^{October 2024}

^{MONTHLY DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER}

LINKS

October 2024 Serra Calendar (PDF)

2024 Newly Formatted Collections Information (PDF)

2025 Newly Formatted Collections Information (PDF)

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE

Oct. 6 ♦ Respect Life Sunday — A link to the USCCB Respect Life Month materials is currently available on our website at https://stcdio.org/respect-life/. You will find an Action Guide, Homily Helps and many other resources to use at your parish. If you have any questions, please contact Janet Dusek at (320) 258-7616.

Oct. 17 ♦ Stewardship Day 2024 – Stewardship: Living the Biblical Call

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All are welcome to attend this event and are encouraged to share this information with your staff, stewardship committee and other interested parties. Join Bernie Evans, professor emeritus, Saint John’s University, to delve into key questions of the age, such as ecological stewardship and care for body, mind and spirit through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Explore the communal and personal actions that help every believer proclaim the reign of God in this presentation based on his book, “Stewardship: Living a Biblical Call.” This event will take place at two locations:

St. Louis Catholic Church, Paynesville: This is a live presentation in English with Spanish translation available.
Christ Our Light Catholic Church, Princeton: The presentation will be live streamed to this location. 804 South 7th Avenue, Princeton, MN 55371 (763) 389-2115. Website: Christourlightmn.org

Refreshments and lunch are provided at both locations. There is no fee for Stewardship Day; however, Goodwill offerings will be gratefully accepted.

For more information, visit: http://www.2024StewardshipDay/

To register visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FKTYHKB

Stewardship Day is presented by the Stewardship Advisory Council of the Diocese of St. Cloud and is supported through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal and a grant from Bridge Builders for a Thriving Mission.

Oct. 20 ♦ Mass for Health Care Workers – The Worship Office in collaboration with the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict, the CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital and Faith Community Nurse Partnership will honor those in healthcare across the diocese. This liturgy will take place at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel on the campus of St. Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph. For more information and the flyer, please visit https://stcdio.org/event/mass-for-healthcare-workers-2/.

Oct. 24 ♦ Mass of Hope & Healing — Held at St. Mary in Melrose at 7 p.m. This special Mass is for couples who have suffered from infertility or the loss of a child through miscarriage, SIDS, illness, accident and abortion. Part of this event consists of a candle-lighting ceremony remembering those who have died. Refreshments will be served after Mass. For flyers in English and Spanish, go to https://stcdio.org/event/mass-of-hope-healing-2024/.

Oct. 26 ♦ Are You Ready? with PJ Anderson: The diocese is offering a three-in-one-day for adults of all ages. We are blessed to have PJ Anderson, a worship artist and storyteller, with us. PJ has traveled around the world sharing his music and stories for millions of Catholics. Join us for one (or all) of these events. For more information or to register: https://stcdio.org/event/are-you-ready-for-pj-anderson/

Are You Ready?...for Surprise, Newness, Letting Go, Healing and Grace

9-11 a.m. at St. Joseph in St. Joseph

Deadline to register: Oct. 21; Cost: $10 per person

“A Morning of Reflection” as we explore the story of Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). Through prayer, stories and music, participants will be invited to reflect on their own response to whatever God has ready for them.

The Lord has Done Great Things for Us…Are You Ready?

2-4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph in St. Joseph

Deadline to register: Oct. 21; Cost: $10 per adult and a free children’s session for kids ages 4-12

“An Afternoon for Parents and Families” as we dive into the great things God has done for us (Psalm 126). PJ Anderson will lead us in praise and worship, after which elementary children will participate in a children’s session while parents hear a message from PJ. Our time will close with more music and wrap up as a large group.

Are You Ready...for a FREE Concert?

7-8:30 p.m. at Bad Habit Brewery in St. Joseph

Join us for an evening of glorious praise with PJ Anderson. The evening will include a free concert, songs and stories of faith.

Oct. 27 ♦ Diocesan High School Youth Day (for grades 9-12) “Are You Ready…?” is scheduled from noon-7:30 p.m. at Lake Geneva Christian Center near Alexandria. The High School Youth Day includes prayer, recreation, workshops, Mass, food and lots of fun. Our featured speaker is PJ Anderson. For more about PJ, please visit: https://pjandersonmusic.com/about. Registration materials have been mailed out and are also available at the event site: https://stcdio.org/event/2024-high-school-youth-day/.

NOTES FROM THE CHANCERY

Vicar for Clergy and Health Care Ethics ♦ Father Tom Knoblach ♦ (320) 251-2340

Fr. Tom Knoblach ♦ Vicar for Clergy and Vicar for Health Care Ethics

Election Day

As we approach Election Day on Nov. 5, voters are presented with many messages and pressures. People often look to leaders in the Church to guide them; sometimes they look to the Church to support their personal convictions and decisions on how to vote. This is always a challenging time pastorally, and emotions can be high.

The Minnesota Catholic Conference has prepared excellent resources to navigate these waters. The link has been shared with you previously; go to https://www.mncatholic.org/election2024 for a wealth of materials.

As the MCC notes, the Church has a right and responsibility to weigh in on public issues. As Catholics, we are called to work for policies that protect the poor and vulnerable and uphold life at all stages. To that end, parishes and religious organizations can educate on and advocate for the moral aspects of issues and legislative proposals.

However, there are some activities that are prohibited. A parish or ACC or school or its affiliated organizations may not intervene in political candidate campaigns. Therefore, any partisan political or electioneering activity is prohibited.

A common concern that arises during political campaigns is the distribution of voter information materials prepared by outside groups. Catholic organizations should be wary of outside groups seeking to distribute voter education or election-related materials on Church property or at official Church functions. Often, the groups preparing these materials are not subject to the same restrictions as the Church. Therefore, any materials not approved by the Minnesota Catholic Conference, or your diocese should not be distributed.

The Church and her parishes and ministry organizations are also prohibited from, among other things, the following types of activities:

Endorsing or opposing candidates for elected office.
Preparing or distributing campaign literature or materials that favor or oppose a specific candidate or political party.
Using diocesan or parish bulletins and websites to support, promote, endorse or oppose any political party or candidate.
Giving Church money or support to candidates for political office or to officeholders.

It is also prudent to give some thought already to helping people respond to whatever the election outcomes may be in a constructive and positive way.

Cemeteries

The Chancery receives a monthly trade magazine from the Catholic Cemetery Conference, aptly titled “Catholic Cemetery.” The August issue contains an article on “green burials” (sometimes called “natural burials,”) a growing national trend.

While the term is used in various ways, there are now Catholic cemeteries who permit a particular kind of “green burial” which does not use a concrete vault and contains the body or ashes in a biodegradable casket or urn. Further, the preparation of the body for burial does not use embalming; therefore, the time for funerals and interments is greatly accelerated.

Practically, green burials of this type without a vault, or some other durable container, create challenges for perpetual care. The ground will naturally sink as the container and body decompose and more attention is needed regularly to backfill soil and preserve the safety, appearance and integrity of the grave.

As previously noted, the Church does not accept alkaline hydrolysis or human composting as alternatives for the disposition of the body. And with cremation, the cremated remains are to be interred in the ground or in a columbarium, not kept by the family, scattered in nature, used in jewelry or tattoos or divided among family members.

Green burials are permitted in state law, and individual cemeteries establish their own policies in conformity with Catholic teaching, applicable diocesan policies and state law. Parishes are encouraged to study the issue carefully and consult with the Chancery and local funeral homes before establishing or changing policies to permit green or natural burials.

Vicar for Health Care Ethics

Medical Decisions in Serious Illness: I am glad to come to your parish or ACC to do a presentation on Catholic teaching on decision-making in serious illness, often called “end of life decisions.” We will discuss human dignity, ordinary and extraordinary means to prolong life, advance directives and POLST, a process for discernment and related aspects of this area that eventually visits so many families. If you are interested in scheduling a presentation, contact me a osapientia@juno.com. Thank you for your ministry to those at the margins of life in this world.

Clergy Continuing Education

Bishop Neary has appointed Kristi Bivens, director of lay leadership formation, and Bailey Ziegler, director of human resources, to coordinate planning for ongoing clergy formation. They will work with Fr. Joe Herzing to make this transition over the next several months. Fr. Herzing will remain involved as a consultant as he continues with his ministry in the Five Star Area Catholic Community. The diocese is grateful to Fr. Herzing for his work in formation over the last several years.

NOTES FROM THE DIOCESAN OFFICES

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

Western Catholic Educational Association

This year, our schools will be transitioning to accreditation through the Western Catholic Educational Association. The WCEA is dedicated to advancing quality Catholic education for every student in its member schools and dioceses. Their accreditation process emphasizes the primacy of faith formation, a commitment to educational excellence and a dynamic approach to continuous school improvement. Our initial visits are already underway. To learn more, please visit their website at https://www.wcea.org/.

National Catholic Educational Association

The National Catholic Educational Association has been one of our strongest allies in Catholic education. In recent years, NCEA has made significant strides to provide more direct and accessible service and support to member schools throughout the U.S. Alongside the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools, NCEA has also consolidated a wealth of resources on nearly every topic, available in multiple formats: https://ncea.org/NCEA/How_We_Serve/Resources/NCEA_Collective.aspx.

The NSBECS guide the WCEA accreditation process and will be key in helping us ensure that faith is integrated into every aspect of our schools.

Communications ♦ Kristi Anderson ♦ (320) 258-7650

NO JANUARY AND JUNE 2025 ISSUES OF THE CENTRAL MINNESOTA CATHOLIC MAGAZINE

During a recent ministry audit requested by the bishop, each diocesan office was asked to review their processes and look for ways to streamline human and material resources, just as Area Catholic Communities are being asked to complete a similar task through the pastoral planning process currently underway.

The Communications team determined that the print publication, whose goal is to form, inform and transform its readers, could be enhanced as a tool to further support and engage Area Catholic Communities throughout the planning process by promoting evangelization and catechesis as well as sharing the same remarkable stories of faith.

Paired with the rising costs of printing and postage while maintaining the same cost to our parishes, it was determined that the most practical and sustainable option is to reduce the number of issues per year from 12 to 10. Therefore, there will be no January 2025 issue of The Central Minnesota Catholic magazine. It will return in February with a new look and enhanced content designed to keep Catholics across the diocese informed and connected. There will also be no June 2025 issue.

The communications staff is heightening its digital media presence through multiple platforms including the website, digital weekly newsletter, Facebook and Instagram. A new outlet in the works is a shared resource for print and digital marketing material that will be accessible to ACCs.

Additionally, the communications team met with a focus group of Spanish-speaking Catholics from around the diocese to determine the best way to deliver the same information in Spanish. After conversations with multiple sources, it was determined that the print publication is not the most viable method to reach the Hispanic/Latino population in the diocese. Readers will notice less Spanish content in the print magazine. This will allow us to use more effective platforms such as social media, podcasts and web content in Spanish. This is an evolving process that will continue to be evaluated and adapted to meet the needs of all readers under our care.

If you have any questions, please contact Kristi Anderson at (320) 258-7650 or via email at Kristi.anderson@gw.stcdio.org.

Jubilee 2025 begins in December

Pope Francis has proclaimed Jubilee 2025 in his papal bull “Spes Non Confundit” (“Hope does not disappoint”). It begins in Rome on Dec. 24 with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica. In local dioceses it will begin on Holy Family Sunday, Dec. 29.

A Jubilee is a holy year focused on the forgiveness of sin, conversion and joyful celebration. Passing through holy doors symbolizes a pilgrim’s journey of conversion.

All are encouraged to obtain a jubilee indulgence through participating in a pilgrimage, by meeting the normal conditions — confession, Holy Communion, prayer for the pope’s intentions and no attachment to sin — and by performing works of mercy and penance.

To participate in Jubilee 2025, some will make pilgrimages to Rome. For those unable to do so, the Diocese of St. Cloud will establish its own local celebrations.

The faithful are further encouraged to perform spiritual or corporal works of mercy or carry out works of penance (such as abstaining from meat on Fridays). At sacred places, they are to engage in eucharistic adoration and meditation, among other spiritual practices. All are asked to pray for the pope, the Church and all who take part in the jubilee.

In Old Testament times jubilee years were honored every 50th year. In Christian times, the practice was begun with Pope Boniface VIII in 1300; jubilees were celebrated every 100 years to mark significant anniversaries, then shortened to every 50 years and then to every 25 years.

Jubilee 2025 will conclude in local dioceses on Holy Family Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, and in Rome on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Jan. 6, 2026, with the closing of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

May the faith you have given us in your Son, Jesus, Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your kingdom.

May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

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

God bless you on your birthday:

Oct. 5 – Deacon Steven Dupay

Oct. 19 – Deacon John Wolak

Oct. 28 – Deacon Roger Osborne

Oct. 28 – Deacon Joe Kresky

Oct. 29 – Deacon Gene Kramer

Oct. 31 – Deacon James Clack

Prayer Requests:

For all those who are ill and are in need of prayers.

St. Stephen Endowment Fund for Deacons — This fund was established by the wife of a deacon to support continuing education and formation of deacons. Diaconate ministry is a volunteer ministry and your contribution to the continued education and formation of deacons will enable deacons to continually spread the Word of God, building up the Kingdom of God on Earth. To contribute to this fund, please send donations to the Diaconate Office at 305 7th Ave. N., St. Cloud, MN 56303. Thank you!

2024 DIACONATE EVENTS:

• Oct. 13 — 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

Workshops for the new OCIA coming in 2025

Choose one of the following dates/locations for both Part One and Part Two. These workshops are for clergy, OCIA coordinators and OCIA teams. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more information.

Part One (January): Five options

Jan. 18 (Saturday) from 9 a.m.-noon at St. Boniface in Cold Spring
Jan. 23 (Thursday) from 9 a.m.-noon at St. Peter in St. Cloud
Jan. 23 (Thursday) from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Christ Our Light in Princeton
Jan. 25 (Saturday) from 9 a.m.-noon at Our Lady of Victory in Fergus Falls
Jan. 28 (Tuesday) from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at St. Ann in Wadena

Part Two (March-April): Two options

March 15 (Saturday) – 9 a.m.-noon at St. Mary Help of Christians in St. Augusta
April 5 (Saturday) – 9 a.m.-noon at St. Mary in Alexandria

Faith Formation Survey

If you haven’t had an opportunity to fill out the Faith Formation survey I sent a few weeks ago, please take a few minutes to do so here: https://forms.gle/SJfw4Rvq79XH6ZHJ9 Your feedback is important and helps me to plan faith formation opportunities that meet your needs. Thank you!

Health Care/Parish Nurse Ministry ♦ (320) 251-2700 Ext. 51637

Faith Community Nurse and Health Ministry of Central MN calendar:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P0lmhm2GgpQ90i1ZKFHtlz_y06_e07ItWPUKktkZFlk/edit?usp=sharing

Upcoming: Mass for Health Care Workers

10:30 a.m., St. Benedict’s Monastery, Sacred Heart Chapel Download the flyer (PDF)

Oct. 8 — Marketing Tools for Events and Education

9:30-11 a.m.

CentraCare Plaza, Hughes, Matthews Room and Virtual

Flyer: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGNR4NbQ5g/KAxBqzDwBEDtlpo9esWowQ/edit

Become a Faith Community Nurse!

Nov. 3, 4, 10 and 11

Virtual Class

A Faith Community Nurse can do so much for a Church family, creating an atmosphere of wellness and vibrancy while focusing on the intentional care of the spirit and whole-person health from a faith perspective.

Some examples of how FCNs may achieve this is through: home and hospital visits and calls, educational offerings to Church members and/or the wider community, connection to community resources, care group facilitation, baby blankets and prayer shawl ministry, mental health care, blood pressure screenings, parenting classes, support of clergy and ministry leaders, evidence-based wellness workshops and volunteer coordination.

Scholarships are available. Early bird and group discounts are also available! Please check out the FCN Partnership of Central MN website for more information or email bethany.tollefson@centracare.com with any questions or to discuss career options integrating Faith Community Nursing.

For more resources on Mental Health, look at the Diocese of St. Cloud Mental Health Ministry Website: https://stcdio.org/mental-health-ministry/.

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

November 14 – Parish Administration Day – All parish administrators, bookkeepers, secretaries and interested staff are invited to a day of learning and enrichment from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Seven Dolors in Albany. The day will include prayer, presentations on sacramental record-keeping, finances, hospitality, parish safety and security and networking opportunities. There will be lunch and takeaway resources for practical use in parishes and ACCs. Cost $20. Register by Nov. 1 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/STCDIOParishAdmin24. Questions? Contact Bailey Ziegler at Bailey.Ziegler@gw.stcdio.org. or Barb Simon-Johnson at Barb.Simon-Johnson@gw.stcdio.org.

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

Banquet of Love — This is a user-friendly, online 12-part course that helps you make practical connections between the Eucharist and your marriage. Created by Jim and Maureen Otremba, who combine their professional expertise in counseling, education, pastoral ministry, and theology, the course is free to members of the St. Cloud Diocese through April 2025. For more information or to access the course, visit https://stcdio.org/banquet-of-love/.

Sept. 25 – Nov. 3 – 40 Days for Life Fall Campaign – More details can be found at https://stcdio.org/respect-life/forty-days-life/.

Oct. 5 – Second Marriage Course — Held in St. Cloud at the Pastoral Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Second Marriage Preparation Course is for couples preparing to marry after the death of a spouse or an annulment. Marriage preparation must be completed at least three months before the date of the wedding celebration. It is recommended you complete the course well in advance (six months or more). Many couples take the course one year before their wedding. For more information, visit: https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/

Oct. 26 – Engaged Couples Retreat — Held at the Pastoral Center in St. Cloud from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. The retreat will conclude with Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral. See our website for more details or call the office with questions, (320) 252-4721. For more information, visit: https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/.

Natural Family Planning Instruction for October and November 2024

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

• Alexandria: Mondays, Oct. 21 and Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

• Little Falls: Tuesdays, Oct. 1 and Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

• Long Prairie: Mondays, Oct. 28 and Nov. 25 at 7 p.m.

• Rice: Mondays, Oct. 7 and Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m.

• Sauk Centre: Thursdays, Oct. 17 and Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

• St. Cloud: Thursday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

• St. Michael: Tuesdays, Oct. 1 and Nov. 5 at 6 p.m.

• Wadena: Fridays, Oct. 25 and Nov. 22 at 5:30 p.m.

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

Upcoming Events

Oct. 4-6, Twin Cities Retrouvaille
Oct. 4-6, Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Buffalo
Oct. 12-13, Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Alexandria
Oct. 18-20, Beginning Experience, Central MN
Nov. 2, Virtual Fully Engaged Training in Spanish
Nov. 9, Spanish Marriage Course

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

The Mission Office is hosting their 5th Annual Online Auction from noon to Oct. 1 through noon Oct. 31. Please check out the link a http://scmo.betterworld.org/auctions/mission-month-fundraiser-auction to bid on some beautiful and unique fair trade gifts, baskets, quilts and more.

Oct. 4 — World Mission Rosary Day – If you would like resources and/or World Mission rosaries for your youth groups, classrooms, parishes, please contact the Mission Office at (320) 251-1100 or check the website for ordering at www.stcloudmissionoffice.com. Come and join the world in prayer.

World Mission Sunday packets were mailed to all parishes the end of September and emails also sent with the same resources for the promotion, education and celebration of World Mission Sunday, the weekend of Oct. 19/20. “Come, let's invite everyone to the Banquet.”

Missionary Appeals for 2024 have ended for this year and we are beginning to plan and schedule for next year. Please send your collections from the appeals to the Mission Office by the end of October so we can forward them on to the appeal organization. Thank you!

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

Mass Counts

Twice a year, in July and October, the Diocese of St. Cloud requests Mass counts from parishes in the diocese. Understanding attendance patterns can help in fostering a sense of community and encouraging spiritual growth. We use this data to identify trends and opportunities for outreach and enrichment. As you know, this is becoming more important as demographics change in our Area Catholic Communities.

If you have not submitted July 2024 Mass counts please do so here: https://forms.gle/Mx8yzMcEsJogQFQG8.

The information you will need to submit for 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

The submission form for October Mass counts will also be online. We will send that link in the November monthly newsletter. The deadline is Nov. 15.

For any questions or if you run into any problems, please contact:

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

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

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

Thank you to all ACC’s who took up the special collection in September for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. CCHD is the domestic anti-poverty office of the USCCB, focusing on poverty education, peace outreach and support to grassroots organizations addressing poverty across the U.S. Your community’s generous financial and prayer support of the work of CCHD in our diocese is a great gift as we work together to help our neighbors on the margins.

World Day of Poor

The eighth annual World Day of the Poor will take place on Sunday, Nov. 17. This year’s theme is “The prayer of the poor rises up to God” (cf. Sirach 21:5). In addition to education, preaching and possible service and advocacy on behalf of those who are poor or marginalized, parishes are strongly encouraged to include an intercession in their weekend liturgies for this day. A sample intercession is included below:

On this World Day of the Poor, may we hear in the cry of those who suffer, the prayers for hope, life and justice that we know our Lord hears and responds to, and may we too respond to the faces, stories and needs of our neighbors on the margins. We pray to the Lord.

For more information on World Day of the Poor or additional resources for your parish to honor this day through education, action and prayer, contact Kateri.Mancini@gw.stcdio.org

Read Pope Francis’ message for World Day of the Poor 2024 here:

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/poveri/documents/20240613-messaggio-viii-giornatamondiale-poveri-2024.html#:~:text=MESSAGE%20OF%20HIS%20HOLINESS%20POPE,the%20prayer%20of%20the%20poor!

Learn more about poverty in the US and within our local area at the USCCB’s PovertyUSA.org site.

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

Oct. 17 — Stewardship Day 2024 – Stewardship: Living the Biblical Call

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All are welcome to attend this event and are encouraged to share this information with your staff, stewardship committee and other interested parties.

Join Bernie Evans, professor emeritus, Saint John’s University, to delve into key questions of the age, such as ecological stewardship and care for body, mind and spirit through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Explore the communal and personal actions that help every believer proclaim the reign of God in this presentation based on his book, “Stewardship: Living a Biblical Call.”

Where:

The live presentation is at St. Louis Church, Paynesville. This location will also feature Spanish translation.
The livestream presentation is at Christ Our Light Church, Princeton.

For more information:

Stewardship Day Flyer – ENGLISH (PDF)
Stewardship Day Flyer – SPANISH (PDF)

To register visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FKTYHKB

2024 Bishop’s Annual Appeal

Thank you to all of you for your support of this year’s appeal. As of Sept. 30, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for 2024 has raised total cash and pledges of $1,321,373 toward our goal of $1,450,000 (94.38%). This was made possible through the generous donations of 7,314 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 letter for 2024 is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 18.

Appeal Main Videos

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

All four of the breakout videos are also now available.

Formation: https://youtu.be/Y4uT9k4VBVo

Vocations: https://youtu.be/aqW_qIyYS3Q

RCIA: https://youtu.be/pxS5kuNzfFo

TV Mass: https://youtu.be/vqIeGnEqA_k

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

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

+Prayer For Healing After Separation or Divorce+

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

Clergy at diocesan clusters are encouraged to invite Father Virgil Helmin or Father Matthew Crane to speak about the annulment processes to a group. Please feel free to contact the Tribunal office for more information at the above number or their emails below.

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/wpcontent/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. Please provide all required documents (listed on the form) with the annulment form.
The documents required are the same for each annulment process and are:

baptismal certificates for both principals
marriage certificate (copies, not originals)
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 ensure the availability of the witnesses for a phone interview at a time designated by the Tribunal.
There is no charge(s) in reaching a decision for the Formal petition, the Lack of Canonical form, or the Previous Bond. However, donations are accepted.

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

Nov. 3-9 — National Vocation Awareness Week: Please consider doing one of the following during this week:

• Saying the vocation prayer at the conclusion of the petitions.

• Preaching on vocations.

• Offering your vocation story. People love to hear them!

• Offering Mass for an increase of vocations.

If we can help, please contact the Vocation Office at (320) 251-5001.

Seminary visits — If you know of any juniors or seniors in high school who would be interested in visiting a seminary, please let Father Doug know.

Totus Tuus — The Totus Tuus ended Aug. 3. This was the eighth summer held in the diocese — we held Totus Tuus in 20 areas, had three teams, and 12 team leaders! Thanks to the pastors, staff and ACCs who support and encourage this program in your area. If interested in the program for the summer of 2025, please register by Oct. 31. Call if you have any questions (320) 251-5001.

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

2025 TV Mass Ministers Needed

The taping schedule is ready for 2025. Please review the openings found at https://signup.com/go/KEhhoiQ and sign up if you can minister in one of our upcoming tapings. Please contact the Office of Worship with questions.

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.

Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass

The new translation of “Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist outside Mass” is now available. 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

Liturgical Press has also published “Eucharistic Reservation” by Paul Turner, which explains this new translation.

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

Oct. 21 – Youth and Young Adult Leader Gathering

9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

110 Central Ave. N., Richmond, MN 56368

For those in parish ministry who lead youth and young adults in the Diocese of Saint Cloud. Join us in fellowship for prayer, hospitality, networking and learning. Our topic for this meeting is Human Resources and the new Department of Labor overtime and salary law, work boundaries, committees, councils and boards. Jessica Goebel, human resources coordinator for the Diocese of St. Cloud, will engage participants in a dialogue and answer questions around HR topics. Kent Schmitz will share about committees, boards and councils. Other elements to the day include sharing faith, prayer, best practices, lunch and updates on upcoming events: High School Youth Day, Middle School Lock-In, Castaway, Young Life and Wyldlife ministry. To plan for hospitality and lunch for the day, please RSVP to:

https://forms.gle/x8Mnu8nn2pwr92Ve9 by Friday, Oct. 18, at noon. For questions, please reach out to Kent Schmitz at: kent.schmitz@gw.stcdio.org or (320) 251-0111 ext. 4.

Jan. 25-26 — Winter Spectacular Middle School Lock-in (for grades 6-8) Middle school students are invited to the annual Winter Spectacular. Youth will gather at the St. Cloud YMCA for Mass and food and fun from 8 p.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. 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 — Castaway High School Retreat “Are You Ready…Now?” — Friday through Sunday — high school youth are invited to the annual high school Castaway Retreat. Our theme is: “Are You Ready Now?” Our speaker is Angie Polewski from Fergus Falls. 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. Those dates and locations are:

Jan. 6, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at St. Mary, Alexandria
Feb. 10, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Centre for Christ, Sauk Centre
March 10, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at St. Mary Help of Christians, St. Augusta
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, Nov. 23, Jan. 11 and Feb. 8. 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.

Young Adult Ministry

The Office for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults is partnering with 3 different areas in our diocese to sponsor some Theology on Draft evenings this fall, “From Minister to Mechanic: Finding God in all the Places.” Our speaker for the 3 evenings is Cathy Heying, the Founder and Executive Director of The Lift Garage, a nonprofit auto repair shop that provides low-cost car repair for low income Minnesotans. Cathy has a rich history of social service and mission. In 2015 Cathy was named both a CNN Hero and also the Irwin Tools Tradesperson of the Year.

Young Adults (ages 18-39) are invited to these evenings to learn and share faith, fellowship, food and refreshments. Appetizers will be served, and participants may purchase refreshments. The remaining dates and locations of these events are:

Oct. 8 – 7:30-9:00 p.m. at Beck’s Burgers in Staples, MN. Special Thanks to the Young Adult Leaders from Mary Mother of the Church ACC who are co-sponsoring this event.
Nov. 14 – 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at El Loro Restaurant in Sauk Rapids, MN

Special thanks to the Young Adult Leaders from the One in Christ, the All Called to Christ ACC, and St Cloud State Newman Center Campus Ministry for co-sponsoring this event.