: 1. Abortion deals specifically with the destruction of innocent life. This differentiates discussion of abortion from other related topics. This is why then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in June 2004 wrote: “There may be a legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about waging war and applying the death penalty, but not, however, with regard to abortion and euthanasia.” Though all life is precious, moral theology has always differentiated the destruction of “innocent life” as particularly heinous and, always and everywhere, worthy of condemnation. 2. Another factor distinguishing abortion as a social phenomenon is the sheer magnitude of the problem: an estimated 46 million abortions performed worldwide each year, a figure that alone makes abortion a social problem of staggering proportions. The volume of abortions underscores the social nature of the problem, and makes abortion one of the most serious social justice issues of all time. 3. A third factor separating abortion from other justice issues is its legal status. Unlike other instances of massive killing of human life, like terrorism or serial killing, which stand clearly outside the law in advanced nations, abortion enjoys legal sanction. Pope John Paul wrote of the novelty of such “scientifically and systematically programmed threats” (Evangelium Vitae, No. 17). 4. A fourth distinguishing aspect of abortion is its arbitrary division of human beings into those worthy of life and those unworthy. Abortion deals not with the random killing of unrelated individuals, but with the circumscription of an entire class of human beings (the unborn) as non-persons, excluded from the basic rights and protections accorded to all other human beings. If human dignity depends on anything other than simple membership in the human race — be it intelligence, athletic ability, social status, race, age, or health — we immediately find ourselves having to distinguish between persons who count and those who don’t. 5. Abortion even distinguishes itself from related questions of medical ethics, such as euthanasia and assisted suicide, by the absence of any possibility of informed consent. The status of the unborn as voiceless and most vulnerable adds a further dimension to discussions of the morality and gravity of abortion. Here the bioethical category of “autonomy” cannot be applied, since unborn children have no way of speaking for themselves. 6. Finally, abortion differs from other major social ills such as unemployment and divorce because of its relative invisibility. Abortion takes place behind closed doors, and is hushed in public. As in the case of slavery, ending the social injustice of abortion relies mainly on the courage and willingness of persons and institutions not directly involved in abortion to speak out. The abortion debate Catholic social thought offers two distinctive elements to the abortion debate. First, it lays a bridge between moral theology and public discourse. Catholic Social Teaching often employs a natural-law vocabulary directed to all persons of good will, and frames its arguments using accessible concepts and constructions that can be brought to bear on moral discourse in a non-confessional environment. Second, perhaps more than any institution in the world, the church in its social teaching has developed a series of principles to address the complex moral questions in the social order. As new situations have arisen from the rapidly changing socio-political landscape, the church has shown admirable elasticity in accommodating new states of affairs while ever defending the essential dignity of the person and the family. Just as a mother or father dedicates a disproportionate amount of time and energy to a child who is sick, without for that reason loving their other children any less, Christians are called to focus their efforts preferentially toward the most needy and defenseless among us. Applying this principle to contemporary society, the social injustice that most cries out to Christian conscience, for the reasons we saw earlier, is the deliberate and massive attack on the most vulnerable members of society, the unborn. In its venerable tradition of standing up for society’s most defenseless members, the Catholic Church is uniquely qualified to speak out authoritatively on the abortion issue. This, as John Paul the Great so clearly taught, is the number one priority for Catholic social thought today-which must inevitably be expressed not only as social thought, but as social action. Father Thomas D. Williams, L.C., is dean of theology and professor of Catholic social doctrine at Rome’s Regina Apostolorum University and author of “Spiritual Progress: Becoming the Christian You Want to Be” (New York: Hachette, 2007). Reprinted with permission from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The full-length version is posted at www.usccb.org/prolife/programs/rlp.williams.pdf.
Columns
We
are called to be present; we are called to pray to end abortion In the early 1980s, when I was a college student, a woman was invited to our Women’s Studies class to speak about the abortion facility in Fargo. I remember shifting uncomfortably in my chair while she spoke. Yet I stayed, listened, took notes, then went on to my next class. I never asked why no one was invited to speak to us about chastity or the dignity of human life. In fact, I didn’t say anything. I don’t even remember if I prayed. Today, as editor of a Catholic newspaper, I cover religious events nearly every week. I’m present, but not really “there.” I’m taking notes and pictures, but not really participating. I hear the prayers, and even recite them, but often don’t think about what they mean. Five years ago, as a new Diocese of Fargo employee, I had to cover my first prayer service at the abortion facility. I had never been there, and felt nervous about going. But it was something I was called to experience as part of my job, so I went. The abortion facility was closed that day. The only people present were those praying. I took pictures, took notes, dropped my things at the office, then went home for the day. A couple of weeks ago, I covered another prayer service at the abortion facility. I wasn’t nervous. After five years, these things become routine. But this time, it was different. Abortions were taking place inside. As people prayed on the sidewalk, young women accompanied by their boyfriends, their mothers, their friends, walked to the facility door and entered. I focused my eyes and my camera on those praying. I focused my mind and my notes on the prayers. Yet, I saw them. At least six groups of people, at least six potential abortion patients, entered in less than one hour. The prayer service ended. Unlike any other time, I wanted to stay. I wanted to be a part of the group that was there, rather than an observer. I wanted to pray. But I knew that what I had to do, more than anything else, was to share what I’d seen with those who were not present so they, too, could pray. I packed my camera, tucked my notebook into my purse, and drove to my office to get the story and pictures onto the Web site. Those who stayed behind saw 20 more potential abortion patients enter in the next three hours. Abortion is real and very much present in North Dakota. It is happening in the city where my children attend school, in the city where I go to church, in the state where I grew up, in the nation I call my own. Babies are killed and young women are emotionally and spiritually hurt every week at the Red River Women’s Clinic at 512 First Ave. N. in Fargo And all I’ve done is cover it. It’s time for me to pray. Please pray, during 40 Days for Life North Dakota, for those considering abortions, those who have had abortions and those who encourage, assist with and perform abortions. Prayer changes hearts. Prayer saves lives. To learn about 40 Days for Life, a peaceful, prayerful campaign to bring an end to abortion in North Dakota, go to 40daysforlifend.com or call (701) 284-6601.
Take a look at your assets from A to Z to determine what you can give
“A generous man will prosper: he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). Most of our friends support the Catholic Development Foundation and their parish with either cash, securities or real estate. Those are wonderful gifts and quite easy to use, especially cash. But, did you know there are a number of other assets that can be given as well? Actually, almost anything of value can be used directly or converted to cash for the ongoing work of your local Catholic parish or the Catholic Development Foundation. Accompanying this article, is a list of items arranged by the letters of the alphabet. There are many others, as well. Glancing through the list, you can see that these are items of personal property, either tangible or intangible. For example, you can give royalties you may be receiving from whatever source. You can give cattle or cash crops. Some of the items or rights can be transferred easily. Others require a bit more effort. But the rule of thumb is: If it’s worth something, and it passes environmental standards, it could potentially be a gift. There are special rules that pertain to these kinds of gifts. First, in order to obtain a charitable income tax deduction for the full market value of the gift, it must pass the related-use rule. This means that The Catholic Development Foundation or your parish must be able to use the gift, as is, to enhance and further its charitable purposes. If, on the other hand, the gift is unrelated, it will likely be sold and the proceeds used to help fulfill the chartiable organization’s mission. Such unrelated gifts generate a charitable deduction equal to the cost basis of the gift — what you have invested in it. As you consider what you will do with your various assets, remember The Catholic Development Foundation or your local Catholic church. As your director of planned giving I can assist you in thinking through the related or unrelated aspects of your possible gift. I will explain the process, rules and options. If you decide to proceed after consulting with your professional adviser, I will help you complete the gift. For more information about gifts of personal property, use the response form to request our free brochure. You can also obtain the brochure and arrange an appointment by calling the planned giving office. Paul Leier is director of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Fargo. He can be reached at (701) 356-7926 or paul.leier@fargodiocese.org.
Catholic radio teaches the faith If you’re reading this publication, you’re most likely Catholic. If you are Catholic, how well do you really know and live out your faith? I became a Catholic convert at the age of 37. For two years, I immersed myself in the faith through reading, seeking out devout Catholics, RCIA, EWTN TV, and on and on. While all of those means are good, and some of them necessary, there is another easy way to learn about the Catholic faith. It is by listening to Catholic radio. That’s it, listening! In the car, at work, at home. Just “listen” while you carry out the duties of your day. Many converts have a deep, abiding passion and zeal for the Catholic faith. They are excited about Catholic radio because it gives them what they’ve been missing — that extra information and inspiration that helps them more fully love and understand their new faith. Do you know what you are missing, or what you have? Do you know what the Catholic faith holds to be true? Do you regularly participate in practices encouraged by the church to help you grow in virtue and holiness? Catholics get a bad wrap from much of the non-Catholic world. Are we educated enough, and do we love our faith to the point that our living examples would suffice to dispel all misconceptions and false impressions the world has of the Catholic faith? Do we completely love each other, Jesus and his church in such a way that our community actually resembles a family of faith? I encourage every reader to open their hearts to Jesus, to open their hearts to his Holy Spirit, and tune in to AM 1370 Catholic talk radio that airs 24/7 from Grand Forks. People have told me that they are inspired, touched and educated every time they listen. God speaks to us all the time. Are you listening? Whether we are converts, “re-verts” or cradle Catholics, it is not enough to just say that we are Catholics by virtue of the fact that we attend Mass every Sunday. “Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones” (Matthew 4:8-9). We need to fall in love with Jesus, to revere and hold sacred his church, the faith he gave to us and still gives us through his apostles. We need the Word of God. We need inspiration. We need encouragement. We need Catholic radio to help us grow in knowledge of the faith that we proclaim. I encourage you to listen and to tell others, tell everyone. I guarantee you’ll learn something. And I pray that you will hear what you’ve been missing. Carrie Michaelson is a board adviser for AM 1370 KWTL, “Knowing the Way, the Truth & the Life.” AM 1370 will air its fall fundraiser, the “Live Drive,” Oct. 17, 18 and 19.
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information on laws North Dakota has not enacted Last month, we looked at why North Dakota has not enacted certain laws that have either appeared in other states or, considering the state’s culture and politics, are the type of laws a person would expect the state to have enacted. This month’s column continues that survey of laws that have not been enacted. SCHIP coverage of unborn child The State Children’s Health Insurance Program helps provide coverage to children of parents who cannot afford insurance, but earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. By federal rule, the Bush administration has allowed states to include unborn children among the children who can be covered under the program. About 11 states have exercised this option. The North Dakota legislature was one of the first to consider adopting this possibility, but declined doing so because of unknown costs. It turns out that insurance practices do not make distinctions among types of prenatal treatments and, at least at that time, did not have a way to define the unborn child as the patient for determining what was a legitimate medical procedure. The possibility of large costs for in-utero procedures, questions raised by insurers, and opposition to any expansion of SCHIP led to the bill’s defeat. Perhaps the state legislature could learn from the states that have since enacted this option. However, Congress is currently working to repeal the Bush administration’s rule on the issue. The window of opportunity could be passing. Restriction on Title X Title X is the federal government’s family planning program. It funds various services, including contraception. Any entity receiving Title X funds must also provide abortion referral services. That requirement trumps any state restriction on such activity. Some of North Dakota’s local public health units receive Title X funds and, therefore, must provide abortion referral services, even though North Dakota law prohibits funding referrals. At times, North Dakota legislators have considered prohibiting any state agency from receiving Title X funding. However, while that might prevent involvement by state agencies, it would not prevent Title X funding from entering the state. If the state is not willing to accept Title X money, the federal government will give it to private entities. In other words, if the state refused the money, the federal government will give it to a less accountable, and more dangerous, entity such as Planned Parenthood. So long as Congress continues to give states little discretion as to how to use the money, North Dakota legislators have opted for what some might call the lesser of two evils. Actually, North Dakota has this, but it is not as comprehensive as we would like. A few existing laws protect health care workers from participating in a procedure that violates their consciences. For example, an employer cannot compel someone to participate in an abortion. Also, a health care provider does not need to comply with an instruction that violates the provider’s moral or religious beliefs, if the instruction is contained in a health care directive or comes from a duly appointed health care agent. No explicit legal protection exists, however, if the instruction comes directly from the patient. Efforts to fill the gaps have faced obstacles. Some legislators are hesitant to grant conscience protection unless it is for a specific procedure, rather than all procedures. Others feel that only certain professionals, such as physicians, should have protection, but not, for example, nurses or pharmacists. The North Dakota Catholic Conference has insisted that conscience protection is a right for everyone and should not be procedure or actor specific. Mandated abstinence education The greatest obstacle to mandating abstinence education in public schools is not opposition to abstinence education, but the state’s deeply entrenched tradition of leaving most curriculum decisions to local school boards. There is also the risk that creating a statewide curriculum acceptable to all will water-down the good abstinence work being done in some districts. In conclusion, while all of these ideas may sound good, there are sometimes good reasons why legislators have not made them into law. In other cases, there still exist good reasons for enacting them into law, but there are certain political, legal and cultural barriers to overcome. Christopher Dodson is executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference. The NDCC Web site is at ndcatholic.org.
NEWS briefs Oct. 14: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Eller Avenue, Rock Lake, will host a fall supper from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. Parishioners will be serving scalloped potatoes and ham. Oct. 14: St. Boniface Catholic Church, 301 First Ave., Wimbledon, will host its annual fall supper and bazaar. The menu includes roast turkey with all the trimmings. It will be served from 4 until 7 p.m. Tickets are: adults $8; ages 6 to 12 $4; pre-school $1. Oct. 14: St. Maurice Catholic Church, 5313 165th Ave. S.E., Kindred, will host its annual fall supper from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The menu includes turkey and trimmings. The cost is: adults $8; children $4. Oct. 14: St. Agnes Catholic Church, 102 First St. E., Hunter, is hosting its annual fall dinner featuring home-cooked turkey with all the trimmings. Parishioners will serve dinner from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The cost is: adults $7; youth $4; preschool $1. Hunter is a 30-minute drive from Fargo. Oct. 18: Pre-event for Senior High Youth Celebration will be hosted at Shanley High School, 5600 25th St. S., Fargo, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. For more information, call Kathy Loney at (701) 356-7902. Oct. 19: Senior High Youth Celebration will be hosted at Shanley High School, 5600 25th St. S., Fargo, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You must pre-register to attend the event. For more information, call Kathy Loney at (701) 356-7902. Oct. 21: St. Luke’s Parish of Veseleyville will be hosting its annual St. Luke’s feast-day breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu includes scrambled eggs, ham, hash browns, and assorted sweet rolls and pastries, including Kolace. Sunday morning Mass will be at 8 a.m. Oct. 22: Amy Kueblebeck, author of “Waiting with Gabriel,” will speak at Church of the Nativity, 1825 11th St. S., Fargo, at 7 p.m. regarding difficult pregnancies, including continuing a pregnancy with a terminal prenatal diagnosis. The event is sponsored in memory of Johanna Grace Nistler. For more information, call FirstChoice Clinic at (701) 237-5902. Oct. 23: The Diocesan Pastoral Council will meet at 10 a.m. in the St. Gabriel Conference Room at the Pastoral Center, 5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A, Fargo. Oct. 26-27: There will be an RCIA Team Training Seminar at St. George’s Parish, 804 Foster Ave. N.W., Cooperstown, on Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The two-day seminar is intended for any clergy, religious or lay persons involved with, or considering being involved with, implementing the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. RCIA is the process for bringing others into full communion with the Catholic Church. For information regarding speakers and workshop topics, or for a registration form, go to www.fargodiocese.org/news/diocesanevents.htm. Oct. 26-28: A Cursillo renewal weekend will be hosted at St. Anthony’s parish, 710 10th St. N., Fargo. Registration begins at 6 p.m. Friday. Cost is $50 per person. Anyone who has made a Cursillo is invited to attend. For more information, call Laurie Wiederrich at (701) 493-2561 or e-mail Lynda Dunn at www.library@drtel.net. Oct. 27: The Respect Life Office will be hosting a one-day workshop on life issues from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Cardinal Muench Seminary, 100 35th Ave. N.E., Fargo. Parish nurses, health care providers and interested persons are encouraged to attend. Contact hours will be available for nurses. Cost is $10 per person. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required. For more information, contact Rachelle Sauvageau at (701) 356-7910 or rachelle.sauvageau@fargodiocese.org. Oct. 28: Transfiguration Parish, 205 Second St., Edgeley, will host its fall dinner from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Parishioners will be serving turkey, dressing, buttered corn, mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, squash, dinner rolls, cranberries, relishes and dessert. The cost is: adults $6.50, children 12 and under $3.50, preschool eat free. Delivery and take out also is available for $7 by calling (701) 493-2062. Oct. 28: Blessed Sacrament, 210 Fifth Ave. W., West Fargo, will host its annual fall bazaar and dinner. A buffet-style pork dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy, glazed carrots, coleslaw, buns and dessert will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. The cost is: adults $7.50; ages 4 to 12 $3; age 3 and under eat free. There also will be a silent basket auction, raffle, bingo, carnival, bottle lotto, candy store, jewelry shop, country store, massages and more. For more information call (701) 282-3321. Oct. 28: Holy Spirit, 1420 Seventh St. N., Fargo, will host its 57th annual fall festival from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The festival features a home-cooked turkey dinner with all the trimmings, carnival games, bingo, a silent auction, raffle, farmer’s market and a craft and bake sale. Dinner will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Take-out meals will be available. Oct. 31: Deadline to register for the 34th Annual Youth Pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., Jan. 18 to 23. Youth in grades nine through 12 from across the Diocese of Fargo are invited to participate. The cost for the six-day pilgrimage is $800 and includes air and ground travel, lodging, meals and tour fees. To obtain a registration form, contact your parish priest or Rachelle Sauvageau at (701) 356-7910 or rachelle.sauvageau@fargodiocese.org or visit the Web site: www.fargodiocese.org/respectlife/marchforlife.htm. Nov 4: Holy Rosary Church, 209 First St. S.E., LaMoure, will hold its 21st annual buffalo supper from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The menu includes buffalo, potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, corn, vegetable tray and cupcakes. Cost is: adults $8.50; ages 6 to 12 $5.50; children under 5 eat free. Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting Craig and Sheila Bierman at (701) 883-4259 or John and Jackie Cisinski at (701) 883-5587. Local delivery or takeout orders will also be available by calling the parish hall at (701) 883-5382 from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening. Nov. 4: Men’s Retreat at Maryvale in Valley City. Discerning God’s call for one’s self and how to listen better is the theme of the retreat this year. It is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. Register by Nov. 2, suggested donation is $10. For more information, contact Sister Dorothy Bunce at (701) 845-2864 or dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org. Nov. 4: 40 Days for Life will close with an ecumenical candlelight prayer service outside of the state of North Dakota’s only abortion facility, Red River Women’s Clinic, 512 1st Ave. N., Fargo. The prayer service begins at 11 p.m. Participants may then process to St. Mary’s Cathedral for midnight Mass. Nov. 7-23: NET Ministries will be in our diocese at several parishes giving retreats for students in grades six through 12. Check with your local church to see if your parish is hosting this magnificent evangelization team. Dates are still available if you would like to host a team. Contact Kathy Loney at (701) 356-7902 or kathy.loney@fargodiocese.org for scheduling information. Nov. 9: The annual Opening Day Brunch ‘n Lunch will be hosted by St. Bernard’s Catholic Church of Oriska in the Tower City Community Center from 7 to 10 a.m. on the opening day of deer hunting season. A hearty breakfast of cakes, eggs and meat will be served. The $10 ticket also includes a delicious roast beef lunch to go, and chances for cash and merchandise prizes. All hunters and civilians are welcome. Nov. 10: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 663 First St. S., Carrington, will host its fall bazaar from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Parishioners will be serving rolls and coffee until 11 a.m. and then have soup, barbecue beef sandwiches, ham sandwiche | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
