Here's a very nice (for a change) local article on St. Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc medals to go to battle

Pat Benincasa specializes in religious art, but for two years the good Lord just wasn't providing the inspiration she needed to complete a 6-foot painting of St. Joan of Arc.

Then on April 8, a bolt came from above.

"I couldn't get it out of my head that our troops in Iraq don't have the body armor they need. When I walked into my studio that day and saw the unfinished Joan, I knew instantly that she was going to be another kind of body armor -- a medal for our troops," said the St. Paul artist, who's also an artist-in-residence at Hill-Murray School in Maplewood. StarTribune

Why is a Pagan Teaching Catechism to Catholic Children?

Adoro Te Devote, who has more than a modicum of experience in the matter, would like to know.

Father Robert Altier's Homilies Now Available in Text and Audio

Georgette of Chronicle of a Meandering Traveller has links for the homilies of Father Robert Altier of St Agnes parish in St. Paul.

Father Alter has recently obeyed the order of Archbishop Harry Flynn to pull all of his homilies from the St. Agnes page and to cease his radio appearances on Relevant Radio programs.

No reason was given for the order, but the Archdiocese and Father Altier's pastor have assured all that Father's orthodoxy or personal behavior are not at all subject to question.

Some of public opinion seems to believe that it is because of his articulate arguments that the use of a certain "sex education" program for very young children should not be used. The Archdiocese maintains that parents have a choice of programs that can be used.

Many of Father Altier's older homilies have been automatically saved by the internet gods, some by a "fan", and many are available in audio. Georgette has those links. She apparently currently lives in India.

Adoro Te Devote has some of the details.

To be with his mom

Bobby Gurno saw the yellow police tape before he saw his mother lying dead behind it.

He had walked about 2 miles from his homeless camp under a Minneapolis bridge to where his mother was living lately, behind the Target store on Lake Street [About a mile, a light year or a breath from me]. The police wouldn't let him get close. Arlene Beaulieu lay there, covered by a blue tarp amid a dirt pile, a shopping cart and strewn garbage.

When he saw his mother taken away in a bag, he couldn't stop the tears that welled in his eyes. He should have been there to protect her, he told a friend later. Now, the closest family he ever knew was gone.

I want to go be with her, Bobby repeated over and over, walking on the streets for weeks afterward, fighting his tears with vodka and whiskey. I want to go be with my mom.
[snip]
Authorities pulled his body from the river that night. An autopsy showed that he had drowned. He was 27, half his mother's age when she died.
[snip] StarTribune

S. Minneapolis Parishes' Risen Christ School Fundraiser

Pilgrimage Site O' the Day: St. Mary's Oratory, Wausau

St Mary's Oratory, Institute of Christ the King
Wausau, Wi

Twin Cities Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events for April 27 to May 7

Father Merle Monnens to Note 50 Years as Priest in Spicer-New London

Father Merle Monnens will preside at a thanksgiving Mass at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at Our Lady of the Lakes of Spicer-New London. An open house reception will follow to celebrate his 50th anniversary of ordination.

Father Monnens was born in St. Paul and grew up in Prior Lake. After graduating from Cretin High School in St. Paul in 1948, he went to Nazareth Hall and St. Paul Seminary. He was ordained for the archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis on June 2, 1956. Catholic Spirit

Father Mark Pavlik Named Pastor of St Olaf

They've been waiting almost a year. He's very popular there so I'd bet they are very happy.

St Thomas Academy Ordained Holy Cross Priest at Notre Dame

Nathan Wills, a native of Mendota Heights, was ordained a priest for the Congregation of Holy Cross April 22 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.

Father Wills graduated from St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights in 1995. He entered Holy Cross novitiate in Cascade, Colo., in 2000 and returned to Notre Dame to begin studies at Moreau Seminary. Father Wills currently serves St. Joseph parish in South Bend, Ind. Father Wills will celebrate Masses of Thanksgiving at 9:45 a.m., Tuesday, May 16, at St. Thomas Academy; and 11 a.m., Sunday, May 21, at his home parish, St. Joseph in West St. Paul. Catholic Spirit

Basilica to Offer Mental Health Fair; May 6 & 7

A resource fair for people or families with mental health challenges will be held Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis.

There will be 34 mental health providers hosting booths and handing out information about their programs and services. Refreshments will be served. The fair is open to people of all faiths.

Masses at the Basilica that weekend will include a focus on mental health awareness and feature special music and prayers. Catholic Spirit

G.K. Chesterton: Common Sense Apostle & Cigar Smoking Mystic

Dale Ahlquist, author of G.K. Chesterton: Apostle of Common Sense and president of the American Chesterton Society, reflects on the robust, timeless faith of the rotund, timely G.K. Chesterton.

There comes a time in the life of any artist, any writer or poet, when he reaches the end of his abilities, when he finds himself wrestling all night with an angel. It is the moment when he tries to think the thought which thought cannot think, to visualize the invisible and describe the indescribable. He can arrive early or late at that moment in his career, but it changes everything. It is an encounter with the Absolute. It means either an end or a beginning. Either the artist limps away with discouragement at not being able to rise above himself, his creativity exhausted and extinguished. Or else, when grappling with the angel, the artist grabs hold and refuses to let go until he is given a blessing, and with it a new name and a new vision. At that moment filled with eternity, his art and his words pass from one realm into another. They become immortal. More

Site O' the Day: Twin Cities UHF Channel 19 Broadcast Television

Twin Cities Broadcast Catholic Television
UHF Channel 19

Eucharistic Procession May 6 in South St Paul

Saturday May 6, 2006 will be the 2nd annual Eucharistic Procession from Holy Trinity parish to St. Augustine parish in South St. Paul. Please join us with your family and join our public witness to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. There will be a free picnic supper following the procession in the St. Augustine parking lot.

Last year, we had approximately 800 parishioners and visitors participate and while it looked like the weather would be against us, God had better things in mind. I'm personally anticipating an even larger participation this year. I'll dig us some pictures from last year and post them here in the next few days. Scott from Viam Pacis

ALSO Sunday May 7: Solemn vespers and eucharistic procession at Good Shepherd: 4 p.m. at Good Shepherd, 145 Jersey Ave. S., Golden Valley. For information, call (763) 544-0416.

Do Secular Programs Have a Place in a Catholic School?

The vast majority of parents who make great sacrifices to send their children to Catholic schools do so in order to provide their children with more than a purely secular education. They do so in the knowledge that a purely secular education does not address the totality of the human person as body AND soul. They do so in the confidence that there is more to reality and to man’s place in the world than a merely secular culture will admit or address.

Does it follow, then, that secular material has no place in a Catholic school? And in light of the current “safe environments” discussion, is it possible that secular “safety” curricula have no place in a Catholic school or religious education program? Primary Educators League

An Honest and Raw Look at the Difficulties of Natural Family Planning.

Erin at Bearing Blog thinks "the whole discussion is excellent. Comments from people whose experience was great, from those whose experience was not so great and so they quit, from those whose experience was not so great but they didn't quit, from priests and seminarians, from people with medical difficulties, from NFP instructors."

What's Wrong With This Picture?

Chevron Corp.’s first-quarter profit soared 49 percent to $4 billion, joining the procession of U.S. oil companies to report colossal earnings as lawmakers consider ways to pacify motorists agitated about rising gas prices.
[snip]
Chevron released its results after two of its biggest rivals, ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil Corp., already provoked public outrage with similarly large first-quarter profits. Combined, the three oil companies earned $15.7 billion during the three months of the year.

U.N. cuts Sudan food aid due to lack of funds

[snip]
WFP said it was halving food aid from the minimum daily requirement of 2,100 calories to 1,050 calories as of May.
[snip]
The Rome-based agency had only received $238 million or 32 percent of its annual appeal of $746 million for Sudan.

City Pages' Best Fish Fry - St. Albert's, South Minneapolis

Save this for next Lent!

BEST FISH FRY

St. Albert the Great Catholic Church

2836 33rd Avenue South
Minneapolis
612.724.3643

The Lent tradition of the Friday fish fry doesn't water every mouth in town—this is Minnesota after all, not Milwaukee—but even without any real competition, St. Albert's fish fry sets a standard that would be hard to beat in any state. First of all, there's the gambling: raffle drawings every 10 minutes, plus bingo every other week. Then there's the food itself, a steal at eight bucks. It's all about the options (a funny thing to say about a Catholic church, but we digress): two kinds of fish, fried and baked. Hash browns or French fries. Free seconds. A tableful of desserts at no extra charge, courtesy of the parish's tireless grandmothers (by the look of the crowd, there's a lot of 'em). And for the pesca-phobes of the group, the as-godly meatless spaghetti is served in heaps. The only downside is that it all ends at Easter. Forty days just isn't enough time for this much cod.

And by next Lent, it is rumored that Father Joe from the Basilica will be the new pastor. Now that will be a really vibrant parish!

A Good Shepherd --- Bishop Carlson of Saginaw Chatting Up the Pope Today

The American Papist notes the visit of Saginaw Bishop Robert Carlson, formerly Auxiliary of St.Paul-Mpls and then Bishop of Sioux Falls, in a separate audience with Pope Benedict today. A perceptive commenter noted:
"Cool!

I suggest it means something. Meetings with single bishops from small dioceses are pretty darned rare, except in the ad limina context.

So...

It probably means either:

1. Bishop Carlson wants to discuss hard choices in his diocese--the question of what is or is not too provocative or destructive when facing a diocese like Saginaw that is full of dissenters, or...

2. Bishop Carlson is going to get a big, fat post, like Washington or Detroit. More likely Detroit. Possibly some curial position, though. Still, I bet on Detroit. Wouldn't that be nice! He *IS* fabulous. He gets that there's a fundamental difference between men and women like no other bishop I know." [Jeff]

Twin Cities Housing Non-Profit Celebrates 35 Years

CommonBond Communities, the Twin Cities area's largest nonprofit developer/owner of affordable rental housing, has found a substantive way to celebrate its 35th year in business.

Sure, there's a fundraising gala on May 19 at the Depot to celebrate 4,000 units of safe, well-maintained apartments and other homes.

But as part of the festivities, CommonBond also recently refinanced about a third of its housing portfolio at a lower interest rate that will permit the organization to reinvest some of the savings to renovate about 1,300 of its oldest units.
[snip]

The deal also represents a fitting send-off for Joe Errigo, 62, CommonBond's first and only president, who is calling it a career in 2006 after 35 years.

In 1971, Errigo left a job as a planner at the St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority to start CommonBond as a part of the social-justice arm of the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul. StarTribune

[CommonBond is no longer part of the Archdiocese's structure.]

St Thomas Faculty Senate Outraged By "No Adultery" Rule

The issue of how much control the University of St. Thomas has over the conduct of employees apparently isn't over in the eyes of University Senate members.

On Tuesday, members of the faculty and administrative governance group passed a resolution that defies the school president, the Rev. Dennis Dease. Last week Dease announced that the school would prohibit unmarried faculty or staff members who are in romantic relationships from rooming together on school trips that involve students.

By a 43-26 vote, the Senate said the policy was a violation of the school's nondiscrimination policy and "cannot be tolerated." StarTribune

Wouldn't it be wonderful to see St Thomas Professors on a picket line chanting "More Adultery Now!

La Crosse Priest Buried in Peru

LURIN, Peru (AP) - Father Joe has come home to the place he picked for his eternal rest - a burial niche on a barren hill, looking down on the orphanage he founded two decades ago.

Joseph Walijewski, a Polish-American, Roman Catholic priest known to all simply as Father Joe, would have been surprised by the turnout for his funeral this month. Two dozen men of the cloth, some from as far away as Wisconsin and including five bishops, led the Mass for him April 18 at the small church in this community outside Lima, packed with hundreds of townspeople who spilled into the street outside.
[snip]
Walijewski represented the diocese in La Crosse, Wis., when he arrived in Peru in 1971 after 10 years as a missionary in Bolivia and two in Ecuador. StarTribune

Tasty "No Meat Fridays" This Year

Abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent was an entirely different experience for me this year. That's because this year I actually remembered not to eat meat on Fridays. I can't take all the credit; it was mostly due to the daily planner I received at my wedding: my wife, Jodi. I got little e-mail reminders, phone calls and other helpful memory aids each week to keep me honest.

In the past, I always figured that if I didn't remember, I wasn't really doing anything wrong. I pictured God looking down at me, shaking his head, tsk-ing and chuckling to himself about how much of a scatterbrain I am.
Austin Daily Herald

E-Mail reminders work outside of Lent too. I subscribe to Regnum Christi's daily meditation service. I don't do it always first thing in the morning, but generally at some point in the day I spend a little time with it.

If you would like to try it, send an email to:

Regnum Christi Daily Meditation Subscription with the word "subscribe" in the subject line.

Another great site that you would have to open yourself is the Irish Jesuit's "Sacred Space" site. They have wonderful daily meditations that you can use at your own pace.

El Salvador Orphans Perform at St Olaf Noon Mass May 2

Crookston Nun Transfers to Missouri Perpetual Adoration Monastery

On the feast of St. Benedict on March 21, the members of the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration welcomed Sister Judy Neisen, OSB during a Rite of Full Incorporation ceremony, completing her transfer of stability from the Mount Saint Benedict Monastery in Crookston, Minn. Maryville (MO) Daily Forum

Upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends

Turn a good marriage into a great marriage through a Marriage Encounter Weekend!

Duluth, 888-455-3496, Email Us, May 5-7

Buffalo, King's House, 651-426-4710, Email Us, May 12-14

Eagan, Yankee Square Inn, July 28-30

Minnesota Wisconsin Iowa

North Dakota South Dakota

Three Parishes in Diocese of Superior Host Seder Meals

Three parishes in the Superior Diocese took a 3,000-year-old Jewish tradition and brought something new to it when they celebrated Seder meals during Holy Week.

St. John the Baptist in Webster, Immaculate Conception in Grantsburg and St. Anthony Parish in Superior all hosted Seder meals. Catholic Herald

Site O' the Day: Father Solanus Guild

Our Region's First Saint?

The Birth of Vatican Radio - 75 Years Ago

On February 12, 1931, the Marquis Marconi spoke these historical words:

I have the highest honor of announcing that in only a matter of seconds the Supreme Pontiff, Pope Pius XI, will inaugurate the Radio Station of the Vatican City State. The electric radio waves will transport to all the world his words of peace and blessing.

This is how the world-renowned scientist Guglielmo Marconi [the inventor of wireless radio] announced the birth of Vatican Radio. He then continued:

"With the help of Almighty God, who allows the many mysterious forces of nature to be used by man, I have been able to prepare this instrument which will accord to the Faithful of all the world the consolation of hearing the voice of the Holy Father. Most Holy Father, the work that Your Holiness has deigned to entrust to me, I, today return to You...may you deign, Holy Father, to allow the entire world to hear your august words."

A reporter at the time of this broadcast wrote, "In this moment, the entire worlds awaits...The Vicar of Christ, through the means of this new ineffable instrument, and in a voice heard very clearly, begins to speak. It is exactly 4:49 p.m. on the Twelfth of February, Nineteen Thirty-One."

The rich text of the first radio message was written in Latin by Pius XI himself. The Pope imbued his message with passages from the Sacred Scriptures which emphasize the universality of the Gospel message. Pius XI concluded the first line of the discourse in this manner, "Listen, O Heavens, to that which I say; listen, O Earth, listen to the words which come from my mouth...Listen and hear, O Peoples of distant lands!" He continued, speaking in the voice of the Old Testament prophet, "To the City and to the World! Now, we turn to the reporting of the event and to the story that preceeded it."
[snip]
In 1996 Vatican Radio can boast of programs beamed worldwide on a daily basis. Programs are offered in 34 languages, and are sent out from the Vatican on short wave, medium wave, FM, and satellite. Thanks to Amy at Open Book

Celebrate May Day at St Olaf's; 11-11:50

Hill-Murray Wants Hwy Dept Land For Environmental Classroom and Athletic Fields

The city of Maplewood, along with representatives from Hill-Murray School and local environmental and athletic organizations, will be meeting in upcoming months to address what to do with about 25 acres of land that has been offered by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
[snip]

Hill-Murray School has an interest in using the land as an environmental classroom and for the expansion of athletic fields, said the school's president, Joe Peschges. He said the proposal -- which was made last month to the City Council -- has broader community interest beyond the school because the fields would also be used by athletic associations from Oakdale and St. Paul.

"It probably needs to have more wetland creation, from our perspective," Ahl said. He said groups, including Hill-Murray and the Ramsey Conservation District, will be meeting in the next four to six months to try to put a plan together. [snip] StarTribune

Watch! By this time tomorrow the "Separation of Church and State Crowd" will have been mobilized!

Twin Cities Catholic Cemeteries Pre-Planning Seminars

First Annual Diocesan Choir Festival at the St Paul Cathedral

Friday, May 112 at 8:00 p.m. in the St Paul Cathedral

Archdiocesan Choir Festival: A new festival for parish choirs debuts. Five select choirs from throughout the Archdiocese will present some of their favorite anthems of the year, and combine for a festive finale. This year's choirs and directors include: Nativity of Mary, Bloomington, Mark Kieffer; St. Patrick, Edina, Jeffrey Jamieson; Maternity of Mary, St. Paul, Robert Wills; the Diocesan Choir, Michael Silhavy; and the Cathedral of St. Paul, Marilyn and James Biery.

Music will include works by Benjamin Britten, Louis Vierne, Gabriel Faure', James Biery, John Tavener and others, as well as a performance of Gorecki's Totus Tuus by the combined choirs. The concert is free and open to the public, donations are accepted. The Cathedral is handicapped accessible.

Site O' the Day

Respect Life Workshop, Amery, April 29

A Respect Life Workshop is scheduled for St Joseph's Social Hall in Amery, WI on Saturday, April 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For further information, 715-268-2496

Women's Silent Retreat Scheduled For Sioux Falls' BroomTree

The Diocese of Sioux Falls is scheduling a Women's Silent Retreat for their Broom-Tree Retreat Center on May 4-8. For further information, call 605-988-3708

Fargo Diocese Sponsors Forum on Healing

JAMESTOWN, N.D. – A conference sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Fargo will focus on healing following an abortion or sexual abuse. Dr. Theresa Burke, founder of the Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat, will present “Reclaiming our Sexual Wholeness” Thursday and Friday at Quality Inn and Suites in Jamestown.
Fargo In-Forum

Man Sues T.C. Archdiocese and Winona; Claims Abuse 20 Years Ago

A 38-year-old Minneapolis man sued the Catholic dioceses of the Twin Cities and Winona on Monday, claiming he was molested as a teen-ager by Thomas Adamson. Adamson was removed from the priesthood in the mid-1980s after several lawsuits revealed a long history of abuse.

The man, not identified in the civil suit filed by attorney Jeffrey Anderson of St. Paul, said he had no memory of being abused by Adamson until 2002, when widespread national reports surfaced about a clergy abuse scandal. Pioneer Press
StarTribune

Site O' the Day: Project Rachel; Hope After Abortion

Project Rachel

New Ulm Diocese Got 5 New Monsignors

CUB Curbs Cleavage

Semaas from The Seventh Age visited his local CUB warehouse grocery the other day and likes what he saw at the checkout:

A pleasant surprise from one of the major discount grocery chains here in the Twin Cities.

My wife and I found ourselves in a Cub Foods out in the White Bear Lake area this weekend, and as we made our way through Cleavage Aisle on the way to the checkout clerk, we were pleasantly surprised by these plastic covers that were a part of the magazine rack and obscured all but the tile of Shape, Glamour, and a few others magazines that featured women falling out of their clothes.

Put simply, Cleavage Aisle was rated G for a change. A postive comment to the manager by my wife was met with the response "we do our best to try and stay on top of it."

Way to go Cub!

How Did Your Divine Mercy Sunday Go? You Got The Indulgence, I hope?

Erin from Bearing Blog got eggrolls at her parish as a bribe for going!

The celebrant, also the event guest speaker, was Father Thomas Sullivan of the Congregation of the Fathers of Mercy. On his way up to the podium, he stopped to talk to three sisters wearing the distinctively recognizable sari-style habit of the Missionaries of Charity --- you know, Mother Teresa's religious society --- and convinced them to move to the front pew. I think they must have accompanied Fr. Sullivan, as I don't know of any MoC houses locally. [I don't know how many live there or what their particular mission is here, but there is a MoC house in southeast Minneapolis, I understand].

Anyway, the place was packed. The confessional lines on both sides stretched the length of the aisles, all before and during Fr. Sullivan's talk. Also the Eucharist was exposed for adoration the whole time. And the Parish's large painting of the Divine Mercy image was taken out of its alcove and set up in a place of honor. And we had incensing, and blessing of religious articles (I had brought a little medallion bearing the Divine Mercy image, which had been sitting in m dresser drawer ever since I forgot to bring it with me to Salt Lake City last year), and the Divine Mercy chaplet, and a litany of St. Faustina, and a rosary with meditations taken from St. Faustina's memoir, and finally Benediction. Quite a full day! [snip]

I went to the Cathedral. A few hundred, I suppose, were there. They started with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, then a Mr. Paul Regan, a member of the Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy, spoke extemporaneously and well for an hour. [He made a few extremely interesting points but I'll wait until I see the transcript before I comment on them]. And then Benediction. No Egg Rolls. I know where to go next year.

Although I did get a chance to raise an issue with Mr. Regan that has been bothering me. I have been saying the Chaplet regularly for a long time and have gone through several booklets which I keep misplacing. I just got a new one for the words for the Novena and I noticed that on the instruction page, 59, there is no reference to the traditional concluding prayer, "Jesus I Trust in You", the words on all of the images of the Divine Mercy. Instead there is an "optional" concluding prayer.'

I have been under the impression that the "Jesus, I Trust in You" ("Jezu, Ufam Tobie" in Polish) was deemed important enough by St. Faustina that it had to be included on all the images and a part of the saying of the Chaplet. Mr. Regan was surprised to see that it was not in that booklet and indicated that he would be speaking with Father Seraphim, St. Faustina's postulator for sainthood, later on Sunday, and would bring the issue up. So it probably was good that I wasn't throwing down eggrolls with Erin and Desparate. Maybe next year.

If you were at a Divine Mercy Service yesterday, let me know and I'll include your experience here. Or just make a comment to this post.

Somethings you read make you feel better!

Joseph Bottum, Editor of First Things Magazine and co-blogger with Father Richard John Neuhaus, cheered me up this morning:

The cause, I think, is that I’ve increasingly stopped caring what happens on mainstream American campuses. Whether it’s coming from the professors or the students, it’s all begun to seem so silly. My alma mater, Georgetown University, now has more members of its English department with specialties in film-making than it has members with active specialties in any recognizable field of literature. I want to care about this. I want to be outraged. But that would require that I believe there’s anything important about the intellectual life of America’s colleges, which has become increasingly hard to do.

Webster Co. Catholics Mark Anniversary of First Parish

The John Haire Store, located at what is today the corner of First Avenue South and Sixth Street in Fort Dodge, housed early services of Corpus Christi church— the first Catholic parish to be established in the Diocese of Sioux City.

Now 150 years after the founding of Corpus Christi, area Catholics are celebrating a century and a half through ceremonies honoring church members past at seven cemeteries throughout Webster County. Ft. Dodge Messenger

Strib's Lonely Conservative Columnist Enrages Peers; Endorses St Thomas' Commitment to Remain Catholic

The job of a college president is not for the faint of heart. Pressure groups regularly parade through the office, lobbying for the latest cultural or intellectual fad. Many college presidents put their finger to the wind when making decisions on controversial matters.
[snip]
Recently, St. Thomas was roiled by a dispute over its travel policy. Some faculty members demanded that unmarried faculty and staff who are romantically involved be allowed to share a hotel room when on official college trips with students.

Dease begged to differ.

He had the audacity to point out that St. Thomas, as a Catholic institution, could not turn a blind eye to blatant disregard for Catholic principles about sex outside of marriage -- at least on school-sponsored trips with students. Katherine Kerstine in the Star Tribune

No Habla Espanol; Mass at Ascension Parish

I was skimming through the Basilica bulletin (generally 12 or more pages) on Saturday, looking for items for this blog, and came across an invitation for parishioners to attend Mass Sunday at the Ascension parish, a Minneapolis north side church, that the Basilica has “adopted.” Fr. Michael O’Connell, our pastor, is also it’s pastor, and I know there is financial aid, but I’m not sure what other support is being given. I wasn’t even sure what the makeup of the parish was, I assumed that it was Black (not having read the last sentence in the bulletin article) and I decided to go.

When you live in a big city, lots of things change and happen with many residents not having a clue as to that change. I got to Ascension for the 11:30 and was somewhat surprised to see a Hispanic congregation. I knew of several parishes in the Twin Cities that were Hispanic, one dating back to the 1930s, but did not know that the recent influx of immigrants to Minnesota included the creation of a new neighborhood on the north side.

I was greeted warmly, looked around, didn’t see any obvious Basilica parishioners and chose a seat in the middle of the congregation. It was noisy, full of children, and chatting 20- and 30-something friends, no obvious sense that Jesus Christ resided in the tabernacle in the beautiful 100+ year old altar in the nave. The brick, “gothic” style church probably was originally an Irish parish as evidenced by a large St Patrick in one of its many gorgeous stained glass windows. These Hispanics are probably the third or fourth ethnic group to occupy the building. But the bulletin is bi-lingual and two of the three Masses are in English.

A small group was playing and those who weren’t chatting were singing with gusto with as many “Alleluias” as you would hear “Lord Have Mercys” in a Byzantine parish. The musical program listed an all Spanish service, something I hadn’t expected. Hymns included “El Senor Resucito”, “Este Es El Dia”, “Haznos Uno” and whatever “When the Saints Go Marching In” is in Spanish.

Somehow, I don’t think Jesus was displeased. Speaking for myself, when I was that age, if I had travelled 30 or 10,000 miles to find a new job and home, I don’t think I would have sought out a church for ten or 20 years. I have proof of that. And I love seeing young children in a church (a rarity at the Basilica). It gives me visible evidence for a future for the Church And I’m probably going to be a lot more tolerant in the future of the relatively mild chatting and musical group rehearsing that I hear in the Basilica and other churches.

The Mass started about 15 minutes late and nobody seemed concerned in the slightest. It probably never does start on time. The pastor, youngish, processed in behind a bunch of young male and female servers. While he appeared to be pretty fluent in Spanish (to my untrained ear), I don’t think it was native to him because I could hear individual words when he spoke. (But it could have been Fray Salvador Valdez, O.F.M. who was listed on the web page as being the Spanish minister).

My general impression of Spanish is that they all speak a million miles an hour. And that was confirmed when after Communion a member of the musical group spoke for a few minutes. I could tell the difference. As an aside, his excited delivery appeared to be a call to the congregation to show up for “la marcha” which might be an event scheduled on May 1 for the nation’s Hispanic residents. Someplace on the Internet I have recently noted an article about a scheduled event in St James, MN, where a resident was nervous about leaving work for the day for fear of getting fired.

The celebrant had very limited use of his right arm and needed assistance to have the “missal” carried from the altar to the pulpit (I hate the word “ambo”) and returned and a server held the hosts as Father administered Holy Communion. Other than that it didn’t appear to be a problem. His energetic homily did appear to contain a lot of catechesis from the few words that I could understand. One would guess that the congregation did not have much schooling as children.

The “Handshake of Peace” was a longish part of the Mass with many of the parishioners reminding me of a certain priest who shall remain nameless who used to see how many he could greet. Being a very sociable individual, it probably still kills him to remain at the altar. For me, I kind of freaked when I couldn’t remember what we say in English, so I came up with my best “Buenos Dias” until I heard somebody say “Peace” in Spanish.

There was a nice touch after the Communion at the end of the Mass. Father grabbed a card and read out a name. It turned out to be that of a boy who was celebrating his third birthday today. He and his Mom came up, and then another name was called and a mother and her infant child came forward. Father blessed both of them. I thought that to be a really nice touch. And I’d bet it isn’t in the GIRM (General Instructions of the Roman Missal).

I’m kinda ashamed that there weren’t more Basilica parishioners in attendance. It was a very warm experience for me. I’ll go back now and then, probably for sure on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in December where I’m sure it will be standing room only.

The Basilica takes a lot of heat in conservative Catholic circles because of its “big tent” philosophy that welcomes all to it’s arms, including a sizable number of the Twin Cities’ gay community. (Where should they otherwise go?)

Granted that there are “liturgical abuses” (but it’s a lot better than it used to be) and we stand during the Consecration. (Yes, I know the reasoning; I prefer to kneel. But I don’t. And it would be nice if parishioners assumed a prayerful posture while standing, though). And most of the parishioners have that liberal inability to use the words “His” or “Him” when called to do so by Roman edict and substitute “God’s” or “God” as needed.

And yet, when it comes to fulfilling the commands of Jesus to carry out the Corporal Works of Mercy and the Seven Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount, the Basilica parish may step to the front of the line. Can all those who are engaged in private meditative prayer and the appreciation of Tridentine liturgies say that.

The Catholic Church is a “Universal Church.” The liberals should realize that the American Church comprises 6% of the world’s population of Catholics. If it came to a vote, they’d lose. The conservatives should realize that Jesus Christ lives in every one of its churches. He loves us all. We should love us all, too. Even when some don’t agree with us.

Why Don't All Parishes Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday

The Curt Jester posed this question in his blog today: "I have been to some parishes on Mercy Sunday that don't mention it at all, and I don't quite understand why some would want to ignore such a wonderful aspect of God. Though maybe it is the Divine Mercy devotion itself (or devotions in general) they don't like."

I was with a half dozen Catholic bloggers for pizza and chat a couple of weeks ago and the question came up, slightly differently. All of us present could be classified as conservative, religiously, but not necessarily so on all the other issues.

One person, making the point that there were hundreds, maybe thousands of conservative Catholic bloggers around the world, noted that you just can't find a liberal Catholic blogger anywhere. I assume that there were issues, like with me, on which she didn't consider herself to be conservative.

As she asked the question, I was reminded of 1978 when I was a paid staffer for a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate (a sitting Congressman), at a time when I was (overly) exposed to political folks.

I realized back then that liberals essentially don't worry about the liberal-conservative continuum. They want to know how a candidate stands on the "issues." That's all that counts. "Where does she stand on _________? is the only standard.

My favorite quote that points that out happened during my attendance at a District Democratic convention during the questioning period for aspirants requesting endorsement as a Democratic candidate in an upcoming political contest. One guy grabbed the mike and shouted at one potential candidate "What is your position on __________ [I really don't recall the specific issue at all] and how radical are you?"

That's all that matters to the liberal delegates when it comes to selecting their candidates. Anyone showing less than 100% support for the platform (which might have a hundred items) of an interest group or lobby they agreed to champion is suspect and the delegate looks for someone else. [Because the delegates know well that if they don't support the organization's platform 100% with their votes, they themselves will not be supported in the next contest for local, state or national delegates. Being a delegate at higher levels is a very big deal to party workers].

Those same people when they went to the Internet, if Catholic, don't line up as a liberal Catholic. They line up on "issues." Many issues such as Parks & Recreation don't matter much to the Church as long as the result of legislation is deemed to be fair. But Life Issues, Health Care and the Death Penalty are among issues upon which the Church regularly takes positions.

Inasmuch as the liberal Catholics aren't organized as such but take positions by aligning themselves with an "issue" group, the Church loses the ability to convince an entire group to change a postion.

Those same "liberal Catholics" often take great umbrage at the Church's devotional practices. Talking about a Tridentine service, a novena or even the sacraments may drive them up the wall.

But if you looked at the roster of those in the Catholic Church who are there all the time in support of the Corporal Works of Mercy, particularly feeding, clothing, providing shelter and caring for prisoners, you'll find the liberals well represented in the ranks those contributing.

Similarly, when it comes to the Sermon on the Mount, being a peacemaker or hungering for righteousness workers are almost exclusively liberal.

But nobody calls themselves "liberal Catholics. Not even the priests who run the parishes.

But when the Church does non-liberal things,like Divine Mercy Sunday, they often ignore it. It's not their "thing" and they presume that few in their parish desire such "things" either. That's where the term "cafeteria Catholic" came from.

Site O' the Day: Primary Educators.org, Twin Cities

primaryeducators.org

St Agnes Schools: "Joseph, and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"

Back by popular demand, the Saint Agnes Schools will be performing the classic musical "Joseph, and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". The program is cast by over 180 students from 2nd to 12th grade, featuring Nathan Shrake as Joseph. This marvelous family entertainment will be offered over two weekends - April 28/29 at 7:30 pm, April 30 at 2:00 pm AND May 5/6 at 7:30 pm (6th is Dinner Theater with meal at 6:00), May 7 at 5:00 pm.

For the first time ever, reserved seating is available. Ticket pricing: Reserved - $7/adult and $4/18 & under; General - $5/adult and $3/18 & under; Dinner Theater - $24/adult and $12/10 & under. For more information, call 651-228-1988 and make your reservation today!

23rd Annual Ministry Day: Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord ...we're all in this together

May 4; Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Location: St. Joseph, New Hope
Sponsored by: Coalition of Ministry Associations of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
For more information contact: Center for Ministry at 651.290.1616 or cfm@archspm.org

Speaker: Reynolds (Butch) Ekstrom, M.P.S. (Program Coordinator, Loyola Pastoral Life Center (LPLC) Associate Director, Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIM) at Loyola University of New Orleans

74th Biennial Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women Conference

May 4; Time: 8:00am - 2:30pm
Location: St. Albert's Church, Albertville, MN
For more information, contact the ACCW Office at 651-291-4545
Cost: $25 if registered before Monday, April 18, 2006. $30 after April 18, 2006
Liturgy with Archbishop Harry Flynn, Presider

Luncheon Speaker: Fr. Peter Laird - "Bio Medical Ethics"

Speaking on Community Concerns Commission:
Rose Ann Hallgren - "Endearing - Enduring" / John McCullough - "Identity Theft"

Speaking on Family Concerns:
John Schreier - "Walking in Faith; Cancer and the Power of Prayer"

Speaking on International Concerns:
John Neisen - "Kids Against Hunger" project

Speaking on Church Commission:
Sr. Patricia Tekippe, FSPA - "What draws young women to Catholic sisters"

Speaking on Organization:
Barbara Ericson, NCCW Region I V.P. - "Leadership Development" NCCW Board Member

Conference attendees are asked to bring yarn for the Prison Ministry

Holly v. Faith: Living as a Christian in the Age of Media Values, St Odilia's, May 8

SERMON on the MOUNT
by TV star
FRANK RUNYEON

followed by
HOLLYWOOD vs. FAITH
The struggle to live as a Christian in the age of media values
Personal Stories with Humor

Rescheduled for Monday, May 8th, 2006
7:00 - 8:15pm

St. Odilia Church
Cost: $5 (at the door)
Questions, contact Sr. Penny Dunn, OSF
at 651-484-2777

"Sunday Night Live" at the Basilica with Father Joe

Please join us for Sunday Night Live. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect with other young adults after the 6:30pm Mass. Meet friends, old and new, to enjoy music, food, conversation on today’s hot topics and prayer. Our hope is that you leave each SNL event energized to start your workweek.

Sunday, May 14, 2006 With a Little Help From My Friends: Faith as Communal Experience-Rev. Joseph Gillespie, O.P. Increasingly young adults are finding themselves isolated from others. Come join Fr. Gillespie as he examines the Church’s model of communion and fellowship as a response to the individualism and the benefits of such a model for young adults. Sunday, June 11, 2006 Encore! Encore!

Young Adult Evening With Bishop Pates

Friday, April 28, 6:00 p.m., Cathedral of St Paul

The evening's itinerary:

6:15-6:45 -- Individual Reconciliation
7:00-7:45 -- Holy Mass with Bishop Pates
8:00-8:45 -- Time for Q & A with Bishop Pates
9:00-10:00 -- Time for socializing and checking out information

All young adults, ages 21-39, are invited to meet Bishop Pates, to connect with other young adults, and to check out different ministries that the Archdiocese has to offer! For more information, please call 651-228-1766 Catholic Match

St John's Abbey Celebrates 150 Years Wednesday

St. John's Abbey begins its 18 month long celebration of its 150th anniversary starting Wednesday. That day marks the anniversary of when five Benedictine monks from Saint Vincent's Monastery in Pennsylvania left to start their work in Minnesota. They arrived in St. Paul on May 2, 1856, and began the monastic community's work in the state. [An 18 month celebration? Wouldn't it be great if birthdays, Christmas and Easter might last a week or two? Actually, Christmas and Easter do, if you count the pre Vatican II octaves. And if you use the Church calendar, the Christmas season lasts till Epiphany and Easter lasts til Trinity Sunday.]

The Abbey will celebrate its anniversary with events until Nov. 10, 2007. That date marks the start of St. John's University's sesquicentennial festivities. "(The Benedictine monks) started in St. Cloud ... more or less on the present site of St. Cloud State University, just on the river bank," the Rev. Hilary Thimmesh said. [snip] St Cloud Times

Saint John’s Sesquicentennial main events:

Saint John’s at 150: Opening Celebration, Wednesday, April 26. Commemorates the 1856 departure of five Benedictine monks from St. Vincent’s Monastery in Pennsylvania for Minnesota.

Minnesota Landing: A Celebration of Thanksgiving, April 30. Celebration of the arrival of the Benedictine monks in St. Paul on May 2, 1856.

Family Fun Day: Remembering Swayed Pines, May 20 Celebration of the arrival of five Benedictine monks in St. Cloud on May 20, 1856.

Feast of Saint John the Baptist: A Celebration of Thanksgiving, June 23-24 Celebrates the feast of Saint John the Baptist and the discovery of Indianbush as the location for the Abbey and its schools.

Music Day: Homecoming Weekend, Sept. 29 Music program featuring St. John’s University, Prep School, and Amadeus Chamber Orchestra performers.

Benedictine Heritage Day, Sept. 27

Academic Day, March 14, 2007

Community: The Art of Living Together, June 10-13, 2007
Conference focused on the art of living and building communities.

Creativity Days: Homecoming Weekend, October 5-7, 2007

Saint John’s at 150: Closing Celebration, Nov. 10, 2007
Celebrates the anniversary of the first day of class at Saint John’s on November 10, 1857.

Galtier Society Gala

Friday, May 5
To Benefit the Minneapolis groups of the Missionaries of Charity
and
the Little Brothers/Friends of the Elderly

The Prophetic Voice: Old Testament Tradition in Today’s World

Theology Day at the Basilica Friday, May 5, 2006 9:00am—1:00pm

When we use the term “prophetic” in the church, we are referring to a very particular dynamic in God’s redemptive work. The Old Testament scriptures provide many examples of God using simple human beings to call back and redirect a wayward people. Fr. Dale Launderville, OSB, will examine some of these early figures to help us understand the prophetic tradition that is our heritage, and will lead us in a discussion of the role of the prophetic in addressing the challenges of our world today.

Please register by calling the Learning Office at 612.317.3414. There is no fee to attend, though free will offerings will be accepted.

Alarming number. of Hispanic babies dying in Twin Cities

The number of Hispanic women who are losing babies has drawn the concern of advocates in the Catholic Church, which is a key support for the state's growing Hispanic community. The concern started last year with the Rev. Jose Santiago in Minneapolis' Holy Rosary Parish. He didn't have statistics; he just sensed he was presiding over too many babies' funerals. [snip] PioneerPress

Good Reasons to Get Out of the House in Duluth

Spaghetti feed, 4-7 p.m. today, Queen of Peace Church, 102 Fourth St., Cloquet. Donation. Proceeds help pay medical bills for Katie Pfeffer, who needs a kidney transplant. Call 879-6793.

Polka Mass and Sarma Dinner, 5 p.m. Mass and 6-7:30 p.m. dinner today, St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, 610 99th Ave. W. Cost: $7 for adults, $3 for ages 12 and younger. Takeout available. Call 626-2333 or 626-1928.

The Rev. Justin Fish speaks on "What Do Catholics Think about Sin and Confession?", noon and 6:30 p.m. Monday, Somers Hall private dining room, St. Scholastica. Free. Call 723-6699 or e-mail wgraham@css.edu.
Duluth News Tribune

Divine Mercy Sunday is Tomorrow

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, April 23, we joyfully celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, the Second Sunday of the Easter season. It was named by Pope John Paul II at the canonization of St. Maria Faustina on April 30, 2000, and then officially decreed by the Vatican.

Divine Mercy Sunday can be seen as the convergence of all the mysteries and graces of Holy Week and Easter Week. It is like a multi-exposure photograph of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Week. Or, we can think of it as a converging lens that focuses the light of the Risen Christ into a radiant beam of merciful love and grace for the whole world.

In fact, Jesus revealed in various revelations to St. Faustina that it was His desire that we celebrate this special feast.

The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy. (Diary of St. Faustina, 699)

This year, we are happy to have Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston and Bishop Timothy McDonnell of Springfield join us at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massuchusetts to concelebrate Holy Mass in the Northeast's largest Divine Mercy celebration.

If you are not able to visit the National Shine in person, you can join us in our celebration as the day's events and Holy Mass will be brodcast on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) starting at 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

I pray that you will take the time to attend Holy Mass in your local parish this Sunday to celebrate this great Feast of Divine Mercy, and invite you to join us in our celebration on EWTN.

For more information about Divine Mercy Sunday, or The Divine Mercy message and devotion, visit our Divine Mercy Web site at www.thedivinemercy.org.

May the Risen Christ bless you!

Fr. Joseph, MIC
Director, Association of Marian Helpers

Eden Hill
Stockbridge, MA 01263

Pilgrimage Site O' the Day: St. John's Bible, Collegeville, MN

St Peter and the Vatican; the Legacy of the Popes

Extended through May 29! Presented in collaboration with the Milwaukee Archdiocese, the exhibition's Milwaukee showing is the last of three North American stops. It is the only Midwest stop and last U.S. venue.

The exhibition brings together more than 300 works of art from the permanent collections of the Vatican museums. Historic sculptures, paintings and other objects tell the story of the 265 popes who have headed the Roman Catholic Church, impacted world history and influenced Western civilizations.

Here's another: Citizens of the Heavenly City

(A Catechism Of Catholic Social Teaching) by Dr. Arthur Hippler

This book was written by Dr. Hippler at the request of then Bishop of LaCrosse, Raymond Burke, to help fill the lack of authentic Church teaching in most Catholic high school textbooks. Dr. Hippler serves as the Director of the Office of Justice and Peace for the Diocese of La Crosse. He received his Ph. D. in philosophy from Boston College in 1993.

Citizens of the Heavenly City is a valuable resource for Catholic students as well as other Catholics who need a clear explanation of just what the Church’s social teaching consists of and in what sense it obliges Catholics.

In his foreword, Archbishop of St. Louis, Raymond Burke declares that this book “is directed to helping our youth to understand and to observe the pastoral priority of witnessing to Christ in their ordinary Christian living. It is a text which will also be fruitfully studied by adults who desire to deepen their own understanding of what it means to live in Christ.”

Arthur Hippler serves as the Director of the Office of Justice and Peace for the Diocese of La Cross a position he has held since January 2000. [snip] Borromeo Books, the publisher, is based in St Paul.

[Slap on the forehead!] Why haven't I been telling you folks about the Roamin' Roman

University of St Thomas student, the "Roamin' Roman", who blogged stateside under the nom de plume "Veritatis Splendor" has been studying in Rome the last nine months. Actually, I don't think she has had the time to study much because she has taken about 7 jillion photographs and has blogged them with such wonderful descriptions that she just might save you the cost of a trip to Rome. And I don't think the St Thomas Rome branch offers courses in photography.

Take a look and make sure you've blocked out plenty of time. You won't believe what a wonderful experience it will be! Start at the beginning and move forward so then her commentary will make more sense.

Winona's former Bishop Vlazny doesn't like the weather here!

How's the Rain in Oregon, Bishop?

Alleluia! Yes, Easter is here and so is springtime. As we celebrate the risen life of Christ, nature also rejoices in all kinds of signs of new life around us. One of the delights of serving here in Oregon, in contrast with my tenure in Minnesota, is the experience of spring. Minnesotans usually wait until May to celebrate the arrival of springtime, and by June it’s summer — hot and sticky. But here in western Oregon we have a long and beautiful springtime. Natives take it for granted. I never do. Oregon Catholic Sentinal
Another good reason to have a blog. You can argue with a Bishop without fear of Excommunication!

S.D. Tribe Waiting For Federal Money to Re-Build

A year after fire destroyed a dormitory, the students at Crow Creek are still waiting to move up on a government list of Indian schools nationwide in need of construction money.
[snip]
The crisis developed on the last Sunday in April last year. Many students at the former Catholic mission turned tribal-run reservation school had checked out for the weekend, but 33 were in the dorm when a fire started. Most made it out safely without assistance. Staff members who lived on the campus about 13 miles north of Fort Thompson led a few on hands and knees through thick smoke. Two girls had to be pulled from a third-floor window. Argus Leader

Site O' the Day: Minnesota Catholic Conference

Parish Nurse Cares For Body, Mind and Spirit

Nurse Eileen Stack provides no hands-on care. Instead, as a parish nurse at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Roseville and a member of HealthEast Care System's Parish Nurse Network, she helps individuals and families take responsibility for their own health and wellness. For example, she organizes monthly blood pressure clinics after weekend masses, writes short articles on health topics for the Sunday bulletin and posts health-related announcements on the church bulletin board. StarTribune

Parish Nurse Cares For Body, Mind and Spirit

Nurse Eileen Stack provides no hands-on care. Instead, as a parish nurse at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Roseville and a member of HealthEast Care System's Parish Nurse Network, she helps individuals and families take responsibility for their own health and wellness. For example, she organizes monthly blood pressure clinics after weekend masses, writes short articles on health topics for the Sunday bulletin and posts health-related announcements on the church bulletin board. StarTribune

Summer Reading: "Dead Fish Museum"

In these eight carefully crafted but sometimes overwrought stories, Charles D'Ambrosio picks up where his critically lauded collection "The Point" (1995) left off. "The Dead Fish Museum" contains similarly intelligent, melancholy tales of quiet and strangely familiar people suffering miserably through relationships, jobs and their own psychoses, usually in the moody dampness of Seattle and its surrounding geography. StarTribune

Bishop Morlino of Madison Relates “Dictatorship of Relativism”

Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison, Wisconsin defined the parameters of the “dictatorship of relativism” at the third annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, April 7. The annual event is an initiative of some faithful US lay Catholics after the model of the Protestant version that has been a feature of US presidential life for fifty years. Lifesite

Displaced mother eager to put past behind

Will moving from hurricane-ravaged Louisiana to River Falls finally give 39-year-old Katherine Naplava a new lease on life?
[snip]
The parishioners at St. Bridget Catholic Church, led by the Rev. Jerry Harris, brought furniture, dinners (including one for Christmas), gifts and even donated a 1986 Dodge Aries. “Father Harris and everyone at St. Bridget’s have been so gracious and good to me,” Katherine said. River Falls Journal

Young Adults Invited to Cathedral For Evening With Bishop Pates

On Friday, April 28, the Cathedral Young Adults will host a Young Adult Evening with Bishop Richard Pates, the archdiocese’s auxiliary bishop, at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul.

The evening will include opportunities for reconciliation, Mass, a question-and-answer session with Bishop Pates and a young-adult ministry fair. Confessions start at 6:15 p.m., followed by Mass at 7 p.m., the Q&A with Bishop Pates at 8 p.m., and time for socializing and gathering information from 9 to 10 p.m. Catholic Spirit

"Net" Youth Evangelizing Team Brings Two Faribault Brothers Into Church

The Briones brothers — Adrian, 15, and Ricardo, 17, of Faribault — are among the newest members of the Catholic Church. Both received the sacraments of initiation — baptism, first Communion and confirmation — during the Easter Vigil April 15 at Divine Mercy in Faribault.

But their initiation might not have happened were it not for a National Evangelization Team based at the parish.
Catholic Spirit

+

Chancery Responds to Some of docsociety.org Charges

Dr. David Pence calls [the StPaul-Mpls Archdiocese] categories totally inadequate. In the archdiocese, he says, "the disciplining of Catholic clergy in sexual matters has substituted the standards of civil law and notions of consenting adults for the Catholic and canon law standards of obedience to the Sixth Commandment and respect for the Sacraments of Holy Orders and Marriage."
[snip]
"Not so", says the archdiocese's spokesman Dennis McGrath.
[snip] LifeSiteNews.com
Note: The article contains discussion of various possible sexual offenses.

Will Steger to Speak at St Joan's this Weekend

Gerald in San Diego from The Cafeteria is Closed goes off on a tear about St Joan of Arc parish in Minneapolis today. My response:

They are incorrigible, and they are indeed old.

The "speaker" for this weekend is Will Steger, Arctic explorer. http://www.stjoan.com/thumb5fr.htm I'm not sure when the "speaking" occurs. They were told specifically last Fall by our two Auxiliary Bishops that they were not to use lay people for the homilies.

One way they might be getting around that is having the pastor give a very short homily and then cede the pulpit to the speaker. That was the method used by the pastor who started the practice back in the 70s (when I was an attendee for a short time).

If you were Archbishop Flynn, what would you do with them. If you closed the church, there are at least another half dozen "liturgically liberal" parishes (out of 200+) in the Archdiocese. Most quite close. But being that most of these folks have read and memorized Saul Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals", I don't believe that they would go quietly. Some kind of action would be taken.

In the end, they would be out of the Church. I don't think that's what Jesus would want.

They have had a new pastor since last November or so. I understand that he is more orthodox (or would it be "less liberal") than the one preceding him. But gaining control of an organization that has been ruled from below for so many years no doubt is a chore that few would be able to handle.

And the Archbishop seems to have concentrated on cracking down on those pesky, divisive conservatives in his domain.

I pray for them (and their pastor and the Archbishop) daily and ask that others do also.

Winona Diocese Scholarship Endowment

Pilgrimage Site O' the Day: Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse

Our Sunday Visitor Questions S.D. Abortion Ban

When the Legislature passed a law outlawing most abortions, questions immediately focused on the likelihood of overturning Roe v. Wade and the cost of the legal action to defend their vote.
[snip]
Our Sunday Visitor, a national Catholic publication available in most churches in the Sioux Falls Diocese, recently sorted out the possibilities of overturning the law, concluding that the Legislature's new law could backfire on the anti-abortion movement. Argus Leader

Hispanic Residents Changing Makeup of St James

Increasingly, St. James and other southern Minnesota communities - with their labor-hungry packing plants and other industries - are feeling like home to Spanish-speaking people. Just under 600 Hispanics lived in St. James and the rest of Watonwan County in 1990, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 1999, that had grown to 925 people - or about 8 percent of the county's population. StarTribune

Hill-Murray Will Start Major Rennovation Soon

Officials at the Maplewood school expect to have $6 million in improvements finished by this time next year, including a new fieldhouse, renovations to the school's existing theater and fieldhouse, as well as more parking and a new access road. StarTribune

St Thomas limits rooming arrangements for field trips

The University of St. Thomas announced today that it will not allow employees who accompany students on university-sponsored trips to room together if they have a romantic attachment to each other and are not married.
[snip]
"Rather, it is about the University of St. Thomas, in its institutional acts, being what it purports to be: a Catholic university," he said. He said the new policy maintains "the integrity of the university's Catholic nature and faithfulness to its Catholic mission."[snip] StarTribune
PioneerPress
Catholic Spirit

"A Call to Pray" by Joy Wambeke (St Paul resident)

“For the poor souls in purgatory,” I heard my father mutter through clenched teeth. Through the shadows of the upstairs hallway, I could often see my father in my parents' darkened room, his hands wound around his foot or grasping his knee. He always got ready for work at Sydney harbor in the dark so as not to wake mum. It was his habit to offer the inevitable bumps into furniture for the dead not yet in heaven.

It would be fair to say that mum and my father believed in God. [snip] Dappled Things, a brand new Catholic literary magazine you should all check out.

Lecture on Early Church at U of MN Apr 27

On Thursday, April 27 at 4:45 p.m., Professor Oliver Nicholson, Department of Classics, will lecture on Preparation for Martyrdom in the Early Church in Room 155 of Nicholson Hall: http://onestop.umn.edu/Maps/NichH/. A reception will be held after the lecture in Room 135. The event is sponsored by the Department of Classical Literature and Near Eastern Studies, Institute for Advanced Study, and the CLA Scholarly Events Fund MacLaurin Institute

Site O' the Day: Men on a Mission; Twin Cities

Looking for a Catholic College? How About These?

Mandatum Schools

This is a partial list of U.S. Catholic Universities who publicly require all Catholic theology professors to have the mandatum (their bishop´s recognition of their pledge to teach in communion with the magisterium of the Church). Contact editor@ncregister.com to add your school. Canon 812 reads: "It is necessary that those who teach theological disciplines in any institute of higher studies have a mandatum from the competent ecclesiastical authority." Aquinas College, Nashville, Tennessee Ave Maria College, Ypsilanti, Michigan Ave Maria University, Naples, Florida Belmont Abbey College, Belmont, North Carolina Benedictine College, Atchison, Kansas Our Lady of Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas DeSales University, Center Valley, Pennsylvania Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, Ohio Magdalen College, Warner, New Hampshire Our Lady of Holy Cross College, New Orleans, Louisiana St. Gregory´s University, Shawnee, Oklahoma University of Dallas, Dallas, Texas University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas Oath of Fidelity Schools This is a partial list of schools whose theology faculties have taken fidelity oaths in lieu of the mandatum. Most are in dioceses where the local bishop has not offered the mandatum. Contact editor@ncregister.com to add your school. Christendom College, Front Royal, Virginia Thomas Aquinas College, Santa Paula, California Thanks to National Catholic Register

Common Sense Apostle & Cigar Smoking Mystic

Dale Ahlquist, author of G.K. Chesterton: Apostle of Common Sense and president of the Minneapolis based American Chesterton Society, reflects on the robust, timeless faith of the rotund, timely G.K. Chesterton

A Giant Shadow Cast by an Illuminating Mind

Anyone who has ventured across the great shadow of Gilbert Keith Chesterton has discovered that Chesterton's angel was no match for him. The wrestling match is a hard one to imagine, but perhaps what happened was the giant artist and apologist finally sat on the angel’s head, and the angel was only too happy to give that special blessing which enabled G.K. Chesterton to rise forever above mere art or polemics. Chesterton’s poetic prose (and poetic poetry) overflows with eternal truth. His defense of Christianity bursts with logic and insight. His words are as wise and wonderful, as vital and as far-reaching today as when they were first written. [snip] Ignatius Insight

Primary Educators League Meeting April 25

Our first two parents meetings were a tremendous success with over 250 people attending from close to 60 different parishes.

Due to many requests, we will host another parent-led informational meeting on the "safe environments" programs being implemented in the archdiocese. The meeting will be in the same format as the two recently held in Hopkins and Roseville. We'll also have Pastor Packs and Parent Packs available. Please spread the word to those who are concerned about this important issue.

Tuesday, April 25th, from 7-8:30 P.M.
Burnsville City Hall
Lower Level Community RoomRoom
100 Civic Center Parkway
Burnsville, MN 55337
primaryeducators.org

31st John Ireland Lecture at UST

Book Review: The Collar (Inside a Seminary)

An engaging look inside a Catholic seminary dispels many mysteries. First-time author Englert was granted and then denied access to seminaries in two separate dioceses before he was permitted to become a fly on the wall at a Wisconsin seminary specializing in second-career aspirants to the priesthood. Focusing on five seminarians at various stages of study, from entering students to those being ordained, he manages to cover a wide range of personal struggles and accomplishments. Monsters & Critics

Catholic Aid Association; a Bit of History in Adrian

Virgil Schutz is a long time member of the St. Joseph Council and parishioner of St. Adrian Catholic Church. In fact, he can track both connections back to his great grandfather and the very beginning of the Catholic Aid Association. He has the picture to prove it.

In the morning, on September 4, 1881, 42 men stood proudly before the church they had built and within the society they had created one of many such groups around the state that formed to help protect the needy in their immigrant communities. Less than eight months previously, on January 18, 1881, they had joined the Catholic Aid Association (founded on January 8, 1878, as The Mutual Life Insurance Association of the German Roman Catholic Benevolent Societies of Minnesota) as its 18th council (then called a society), and seventh named for St. Joseph.
Nobles County Review

Good Friday Way of the Cross in Duluth

Every year on Good Friday, thanks to the Communion and Liberation movement's invitation to participate in the Way of the Cross, I am jolted out of the ordinary world to the stark reality of the world by making this walk through the streets of my city.

Since we started this tradition in Duluth three years ago, we walk from The College of St. Scholastica past the University of Minnesota Duluth, stopping at the Newman Center, and on to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, where Bishop Schnurr joins us for the final station. We finish by going inside to attend the Good Friday liturgy Clairity's Place

Divine Mercy Sunday; Plenary Indulgence Available

Our Lord's Mercy grants forgiveness of all sins and punishment on Feast of Divine Mercy, Mercy Sunday, mercy for even the most hardened sinners!

You do not have to attend a special service to obtain the available graces, but the following parishes will be having special services:

Cathedral of St Paul: This year we will be celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday at the Cathedral beginning at 1:30PM on April 23. Guest speaker Paul Regan from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy will also be joining us. The afternoon will also include time for confession and Eucharistic Adoration, and will conclude with Mass at 5:00pm.

Minneapolis Metro Area

Albertville † St. Albert † Laverne Beaudry (763) 497-2752 Church (763) 497-2474 †.2:00-4:00 / conf 2-2:30

Belle Plaine -- Our Lady of the Prairie -- Joe or Thelma, (952) 873-5569 -- 1:30-4:00 confessions

Cannon Falls -- St. Pius V -- (651) 429-7937 -- At all Masses, 4:30 p.m., Saturday; 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday

Columbia Heights † Immaculate Conception † Teresa (763) ? Church (763) 788-9062 † 3:00-4:00 pm

Coon Rapids † Epiphany † Linda Nelson (763) 754-6607 † Church (763) 755-1020 † 2:30-4:00

Crystal † St. Raphael † Jan Lauinger (763) 535-5730 † Church (763) 537-8401 † 2:00-3:30

Delano † St. Joseph † Judy Florey (763) 972-6952 † Church (763) 972-2077 † l: 30-3:30, 3:30 refreshments

Excelsior † St. John the Baptist † Mary Ann (952) 474-5834 † Church (952) 474-8868 † 3:00-4:00 (w/confession)

Faribault -- Divine Mercy (Sacred Heart location) -- Church -- (507) 334-2266; Delores, (507) 334-7120 -- 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Hopkins † St. Joseph † Kathleen (952) † Church (952) 935-0111 † 2:00-3:00

Lakeville † All Saints † Kathy (952) 432-6127 †Church (952) 469-4481 † 1:00-4:00 (w/confession)

Loretto † St. Peter and Paul † Carol (763) – 479-2791 † Church (763) 479-0535 † 2:00

Maple Lake † St. Timothy † (320) 963-3726 † Mass 8 & 10 with confession & devotions 9:00-9:45

Minneapolis † Annunciation † Dorothy (612) 861-5326 † Church - (612) 824-0787 † 1:00-3:00

Minneapolis † Visitation † Jo (612) 869-2710 † Church (612) 822-3139 † 12:00-3:30

Prior Lake (Spring Lake Twnshp) † St. Catherine † Mary Kay (952) 447-3970 † 1:00–4:30 (conf 1:30-4:00)

Robbinsdale † Sacred Heart † Bob & Ellen Masog (763) 560-1910 † Church (763) 537-4561 † 2:00-3:30

Rogers † Queen of Peace Church † (763) 428-2355 † 3:00

St. Anthony † St. Charles Borromeo † Church (612) 781-6529 † 2:00-3:45 (2 pm conf /3 adoration and devotions)

St. Louis Park † Holy Family † Jean (952) 929-0113 † 11:00-3:00 (Mercy Talk Each Mass)

St. Michael † St. Michael (Historic Church) † John (763) 497-3677 † Ch (763) 497-2745 † 3:00

Savage † St. John the Baptist †Jack (952) 882-9227 † Church (952) 890-9465 † 2:00-3:30 pm.

Waverly - St. Mary: Church (763) 658-4319, 1-2 p.m. reconciliation; 2 p.m. prayer service

St. Paul Metro Area

Cathedral of St. Paul: (651) 228-1766 1:30 pm-3:30 pm with confessions (See Above Also)

Centerville † St. Genevieve † (651) 429-7937 † at all Masses: 4:30 Sat, 8 & 10 Sun.

Forest Lake † St. Peter Chapel † Mickey (651) 464-4156 † Ch (651) 982-2200 † 2:00 – 4:00 w/ Confession

Hastings -- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton -- Church (651) 437-4252; begins with 11:30 a.m. Mass and ends with benedication at 4:00 p.m.

Maplewood † St. Jerome † Cynthia (651) 772-2221 † Church (651) 776-4202 † 1:30 – 4:30 w/Confession 1:30-3:30 (Mass 3:30)

North St. Paul † St. Peter † Candy (651) 777-5110 † Church (651) 777-8304 † 2:00 – 4:00

Rush City - Sacred Heart -- Debbie, (651) 674-5415 or (612) 849-8830; Church (320) 358-4370; 2-3 p.m.

St. Paul † St. Agnes † Margaret (651) 778-1941 † Church (651) 293-1710 † 2:30 - 4:00

St. Paul † St. John † Dorothy (651) 776 5764 † Church (651) 771 3690 † 2:00-3:30 (confession)

South St. Paul † St. Augustine † Church (651) 451-1212 or (651) 455-1302 † 2:00-3:30

Stillwater † St. Michael † Nancy (651) 439-3566 † Church (651) 439-4400 † 1:30 – 3:30 (w/confession)

Taylors Falls † St. Joseph † Church (651) 465-7345 † 1:00-4:30

West St. Paul † St. Joseph † Jeannie (651) 457-6419 † Ellie (651) 457-3285 † 2:30-3:30, 3:30 video

White Bear Lake † St. Pius X † Duane (651) 426-1244 † Church (651) 429-5337 † 2:00-3:30 w/confessions

Greater Minnesota

Belle Plaine † Our Lady of the Prairie † Joe/Thelma (952) 873-5569 † Church (952) 873-2323 † 1;30-4;00 Confessions 1:30-3:00

Cambridge † Christ the King † Church (763) 689-1221 † Chaplet before each Mass; †confession 4:00 Sat

Cannon Falls † St. Pius V † Mary/Sheldon (507) 258-4559 † Church (507) 263-2578 † 1:00 – 4:00 † confessions

Centerville † St. Genevieve† Church (651-429-7937- † at each mass: 4:30, 8:00, and 10:00

Fairmont: St. John Vianney Parish, following the 10:00 am Mass, including Adoration & Chaplet.

Faribault † Divine Mercy (Sacred Heart) † Church (507) 334-2266 † Delores (507) 334-7120 † 2:30 – 3:30

Rush City † Sacred Heart † Debbie P. (651) 674-5415 or (612) 849-8830 † Church (320) 358-4370 † 2:00 – 3:00

Winona: St. Casimir’s, Video 1:00pm, Celebration 2:30-4:00pm includes adoration & Confession &Rosary: Call Lynn: (507) 454-7116
Thanks to Catholic NewsNet for the Parishes and Times