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New Earth Archives - march 2008 Features
Poetry book filled
with ‘inspired encouragement’ Columns
Research reportedly confirms: unborn babies do feel pain in the womb NEWS briefs
Events across the Diocese of
Fargo youth news
Youth council plans fun and spiritual rally day for junior high students
from the bishop's office Bishop's Column Holy Week: A time of renewal of faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, This coming week we celebrate Holy Week culminating with the solemnity of Easter. The liturgies and traditions of this week help us to understand more clearly the gifts of our Catholic faith and the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for our salvation. May your reflection on the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord and your participation in the Holy Week liturgies draw you into a deeper relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us “…Easter is not simply one feast among others, but the "Feast of feasts," the "Solemnity of solemnities," just as the Eucharist is the "Sacrament of sacraments" (the Great Sacrament). St. Athanasius calls Easter "the Great Sunday" and the Eastern Churches call Holy Week "the Great Week." The mystery of the Resurrection, in which Christ crushed death, permeates with its powerful energy our old time, until all is subjected to him” (CCC 1169). Holy Week begins on March 16 with the celebration of Palm Sunday. On March 17 is the celebration of the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Fargo with the blessing and consecration of the oils to be used throughout the year and the renewal of priestly commitment. On the evening of Thursday, March 20, the Triduum begins with the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, then moves to Good Friday and the celebration of the Lord’s Passion, and then culminates on Holy Saturday night with the celebration of the Easter Vigil. The week remembers and makes present Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. Let us briefly look at each celebration. On Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday) the Church celebrates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. “Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’” (Mt 21:8-9). The Church blesses palms and reads the passion of Christ. We see the triumph of Christ the King is brought about by his death on the Cross in obedient love to the Father. The only way Christ conquered death was through his own death on the Cross. The blessing of palms and procession were a part of Holy Week in Jerusalem around 400. It then spread to Spain and Gaul around 600 and then the procession gradually fell into disuse. With the revision of the rites of Holy Week in 1955 the procession was restored to how we experience it today. In accord with an ancient tradition, since 1955 Rome celebrates a separate Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday morning. In Rome, up until 1955, the oils were blessed during the morning Holy Thursday Mass with no evening Mass. In 1955 the evening celebration of the Holy Thursday Mass was re-established and the washing of the feet of 12 men was restored. Today most countries celebrate the Chrism Mass on another day during Holy Week so that the priests of the dioceses may participate and obtain the oils to be used on Holy Saturday for the baptism and confirmation of those who will enter the Church. The celebration for the Diocese of Fargo is Monday of Holy Week at 4:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Mary. The consecration of the chrism oil and the blessing of the other two oils date back to the early 200s. The three oils are: 1) the chrism oil, mixed with a perfume, “signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1237) and seals the person with unique gifts. It is used for baptism, confirmation and holy orders. 2) the oil of catechumens is used prior to baptism and “signifies liberation from sin and from its instigator the devil” (CCC 1237). 3) the oil of the sick is used for the anointing of the sick. Today the oil of the sick is blessed at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Prayer to show the close tie to the Eucharist and the healing the Eucharist brings about. At the conclusion of the Mass prior to the final blessing, the oil of the catechumens is blessed and the chrism oil is consecrated. A recent addition, 1970, to the Chrism Mass is the renewal of commitment to priestly service by the priests of the diocese. This happens immediately following the homily and is a part of the prayers of the faithful. The prayers show that the bishop shares in the fullness of the priesthood and his priests are united with him in their priesthood. The preface for the Chrism Mass speaks of both the baptismal priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial priesthood of priests. The triduum begins with the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening and is in remembrance of the Last Supper. There is both the commemoration of the institution of the Eucharist by Jesus and the washing of the feet of the apostles by Jesus. In the washing of the feet the service of Jesus Christ and his humility are remembered. Jesus reminds his apostles after the foot washing, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you should do as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him” (Jn. 13:12b-15). At the conclusion of the liturgy there is a solemn Eucharistic procession in which the Eucharist is transferred to another location. Eucharistic adoration continues until midnight as a reminder to spend time with the Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane. The tabernacle doors are left open and the altar is stripped as a reminder of the impending passion and death of the Lord. On Good Friday the celebration of the Lord’s Passion is usually around 3 p.m. unless, for pastoral reasons, it is placed later in the day. Prior to 1955, the liturgy of Good Friday was held in the morning, with the Stations of the Cross celebrated in the afternoon, and a reflection on the passion in the evening. Holy Communion was not permitted save for the dying. In 1955 the liturgy was restored. There are three parts to the liturgy. The first is the Liturgy of the Word which includes readings from the Old Testament and the reading in parts of the Passion of the Lord, the homily and the general intercessions for the Church and the world. The second part is the veneration of the Cross in which we remember that it is by the Cross that sin and death are conquered. The third part of the celebration is the simple distribution of Holy Communion. On Holy Saturday, the Church is quiet, as she remembers Christ in the tomb and waits in hope for his resurrection. “Christ’s stay in the tomb constitutes the real link between his passible state before Easter and his glorious and risen state today. The same person of the ‘Living One’ can say, ‘I died, and behold I am alive for evermore’” (CCC 625). The Easter Vigil has the oldest tradition, dating back to the early Church. It begins in the evening after the sun sets. The Church celebrates, in the words of St. Augustine, “the mother of all holy vigils.” The liturgy begins with the celebration of the lighting and blessing of the fire and the lighting of the Easter candle as a reminder that Christ in his resurrection is the “light of the world.” There is then the singing of the ancient prayer of the exsultet offering the candle to the Father in thanksgiving for all that has been accomplished in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There is then the Liturgy of the Word with nine readings, seven from the Old Testament recalling salvation history and the promise of the Messiah, one from the New Testament and then the Gospel reading. After the homily, there are the rites of baptism and confirmation for the unbaptized age 7 and above, followed by the reception and confirmation of baptized candidates entering into full communion with the Church. There is then the renewal of baptismal promises by all the faithful. Finally, the sacramental highlight of our faith, the celebration of the Eucharist, occurs. I encourage all of the faithful to participate in the Holy Week services at the Cathedral and in your local parishes. As your bishop I pray that Holy Week will be a time of renewal of your faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I pray that you will come to know at a deeper level in your heart and soul the depth of Jesus’ love for you – that he has died and risen for you to forgive your sins and give you eternal life. May you have a blessed Easter and may the Risen Christ fill you with his peace and love. Sincerely yours in Christ, <signed>
March 2008
April 2008
DIOCESE OF FARGO OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, Bishop of Fargo, has made the following appointments and/or decrees: Rev. Richard Fineo was appointed to the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Fargo, effective Feb. 18, 2008, for a term of five years. Rev. Michael Hickin was appointed to the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Fargo, effective Feb. 18, 2008, for a term of five years. Rev. Andrew Jasinski was appointed to the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Fargo, effective Feb. 18, 2008, for a term of five years. Rev. Ross Laframboise was appointed to the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Fargo, effective Feb. 18, 2008, for a term of five years. Rev. Gary Luiten was appointed to the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Fargo, effective Feb. 18, 2008, for a term of five years. Rev. James Meyer was appointed to the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Fargo, effective Feb. 18, 2008, for a term of five years. Rev. Msgr. Dennis Skonseng was appointed to the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Fargo, effective Feb. 18, 2008, for a term of five years. Deacon James Hunt was appointed a permanent deacon at Blessed Sacrament parish in West Fargo, N.D., effective Feb. 15, 2008, which continues ad nutum episcopi. Official Announcement On Feb. 20, 2008, Rev. Damian Hils was incardinated into his home diocese, the Diocese of Covington, in Kentucky. The Diocese of Fargo is grateful to Father Hils for his years of service to the people of North Dakota and asks our Lord to bless him in his ministry in Kentucky. What is the College of Consultors? Several priests were named to the College of Consultors recently (see Official Appointments). The College of Consultors is a commission of six to 12 priests, chosen by the bishop from among the members of the Presbyteral Council. Canon law requires the bishop to consult with his College of Consultors before making more important acts of administration. Members are appointed to a five-year term. In the case of the transfer, retirement or death of the bishop, the College of Consultors continues to exist. It is then their responsibility to elect a Diocesan Administrator, unless a bishop or administrator has already been appointed by the pope.
Bishop
Aquila promulgates conciliation and arbitration policy A new Conciliation and Arbitration Policy and Procedure, promulgated by Bishop Samuel Aquila on March 3, will go into effect April 1. It replaces a previous document entitled Due Process Board Guidelines for the Diocese of Fargo, and is required to be retained in the diocesan policy manual in every diocesan entity and church. This policy serves those individuals and organizations within the structures of the Diocese of Fargo who are in conflict and who seek reconciliation in a non-litigious manner that embraces Christ. As the introduction to the policy states, “Settling of disputes and controversies among Christians in justice and charity belongs to the core of our religion.” Father Brian Moen, Chancellor for the Diocese of Fargo, said the past policy was used primarily to resolve employee disputes. The policy helps people resolve problems and conflicts “in a Christian, charitable way,” he said. The policy calls for a Director who administers and facilitates the conciliation and arbitration process. A five-person Board is also established which serves the roles of consultation, interpretation, oversight, and as a court of appeal in the process. The Vicar for Clergy, Moderator of the Curia (both positions currently held by Msgr. Dennis Skonseng) and diocesan Human Resource Coordinator (Barbara Augdahl) serve on the Board in ex officio status. The other members are appointed for five-year terms, with a limit of two consecutive terms. Several people are also appointed to serve as potential conciliators and arbitrators in cases. These roles may not be filled by the Director or members of the Board. All of the positions are appointed by the Bishop. After April 1, its effective date, the new policy will be posted on the Diocese of Fargo Web site under the Human Resources department at http://www.fargodiocese.org/departments/humanresources.htm.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Fr.
Joseph, Joe W. & Elizabeth Senger Scholarship Fund
Rev.
David H. Schmidt Memorial Scholarship John
& Francis Heintz Memorial Scholarship
Father
Patrick Roche Memorial Scholarship
Joseph &
Helen Haman Scholarship Fund
Patrick
& Alma Glynn & Sr. Vincent Nicolai Scholarship Fund
Rev.
Edward McDonald Memorial Scholarship Rev.
Adam J. Hasey Scholarship
Fr. John
P. Axtman Scholarship
Rev.
William Crane Memorial Scholarship
Very
Rev. Ervin A. Zirbes Memorial Scholarship
Knights of Columbus ‑ Lidgerwood Council #4778 Scholarship
Alice
Douville Memorial of SS. Neurus & Achilleus, Neche
Catholic
Order of Foresters Scholarship
KC
Council #6007 – Rev. F.X. Miller Memorial Scholarship
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
Columns
Research reportedly confirms: unborn babies do feel pain in the womb Life within the womb is a mystery that has been continually unfolding for our technological generation. Not only can we see the growth and development of the unborn child within the womb due to ultrasound imagining, but surgeons can circumvent certain threatening diseases or conditions of the unborn child through in-utero treatment and even surgery. The New York Times recently did a story on fetal pain exploring the possibility of if and when the unborn child feels pain. In the article they cited research done by Dr. Kanwaljeet Anand, a professor at the University of Arkansas and pediatrician at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Through clinical trials performed on preterm infants who had undergone surgery, Dr. Anand discovered that these tiny babies did indeed perceive pain and babies who were operated on without anesthesia had a “massive stress response”. Additional studies show that certain stress hormones increased significantly when fetuses were given blood transfusions through a needle in the intra-heptic vein, and that the “fetus reacts to intra-heptic needling with vigorous body and breathing movements”. (Lancet, Vol. 344, J 9, 1994, pg. 77) In comparison, there were no consistent responses in fetuses that receive blood transfusions via a needle placed through the umbilical cord (which has no pain receptors). Hormonal responses were reduced when fentanyl, a pain relieving drug, was administered directly to the fetus during surgical procedures. Pain receptors begin to develop as early as seven weeks in the unborn child. Lip tactile responses can be evoked in fetuses as young as seven weeks; by 10-and-a-half weeks the palms of the hands are responsive to light stroking with a hair; and at 11 weeks the face and all parts of the upper and lower extremities are sensitive to touch. By 13-and-a-half weeks the entire body surface, except for the back and top of the head, are sensitive to pain. (Stanislav Reinis, Jerome Goldman, The Development of the Brain.) The highest density of pain receptors per square inch of skin in human development occurs in utero from 20 to 30 weeks gestation. During this period, the epidermis is still very thin, leaving nerve fibers closer to the surface of the skin. Any pain the unborn child experiences before the mechanisms that inhibit pain begin to develop (30-32 weeks gestation) is likely worse than the pain an older child or adult experiences. (ref. “Expert Report of Kanwaljeet Anand, M.B.B.S., D.Phil”.) What does this research mean for those who are considering an abortion? Unfortunately, there is a movement in the medical community today to encourage parents who have discovered either a fatal or serious anomaly in their unborn child to choose a “pregnancy termination”. This is a very polite way of encouraging parents to abort their child in order to spare them future suffering. But are these parents counseled by their physicians on what their child may suffer in the process of killing them? What about the mother who is seeking a procured abortion, whether at 12 weeks – 20 weeks – or even 32 weeks? Does the abortionist inform her that her child may suffer excruciating pain? Recent testimony before the Supreme Court on the Partial Birth Abortion Ban describes an abortion procedure commonly used during the second trimester of pregnancy (Dilation and Evacuation or D&E) as involving the dismemberment of the fetus before removing the unborn child from the mother’s womb. “The doctor grips a fetal part with the forceps and pulls it back through the cervix and vagina… the friction causes the fetus to tear apart. For example, a leg might be ripped off the fetus as it is pulled through the cervix and out of the woman.” The video Silent Scream shows actual recording of a suction abortion. In the footage, the 12-week-old baby is seen dodging the suction instrument while his heart rate doubles. When caught by the suction device, the baby’s body becomes dismembered and one can see the baby’s mouth clearly open wide – a grimace in pain. But no one hears his scream. Movements are underway in our nation to pass Fetal Pain Bills. As of 2006, 23 states in our nation introduced legislation requiring abortionists to disclose to mothers the reality that killing their unborn children by abortion causes pain to the children. Our neighbors to the east, Minnesota, passed a Fetal Pain Bill in 2005 that requires abortionists to offer women more than 20 weeks pregnant the option of anesthesia for their children before they are aborted. As I am writing this, I find myself overwhelmed with absurdity. Why do we in our nation deny the personhood of the unborn child? How can we be willing to recognize a need for an anesthetic to dull the pain of killing him, yet be unable legislatively to protect the very right to life of the unborn child? Our one consolation is knowing that Christ felt every pain the unborn child feels as he went to his death. In his passion and death he experienced and sanctified the sufferings of our wounded humanity. And in his resurrection, he glorified his sufferings, and ours. We can—rather, we must—cling to this consolation, especially as we are confronted by this new irony, that because of Christ’s power of the resurrection, these beloved little ones of his give us hope through their share in Christ’s own suffering and death. Because of Christ, their sufferings do in fact bear merit on behalf of all of us. Rachelle Sauvageau is director of the Diocese of Fargo Respect Life Office.
Let’s hear it for all the wonderful stewards in the Diocese of Fargo “Riches and honor are from you, and you have dominion over all. In your hand are power and might; it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all” (1 Chronicles 29:12). Last November I wrote an article titled “Let’s hear it for”. Since that time I’ve received several more wonderful stewardship stories. It’s important to continually share these stories with all Catholics throughout the Diocese of Fargo. Many continue to humbly give their time, talent and treasure making their parishes and communities living faith examples. The following are stewardship-in-action stories: Let’s hear it for Roger and Jean Anderson of Larimore. The Andersons are members of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Larimore. They are also dedicated church and community volunteers. In November 2007 the North Dakota League of Cities Conference recognized them, as well as several other people, with 2007 Hometown Hero Awards. The Andersons are known to provide TLC to the Larimore Museum’s lawn and also a city park. They care for newly planted Main Avenue trees, assist with the local food pantry and the Senior Center. They do all these loving acts and expect nothing in return. The energy and enthusiasm exhibited by the Andersons and many others in Larimore is what makes the Larimore community and St. Stephen’s a true gift in our diocese. Let’s hear it for the Andersons and their powerful gospel example. Let’s hear it for Dean and Anita Onchuck of Mooreton. The Onchucks are members of St. Anthony’s in Mooreton. In September 2007 they hosted a Barn Blast at their farm for students in grades 9 through 12 from St. Anthony’s and Sts. Peter & Paul’s of Mantador. The Sunday afternoon and evening event included basketball, billiards, soccer, bocce ball, Mass, supper, hayrides, a bonfire and many other activities. Today our youth desire to “connect” and belong. They want to come together and express their faith. They desire to do great things. The Mooreton and Mantador parish youth were able to do this because of a loving act of stewardship by the Onchucks and all the other wonderful stewards who assisted with the Barn Blast. Thanks to all the parish volunteers, the youth leaders and Father Peter Anderl for this visionary and dynamic event. Let’s hear it for the Onchucks and the Catholic parishes in Mooreton and Mantador. Let’s hear it for the Basilica of St. James in Jamestown. The parish’s Long Range Planning Committee identified many parish strengths last fall. The list consisted of nearly 20 identified strengths. Here are some of identified strengths they are very grateful for: Lay ministry, three priests, two deacons, one religious sister, a dedicated staff, great music, financially solvent, good Mass attendance, a beautiful facility, active faith formation, St. John’s Academy, active Knights of Columbus, youth ministry, community growth and involvement, plus many other strengths. It’s important to recognize our God given gifts and talents. It’s vital to see all the good that exists. Strength identification recognizes the Holy Spirit’s gifts to us. It allows parishes to flourish, to extend ministry, to project an “open arms” atmosphere. Knowing our gifted strengths also helps us determine our weaknesses. In turn, this motivates us to pray for stewards who will fill unmet parish and personal needs. There’s a reason God made us all different – it’s so we can network, draw on, and synergize with others. Combined strengths fulfill his heavenly kingdom here on earth. So, let’s hear it for Father Al Bitz, Father Joseph Barrett, Father John McGinnis, Sister Michaelene, Deacon Tim Marcy and Deacon Geary McCleery, all the staff, committees and parishioners at St. James for all the great strengths the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon them. I continue to gather stewardship witnesses from Catholics throughout the Diocese of Fargo. I invite you to send me stories from your parish and community. Let’s continue to spread the “Good News”. “My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. He is my God, I praise him; the God of my father, I extol him.” (Exodus 15:2) Leier is director of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Fargo and can be reached at (701) 356-7926 or at paul.leier@fargodiocese.org.
What does the
Catholic Church have to say about taxes? Spring arrives with warmer days, melting snow, and taxes. Let us pause from removing mud and preparing tax returns and reflect on what the Church has to say about taxes. We often hear that taxes are just the government’s way of taking our money. Working with a starting principle of “no more taxes than needed” makes sense. It reflects a philosophy of good stewardship by policymakers. Too often, however, this principle is distorted into the belief: “it is my money.” Catholics should resist this temptation. The Church has taught for centuries that no one has an absolute ownership over anything, including his or her earnings. John Paul II reminded us in Evangelium Vitae, that this false sense of ownership is one of the roots of the culture of death. Although lengthy, the purpose of taxes described in the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church is worth quoting. “Tax revenues and public spending take on crucial economic importance for every civil and political community. The goal to be sought is public financing that is itself capable of becoming an instrument of development and solidarity. Just, efficient and effective public financing will have very positive effects on the economy, because it will encourage employment growth and sustain business and non-profit activities and help to increase the credibility of the State as the guarantor of systems of social insurance and protection that are designed above all to protect the weakest members of society” (No. 355). As Christians, we have obligations toward the common good. For that reason, we have a duty to pay taxes. Jesus did not consider it unjust to pay taxes to Caesar (Mk 12:13-17; Mt 22:15-22; Lk 20:20-26). Saint Paul insisted on the civic duty to pay taxes (Rm 13:7). The Catechism says: “Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes . . .” (CCC 2240). Understandably, cheating on your taxes and evading taxes is wrong. Not only does it violate the Seventh Commandment against stealing, but it also violates the Eighth Commandment against bearing false witness. For its part, government has an obligation to ensure that the tax system conforms to principles of justice. Specifically, three conditions must exist. First, the collection of taxes must be reasonable and fair. Second, there must exist precision and integrity in administering and distributing public resources. Third, public spending must be directed to the common good. The Church does not sanction any particular system as “fair and reasonable.” Moral theologians and economists guided by Catholic teaching that examine the issue usually conclude that a progressive tax system comes closest to meeting the requirements of justice. In a progressive system, like our income tax, people pay in proportion to their ability to pay. It is generally accepted that a regressive system, like a sales tax, is the least just because the poor end up paying a higher proportion of their income. A fair system alone, however, does not make a tax system just. How the government expends the public revenues is just as important. There always exists the preferential option for the poor. In addition: “In the redistribution of resources, public spending must observe the principles of solidarity, equality and making use of talents. It must also pay attention to families, designating an adequate amount of resources for this purpose” (Compendium, No. 355). Coming from another Christian perspective, the Protestant evangelical law professor Susan Hamill has recently concluded a study of the tax systems in every state, looking to how they stand up to “biblical” principles of justice. Notably, she looks not only at how taxes are collected, but also at how they are spent and at how the entire system impacts the poor. “Tax season,” therefore, really extends well beyond April 15. It includes the election of those responsible for the system. It extends into the legislative session next winter, when our representatives will decide not only how much to tax, but also how to distribute the collections. Dodson is executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference. The NDCC Web site is at ndcatholic.org.
What Difference Does
Confirmation Make? A little over five years have passed since Bishop Samuel Aquila restored the original order of the sacraments of initiation, namely, moving Confirmation back to its original location before First Eucharist. Bishop Aquila explains this change in his pastoral letter, Send Forth Your Spirit, which is available online under “homilies and messages” at www.fargodiocese.org/bishop. Confirmation is one of the sacraments that Jesus entrusted to the Church in order to lay the foundation of every Christian life. These three sacraments are known as the “Sacraments of Initiation.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains “the faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by Confirmation and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life” (CCC 1212). The grace or gift of Confirmation is more fully explained in paragraphs 1302-1305. The explanation ties our celebration of Confirmation to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Over 2000 years later, we are experiencing the strengthening of the Holy Spirit in our own lives. Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
The first four points are an increase of something that was already received in baptism. The third point says it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us. This means that we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the first time in baptism, not in confirmation. What am I missing if I am not confirmed? The answer is in the fifth point of 1303: Confirmation “gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the cross.” God has given us the gift of Confirmation, so we can truly be not only his children and family in baptism, but his witnesses to all the world. Without Confirmation, we can not be certain that we have received this grace. What a gift we have in the Diocese of Fargo, to be able to receive Confirmation in the third grade. Stella Jeffrey is director of evangelization and catechesis for the Diocese of Fargo.
NEWS briefs March 16: On Palm Sunday, the men's group at St. Vincent's Church, Central Ave., Leeds, will be hosting a pancake and sausage breakfast from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The sausage is freshly made by the men's group from pigs donated by a parishioner. The cost is: adults $5; children $3; a maximum of $20 per family. March 16: St. Mary's Church, 216 Belmont Rd., Grand Forks, will host their annual Palm Sunday Smorgasbord Dinner from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. The menu is ham, turkey casserole, Polish sausage and sauerkraut, lasagna, potatoes, salads, baked beans, corn, vegetables, rolls, dessert and beverage. The cost is: adults $7; ages 5-12 $4; ages 4 and under eat free. March 30: St. William's Church in Argusville will host their annual spaghetti dinner from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Argusville Community Center. There will be an Irish Auction and a craft and bake sale, too. Cost is: adults $6; ages 5-10 $4; children 4 and under free. Tickets will be available at the door. March 30: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 419 First Avenue, Fingal, will host their spring roast beef dinner and bake sale from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The cost is: adults $7; children $4. April 3-6: St. Joseph’s Church presents the dinner theater Seven Sisters Down Under: The Quest for the Holy Father, at the St. Joseph Parish Center, 517 Fourth Street N.E., Devils Lake. Performance times are: Thursday, 7 p.m.; Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Noon and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person at St. Joseph’s Parish Center, or call (701) 662-7558. All proceeds from the production will be used to support students attending World Youth Day 2008. April 5: Jr. High Youth Rally will be in Oakes from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This event is for students in grades 6 through 8. For more information, contact Kathy Loney at (701) 356-7902 or kathy.loney@fargodiocese.org. April 5: The annual pro-life quilting event to make quilts for babies in need will be hosted at St. Catherine’s Church basement, 540 3rd Ave. N.E., Valley City from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is open to the public. Free fabric kits and lunch will be provided. No experience necessary. Please pre-register by March 31. For more information, call Lela Grim at (701) 845-4067 or Anne Wuolu at (701) 845-5242. April 24: 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. May 1-4: Men’s Cursillo Weekend will be held at St. Ann's parish in Belcourt. For more information or to request an application, please contact Steve Eckart at (701) 324-2978. May 3: The Sisters of St. Francis have hosted related retreat days entitled Getting in Touch With God: Praying and Living the Psalms since November. The last of the four, Psalms of Love and Forgiveness, begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. Holy Mass and the sacrament of reconciliation are offered at each retreat. Space is limited, register early. Deadline to register is the Wednesday before. Contact: Sister Mary Lousie Jundt or Sister Susan Marie Loeffen at 701-242-7195, or email smloe@rrt.net to register or for more information. An offering of $25 per retreat is suggested which includes all supplies and dinner with the Sisters. You need not have attended the previous retreats to attend this one. May 3-4: St. Mary’s Cathedral, 604 Broadway, Fargo, hosts their third annual Spring Celebration. Both days feature booths with quilts, crafts, baked goods, jewelry, gift baskets and gift certificates to bid on. Saturday’s meal features roast beef and roast pork with all the trimmings. Saturday night features the return of the 3 Pod-RAYS and a live auction. Sunday will continue the festivities with the raffle drawing, Bingo, cake walk and kid’s carnival with inflatable games; dinner will be Buffalo BBQs, homemade egg rolls and wontons, plus an assortment of homemade salads and dessert. May 8-11: Women’s Cursillo Weekend will be held at St. Ann's parish in Belcourt. For more information or to request an application, contact Phylis Gourneau at 701-477-6581 (home) or 701-477-6404 ext.18 (work). To submit events for New Earth and the diocesan Web site, mail them to New Earth, 5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104-7605 or e-mail cheryl.fausel@fargodiocese.org. Events offered by the diocese, diocesan parishes and religious communities, and other diocesan Catholic entities, will be considered for publication. Events offered by non-diocesan entities may be submitted for consideration as separate stories. The deadline for the April New Earth is March 31.
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