^{August 2024}

^{MONTHLY DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER}

LINKS

August 2024 Serra Calendar (PDF)

2024 Newly Formatted Collections Information (PDF)

2025 Newly Formatted Collections Information (PDF)

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE

Aug. 9 ♦ Clergy Day: We are expecting all priests (retired priests are invited but not obligated) to attend the Clergy Day on Friday, Aug. 9., from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Saint John’s University, Founder’s Room (Quad 170). Lunch will be provided. Several items on the agenda will include results from the clergy survey 2023, common threads from the Pastoral Visits with Bishop Neary, key learnings from the current reality report from PartnersEdge.

Clergy: if you are unable to attend, please contact Brenda Kresky as soon as possible.

Aug. 9-10 ♦ Summer Workshop for Music Directors and Singers: “Tune My Heart” is a diocesan workshop at St. Francis Xavier Church in Sartell for all musicians in the diocese. Steven Warner, musician and composer (and good friend of Bishop Patrick) is coming to share his gifts with us. On Friday, Aug. 9, parish music directors/coordinators will gather for a light dinner, instruction and Vespers. On Saturday, Aug. 10, all singers and musicians are invited to a day-long workshop, ending with singing for the 4 p.m. Mass with Bishop Patrick presiding. Registration can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/STCDIOTuneMyHeart and must be completed by Aug. 1. Additional flyers can be downloaded using this link: https://stcdio.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tune-my-heart-workshop-FINAL-scaled.jpg.

Aug. 17 ♦ Paschal Challenge: Sauk Centre. For boys in grades 9-12. Register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024PaschalChallenge

Aug. 18 ♦ Rural Life Celebration: The annual Rural Life Celebration starts at 1:30 p.m., beginning with outdoor Mass with Bishop Patrick. The collection at Mass will support the Rural Life Fund of the Diocese. Immediately following Mass, the bishop will present this year’s Catholic Century Farm Awards and Rural Business Award. Everyone is then invited to stay for a meal, ice-cream, activities and fellowship. This year’s event is being hosted by St. Mary of Mount Carmel Parish in Long Prairie, in collaboration with the Five Star ACC, and will take place on the Nathan and Samantha Middendorf farm at 17655 County Rd. 36, Long Prairie.

Learn more or download the event poster at: https://stcdio.org/event/2024-rural-life-celebration/.

FROM THE CHANCERY

Joe Towalski ♦ Chancellor ♦ (320) 251-2340

Catholic Education Ministries

There have been several changes related to Catholic Education Ministries. Christine Pinto, formerly associate director for faith formation, is now director for faith formation. She supports formation, instruction, and catechesis efforts in parishes and Area Catholic Communities to help strengthen and invigorate lifelong faith formation across the diocese. Kent Schmitz, formerly associate director for ministry with youth and young adults, is now director, coordinating youth and young adult events, promoting best practices, and supporting youth and young adult efforts in parishes and Area Catholic Communities. Catholic schools, faith formation, and youth and young adult ministry now report separately to the chief of staff and their ministry-area updates are listed separately in this newsletter.

NOTES FROM THE DIOCESAN OFFICES

Catholic Schools ♦ Sara Michaelson ♦ (320) 251-0111

The sight of store aisles filling with school supplies and the smell of crayons signals a new academic year is upon us. This time of year is always filled with anticipation and excitement as we prepare to nurture the minds and spirits of our students. Our commitment to providing an excellent education, grounded in the teachings of Christ, remains unwavering. We are grateful for the support and partnership of our community in this important mission. Let us embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, confident that with God's guidance, we will achieve great things. May this school year be one of inspiration, discovery and joy for all.

I am excited to kick off this school year at St. Mary Church in Alexandria with a retreat for all Catholic school teachers and principals, facilitated by Dr. Ron Fussell. The retreat, titled “The Best is Yet to Come: Telling a Faithful, Optimistic Story for Your School and Students,” promises to inspire and uplift as we begin this new academic journey together. For more details, please visit our events page at https://stcdio.org/event/the-best-is-yet-to-come-telling-a-faithful-optimistic-story-for-your-school-and-students/.

Communications ♦ Kristi Anderson ♦ (320) 251-3022

Many people from across the diocese attended the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis July 17-21. If you or someone you know attended and would like to share their testimony, please have them email Kristi Anderson at Kristi.anderson@gw.stcdio.org.

Diaconate ♦ Deacon Richard Scheierl ♦ (320) 203-0554

God bless you on your birthday

Aug. 9 — Deacon John Salchert

Aug. 25 — Deacon Mike Benda

We would like to welcome and introduce the new aspirants to diaconate formation:

Agustin Diaz, married to Imelda Ramirez, Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Rockville.
Michael Friedrichs, home parish is St. Paul, Sauk Centre.
Andrew Goenner, married to Ashley, St. Anthony, St. Cloud.·
Nha (Peter) Nguyen, married to Nancy, Mary of the Visitation, Big Lake.
Arturo Salgado, married to Maria, St. Mary, Melrose.
James Schneider, married to Juleen, St. Paul, Sauk Centre.
Timothy Seeman, married to Stacy, home parish is Sts. Peter and Paul, Richmond.

Please keep these men and their families in your prayers as they begin formation this fall.

Prayer Requests:

Deacon Jeff Fromm’s sister-in-law, who had a stroke.
Deacon Dave Lindmeier, who received radiation treatments due to his cancer diagnosis.
Deacon Vern Schmitz, who is recovering from a stroke.
For all those who are ill and are needing prayers.

2024 Diaconate events:

Aug. 14 – Diaconate Informational Evening, Christ Our Light, Princeton
Aug. 20 – Diaconate Informational Evening, St Ann, Wadena
Oct. 15 – Mass for Diaconate Formation, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud
Oct. 6-9 –Clergy Conference, Arrowwood, Alexandria
Oct. 25-27 – MEG Retreat, Camp Onamia

Faith Formation ♦ Christine Pinto ♦ (320) 251-0111

Fall Catechist Gatherings: Training for catechists and faith formation staff to prepare them for this important ministry in our parishes. All are welcome at any one of these gatherings.

• Aug. 21 - Sacred Heart, Freeport (6:30-8 p.m.)

• Aug. 28 - Christ the King, Cambridge (6:30-8 p.m.)

• Sept. 4 - Seven Dolors, Albany (6:30-8 p.m.)

• Sept. 11 - St. Mary Help of Christians, St. Augusta. (6:30-7:30 p.m.)

Attention new faith formation leaders: If you are new to your position, Christine Pinto, director of faith formation for the diocese, would like to meet with you informally to share about the resources and opportunities available through the diocese. Contact her at: Christine.Pinto@gw.stcdio.org

If you missed the Zoom Faith Formation Gatherings in July (The Coordinator’s Toolbox: Inviting, Forming, and Supporting Catechists), check out https://stcdio.org/cem/faith-formation/ for the Zoom recordings and resources.

Oct. 26 - Adult Day with PJ Anderson

More information to come, but check out PJ’s website at: https://pjandersonmusic.com.

Feb. 2, 2025 - Festival of Families at St. Francis Xavier, Sartell

The Festival of Families is a day-long event (Sunday) for families to celebrate, learn, pray and grow in faith together. More information to come.

Human Resources ♦ Bailey Ziegler ♦ (320) 258-7655

We welcome Jessica Goebel to the Human Resources office at the diocese. Jessica is the new human resources coordinator and her role will be primarily working with staff within the diocesan offices, serving as another HR resource for ACCs and schools to contact with questions and working closely with safe environment. Bailey Ziegler remains the director of the Office of Human Resources and will continue to be a resource for ACCs and schools across the diocese. We are looking forward to being able to provide more resources and support to those across the diocese.

403(b) Retirement Account Benefits

Please be sure all benefit eligible employees are being offered the 403(b). It has come to our attention recently that not all locations are offering this benefit to employees who are benefit eligible (working regularly 30+ hours a week at any combination of schools and parishes within the diocese of St. Cloud.) Please contact Joe Spaniol in Finance or Bailey Ziegler in HR for any questions.

A 403(b) Retirement plan allows a participant to save for retirement on a tax-advantageous basis.

Marriage and Family ♦ Janet Dusek ♦ (320) 251-4721

Natural Family Planning Instruction for August and September

A First Instruction in the Billings Ovulation Method will be offered in:

• Alexandria: Monday, Aug. 19, and Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

• Little Falls: Tuesday, Aug. 6, and Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

• Long Prairie: Monday, Aug. 26, and Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

• Rice: Monday, Aug. 5, and Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m.

• Sauk Centre: Thursday, Aug. 15, and Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

• St. Cloud: Thursday, Aug. 22, and Monday, Sept. 23, at 6:30 p.m.

• St. Michael: Tuesday, Aug. 6 and Sept. 3 at 6 p.m.

• Wadena: Friday, Aug. 23, and Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, visit https://stcdio.org/natural-family-planning/ . To register for a class, contact Sheila Reineke at sheila.reineke@gw.stcdio.org or (320) 258-7609.

Aug. 9-11 – Retrouvaille weekend: Thinking about separation or divorce? Retrouvaille is a lifeline for troubled marriages. Couples learn the tools to rediscover each other and heal their marriage. 100% confidential. Held at a location in the Twin Cities. Contact TCRRegistration@tcr-mn.org with questions. Find out more information and register at http://www.helpourmarriage.org

Aug. 17 – Pro-Life Retreat: Held at Assumption Parish in Eden Valley from 8 a.m.-noon. The day includes Mass, eucharistic adoration, a procession and prayer service at the Tomb of the Unborn in the Assumption Church Cemetery. Speaker from the Minnesota Catholic Conference at 11 a.m. Refreshments and light lunch are provided. Free will donation, no registration required. Contact Judy for more information at judy4life@meltel.net or (320) 453-7592 or Jan at hoelscherhorj@charter.net or (320) 253-1779.

Aug. 21 – Respect Life Luncheon: Respect Life grants are distributed once a year to pregnancy resource centers and entities that uphold the dignity of life. By invitation, members from those entities are invited to attend a luncheon, so they can be honored and supported for the work they do. Held at the Pastoral Center, St. Cloud.

Upcoming Events

Sept. 14, Engaged Couples Retreat, St. Cloud
Sept. 21, Sponsor Couple Training, St. Cloud
Oct. 4-6, Twin Cities Retrouvaille
Oct. 5, 2nd Marriage Course, St. Cloud
Oct. 12-13, Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Alexandria
Oct. 18-20, Beginning Experience, Central Minnesota
Oct. 24, Mass of Hope and Healing, Melrose
Oct. 26, Engaged Couples Retreat, St. Cloud
Nov. 9, Spanish Marriage Course

Mission Office ♦ Elizabeth Brown ♦ (320) 251-1100

Thank you to all for your warm and hospitable welcome for those coming to your parish community/ies and ACCs for the missionary appeals scheduled this year. We appreciate your generosity!

It's not too early to start planning on your 2024/2025 calendar for the Mission Office to come to your classroom, faith formation program, youth group, staff meeting, Mission Group, ... to connect with you about Fair Trade, Catholic Social Teaching and anything else you might have an interest in with global mission. Please contact us at (320) 251-1100 or missionofficeeducator@cloudnet.com.

Planning Office ♦ Brenda Kresky ♦ (320) 251-2340

Mass Counts: Thank you for taking Mass counts. The deadline for submission is Aug. 15. Follow the link to submit July 2024 Mass counts https://forms.gle/Mx8yzMcEsJogQFQG8.

The information you will need to submit the Mass counts:

• Name and email for the person submitting the counts

• Is the parish livestreaming? Where does the livestreaming post?

• The Mass time of each Mass held in the stated parish

• The Mass counts of each Mass held in the stated parish

For any questions or if you run into any problems submitting the information please contact:

Maria Koopmeiners maria.koopmeiners@gw.stcdio.org (320) 529-4609

Brenda Kresky bkresky@gw.stcdio.org (320) 529-4611

Seating Capacity: The formula for the seating capacities of the churches has changed over the years. This year we are trying to use a consistent formula to update the seating capacity in all our churches in the diocese. Here is the current formula: Number of seats in pews (1. Total lineal feet of pews X 12 inches. 2. Divide by 24). If your church has not revisited this number (we still have about 40 churches who have not submitted an updated number), please do so ASAP and submit the information to https://forms.office.com/r/484vJHthUi. We will use this number for planning purposes this Fall. Those that have not turned in an updated seating capacity should have received an email in July.

Pastoral Visits with Bishop Neary: On July 24 we welcomed the ACC teams from MAAA, Mary Mother of the Church and Cross Rock for our last pastoral visit with Bishop Neary. Handouts and summaries from all of the pastoral visits are on the diocesan website at: https://stcdio.org/planning/area-catholic-community/area-catholic-communities-acc-pastoral-visit-summaries/. A summary from all of the visits will be shared at the clergy day on Aug. 9 and will also available on the diocesan website.

The goals of the visits were threefold:

To build bridges for a thriving mission across parishes in an ACC
To develop ACCs as learning communities through listening and dialogue
To offer radical hospitality to nurture relationships between Bishop Neary, the diocesan pastoral team, and ACC pastoral leadership

This effort is a collaboration between the Diocese of St. Cloud and Bridge Builders for a Thriving Mission Initiative.

Safe Environment ♦ Linda Kaiser ♦ (320) 251-2340

A very special thank you to Linda Kaiser for all of her hard work these last many years in running safe environment, both in her role as superintendent and director of Catholic Education Ministries and over the last 4.5 years as the Safe Environment Coordinator. Linda will be retiring from her role at the diocese in August, and we wish her well in retirement!

Beginning on Aug. 15, Bailey Ziegler will take over as the Safe Environment coordinator for the diocese. Please contact Bailey for any questions regarding safe environment at bailey.ziegler@gw.stcdio.org.

Social Concerns ♦ Kateri Mancini ♦ (320) 258-7604

Congratulations Catholic Century Farm and Rural Business Award winners!

Four Catholic Century Farms will be recognized at this year’s Rural Life Celebration on Aug. 18. They include:

· Tony and Debi Clasemann, Clasemann Dairy LLC of Long Prairie

· Dale and Marie Katterhagen, Katterhagen Family Farm of Browerville

· Glenn and Geneva Pesta, Pesta Family Farm of Long Prairie

· Roger Zastrow and Tom Zastrow, Zastrow Farms of Long Prairie

Additionally, Al and Barb Wessel, owners of Mid-American Auction Co. and parishioners at St. John the Baptist in Swanville, will be honored as this year’s Catholic Rural Business awardee.

If these families are a part of your faith community, we encourage you to recognize them at parish liturgies or in your bulletins. And be sure to join us on Aug. 18 where they will receive their awards from Bishop Neary. (See Rural Life Celebration entry in "Calendar at a Glance" section at the beginning of this newsletter.)

Catholic Campaign for Human Development collection

Our Diocese will take up a special collection the weekend of Sept. 21-22 for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. CCHD is the domestic anti-poverty office of the USCCB, which focuses on poverty education, peace outreach and grants to grassroots organizations working to fight poverty across the U.S. Funds collected are used for grants locally and nationally, with at least 25% of all funds raised within our diocese remaining in our diocese to help local organizations. Please encourage your communities to give generously in September as we work together to help our neighbors on the margins,

Special Collection envelopes should be in parish packets already; additional resources can be found at the USCCB’s website: https://www.usccb.org/resources/2024-catholic-campaign-human-development-parish-resource-guide Or contact Kateri.Mancini@gw.stcdio.org

New Contact Info:

Just a reminder that the Social Concerns team has officially moved to the Diocese. If you have questions or need to be in touch with us, please use the below information:

Mailing address: 305 7th Ave. N., St. Cloud MN 56303

Website: https://stcdio.org/social-concerns/

Staff:

Kateri, Director: Kateri.Mancini@gwstcdio.org (320) 258-7604

JoAnn, Rural Life Coordinator: JoAnn.Braegelman@gwstcdio.org (320) 250-5070

Luke, Rural Life Coordinator: Luke.Preussler@gwstcdio.org (218) 282-6504

Intern (beginning in Aug.): socialconcernsintern@gwstcdio.org

Stewardship and Development ♦ Anna Kampa ♦ (320) 258-7654

2024 Bishop’s Annual Appeal: Thank you to all of you for your support of this year’s appeal.

As of Monday, July 29, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for 2024 has raised total cash and pledges of $1,208,044 toward our goal of $1,450,000 (86.29%). This was made possible through the generous donations of 6,832 people throughout the 16 counties of our diocese.

If you would like to know your parish’s/ACC’s progress for this year’s appeal, please contact Anna Kampa at anna.kampa@gw.stcdio.org.
The remaining solicitation letters for 2024 are tentatively scheduled for August 19 and November 18.
Moving forward, the Appeal launch will be standardized to the second and third weekends in February. In 2025, Announcement Weekend is February 8-9 and Commitment Weekend is February 15-16.

Appeal Main Videos

English: https://youtu.be/lRAGKm8k-5A

Spanish: https://youtu.be/LYYlridmwCE

All four of the breakout videos are also now available.

Please pray for the success of the Bishop's Annual Appeal and its ongoing support of diocesan ministries.

Oct. 17 – Stewardship Day: The Stewardship Advisory Council has scheduled Stewardship Day for Oct. 17. Our speaker is Bernie Evans, professor emeritus from Saint John’s University, where he served as associate dean for faculty in the School of Theology and taught courses on Christian social ethics, environmental theology, and ministry in rural communities. His presentation will draw from his book “Stewardship: Living a Biblical Call.” Please contact Anna Kampa if there is any topic or information your parish/ACC would find helpful: anna.kampa@gw.stcdio.org or (320) 258-7654.

Our office is in the process of contacting parishes/ACCs to learn names and contact information for individuals in parishes/ACCs who would serve as contacts to receive information about stewardship. If you would like to contact Anna about this information, please call (320) 258-7654.

The stewardship webpage is at: https://stcdio.org/stewardship/.

Tribunal ♦ Fr. Virgil Helmin ♦ (320) 251-6557

+Prayer For Healing After Separation Or Divorce+

https://www.ecatholic2000.com/pray/prayer51.shtml

The Beginning Experience 50th Annual International Ministry Convention will be held at Saint John’s University July 12-14, with Father Virgil Helmin presenting an Annulment Workshop. For registration: https://beginningexperience.org/2024-international-convention-registration-july-12-14/

Tribunal forms are located on the diocesan website under the Tribunal page:

https://stcdio.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/formal_petition6_2016-10.doc

https://stcdio.org/wp- content/uploads/2013/04/petition_lackofcanform_06_2016-5.pdf

https://stcdio.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/previous_bond-6_20164.pdf

A petitioner can fill out the necessary forms found on our diocesan website under the Tribunal office at: www.stcdio.org/tribunal/annulments/annulment-forms/.

Any person (regardless of religious status) that has been divorced, and seeking remarriage in the Catholic church will need to complete the annulment process.

The documents required are the same for each annulment process and are:

1. baptismal certificates for both principals

2. marriage certificate (copies, not originals)

3. divorce decree (signed by the Judge) (copies, not originals)

For the formal annulment process, the petitioner can submit the completed form — Formal Petition (PDF) or Formal Petition (DOC) and appear in person for a scheduled appointment, or complete a narrative (see the guideline on the Tribunal webpage #2, A-H) or participate in a telephone interview with the Tribunal Office. https://stcdio.org/tribunal/annulments/

In the formal process, hearing the witnesses will no longer be in person at the Tribunal. The witnesses will be contacted by phone and the petitioner will assure the availability of the witnesses for a phone interview at a time designated by the Tribunal.

If you are uncertain about the annulment process or have any other questions, and to set-up an individual appointment you can contact the Tribunal Office at (320) 251-6557 or email vhelmin@gw.stcdio.org, mcrane@gw.stcdio.org or kmollner@gw.stcdio.org.

Vocations ♦ Fr. Doug Liebsch ♦ (320) 251-5001

New seminarians: Please welcome our new seminarians:

• David Guyse who is from Mary of the Visitation, Becker. David will begin his propaedeutic year at Saint John Vianney Seminary, St. Paul.

• Zach Klimek who is from St. Paul, Sauk Centre. Zach will begin his propaedeutic year at Saint John Vianney Seminary, St. Paul.

Please pray for all seminarians as they start seminary studies this fall.

Discontinuing formation: Some of the fruits of discernment are found at times when seminarians choose another path. These men will be discontinuing their formation with the Diocese of St. Cloud.

Peter Zabinski will be pursuing his passion for teaching. This next year he’ll be teaching in the Bronx.
Jack Massmann will be entering the Central Province of the Dominicans.
Leonidas Miller will be working and taking time with family.

We are very grateful for the support these young men have received and for each of them pouring themselves out in the formation process. Each of their decisions is a testament to the goodness and freedom of seminary formation. Please say a prayer for them as they take this next step.

Worship ♦ Sr. Jeanne Wiest, O.P. ♦ (320) 255-9068

Liturgical Training publications orders: The Worship Office will again offer the diocesan discount directly to parishes who place their orders using the St. Cloud Diocese account. This permission will only be available until Nov. 15. Please use account 112975 when ordering and ask for the invoice to be placed with the shipment. Please remember all individual parishes are responsible for making payment directly to LTP. For questions about ordering, contact the Office of Worship.

Liturgical Year workshop: A new liturgical year begins Dec. 1. To assist parishes in planning for the new liturgical year (which includes the Jubilee Year, Year of Hope), the Diocesan Liturgical Commission will be offering a workshop from 8:30 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Seven Dolors Church in Albany. This workshop is open to anyone interested and/or involved in planning for the new liturgical year. There is no charge. Registration is required to ensure that sufficient materials are available. Please use this link to register: https://forms.gle/vtrC4AmNe9LZa3pD8

TV Mass ministers needed: There are multiple openings in the coming months for our TV Mass ministry, including musicians and presiders. Please review the openings and sign up to serve in one of our upcoming tapings at https://signup.com/go/XnWbHrA. Please contact the Office of Worship with questions.

Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass

The new translation of “Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist outside Mass” will be available in August. It may be used, beginning Sept. 14 (Exultation of the Holy Cross), and must be used by Dec. 1, 2024. The book will be published by the following companies:

« Liturgy Training Publications (Chicago, IL) https://ltp.org/products/details/COMRE/holy-communion-and-worship-of-the-eucharistic-mystery-outside-mass

« Liturgical Press (Collegeville, MN) https://litpress.org/Products/8921/Holy-Communion-and-Worship-of-the-Eucharistic-Mystery-outside-Mass

Catholic Book (Totowa, NJ) https://catholicbookpublishing.com/products/rite-of-holy-communion-worship-of-eucharist-outside-mass-brown

Magnificat (Yonkers, NY) https://bookstore.magnificat.net/holy-communion-and-worship-of-the-eucharistic-mystery-outside-mass.html

Youth and Young Adults ♦ Kent Schmitz ♦ (320) 251-0111

New youth and/or young adult leaders: If you are new to working with youth and/or young adults in your ACC or if you have a specific need in these areas, Kent Schmitz, director of Youth and Young Adults for the diocese would be happy to meet with you and learn more about your ministry and ministry needs. Feel free to reach out at (320) 251-0111 ext. 4 or kent.schmitz@gw.stcdio.org

First things in ministry training: If you are new to parish ministry, we can help train you and your parish/ACC team(s), primarily in the areas of Youth Ministry and Young Adult Ministry. We plan to have a new cohort begin training in September in Alexandria. If you would like your own team training or want to learn more, visit: https://nfcym.org/first-things/ for more details. Please note we will have at least one diocesan group, rather than the national group. You may also contact Kent Schmitz at (320) 251-0111 ext. 4 or kent.schmitz@gw.stcdio.org.

Youth and Young Adult Leader gatherings for 2024-2025

We have scheduled gatherings for those in ACCs who work with youth and young adults.

Each meeting will include networking, sharing what is working, prayer, fellowship and food. Meetings are scheduled for:

Aug. 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Mary, Melrose Topic: Overview of the USCCB Document “Listen, Teach, Send” It is a framework for working with youth and young adults. Available here: https://www.usccb.org/resources/listen-teach-send
Sept. 30, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier, Sartell Topic: Evangelization and Outreach
Oct. 21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul, Richmond Topic: Human Resources and Professional Boundaries
Nov. 25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at CM TEC Center, Belle Prairie Topic: Mental Health and Self Care
April 28, 2025, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Sacred Heart, Sauk Rapids Topic: Fundraising, Budgets and Boards/Committees

For more information about these meetings please visit: https://stcdio.org/series/24-25-youth-ministry-leader-meetings/

Oct. 27 – Diocesan High School Youth Day (for grades 9-12) “Are You Ready…?”: From noon-7:45 p.m. at Lake Geneva Christian Center near Alexandria. The High School Youth Day includes prayer, recreation, workshops, Mass, awesome food and lots of fun. Our featured speaker is PJ Anderson. For more about PJ please visit: https://pjandersonmusic.com/about. Watch the event site: https://stcdio.org/event/2024-high-school-youth-day/ for details and registration materials.

Jan. 25, 2025 – Winter Spectacular Middle School Lock-in (for grades 6-8): At 8 p.m. middle school students are invited to the annual Winter Spectacular. Youth will gather at the St. Cloud YMCA for Mass and food continued fun until 6 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26. More details and registration materials will be posted as they become available at https://stcdio.org/event/25-middle-school-winter-spectacular-lock-in/ and should be ready in late November.

March 28-30, 2025 – Castaway high school retreat “Are You Ready…Now?”: Promotional materials will be made available in late October. Parish/ACC electronic enrollments will also be available in late October and will have a December deadline. Parish/ACC leaders will have planning meetings beginning in January 2025. Those dates and locations are:

Monday, Jan. 6, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary, Alexandria
Monday, Feb. 10, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Centre for Christ, Sauk Centre
Monday, March 10, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Help of Christians, St. Augusta
Sunday, March 23, 1-4 p.m. at Seven Dolors, Albany

More information will be made available as it is prepared. Please visit: https://stcdio.org/event/2025-castaway-retreat/ to learn more as it develops.

Diocesan confirmation retreats: Are you looking for a retreat for your confirmation candidates as they prepare to receive the sacrament? Diocesan Confirmation Retreats are a great option for parish leaders who would like to have someone else prepare materials and lead the youth through the retreat. Retreats are planned for this school year and will be held at Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on the following Saturdays: Oct. 12, and Nov. 23, Jan. 11, 2025, and Feb. 8, 2025. Each retreat can host between 40-50 youth, so sign up early at: https://signup.com/go/imaCbbQ. (This link is for confirmation coordinators. Please do not share with parents or students.) We are happy to accept as many students as we have room to accommodate parishes. Each parish is requested to bring at least one adult leader per eight students. Cost for the retreat is $45 per student and $20 per adult. As always, we are also willing to come to individual parishes or ACCs to lead retreats. Contact Kent at Kent.Schmitz@gw.stcdio.org for more information or to schedule.

Barbara Sutton ♦ Bridge-Builders for a Thriving Mission

Lay Pastoral Caregivers

Fourteen people completed the lay pastoral caregiver training program in April, a collaborative effort between Bridge-Builders for a Thriving Mission, Office of Lay Leadership and Parish Nursing in the Diocese of St. Cloud. This training prepares laypeople for compassionate listening in various forms of ministry.

Our next training will be Oct. 18-19 and December 13-14, at the Abbey Guesthouse in Collegeville. The cost for this training is provided by the Bridge-Builders for a Thriving Mission Initiative (no cost to participant/s). To read more about the program and register, visit https://www.thrivingmission.org/post/congrats-lay-pastoral-caregivers

Catholic Charities ♦ (320) 650-1641

Catholic Charities Emergency Services needs volunteers in our Food Shelf, Basic Everyday Essentials Clothing Program, and as Home Delivery Drivers. We would love for you to share your time and talent with us in any way you can.

Email: volunteer@ccstcloud.org or call (320) 229-4568 for more information!

The following is a link to the volunteer page: https://www.ccstcloud.org/volunteer.