New Earth Archives - January 2008

Features

India trip enlightens Presentation Sisters visiting mission
40 days of Lent are also 40 Days for Life
Where is God leading you?
God calls everyone to a perfectly designed life plan - Are you listening?
French sister says camping helps young people find vocations
Image expresses universal call and unity of mission

Columns

Take the message to the streets
Do You Know These Acronyms?
Some observations for Catholics as election year begins

NEWS briefs

Events across the Diocese of Fargo
Diocesan Finance Council met in December 
A Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat is scheduled for March 14-16, in Valley City. 
Bishop addresses Catholics’ responsibilities toward intrinsic evils 
Seminarians prepare for annual carnival and spaghetti dinner 
Men move toward the permanent diaconate
Deceased man found outside bishop’s residence
Fargo couple and Bishop Aquila receive papal honors
Maternity home receives $5,000 gift 
Mosaic artist gets help from Bishop Samuel Aquila and others 
Did you spot an NFP ad?
Craftsman of “ruggedly simple” crosses retires from chaplain position
Pension Board meets in December 
Game plan is in the works 
Years of service recognized
The upgrade is complete: AM 1370 KWTL broadcasts at 12,000 watts sunrise to sunset
Send us Catholic schools news 
Priest bags big buck
Rwandan genocide survivor to speak at Day of Prayer
A glimpse of the past
And the mystery church is..........

youth news

Holy Spirit students perform Nativity play
Check out these summer youth camp opportunities
Parish hosts The Donut Man concert for families
TEC conference Feb. 22-24 in Rapid City 
WORLD YOUTH DAY pilgrimage will be July 6 through 23

from the bishop's office

Bishop's Column

Time to look at the Lenten season conversion experience

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, 

I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and that you are already experiencing in this New Year the many blessings God bestows upon us each day! Although we just completed the Christmas season with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, in a few short weeks, on Feb. 6, we will begin Lent with the celebration of Ash Wednesday. 

Each year the Church spends 40 days in prayer and penitence preparing for the celebration of the Triduum:  Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) reminds us that the Church enters with Jesus into the 40 days that he spent in the desert (CCC 540). In memory of the Lord’s death we are called to share in penitential practices such as “spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal sharing (charitable and missionary works)” (CCC 1438). 

The Church recognizes that as human persons we are in need of continual growth and conversion or we become stagnant in our faith. Conversion is the constant turning of our hearts and minds to Jesus Christ, coming to know him, love him and serve him in an ever deeper way. We are called to die to our selfishness and sins, to embrace and more fully live out the virtues, and to grow in holiness by growing in intimacy with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The penitential practices that we are called to share in assist in our conversion. Let us look concretely at each one of them. 

“Spiritual exercises” can include things like making a holy hour each week, attending daily Mass, prayerfully reading the Passion of the Lord from each one of the four Gospels, spending 10 minutes each day quietly reading and praying with the Gospel of Matthew, prayerfully reading the section of the Catechism on the Sacrament of Reconciliation (CCC 1422-1498) or the fourth pillar of the Catechism on Prayer (CCC 2258-2865), attending a day of recollection or parish Lenten mission, praying the rosary or the Chaplet of Divine Mercy each day, or reading a biography of one of the saints. These are just a few examples of the many types of “spiritual exercises” one may choose. 

We may participate in “penitential liturgies” by joining with others in praying the Stations of the Cross, attending a Penance Service and making a personal Confession, and attending the Good Friday service. 

“Pilgrimages as signs of penance” could consist of visiting one of the churches in the Diocese of Fargo or elsewhere with the specific intention of praying for the conversion of one’s own heart or the hearts of others; praying in front of the abortion facility in Fargo with the specific intentions of reparation for the sin of abortion, for the conversion of doctors who perform abortions and for those who support the so-called “right” to abortion; and making a pilgrimage to a particular shrine to pray for God’s mercy for oneself or others. 

“Voluntary self-denial such as fasting or almsgiving” has a wide range of possibilities. Fasting may include not eating between meals or giving up a certain food or drink, but it may also include “fasting” or refraining from things that are harmful to others or to ourselves, spiritually or physically. These could include a wide range of things from gossiping about others in order to build ourselves up, which hurts the person about whom we are gossiping, weakens our relationship with God and is always sinful, to smoking cigarettes, which hurts the physical bodies God has given us and may be harmful to the health of those around us. 

Whenever fasting from a vice, it is important to pray for a particular virtue. For example if we fast from gossip we should pray for the virtues of charity, prudence and respect for others. Or if we fast from smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco, we should pray for reverence for our bodies and the strength to overcome our dependence on things that are harmful to them. 

Of course, the final intention of “fasting” from vices or sinful acts must be clear. While one may use Lent as a time to focus on avoiding sin through God’s grace and our actions it is not possible to think that one can “begin again” when Lent is over. Sin is to be avoided at all times and we must continually work to eliminate from our lives the vices that lead to sin. 

We can participate in “almsgiving” by giving financial donations to charitable organizations consistent with our Catholic faith. Lent is also a good time to sit down and honestly look at how generous we are with the money that we have. Not only do we need to look at how we give and how much we give to see if we are truly tithing, but we must also look at our attitude toward giving. We must ask ourselves, “Do I give grudgingly or with a generous heart? Do I see my support of my parish as a way through which I show gratitude to God for all the blessings he has bestowed on me? Do I support the poor and the needy?” 

Finally there is “fraternal sharing.” This could mean to visit the sick in hospitals or the elderly in nursing homes, to assist in a soup kitchen or a shelter for the homeless, to help with the distribution of food baskets, to volunteer at the St. Gianna Maternity Home in Warsaw, N.D., or at one of the Christian pregnancy help centers in our diocese, to make a commitment to teach religious education or help out in some way in a parish, or to share one’s faith with another person. 

I encourage you during this upcoming Lenten season to decide on one or two very specific “penitential practices.” Remember that the reasons for your choices should be to help you to grow in holiness, in likeness of Jesus, to grow in intimacy with God, to grow in the love of your neighbor, and to grow in the virtues. Prayer is at the heart of all spiritual growth, so, above all, set aside time each day to pray. 

My prayer for you as your bishop is that, during this Lenten season of 2008, your heart may grow in a deeper love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Through that love you will know and understand more fully the dignity given to you on the day of your baptism that is your true identity – a beloved son or a beloved daughter of the Father. 

Sincerely yours in Christ, 

<signed>
Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila
Bishop of Fargo

Bishop's Calendar

January 2008

February 2008

DIOCESE OF FARGO OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS   

Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, Bishop of Fargo, has made the following appointments and/or decrees: 

Laicization of Clergy

At an audience on Nov. 6, 2007, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, granted the petition of Daniel Joseph Hoedl to be dispensed from the obligations of the clerical state, including the obligation of celibacy. He is in good standing with the Church.

Bishop clarifies USCCB’s ‘responsible transition’ statement on Iraq
by Tanya Watterud

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement released Nov. 13 which calls for a responsible transition in Iraq. During their general meeting in Baltimore Nov. 12, the bishops of the United States gave their affirmation to the letter, entitled A Call for Bipartisan Cooperation on Responsible Transition in Iraq. 

Bishop Samuel Aquila of the Diocese of Fargo commented on the statement in an e-mail sent from Baltimore. He addressed the phrase “responsible transition” and called for continued prayer.

“‘Responsible’ means political leaders must put aside their partisan views and vote-seeking agendas and work in cooperation with each other to determine how to incrementally lessen the U.S. presence in Iraq while providing for the support and safety of the people of Iraq. Definite strategies must be developed that ensure a shift from an environment of war to an existence in peace,” Bishop Aquila wrote.

“‘Transition’ means a gradual, well-planned movement which focuses on the care and dignity of each human person who is involved in the war in Iraq,” he continued. “Responsible transition can be accomplished only if our politicians put others before themselves – put peace, life and the common good before their own political popularity or party agenda. They must ask those most close to the conflict – the Iraqis, the refugees, the military personnel – what they see as needs, rather than sitting behind desks, determining strategies that look good on paper but fail when implemented.

“A pull-out from Iraq based on the schedules of politicians is not the answer nor is remaining in Iraq based on the interests of the U.S. alone. Responsible transition, based upon the dignity, safety and needs of the human persons whose lives are most closely affected by this war, is the only answer.”

Bishop Aquila concluded with a call for continued prayer. “I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Fargo continue to pray for peace in the Middle East, for our service men and women, and for wisdom for all leaders and politicians involved in resolving the present conflict.”

The USCCB statement can be found at:  http://www.usccb.org/bishops/index.shtml.

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

God calls everyone to a perfectly designed life plan - Are you listening?
Father Paul Duchschere

During the month of January the Church always celebrates “National Vocations Awareness Week.” This year it was celebrated Jan. 13 through 18.

The week begins with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (which was on Jan. 13 this year) and ends the following Friday. The baptism of the Lord Jesus, although not a “sacramental” celebration of baptism such as we all had, was nevertheless the beginning of his public ministry that led him to his death and resurrection for our sakes. In that respect it can be seen as a kind of beginning of his own vocational life. 

Our Lord’s vocation was simple:  He was to be a Savior. And he was, and still is. His “vocation” is still the primary factor in his life as the incarnate Son of God, even as his work here living his earthly life was completed millennia ago. 

Do you notice how the Church entitles this special January week the “National Vocations Awareness Week”? Why not just “National Vocations Week”, or “Vocations Week”, or “Vocation Is Your Life Week”? Why the word “awareness”? 

It seems to me that it is a deliberate choice of words, and I think a good one. First of all, our vocation is extremely important. It is the very life the Lord God has created us to live, that will give him the glory he deserves from us, and will give us the happiness that we wish for in living in this world. Second, it is therefore obviously important that we, with the Lord’s assistance through grace, discern rightly what in fact our life’s vocation is as he has chosen it for us. It is in fact possible to make a wrong vocational choice, or to simply ignore or neglect it altogether – and what a futile and wasteful life that quickly becomes. Third, the initial step in making that proper discernment and choice concerning our vocation is to be “aware” of the fact that it’s out there to be considered, discerned and accepted by us. 

And so you see how important the “awareness” of vocations is, and thus the appropriateness of the title of the week the Church celebrates in its regard. I would dare say that the single biggest factor in too many people in the modern world “missing out” on their life’s vocational calling is the fact that so many of those people are simply not aware that a vocation is part of their life’s plan, and then not aware of where (and who) that vocation is coming from – and also not aware that their own son or daughter, friend or neighbor also has a vocation from the Lord God, and so do not encourage and support them in that vocational discernment as they could or should. 

Are you aware that married life is a vocation? Do you understand, therefore, that it is not simply a lifestyle that one can assume or pick for oneself, but should be discerned as a call from God? Are you aware that some among us – perhaps more than we may think – are not called to the married vocation, but are called to love and serve God in the dedicated single life, and that too is a vocation from God? Are you aware that the call to the priesthood or religious life is just that – a call from the living God to live and love in that particular way of life that he has created for them, and not just another “option” among other careers? 

Perhaps even more important – are you aware that everyone you know also has one of these vocations from the Lord God? Does that awareness allow you to be open to the vocational calling that another may have? It happens again and again that we, often without realizing it, discourage someone from considering a particular vocation, because we would not consider it for ourselves. If I am called to the married life, it should never mean that I think that everyone else should be called to the married life. If a particular vocation does not apply to me, I should never assume that it should not apply to another, be it my own son or daughter, or my best friend, or co-worker, or another I know. 

Being aware of what vocation means, its reality in my life, and its reality in others lives is crucial. We all want what’s best for others, especially those who are close to us and who we love in a special way. We help them to “discern” all kinds of things:  things concerning schooling, health issues, lifestyle issues, moral values, career options, relationship issues, and on and on. That is simply because we are convinced and are aware of the existence of these various issues in our own and other’s lives. “Vocational issues” are also present in our own and other’s lives, and we should be no less convinced of the importance of them also – I would even say of their greater importance. If one’s vocational discernment and life is lacking, there really isn’t a whole lot else that can make up for that. (Just consider the too many people who may have “all” the things that supposedly make life good in this world, but are unhappy because their lives are “meaningless” - they don’t know what to do with their life, and don’t know what direction to go with their life.) 

So “National Vocations Awareness Week” is actually a quite appropriate and perfect title for what that celebration should be all about. If we can be aware of these vocations from God as part of the life plan for ourselves and others, we are well on our way to living them out – and that’s just what our Lord Jesus did and what the saints did with their lives. 

Father Duchschere can be reached at (701) 271-1205 or paul.duchschere@fargodiocese.org.

The road to the priesthood 

The seminary system consists of education and formation programs designed to prepare a man for the duties and life of a priest.

College (minor seminary)
The Diocese of Fargo provides a college seminary formation and education program at Cardinal Muench Seminary, Fargo, in collaboration with North Dakota State University. A man choosing to begin his preparation for the priesthood at the college level would receive at CMS his education in philosophy, a requirement for acceptance by a graduate school of theology (major seminary).

Pre-Theology
A student who has a college degree, but does not have the required courses in philosophy and religion, will participate in a two-year pre-theology program to meet the requirements to enter a graduate school of theology (major seminary).

Theology
When a seminarian has completed the requirements for entering a school of theology, he will pursue a course of studies, which leads to a graduate level degree. He will attend a seminary outside the diocese, as the Diocese of Fargo does not have a major seminary. The bishop will determine the assignment to a major seminary.

Spirituality Year
If the bishop wishes, a man’s formation program includes an initial year called the Spirituality Year, in which he is given an introduction to the life of priestly service through community life and spiritual and intellectual formation. In addition to liturgical and private prayer, retreats and apostolic activity, he receives instruction in the Christian life by reading and praying through the entire Scriptures, and by studying the documents of the Second Vatican Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and some of the great works on Catholic spirituality. This Spirituality Year takes place at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver, Colo.
Vianney Program
This program is for men who are considering a possible call to the priesthood, but who are not yet sure enough of that call to commit to entering the seminary. They are able to live at the seminary, take part in the spiritual formation and community life, and, at the end of that year, determine if they will apply to become a seminarian for the next year. 

For more information about a vocation to the priesthood, call Father Paul Duchschere at (701) 271-1205 or e-mail him at paul.duchschere@fargodiocese.org.

Image expresses universal call and unity of mission
Dave Opsahl 

This image of Jesus calling his first disciples represents the unity of all Catholics and the call to serve others. Unity is the theme for the Diocese of Fargo’s 2008 God’s Gift Appeal.

In Matthew’s Gospel 4:18-22 we read of Jesus walking by the Sea of Galilee when he saw simple fishermen at work. Peter and his brother, Andrew, were fishing as James, Zebedee’s son, and his brother, John, were mending nets. Unlikely as they may have appeared to some people, it was distinctively to them that Jesus promised a share in his work; work that required them to leave everything they were familiar with and to abandon their lives to become fishers of men. 

Jesus is calling each of us to abandon all that we cling to for security in this temporal world and to follow him. Trusting that God will provide what we need is a real human struggle. Look at Zebedee standing in his boat wondering what is happening to his partner and crew. It’s not easy balancing discipleship and family and work. 

Trust does not come easy to the fallen human creature. But remember the rewards! It was Peter, James and John who were with Jesus on the mountain for his transfiguration. We too can share in his glory providing that we simply trust in Jesus. 

I searched through thousands of pictures, paintings, mosaics and icons for an image that would best convey “Unity,” our theme for the 2008 God’s Gift Appeal. One day I decided to review the beautiful art within our Diocesan Pastoral Center where my desk cubical is located. When this painting of Jesus calling his first disciples entered my view I knew it was the image that expresses our call to discipleship, the continuity of the apostles and our unity in Christ. 

I was told by staff members that this piece was acquired by St. Michael’s parish in Grand Forks during the 1930s Great Depression. As I continued showing this painting to other staff members and asking questions about its origins, Rachelle Sauvageau suggested that I consult retired Father William Sherman, a former pastor of St. Michael’s and the go-to-person for history about our diocese. Judging from the classical style and warm colors used in this work, it most probably was painted in Europe in the mid-1800s. 

Father Sherman’s research discovered that an itinerant salesman offering a selection of paintings called on the pastor of St. Michael’s. The pastor, Msgr. William J. McNamee, was instantly drawn to this piece because of the quality of artistry, the colors, and the character development so eloquently captured in the expressions of those pictured. The entire story from Matthew’s Gospel 4:18-22 is told in this one compelling scene. 

All that Jesus expects from his disciples is all we have. Since all that we have is from God; all that we give we must give to God. The only real possession we take with us when we die is the relationship which, by grace, we foster with Christ while we live on this earth. 

Since I am now closer to my death than my birth, here are some questions I often ask myself:  Am I generous with my relationship with Christ? Do I share it with others without reserve? Or, am I sometimes stingy? Am I being only a part-time Christian? 

If I have made a conscious decision to follow Christ, then I clearly understand that all he wants is all I have:  my possessions and my being. When I became a disciple of Christ I agreed to carry my cross and live in accord with his teachings. Sharing all that I am also means sharing all that I have. Am I unsparingly charitable with my temporal gifts? Do I offer my labor to his Church? Do I offer my monetary gifts to his Church? What am I doing? 

Balanced tithing is what I am called to discern. Parochial Catholic teaching aims to seek the virtue that lies in the middle course of sound doctrine and wholesome religious sentiment. Let us pray for the grace to know how and when we are called to serve our Lord. 

It appears that I am at the end of a rather long list of people who were drawn to this painting. This same painting was used by AM 1370 KWTL Catholic radio as an appreciation gift to annual donors. Our Diocese of Fargo endorses AM 1370 which airs local and EWTN programming. 

If you wish to obtain a print of this original painting of Jesus calling his first disciples, call AM 1370 at 795-0122 or, toll free outside of Grand Forks, 1-877-795-0122, to find out the details. 

Opsahl is God’s Gift Coordinator for the Diocese of Fargo.  Photo courtesy of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Grand Forks. 

Columns

Do You Know These Acronyms?
Paul Leier

"Wisdom and knowledge are given you; but I will also give you riches, treasures and glory, such as kings before you never had, nor will those have them who come after you" (2 Chronicles 1:12).

One of our goals at the Diocese of Fargo Stewardship and Development Office is to provide useful information to our many friends and donors. Sometimes we get carried away with specialized "lingos" for the various gift instruments we offer. So, I thought it would be worthwhile defining several acronyms.

Here are five acronyms, each representing a different gift instrument. See if you can identify the words for each acronym and match it with the correct description at the right. Then review your answers for correctness below.

The following acronyms and descriptions have to stay as is, so that the readers can “take the challenge” of matching what description goes with what acronym.
Acronyms Descriptions

1. CRUT A. A charitable trust that provides the donor or
someone else with a fixed amount of income each
year during the duration of the trust.

2. CGA B. A charitable trust that provides income to the
charity for a period of years after which the
remainder of the trust is given back to the donor
or to another person(s).

3. PIF C. A charitable trust that provides a variable
amount of income for one or more lives (or a
specified number of years) with the remainder of
the trust going to one or more charities.

4. CLT D. An annuity that involves an agreement between
a charity and one or two persons, requiring the
charity to provide a specific amount every year to
the "annuitant(s)" for life.

5. CRAT E. A special fund provided by a charity for
donors who want to contribute money not only to
eventually help the charity, but also to receive
income from this charitable fund.

Would you like to know more about any of the gift instruments mentioned above? If so, here are three ways to learn more:

A. Please complete and mail in the response form and we will send you more information.

B. Or contact me, Paul Leier, Director of Stewardship and Development, at 701-356-7926 or e-mail me at paul.leier@fargodiocese.org.

C. Or, go to www.fargodiocese.org. Then go to Stewardship/Donate and click on Planned Giving. This site has comprehensive information on Charitable Giving.

Answers: 1. CRUT (Charitable Remainder Unitrust - C); 2. CGA
(Charitable Gift Annuity - D); 3. PIF (Pooled Income Fund - E);
4. CLT (Charitable Lead Trust - B); 5. CRAT (Charitable Remainder
Annuity Trust - A).
__________________________________

(Please complete and return this reply form.)

___ Please send information about the items checked below:

___ CRUT ___ CGA ___ PIF

___ CLT ___ CRAT ___ Bequests

___ Please contact me about a personal visit. The best time to
call me is:_________________.

Name:_________________________________________________

Address:______________________________________________

City:_________________________________________________

State:______ Zip:____________ Phone:__________________

Mail this form to: Paul Leier - Director of Stewardship and Development
Diocese of Fargo
5201 Bishops Boulevard, Suite A
Fargo, ND 58104-7605

"I find the doing of the will of God leaves me no time for disputing about his plans." - George MacDonald

Some observations for Catholics as election year begins
Christopher Dodson

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recently issued a new document on voting and political behavior. Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship devotes particular attention to the obligation of Catholics to adequately form their consciences and apply that formation to voting and other political activities.

In one passage, the bishops warn of two temptations in public life that can distort the defense of human life and dignity. The first is to make no moral distinctions between different kinds of issues. Actions that involve the direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life from the moment of conception until natural death are always wrong and are not just some issues among many. They must always be opposed. The second temptation is to misuse these necessary moral distinctions as a way of dismissing or ignoring other serious threats to human life and dignity.

You will hear and read more about Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship between now and the election. In the meantime, take a look at the document at the North Dakota Catholic Conference Web site (ndcatholic.org.)

* * *

North Dakota's political parties will hold presidential preference caucuses on Feb. 5.

This year's caucuses essentially complete the state's move away from using presidential primaries --which is ironic considering North Dakota was one of the first states to use a presidential primary. In some respects, North Dakota's caucuses are still like primaries. Unlike a true caucus, there are no meetings, discussions or presentations. You simply go in, cast a secret ballot, and leave.

What is different? Well, for one thing, the parties, not the state government, assume the costs. More importantly, the caucuses are less democratic. Before you can vote at a caucus, you must pledge that you either voted for that party in the last election or that you intend to vote for that party in the next election.

That requirement may be fine for the party faithful, but what about the growing number of independents that do not affiliate with either party? What about those who are split-ticket voters? Considering that the state elects both Republicans (John Hoeven, George W. Bush) and Democrats (Kent Conrad, Byron Dorgan) by large margins, North Dakota must have a large number of ticket splitters. What about those who, as a matter or principle, will not affiliate with a political party? Some people feel they can and should engage in politics without being partisan.

In their new Faithful Citizenship document, the bishops recognize how party involvement can be difficult for Catholics, “sensing that no party and too few candidates fully share the Church’s comprehensive commitment to the life and dignity of every human being from conception to natural death.”

Those willing to make the pledge should, however, try to vote at the party caucus. Both parties will post the caucus locations on their Web sites. You will need to bring some form of identification. Pay attention to the hours. Republicans will have to vote between 6:30 and 8 p.m. Democrats can vote between 2 and 8 p.m. Be sure to work at forming your conscience before you go!

* * *

At one time, Catholics were overwhelmingly Democrat. Beginning in the 1970s, Catholics began voting in larger numbers for Republicans so that today no party can claim the “Catholic vote.” Did Catholics change or did the parties?

A new book argues that the shift can be traced to 1972, when, according to the author, “secular, educated elites” wrested control of the party away from working class, religious – mostly Catholic – Democrats. The book is Why the Democrats are Blue: Secular Liberalism and the Decline of the People's Party by Mark Stricherz. In the interest of full disclosure, I have not yet read the book, but it is getting some good reviews and, in addition to being of interest to political history buffs, could generate some good discussion about the place of Catholics in today's political environment.

* * *
You probably know that John Kennedy was the first Catholic president. You may know that Al Smith was the first Catholic from a major party to run for president. But did you know that John Fremont was the first candidate from a major party to be accused of being Catholic?

In 1856, Fremont was the first nominee from the newly formed Republican Party. Opponents engaged in a negative campaign that falsely accused Fremont of being a Catholic. The extent to which his supporters had to defend Fremont against charges of “Romanism” reveal how deep anti-Catholic feelings ran at the time.

In some ways, the environment for Catholics has improved. However, there still exists hostility toward the Church and Catholics, particularly in the public square.

Dodson is executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference. The NDCC Web site is at ndcatholic.org.

NEWS briefs

Events Across the Diocese

Jan. 26-27: Discernment is a retreat for single women, 18 years and older, to look at what it means to discern God's call in a person's life, not just to religious life but to other areas of life as well. Sponsored by the Sisters of the Presentation, Fargo, the retreat begins on Saturday, Jan. 26, at 1 p.m. and ends on Sunday, Jan. 27, around 12:30 or 1 p.m. at Presentation Center, 1101 32nd Ave S, Fargo. Included are opportunities for prayer, reflection, Eucharist with the Sisters, and sharing with other women. For more information, please contact Sister Shawna Foley or Sister Andrea Arendt at 701-235-8246. 

Jan. 27: An organ, piano and vocal concert performance will be given by Rachel Crooks and Peggy Bartunek, with guest Ventzi Nelson (trombone) at 3 p.m. at the St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center, 410 Cambridge Street, Grand Forks. There is no admission charge. Crooks is a member of the Newman Center and directs music there. Nelson and Bartunek are both members of St. John's in Grafton. Bartunek is organist and director of the St. John's choirs, and also directs the Grafton High School choir. Nelson is a music major at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. 

Feb. 3: St. John’s Catholic Church, Wahpeton, will host a Mardi Gras at the Eagles Club, 114 Dakota Ave., Wahpeton, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The celebration includes a dinner, theme basket silent auction, beanie baby/cake walk, raffle, bingo, carnival games and bake sale. For more information, call St. John’s church at (701) 642-6982.

Feb. 3: Single person’s retreat at Maryvale in Valley City. Those persons who choose to live a single life or are temporarily doing so may find that many experiences are geared for couples. Here is a chance to come together for prayer and discussion with others with similar experiences. The retreat is from 1 to 4 p.m. Please register by Feb. 1. Suggested donation is $10. For more information contact Sister Dorothy Bunce at (701) 845-2864 or dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.

Feb. 7-10: A three day men's Cursillo will be held at St. Cecilia's in Harvey. This retreat begins Thursday evening and ends Sunday afternoon. A Cursillo is a time of getting to know yourself so you can grow to know God more. For more information, contact Doran Chandler at 701-845-5950 or chandler@csicable.net. 

Feb. 8: The sixth annual Wild Walleye Wing Ding Fish Fry will be hosted by the St. William’s Church Men’s Club in the Argusville Community Center in Argusville from 5 to 8 p.m. The cost is: adults $8; ages 7-12 $4; 6 and under eat free. 

Feb. 8-10: Search for Christian Maturity weekend. 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. The application deadline was Jan. 14, but, for more information about Search, you can contact Colleen or Tom Musgrave at (701) 845-5358 or tnc@daktelwb.com. 

Feb. 10-12: Dr. Ray Guarendi will be speaking in the Grand Forks area during a shared Lenten Parish Mission. He will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, East Grand Forks, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m., presenting “Back to the Family”; he will be at Holy Family Parish, 1018 18^th Ave. S., Grand Forks, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m., presenting “You’re a Better Parent Than You Think”; he will be at St. Michael’s, 520 6^th St. N., Grand Forks, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m., talking on “Why be Catholic?”. Each session is open to all; a free will offering will be taken. Dr. Guarendi is a clinical psychologist specializing in families, parenting and children. He has authored five books relating to his specialty, and is a radio talk-show host. Listen to him live on Real Presence Radio, AM 1370 KWTL, at noon Tuesday through Thursday, and check out his Web site at www.drray.com. For more information, contact Sue at St. Michael’s, (701) 772-2624. 

Feb. 21-24: A three day women’s Cursillo will be held at St. Cecilia’s in Harvey. This retreat begins Thursday evening and ends Sunday afternoon. A Cursillo is a time of getting to know yourself so you can grow to know God more. For more information, call Sandy Horsager at 701-493-2077 or e-mail: shors@drtel.net.  

Feb. 29-Mar. 2: The Women’s Retreat at Maryvale, 11550 River Rd., Valley City, has been a favorite for many years. This year’s retreat entitled, “Desert Wisdom,” will be offered beginning Feb. 29 and ending March 2. Pondering the sayings of the ancient sages of our faith shows how timely their meaning is for one’s daily life. For details, contact Sister Dorothy Bunce, at (701) 845-2864 dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org. Suggested donation is $60. 

March 7-9: A Search for Christian Maturity weekend will be hosted at St. Cecilia Retreat Center, 413 E. Brewster St., Harvey. Search is a peer to peer ministry, youth ministering to youth, for those who are single and age 16 and older. 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 Feb. 12. For more information, contact Colleen or Tom Musgrave at (701) 845-5358 or tnc@daktelwb.com.

March 14-16: The next Rachel's Vineyard Retreat is scheduled for March 14-16, in Valley City. See story below for more information.

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 February issue is Jan. 28.

A Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat is scheduled for March 14-16, in Valley City. 

Rachel’s Vineyard offers a safe, non-judgmental and confidential weekend retreat for anyone; women, men, grandparents and siblings who struggle with the feelings of loss that can accompany an abortion experience. The weekend begins on a Friday night and concludes on Sunday afternoon. 

According to the Rachel’s Vineyard Web site, www.rachelsvineyard.org, “The program is an opportunity to examine your abortion experience, identify the ways that the loss has impacted you in the past and present, and helps to acknowledge any unresolved feelings that many individuals struggle with after abortion. Because of the emotional numbness and secrecy that often surrounds an abortion experience, conflicting emotions both during and after the event may remain unresolved. These buried feelings can surface later and may be symptoms of post abortion trauma. 

“The weekend is a chance to get away from all the daily pressures of work and family and focus on this painful time in your life through a supportive and non-judgmental process. The time away provides an opportunity to deeply enter the grieving process and identify all the ways your abortion may have affected you.

“The exercises help to connect participants to their inner voice, to each other, to the love and compassion of God, and help participants to accept forgiveness for themselves and others. There is also an opportunity to re-connect with the children that have been aborted on a spiritual level, to give them honor and dignity through many special and creative spiritual exercises as well as in a memorial service.

“Mourning and grieving are necessary milestones which must be passed so that our lives can continue. When this process is complete there is re-birth and resurrection. There is new life within our spirit which gives us hope in the future. There is an opportunity to explore our lives, and appreciate our human fragility. Through a very personal and intimate encounter with the Living God, we come to know that God knows and loves us despite our many weaknesses and human failures.”

For more information, contact Shelly at lifecaretrf@wiktel.com or (218) 686-3368. All calls are confidential.

Bishop addresses Catholics’ responsibilities toward intrinsic evils 

Through a presentation given Nov. 15 at Loyola College in Baltimore, Bishop Samuel said opposition to intrinsic evils, such as abortion, is non-negotiable for Catholic politicians and all Catholics.  

“Catholics in the political arena must recognize that opposition to intrinsic evils, such as abortion, euthanasia, genocide, embryonic stem cell research and same sex unions, is always required by the faithful Catholic,” the bishop wrote in the presentation entitled “The Sanctity of Human Life from Conception to Natural Death”. “Because these intrinsic evils are direct attacks on human life and marital dignity, they are non-negotiable for every Catholic.” 

Bishop Aquila noted that the dignity of the human person must be the first consideration as all human life issues, including those that do not fall under the Catholic Church’s definition of “intrinsically evil,” are discussed. “Catholics must recognize, too, that in the other human life issues – such as immigration, capital punishment, the economy, healthcare and war – the dignity of the human person must first and foremost be taken into consideration.” 

The presentation was posted to the Diocese of Fargo Web site Jan. 17 together with a message commending young people for their involvement in pro-life efforts. Bishop Aquila celebrated Mass Jan. 18 in Fargo with 21 young people who are participating in the 35^th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. 

In his message, Bishop Aquila commended the young people participating in the March for Life and those who “stand for life” within their own communities. “It takes great courage and commitment to stand for life in a society that increasingly views children as burdens on parents and communities. That stand for life is even more effective when it is undertaken by young adults, those who have lost countless peers as a result of the legally protected mass murder of unborn children known as ‘abortion’,” the bishop wrote. 

This is the 11^th year the Diocese of Fargo has coordinated a pilgrimage to the March for Life. The March, to be held Tuesday, Jan. 22, marks the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision which holds that the decision to end the life of (abort) an unborn child is primarily a medical decision, that abortions are permissible for any reason until the unborn child is viable, or able to live outside of the womb, and that, even after viability, abortion must be available to protect a woman’s health. 

Those from the Diocese of Fargo participating in the March for Life include:  Christopher Adam, Katie Kuster, Megan Kuster and Erin Schadewald, all Reynolds; Claudia Bach and Amber Mattson, both Lidgerwood; Mackenzie Bjerke, Buxton; Joseph Braun, McVille; Thomas Braun, Audubon, MN; Brittany Cleem, Cavalier; Sara Heinze and Andrea McMillan, both Wimbledon; Elizabeth Mack, Rugby; Dominic O’Donnell, Fargo; Rebecca O’Toole, Crystal; Timothy Spicer, Emerado; Paul Stevens, Hamilton; Sharon Voeller, Rugby; Matthew West, Thompson; Kari Wisnewski, Geneseo; and Jacob Dickoff, Sauk Center, MN. 

Seminarians prepare for annual carnival and spaghetti dinner 

The seminarians of Cardinal Muench Seminary will host the annual CMS Grand Carnival and Spaghetti Feed on Sunday, Jan. 27, from noon to 5 p.m. at the seminary, 100 35^th Ave. NE, Fargo. 

The carnival is an event for the whole family, which includes games for youth, bingo, a spaghetti dinner and more. Each year the event is organized primarily by the seminarians, assisted by faculty and staff members and volunteers. 

Cardinal Muench Seminary is a college seminary for the Catholic Diocese of Fargo.  Graduates of CMS who feel the call to continue their studies for the priesthood go on to attend a major seminary. 

For more information about the seminary, call (701) 232-8969. 

Men move toward the permanent diaconate
Deacon David Eblen

On Dec. 16, Douglas Campbell from Wahpeton and David Opsahl from Fargo were given the Rite of Acolyte by Bishop Samuel Aquila at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fargo. The Rite of Acolyte is the last of three rites given before men are called to the Sacrament of Holy Orders for the Permanent Diaconate. Those who have received the Rite of Acolyte are to assist the priest and deacon at Mass. They are also, by status and training, regular extraordinary ministers of holy communion.

At the same ceremony Raymond Desjarlais from Rolla, Joseph Leitner from Valley City, and David Haney from West Fargo received the Rite of Lector. The Rite of Lector is the second of three rites given before men are called to the Sacrament of Holy Orders for the Permanent Diaconate. Those who have received the Rite of Lector are to assist with reading the readings at Mass. They have been especially trained for this ministry.  

Deacon Eblen is director of formation for the Permanent Diaconate program. 

Deceased man found outside bishop’s residence
Tanya Watterud 

On Monday, Jan. 14, Bishop Samuel Aquila called for prayers for the soul of a deceased man who was found on the sidewalk outside the bishop’s residence at  608 Broadway in Fargo. 

During a morning interview on AM 1370 KWTL, the Catholic radio station based in Grand Forks, Bishop Aquila said, “Before we begin…I want to ask all of our listeners for their prayers. I received with great sadness this morning word that a man had been found dead outside of my residence earlier today. The details of his death have not been fully communicated to me yet. I know that he was a homeless man with family in the area and that he was known to authorities. I ask all of the faithful of the diocese to pray for the repose of his soul and also for his family and those who were near to him." 

News sources later reported that the man was Vernon Weigand, 43, of Fargo. Weigand, who reportedly had lived in a homeless shelter, occasionally visited and requested assistance with food from the Cathedral of St. Mary, which is next to the bishop’s residence. 

No one was at the bishop’s residence when Weigand was found. Bishop Aquila had stayed in Grand Forks that weekend as he traveled throughout the diocese for meetings in each diocesan deanery (or region).

Fargo couple and Bishop Aquila receive papal honors 

Bishop Samuel Aquila was made a Knight Commander with Star of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem at ceremonies he