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New Earth Archives - September 2007
Features
Follow Christ - Belcourt parish walks ancestors' steps to honor its
patron, St. Ann Columns
Remember, everything you watch, you are watching with the Lord NEWS briefs
Events across the Diocese of
Fargo youth news
Christ’s teachings
and volunteers operate Trinity Youth Camp
from the bishop's office Bishop's Column
God
is calling us to put an end to abortion in North Dakota Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am writing to you to encourage your participation in the national 40 Days for Life prayer campaign. From Sept. 26 through Nov. 4, each of us is asked to pray and fast for an end to abortion and for healing for the mothers, fathers and others involved in abortion. In addition, we are invited to stand in prayerful vigil outside the abortion facility in Fargo at some time during these 40 days. A committee, called 40 Days for Life North Dakota, has been formed to coordinate the participation of the Diocese of Fargo in this ecumenical endeavor. Contact information is provided at the end of this letter. In The Gospel of Life, John Paul II reminded us that “the life of every individual, from its very beginning, is part of God’s plan.” Think about what these words express. A definite plan exists in the heart of God for every human life — your life, my life, the life of every child growing within the womb of its mother. Knowing these words are true, how can we be silent when unborn children are killed through abortion, every week, within our own diocese? Each day, people who are active in pro-life efforts pray for those considering abortion, educate the public about the abortion crisis, and do other good works to protect the lives of unborn children. I commend them and thank them. Those efforts save lives and change hearts. They help to keep abortion numbers low in North Dakota. But low numbers are not enough. Not even one abortion per week is acceptable. Not one per month. Not one per year. Not one in our lifetime. God is calling us to put an end to abortion in North Dakota. He calls each and every one of us, not only those involved in pro-life efforts. He calls farmers, politicians, teachers, doctors, lawyers, religious and priests. He calls busy young mothers, teenagers, executives and retirees. Abortion is an evil of eternal proportions! The earthly life of a person is destroyed. Despite this truth, abortion is often cleverly disguised and presented as a so-called “right” in our nation. On Sept. 8, while Pope Benedict XVI was visiting Austria, he reminded Austrian politicians, and all politicians, that: “The fundamental human right, the presupposition of every other right, is the right to life itself. This is true of life from the moment of conception until its natural end. Abortion, consequently, cannot be a human right — it is the very opposite.” Our founding fathers acknowledged the same truth, when they stated in the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. — That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” This truth about the fundamental and inalienable right to life has been abandoned in the United States by the Supreme Court, since the decision on Roe v. Wade in 1973 and in subsequent decisions concerning abortion. The dignity of the human person begins at the moment of conception, not at birth. The dignity, as recognized by the signers of the Declaration of Independence, is bestowed by the Creator, and no one has the right to destroy innocent unborn life. During these 40 days of prayer and fasting, we will pray for the mothers, fathers and families who have experienced abortions, for those who provide and assist in abortions, for those who encourage mothers toward abortion, for politicians who support so-called abortion rights, for court justices, and for a change of heart within all persons who have abandoned the truth of the dignity of human life from the moment of conception. We will also pray for ongoing strength and courage for our politicians and judges who faithfully defend the lives of mothers and children by opposing abortion. Their efforts on behalf of true human dignity and civic responsibility are invaluable in the defense of life. Intercessory prayer follows the pattern of Jesus Christ who prayed for others. It is asking God’s mercy on behalf of others. This form of prayer is seen in both the Old and New Testaments. Moses prays for the people in Exodus 32:11-34:9 (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2574-2577). Jesus intercedes for his disciples beautifully in the whole of John 17. He prays to the Father for us to receive the Spirit of truth (John 14:16-17) and assures us that “every one who is of the truth” hears his voice (John 18:37). I encourage you to pray over these texts to assist your prayer during this particular vigil and as a reminder of the power of intercessory prayer throughout our lives of faith. In your prayer and fasting during these 40 days, I ask you to pray, especially, for the conversion of the hearts and minds of Catholic and Christian politicians who have chosen to follow secularism and political expediency, rather than the truth of the Gospel. Beg God to enlighten their hearts and minds with the truth and grant them receptivity to the truth. Pray that their hearts and minds may be opened to see the errors of their judgment. Pray that their consciences may be well-formed, upright and truthful. You may also wish to choose one politician, one abortionist, or one court justice, regardless of their faith, and pray for that person in particular throughout the 40 days. You may want to read, too, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 1776 to 1802, which speaks of moral conscience, the formation of conscience and erroneous judgment, to help you to understand what specifically to pray for as you pray for those who support abortion. During these 40 days, many people throughout the diocese and surrounding area will readily join in prayer and fasting for an end to abortion in our state. Prayer and fasting are primarily private acts. They are typically easy to do as we go about our regular schedules. They require sacrifice and are good and powerful. But, for those who are physically able to do more, I encourage you to go one step further — to commit to an hour of prayerful vigil at our state’s only abortion facility. I know it is not convenient. You may have to travel hours to get to Fargo. It may be cold or rainy. It is hard to stand on a concrete sidewalk for an hour. Or worse, you may be thinking, “What if someone who supports abortion yells at me or challenges what I’m standing up for?” Remember, though, that this quiet prayerful witness can save lives. If we are yelled at, we can remember the eighth Beatitude, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12). Be not afraid. Read the details about 40 Days for Life in the story on page ?? Make a plan for prayer and fasting. Then, if you are not homebound or physically impaired, schedule an hour or more of prayerful vigil. I have asked each priest of the diocese to do the same and to challenge you to follow his example. I will be at the abortion facility on Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m. God has called us to put an end to abortion in the state of North Dakota. He does not call us to do what is impossible, but to proclaim the gift of life and to build a civilization of truth and love. Below is the prayer of Pope John Paul II concluding the Gospel of Life. You may wish to use the prayer during the 40 days. “O Mary, bright dawn of the new world, Mother of the living, to you do we entrust the cause of life. Look down, O Mother, upon the vast numbers of babies not allowed to be born, of the poor whose lives are made difficult, of men and women who are victims of brutal violence, of the elderly and the sick killed by indifference or out of misguided mercy. Grant that all who believe in your Son may proclaim the Gospel of life with honesty and love to the people of our time. Obtain for them the grace to accept that Gospel as a gift ever new, the joy of celebrating it with gratitude throughout their lives and the courage to bear witness to it resolutely, in order to build, together with all people of good will, the civilization of truth and love, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life. Amen.” Sincerely yours in Christ, <signed> To learn more about 40 Days for Life, visit 40daysforlifend.com and call (701) 284-6601 or e-mail phc@polarcomm.com to schedule your hour of prayerful vigil.
September 2007
October 2007
DIOCESE OF FARGO OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, Bishop of Fargo, has made the following appointments and/or decrees: Rev. James W. Cheney, granted permission to serve on active duty with the United States Navy as a chaplain beginning July 20, 2007, and continuing to serve until the terms of this full-time deployment with service to the United States Navy have been fulfilled. Upon completion of the terms of this call to active duty, Rev. James Cheney is to return to the Diocese of Fargo to resume his position as pastor of St. Paul’s Newman Center, Fargo, N.D. Rev. Charles LaCroix, in residence at Sts. Anne and Joachim parish rectory in Fargo, N.D., as he serves as chaplain at Shanley High School and Sullivan Middle School in Fargo. This is effective Aug. 1, 2007, and continues ad nutum episcopi. He will also assist in providing for the sacramental and spiritual needs of the people of Sts. Anne and Joachim parish, as his schedule allows. Rev. Chad F. Wilhelm, temporary administrator of St. Paul’s Newman Center in Fargo, N.D., in accord with the pertinent norms of Canon Law and policies of the Diocese of Fargo. This appointment is effective on July 20, 2007, and will cease upon Rev. James Cheney’s return to the Diocese of Fargo after his completion of active full-time duty with the United States Navy. Rev. Mario S. Fernandes, S.J., to assist in parishes that have a need for an additional priest or to substitute for another priest. He will continue to reside at Sts. Anne and Joachim parish rectory in Fargo, N.D. This appointment is effective immediately and continues ad nutum episcopi. The following assignments were made in agreement with the Rev. Gerard Sheehan, S.O.L.T., Regional Priest Servant, Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, Robstown, Texas, and confirmed by Bishop Samuel J. Aquila: Rev. Shane P. McKee, SOLT, as parochial vicar of St. Ann’s Parish in Belcourt, N.D., with residence in the parish rectory. This appointment is effective Aug. 15, 2007, and continues for two years. Rev. Jack Purtell, SOLT, as parochial vicar of St. Ann’s Parish in Belcourt, N.D., with residence in the parish rectory. This appointment is effective July 10, 2007, and continues ad nutum episcopi.
Official Announcement
Four Sisters mark jubilees with Mary of the Presentation Sisters In popular usage, the term “jubilee” refers to the celebration of an anniversary — usually 25 years (silver jubilee) or 50 years (golden jubilee) — of a wedding, ordination or any other significant event in public or private life. The term jubilee has a biblical origin. It means “the year of the Lord’s favor” — a year of rest (Leviticus 25). The concept of rest as a religious practice is explicitly expressed in the story of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). The seventh day, known as Sabbath, is referred to as the day of rest. “For six days, the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested on the seventh day; therefore God blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it” (Exodus 20:11). In the Exodus tradition, this day of rest was made officially binding through the covenant: “Remember the Sabbath, and keep it holy. Six days you labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work — you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock or the alien resident in your towns” (Exodus 20:8-10). This year, the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation were blessed to have four sisters celebrate their jubilees. Together, they have given 255 years of service to the people of God. The jubilarians were honored at a eucharistic celebration at Maryvale, the sisters’ provincial home in Valley City, on Aug. 5. Benedictine Father John Oderman was the celebrant of the Mass, which was followed by a lunch and reception. The four jubilarians included Sister Agnes Marie Zimny, who celebrated 70 years of religious life; Sister Emma Marie Arcand, who celebrated 65 years; and Sister Susan Delbaere and Sister Mary Frances Lux, who celebrated 60 years as Sisters of Mary of the Presentation.
Sister Agnes Marie Zimney Born to Agnes and Paul Zimny in Minnesota Lake, Minn., Sister Agnes Marie attended high school at Notre Dame Academy in Willow City, where she was taught by the sisters. When she heard God calling her to religious life, Sister Agnes Marie took a boat to Broons, France, where she completed her formation and professed first vows on Aug. 27, 1937. Sister Agnes Marie said she believes that her formation in France, where the community originated, was a special time. “I feel very close to our founder and foundresses,” she said, noting that having all of her formation done in the French language brought her very close to the origins of the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation. Sister Agnes Marie earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Great Falls in Montana; a master’s from the Catholic University of Washington, D.C., and guidance counseling credentials from Jesuit University in Seattle. She taught at schools throughout North Dakota including Wild Rice, Lisbon, Oakwood, Valley City and Bismarck. She also worked in the medical records department at Presentation Care Center in Rolla. Even before her formation in France, her French language skills were honed in high school, and while listening to the Willow City pastor deliver his Sunday homilies in French, when she was a boarder student. Sister Agnes Marie was able to work on an international committee with other SMP sisters to revise the congregation’s constitution. “I was privileged to also translate Father Armbruster’s three volumes of the history of our congregation from French into English,” she added. Now retired, Sister Agnes Marie said, “Living here in our spiritual and hospitality center, I am enjoying the hundredfold promised to God’s chosen ones.” She added, “I enjoyed the years (of ministry) and still keep in touch with many friends, but I do find retirement rewarding, having no real responsibilities, having time to pray, to be with a community of loving sisters to share activities, joys, and sorrows.”
Sister Emma Marie Arcand Sister Emma Marie also attended Notre Dame Academy in Willow City as a boarder. “We would be dropped off in the fall and picked up in the spring,” recalled Sister Emma Marie, whose home was in Williston. Because she was from such a large family, a religious vocation was not uncommon to Sister Emma Marie. She also was no stranger to the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation, since she had four aunts who were members of the community. “It was their dedication that inspired me to become an SMP,” she said of her aunts. “After I graduated from Willow City, I entered our community and I have been happy in my vocation ever since.” Sister Emma Marie also had one of her blood sisters become a member of the Sisters of Mary of Presentation. “Sister Bernard Joseph was also here with me. I am related to nearly half of the community,” Sister Emma said with a laugh. Sister Bernard Joseph died in 2001. Meanwhile, another blood sister of Sister Emma Marie’s, Sister Mary Noreen, entered the Sisters of Mercy in Nebraska. She is currently serving in Omaha. Sister Emma Marie earned a bachelor’s in education from the College of Great Falls, Mont., and taught in schools throughout North Dakota. “I think I taught just about every grade,” she said. “I even taught math at Cardinal Muench Seminary in Fargo and I really enjoyed that.” Sister Emma Marie said that her greatest blessing in religious life: “Is everybody’s goodness to me. Everyone has been so good to me in seeing that I have everything that I need without fussing.” In addition, she said, “Lord has been very generous in his kindness and goodness to me through my sisters.” When Sister Emma Marie isn’t in the chapel praying, one can find her reading, putting together puzzles, working on a crossword puzzle or sitting in the community room with some sort of fancywork. Sister Emma Marie said she believes that prayer is essential, especially when discerning a religious vocation. “If you don’t pray, you don’t get anywhere,” she said. She also believes that people should always try out the convent or seminary, noting that “it never hurts to try. You will never know if you have a vocation to religious life or the priesthood if you don’t try it.”
Sister Susan Delbaere “I entered because the sisters were nice and I wanted to be nice,” Sister Susan said with a big smile on her face. “I was stubborn and I had a hard Flemish head.” The sisters, she said, stretched her to grow in new and different ways. Sister Susan entered the sisters of Mary of the Presentation at the age of 24 when she received assistance from the Jesuit priests to take a boat to Broons to begin her formation. After her first profession in September 1947, Sister Susan received a certificate in modern infant teaching methods in London, England, and taught primary grades in Les Cotils, Guernsey. From there, she worked in the hospital at Les Cotils in purchasing, and performed domestic work. Sister Susan arrived at Maryvale in 1982 as part of the hospitality staff. Ten years later, she became a United States citizen. “I was very excited and enthusiastic to become a citizen of the United States,” Sister Susan said, adding that “being a citizen of a wonderful country has added beauty to my life.” Sister Susan said that she has been happy in her religious life. “It’s a very good life. Sometimes you have to give into things for the greater good of the community and of the world,” she said. “It’s great to give yourself over to God and his will, which is not always easy, but there is always beauty in it.” In her spare time, Sister Susan enjoys sitting in her room spending quality time with God in prayer.
Sister Mary Frances Lux “I asked the sisters about my vocation,” she said, and “they encouraged and supported me.” Sister Mary Frances said she also remembers her mother crying when she informed her of the desire that God had placed in her heart to become a sister. “But, she was happy and accepted my decision graciously,” Sister Mary Frances added. Sister Mary Frances professed her temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in September 1947, before earning her degree as a registered nurse from St. Andrew’s School of Nursing in Bottineau. She also received CPE training in LaCrosse, Wis. Sister Mary Frances ministered as a nurse and later in pastoral care for 18 years at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley, during three different stints. She also ministered at St. Andrew’s Hospital for 11 years; Presentation Care Center for 11 years; Mission House of Grand Forks for two years; and Les Cotils for six years, before retiring to Maryvale in 2001. “There are so many blessings that it’s hard to name just a few,” Sister Mary Frances said. “But, I would have to say that I particularly enjoyed taking care of the patients when I was a nurse and then, again, praying with them when I was in pastoral care.” Sister Mary Frances noted that there have been some difficult times in her vocation, although, she added, “God has always been with me and helped me to see his love and grace in everything.” She also was quick to say that there have been many more joyous and happy times than difficulties. If someone were discerning their vocation as a SMP, Sister Mary Frances would first and foremost pray for them and then, “I would invite them to spend time with us and get to know us but I wouldn’t want to put any pressure on them,” she said. Sister Agnes Marie’s advice to those discerning a religious vocation is: “Listen carefully to the Lord (and) if he has plans for you to be a religious, follow them, because it will lead to fulfillment and happiness in your whole life.” Presentation sisters celebrate 50 years of diverse ministries
Sister Anne Hablas The jubilarians, who renewed their vows at Riverview Place in Fargo, are Sisters Mary Therese Fenton (formerly Pius Marie), Consilia Duggan, Peggy Byrne (formerly Regina Marie), Maris Stella Korb and Mary Margaret Mooney (formerly Consolata). Presider at the jubilee Mass was Msgr. Michael Swalina of Poplar Bluff, Mo. Father Leo Stelten, who has known the sisters from their first years in the convent, was homilist. Pointing out the diverse paths the sisters have taken in their ministries, Father Stelten said, “In following their vocation as the daughters of Nano Nagle, (foundress of the order) these sisters have served as social workers, teachers, educators, nurses, professors, administrators, suffering servants, peace and justice advocates and international missionaries.”
Sister Consilia Duggan
Sister Mary Therese Fenton
Sister Peggy Bryne
Sister Mary Margaret Mooney
Sister Maris Stella Korb Four Sisters of St. Francis celebrate jubilees at Hankinson motherhouse Four Sisters of St. Francis in Hankinson observed their jubilees in August. Sisters Barbara Marie Schwan, Mary Rose Schatz and Lydia Hofbauer celebrated their 70th jubilee of religious life with a thanksgiving Mass Aug. 13 in St. Francis Convent Chapel. All in their 90s, the sisters processed by wheelchair into the chapel accompanied by jubilant organ music, played by Father Gary Luiten. Father Armand Brooks, the celebrant and homilist, was joined by Msgr. Dennis Skonseng, vicar general, representing Bishop Samuel Aquila, and seven other priests. Father Brooks spoke of each sister’s faithful and joyous service. Sister Lydia came from Bavaria in 1937. Much of her 70 years were spent working in the vestment department in Hankinson. Sister Mary Rose grew up in Zeeland. When she left her farm home for the convent at the age of 19, she was already an excellent cook. For the next 50 years she cooked for priests and seminarians in monasteries, and then for her sisters in smaller convents, ending her cooking career in 1988 at St. Anne’s Home in Grand Forks. Sister Barbara Marie claims Fulda as the home where she grew up, near the Fulda church. She taught elementary grades for more than 50 years. She spent most of her summers catechizing rural children and devoted a dozen summers to working with Mexican-American migrants in the Grafton-Auburn area. After the homily, the jubilarians renewed their vows of religious consecration before Father Brooks, chaplain, and Sister Donna Welder, provincial superior. After the Mass, guests joined the sisters for dinner and conversation. The jubilarians, who are cared for in St. Mary’s infirmary unit of St. Francis Convent, enjoy singing, visiting and taking part in various activities. They also spend time praying for all those they served, as well as for the world.
Sister
JoAnn Marie Nogowski The entrance hymn, “Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will,” accompanied on guitars by Sister Donna Welder and Cindy Volk, set the tone for the celebration. Sister JoAnn Marie renewed her vows before Father Brooks and Sister Donna Welder. Her mother and a large group of siblings, nephews, uncles, an aunt, co-workers and sisters joined Sister JoAnn Marie. Father Dale Lagodinski, dean, represented Bishop Aquila. As part of an after-dinner program, following a skit by Cindy Volk, Sister Susan Marie Loeffen surprised Sister JoAnn Marie with the gift of a large scrap book, highlighting the chapters of her life history. As the youngest of five children born to Leo and Evelyn Nogowski on Feb. 27, 1959, Jill Nogowski spent her first two years in Sioux Falls, S.D. Then the family moved to Sioux City, Iowa. After high school she enrolled in the College of St. Mary in Omaha, intending to become a nurse. By the time she was 20, she decided to explore a call to religious life. She came to Hankinson in December 1979 and made her temporary vows July 9, 1982. In preparation for cooking for the sisters in St. Francis Convent, the newly-named Sister JoAnn Marie completed a two-year program at the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton. For 19 years, she worked with the kitchen crew in St. Francis Convent. In 2001, Sister JoAnn Marie was transferred to St. Gerard’s Nursing Home and Child Care Center, because of health concerns. She works there as switchboard operator, ward clerk and certified nurse assistant. Her creative hands are occupied with knitting, crocheting and making handicrafts for St. Gerard’s gift shop. Some weekends, she still returns to the kitchen and bakery of St. Francis Convent. Sister JoAnn Marie was honored with an open house after the dinner and program. An open house also took place Aug. 21 at St. Gerard’s Nursing Home, where visitors included the children from the Child Care Center.
Implementation of ‘Summorum Pontificum’ in Diocese of Fargo In the July/August issue of New Earth, I noted that I would be addressing the implementation of Pope Benedict XVI’s apostolic letter “Summorum Pontificum” (on the use of the Roman liturgy prior to the Reform of 1970) within the Diocese of Fargo. The United States bishops have sent to Rome several questions in regard to the apostolic letter. Therefore, I will wait to address this issue until I have had time to review the responses to the questions. Most
Rev. Samuel J. Aquila
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
Tradition continues at St. Ann in Belcourt, with a novena and procession Over the years, the tradition of honoring St. Ann, patron saint of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Belcourt, has continued, albeit with changes reflecting the conveniences of modern times. In the days of yesteryear, St. Ann’s Day was traditionally a time for the return of parishioners and family members — myself included, always coming to the reservation to visit Grandma (Delia Houle) during the last week of July, so Mom (Verna Wallette Fausel) could come home for St. Ann’s Day. According to the St. Ann’s centennial book, “People have come for many reasons: to pray for their many needs, to ask for God’s help for family through intercession of St. Ann, and most often to honor St. Ann and to rejoice with friends and relatives. It has been told that many cures and healings have taken place during the novena. “So great was the faith of our ancestors that they came from far and wide and endured many hardships to get here for the novena. In the early days before motorized travel, they came by horse and buggy or wagon. . . . “During St. Ann’s week the church grounds became a campground crowded with tents and tepees, campers and the visitors’ livestock. Masses were said each morning and vespers each evening. There was plenty of time in between for visiting, playing games, storytelling, dancing, fiddle-playing, picking berries, hunting, fishing, helping with the haying and just enjoying each other. “St. Ann’s Day, the last day of the novena, was the main day of prayer and the religious climax of the nine days. Religious activities began with a 6:30 a.m. Mass. Other Masses were at 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m. At 2 p.m., everyone gathered for the procession. Those who were unable to walk because of infirmities or other reasons were brought close to the procession route to be blessed by the priest. It was mandatory that all who could knelt as the procession went by. All activities and concessions were silenced and little children kept as quiet as possible in reverence and respect to this holy time. Girls threw flower petals “The procession took about two hours. It was divided into sections with each section led by a banner bearer. The procession was led by a wagon with a new hayrack drawn by a team of white horses. At the front of the hayrack was the statue of St. Ann. A young girl dressed in white sat beside the statue. Sitting on the edges of the wagon were several little girls dressed in white, each carrying a basket of wild flowers from which they strewed the petals along the procession path. The little girls were followed by young ladies dressed in gowns, followed by older ladies of the Altar Society, the young boys and the young and older men of the parish. The choir preceded the four men carrying the canopy [known as the baldachino] covering the celebrant who carried the Holy Eucharist. “The procession started at the church and followed the road down to where an altar was set up for vespers and veneration of the Holy Eucharist. Here the procession stopped and all knelt in the yard around the altar. After vespers the procession continued to the church where the relics of St. Ann were venerated and religious articles were blessed. During the procession, the rosary was recited and between each decade a hymn to St. Ann was sung by the choir. “Some of the men [parishioners] acted as grounds police . . . making sure the procession route and grounds were neat and orderly and that horses and other animals were kept off the procession route. They also found parking spots . . . and kept order all day. They made sure every able person took part in the procession and kids didn’t fool around during the solemn time.” All too soon the day was over and families began packing their belongings and saying their goodbyes. However, they had St. Ann’s blessings and many joyful memories to take with them as they made their long journeys home.
Sister reflects on life at Carmel: The vestibule of heaven Sister Margaret Mary will never forget the announcement her pastor made one Sunday in 1954. “The Carmelites of Allentown, Pa., have opened a new foundation in Wahpeton, N.D.,” he reported. “That was music in my ears,” Sister Margaret Mary recalled. This summer, Sister Margaret Mary celebrated 50 years as a Carmelite nun. Bishop Samuel Aquila presided at the June 15 anniversary Mass in the chapel at Carmel of Mary near Wahpeton. Guests greeted Sister Margaret Mary following the Mass, then were treated to lunch at the monastery. During his homily, Bishop Aquila told Sister Margaret Mary, “The church rejoices in your faithfulness and your receptivity to love — to live that vocation in the house of Carmel in a quiet way, opening your life ever more deeply and your heart ever more deeply to the heart of Jesus.” As the bishop concluded his homily, he said, “We give thanks to God for the blessings that he has bestowed upon all of us through the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We give thanks to God for the blessings that he has bestowed upon you, Sister Margaret Mary, throughout these 50 years.” Sister Margaret Mary is a native of New England, N.D., and received her education at St. Mary’s School. She is the youngest in a family of 11 and has an older sister, Sister Pauline Sticka, who is a Maryknoll Missioner in Taiwan. It was Sister Pauline who directed Sister Margaret Mary’s path toward Carmel when the latter was in the eighth grade and expressed a desire to enter a contemplative community. Sister Margaret Mary also attributes her vocation to the deeply religious environment of her family, parish and school. She had an uncle, Father Stanley Sticka, who was a Benedictine monk at Assumption Abbey in Richardton and three aunts who were School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mankato, Minn. They are deceased. The Carmel of Mary was founded Nov. 1, 1954, and Sister Margaret Mary entered the community July 16, 1955, receiving her religious name at her entrance. Her religious investiture took place Feb. 2, 1956, her first profession was Feb. 11, 1957, and her solemn profession was on the same date in 1960. “Each of these special ceremonies was a time of immense happiness,” Sister Margaret Mary said. Sister Margaret Mary said she has been most happy all through her life in Carmel. “Naturally, there have been difficult times as one gradually becomes transformed into a Carmelite nun, which doesn’t happen overnight, but keeping one’s eyes on the goal of intimate union with our Lord and of trying to enter fully into the spirit of the community helps one to skip over the bumps more lightly,” she said. The community was established in the old St. Mary’s Hospital in Wahpeton. But as the community increased in numbers, a larger monastery was needed and the community, with the help of benefactors, built the present monastery six miles northwest of town. “The rural setting is most conducive to living a life of prayer in silence and solitude, while appreciating God’s gift of nature with all its beauty,” Sister Margaret Mary said.
A life of prayer “The community chants the Divine Office in Gregorian chant, beginning here on earth what we will be doing in eternity — praising God,” Sister Margaret Mary said in describing the life of a Carmelite. Prayer is the heart and center of life in Carmel, sustained by a profound liturgical celebration of holy Mass and the Divine Office. The nuns love prayer so much they rise at midnight for a half hour of prayer as well, to pray the Office of Readings. They rise at 5:10 a.m. to chant lauds of the Divine Office which is followed by an hour of mental prayer and holy Mass. The “Little Hours” of the office are chanted at 9 a.m. 11:15 a.m., and 12:50 p.m. Vespers is chanted at 4:30 p.m., followed by another hour of mental prayer. Compline closes the day at 7:50 p.m. and the nuns retire at 9. Short periods of work are interspersed between the chanting of the office. “Prayer, however, is the center of each day, the very purpose of the Carmelite life, its heartbeat and immense joy,” Sister Margaret Mary said. Requests for prayer intentions given to the community by letter or telephone are taken to heart very personally by the sisters and included in their hours of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. In that way the nuns share in the mission of the church, as “Verbi Sponsa,” a document on the contemplative life published by the Holy See in 1999, which expresses it: “Through their specific call to union with God in contemplation, cloistered nuns are fully within the communion of the church, becoming a unique sign of the entire Christian community’s intimate union with God. Through prayer, especially the celebration of the liturgy, and their daily self-offering, they intercede for the whole people of God and unite themselves to Jesus Christ’s thanksgiving to the Father.” This year is special for the Carmelites because it is the 50th anniversary of the Dec. 21, 1957, death of the community’s founding prioress, Mother Mary Rose of the Sacred Heart. She died three years after leading the community to Wahpeton. Mother Augustine Marie then led the community, guiding it through the changes following Vatican II. The renewal of the community was not centered on outward practices and things, but rather on deepening love and knowledge of Scripture and theology, through classes and personal study. Since the office of prioress is an elected office for a period of three years, which can be followed by a second three-year term, Mother Augustine Marie and Mother Margaret Mary alternated as prioress and novice mistress through succeeding years. Mother Augustine Marie died in 1998. At present, Mother Maria serves the community as prioress and Mother Margaret Mary as novice mistress. Historic events at Carmel Besides the move to their rural location in 1964, the nuns experienced two notable flood seasons. In 1969, the community had to evacuate and stayed with the Franciscan Sisters in Hankinson for several days. In the 1997 flood, which devastated the Red River Valley, the sisters were able to remain in their monastery with the help and protection provided by friends and benefactors. By the mid-1980s, the community had grown to 22 members and a group of sisters was sent to San Angelo, Texas, to open a new foundation in 1989. In 2000, the last of the sisters who had been in the Allentown monastery died. At present there are 10 sisters in the community. The pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Prairies, an annual event since 1957, is held on the Sunday closest to the Assumption. Each year a different local parish sponsors the pilgrimage, which includes a rosary procession and an outdoor Mass at the shrine. The contemplative life The essence of the contemplative life is living in the presence of God in imitation of Mary. “Verbi Sponsa” explains the cloistered life in this way: “The enclosure is a special way of being with the Lord, of sharing in Christ’s emptying of himself by means of a radical poverty, expressed in renunciation not only of things but also of space, of contacts, of so many benefits of creation, at one with the fruitful silence of the Word on the Cross. It is clear then that withdrawal from the world in order to dedicate oneself in solitude to a more intense life of prayer is nothing other than a special way of living and expressing the Paschal Mystery of Christ. . . . The cloister becomes a response to the absolute love of God for his creature.” “When a young woman is called to Carmel, all the graces she will need are there in abundance. She will find the joy and peace of Carmel far beyond what she could imagine,” Sister Margaret Mary said. ‘Verbi Sponsa’ explains this further, “The Lord Jesus pours into human hearts his love and the love of the Father, enabling them to respond fully, through the gift of the Holy Spirit.” “Life in Carmel is like living in the ‘vestibule’ of heaven,” Sister Margaret Mary said, “for it is a vivid sign of the life to come.” Inviting women 20-32 Young women between the ages of 20 and 32 who feel drawn to a life of prayer in the heart of the church are invited to contact the monastery by letter, phone or a personal visit. The contemplative life is a life of love for our Lord and our Blessed Mother at the highest level. A desire to give oneself totally to Christ and a well-balanced personality are the basic qualifications for a Carmelite vocation. Write: Carmel of Mary, 17765 78th St. S.E., Wahpeton, ND 58075-9310, or call (701) 642-2360.
Columns
Remember, everything you watch, you are watching with the Lord “No, you’re not being a prude,” I often seem to be telling people. Movies, television, music and even the yak-fests that pass for morning radio shows (“Did you hear about what Celebrity X was caught doing with whom?”) slide ever further away from standards of modesty and decency. Things we didn’t expect to see and hear in the mass media 20 years ago are now common occurrences. I dismiss the claim that the above protest only belongs to senior citizens nostalgically pining for the days of Lawrence Welk and Benny Goodman. Often, young adults seriously consider the issue once they get married and have children. Then the lines of dialogue from radio and TV float into their living rooms and grab their attention in a new way. They ask themselves, “Do I want my 3-year-old repeating these things?” When it comes to the influence of mass media, I believe we need to exercise a greater vigilance than ever. I’m speaking of something active, not passive. Passive behavior throws the door wide open, allowing all sorts of things to wash over us and wear down our consciences. Active behavior, on the other hand, pulls the screen door shut and keeps the bugs outside. The seminary I attended in Fargo had a strict rule against keeping TV sets in our dorm rooms — not that there was much space to put one if we tried. Instead, there was a community TV lounge, with a note posted by the screen that read, “If Jesus were sitting here, would he watch this program with you?” That statement caused me to think about how frequently I had left Jesus outside the living room, car stereo or movie theater, while I was growing up. On many occasions I deluded myself, acting as though there were some forms of entertainment in my life that Christ couldn’t see or chose to ignore. Why was I doing that? What was I hoping to gain? Wouldn’t it be much healthier for me to live transparently, instead of trying to be two people at once — one who lives in the sunshine and embraces his faith, and another who sheds that faith in order to wallow in the darkness? A good number of my audiocassettes went into the garbage can during that first year of seminary. To this day, I need to keep reminding myself that I never watch what I watch alone. God’s Holy Spirit dwells within me as a temple, and Jesus, my Savior and brother, is at my side. If what I see or hear offends him, it most certainly harms me, too. Life is too short not to feed my mind and soul with appropriate and robust fare, even if it’s increasingly difficult to find. Father Jim Gross is pastor of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Velva. Reprinted with permission from The Minot Daily News. For more on media and computers, see the first in a series of tips, entitled Internet Safety Plus, on page 6 of this issue of New Earth.
You can’t give the Diocese of Fargo a gift that jeopardizes your security “The Lord will open up for you his rich treasure house of the heavens, to give your land rain in due season, blessing all your undertakings, so that you will lend to many nations and borrow from none” (Deuteronomy 28:12). You can give money to The Catholic Development Foundation. You can give stock and real estate (subject to passing an environmental “clean bill of health”). You can give artwork, antiques, coins and cars. You can give promissory notes and royalty rights. You can give life insurance and pension funds. You can give your time. You can donate your special expertise and your leadership skills. You can volunteer to help with various events. You can be a steward in more than a hundred different ways. But there’s one thing you cannot give The Catholic Development Foundation: a gift that will jeopardize your financial security. We won’t let you. At least, we will try our best to prevent it. That’s because we value you and your ongoing partnership with us. We want your giving to be right for you in every way. Making a major gift to the CDF requires great care. The gift plan needs to fit you like a glove. It should make sense and contribute to your satisfaction, knowing that your gift is helping a great Catholic cause. Your gift should be one of the highest points in your life. As your stewardship and development director, I’m here to explain various giving opportunities. I’m here to help you and coordinate with your adviser(s) the ideal gift plan. Whether it’s a bequest designation in your will or a life-income gift, I’m here to serve you. Have you considered creating an endowment fund? Would you like to know how to give a life insurance policy you no longer need? Do you want to explore a possible gift of closely held stock, a vacation home you no longer use, or a piece of undeveloped land? Those are areas we can discuss and, together, make your charitable dreams come true. My main goal is to provide personal, knowledgeable and trustworthy service. I will guard your confidences and honor your privacy. I’m here to serve you with complimentary advice. You are under no obligation to proceed with a gift. Each person needs to know their gifting options and then prayerfully discern their final gifting decision. One more thing: I will not take the place of your own legal, tax or financial advisers. Instead, I’ll urge you to obtain independent counsel to assure that any major gift you make to the Catholic Development Foundation is appropriate with your entire estate plan. One of the greatest joys as your director of stewardship and development is meeting many of you fine folks throughout the Diocese of Fargo. Thanks for your warm welcoming spirit. Thanks for all that you do each and every day to further the mission of Christ’s Catholic Church. Your loving acts make this world a bit more like heaven on earth. By the way, stay tuned for future articles. I recently heard some outstanding time and talent stewardship stories from throughout the Diocese of Fargo that I plan to share with you in the next few months. Take care and may God continue to richly bless each and every one of you. 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.
Jesus satisfies the longing
in our hearts In our world today, millions of people find themselves wondering why, despite everything they have, it still feels like something is missing. When I look into the eyes of people I meet, I often see an emptiness and a suffering that is far greater than material poverty. We long for something beyond this world. Teenagers, for example, often try to fill the emptiness of their hearts with things like drugs or activities. Adults allow themselves to be caught up by the spirit of materiality that rules our world. In our region, going to church is still a weekly thing for most people, but even this is not enough. “Duc in Altum” (Luke 5) — “Put out into the deep,” calls Jesus. Those words are not only for Peter, they resonate with each and every person. If we are to be truly happy, our whole person must be caught up in Christ. What we long for is this depth. The great question is, “How do we find it?” The passage gives us the answer. Duc comes from a Latin word that means to lead. We discover that which we long for when we allow ourselves to be led by Jesus. He alone can reveal to us the reality of our humanity and the love of the Father. We allow Jesus to lead us by spending time with him in prayer so that we can hear his voice. This time must take the form of a relationship. Many today, myself included, find it difficult to set aside this time to listen. If we want to be happy, it is necessary. Borrowing from the example of Peter, retreats are another essential part of developing a relationship with Jesus. Peter, in the story from Luke, has an experience of Jesus, of the love of God so real that it transforms his life forever. That comes about because of direct contact with Christ. In our own time, just hearing the voice of God in prayer can be difficult. A real experience of his presence is even more difficult. Retreats aid us in this venture by allowing us to withdraw so that we can spiritually listen more clearly. Above all, the presence of Jesus is communicated to us in the Mass. To many people, this is not the case. Some come in late and leave early. Sounds and thoughts distract us from the liturgy. Even as a seminarian, it can be difficult to understand the love given to us in the Eucharist and to hear God speaking, unless I spend time in preparation. I (and you) can do this by arriving early at the church so that distractions fade before the Mass begins. Meditating on the readings of the day will assist in this venture as well. When we allow Jesus to lead us into the deep, that longing in our heart can be satisfied by him. And so to you I say, “Duc in Altum!” Robert Keller recently began his third year of study at Cardinal Muench Seminary in Fargo. He is originally from St. Cecilia’s parish in Harvey.
Take a look at
state laws not embraced by North Dakota It is often said that the states are laboratories for the development of public policy. Our federal system allows states to enact legislation independent from each other, each responding to their unique history, traditions and conditions. When one state enacts legislation, other states may follow and try to improve on its example. Inevitably, someone looking at another state, will ask, “Why don’t we do that?” What works or is possible in one state, however, may not work or be possible in another state. Here is a look at some laws in other states that have not been embraced in North Dakota. Abortion clinic regulation A few states have enacted legislation singling out abortion clinics for special regulation. For constitutional reasons, enacting such legislation is difficult. The legislation cannot single out a particular clinic nor be based on animosity toward abortion itself. One factor that has made it possible elsewhere is that those states already regulate health clinics. Regulating abortion clinics was only a matter of creating different or additional regulations or, in some cases, merely including abortion facilities under the general clinic regulations. North Dakota, however, does not regulate and license any medical clinics and has no mechanism for doing so. Regulating only abortion clinics would most likely fail constitutionally. Regulating all clinics and including the abortion facility is not something the North Dakota legislature and the state’s medical community is interested in pursuing. Restricting abortion funds Many states, like North Dakota, prohibit state funds from going to entities that provide abortions. But what about prohibiting funds from going to an organization that indirectly, such as through an affiliate, provides abortion, abortion counseling, or abortion referrals? Missouri has such a law and has successfully defended it in court. Why doesn’t North Dakota have such a law? Well, for one thing, it is not needed. A close look at Missouri’s statute reveals that the restriction applies only to the state money expended for family planning services. In other words, the restriction applies to a particular use of state funds and is not a general ban on all types of state funding. North Dakota, however, does not provide any state funding for family planning. So, in one sense, it is doing one step better than Missouri. Pro-life license plates Several states allow drivers to purchase pro-life license plates. They typically display “Choose Life,” and a small portion of the fees paid for the plates goes to abortion alternative programs, such as adoption services. There is no reason why North Dakota could not have such license plates, but the idea has never generated much interest among legislators. Typically, the states that have the plates already had a system in place that allowed specialty plates. Pro-life advocates only had to add the new plates to an existing system. North Dakota has historically frowned on such specialty plates and has only allowed them for special events when the extra money goes to a government effort, as was the case with the Lewis and Clark plates. Working against all specialty plates in North Dakota is the question of volume. Unlike large states, the number of plates that might be purchased would be so low that the extra fee needed would discourage purchasing the special plates. Finally, advocates for pro-life license plates must accept that, in some cases, states have had to allow pro-abortion plates as well. Prohibit some research funding While some states are throwing the taxpayer’s money at destructive embryo research, a few states and the federal government prohibit funding for such activities. Why doesn’t North Dakota ban funding? The answer is simple — North Dakota does not allow embryonic stem cell research or its companion procedure of human cloning. There is no reason to pass a funding ban. School vouchers The Supreme Court has concluded that school voucher programs do not violate the U.S. Constitution and some states have established voucher programs. Why has not North Dakota? For one thing, voucher systems cost money. The state essentially has to add money to the existing system since it would be funding education for more children. Unfortunately, there is a strong feeling among legislators that any additional money for education belongs entirely to the public schools. Also, while vouchers do not violate the U.S. Constitution, there remain questions as to whether a voucher system would violate the state constitution. North Dakota’s constitution has what is called a “Blaine Amendment,” which was purposely designed to prevent religious schools, especially Catholic schools, from receiving any state aid. Christopher Dodson is executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference. The NDCC Web site is at ndcatholic.org.
NEWS briefs Sept. 16: St. Timothy’s Parish, Manvel, will host its annual fall dinner at the Manvel Community Center and the Manvel Senior Center Buildings, Main Street, Manvel. Parishioners will be serving from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The menu consists of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, Polish sausage and sauerkraut, carrots, buns, kolaches and dessert. Tickets are: adults $7.50, ages 6 to 12 years $4, age 5 and under $1. Take-out is available for $8.50. There will also be bingo, a farmers’ market, bake sale and raffle. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
