Diocesan Events

An Extended Retreat, Sisters of Mary of the Presentation, Valley City
This retreat extends over thirty weeks. The spirituality and methods of St. Ignatius, which are steeped in the gospels, are models for this retreat. These weeks of prayer are meant for persons busy with everyday life but looking for guides for the spiritual life. In this retreat, the person prays a scripture passage daily and meets with a director once a week. The retreat will be at Maryvale Spiritual Life Center, 11550 River Road, Valley City. For more information or to register, contact Sister Dorothy Bunce at (701) 845-2864 or email at dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org, to inquire for more information and to make arrangements to begin. Free-will offering.

Saturday Morning Coffee, Sisters of Mary of the Presentation, Valley City
A Saturday morning coffee group will meet for an hour pondering scripture and other points of interest and their application to life. The group, hosted by the sisters at Maryvale, 11550 River Road, Valley City, meets every Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. beginning September 13, 2008, through April 4, 2009. Four topics will be discussed over several weeks: The Spirituality and Teaching of St. Paul; Finding Messages in Our Dreams; Journaling; Prayer. For more information, contact Sister Dorothy Bunce at (701) 845-2864 or email at dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org. Free-will offering.

Centering Prayer Sessions, Sisters of Mary of the Presentation, Valley City
Centering Prayer is a very simple way of praying and can be used by anyone who wants to be with God, to experience God's love and presence. It is a prayer of longing that leads into a prayer of presence. Sessions are monthly and are one hour long beginning Tuesday, September 18, 2007, at 7 p.m. Come to the first session and learn more about this ancient form of prayer which can be important in one's daily prayer life. For more information, contact Sister Dorothy Bunce at (701) 845-2864 or email at dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

September 29: Movie The Human Experience, River Cinema, East Grand Forks
Join us for a pre-screening of the film The Human Experience. Produced by Grassroots Film, The Human Experience is described as “the story of a band of brothers who travel the world in search of answers to the burning questions: Who am I? Who is Man? What is the meaning of it all?” To view a trailer of the film go to: http://www.grassrootsfilms.com. Showtime is 6:45 p.m., River Cinema 12, Riverwalk Centre Mall, 211 Demers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. To order your tickets contact: AM1370 KWTL at 701.795.0122 in Grand Forks or 877-7950122 toll free, write to: AM1370 at: Box 13703, Grand Forks, ND 58208-1370, or e-mail: businessmanager@realpresenceradio.com . Sponsored by the Respect Life Office and Communications Office of the Diocese of Fargo and AM1370 KWTL Real Presence Radio.

October 9: Men’s retreat, Maryvale
A retreat for men will be hosted at Maryvale on Thursday, Oct. 6 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The theme for this retreat is Men on the journey to transformation. Suggested donation is $10. Please register by Oct. 2 by contacting Sister Dorothy Bunce, SMP, Maryvale Spiritual Life Center, 1150 River Road, Valley City, ND, 58072-9620; or call 701-845-2865; or email dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

October 10-12: Marian Eucharistic Congress, Fargo
"Lord, To Whom Shall We Go?" is the general theme for the 2008 Marian Eucharistic Congress to be hosted in Fargo. More information will be posted as it becomes available. Click here to go to the Web site.

October 23: Presentation Sisters Annual Prayer Center Brunch, Holiday Inn, Fargo
The Presentation Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary will host their annual Prayer Center Brunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 3803 13^th Ave. S.W., Fargo. The speaker is Judy Connate who wrote the book Radical Amazement. Tickets are $25 for this fundraiser to support the prayer center. Contact Helaine Arnold at 701-388-6662 for tickets or more information.

October 24: Senior High Catholic Youth Celebration, Langdon
Senior High Catholic Youth Celebration for students in grades nine through 12 will be hosted at St. Alphonsus' Catholic Church, 1010 Third St., Langdon, from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The cost to attend is $30/student and $15/chaperone. Deadline to register is Friday, October 10. Register at your parish or call Kathy Loney at 701-356-7902 in the Diocesan Youth Office.

October 24-26: Search for Christian Maturity weekend, Maryvale, Valley City
Search is a peer to peer ministry, youth ministering to youth, for those who are single and for this weekend age 18 and older. Hosted at Maryvale Convent, 11550 River Road, Valley City, the weekend helps participants grow in their faith and in their relationship with Christ. The cost for team members is $30. For the new Searcher, the fee is $50. Application deadline is September 30. For more information, contact Colleen or Tom Musgrave at (701) 845-5358 or tnc@daktelwb.com.

October 25: Theology of the Body for Teens Training Workshop, Devils Lake
Catechists and clergy are invited to take part in a day-long workshop on Ascension Press’s text Theology of the Body for Teens. Brian Butler, co-author of this new and innovative teaching program on John Paul II’s theology of the body will offer training on Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Center, 501 4^th Street NE, Devils Lake, ND. Cost is $60/person before Oct. 15^th, $70 thereafter and includes training materials and lunch. For more information contact Marissa, 701-356-7910. This event is sponsored by the Respect Life Office, Diocese of Fargo. For a printable 8 1/2 x 11 poster with registration form, click here.

November 6: Theology on Tap, Fargo
Theology on Tap will be Nov. 6 at the Ramada Plaza Suites and Conference Center, 1635 42 Street S., Fargo. A social time begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the talk at 7 p.m. The speaker this month is award-winning journalist and author, Tim Drake. His topic is The Church is Younger than You Think. He serves as senior writer with the National Catholic Register and Faith and Family Magazine. Drake has published more than 600 articles in publications such as the National Catholic Register, Our Sunday Visitor, Faith and Family Magazine, Catholic World Report and CatholicExchange.com. Drake has appeared on both television and radio including FOX News, Vatican Radio, EWTN, and a variety of radio programs nationwide. This event will be for people between the ages of 21 and 41. No babysitting is available.

November 6, 7, 8: Stewardship Enhancement Days, Carrington, Grand Forks, Fargo
Stewardship Enhancement Days will be happening at three different locations around the diocese. Thursday it will be in Carrington at Sacred Heart parish in Carrington. Friday it will be at St. Mary’s parish in Grand Forks. Saturday it will be at St. Anthony’s in Fargo. Each day will contain the same content and lasts from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information or a registration brochure, visit www.fargodiocese.org and click on the Stewardship Days button at the left; or call Paul Leier at (701) 356-7926.

November 9: Retired person’s retreat, Maryvale
A retreat for retired persons will be hosted at Maryvale on Sunday, Nov. 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. This retreat provides time to pray and reflect on life and share the wisdom of life’s experiences. Suggested donation is $10. Please register by Nov. 3 by contacting Sister Dorothy Bunce, SMP, Maryvale Spiritual Life Center, 1150 River Road, Valley City, ND, 58072-9620; or call 701-845-2865; or email dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

November 6, 13, 20: Bible Study on Mercy and Compassion, Maryvale
A discussion on mercy and compassion will be hosted at Maryvale on Thursday, Nov. 6, 13 and 20 from 7 to 8 p.m. The Bible will be the guide in describing the abundance of God’s care. Free-will offering. Please register by contacting Sister Dorothy Bunce, SMP, Maryvale Spiritual Life Center, 1150 River Road, Valley City, ND, 58072-9620; or call 701-845-2865; or email dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

December 4, 11, 18: Living the Advent Season, Maryvale
Join the sisters, Waiting for Mary, as they live the Advent Season and prepare for the real celebration of Christmas on Thursday Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 7 to 8 p.m. Free-will offering. Please register by contacting Sister Dorothy Bunce, SMP, Maryvale Spiritual Life Center, 1150 River Road, Valley City, ND, 58072-9620; or call 701-845-2865; or email dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

December 4-5: 4th Annual Called to Lead conference, Bloomington, MN
The 4th Annual Called to Lead Conference will be hosted at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Bloomington, MN. This conference is a chance to learn about forming Bible study groups and to empower Bible study leaders, both lay and religious, to understand the Bible and lead an effective Scripture study at the parish level. Conference speakers include Jeff Cavins, author of the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, Tim Gray, Mathew Pinto and more. The total cost of this trip will be as low as $280 per person; which includes a round-trip coach bus; hotel; conference fee and meals at the conference. Each day begins at 7:30 am with time for check in, Mass and breakfast. For a complete schedule see http://www.calledtolead.com/register.asp and click on the link for the current brochure with topic titles and times. To register for the Diocese of Fargo's sponsored package deal, which includes the bus trip, use this Registration Form. Call Mary Hanbury at 701-356-7909 for more details.

December 5-7: Search for Christian Maturity weekend, Maryvale, Valley City
Search is a peer to peer ministry, youth ministering to youth, for those who are single and age 16 and older. Hosted at Maryvale Convent, 11550 River Road, Valley City, the weekend helps participants grow in their faith and in their relationship with Christ. The cost for team members is $30. For the new Searcher, the fee is $50. Application deadline is November 10. For more information, contact Colleen or Tom Musgrave at (701) 845-5358 or tnc@daktelwb.com.

January 2009

January 4: Day of Prayer and Reflection, Maryvale
For women ages 17 to 30, this experience will give you the opportunity to focus on your purpose in life. The day includes Mass, communal prayer, adoration, conference and sharing. The retreat begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Please register by Jan. 2 by contacting Sister Dorothy Bunce, SMP, Maryvale Spiritual Life Center, 1150 River Road, Valley City, ND, 58072-9620; or call 701-845-2865; or email dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

January 8, 15, 22, 2009: When Anger controls My Life, Maryvale
A seminar that looks at the emotion of anger and how it can contribute to a healthy spiritual growth in one’s life will be hosted at Maryvale on Thursday, Jan. 8, 15 and 22 from 7 to 8 p.m. Free-will offering. Please register by contacting Sister Dorothy Bunce, SMP, Maryvale Spiritual Life Center, 1150 River Road, Valley City, ND, 58072-9620; or call 701-845-2865; or email dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

January 17-25, 2009: Youth Pilgrimage for Life, Washington D.C.

Youth in grades 9-12 from across the Diocese of Fargo are invited to participate in the 36th annual March for Life in Washington D.C. on January 22, 2009. Spiritual Director will be Fr. Charles LaCroix, Chaplain for Shanley High School. The pilgrimage will begin in Fargo on January 17, 2009 and return January 25. In addition to participating in the March and the Vigil Mass for Life at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, youth will also travel to Emittsburg, MD to visit the Mother Seton Shrine, and see the sights of Washington, D.C. The cost for the 6-day pilgrimage is $800 and includes train and ground travel, lodging, meals and tour fees. Registration deadline is October 31. To obtain a registration form contact your parish priest or Rachelle at 701-356-7910, or e-mail: rachelle.sauvgeau@fargodiocese.org.

February 5, 12, 19, 2009: The Need for Forgiveness, Maryvale
A seminar focusing on how the forgiveness of another is not easy, but when done, brings peace of mind. Jesus will be looked to as the role model of forgiveness in each one’s life. Meetings will be on Thursday Feb. 5, 12 and 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. Free-will offering. Please register by contacting Sister Dorothy Bunce, SMP, Maryvale Spiritual Life Center, 1150 River Road, Valley City, ND, 58072-9620; or call 701-845-2865; or email dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

February 26, March 5, 19, 26, April 2: Listening to Jesus during Lent, Maryvale
During Lent, take the time to listen and reflect as Jesus speaks ‘The Seven Last Words.’ Meetings will be on Thursday Feb. 26, March 5, 19, 26 and April 2 from 7 to 8 p.m. Free-will offering. Please register by contacting Sister Dorothy Bunce, SMP, Maryvale Spiritual Life Center, 1150 River Road, Valley City, ND, 58072-9620; or call 701-845-2865; or email dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

March 6-8: Women’s Retreat, Maryvale
The Women’s Retreat has been a favorite for many years. This year’s retreat is entitled, You are a Letter of Christ, 2 Cor 3:3. St. Paul’s profound experience of Christ will be the basis of the prayer and reflections. Suggestion donation: $60. For more information, contact Sister Dorothy Bunce, SMP, Maryvale Spiritual Life Center, 1150 River Road, Valley City, ND, 58072-9620; or call 701-845-2865; or email dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

March 28: Junior High Youth Rally
The Jr. High Youth Rally will be Saturday, March 28.... Location will be announced soon!

April 26: Day of Prayer and Reflection, Maryvale
For women ages 17 to 30, this experience will give you the opportunity to focus on your purpose in life. The day includes Mass, communal prayer, adoration, conference and sharing. The retreat begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Please register by April 24 by contacting Sister Dorothy Bunce, SMP, Maryvale Spiritual Life Center, 1150 River Road, Valley City, ND, 58072-9620; or call 701-845-2865; or email dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

July 22-29: Summer Camp for Women, Maryvale
Summer camp for women ages 17-30 will begin Wednesday, July 22 and end the flowing Wednesday. The week will provide opportunities for personal and communal prayer, ministry, other community activities, leisure and quiet in a peaceful atmosphere. For more information, contact Sister Dorothy Bunce, SMP, Maryvale Spiritual Life Center, 1150 River Road, Valley City, ND, 58072-9620; or call 701-845-2865; or email dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

August 9: Day of Prayer and Reflection, Maryvale
For women ages 17 to 30, this experience will give you the opportunity to focus on your purpose in life. The day includes Mass, communal prayer, adoration, conference and sharing. The retreat begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Please register by Aug. 7 by contacting Sister Dorothy Bunce, SMP, Maryvale Spiritual Life Center, 1150 River Road, Valley City, ND, 58072-9620; or call 701-845-2865; or email dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.