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May 2024
MONTHLY DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER
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May 14 ♦ Civilize It: Unifying a Divided Church webinar: Join the USCCB, Catholic Charities USA, Glenmary Home Missioners and the Jesuit Conference in an important conversation for Catholic ministry leaders. The webinar held at 2 p.m. (CT) will feature Cardinal Robert McElroy, Bishop Robert Barron and Bishop Daniel Flores as they dialogue with one another on the challenge of polarization in the Church today and the path forward. The conversation will include reflections on their roles as shepherds and leaders in their dioceses and in the U.S. Church, and on important topics such as Synodality, encounter, and where to find hope amid the polarization. Gloria Purvis, renowned Catholic speaker and host of The Gloria Purvis Podcast from America Magazine, will moderate the conversation. Register at: https://usccb.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4m7X_gmOT7qv2DVTXiLP3A#/registration.
If you would like to watch the first webinar in this series, “Civilize It: Our Catholic Response in a Polarized World,” you can do so at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyvZfWqMA0o
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EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL
Banquet of Love marriage tool is free and available to the St. Cloud Diocese. Banquet of Love is an online 12-part resource that helps make practical connections between the Eucharist and marriage. As a gift to couples and a support to priests and deacons in their ministry with married couples, Bishop Patrick purchased a license to offer the course to married couples in the St. Cloud Diocese. The entire course will be free through April 15, 2025.
Banquet of Love includes video modules, downloadable PDF files with reflection questions and additional material. The entire course takes about seven hours of contact time, plus the couples’ conversations stemming from printable PDF files. It is currently available only in English.
To access Banquet of Love, visit https://stcdio.org/banquet-of-love/ and click on “Get the Course.” The access code is BOLFREE.
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is coming through the Diocese of St. Cloud. For more information and for printable posters visit https://stcdio.org/eucharistic-revival/eucharistic-revival-pilgrimage/.
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Fr. Tom Knoblach ♦ Vicar for Clergy/Vicar for Health Care Ethics
Pope Francis’ chrism Mass homily: Pope Francis spoke powerfully on the virtue of compunction in his homily for the chrism Mass this year. You may recall that St. John Paul II wrote an annual Letter to Priests during his pontificate. This homily is somewhat in that same tradition, worthy of a prayerful spiritual reading and an encouragement for our challenging moments. It is available at https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2024/documents/20240328-omelia-crisma.html
Burials not associated with Catholic funerals
Recently, the question was raised about burials or inurnments in our Catholic cemeteries in situations that do not follow a Catholic funeral (in the parish or elsewhere). This is a growing trend — people choosing direct cremation and not involving a funeral home or only using the funeral home for the cremation.
The specific questions were whether a priest or deacon needs to be present for the Rite of Committal (as presented in the Order of Christian Funerals, chapters 5 and 6 for Funeral Rites and chapters 10-12 for Funeral Rites for Children), and whether there is any diocesan policy regarding this matter.
There is no diocesan policy, and individual cemeteries are responsible for creating their own policies and procedures. Pastors and those responsible for the cemeteries are guided in such matters by the instructions in the Order of Christian Funerals (OCF) and their prudential implementation.
Though obviously desirable from a pastoral and spiritual perspective, there is no strict requirement in the OCF to have a cleric present at the Rite of Committal. In fact, the OCF states: “In the absence of a parish minister, a friend or a member of the family should lead those present in the rite of committal” (n. 215). Thus, prayers of committal are envisioned, but not necessarily the presence of a cleric or staff member.
Parishes are encouraged to discuss their procedures when such burial requests are received by the parish office or others who work with this area and communicate them to the local funeral directors commonly used in your area for their awareness as they work with families.
Recommended procedures include:
- Offer the ministry of a priest, deacon or lay minister to lead the Rite of Committal at the cemetery.
- If this offer is declined, encourage the caller to ask the funeral director they will be using to lead the Rite of Committal.
- If no funeral director will be present, provide a booklet or handout with a simple form of the Rite of Committal that can be led by a family member or friend, as in OCF, n. 215. For convenience in locating it, a sample of this will be available on the diocesan website under the “Diocesan Cemeteries” tab, although this resource is intended for every cemetery.
- Prayers over the place of burial may always be said after the fact, and Masses offered for the intention of the deceased.
New Vatican document on human dignity
By now you have no doubt seen much coverage on the recent Declaration from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith “Dignitas Infinita.” This is just an encouragement to read this important declaration, the product of five years of consultation, reflection and revision. It will not be the last word on these complex questions of gender ideology, abortion, euthanasia, poverty, war, human trafficking, sexual abuse and a range of other violations of the infinite dignity of every human life. But it is a crucial expression of the current Magisterium on the many challenges we face in promoting the good of every person as a child of God with infinite value and inviolable dignity. Read the document at https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2024/04/08/240408c.html.
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Continuing Education for Clergy
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May 2 – Thriving in Ministry: Pastor Leadership Serving Rural/Multiple Parishes
12:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
The Saint Paul Seminary Institute for Ongoing Clergy Formation (IOCF), Catholic Rural Life and Catholic Finance Corporation (CFC) are collaborating to offer this Zoom workshop for pastors shepherding multiple parishes. Pastors are often overwhelmed and overextended leading multiple parishes, spread apart in both urban and even more so in rural settings. In such circumstances, pastors face unique challenges in leadership and administration. This mini workshop will address these unique challenges in leading paid staff and volunteers, administration across parish cultures, building a leadership team, designing a budget and financial plan, pastoral ministry and more. The workshop will provide you with the tools and ongoing support to promote vibrant and thriving parishes.
Jim Ennis, Executive Director of Catholic Rural Life and Fr. Mastey of the Diocese of St. Cloud will lead the presentations, and Michael Laughery from Catholic Finance Corp. will discuss budgets and financial planning. There is no charge for this Zoom event.
Register at https://saintpaulseminary.org/event/thriving-in-ministry-pastor-leadership-serving-multiple-parishes/ or email daniel.gannon@stthomas.edu or call (651) 210-9651.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82082371110?pwd=K0Q2LzdyZnRrNnFVYkdHYWh6TStxQT09
Meeting ID: 820 8237 1110
Passcode: 353715
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One tap mobile
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Reminder: Oct 6-11 – The Saint Paul Seminary IOCF Pastor Workshop is open for registration. The workshop is at King's House in Buffalo, MN.
The Institute for Ongoing Clergy Formation Pastor Workshop is an intensive, 5-day program designed to help pastors realize their full potential in creating and leading a vibrant, thriving parish. The workshop focuses on how to be a true pastor to the parish in the day-to-day leadership, managerial, and administrative challenges facing a shepherd, and highlights tools and practical skills to help them be successful.
To register for the event, visit: https://saintpaulseminary.org/event/pastor-workshop-2024/ or email daniel.gannon@stthomas.edu.
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Upcoming events for clergy
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June 3 – Jubilarian Celebration
August 5-9 – Summer Retreat: The retreat will begin the evening of Monday, Aug. 5, through noon on Friday. Aug. 9, at Saint John’s Abbey, Collegeville. A separate registration with RSVP will follow for this event.
August 9 – ACCs 2.0 Clergy Day for Priests: This is a day for clergy to talk about planning for the future with the Area Catholic Communities. A separate registration with RSVP will follow for this event.
October 6-9 – Clergy Conference for Priests and Deacons, is with Father Timothy Gallagher at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria. A separate registration with RSVP will follow for this event.
January 5-9 – Priests Retreat, is with Father Dennis McManus at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo. A separate registration with RSVP will follow for this event.
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Joe Towalski ♦ Chancellor ♦ (320) 251-2340
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There are a few changes regarding the diocesan curial staff to make you aware of:
- Following Father Ralph Zimmerman’s retirement as vicar for deacons, Bishop Neary has appointed Deacon Rick Scheierl to the newly created position of “deacon moderator.” The position encompasses the previous responsibilities of both the vicar for deacons and director of the diaconate but it can be held by someone other than a priest. As deacon moderator, Deacon Scheierl serves as a liaison between the bishop and members of the permanent deacon community. His six-year term in the position began in April.
- Patrick Flynn, director of the Office of Marriage and Family, is retiring May 31. Janet Dusek, currently serving as the associate director for respect life, will step into the OMF director role June 1.
- Sara Michaelson, who was named in January as interim superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of St. Cloud, has been named as superintendent.
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NOTES FROM THE DIOCESAN OFFICES | |
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Catholic Education Ministries ♦ (320) 251-0111
Catholic Schools: As our Catholic schools draw near to the end of another amazing academic year, we reflect with gratitude on the blessings, accomplishments and growth experienced by our students, teachers and families. Through faith, dedication and the unwavering support of our community, we've continued to nurture minds, hearts and spirits. And as we prepare for the final exams, performances and celebrations, we ask our beloved community to keep us in your prayers. May the grace of God accompany us as we conclude this chapter and look ahead to new beginnings.
Faith Formation
Are you a new catechetical leader? Christine Pinto will meet with you, share resources and help to onboard you in our diocese. Contact Christine Pinto at christine.pinto@gw.stcdio.org to arrange a meeting in your parish.
Save the date!
The 2024-2025 dates are being set for gatherings, catechist training/in-services, retreats, etc. Below are a few that are confirmed.
Faith Formation gatherings
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Thursday, June 20 – Evaluating the Old and Planning the New (Year)
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Thursday, July 18 – Inviting, Forming, and Supporting Catechists
- Thursday, Oct. 10
- Thursday, Nov. 14
- Thursday, Dec. 19
- Thursday, March 20, 2025
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Thursday, May 15, 2025 – Appreciation/Retreat
- Thursday, June 19, 2025
If you are willing to host any of these dates, please sign up at:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4CACA729A2F49-49030327-formation. Hosting a Formation Ministry gathering means providing a space, beverages throughout the day and lunch. The diocese will reimburse the parish for hospitality expenses.
Catechist Gatherings:
- Wednesday, Aug. 21
- Wednesday, Aug. 28
- Wednesday, Sept. 4
- Wednesday, Sept. 11
- Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025
- Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025
** Or other dates as requested.
If you are willing to host any of these dates, please sign up at:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4CACA729A2F49-49030923-catechist. Hosting a Catechist Gathering means providing a space and refreshments for those in attendance.
Diocesan Youth Council 2024-2025 applications being accepted: This council is made up of youth in grades nine through 12 from a variety of parishes from across the diocese. Youth meet five or six times annually. The DYC helps plan and assist in the implementation of diocesan sponsored youth ministry events. These events are primarily, but not exclusive to, the Diocesan High School Youth Day, the Middle School Youth Rally/Lock-in and the High School Castaway Retreat. Please visit https://stcdio.org/cem/faith-formation/leadershiptraining/ to download DYC Applications and invite your high school youth to consider serving on the DYC. Contact Kent Schmitz with any questions at: 320-251-0111, ext. 4 or kent.schmitz@gw.stcdio.org.
2024-2025 Diocesan confirmation retreats: Are you looking for a retreat for your confirmation candidates as they prepare to receive the sacrament? Diocesan confirmation retreats are a great option for parish leaders who would like to have someone else prepare materials and lead the youth through the retreat. Retreats are planned for the coming school year and will be held at Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following Saturdays: Oct. 12, Nov. 23, Jan. 11, and Feb. 8. Each retreat can host between 40 to 50 youth, so sign up early at: https://signup.com/go/imaCbbQ. This link is for confirmation coordinators. Please do not share with parents or students. We are happy to accept as many students as we have room to accommodate parishes. Each parish is requested to bring at least one adult leader per eight students. Cost for the retreat is $45 per student and $20 per adult. As always, we are also willing to come to individual parishes or ACCs to lead retreats. Contact Kent for more information or to schedule your confirmation retreat.
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Deacon Richard Scheierl ♦ (320) 203-0554
God bless you on your birthday
May 9 – Deacon Tom McFadden
May 12 – Deacon David Lindmeier
Ordinations
Robert Craven and Kelly Marthaler will be ordained permanent deacons along with those being ordained transitional deacons. This will take place at 10:30 a.m. June 8 at St. Mary’s Cathedral St. Cloud.
A bit about Robert Craven — his wife is Heather, and they have four children: Roger, Anya, Simon and Maria. Bob owns Northside Welding in Sauk Rapids. Their family belongs to the All Called to Christ ACC.
A bit about Kelly Marthaler— his wife is Marlys, and they have three children: Tia, Lexie and Morgan. Kelly works for Nahan. Kelly and Marlys belong to Parishes on the Prairie ACC.
Prayer requests for:
- Deacon Steve Pareja who had a heart attack March 28.
- Deacon Stan Hennen who had back surgery April 16.
- Deacon Dave Lindmeier who received radiation treatments due to his cancer diagnosis.
- Deacon Richard Quistorff, who will be having a total left knee replacement surgery May 3.
- For a diaconate candidate, Julio Tena Soria, who has been off work due to a foot injury.
- Deacon Vern Schmitz who is recovering from a stroke.
- For all the applicants who are applying for the diaconate formation program.
- For all those who are ill and are needing prayers.
2024 diaconate events
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June 1 — Priesthood Ordination, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud
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June 8 — Permanent and Transitional Diaconate Ordination, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud
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June 21-23 — Summer Men’s Retreat, Abbey of the Hills, Marvin, South Dakota
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July 24 — Celebrating the Parents of Religious Vocations, Seven Dolors, Albany
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Sept. 24 — Admission to Candidacy, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud
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Oct. 6-9 — Clergy Conference, Arrowwood, Alexandria
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Bethany Tollefsen ♦ (320) 251-2700 Ext. 51637
May 8 – Prayer service and Blessing of the Hands
Nurses Week
9 a.m., at the St. Cloud Hospital Chapel
Please register by emailing bethany.tollefson@centracare.com
View the flyer at https://www.canva.com/design/DAGB1w9V3rs/8PmBuVXY8vFqShB2wLT9rg/edit
June 11 – Overdose Prevention: What Faith Communities Should Know
9:30-11 a.m., at CentraCare Plaza, Windfeldt Room and Virtual
Education and Panel facilitated by MDH representative
Light lunch and program to follow.
Register at https://forms.office.com/r/Ni8ne3pDS7.
View the flyer at https://www.canva.com/design/DAGB2EksidI/5SPK2JnpILum-Kn6gQpnOQ/edit?utm_content=DAGB2EksidI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton.
June 14 – Mental Health First Aid for Faith Communities virtual class
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Learn how to support your friends, family and neighbors. Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. You’ll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support. For more information, contact bethany.tollefson@centracare.com.
Grant funding opportunities: Mini-grant funding is available for organizations interested in offering caregiver education sessions. Whether you are a healthcare provider, community center, nonprofit organization or any other entity interested in supporting caregivers, we encourage you to take advantage of this funding opportunity. Sessions can be a one-time event or a series, offered in person or virtually, targeting family caregivers of older adults in central Minnesota.
If you are interested in learning more about the mini-grant funding and how your organization can apply, please reach out to us. We are here to assist you every step of the way and ensure that your caregiver education sessions are a success.
For more information, please contact: Amanda Schindele, contracts manager at (320) 202-6946 or amanda.schindele@cmcoa.org.
For more resources on mental health, visit the Diocese of St. Cloud - Mental Health Ministry webpage at https://stcdio.org/mental-health-ministry/.
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Bailey Ziegler ♦ (320) 258-7655
New Department of Labor Overtime Ruling
Compliance by July 1, 2024
The Department of Labor has officially issued the new overtime rules:
Effective July 1, 2024, the salary threshold [for exempt employees] will increase to the equivalent of an annual salary of $43,888 and increase to $58,656 on Jan. 1, 2025. The July 1 increase updates the present annual salary threshold of $35,568 based on the methodology used by the prior administration in the 2019 overtime rule update. On Jan. 1, 2025, the rule’s new methodology takes effect, resulting in the additional increase. In addition, the rule will adjust the threshold for highly compensated employees. Starting July 1, 2027, salary thresholds will update every three years, by applying up-to-date wage data to determine new salary levels.
The full ruling and information can be found at: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20240423-0
If you have any questions on understanding or applying this information, please reach out to Bailey Ziegler in Human Resources at bailey.ziegler@gw.stcdio.org.
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Patrick Flynn ♦ (320) 251-4721
Natural Family Planning Instruction for May and June
A First Instruction in the Billings Ovulation Method will be offered in:
• Alexandria: Mondays, May 20 and June 17 at 6:30 p.m.
• Little Falls: Tuesdays, May 7 and June 4 at 7:30 p.m.
• Long Prairie: Mondays, May 20 and June 17 at 7 p.m.
• Rice: Mondays, May 6 and June 3 at 6:30 p.m.
• Sauk Centre: Thursdays, May 16 and June 20 at 6:30 p.m.
• St. Cloud: Thursdays, May 23 and June 20 at 6:30 p.m.
• St. Michael: Tuesdays, May 7 and June 4 at 6 p.m.
• Wadena: Fridays, May 24 and June 28 at 5:30 p.m.
For additional sites, information or to register, visit www.stcdio.org/omf/nfp or contact Sheila Reineke sheila.reineke@gw.stcdio.org at (320) 252-4721 ext. 308.
May 2 – Virtual Fully Engaged Sponsor Couple Training in English (Part 1): This virtual training is held via Zoom from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Register at least 10 days prior to the first class. The cost of the webinar is $25 per couple. You will also need a pre-marital preview package which is $45 plus shipping and handling. Register at https://getfullyengaged.com/new-mentor-training/ or contact Jill Svihel at jill.svihel@gw.stcdio.org or (320) 258-7611.
May 3-5 – Worldwide Marriage Encounter: This retreat is held at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo. The Marriage Encounter experience helps you listen, share and connect more deeply. There’s no group discussion — it’s about the two of you learning to be the best, most loving and thriving couple you can be. Apply at https://wwme.org/.
May 4 – Honoring Marriage Day: This special event will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Sauk Rapids, at 1 p.m. for couples celebrating their fifth, 10th, 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 60-plus anniversaries in 2024. Invitations were sent to the celebrating couples. Questions, call Jan at (320) 258-7615.
May 9 – Virtual Fully Engaged Sponsor Couple Training in English (Part 2): This virtual training is held via Zoom from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Register at least 10 days prior to the first class. The cost of the webinar is $25 per couple. You will also need a pre-marital preview package which is $45 plus shipping and handling. Register at https://getfullyengaged.com/new-mentor-training/ or contact Jill Svihel at jill.svihel@gw.stcdio.org or (320) 258-7611.
May 18 – Engaged Couples Retreat: This retreat is held at Sacred Heart in Sauk Rapids. See our website at https://stcdio.org/engaged-couple-marriage-preparation/ for more details or call the office with questions, (320) 258-7615.
June 1 – Virtual Fully Engaged Sponsor Couple Training in Spanish: This training is held via Zoom. Register at least 10 days prior to the first class. The cost of the webinar is $25 per couple. You will also need a pre-marital preview package which is $45 plus shipping and handling. Register at https://getfullyengaged.com/new-mentor-training/ or contact Jill Svihel at jill.svihel@gw.stcdio.org or (320) 258-7611.
Upcoming Event
• July 25 – Humanae Vitae Mass & Award Presentation
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Elizabeth Brown ♦ (320) 251-1100
Please be sure to send in your funds to the Mission Office from the Catholic Relief Services Bishop's Appeal as well as the Rice Bowl collections from Lent 2024. We have already been receiving a number of requests for Local Rice Bowl funding and would like to distribute the 25% that was raised in our diocese. Thank you in advance for your support!
Missionary appeals are underway in many of your parishes and ACC communities. Thank you for your welcome and hospitality of these groups.
The Mission Office has a wonderful selection and assortment of chocolate, coffee, tea, household items, artwork and jewelry for all of your gift-giving needs. The best part is that all items are fairly traded!
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Brenda Kresky ♦ (320) 251-2340
Pastoral Visits with Bishop Neary: We have received positive feedback from the pastoral visits with Bishop Neary. Highlights include: the process of preparing the presentation, celebrating liturgy together, visiting with the bishop, having time to talk with others from another ACC and share experiences.
In April, we welcomed the ACC teams from All Called to Christ, Saints by the Lake and Red River Valley. Summaries, PowerPoints and handouts are available online on the diocesan website: https://stcdio.org/planning/area-catholic-community/area-catholic-communities-acc-pastoral-visit-summaries/. We look forward to welcoming the ACC teams from COR, Fr. Francis Xavier Pierz, Mary and the Saints Area Catholic Community and Pelican Valley Catholic Community on May 15.
The goals of the visits are threefold:
- To build bridges for a thriving mission across parishes in an ACC.
- To develop ACCs as learning communities through listening and dialogue.
- To offer radical hospitality to nurture relationships between Bishop Neary, the diocesan pastoral team, and ACC pastoral leadership.
This effort is a collaboration between the Diocese of St. Cloud and Bridge Builders for a Thriving Mission Initiative.
Data Collection Initiatives
There are currently two initiatives underway that are collecting data.
1. Diocesan Pastoral Planning
We have hired PartnersEdge to help us develop a current reality for our diocese. Significant pieces of data are needed from our parishes and schools to complete a comprehensive picture of our diocese. This information needs to be in to the planning office by May 15. The results will be shared at the Aug. 9 clergy day meeting at Saint John’s. If you have questions about the information needed, please contact Brenda.
2. Minnesota Economic Footprint Study
The economic footprint study is another way of looking at how the Church contributes to Minnesota —apart from spiritual benefits — especially for those who are not Catholic and who question why the Church’s freedom to serve the community must be respected.
Commissioned by the Minnesota Catholic bishops and funded by grants from the Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota and the Catholic University of America, this project is being conducted by scholars at the University of Colorado and St. Louis University. Minnesota Catholic Conference staff have been working with diocesan contacts to help collect data. The deadline for this data collection is May 15.
This endeavor is similar to the 2022 economic impact report produced by the Colorado Catholic Conference, CUA and the University of Colorado scholars. You may find it at this link: https://www.ipr.catholic.edu/catholic-programs-serving-the-colorado-community;
Upon reading Colorado’s report, you will find some key takeaways:
- The Church in Colorado estimated a $4.8 billion total economic contribution to society and the faithful.
- In 2019, the Church served more than 600,000 people (about 11% of Colorado’s population) through various ministries.
These numbers exhibit the magnitude of the Catholic Church’s charitable impact in the community. This report and its contents express what we are trying to demonstrate in Minnesota. It also underscores the importance of having the best data to draw the clearest conclusions using the research methods employed by the scholars.
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Linda Kaiser ♦ (320) 251-2340
May is a good time of the year for site administrators to review their parish/parishes or schools to be sure all staff and volunteers are up to date. The goal is to send each parish and school a list of staff and volunteers with expired background checks by the end of May. Make sure they get up to date or archive them as they no longer are active. Anyone with a background check that expired four or more months ago must complete the initial training again, and the background check will cost more.
Thank you to everyone for the great response in recording the children and youth training this year. The Diocese of St. Cloud is required to complete an annual audit of safe environment training each year to be in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Your cooperation in recording the data makes completing the audit much easier.
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Kateri Mancini ♦ (320) 229-6020
Save the Date: the annual Rural Life Celebration will be held on Sunday, August 18 beginning at 1:30 p.m. with outdoor Mass with Bishop Patrick. This year’s event is being hosted by St. Mary of Mount Carmel Parish in Long Prairie, in collaboration with the Five Star ACC. The event will take place on the Nathan and Samantha Middendorf farm in Long Prairie.
Please share the following information in parish bulletins and announcements:
Catholic Century Farm Awards & Rural Business Award
If your family, neighbors or members of your ACC have been farming the same land for 100 years or more, we want you to apply for the Catholic Century Farm Award given by the Diocese. Or if you know of a Catholic business owner who lives out their faith in how they run their business and support their community, please nominate them for the Rural Business Award. Both awards will be given at the Rural Life Celebration Mass with Bishop Neary on August 18 in Long Prairie. Farm Award application forms and Business nominations are due June 15. They can be found online at https://www.ccstcloud.org/services/social-concerns Or contact Socialconerns@ccstcloud.org or JoAnn.Braegelman@ccstcloud.org with questions.
Catholic Century Farm Award application (downloadable PDF): https://irp.cdn-website.com/e9f6e7c5/files/uploaded/Catholic%20Century%20Farm%20Award%20Reg_2023.pdf
Rural Business Award Nomination form https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Businessaward2024
New Document from the Vatican: The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, recently released a new statement on human dignity, including ways that our Catholic faith’s understanding of it ought to move to action and advocacy on behalf of many issues, including more issues than have previously been given extensive consideration and discussion within the Church. Pope Francis explicitly asked that the document “highlight topics closely connected to the theme of dignity, such as poverty, the situation of migrants, violence against women, human trafficking, war and other themes.” This broader spotlight remains true to our core understanding of human dignity, that “Every human person possesses an infinite dignity, inalienably grounded in his or her very being, which prevails in and beyond every circumstance, state, or situation the person may ever encounter.” The full document can be found here: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2024/04/08/240408c.html
Important Changes
Important changes are coming for the Office of Social Concerns. Read the full communication about Social Concerns’ upcoming transition here: https://thecentralminnesotacatholic.org/transition-social-concerns/.
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Anna Kampa ♦ (320) 258-7654
Thank you to all for your support of this year’s appeal.
• As of April 8, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for 2024 has raised total cash and pledge gifts of $1,007,638 toward our goal of $1,450,000 (71.97%). This was made possible through the generous donations of 5,829 people throughout the 16 counties of our diocese.
• If you would like to know your parish’s/ACC’s progress for this year’s appeal, please contact Anna Kampa at anna.kampa@gw.stcdio.org.
• Remaining solicitation letters for 2024 are tentatively scheduled for May 20, Aug. 19 and Nov. 18.
• Moving forward, the Appeal launch will be standardized to the second and third weekends in February. In 2025, Announcement Weekend is Feb. 8 – 9 and Commitment Weekend is Feb. 15 – 16.
Please continue to share the 2024 video:
English: https://youtu.be/lRAGKm8k-5A
Spanish: https://youtu.be/LYYlridmwCE
Reminder:
If you have not yet mailed the envelopes from your collections to the Diocesan Development Office, please do so now. Gifts and pledges are time-sensitive and need to be processed as soon as possible. If you continue to receive gifts in your collection after you have mailed your envelopes, please forward them promptly. As gifts trickle in, it is acceptable to apply a first-class stamp to the envelope and send it with your regular mail.
Please pray for the success of the Bishop's Annual Appeal and its ongoing support of diocesan ministries.
Stewardship
- Our office is in the process of contacting parishes/ACCs to learn names and contact information about individuals in the parishes/ACCs who would serve as contacts to receive information about stewardship.
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The Council is in the early stages of planning Stewardship Day for 2024. If there is any topic or information your parish/ACC would find helpful, please contact Anna Kampa at anna.kampa@gw.stcdio.org or (320) 258-7654.
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The stewardship webpage may be viewed at: https://stcdio.org/stewardship/.
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Fr. Doug Liebsch ♦ (320) 251-5001
Ordinations
Deacons Daniel Ruprecht and Kevin Soenneker will be ordained to the priesthood at 10:30 a.m. June 1 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud.
Nathaniel Daubner and Joseph VanDenheuvel will be ordained transitional deacons along with those to be ordained as permanent deacons at 10:30 a.m. June 8 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud.
June 25-27 – Nun Run: Father Doug would like to invite young women (rising juniors to mid-20s) who are interested in religious life to join the 2024 Nun Run. Register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024NunRun. If you have any questions, please contact the Vocations Office at (320) 251-5001.
2024 Totus Tuus schedule: Totus Tuus schedule for this summer can be found at
https://stcdio.org/vocations/totus-tuus/parish/.
2024 Vocations Events
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Sr. Jeanne Wiest, O.P. ♦ (320) 255-9068
Ordination Choirs: This year the diocese will be celebrating Ordination to the Presbyterate on Saturday, June 1, at 10:30 a.m. and Ordination to the Diaconate on Saturday, June 8, at 10:30 a.m. Anyone interested in singing for either or both of these Masses will need to attend the required rehearsals: May 11 (for the Ordination to the Presbyterate) 9-11 a.m. at St Mary’s Cathedral; May 18 (for the Ordination for the Diaconate) 9-11 a.m. at St Mary’s Cathedral. If you are interested in participating, please contact Anne Cota: musicatstmaryscathedral@gmail.com or call (320) 251-1840. Pre-registration is encouraged so music folders can be prepared ahead of the rehearsal.
Adult Confirmation: There will not be a special liturgy for baptized Catholics needing only confirmation this year. All baptized Catholic adults needing confirmation to complete their sacraments of initiation are to receive the sacrament of confirmation in the parish/ACC. Adults to be confirmed may be confirmed during the confirmation liturgy for the youth or at another liturgy (during the Easter season would be a most appropriate time).
SAVE THE DATE for new summer workshop for music directors and singers: “Tune My Heart” is a diocesan workshop at St. Francis Xaiver Church in Sartell for all musicians in the diocese. Steven Warner, musician and composer and good friend of Bishop Patrick, is coming to share his gifts with us. On Friday, Aug. 9, parish music directors/coordinators will gather for a light dinner, instruction and vespers. On Saturday, Aug. 10, all singers and musicians are invited to a day-long workshop, ending with singing for the 4 p.m. Mass with Bishop Patrick presiding. Registration will be open after May 1 on the diocesan website.
Registration for the free webinar series on adoration: The FDLC’s free series on adoration and exposition will run on Wednesdays — May 1, 8, 15, 22 and June 5, from noon to 1:15 p.m. If you have a conflict at that time, there is no need to worry. All registered participants will receive a link to the recorded version. A list of presenters and topics is available at the registration site at https://fdlc.org/2024/03/eucharistic-adoration-webinar-series/.
June 2— Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood Of Christ: The annual resource for the solemnity is now posted on the FDLC website. Download it for free at www.fdlc.org/BodyAndBlood2024.
OCIA translations approved: The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has confirmed the revised translations of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults and the Ritual de la Iniciación Cristiana de Adultos. The decrees of confirmation were issued on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, and were received by the USCCB shortly thereafter.
The final texts have been received by the USCCB and will undergo the customary review by the Secretariat for Divine Worship before an implementation schedule is recommended to the USCCB President. We are awaiting the dates for implementation in an official Decree of Publication. Stay tuned!
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Barbara Sutton ♦ Bridge-Builder for a Thriving Mission
Called & Gifted Training offered in Spanish: Bridge Builders for a Thriving Mission would like to sponsor three or four people who speak Spanish to train as Called & Gifted facilitators and gift discerners. Virtual team training will take place on June 13-15 and June 21-22. If you are able to make a two- to three-year commitment to serve in this ministry and can make these training dates, please contact Barbara Sutton, bsutton@csbsju.edu.
July 31-Aug. 2 — Lay Ecclesial Ministry Retreat: Registration for the 2024 Lay Ecclesial Ministry Retreat at Saint John’s University is open. The retreat will begin at 9:30 a.m. July 31 and end at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 2. The cost is $75 and includes room and board. Register at: https://www.csbsju.edu/forms/26I2DPZ7WL.
During the retreat, we will explore practices for reclaiming who we are and who we are called to become for one another. Our facilitators are Diane M. Millis, an educator, author and retreat facilitator, and Barbara Sutton, director of Bridge Builders and former adjunct pastoral theology faculty and director of field education and ministerial formation at Saint John’s School of Theology.
The retreat is provided through the Victor Klimoski Endowment for Lifelong Learning. Please direct any questions to Lauren Murphy (llmurphy@csbsju.edu) or Barbara Sutton (bsutton@csbsju.edu).
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Happy Birthday to our Retired Priests | |
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Reverend Vincent Lieser will celebrate his 83rd birthday on May 10.
308 Third Street S., Apt. 101
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Telephone: (218) 290-8768
Email: vplieser@gmail.com
Reverend David Petron will celebrate his 73rd birthday on May 25.
18168 - 150th Street
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
Telephone: (320) 527-3488
Email: djpetron@gmail.com
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Diocese of Saint Cloud Chancery and Pastoral Center
(320) 251-2340 • (320) 258-7600
www.stcdio.org
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