When preachers confuse faith with certainty and evangelism with terrorism, they invite hostility, misunderstanding and hurt feelings.

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I’ll have what the Freethinkers are having

By: Father William C. Graham, Duluth News Tribune

Remember “When Harry Met Sally”? The most memorable scene in the movie was set in Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City. Sally’s enthusiasm is heard by everyone when she is loudly enthusiastic during a meal shared with Harry. Another diner, played by the director’s mother, then tells the server, “I’ll have what she’s having.” When Estelle Reiner died in 2008, the New York Times noted that she “delivered one of the most memorably funny lines in movie history.”

I thought of that scene after joining in a deathwatch as a local, faithful Christian prepared to meet the Lord surrounded and supported by family and friends, comforted by the family’s religious practice. A local minister, hearing from one of his congregants about the impending death, sent word to the bedside that the dying person belonged to the wrong denomination of Christianity. The minister wanted to visit and help the dying person profess true belief; otherwise heaven would not be a possibility. And hellfire is even hotter than July 2011 in Duluth.

Hearing this outrage, I had renewed sympathy for and fellow feeling with our local Freethinkers and their desire for freedom from religion. In imitation of Estelle Reiner, I decided, “I’ll have what they’re having.”

Freedom from religion, as I understand it, does not mean I would no longer be free to practice Catholicism or discharge priestly duties. It would mean, I hope, freedom from the tyranny and bad behavior of individuals or congregations whose idea of evangelism is to discourage others, demean other churches and assume an air of infallibility that no pope could ever match.

No Catholic or Orthodox priest, ELCA Lutheran, United Methodist, Presbyterian or mainline protestant minister would be as outrageous as the preacher cited above. We have greater respect for human freedom and dignity and for the Word of God dwelling richly in each of us and in our churches.

Why would someone whose church dates to 1914 or 1988 feel an authority and a certainty that supersedes all others? And what, we might ask, happened to believers who lived and died before his church was founded? Have they all been consigned to hell? They may claim a biblical mandate to issue such claims, but no real student of the Bible or faithful follower of Christ could support such a claim in a way that could be reconciled with the compassionate teaching of Jesus.

When preachers confuse faith with certainty and evangelism with terrorism, they invite hostility, misunderstanding and hurt feelings. They inflict wounds on the Body of Christ that is the Church.

Pope Benedict XVI has expressed his desire that the “Gospel reawaken in all the baptized the awareness of being missionaries of Christ, called to prepare the way for him with words and with the testimony of their lives.” And the Catholic Church routinely prays to God for “all your people and all who seek you with a sincere heart,” as is stated in the Fourth Eucharistic prayer.

No one is outside God’s saving power. That inclusive vision shared by the mainline churches mentioned above, it seems to me, is preferable to the idea that only a certain few can be saved.

When we are confronted with the mean-spirited antics of ministers and the divisive ideas of their fringe groups, which have a dangerously limited grasp of God’s mercy, let’s take Estelle Reiner as our model and respectfully assert, “We’ll have what the Freethinkers are having.”

The Rev. William C. Graham, Ph.D., is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Duluth. He directs the Braegelman Program in Catholic Studies at the College of St. Scholastica. His latest book, “A Catholic Handbook on Sex: Essentials for the 21st Century,” will be released in September.

Catholic Military Chaplains: America's Forgotten Heroes

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Written by Major James A. Harvey III

July 14, 2011

“War is Hell” General William Tecumseh Sherman once noted. Indeed there is nothing to celebrate about warfare; however unfortunately it has been present with mankind in his fallen nature since departing from the Garden of Eden. War was a common affair throughout the Old Testament. Saint Augustine understood the sometimes unfortunate necessity of war and as a result outlined the “Just War” clauses to allow moral principles to still be applied. Later in more modern periods Saint Joan of Arc was called to battle by Our Lord, and in the twentieth century Our Lady noted at Fatima that war was a “punishment for sin.” In other words man’s own sinfulness often leads to war due to a lack of God in society. This helps us in our current age understand that at certain times war is necessary to defeat evil; or in self defense. While often it is hard to tell throughout history whether a war was just or not, in the end it is truly left to the judgment of God. However, regardless Catholic chaplains have served throughout history on the battlefield to serve those who have fought wars whether from a sense of duty, or simply being caught up in the times and circumstances. Fr. Aloysius Paul McGonigal, a Chaplain of the U.S. Army holding the rank of Major. The Forgotten Heroes In the U.S., military chaplains have also served since the Revolutionary War. The widespread use of Catholic chaplains did not begin until the Civil War after large populations of Catholic immigrants had changed the demographic of a previously Protestant dominated America. Additionally, previous wars found Catholics still facing much prejudice in the military and their religious needs were not considered as much as those of Protestants. However, since the Civil War, the Catholic chaplains of the U.S. military have provided comfort in war and peace. Frequently many were and remain true Catholic heroes but, sadly are often forgotten. This article while not all inclusive will re-introduce some of the many forgotten Catholic chaplains throughout American military history, and also recommend some additional references for further reading. The Mexican American War Even before the Civil War during the Mexican American War of 1846-1848, Father Anthony Rey served in the army of General Zackary Taylor. Father Rey administered to American troops with Last Rites and care of the wounded. He was present at the Battle of Monterey in which he earned admiration for his bravery. Father Rey also ministered to local Mexican Catholics. He was warned by U.S. Army officers against this practice due to guerilla and bandit activity outside U.S. camps. However, Father Rey accepted the risk nonetheless for the good of souls. He would die doing the work of his Master in 1847 in the Mexican countryside being found dead of multiple lance pierces. A quick internet search will reveal more details and background on the life and mission of Father Rey.1 Civil War Chaplains During the U.S. Civil War from 1861-1865, Father William Corby became famous for his absolution of the Irish brigade at Gettysburg in 1863 as they went into battle. Shortly after this absolution many Irish soldiers would be cut down, but in the mercy of the Lord, they died with the sacramental comfort of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. This act is still commemorated by a statue of the absolution at Gettysburg National Battlefield. Father Corby later became president of Notre Dame and wrote a memoir of his three years in the Civil War which is still in print titled Memoirs of Chaplain Life: Three Years in the Irish Brigade with the Army of the Potomac.2 Also during the Civil War, Father Peter Whelan was a Confederate Army Catholic chaplain who ministered to the Union prisoners at the infamous Andersonville Prisoner of War (POW) camp in Georgia. At Andersonville Union prisoners were subject to exposure at all times and seasons. The stream that flowed through the camp was the water source and latrine. Father Whelan administered to the prisoners in the hot, disease ridden, and filthy camp where thousands would die. Prisoners also suffered from gang violence committed by fellow prisoners. From dawn to dusk Father Whelan heard confessions, cared for the sick, and provided comfort including the Last Rites to the numerous dying. In this camp of horror, Father Whelan saved thousands of lives and souls through his zeal for charity. Father Whelan cared for those seen as the Union “enemy” as he, like his Lord, saw all mankind first: as his brother not an enemy. Father Whelan would contract a lung disease from the disease ridden camp and die in 1871 going to his eternal reward after working in his Master’s vineyard.3 A work titled The Prison Ministry of Father Peter Whelan: Georgia Priest and Confederate Chaplain was written in 1987 by Peter J. Meany, OSB. The small book can sometimes be obtained at old book stores and is quite inspirational and more detailed.4 Later Wars Following the Civil War, conflict was constant in the Western U.S. during the period known as the Indian Wars from 1865 to Wounded Knee in 1890. Father Eli Washington John Lindesmith ministered to the troops and families stationed on the lonely Western outposts. His readings are very interesting and well documented by author Monsignor James R. Kolp in his work The Amazing Father Lindesmith: Chaplain in Indian Country; and noted as “worthwhile reading” by Father Benedict Groeschel CFR.5 The Spanish American War of 1898 began with the explosion that destroyed the U.S.S. Maine in Cuba’s Havana harbor which was likely incorrectly thought to be the result of foul play from Spain. Regardless, Father John P. Chidwick, Chaplain of the U.S.S. Maine, immediately gave a mass absolution, and then feverishly began rescuing and administering to the wounded. Last Rites were also given to the dying. Needless to say all these actions were done at great risk to his own life. One cadet noted that night Chaplain Chidwick was “everywhere.” Father Chidwick would also be one of the last to leave the stricken ship.6 Fr. Francis Duffy in World War I trenches. World War I During World War I, Father John B. DeValles would become known as the “Angel of the Trenches.” This was due to his charity in deliberately entering “No Man’s Land” to look for wounded and dying soldiers; Allied or German. The danger he risked in his zeal for souls made him a legend. Father DeValles was once even found unconscious due to breathing in mustard gas while trying to aid a wounded soldier. Father DeValles’ selfless charity would lead to early death from health problems connected to the war at age forty-one.7 Father Francis Patrick Duffy was also a legend and known for his chaplaincy to the 69th “Fighting Irish” New York National Guard in World War I. Today, while not well known, a statue of Father Duffy can be found in the middle of Times Square as this author has visited.8 World War II The attack on Pearl Harbor brought about the first Catholic chaplain hero of World War II. Father Aloysius Schmitt was beginning preparations for Mass on the U.S.S. Oklahoma when Japanese torpedoes hit the battleship. The attack caused immediate flooding aboard the vessel. In one compartment, Father Schmitt helped push sailors through a small porthole to escape the incoming waters. The last man to leave would have been Father Schmitt however, after realizing more sailors had arrived into the flooding compartment below him he went back and gave up attempts to save himself. Father Schmitt pushed another twelve men through before he drowned. Later in the war a destroyer would bear his name as the U.S.S. Schmitt.9 In the following days, the Japanese attacks on the Philippines also brought out more Catholic priest heroes. Father William Cummings was one such chaplain who ministered to the victims of the attack on the Philippines. Eventually captured, Father Cummings would be one of the five priests who participated in the infamous Bataan Death March. Father Cummings would continue to minister to troops in the Prisoner of War (POW) camp and become known as the man “who never said no to anyone.” Father Cummings would go to his eternal award eight months before the war’s end dying on a Japanese POW ship.10 Also on the Death March, the Japanese brutally murdered a Jesuit priest who until today is regarded as a martyr by the Filipino people. Father Juan Gaerlan, a chaplain to the Philippine Army (the Philippines was still an American colony,) after he escaped with other Filipino soldiers was later recaptured. In retaliation all were fastened with baling wire and bayoneted to death.11 Additionally Father John E. Duffy would survive the Death March, being left for dead after Japanese guards bayoneted him three times. Rescued by Filipino guerillas he was later recaptured and sent to Japanese POW camps where he ministered to the prisoners. During his imprisonment Father Duffy was tortured, beaten with a baseball bat and subjected to high water pressure, all of which failed to get the priest to collaborate with the enemy in any way. This information in greater detail is available in a great work on Father Duffy; But Deliver Us from Evil: Father Duffy and the Men of Bataan by Dan Murr in 2008.12 Father Duffy was also with Father Matthias Zerfas who survived the Death March. While a prisoner he celebrated Mass and cared for the sick even though he was weak and himself literally starving to death. Father Zerfas even conducted convert classes and led night prayers and a daily rosary. Father Zerfas eventually died after being given Last Rites by Father Duffy when their POW ship moving them was mistakenly attacked by U.S. warplanes.13 Father Carl Hausmann also ministered to POWs after surviving the Death March. Father Hausmann entered the army following the attack on the Philippines as he was already present in the islands as a priest ministering to the lepers at the Colion Leper Colony. One survivor noted that they felt unclean around Father Hausmann as he was so holy. One example of this holiness was his giving of food to other prisoners although he himself was dying of starvation, and another was how he worked for others while barely able to stand himself. Father Hausmann also suffered a ten minute rifle butt beating by a Japanese guard for refusing to halt the consecration during Mass when an air raid began. Father Hausmann survived the beating and still completed the Holy Mass after the guard left.14 Additionally, Father Duffy himself said Father Hausmann died partly because he gave his daily two spoonfuls of rice to other prisoners.15 This author recommends the aforementioned book by Dan Murr for more detail on these great priests of Bataan and their resulting heroic charity in Japanese POW camps. Holy Mass on Iwo Jima, 1945. The Pacific Theater As the war continued, many Catholic chaplains entered military service and began to bring the sacraments so needed to soldiers in danger or on the verge of death. Many would give their lives or make other heroic sacrifices. In the Pacific War, Father Thomas Reardon suffered with the troops on Guadalcanal so much that he lost fifty pounds. Father Reardon wore the same clothes for eighty-five days and despite dealing with malaria rarely rested in order to minister to his “parish” on the beach for 125 days. Father Reardon was later evacuated unconscious and close to death from his overwork.16 Author James Campbell in The Ghost Mountain Boys regarding the campaign in New Guinea discusses the role of Father Stephen Dzienis who accompanied the 32d Infantry Division as it crossed the Owen Stanley Mountains in a 130-mile march through thick jungle to attack the Japanese army at Buna. This march through the jungle decimated the 32d through disease and exhaustion, but they still went into immediate combat for two months with a determined Japanese enemy. Even in battle and despite jungle rot sores, Father Dzienis would provide Mass, comfort, and Last Rites. Soldiers of all faiths were known to shout “Chaplain Dzienis is here!” so important was his presence as he crawled to the front to visit “his parish.”17 At Iwo Jima, Marine Chaplain Father Charles Suver celebrated Holy Mass shortly before the raising of the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi by the Marines. Debate has been inconclusive whether it was the first less known or the second more well known raising of the flag that is now immortalized in history. Regardless of which flag raising it was Father Suver could still hear Japanese voices in the nearby caves as he said the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass!18 Fr. Joseph O’Callahan ministers to an injured man aboard the USS Franklin, March, 1945. At sea, Navy Chaplain Father Joseph T. O’Callahan received the Medal of Honor due to his bravery administering to the dead and wounded when the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Franklin was severely damaged and turned into a blazing inferno by a kamikaze attack off Japan in March 1945. Father O’Callahan additionally was credited with inspiring the crew to fight the fires despite the danger of flames and exploding American bombs set off by the fire. Father O’Callahan set an example of bravery and spiritual calmness which in turn helped inspire the crew.19 The European Theater In Europe, Catholic chaplains were no less brave and were present throughout the theater. Father Joseph Lacy spent much of D-Day in France providing Last Rites to Catholic soldiers and spiritual comfort to non-Catholic soldiers.20 Father Francis L. Sampson became known as the “Parachute Padre” serving in the 501st parachute regiment. Father Sampson was captured at Normandy by the German SS and almost executed until saved by a German Catholic soldier. Father Sampson noted he was so nervous he kept repeating the Catholic grace prayer before a meal instead of an Act of Contrition. Eventually freed by American troops and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Father Sampson would go on to survive the famous jump into the Arnhem pocket in Holland also known as “the bridge too far,” and was later recaptured by German troops during the Battle of the Bulge. This time Father Samson would remain a POW in a Stalag until the end of the war, but remain busy aiding the sick and saying Mass. Father Sampson would survive to serve as a Chaplain in the Korean War and later become the U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains from 1967-1971.21 Father Sampson also wrote a memoir of his World War II experiences appropriately titled Look Out Below in 1958.22 This memoir also gives great insight to Soviet actions in occupied areas of Eastern Europe after German defeat. Father Sampson was in a POW camp “liberated” by the Soviet army and he offers a good firsthand account of the horrors of life in the Soviet sector. If it can be acquired through an old book store it is a worthwhile read. At sea in the Battle for the Atlantic with German submarines, Father John Washington is remembered as one of the four chaplains that gave away their lives after the troopship Dorchester was torpedoed by a German U-Boat off Greenland in 1943. Father Washington and the other three chaplains a rabbi, a Methodist, and a Dutch Reformed minister all gave away their life preservers and were last seen sinking with the ship praying with arms linked for the men’s safety.23 There is a stained glass memorial to these four chaplains in the Pentagon. In concluding the World War II part of this article it must be mentioned that any reading about Catholic chaplains in World War II is not complete without Battlefield Chaplains: Catholic Priests in World War II by Donald F. Crosby, S.J. Chaplain Harold O. Prudell hears a soldier’s confession on the front lines of Korea, June, 1951. After World War II In the postwar era, Father William Menster would accompany the U.S. exploration mission Operation HighJump to the Antarctica. Father Menster would be the first clergy to set foot on Antarctica and also consecrated the continent through the Holy Mass. Father Menster wrote his memoirs in a work called Strong Men South in 1949.24 In 1950, the Korean War would bring forward more sacrifice on the part of Catholic chaplains. Father Emil J. Kapaun who was declared a Servant of God in 1993 may one day be declared a saint. Father Kapaun worked tirelessly to aid and comfort POWs after he was captured and imprisoned by Chinese Communist troops. Father Kapaun despite abuse would also help the allied POWs refute communist propaganda with Catholic doctrine. Eventually communist abuse would take its toll and Father Kapaun would die of sickness, the denial of medical care, and starvation before the end of the war. Giving away his food to other POWs exasperated the problem. A great work on Father Emil Kapaun is A Shepherd in Combat Boots by William L. Maher.25n Fr. Emil Kapaun, the Good Thief During the war in Vietnam Father Vincent Robert Capodanno, a U.S. Navy Chaplain, ministered to U.S. troops and was killed while trying to rescue a wounded corpsman. Father Capodanno was into his second year after he volunteered to extend past a year in order to continue to administer to U.S. troops. This action would lead to the award of the Medal of Honor for Father Capodanno. Father Capodanno was named a Servant of God in 2002 and may likely become a saint. Grunt Padre by Father Daniel L. Mode is a great book on Father Capodanno.26 U.S. Army Chaplain Father Aloysius Paul McGonigal during the Tet Offensive of 1968 volunteered to minister to troops in the urban battle for Hue city. The urban battle for Hue ranks with other great urban battles like Stalingrad and Manila during World War II in its intensity. Despite an order to not go into the city, Father McGonigal’s zeal for souls in danger was too great. Fr. Charles Watters in Vietnam shortly before his death in November, 1967. Chaplain Watters was awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery under fire. Once he linked up with the Marines they told him to leave as it was too dangerous. Father McGonigal refused and ministered aid and Last Rites to the wounded and dying. He was killed on February 17, 1968 trying to rescue a wounded Marine. The Marines later dedicated a chapel at Camp Pendleton in his honor to the service he gave to the Marines at Hue.27 In our own times, Minnesotan Father Tim Vakoc served in Bosnia where he told his sister he wanted to do God’s will even if it included being in the line of fire. Father Vakoc would eventually deploy to Iraq and drove in the dangerous convoys prone to Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks in order to minister to the troops. After returning from saying Holy Mass in the Mosul area in 2004, Father Vakoc was in a vehicle struck by an IED that caused him to loose an eye and suffer heavy brain damage. Father Vakoc suffered during his attempts of recovery and went to his eternal reward in June 2009 a true warrior of Christ. Stella Borealis posts on Father Vakoc While this brief article can only scratch the surface it is a reminder of the many Catholic heroes that have served as chaplains in our country’s history. The spiritual and physical benefits of the priest in service to the armed forces are incalculable. This author has seen firsthand the selfless service of priests in Iraq, and hopes all who read this have a new found appreciation for our wonderful Catholic chaplains past and present and will find the works mentioned beneficial for future reading and inspiration. Our Lord truly built his Holy Roman Catholic Church to bring us salvation and His comfort under the most trying of times in this world. James A. Harvey, III is a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve. He holds a Masters Degree in Military Studies from American Military University. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites 9Share Footnotes 1. Donald R. McClarey, “The American Catholic,” http://the-american-catholic.com/2009/03/09/the-first/ This is part of a blog regarding Catholic chaplains on “The American Catholic” website that features great information on many forgotten Catholic chaplains. Permission was obtained from author Donald R. McClarey to use them. [back] 2. Corby, William, and Lawrence Kohl. Memoirs of Chaplain Life. New York: Fordham University Press, 1992. [back] 3. Donald R. McClarey “The American Catholic,” http://the-american-catholic.com/2009/04/21/priest-of-andersonville/ This is part of a blog regarding Catholic chaplains on “The American Catholic” website that features great information on many forgotten Catholic chaplains. Permission was obtained from author Donald R. McClarey to use them. [back] 4. Meany, Peter J. The Prison Ministry of Father Peter Whelan Georgia Priest and Confederate Chaplain. Savannah: The Georgia Historical Quarterly, 1987. [back] 5. Kolp, Monsignor. The Amazing Father Lindesmith. Canton, OH: St. Raphael Center, Inc, 2004. [back] 6. Donald R. McClarey, “The American Catholic” http://the-american-catholic.com/2009/07/24/hero-of-the-maine/#more-10928 This is part of a blog regarding Catholic chaplains on “The American Catholic” website that features great information on many forgotten Catholic chaplains. Permission was obtained from author Donald R. McClarey to use them. [back] 7. Sources are hard to find on Father Devalles. The link here is to a daycare center named after Father Devalles and their site presents a quick biography of their namesake. http://www.devallesdaycare.com/our-name.htm [back] 8. Father Duffy’s memoirs are available sometimes in old book sales. Duffy, Francis, P. Father Duffy’s Story A Tale of Humor and Heroism, of Life and Death with the Fighting 69th. New York: George H. Doran Company, 1919. Also available in reprint at Kessinger Publishing http://www.kessinger.net/ [back] 9. Donald R. McClarey “The American Catholic” http://the-american-catholic.com/2009/03/11/sunday-in-paradise/#more-5684 This is part of a blog regarding Catholic chaplains on “The American Catholic” website that features great information on many forgotten Catholic chaplains. Permission was obtained from author Donald R. McClarey to use them. [back] 10. Crosby, Donald F. Battlefield Chaplains: Catholic Priests in World War II. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 1994), 27-28. Info on Father Cummings obtained from Battlefield Chaplains. Used with permission. [back] 11. Crosby, Battlefield Chaplains, 29. Used with permission. [back] 12. Murr, Dan. But Deliver Us from Evil: Father Duffy and the Men of Bataan. (Jacksonville, FL: Murr Publishing, 2008), 83-84. Used with permission. [back] 13. Murr, Deliver Us from Evil 100-102. Used with permission. [back] 14. Murr, Deliver Us from Evil 84-86. Used with permission. [back] 15. Murr, Deliver Us from Evil 104. Used with permission. [back] 16. Crosby, Battlefield Chaplains, 40. Used with permission. [back] 17. Campbell, James. The Ghost Mountain Boys. (New York: Crown Publishers, 2007), 255. Used with permission. [back] 18. Donald R. McClarey “The American Catholic” http://the-american-catholic.com/2009/03/30/the-mass-on-mount-suribachi/ This is part of a blog regarding Catholic chaplains on “The American Catholic” website that features great information on many forgotten Catholic chaplains. Permission was obtained from author Donald R. McClarey to use them. [back] 19. Donald R. McClarey “The American Catholic” http://the-american-catholic.com/2010/02/21/great-jesuits-5-medal-of-honor/#more-17858 This is part of a blog regarding Catholic chaplains on “The American Catholic” website that features great information on many forgotten Catholic chaplains. Permission was obtained from author Donald R. McClarey to use them. [back] 20. Crosby, Battlefield Chaplains, 129. Used with permission. [back] 21. Donald R. McClarey, “The American Catholic” http://the-american-catholic.com/2008/11/18/father-major-general/ This is part of a blog regarding Catholic chaplains on “The American Catholic” website that features great information on many forgotten Catholic chaplains. Permission was obtained from author Donald R. McClarey to use them. [back] 22. Sampson, Francis. Look out below! A Story of the Airborne by a Paratrooper Padre. Sweetwater: 101st Airborne Division Association, 1989. [back] 23. Donald R. McClarey, “The American Catholic” http://the-american-catholic.com/2009/01/05/four-chaplains/ This is part of a blog regarding Catholic chaplains on “The American Catholic” website that features great information on many forgotten Catholic chaplains. Permission was obtained from author Donald R. McClarey to use them. [back] 24. Menster, William. Strong Men South. Milwaukee: The Bruce Publishing Company, 1949. [back] 25. Maher, William. A Shepherd in Combat Boots. Shippensburg: Burd Street Press, 2002. [back] 26. Mode, Daniel L. The Grunt Padre. Oak Lawn, IL: CMJ Marian Publishers, 2000. Father Mode himself has served in the U.S. Naval Reserve and is currently on active duty as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy. Father Mode has also served in Afghanistan. [back] 27. Donald R. McClarey, “The American Catholic” http://the-american-catholic.com/2009/05/24/jesuit-grunt/#more-8930 This is part of a blog regarding Catholic chaplains on “The American Catholic” website that features great information on many forgotten Catholic chaplains. Permission was obtained from author Donald R. McClarey to use them. [back]

Catholic Military Chaplains

Restored and Renovated St. Joseph Cathedral, Sioux Falls, Opened

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Monday of this last week (July 25), the historic St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, marked the completion of its renovation with the blessing of the cathedral doors and a sneak peak inside. (NLM wrote about the restoration back when it was on the drawing board in 2009).

St. Joseph was designed and built by French Beaux-Arts master Emmanuel Masqueray (1861-1917) from 1915 onward, being completed after his death; the renovation, which included the creation and installation of a new baldachin, altar rail, ambo and more in a complementary classical style, marble flooring, and a new, more vibrant color-scheme, was helmed by Duncan Stroik, who needs no introduction here, and includes a number of sculptural works by Cody Swanson, a young master and teacher at the Florence Academy of Art, including crucifix, ambo relief, cathedra tympanum relief, altar frontal reliefs and monograms, baptismal font artwork, and the angels ornamenting the baldachin.

Masqueray also was the architect for the St. Paul Cathedral, the Basilica of St. Mary and the church of St. Louis King of France in downtown St. Paul. He also built many other churches in the upper Midwest

The event will be further celebrated by a concert of antiphonal sacred music (sung by double-choir and accompanied by brass and organ) including works by Gabrieli, Guerrero, Monteverdi, Bach and Dupre on September 2 of this year.

The renewed interior is a model for an approach to church re-ordering that is both sensitive to the past while still developing a distinctly new beauty within the liturgical and artistic tradition of the Church. Past progress on the project can be found on a photo gallery on the cathedral website here, and a couple of photos of the stunning renovated interior follow below, courtesy several alert readers, and also from Mr. Stroik's site. New Liturgical Movement

More photographs may be seen on the New Liturgical Movement site

Cowboy Catholic Clerics Cash in their (Cow) Chips

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City Slicker Cowboys Chuck Cattle Craft in College

RICHARDTON, N.D. — A Roman Catholic monastery in western North Dakota is ending a century-old practice of raising cattle because of a lack of monks with cowboy skills.

The Assumption Abbey in Richardton intends to sell its herd of about 260 cows and rent pastures to other ranchers, monastery officials told the Dickinson Press.

Brother Placid Gross, 76, has tended cattle at the monastery for 51 years. He and another monk look after the cows, but Abbot Brian Wangler said the monk helping Gross is a greenhorn and can't operate independently.

I'd betcha Rowdy Yates didn't have any 76 year old cow punchers on his crew! Not even Wishbone was that old.

"There is a lot to know if you are going to raise cattle," Wangler said. "It is not a simple thing and it takes years and years of learning."

Gross said he won't miss the hard work but will miss the cows.

"It is sad to see it happening," he said. "It was nice to look out the window and see our own cattle grazing."

Gross said the abbey once had one of the biggest ranching operations in the region and he remembers the days of raking hay with a team of horses. He said it's been difficult for the abbey to keep up with new ranching technology and there isn't enough help.

Wangler said ranching has been part of the monastery since 1893 when it was located in Devil's Lake, and raising cattle helped the monastery remain self-sufficient.

"It was a living," Wangler said. "You could milk a cow and drink it, slaughter a cow and eat it."

The monastery also raised pigs and chickens, but those animals were phased out over the years.

Business Manager Odo Muggli said the abbey kept its cattle for 30 years longer than most monasteries.

"In some ways that is a source of pride," he said. Greenfield (IN) Daily Reporter

EWTN PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE WEEK

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PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE WEEK
	Knights of Columbus 129th Supreme Convention Coverage of the Opening Mass of the Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus, live from Denver, Colorado. Begins Tues. August 2 at 11:30 AM ET
	From Benedict to Benedict: Ninety Years of the Knights of Columbus in Rome A retrospective look at the strong relationship between the Knights of Columbus and the Vatican from the time of Pope Benedict XV to the present day Benedict XVI. Tues. August 2 at 3 AM ET & 9:30 AM ET
	Men of Faith Who Made A Difference: Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus has been dedicated to faith, family, and country for over a hundred years; this documentary takes you inside the history of this dynamic apostolate, exploring its influence in humanitarian, cultural, and religious enterprises. Tues. August 2 at 1 PM ET

"Religion is for those who don’t want to go to hell. Spirituality is for those who have already been there.”

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Fr John Bauer
Rector, Basilica St. Mary

An acquaintance, who is involved in a 12 step program, often quotes these words whenever the topic of religion/church comes up. Now I am not naïve enough to believe that organized religion is everyone’s cup of tea. I say this because studies show there has been a dramatic decline in membership and/or attendance at most mainline Christian Churches. At the same time there has been an increase in the number of people who are joining various groups/activities that could loosely be gathered under the heading of “spiritual.” I believe, though, that it is a mistake to set up a dichotomy between religion and spirituality, as though a person can be one or the other, but not both. They both have an important place and serve an important need.

One of the things that religion does best is to give us a perspective and a creed by which to live. It also offers a community that both supports and corrects us. Certainly these things can be found outside of organized religion, but organized religion has been doing them well for centuries. At its worst, religion can become a hollow and sterile set of rubrics and rules that doesn’t engage or involve the individual at a deep level or help them to grow in their relationship with God.

Spirituality on the other hand, offers a direction/stance toward life, and often an intentional way to live. Spirituality invites people to look beyond the surface to a deeper level of life and living. At its best, spirituality encourages people to take their relationship with God seriously and challenges them to make it a priority in their life. (Of course, religion also offers these things, but sometimes they get lost amidst the conventions of a particular religion.) At its worst, spirituality can be reduced to the latest trend that focuses exclusively on the self, with no reference to a higher power.

I believe we need both religion and spirituality in our lives. We need religion to provide the underpinnings and the superstructure for our spiritual lives. We need it to keep us from going off the rails and thinking only of ourselves. Most importantly, though, we need religion because it offers us those things that we can’t provide for ourselves, e.g., formal worship, a community of faith and a tradition of service. On the other hand, we need spirituality because it helps personalize religion and our relationship with God. It reminds us that we need to take seriously our responsibility to develop our relationship with God. Ideally, religion and spirituality work together to help us develop as persons as well as to grow in our relationship with God.

Perhaps the reason there has been a decline in mainline Christian Churches is that they have lost focus on the important and necessary fact that we are all called to a personal and intimate relationship with God. This is what the spiritual life is all about. To the extent that any religion isn’t working to foster the spiritual growth of its members, it shouldn’t be surprising that that religion is losing both members and vitality. Weekly Musings


Comment:

I just heard this on the radio. There are two kinds of church members. The Pillars. We all know them. They join, contribute and support all the ministries of the parish.

Then there are the "Caterpillars." They slither in and out each week and nobody ever knows their name.

They obey the bare minimum of the Third Comandment and only some of the Six Commandments (Precepts) of the Church. (I see they slipped a seventh one in there. Betcha you didn't know that either!).

Which one are you?

Michael Voris Catholic Investigative Agency Videos

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CCHD & Saul Alinsky



Obama's Counterfeit
Catholics



Weapons of Mass
Destruction



Global Warming
Unmasked



Rebellion in the Church



Rockefeller Foundation



Contraception Deception

Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo and Seven Other US bishops chosen to teach at World Youth Day in Spain

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The Pontifical Council for the Laity chose eight bishops from around the U.S. to host English-speaking catechesis sessions for the upcoming World Youth Day in Madrid.

Over 28,000 U.S. pilgrims and 62 bishops have registered so far to participate in the global young adult event. The catechetical sessions will be held Aug. 17-19 in multiple sites around the Spanish capital’s metropolitan area.

The group of American catechists includes Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York – president of the U.S. bishops' conference – and Archbishop Charles Chaput, newly appointed as archbishop of Philadelphia.

Other bishops speaking at the event are: Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Chicago; Cardinal Seán O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston; Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo, North Dakota; Bishop Edward Burns of Juneau, Alaska; Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, and Frank Caggiano, auxiliary bishop of Brooklyn.

The group will be among 250 bishop-catechists from all over the world, drawn from different countries and language groups.

Each U.S. bishop has been asked to prepare three catechetical sessions, one for each day, based on the theme for WYD Madrid 2011: “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith.”

On Wed. Aug. 17, these bishops will center their talks on the theme “Firm in the Faith,” which will invite young people to examine the gift of faith.

Thursday’s theme, “Established in Jesus Christ,” will touch on the importance of young people establishing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and building their lives with Him.

Friday’s catechesis will address the topic, “Witnesses to Christ in the World,” and will emphasize the need for all young people to be missionaries to the world around them, particularly among their peers.

The World Youth Day gathering in Madrid will be the twelfth meeting to take place at the international level since Bl. Pope John Paul II founded the event in 1985. The Madrid event is expected to draw over 1 million people. Catholic News Agency

Sioux City: Guidelines for Reception of Communion and EMHC's

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Guidelines and Norms for
the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion
Under both Kinds

and

Extraordinary Ministers
of Holy Communion

Bishop R. Walker Nickless, Sioux City. IA, has issued a long document for his parishioners on the reception of Holy Communion and on the use of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. It may be found here.

[Excerpts]

II. When Communion Under Both Kinds May Be Given

Particular Law for the Diocese of Sioux City

1. Where there is a large number of faithful present and the gathering is taking place in a building or venue other than a church, Communion is to be offered only under the species of the Consecrated Host. Exceptions to this norm may be granted only with the explicit written permission of the diocesan bishop.

c.
The Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America states, “In practice, the need to avoid obscuring the role of the priest and the deacon as the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion by an excessive use of extraordinary minister might in some circumstances constitute a reason either for limiting the distribution of Holy Communion under both species or for using intinction instead of distributing the Precious Blood from the chalice.”[17]

a. Priests in the Diocese of Sioux City might consider using intinction or offering Holy
Communion only under the species of bread, so as to avoid such an “excessive use” of
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

Particular Law for the Diocese of Sioux City

2. In parishes, chapels, and institutions in the Diocese of Sioux City, Communion under both kinds is permitted on those times specifically instructed in the ritual books, i.e. Confirmation, Ordination.

3. Communion under both forms may also be distributed at Masses on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.

a. This should be done in such a way so as to avoid the “excessive use” of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Communion may be briefly prolonged, so as to use fewer Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

4. Communion under both forms may be distributed at daily Masses at the discretion of the priest who is celebrating the Mass.

IV.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

a. An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) is one instituted as an acolyte, or one of the faithful so deputed in accordance with Canon 230, § 3.[20]

Particular Law for the Diocese of Sioux City

5. Guidelines for Selection of Candidates:

a. The Pastor shall oversee the selection of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

i. Pastors are encouraged to collaborate with other parish or school staff members in recommending candidates to serve as EMHC.

ii. Once persons have been selected to serve as EMHC, the pastor shall submit these names on the proper form, with a letter of request to the Office of Worship, which will coordinate the bishop’s approval and mandate.

iii. To avoid unnecessary confusion, all requests must be made in writing to the Office of Worship on the proper form with all of the necessary information. All requests will be processed at the beginning of each month. Any requests sent in after the first of the month will be processed the following month. The letter of request must include the full name of the person requesting the permission and the type of role that the person will fulfill (school, parish Masses, homebound/hospital/nursing home).

b. EMHCs should only be selected, approved, and mandated according to pastoral need.

c. Both men and women may be chosen as EMHC, to administer communion both at Mass, and to the sick and dying. Those who are invited to serve in this ministry shall be:

· aged 18 or older (i.e., have completed their eighteenth year),

· baptized and confirmed Roman Catholics,

· regularly sharers in the Eucharist,

· of exemplary Christian character,

· committed to the faith,

· devoted to the Eucharist,

· respected by the community,

· demonstrably interested and involved in the community's life,

· in good standing according to the law of the Church,

· spiritually sound,

· and capable of adhering to all of the Church’s procedures for EMHCs.

Those chosen must make a public profession of faith and be deemed responsible to carry out the mandate entrusted to them.

d. For those who are confirmed and under age 18 to serve as an EMHC in the school setting, a special mandate can be requested. This mandate will apply only to the particular school and its Masses.

i. A principle or chaplain at the high school may request this mandate through the person’s local pastor.

a) All means should be exhausted, i.e., Catholic faculty and staff should assist as EMHC primarily, and mandates requested for those confirmed students under the age 18 only when absolutely necessary.

ii. In order to avoid a large number of persons under the age of 18, and since they will be granted the mandate to serve at school Masses only, it may be

Particular Law in the Diocese of Sioux City, (5) Guidelines for Selection, cont’d:

advisable to limit the times during school Masses that the use of these EMHC would be needed, i.e., offer Communion under one form.

e. The invitation to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is not to be understood as a reward, but as a call to service. Parishes and communities should avoid practices in selecting Extraordinary Ministers where individuals simply volunteer themselves for this ministry.

b. Guidelines for the Use of EMHCs:

i. EMHCs may distribute Holy Communion at Mass only when the ordained ministers present are truly unable to distribute Holy Communion, or when the very large numbers of the faithful present would excessively prolong the celebration if only the ordained ministers distributed Holy Communion.[21] A brief prolongation in the distribution of Holy Communion is not a sufficient reason to have more Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion than necessary.[22]

ii. “To avoid creating confusion, certain practices are to be avoided and eliminated – especially, extraordinary ministers receiving Holy Communion apart from the other faithful as though concelebrants (they are not to enter the sanctuary until after the priest-celebrant has received communion); and the habitual use of extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion at Mass thus arbitrarily extending the concept of ‘a great number of the faithful.’”[23]

a) The time of distributing Holy Communion should be proportional to the length of the rest of the celebration.

V. Procedures During Mass

a. The EMHCs should not approach the altar before the priest-celebrant has received Communion, and they are always to receive from the hands of the priest-celebrant the vessel containing either species of the Most Holy Eucharist for the distribution to the faithful.[24]

Particular Law for the Diocese of Sioux City

6. EMHC are granted permission to consume the remaining Precious Blood from their chalice of distribution upon returning to the altar.

7. The practice of consuming the remaining Precious Blood in the place of distribution or at the credence table or in the sacristy is not permissible.

VIII. Other Functions of Extraordinary Ministers

a. Ash Wednesday

i. EMHCs may distribute ashes on Ash Wednesday according to the “Order for the Blessing and Distribution of Ashes” found in chapter 32 of the Book of Blessings.

b. Saint Blaise

i. EMHCs may also bless throats on the feast of St. Blaise (Feb. 3) according to the “Order for the Blessing of Throats on the Feast of Saint Blaise” found in chapter 51 of the Book of Blessings.

Parish Festival Calendar; Bargains, Bumper Cars, Bingo, Beer, Booya, etc.

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July

July 24 — St. Patrick of Cedar Lake, Jordan: Outdoor Mass at 10 a.m. at 24425 Old Hwy. 13 Blvd. Chicken dinner follows, as well as live music, children’s games, country store, beer garden and more.

July 29 to 31 — Immaculate Conception, Columbia Heights: Fun Fest Summer Jam 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at 4030 Jackson St. N.E. Features live music, games, a car show and more. For information, visit http://www.immac-church.org

July 30 and 31 — St. Mark, Shakopee: Julifest begins with outdoor polka Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday followed by a street dance from 7 to 11 p.m. at 350 S. Atwood St. Sunday includes entertainment, craft and bake sale, beer garden and more.

July 30 and 31 — St. Alphonsus, Brooklyn Center: Fun Fest with live entertainment all weekend, food from around the world, 5K Fun Run, classic car show and more. Multicultural Mass at 11 a.m. Sunday at 7025 Halifax Ave. N.

August

August 5 to 7 — St. Raphael, Crystal: 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday with music by River City Express at 7301 Bass Lake Road. Continues Saturday noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday noon to 7 p.m. with food, music, softball tournament and more.

August 6 and 7 — St. John the Baptist, Dayton: Street dance 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday at 18380 Columbus St. Continues Sunday 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a chicken dinner until 2:30 p.m., wine tasting, flea market, pony rides and more.

August 7 — Divine Mercy, Faribault: Spiritfest from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 139 Mercy Drive. Features food, raffles, live music and more. For more information, visit http://divinemercy.cc

August 7 — St. John Vianney, South St. Paul: Feast of St. John Vianney and pig roast begins with outdoor Mass at 10:30 a.m. with Bishop Lee Piché at 789 17th Ave. N. Potluck at 11:30 a.m. followed by a baseball game, St. John Vianney vs. Holy Trinity.

August 7 — St. John the Baptist, Hugo: Old fashioned community picnic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 14383 Forest Blvd. Features brats, hot dogs and fresh sweet corn, music, craft fair, baking contest and more.

August 7 — St. Anthony of Padua, Minneapolis: Summerfest begins with a polka Mass at 11:30 a.m., followed by festival from noon to 5 p.m. at 813 Main St. N.E. Live music, food, bake booth, crafts and more.

August 7 — Immaculate Conception, Lonsdale: Polka Mass at 10 a.m. followed by a roast beef dinner served until 2 p.m. at 116 Alabama St. S.E. Also features a bakery booth, music, games and bingo.

August 13 and 14 — St. Joseph, Lino Lakes: Outdoor Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday with a pig roast and dance to follow. Fireworks at 10 p.m. Sunday begins with a chicken dinner, and games and events follow at 171 Elm St.

August 13 and 14 — St. Vincent de Paul, Brooklyn Park: Begins Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with “Faster than the Pastor” 5K race and a talent show from 1 to 4 p.m. Continues on Sunday with food, games and more. Visit http://www.saintvdp.org

August 13 and 14 — St. George, Long Lake: Corn Days from 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday featuring fresh roasted corn, authentic Mexican food, live music, games, raffle and more. Sunday Mass at 9:15 a.m. followed by a pancake breakfast and parade at noon. Festival from noon to 4:30 p.m. at 133 N. Brown Road. Visit http://www.corndays.com

August 13 and 14 — St. Wenceslaus, New Prague: Polka Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday followed by a euchre tournament, bean bag tournament and video game competition at 215 Main St. E. Also features booths, food and beer tent. Polka Masses Sunday at 8:30 and 10 a.m. followed by a grilled chicken dinner, children’s carnival and more. Visit http://www.saintwenceslaus.org/parish/festival.html

August 19 to 21 — St. Gerard, Brooklyn Park: Corn Fest from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at 9600 regent Ave. S. Features live entertainment, games and food, including fresh sweet corn. Friday night music by Zebra Mussels, Saturday is Boogie Wonderland. Visit http://www.st-gerard.org

August 21 — St. Mary of the Purification, Marystown, Shakopee: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 15850 Marystown Road. Features a country-style smorgasbord from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with more food available under the tents at 1 p.m. Includes games, quilt auction, wall of wine, and music by Czech Area Concertina Club from 4 to 6 p.m.

August 21 — St. Bernard, St. Paul: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 187 Geranium Ave. W. Outdoor Mass at 10:30 a.m. followed by entertainment, booya, country store and more. Food, including fried bananas, will be available.

August 21 — St. Mathias, Hampton: Fun Fest begins with a polka Mass at 11 a.m. at 23315 Northfield Blvd. followed by food from noon to 3:30 p.m., country store, games and live country music.

August 21 — St. Cyril and Methodius, Minneapolis: Polka Mass at 10:30 a.m. followed by festival from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1315 Second St. N.E. Food includes Polish sausage, hot dogs, cabbage rolls (Holubky) and Hispanic foods. The Don Pafko and Lipa Slovak Dancers will perform at about 1 p.m.

August 21 — Most Holy Trinity, Veseli: Annual Ho-down begins with a polka Mass at 11 a.m. at 4939 N. Washington St. Features a chicken cook-out, home baked Kolacky, tea rings and mocha cakes, games and music until 6:15 p.m.

August 21 — St. Bridget, Minneapolis: Backyard BBQ from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3811 Emerson Ave. N. Includes a pig roast, spaghetti dinner, silent auction, children’s games and more.

August 21 – St. Genevieve, Centerville: Annual country chicken dinner & picnic. Crafts, Silent Auction, Amusements, Bingo, Cake Walk, Children’s Games, Raffle (cash prizes). Serving 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Adults $8.50, Children $4 (age 10 and under). 6995 Centerville Road.

August 28 — St. Luke, Clearwater: 10 a.m. polka Mass followed by a pork chop dinner at 17545 Huber Ave. N.W. Features square dancing, live music, food booths, games and quilt auction.

September

September 9, 10, 11 — St. Patrick, Oak Grove: Countryfest begins with a teen dance Friday from 8 to 11 p.m. at 19921 Nightingale St. N.W. Saturday features a 5K Fun run/walk, Highland games, magic show and fireworks. Mass at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday with games and more from noon to 4 p.m. and classic car show until 3 p.m. Visit http://www.st-patricks.org

September 9, 10, 11 — Our Lady of the Lake, Mound: 33rd Incredible Festival features live music, 5K run, carnival rides and games, beer tent and more throughout the weekend. BBQ chicken dinner served at noon Sunday at 2385 Commerce Blvd.

September 10 — St. Ignatius, Annandale: Polka Mass at 4 p.m. at 35 Birch St. E., followed by a pork chop dinner, live polka music from 5 to 7 p.m., bingo, raffles, beer garden and more. Music by Unleaded from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

September 10 — Holy Name of Jesus, Wayzata: Outdoor tent Mass at 4:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 155 County Road 24. Features performances by Sonar and Tim Mahoney (featured on “The Voice”) after dinner.

September 10 and 11 — St. Odilia, Shoreview: Saturday noon to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at 3495 N. Victoria St. Features grill foods and authentic Latino foods, games, marketplace/boutique, and more. Local talent is featured all weekend including Dan Perry and the Ice Cream Band. Visit http://www.stodilia.org

September 10 and 11 — St. Michael, St. Michael: Saturday bingo from 2 to 5 p.m., polka Mass at 4:30 p.m. in the historic church on Main Street and German dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday features a chicken dinner, games, petting zoo, country store and more at 11300 Frankfort Parkway N.E.

September 10 and 11 — Sacred Heart, Robbinsdale: Fun Fest begins with 4 p.m. Mass Saturday followed by food, games and live music with The Dweebs at 4087 Broadway Ave. Continues Sunday at 11 a.m. Visit http://www.sacredheartrobbinsdale.org

September 10 and 11 — St. Mary of the Lake, White Bear Lake: Saturday features a 5K run/walk at 3 p.m., outdoor Mass at 5 p.m. followed by a spaghetti dinner at 4690 Bald Eagle Ave. Turkey dinner served from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Activities also include games and inflatable rides for the kids. Visit http://www.stmarys-wbl.org

September 11 — Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Minneapolis: Mass at 8 and 10 a.m. with Marian procession following the 10 a.m. Mass at 701 Fillmore St. N.E. Spaghetti dinner served from noon to 4 p.m. Also features games, raffles and door prizes.

September 11 — Sacred Heart, St. Paul: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 840 E. Sixth St. Features authentic Mexican food, American food, music dancers, games and more.

September 11 — St. Joseph, Rosemount: Parish picnic at 11:30 a.m. with “pork chop on a stick” lunch, bingo and kids’ games at 13900 Biscayne Ave. W.

September 11 — Our Lady of the Prairie, Belle Plaine: Praise and worship Mass at 10 a.m. with a chicken and ham dinner to follow until 2 p.m. at 214 N. Chestnut St. Also features live music, food stands, games and a wood auction.

September 11 — St. Mary, Stillwater: Wild Rice Festival and chicken dinner from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. at 423 S. Fifth St. Also features kids’ and teen games, fancy work, quilts and more.

September 16 to 18 — St. Patrick, Inver Grove Heights: Begins Friday with a wine and beer tasting event with live music and dancing from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday Mass at 4 p.m. followed by a taco dinner, bingo and games. Continues Sunday with a classic car show from noon to 5 p.m.

September 16 to 18 — St. Helena, Minneapolis: Autumn Daze from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at 3204 E. 43rd St (near Hiawatha & 42nd). Fish Fry and Fireworks Friday night, Saturday parade in the a.m., carnival rides and games, book sale, raffles, food, cake and wine walks, bingo, rummage sale and the works.

September 16 to 18 — Nativity of Our Lord, St. Paul: Nativity County Fair from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at 1900 Wellesley Ave. Includes an online auction, craft fair, rides, games, food and more. Outdoor Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Visit http://www.nativitycountyfair.org

September 16 to 18 — at St. Francis Xavier, Buffalo: Glory Days celebration begins 5 to 11 p.m. Friday with a carnival, beer tent, music and fireworks. Continues Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with children’s activities, 5K race, bean bag toss contest and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday with a chicken dinner, carnival, raffles and more at 223 19th St. N.W. Visit http://www.stfxb.org

September 16 to 18 — Transfiguration, Oakdale: Dinner Friday evening followed by a teen dance, arcade and rides. Saturday features a 5K family run/walk, games, food and music by GB Leighton. Sunday outdoor Mass at 10:30 a.m. followed by a breakfast at 6133 15th Ave. N.

September 17 to 18 — St. Matthew, St. Paul: Begins with a chicken dinner at 5 p.m. Saturday with activities including games, an antique car display, wacky hair styles and face painting until 10 p.m. More Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 490 Hall Ave.

September 17 — St. Rose of Lima, Roseville: Barbecue dinner from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 2048 Hamline Ave. N. Live music, kids’ games, bingo and more from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

September 17 and 18 — St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Hastings: 1:30 p.m. start for golf tournament Saturday at the Hastings Country Club. Festival Sunday 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 2035 15th St. W. features games, pony rides, raffles and more. Visit http://www.seasparish.org

September 17 and 18 — Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Paul: 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday with music, food, dancing and coronation of the queen. Continues Sunday noon to 6 p.m. with music, food and kids’ games at 401 Concord St.

September 17 and 18 — All Saints, Lakeville: Hilltop Autumn Fest from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 19795 Holyoke Ave. Craft fair, farmers market and more. Continues Sunday with a dinner. Visit http://www.allsaintschurch.com

September 18 — St. Canice, Kilkenny: Mass at 10 a.m. followed by a chicken and ham dinner served until 2 p.m. at 183 Maple St. Activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. include a country store, jar bar, crafts and raffles.

September 18 — Immaculate Conception, Watertown: Turkey dinner from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 109 Angel Ave. N. Also features a silent auction, raffle, country store and games for all ages.

September 18 — St. Jerome, Maplewood: Outdoor Mass at 10:30 a.m. followed by festival activities including pony rides, cherry tree and a car show at 11:30 a.m. Booya and other grilled foods will be available. Booya available for take-out at 7 a.m. (bring a non-glass container), 380 E. Roselawn Ave.

September 23 — Holy Childhood, St. Paul: Taste of Como Oktoberfest from 5 to 9 p.m. at 1435 Midway Parkway. Wine and food sampling and music. This is an adult-only event. Cost is $15 in advance, call (651) 489-2428. Cost is $20 at the door.

September 23 to 25 — St. John the Baptist, New Brighton: Fallfest begins with Friday evening festivities, continues with Saturday polka Mass and street dance and Sunday Booya at 835 2nd Ave. NW. Also features children’s games, food, shopping and more. Visit http://www.stjohnnb.com

September 24 — Guardian Angels, Chaska: ‘Tunes and Food’ from noon to 11 p.m. at 215 W. Second St. Old-time music in the afternoon followed by a polka Mass at 4 p.m. More music follows. Also features American and ethnic foods, country store craft sale and more. Visit http://www.angelfest.org

September 24 and 25 — Cathedral of St. Paul, St. Paul: Saturday activities include the Cathedral Art Fair and “Tacos in a Bag” served by the Knights of Columbus. Traditional festival Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live music, cake walk, petting zoo and more at 239 Selby Ave. Visit http://www.cathedralsaintpaul.org

September 24 and 25 — St. Michael, West St. Paul: Outdoor Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday followed by a lasagna dinner and silent auction at 337 E. Hurley St. Beginning Sunday at 11:30 a.m. are kids’ games, hole-in-one golf, live music and more.

September 25 — St. John the Baptist, Vermillion: Mass at 10 a.m. Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 106 W. Main St. Activities include bake sale, beer garden, games and silent auction.

September 25 — Most Holy Redeemer, Montgomery: Mass at 10:30 a.m. with a chicken and ham dinner to follow from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entertainment, raffles and activities all day at 206 Vine Ave. W.

September 25 — St. Peter, Delano: Harvest festival at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 204 S. River St. Features a full turkey dinner, beer garden, live entertainment, games, farmers market and more.

September 25 — St. Timothy, Maple Lake: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 241 Star St. E. Features a chicken dinner served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., food booths, games, cash and meat raffles and more.

September 25 — St. Pascal Baylon, St. Paul: Noon to 5 p.m. at 1757 Conway St. Event includes home-cooked spaghetti dinner, bingo, children’s games, raffles, the festival general store and more.

October

October 2 — St. Peter, Mendota: Noon to 4 p.m. at 1405 Hwy 13. Features food, games, boutique vendors and more. Visit http://www.stpetersmendota.org

October 7 to 9 — Holy Trinity South St. Paul: Begins Friday at 5 p.m. with Bingo Bonanza for adults 21 and over. Continues Saturday with a taco dinner at 6 p.m. followed by a live auction. Festival opens Sunday at 11:30 a.m. with games, tractor pull, turkey dinner and more at 749 Sixth Ave. S.

October 9 — Holy Rosary/Santo Rosario, Minneapolis: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 2424 18th Ave. S. Chicken dinner and Mexican foods, games, raffles and more.

October 9 — Holy Name, Minneapolis: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3637 11th Ave. S. Event includes a pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to noon, kids’ games and face painting, live music, bingo and more. Visit http://www.churchoftheholyname.org

October 16 — St. Mary, St. Paul: Fall festival and booya begins with a polka Mass at 10:30 a.m. at 261 E. Eighth St. Booya, bake sale, flea market, games and more from 11:30 a.m. to 2
Catholic Spirit