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T H E M A G A Z I N E O F T H E D I O C E S E O F S T . C L O U D
THECENTRALMINNESOTACATHOLIC.ORG
MARCH 2019
40Faces
of
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
GOOD IDEA KOINONIA: A place for AROUND THE DIOCESE
A confession belonging, healing and Lenten fish fries
from the heart spiritual renewal
FROM THE
BISHOP KETTLER’S
BISHOP
CALENDAR
REFLECTIONS ON MY RETREAT WITH THE MARCH 1
School Mass and visit, St. Mary of Mount
PREACHER OF THE PAPAL HOUSEHOLD Carmel, Long Prairie
MARCH 2
“Annie” dinner theater, St. Peter, St. Cloud
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, MARCH 3
Confirmation at Morris for St. Anthony,
Browns Valley; St. Mary, Chokio; Sacred
In January, I was among the U.S. bishops who attended a weeklong retreat at Heart, Glenwood; Assumption, Morris;
Mundelein Seminary at the University of St. Mary of the Lake near Chicago. We St. Bartholomew, Villard; and Ave Maria,
bishops were there to ask for forgiveness for our failures in not adequately and Wheaton
justly responding to sexual abuse in our Church and to pray that we might give a MARCH 5
Diocesan Finance Council meeting, Chancery
better response in the future.
MARCH 6
Our retreat director was Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, who has Ash Wednesday Mass, Cathedral of St. Mary,
served as preacher of the papal household for nearly 40 years. He was there at St. Cloud
the suggestion of Pope Francis, not to talk directly about the abuse crisis or offer MARCH 7
solutions, but to help us bishops reflect more deeply on our mission and ministry Culture Development Team meeting, Pastoral
Center, St. Cloud; and St. Cloud Area Faith
of serving Christ and the Church. In addition to the retreat talks, we spent time in
Leaders meeting, Chancery
prayer — at daily Mass, in eucharistic adoration and at vespers. MARCH 8
In his talks, Father Cantalamessa challenged us to grow closer to Jesus Christ Ecumenical/Interreligious Commission
through the Holy Spirit in our own vocations. He spoke about how he was greatly meeting, Chancery
influenced in his own faith journey by the working of the Holy Spirit. We felt that MARCH 10
Confirmation at St. Stephen for Our Lady
same Sprit at work during our gathering. I have been a bishop for more than 16
of Mount Carmel, Opole; St. Stephen, St
years, and I have never felt the unity and camaraderie with my fellow bishops as I Stephen; St. Columbkille, St. Wendel; and Rite
did during our retreat. of Election, Cathedral of St. Mary, St. Cloud
The messages we heard reaffirmed for us the need to have better accountability MARCH 15
measures for bishops and additional initiatives to protect all church members from Monastic leaders and CSB/SJU presidents’
luncheon, Chancery; and Nuns’ Banquet,
sexual abuse. Father Cantalamessa also called on us bishops to respond better to St. Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph
the Church’s other needs at this time. MARCH 16
I want to share some of the other points made during the retreat that I have been Diaconate community gathering, TBD
reflecting on these past weeks: MARCH 17
• As Christians, we must be open to the working of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation at St. Paul, Sauk Centre for
Our Lady of Angels, Sauk Centre; St. Paul,
The Holy Spirit is God’s highest gift to us and the Church, and this gift is alive Sauk Centre
in us. The Holy Spirit creates unity, but it needs our cooperation. The work of the MARCH 19
Holy Spirit is for the common good. The Holy Spirit brings the new commandment Diocesan Presbyteral Council meeting,
of love to the Church. This love makes following the law possible. Without the Holy Chancery; and record TV Mass, Pastoral
Center
Spirit, God is far away. With the Holy Spirit, the Church is alive.
MARCH 20
• Prayer is essential to our lives as Christians, and we must be committed to it. Confirmation at Elrosa for St. Francis de
Pay attention to the value of an hour before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, Sales, Belgrade; St. Donatus, Brooten, Sts.
Father Cantalamessa told us. The best way to meet Jesus, who is always with us, Peter and Paul, Elrosa
is in the Eucharist. Turn to God in prayer. With God, “Abba,” all things are possible. MARCH 21
Feast of St. Benedict Mass and breakfast,
Even when there seems to be no possibility left, we can still pray. This prayer will
St. Scholastica Convent; and St. Cloud Mission
never be in vain. The Our Father can be a prayer for every situation. Office corporate board meeting, Chancery
• Beware of idolizing material things, including money. MARCH 22
Behind every evil is money. Never let money, power and other temptations steer “Mary Poppins,” St. John’s Prep School at
us away from God and his teachings. Rather, follow the riches of Christ. The Church Paramount, St. Cloud
MARCH 24
should be the Church of the poor, Father Cantalamessa said. The idolatry of money Confirmation at Pierz for St. Michael, Buckman;
must be attacked as much as the idolatry of sex. Holy Cross, Harding; St. Rita, Hillman; St.
I continue to reflect on the talks and messages that I heard at the retreat. We John Nepomuk, Lastrup; Holy Cross, Onamia;
have much to be proud about regarding our Church here in the Diocese of St. Cloud. St. Joseph, Pierz; St. Therese Little Flower
Mission, Vineland; Sacred Heart, Wahkon
But we also face some challenging issues now and as we look to the future.
MARCH 27
I am thinking especially of our diocesan pastoral planning efforts and our Diocesan staff development day, Cathedral of
upcoming bankruptcy reorganization (although no date for filing has been set yet). St. Mary, St. Cloud
Please pray for me, so that I make good and wise decisions regarding these MARCH 28
issues. Please also pray for all of us bishops as we work to maintain and improve Mass with students, Cathedral High School,
St. Cloud
safe environments and accountability measures for all, including bishops. I am
MARCH 30
praying daily for all the people of our diocese. Knights of Columbus Minnesota state free
May God bless you and your loved ones. throw contest, Cathedral High School, St.
Cloud; and Castaway Retreat, Detroit Lakes
Sincerely yours in Christ, MARCH 31
Confirmation at Holdingford for St. Stanislaus
BISHOP DONALD J. KETTLER Kostka, Bowlus; St. Edward, Elmdale; All Saints,
Holdingford; Immaculate Conception, St. Anna;
is the ninth bishop of the St. Francis, St. Francis; St. Mary, Upsala
Diocese of St. Cloud, Minnesota.
2 The Central Minnesota Catholic | March 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
The Magazine of the
Catholic Diocese of St. Cloud 4 FROM THE EDITOR
MARCH 2019
Social media and
VOLUME 1: ISSUE 3 fostering authentic
www.stcdio.org community
Bishop Donald J. Kettler
PUBLISHER
5 SAINT OF THE MONTH
Joe Towalski PRAY FOR PRIESTS
EDITOR AND DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS PRAY WITH POPE
FRANCIS
Kristi Anderson
Dianne Towalski
MULTIMEDIA REPORTERS
6 KOINONIA
Carol Jessen-Klixbull A place for belonging,
Nikki Rajala
healing and spiritual
COPY EDITORS
renewal
Barbara Simon-Johnson
8
GRAPHICS
ASK FATHER TOM
Paula Lemke
CIRCULATION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
How can I have a GOOD
LENT this year?
9 BOOKS FOR YOUR
CONNECTING PEOPLE
LENTEN JOURNEY
WITH JESUS AND HIS CHURCH
WWW.FAITHCATHOLIC.COM
Patrick M. O’Brien
10 GOOD IDEA
PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER A confession from
the heart
Elizabeth Martin Solsburg
VICE PRESIDENT / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
6
Jose Luis Mendez
12 40 FACES OF LENT
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
For advertising information:
16LENTEN SPIRITUAL Koinonia: A place for belonging, healing
Contact Joe Towalski at 320.258.7624 PRACTICES and spiritual renewal
For subscription information:
Call 320.251.3022
18ENCOUNTER LENT MORE
DEEPLY THROUGH CRS
The Central Minnesota Catholic (USPS 475-840)
is a membership publication of the Diocese of RICE BOWL S2 DESDE EL OBISPO
St. Cloud, 305 7th Ave. N, St. Cloud, MN 56303.
Published monthly. Send address changes to: The Reflexiones personales sobre
Central Minnesota Catholic, 305 7th Ave. N, St.
Cloud, MN 56303. Periodical postage PAID in St. 23LOCAL NEWS AND el retiro con el predicador de
Cloud or additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send EVENTS la casa papal
address changes to The Central Minnesota Catholic,
305 7th Ave. N, St. Cloud, MN 56303. ©2019 The Lenten fish fries around
Central Minnesota Catholic, Diocese of St. Cloud.
the diocese S3 TEOLOGIA 101
¿Qué decir cuando ...
24 WHAT’S HAPPENING Un amigo dice que sus
oraciones no están siendo
26 NATIONAL/WORLD respondidas?
NEWS
S4 KOINONIA Koinonia: Un lugar
27 de pertenencia,
Un lugar de pertenencia,
S4
LAST WORD
sanación y
The biggest challenge our sanación y renovación renovación
country faces today espiritual
espiritual
3
FROM THE
EDITOR
Social media
and fostering authentic community
Each year, Pope Francis customarily releases his annual World
Communications Day message on Jan. 24, the feast of St. Francis de Sales, the
patron saint of journalists. As a Catholic journalist for more than 25 years now, FOR REFLECTION
I’m interested in how the pope’s words apply to those who work as professional As you flip through the pages of
Catholic communicators. But his message always includes themes on which The Central Minnesota Catholic, we
JOE TOWALSKI every Catholic should reflect. hope you will consider spending
is the editor and This year’s message is titled “‘We are members one of another’ (Eph 4:25): some time in reflection. The
the director of From social network communities to the human community.” The “members questions below apply to articles
communications in this edition and are intended
one of another” phrase from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians reminds us
to help you think more deeply.
for the Diocese that, through our baptism, we are all members of the body of Christ. It is a Feel free to use these questions
of St. Cloud. membership rooted in truth, communion, love and concern for others. for silent reflection, with family or
In this context, the “net” and social media become valuable communications friends, or come up with some of
resources, if they are used properly: to foster healthy personal relationships, share knowledge, build your own.
community and nurture a sense of solidarity among people.
But they aren’t substitutes for face-to-face relationships or participation in society on a personal • People from across the diocese
level. We don’t build community simply by increasing our followers on Facebook, Twitter or shared their ideas about Lent.
What is one way you will make
Instagram. In fact, the internet and social media can become a realm in which we feel more alone Lent meaningful this year?
and isolated from others, particularly if these media are the predominant way we communicate with
others or if they are used to spread disinformation, divide and demean people. The document notes • Koinonia means “Christian
fellowship.” After reading the
that one in four young people “is involved in episodes of cyberbullying” and that an International story on pages 6-7, reflect on
Observatory for Cyberbullying Prevention will be established with its headquarters in the Vatican. where and how you experience
Pope Francis wants us to understand that the “net,” social media and social network communities “koinonia.” Is the Lord calling
aren’t inherently good or bad. It depends on how we use them. you to connect more deeply
For me, this paragraph near the end of his message sums it up best: with him? With others in your
community? How?
“The image of the body and the members reminds us that the use of the social web is
complementary to an encounter in the flesh that comes alive through the body, heart, eyes, gaze, • What is one thing in this issue
breath of the other. If the Net is used as an extension or expectation of such an encounter, then the that you enjoyed? Why?
network concept is not betrayed and remains a resource for communion. If a family uses the Net to • What is something that
be more connected, to then meet at table and look into each other’s eyes, then it is a resource. If a challenged you? Why?
Church community coordinates its activity through the network, and then celebrates the Eucharist
together, then it is a resource. If the Net becomes an opportunity to share stories and experiences of FAMILY CORNER
beauty or suffering that are physically distant from us, in order to pray together and together seek QUESTIONS
out the good to rediscover what unites us, then it is a resource.” Does your family have a special
Take some time this month to reflect on how you and your family use the internet and social Lenten tradition? Perhaps start a
media. What is working well? What needs more work and attention? new tradition and prepare one or
May St. Francis de Sales intercede on our behalf, always guiding our communications with one more of the Catholic Relief Services
another — in person and online — for the benefit of all. Rice Bowl recipes featured in this
magazine. Read the stories of other
families around the world and pray
OFFICIALS for them together.
The Most Reverend Donald J. Kettler, Reverend Timothy Gapinski to the Finance
QUESTION FOR MAY
Do you know a couple who hold
Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Cloud, makes Council of the Diocese of Saint Cloud for
the secret to a good marriage? A
the following appointments in the Diocese of a term of five years, ending December 31,
couple with an inspirational story
Saint Cloud, effective January 1, 2019: 2023.
that they would be willing to share
with others? We would like to
Merle Felling to the Finance Council of the Given at the Chancery
feature their story in our May issue.
Diocese of Saint Cloud for a term of five Jane M. Marrin, Chancellor
Please contact Kristi Anderson at
years, ending December 31, 2023. Saint Cloud, Minnesota
KBAnders@gw.stcdio.org or 320-
January 31, 2019
258-7630.
4 The Central Minnesota Catholic | March 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org
PRAY FOR A PRIEST EACH DAY
Clip and save for April
A banner of Manuel Míguez González hangs from the facade of April 1 Fr. Aaron Nett April 16 Steven Wielenberg
St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in advance of his Oct. 15, 2017
canonization. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
April 2 Fr. Jeremy Theis April 17 Kevin Soenneker
April 3 Fr. Gabriel Walz April 18 Daniel Ruprecht
April 4 Our deceased priests with April 19 Joseph VanDenheuvel
SAINT OF THE
April anniversaries April 20 Nathaniel Daubner
MONTH
April 5 Fr. Matthew Langager April 21 Oliver Statz
April 6 Fr. Douglas Liebsch April 22 Bishop Donald Kettler
April 7 Fr. Isaiah Frederick, OSB April 23 Bishop Emeritus John Kinney
ST. MANUEL MÍGUEZ GONZÁLEZ April 8 Fr. Derek Wiechmann April 24 Fr. Arthur Hoppe
FEAST DAY: MARCH 8 April 9 Deacon Richard Aubol April 25 Fr. Sylvester Kleinschmidt
April 10 Deacon Mark Botzet April 26 Fr. Harold Pavelis
April 11 Deacon Gregory Sauer April 27 Fr. Edwin Kraemer
April 12 Patrick Hoeft April 28 Fr. Kenneth Thielman
Early in his priesthood, Manuel (who took the religious
April 13 Brady Keller April 29 Fr. Richard Leisen
name Faustino of the Incarnation) was sent to Sanlúcar
April 14 Thomas Skaja April 30 Fr. Arthur Vogel
de Barrameda in Spain, where he encountered illiterate
April 15 Nikolas Zabinski
women who had been marginalized because of their
gender. Realizing the lifetime of injustices that had been Sponsored by Serra Club of St. Cloud. For information on joining Serra
brought against these women, Father Faustino decided to Club, call Joanne Benson at 320-654-8386.
take action. He prayed and sought the guidance of God,
but he knew he had to do more, so, in 1885, he established
the Daughters of the Divine Shepherdess, a new religious
congregation to educate women.
Daughters of the Divine Shepherdess, also called the
Calasanzian Institute, emphasized the education and
promotion of girls and women with the intent of bettering PRAY WITH POPE FRANCIS
their lives. Father Faustino’s order gained approval from The following is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for March:
the archbishop of Seville in 1889, then received the pope’s
full approval in 1912.
Born Manuel Míguez González in Spain in 1831, Father RECOGNITION OF THE RIGHT OF
Faustino is known for using his interests and passions — CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES: “That
education and science — to advocate for the people he
encountered in his life. While he was well-known for his Christian communities, especially
devotion to the education of women, he was also devoted those who are persecuted, feel that
to science and the natural remedies found around him.
they are close to Christ and have their
Early in his priesthood, Father Faustino began studying
the natural healing properties in plants, and saw them as rights respected.”
gifts from God that could help the sick. So, when those
who were ailing in some way would come to him for help,
he would create natural medicines out of his concoctions,
often curing those who sought his guidance. He became
known for his use of science and medicine in healing those
who needed it most. LITURGICAL CALENDAR
Father Faustino had a proactive, hands-on nature. St. Casimir March 4 | Ash Wednesday March 6 | Sts. Perpetua and
Whether he was founding a new order for marginalized Felicity, martyrs March 7 | St. John of God, religious March 8 | St. Francis
women or creating natural medicines for the sick, he of Rome, religious March 9 | First Sunday of Lent March 10 | Second
showed his ability to truly and actively advocate for those Sunday of Lent March 17 | St. Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of
around him, doing whatever was necessary to make a the Church March 18 | Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed
difference in the lives of those around him. Virgin Mary March 19 | St. Turibius of Mogrovejo, bishop March 23 | Third
St. Manuel Míguez González was canonized by Pope Sunday of Lent March 24 | Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Francis in St. Peter’s Square in October 2017. March 25 | Fourth Sunday of Lent March 31
5
FEATURE
STORY
Koinonia
A place for belonging, healing
and spiritual renewal
story by photography by
KRISTI ANDERSON DIANNE TOWALSKI
A lthough Deacon Carl Nord was raised Catholic, a negative
experience in the Church as a young adult left him feeling
excluded. He turned away from the Church and the community.
He even doubted whether God truly existed.
“I basically was an atheist,” Deacon Nord said. “And the other thing was that they included me without
In 1991, his wife, Nancy, was going through a difficult question, and for me that was a big thing,” he added.
time after her brother died by suicide. Some friends After the retreat, Deacon Nord shared his experience
encouraged her to attend a Koinonia retreat. with a friend.
“Nancy had some friends who urged her to go because “My friend said, ‘Well, they scared you into becoming
she needed some healing,” Deacon Nord said. “They had Catholic again.’ And I said, ‘No, they loved me back into it.’”
found similar healing at Koinonia.” Deacon Nord fell so in love with the program that
Koinonia, pronounced ‘coy-nuh-knee-uh,’ means he continued on as a volunteer, leading and directing
“Christian community” and is derived from a letter of numerous weekends. It was through the program that he
St. Paul describing the early Church. Koinonia retreats also felt he heard the Lord calling him to the permanent
are a community experience in Christian living designed diaconate. Deacon Nord was ordained a deacon in 1998.
especially for adults. It is a Catholic retreat program After becoming a deacon, he served as spiritual director
sponsored by the St. Cloud Diocese and open to people of on some of the weekends. Now, he serves on the board of
all faiths. directors and still participates as an annual retreatant.
Nancy’s experience at Koinonia was so profound that “I continue to do weekends at least once a year now
the first thing she said when she saw her husband was, because it helps regenerate my spirituality. When I came
“You have to go on this retreat.” in, I was an atheist. I didn’t have faith in anything. I didn’t
Deacon Nord admits he was more than a little skeptical believe in anything. But like I said, it was the inclusion.
about going on the retreat. He didn’t want to go. But he For me, that was an important thing,” he said.
decided to attend for his wife’s sake and planned to just According to its website, Koinonia has a two-fold
“hide out” in a corner. The first night he was there, he purpose: to provide a time and a place for adult Christians
already felt the Holy Spirit working in him. to experience the reality of Christian community,
“At first, it was really difficult. Conversion itself is fellowship and sharing; and to provide a depth of faith-
hard. But by the end of the second night, after seeing sharing support that allows and challenges inner renewal
people who actually believed what they were talking for each participant at his or her own level.
about and professed it, their faith was so apparent, it The theme of the Koinonia weekend is the Paschal
began to change me,” Deacon Nord said. “By Sunday Mystery, the death and resurrection of Jesus. The first day
morning I was ready to have that spiritual emptying, includes the celebration of Lent. There is a communal
the dying to ‘self.’” penance service and the opportunity for individual
6 The Central Minnesota Catholic | March 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org
confession through the sacrament of reconciliation. The
second day focuses on Easter and the implications that the
Resurrection brings to the life of each Christian. Pentecost
is celebrated on the third day by examining individuals’
roles in the Church.
“People should go if they’re experiencing a dryness in
their faith. They should go if they want to find out what
the Catholic Church really can be. They should go if life
in general is getting them down and they need the kind of
comfort that Jesus can bring. They need to go if they think
their faith is just good and they want to make it better.
Especially they should go if they think that the Sunday
Mass once a week is all they need,” Deacon Nord said.
The Koinonia retreat format also includes the mission of
renewal.
“Depending on what God calls you to, the renewal part
involves a joyful engaging in your parish. It will help you
to renew the wonder of the Mass, renew your outlook on
the world in general. It will help you to renew your love
for your family,” he said.
Deacon Nord added that many people come to the
weekend as skeptics, but he said it’s rare that anyone
leaves without a change of heart.
“There have been people who have experienced changes
in their relationships with their spouses. We have a lot of
people who come on these weekends who are suffering
from addictions of one kind or another. People come with
all kinds of brokenness,” he said.
“The object of the weekend is to have an experience of
Jesus Christ and to draw closer to him,” he said. “And I
would say that most people accomplish that.”
2019 Koinonia retreats
March 22-24
CMK #220: Koinonia
April 26-28
CMSK #33: Koinonia en Español
Sept. 13-15
CMK #221: Koinonia
Oct. 11-13
CMSK #34: Koinonia en Español
Nov. 8-10
CMK #222: Koinonia
Retreats are held at the TEC Center in
Belle Prairie. For more information, visit
centralmnkoinonia.org, call 320-217-2476
or email info@centralmnkoinonia.org.
7
HOW CAN I
HAVE A GOOD
LENT THIS YEAR?
LENT BEGINS ON ASH
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6.
Q “Every year, I have good intentions about making Lent
meaningful. But every year I seem to fall short. What
season at its core, so that God may also raise us to a
new share in the life of grace.
What we learn from our failures is that we need a
are some ways I can deepen my Lenten experience and stay Savior, a Redeemer — that on our own, no matter how
on track?” worthy our goals or how sincere our intentions, we just
cannot save ourselves. We need someone stronger,
ASK FATHER
TOM
P erhaps 25 years ago, Peter Egan wrote a column
in the car magazine “Road and Track” titled
“Murphy’s Law in the Garage.” It was a wry look at all
wiser, greater than we are to do for us what we cannot
do. That awareness, born from our failures at natural
virtue and the insufficiency of our own resources,
the things that go wrong with amusing — or alarming opens us to grace.
— consistency, depending on one’s point of view. This does not mean we simply give up and put forth
Among his observations: “Any toolbox you can lift will no effort at all. St. Paul captures this tension between
be missing the one tool you need.” our effort and God’s grace when he writes: “Work out
Adapted for Lent, we might say: “Any Lenten your salvation in fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).
resolution you can keep without fail is not what you Cooperating with God’s grace, we recognize both
really need to work on.” how fragile we are and how enduring God’s mercy is.
Physical fitness is assessed by strength, endurance Failing does not teach us not to try at all, but not to try
and flexibility. The same can be applied to spiritual without God.
fitness. Forty days is a long time; what we might Thus our Lenten failures can bring us to the heart
have the strength to do in short bursts often proves of the Gospel message, again in St. Paul’s words:
inconsistent long-term; and some things come easier “Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just
for us than others. Sincere attempts at improving as person, though perhaps for a good person one might
disciples of Jesus reveal where we grow weak, give in even find courage to die. But God proves his love for
and struggle with change. us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for
This would be discouraging if Lent were simply us” (Romans 5:7-8).
a self-improvement program, in which we honed Lent means most to us when we ask, not “How do
our own virtues and sought our own ends. Because I want to change?” but rather, “Jesus, how do you
Lent is instead a penitential season that opens us want me to change?” We enter these 40 days relying
FATHER TOM to God’s healing grace, we may be humbled by on God, not our own power. As even Jesus did on the
KNOBLACH our imperfections, but we need never surrender to road to Calvary, we may stumble and fall. He humbled
is pastor of discouragement. himself, even to death on the cross, “but God greatly
three parishes As a time of preparation to share in the Paschal exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is
Mystery, we are united with the whole of that pattern above every name” (Philippians 2:9-10) — the name
in St. Cloud:
of the cross: the suffering, death and resurrection Jesus, which means “God saves.” His name is his
Holy Spirit, St.
of Jesus. Failing in a truly worthy Lenten program mission, and while we, too, may be humbled in this
Anthony and St. or practice, when we are sincerely trying to change, season, we need never be discouraged or despair.
John Cantius. is one of the surest signs that we are engaging the We fail, but God saves.
8 The Central Minnesota Catholic | March 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org
Books for your Lenten journey
ANN JONAS
L ent is a time for reflection, holy reading, and spiritual growth. A Way of the Cross companion, a Lenten
contemplative book and a daily reflection book for teens are all new books for our Lenten journey.
Adults looking for a daily reflection book will once again find that the Liturgical Press publication
is the general
book buyer for
the College of St.
“Not by Bread Alone” by Mary DeTurris Poust is still one of the best for day-to-day Lenten reading. Benedict and St.
John’s University.
“WAY OF THE CROSS: STANDING BY consider issues in the contemporary world. Each
THE CRUCIFIED TODAY” station has the conventional beginning and ending,
BY JEAN VANIER; MAGNIFICAT; 2018; 36 pp; $3.95 including the corresponding Stabat Mater verse, but
the reflection and prayer are penned by Vanier, inviting
Jean Vanier is the founder of L’Arche, an us to see Jesus in our suffering brothers and sisters
international federation of communities where people today. Full-page illustrations by René-Marie Castaing
with and without disabilities live and work together. (1896-1943) dramatically illuminate each station. Vanier
His Way of the Cross companion blends the traditional has written many books; this one provides a new
version of the Way of the Cross with reflections that approach to a time-honored tradition.
is a short Lenten handbook, which is divided into
“GETTING MORE OUT OF LENT” five sessions; each session is designed to take under
BY DEACON KEITH STROHM; Word Among Us Press; an hour. A Scripture passage begins each session,
January 2019; 40 pp; $6.95 followed by a reflection by Deacon Strohm, who is a
deacon for the Archdiocese of Chicago and well-known
The Word Among Us Press has published a new public speaker. Each session ends with questions for
series of booklets titled “Something More Faith reflection and discussion and a “Lenten Resolution”
Series,” designed for “individuals or parish groups that which gives readers practical things to do to further
have limited time but are looking for a life changing enhance the week’s theme. This booklet provides
relationship with the Lord.” The fourth in the series excellent insight for a more meaningful Lent.
passage, usually the Psalms, is given (just a few, short
“LENT: ONE DAY AT A TIME FOR lines) and then a couple of paragraphs of related
WCATHOLIC TEENS” points to consider. Then a “Grow Your Soul” section
BY KATIE PREJEAN MCGRADY AND TOMMY MCGRADY; Ave Maria suggests actions to take, along with further reading
Press, January 2019; 64 pp; $2.50 and a brief closing prayer. On Saturdays, readers are
invited to reflect on the week, using three questions
This small paperback offers daily readings and pertaining to the week’s theme. On Sundays, readers
activities for teens to practice during Lent. The are given three simple challenges: to build their prayer
McGradys (a husband and wife team) are youth life, make intentional sacrifices, or give of themselves
ministry experts and state in their book’s introduction that they want to in some way, all based on the Gospel passage listed.
help teens make meaningful changes in their lives and not just practice The daily “feel ambitious?” segment offers additional
half-hearted Lenten sacrifices: “We want to help you break that cycle reading and activities for those who want to do even
of lame Lents and instead take you on a journey of sorts that we hope more. This booklet gives teens practical and prayerful
brings you closer to Jesus.” On weekdays, a short reflection on a Scripture ways to observe the Lenten season.
9
GOOD IDEA
A CONFESSION
FROM THE HEART
T here are many good practical guides
for the preparation and form of the
sacrament of confession. As a complement
to them, here are a few insights on how
to make a good confession – not just the
practical, but from the heart.
I JUST WANT TO BE CLEAN.
One of the many blessings of the ministry of the Church
is to go into places where the world might not see and
bring the healing graces of our loving God. On one recent
visit to someone who is incarcerated, the man said before
we began the formal confession, “Father, I just want to
be clean.” There was little I could offer physically for this
man who was facing years of time in confinement. Yet, the
man’s own desire to know God has forgiven him brought
him to lay it all down at the feet of our Lord in confession.
Our own state in life or situation may feel confining
without sensing practical ways of external change in
the near future. Do not underestimate the graces of the
sacrament. The kingdom of God is near when we begin
again through the pardon and peace of Christ.
GO THE DISTANCE.
For most of us, the potential for participation in the
sacrament is no more than 10-15 miles away from our
homes. We certainly would have little hesitation to travel
that distance “for the big game” or our favorite activities.
The other day I was blessed with a person who traveled
more than 240 miles with a request for confession. Now
before you believe I am some St. John Vianney, it had
10 The Central Minnesota Catholic || March
March 2019
2019 || thecentralminnesotacatholic.org
thecentralminnesotacatholic.orgour home only once a year, it may seem like it is always in
the same state. When we are truly working on a particular
sin or poor habit, it may be helpful to seek the sacrament
more frequently. A confessor can assist you with the
determining what might be best for your situation.
THE VOICES OF GUILT AND SHAME.
Some hearts say, “I don’t do anything that bad. God
loves me anyway.” Others say, “I will never be able to
change, I will never be loved.” In a spiritual sense, guilt is
a gift of the conscience which reminds us we have done
FATHER MICHAEL wrong but nudges us to repent and change. Shame in
WOLFBAUER the spiritual sense is from the evil one, and is the voice
is pastor of St. expressing we are no longer worthy of being loved nor
John Parish in could ever change. In discerning spirits, it is helpful to ask
Foley and St. ourselves the origin of the voice. We denounce the voices
Patrick Parish of shame. The voices of guilt should move us to reconcile
in Minden and change aided by the graces of the sacrament.
Township.
COME AS YOU ARE.
less to do with me and more to do with her response to
God. Here was a person who felt stuck in life, had been “Where sin abounds, grace all the more!” This was the
away from the Church and needed help. A friend, who personal mantra of a woman I once knew. This woman
is a parishioner, interceded and offered the woman the knew her own struggle and was stumbling in her Christian
services of her parish priest (she did ask me first). It walk. The phrase comes from Romans 5:20, in which St.
doesn’t mean you need to drive hours to make a good Paul reminds us that whatever we have done, wherever we
confession. However, if it gets you there, or helps someone find ourselves, however low we have sunk, that is where
you know, go for it! God can shower us with graces overflowing all the more
when we repent.
Coming humbly to the sacrament “just as we are” is a
HERE WE GO AGAIN. key to a good confession. Preparing ourselves through an
examination of conscience categorizes our sins and assists
One of the most frequent statements I hear in in finding remedy. Bringing all our brokenness, our scars,
confession is, “Father, I have the same sins…” Many of our pain, our sins to our God, who is the Father of mercy, is
us do have particular sins we struggle with. If we find the remedy. We do not need to explain all the reasons and
ourselves saying it has been six months or longer between means for our sins. We need to come with a contrite heart,
confessions, it might be helpful to avail ourselves to the confess our sins, promise and do our penance, and God will
sacrament more frequently. Our Catholic faith invites us to do the rest. Now is the time! Through confession we walk
confess our sins at least once a year. If we decided to clean forward in peace knowing God’s mercy endures forever!
111
“Joyful” is not typically
a word associated with
Lent. However, one
definition of love is to
sacrifice with joy for another.
40 of
We are most joy-filled
when we exemplify Christ’s sacrificial love.
Faces
Focusing on discipline and discipleship
during these 40 days and beyond is our Via
Dolorosa to an eternal joy.
Mary Kay Bodeen
Sts. Peter and Paul, Braham
2
I do like to observe Lent with fasting. I
have found my small form of fasting helps
me to remember all
that Jesus did for me
on the cross. Each day
when I feel I “need” the
particular thing I am
fasting from, it brings my
thoughts to Jesus.
Jay Vogel
Sacred Heart, Sauk Rapids
collected by
KRISTI ANDERSON
3
I participate in the Stations of the Cross
each Friday evening at my local parish. I do
this to remember the great suffering that
our Lord and Savior went through on Good
Friday and goes through when we continue
To assist readers in preparing for and reflecting upon to sin. I think the Stations
the season of Lent, The Central Minnesota Catholic of the Cross help us lay
people to turn away from
collected responses from 40 people across the diocese
sin, knowing how much he
to share a short answer to one of three questions:
suffers when we do.
What does Lent mean to you? Heidi Hoslet
What is one thing you do to observe Lent and why? Franciscan Community
4
Volunteer, St. Cloud
What is one word or phrase that captures the meaning
of Lent for you?
In a U.S. Catholic Church, in which divisions
Here are their responses. are caused by politics and the diversity
of races and ethnicity, at least during
Lent, all Catholics can let go of looking
at the color and language of people
and share a culture. I love Lent and the
universality and solidarity it brings.
In the U.S., for the first time, I feel
welcome to the Church through Lent.
Lesly Gonzalez-Barragan
Latino Outreach Coordinator for Youth in
Theology and Ministry, St. John’s School of
Theology and Seminary
12 The Central Minnesota Catholic | March 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org5 Lent is more
than just a
6 When I was younger, I always felt very sad as
Lent approached. As a father, I realized that
I was passing this gloom and doom on to
7
“As Lent is the time for greater
love, listen to Jesus’ thirst ...
season of ‘Repent and believe,’ so Jesus
my children. We had to change. We started
fasting, but tells us. What are we to repent?
celebrating Lent. Lent was no longer a sad time
a time to be Our indifference, our hardness of heart. What are we
but a new beginning. A time
filled, filled to believe? Jesus thirsts even now, in your heart and
to re-evaluate our lives and
with the gifts in the poor — he knows your weakness. He wants only
rid ourselves of those traits
of the Spirit, your love, wants only the chance to love you.” — St.
that tied us to the world.
and deepen our relationship with Christ. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Bob Lewis
Nolan Lemna Chateau Waters Senior Living Hannah Salfer
St. Mary of the Presentation, Community, Sartell Christ Church Newman Center,
Breckenridge St. Cloud
8
Lent is a journey of 40 special days to walk more
consciously with the mind and heart of Jesus.
The Eucharist readings of Ash Wednesday
9
Lent is about Jesus’ love
and sacrifice for us. For
40 days, he prayed in
10
My favorite part of Lent is how Jesus washed
the disciples’ feet to teach them, by his
actions, how to serve. After Holy Thursday
inspire my deepening practices -- Joel calling a desert, knowing he Mass, I draw warm,
me to “return to God with all your will soon be sacrificed bubbly water to wash
heart,” St. Paul exhorting me to to give us eternal life the feet of my children
“be ambassadors for Christ” and in heaven. During Lent, while we sing “The
Matthew inviting me to give it is important that we Servant Song.” They now
alms, pray and fast! appreciate his love and let ask to do it back.
that guide our treatment of each other.
Sister Julie Schleper Jill Lieser
St. Benedict’s Monastery, Reid Nydeen St. Augustine,
St. Joseph Senior, St. John’s Prep School, Collegeville St. Cloud
11
One thing I do during Lent is to read George
Herbert’s poem “Love” every day as the
beginning of my morning lectio/meditation.
12In my home parish of St. Donatus, our priest
began the Lenten chaplet. We pray seven Our
Fathers, seven Hail Marys and seven Glory Bes
13
Lent is a six-week journey in which I make
more time for prayer and reflection, become
more aware of the trappings
It reminds me that God’s love is first, that for someone, giving them the that sway me from putting
God loves me first and that God’s love is so chaplet cross at the end. The the Lord’s will before my
extravagant that I find it tradition has continued at our own. Lent opens my heart
overwhelming. It affirms parishes here in Sauk Centre. and mind to the presence of
my whole being. I feel We pray it as a family, each our Lord for what he has done
loved. with a special person in mind. for us by dying on the cross.
Crosier Father Amy Klaphake
Ernest N. Martello Denise Kociemba
Our Lady of Angels, Sauk St. Mary, Melrose
Crosier Community Centre
of Onamia
14A word for Lent: “unfinished.” Learning “to
care and not to care” (T.S. Eliot) that I am
15During Lent, I work on
fasting. Fasting for me
is not a favorite thing.
16I see Lent as a time to draw closer to our
God who went to such lengths to show his
still being worked on by God. Learning But fasting forces you immense love for me/us, and an annual
to do this partly by “sitting to be more disciplined challenge to configure my life to his: to be
still,” listening more closely, with your actions, with more loving, more self-
allowing him to penetrate your ministry. It’s an effacing, more aware of
avenue for trying to do what it means to be a
my heart.
things better. I also try to spend more time redeemed child of God.
Jennifer (Jenna) Miller in prayer.
St. Mary of Mt. Carmel, Poor Clare Sister
Long Prairie Bishop Donald Kettler Mary Matthew Tomsyck
Diocese of Saint Cloud St. Clare’s Monastery,
Sauk Rapids
1317
If there was one word to
describe what Lent means
18 To me, Lent means a time of reflection. It’s
a time to look back on the past year and
recognize where there’s been growth in
19
Lent is my most
motivated season as a
time of reflection, sacrifice
to me, that word would be
my life and what areas and preparation. Life
“self-reflection.” I use Lent
could use more work. It’s feels different during
as a time to self-reflect and
also a time where I find a that time leading up to
examine if I have been sort of comfort and awe in Jesus’ death. It is a sort
living my life in a way that thinking of all that Jesus of somber and earnest
God would want me to. endured for me. period, but we have constant underlying joy
Teresa Callison
because we know what’s awaiting us at the end.
Karen Hernandez
Immigrant community organizer/outreach Christ Our Light, Princeton
coordinator, Catholic Charities, St. Cloud and Zimmerman Chantelle Frie
20 21 22
St. Mary, Upsala
Lent to me is a time of prayer and reflection. Lent is a time to concentrate on the Stations The phrase that I think of when I hear Lent
I assign those I love, and those "causes" of the Cross to truly embrace preparation for is self-discipline.
I feel need praying the Passion. The focus of our personal Lenten It's easy to say that
for, a calendar page. fasts or sacrifices is to allow a greater expanse I am going to give
Each receives my in our lives and hearts for the mercy and up something, but
Communion prayers, peace of Christ. the bigger piece
Mass prayers, rosary is to have the self-
prayers and only "good
Deacon Mick Froslee
Deacon, Our Lady of the discipline to follow
thoughts" on their given Lake, Battle Lake; St.
Edward, Henning; and St.
through with the
day. It lifts me up! James, Maine Township commitment.
Marilyn Muellner Angie Moscho
St.Boniface, Cold Spring
23 24 25
St.Joseph, Grey Eagle
As a cradle Catholic, I believed growing up Last year, I experienced the best Lent ever. As children, we “gave up” candy. As young
that the word “repent” meant to be sorry In a video, Father Mike Schmitz said Lent adults, we “added” prayer. Now I try to be
for one’s sins. In fact, it is not about doing hard things, but about intentional during Lent —
means to change my doing whatever draws you closer to Christ. intentional about my gifts,
behavior for the rest of That is what Lent is to me — a time to think and health and prayer;
my life! What a different about the unfathomable intentional to eliminate the
spin that definition put love of Jesus and to do things that turn me away
on the season of Lent everything I can to make from God; intentional about
for me. that journey to him. preparing for Easter.
Benedictine Brother Cindy Fussy David Eickhoff
Paul-Vincent Niebauer St.Stanislaus Kostka, St. Michael, St. Cloud
St. John’s Abbey, Collegeville Bowlus
26
“Gethsemane” is the word that
captures the meaning of Lent for
me. Gethsemane has been called
27Lent is a time to reflect on what Christ did
for us and the small sacrifices we can do
in return for him. It is a
28
To me, Lent is a time for sacrifice. It’s a time
to give something up in order to improve
ourselves mentally and spiritually and to
the “School of Christian Prayer.” time to notice all of our become more disciplined.
It tells of Jesus asking his Father imperfections and work During Lent, simply giving
if it is possible to remove his cup on being more Christ-like something up that we
of suffering but then yielding his whole self in in our everyday life. Lent might want, such as candy
surrender, “not my will but yours be done” (Luke is a great opportunity or watching TV, can help
22:42). All prayer must come to the surrender of to cleanse our soul and us focus our effort to make
one’s personal preference to God’s will. prepare for eternal life! ourselves better for God.
Franciscan Sister Joan Tuberty Tricia Walz John Hawkins
Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud Ninth-grader, Cathedral High School, St. Cloud
14 The Central Minnesota Catholic | March 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org29
Lent, for me, is a
time to step back
from ordinary life
30
During Lent, I watch videos presented by
Dynamic Catholic and Redeemed Online.
These videos educate me on Scripture
31 Celebrate. As we celebrate
the other liturgical
seasons, we should
to focus on the and give me some quiet time to reflect on celebrate Christ’s journey
extraordinary life to Jesus' passion. It increases to the cross. We should
come when I am, my strength to carry each joyfully give of ourselves on this journey,
through grace, face cross in life by remembering thankful for Christ’s sacrifice. Practicing Lenten
to face with God. everything Christ endured to commitments helps focus our minds and spirits
give us hope of life eternal. on Good Friday, but also, more importantly, on
Joanne E. Benson
St. Augustine, the ultimate celebration, Easter Sunday.
St. Cloud Hannah Walberg
St. Mary of the Presentation,
Breckenridge Benedictine Brother Richard Crawford
32 33 34
St. John’s Prep School, Collegeville
During Lent, I try to spend more time in I focus on giving time to those “Cultivate” is the word that comes to mind when
prayer and contemplation on our Lord’s life who have the least in our I think of Lent. My soul grows weary in
on earth and journey to the community, including refugees the gray of winter and the season of Lent
cross. The 40 days give me a in St. Cloud trying to find safety comes at the perfect time to cultivate my
chance to look at my life and and education for their children, soul. I need this season to dig deep and
see how well I’m doing on my regardless of their faith. I also pray more often at to look closely at the soil that hasn't been
journey in faith. Our Lord made home from the Give Us This Day periodical. Even turned over in a while. Lent is the season to weed
the ultimate sacrifice of love for saying a short, simple daily prayer helps ground out my sins of pride, to plant new seeds and habits
me and I need to thank him by me in the reality that I’m not the center of my world and to pray for the Lord to continue to guide me
showing my love to others. and that Christ came to save me. along the right path.
Ellen Ceynowa Raj Chaphalkar Melaine Myklebust
Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Rockville
35 36 37
St. Henry, Perham St. Joseph, St. Joseph
Lent is a particular season Lent means the redemption
of grace. It is a specific time of suffering. It is a season Lent is a time for self-examination: a new
of preparation by repenting of suffering: penances of attempt to let go of all that is seen and
of my sins through fasting, omitting something I like or temporary; to find a way
prayer and almsgiving. It is a taking on something I don’t; to determine my spiritual
period of meditation on the more liturgical obligations and strengths and gifts; and to
passion and death of Jesus, the time and preparation that entails; and contemplate the mystery
in order to worthily celebrate recalling the suffering and death of Christ. of faith.
the greatest feast of Easter. Then, he rises, and makes it all salvific. Amelia Crossen
St. Ann, Wadena
Benedictine Father G. Arockiya Newton Father Matthew Crane
Associate pastor, St.Andrew, Elk River Priest of the Diocese of St. Cloud, currently
studying canon law at St. Paul University in
38 39 40
Ottawa, Canada
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday with ashes Lent is a time of voiced suffering, a humble In the past few years, our family has chosen
being put on our foreheads as a sign of affirmation that we are not alone in any someone each day of Lent to pray for and
repentance. The ashes help me turn away struggles we may encounter, and truth send them a card
from sin and help remind in the face of a self- letting them know.
me that I can turn to God servicing world that Despite our busy
no matter what. Lent promotes the greedy lives, I have found it
allows me to examine my nature of humankind. a rewarding sacrifice
life and re-evaluate my to slow down and
faith. Katie Dusek reach out to people.
St. Mary’s
Cathedral,
Alaina Laing St. Cloud Amanda Kietzmann
St. Benedict, Avon St. Mary, Alexandria
15Lenten
1
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
During Lent, the focus often rests on three facets of spiritual life:
story by
prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Below, three people share their KRISTI ANDERSON
experiences with these traditions and how they deepen these
practices during the Lenten season.
PRAYER
Allan Feirer of Holy Cross Parish in North things in our lives. When you really think
Prairie said he keeps his day-to-day prayer about the words, it just helps you take a
life pretty simple, rising early to have some step back and realize we aren’t the ones in
quiet time with the Lord before beginning control,” Allan said.
his daily chores. He is also part of a men’s prayer group
He moved to North Prairie in 1996 with that meets every Saturday in Holdingford.
2
his wife, Yvonne, to “get back to their Men of all ages, professions and life
rural roots.” Allan spends most of his time experiences gather to read Scripture, pray
working on their hobby farm, where he and share wisdom. He said his encounters
grows corn and soybeans, while Yvonne there have deepened his prayer life.
works as a registered nurse in hospice care. “There’s a lot of very good information.
Each day, Allan reads Scripture, focusing Everyone brings something to the table,
on the daily readings. He then reflects on everyone has a little piece of knowledge, a
them and spends time in personal prayer. lot of learning goes on,” he said. “There are
“It’s a good way to start the day,” he said. all different insights. It’s a real brotherhood.”
In addition to morning prayer, he also prays Lent, Allan said, feels like a time to
when he swims at the YMCA, when he walks refocus on grounding himself in prayer.
his dogs and, of course, when he is out in the “The world seems like everyone is going
field. A prayer he loves is the Our Father. so fast,” he said. “It seems like everyone
“It’s the one that Christ taught, and if you is becoming self-centered. It’s just nice to
really listen to the words, ‘Thy will be done,’ try to slow down and spend time together
it helps me because we all try to control with God.”
ALMSGIVING “The first time I went to the Salvation
Fifth-grader Margaret Sanborn is no Army, I felt really great after giving this one
stranger to the practice of almsgiving. specific person a bag because I said, ‘God
After watching a YouTube video before bless and Merry Christmas,’ and he started
Christmas, she had the idea of helping those to cry,” Margaret said.
experiencing homelessness in her community. “The second time I went there, I felt sad
Margaret, who attends St. Katharine because there were so many kids there. I
Drexel School in St. Cloud, began collecting thought only adults were homeless,” she said.
items she thought might help those in Margaret plans to continue her almsgiving
need and put them into bags. Then she during Lent. She collects items like hand-
and her mother, Vicki, drove around the warmers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tissues,
neighborhood and distributed the bags to granola bars, sanitary wipes, socks, hats,
people they encountered on the streets. blankets, nail clippers, dental floss and
“She beamed when she handed out the water flavoring. Each bag is different and
bags. She was so happy, it made me happy,” each bag says “God bless” on it.
Vicki said. “She prays for the homeless every night,”
For Christmas, Margaret asked family and Vicki said. “The amount of smiles and
friends not to give her gifts, but instead to warmth she has received has made me filled
gift her with things she could use to make with so much joy. Her selflessness has been
more bags, which she then handed out at amazing. It’s been a real teaching point for
the Salvation Army. our family.”
16 The Central Minnesota Catholic | March 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.org3
rest, for when it covets nothing, nothing
FASTING raises it up, and nothing weighs it down,
because it is in the center of its humility.’
Jason Ziegler has always observed “Fasting is an exercise of stripping
the Church’s traditional Lenten fasting away desire and expectation. Fasting is
rules. But in 2013, he said he looked more not about punishing ourselves, but rather
deeply into the spirituality of the practice gaining self-awareness and learning to
in the hopes of “resetting” himself. follow the path of God’s call to holiness
“I hoped that through the practice, I according to the gifts he has given us,”
would grow past my old expectations of Jason said.
who I was and how I lived my Catholic Jason, who is the associate director
faith, and begin to build a foundation of marketing and communications at St.
more on Christ and much less on my own John’s Abbey in Collegeville, said the
ambitions,” he said. Lenten season is a good time to fast
He spent the triduum alone, praying because the Church is fasting.
and fasting, a work he said, “we initiate, “Of course,” he said, “many would ask,
but God completes.” ‘Why would that matter?’ The reason
“The Doctor of the Church St. John of is, we are not Christian alone. As St.
the Cross has written beautifully on the Paul teaches, being Christian is to be a
process and experience of God stripping part of the body of Christ: the liturgy
away the desires we follow down addresses spiritual matters that fasting
dead-end paths until finally, we reach often reveals; parishioners are fasting,
a humility reminiscent of the Blessed discussing, sharing and supporting one
Mother’s ‘fiat,’ or ‘let it be.’ He writes, another; even if one is physically alone, it
‘In this nakedness, the spirit finds its is in the Spirit that we all fast and pray.”
17ENCOUNTER LENT MORE DEEPLY
THROUGH CRS RICE BOWL
By Catholic Relief Services
Lent is a 40-day journey of prayer, LENTEN PENITENTIAL REGULATIONS
fasting and almsgiving. Each day
“The annual observance of Lent is the years of age to 59 years of age are
during Lent, we have the opportunity
special season for the ascent to the holy obligated to fast.
to be inspired by the stories of people
mountain of Easter. Through its two- • The law of abstinence from meat
and communities from around the
fold theme of repentance and baptism, applies to all persons who have
world, and to take time to set aside a
the season of Lent disposes both the completed their 14th year of age.
little of ourselves to make room for a
catechumens and the faithful to celebrate However, it is highly recommended
stranger. Catholic Relief Services Rice
the paschal mystery. Catechumens that children from ages 7 to
Bowl invites you to read and reflect
are led to the sacraments of initiation 14 years also follow the law of
on stories of hope, share a meatless
by means of the rite of election, the abstinence.
meal with your family, and donate the
scrutinies and catechesis. The faithful, • All Catholics are encouraged
money you save as well as other funds
listening more intently to the word to receive the Holy Eucharist
to the Rice Bowl program. Funds
of God and devoting themselves to frequently during Lent and
support CRS programs around the
prayer, are prepared through the spirit to receive the sacrament of
world. Twenty-five percent of the total
of repentance to renew their baptismal reconciliation so that all may be
alms collected in our diocese remain
promises.” prepared to celebrate more fully
here to support hunger-alleviation
— Ceremonial of Bishops, 249 the paschal mystery at Easter.
efforts.
The current discipline is as follows: The determination of these days of
Rice Bowl resources are offered
• Ash Wednesday and Good Friday obligatory penance, as listed above,
in both English and Spanish and are
are days of fast and abstinence. should not be understood as limiting the
available in print, on the web and
That is, limited to a single, full meal occasions for Christian penance. This
through a mobile app. Find them
and abstinence from meat. penance is to help us see and shorten the
at: www.crsricebowl.org or www.
• The other Fridays of Lent are distance between our present lives and
crsplatodearroz.org. Organizations
days of abstinence from meat. the life God wants for each of us.
interested in applying for a Local
• The law of fasting permits only “Penance should not be only internal
Rice Bowl Grant can obtain the grant
one full meal a day, but it does and individual but external and social.”
guidelines and application form by
allow the taking of some food in (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy #110)
contacting the St. Cloud Mission
the morning and a second light Given at the Chancery
Office at 320-251-1100 or visiting
meal at noon, or in the evening, St. Cloud, Minnesota
www.stcdio.org/mission.
as you prefer. Persons from 18 Feb. 25, 2019
JOURNEY TO GUATEMALA • MARCH 10–16
GOD OF HOPE, WE ENCOUNTER CALDO DE FRIJOL • 2 tomatoes, diced
YOU IN THE FAMILY. BLACK BEAN SOUP • 1 green chili, diced
For young families living in the Makes 4-6 servings • 2 t ground cumin
mountains of Guatemala, raising a • 1 T fair trade olive oil • 2 t chili powder
baby can be hard. Most families grow • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 ⁄ 2 t salt
corn and beans for a living, but a • 2 garlic cloves, minced • Cilantro, minced
long-standing drought has caused • 2 c water or vegetable (optional)
harvests to shrink. There are few broth
job opportunities, which means • 3 15oz cans black beans,
putting food on the table is a daily drained and rinsed
challenge.
When Norma discovered she In a large pot, sauté onion
was pregnant, she wondered how and garlic in oil until
she would manage. “Sometimes, brown. In a blender,
my mom only had one egg for her combine 1 c water/
four children,” she said. vegetable broth and 2
Norma wanted more for her son, Victor. She looked for help cans of beans. Blend
— and found it in a CRS-sponsored program that teaches young until smooth. Add to
mothers how to give their babies a healthy start. CRS provided onion mixture. Stir in
Norma with food throughout her pregnancy and medical tomatoes, chilis, remaining
checkups during Victor’s first two years of life. beans, spices and remaining
Now, Norma is a mother monitor. “I’m proud to share my water/broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat,
experience and the lessons I learned with other women,” she says. cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve
with cilantro.
18 The Central Minnesota Catholic | March 2019 | thecentralminnesotacatholic.orgYou can also read
