Observers say apostolic exhortation can help church model mercy

28 Pages·2016·5.26 MB·English

VOLUME 44 NUMBER 12
DIOCESE OF RAPID CITY,
SOUTH DAKOTA
Diocesan Website: www.rapidcitydiocese.org
Serving Catholics in Western South Dakota since May 1973
Deacon
Ordinations Held
Bishop Robert Gruss ordained
three men to the permanent
diaconate on March 31 at the
Cathedral of Our Lady of
Perpetual Help, Rapid City.
See page 11 for more photos.
A member of the Ministry
Formation Program team,
Priority Plan of the Deacon Pat Coy, Hill City,
looks on during the tradi-
Diocese of
tional laying on of hands, as
Rapid City, 13-16 Andy Clark, Gregory, is
ordained a deacon. Altar
Building God’s Kingdom, 2 servers Mary Kinyon and
Lively Faith, 5 Joseph Hill and Fr. Michel
Moments of Encounter, 6 Mulloy, cathedral rector, are
in the back ground.
New Catholics, 25
(WRC photo by Becky Berreth)
Observers say apostolic exhortation can help church model mercy
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Pope Francis’ apostolic exhorta-
tion on love and the family invites the church to see the daily
struggles of families as an opportunity to encounter people the
way Jesus encountered people with mercy throughout his life,
Catholic observers said. The exhortation, Amoris Laetitia (The
el
b Joy of Love), on Love in the Family, was Pope Francis’ 256 page
a
l reflection on the discussion, debate and suggestions raised dur-
g
n ing the 2014 and 2015 meetings of the Synod of Bishops on the
aili family. Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky,
M
president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, noted Pope
Francis’ repeated calls of the importance of clergy taking time to
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., center, presi-
get to know individual circumstance and discuss with people how
dent of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop
they can discern God’s teaching for their lives. The pope points
Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, N.Y., chairman of the Commit-
to “dialogue, which requires both speaking and listening, and dis-
tee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth of the U.S. Con-
cerning to help people see what their next step is” as key to his
ference of Catholic Bishops, and law professor Helen Alvare at
call for mercy, Archbishop Kurtz, a member of both synods, said
George Mason University are seen April 8 in Washington prior
to the start of a discussion about Pope Francis' apostolic ex- in an interview after participating in an online news conference
hortation on family life. (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn) at USCCB headquarters.
2 WRC Columns April 2016
Priority Plan: Our efforts to build God’s kingdom
In last month’s West River CatholicI reconciliation is needed and submitting in their parish.
shared with you the vision statement to the bishop a plan which engages and In the area of Education and Forma-
that is very integral to the Pastoral Pri- promotes reconciliation and includes an tion, the primary goals include provid-
ority Plan as well has the three Pastoral implementation process. ing three to five ongoing opportunities
Priorities. As you recall, the mission of Forming Disciples — We are called for formation for catechists and parish-
the Diocese of Rapid City is aligned to a deep union with Christ — a rela- ioners in a distance learning format and
with the mission of the Roman Catholic tionship of love. We will work together for directors of religious education to
Church extending from the mission of for formation in the human, spiritual, in- complete a certification program at the
Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Our sacred tellectual and pastoral areas. This parish’s expense either through the VSI
mission statement provides the frame- formation will empower us to grow as program or an approved equivalent. Diocese of Rapid City can be found in
work and focus for every ministry of the faithful stewards of God’s gifts, living a In the area of Governance and the center section of this issue of the
diocese. Catholic way of life through hospitality, Finance, the primary goals are to West River Catholic.
Our Priority Plan defines the efforts faith and discipleship. provide at least two Parish Leadership Over the course of the next few
of the diocese for the next three to five The goals for this priority include education sessions in each deanery to months, this plan will be communicated
years. Core values identified and illus- increasing the number of parishes which assist parishes in operating within the in detail in various ways. Besides the
trated in the Priority Plan are meant to meet the criteria to be recognized as diocesan and parish financial guide- copy in the West River Catholic, it will
guide the actions of every person, stewardship parishes and increasing the lines. A second goal is to implement a be made available to everyone in the
family, ministry and organization all participation rate in formation events by communication strategy that will diocese with the great hopes that all
across the diocese. at least twenty-five percent of the aver- support and enhance our foundational embrace the vision – Reconcile – Make
The vision statement: Reconcile – age number of parishioners currently at- ministries. Disciples – Live the Mission. In doing
Make Disciples – Live the Mission tending Mass. In the area of Social Services and so, I believe that the Lord will transform
helps to provide the focus for the Funding the Mission — Our Pas- Outreach, the major goals are to estab- us as disciples, our families, our faith
pastoral plan thereby making it more toral Plan lays out the vision and prior- lish a diocesan office dedicated to the communities and our diocese.
present the kingdom of God, in the dio- ities for the Diocese of Rapid City. Our work of social justice and to establish a Please take the time to study, reflect
cese of Rapid City, for the next five plan will be successful because disci- task force to assess the needs of the His- upon and pray with this Priority Plan
years. ples of Jesus Christ accept their call to panic community and make recommen- and begin to ask the Holy Spirit how
The three Pastoral Priorities and the joyfully and generously share their gifts dations to the bishop you might be called to engage this
goals for each of them will become our so that the Gospel can be proclaimed Finally, the goals in the area of vision in a personal way and as part of
focus for ministry over the next 18-24 and lived in western South Dakota. Vocations and Evangelization include your parish community. Our plan will
months, guiding our efforts to build The goals for this priority include forming vocation committees in each be successful because disciples of Jesus
God’s kingdom through the year 2018. developing a Diocesan Facility Master parish to encourage and promote a Christ accept their call to joyfully and
These priorities will inform the focus, Plan to include plans for a new chancery culture of vocations, and forming 10-15 generously share their gifts so that the
clarity and direction of our ministry in building and plans for the Terra Sancta people from each parish in relational Gospel can be proclaimed and lived in
support of the mission of the diocese. campus, as well as implementing a ministry and sharing the joy of the western South Dakota.
As you recall, the three Diocesan financial plan to fund diocesan offices, Gospel of Christ through witness and May God continue to abundantly
Pastoral Priorities include: Reconcilia- ministries and facilities. testimony. bless you, your family and the Diocese
tion, Forming Disciples, Funding the The Priority Plan will also impact the The complete Priority Plan of the of Rapid City.
Mission. foundational ministries of the
World Youth Day
Reconciliation — As God has rec- diocese, those ministries which are part
onciled us through Jesus Christ, so we of the ongoing work of the local church. Seminarian Fundraiser
will promote forgiveness and healing These foundational ministries and goals
CERTIFIED BLACK ANGUS BEEF
within families; within and between are as follows.
1ST PRIZE
2ND PRIZE
communities; among racial groups; In the area of Sacraments and 1/4Beef 1/4Beef
within the church. We will invite others Worship, the main goals include char-
to experience the good news of God’s tering a liturgy commission under the
TICKETS ARE $15 EACH OR 5 FOR $50.
love through an encounter with Jesus direction of the Office of Worship to
Tickets can be purchase by calling the Vocations Office at 605-716-5214 x223
Christ. renew the liturgical life of the Diocese
or at Chancery Office; Chancery Annex at Terra Sancta; Cathedral of Our Lady
The goals for this priority include of Rapid City and to implement an eval-
of Perpetual Help, Rapid City; St. Joseph, Spearfish; and Sacred Heart, Philip.
identifying areas where reconciliation uation process to measure each parish-
DRAWING HELD MAY 1, 2016
and unity are strong and areas where ioner’s personal experience of the Mass Donated by the parishes of St. Mary, Milesville; St. William, Midland; and Sacred Heart, Philip
April 2016 News WRC 3
New Employee
Bishop’s Calendar
There is a new voice answering the phone at the main
April 22-May11, 2016
Chancery Office in Rapid City. Roberta Bruhn began her
training March 8. She fills the vacancy left by Dottie Subject to change without notice
Borowski, who retired, March 15.
April 22, Friday
Bruhn holds a degree in business from Arizona State
SD State Knights of Columbus Convention, Mitchell, SD
University, Tempe, Ariz., and is a paralegal. She has April 23, Saturday
taught religious education at St. Isaac Jogues, Rapid 4 p.m. CT Pre-Confirmation Meeting, Sacred Heart, Burke
5:30 p.m. CT Confirmation Mass, Sacred Heart, Burke
City, for 14 years where she and her husband Mark,
April 24, Sunday
are members. Roberta Bruhn 9:30 a.m. CT Pre-Confirmation Meeting, St. Joseph, Gregory
10:30 a.m. CT Confirmation Mass, St. Joseph, Gregory
1:30-3:30 p.m. CT Parish Finance/Administration Workshop, St. Joseph, Gregory
April 25, Monday
2:30 p.m. Diocesan Department Head Meeting, Chancery Conference Room
4 p.m. Rapid City Catholic School System Board Meeting and Staff Banquet, Terra
Sancta Retreat Center
April 27, Wednesday
11 a.m. Diocesan Staff Appreciation Mass/Luncheon, Terra Sancta
5 p.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting, St. Therese, Rapid City
6 p.m. Confirmation Mass, St. Therese, Rapid City
April 28, Thursday
Pierre/Ft. Pierre honor sisters Day of Mercy for All Parishes
10:30 a.m. Monastery Anniversary Mass/Lunch, St. Martin Monastery
Sisters who have served and are currently serving in the Pierre/Ft. Pierre area April 29, Friday
share a blessing in song following a dinner in their honor. The Ft. Pierre 4 p.m. Prayer Protest for Religious Liberty, corner of 9th and Main, Rapid City
April 30, Saturday
Knights of Columbus Council and 4th Degree Pierre/Ft. Pierre Assembly spon-
4:30 p.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting (Candidates from Spearfish and Belle Fourche),
sored the event. Thirteen sisters from the Mother of God Monastery, Water-
St. Joseph, Spearfish
town, and Pierre area attended the evening meal with parishioners. Someone
5:30 p.m. Confirmation Mass, St. Joseph, Spearfish
at each banquet table introduced a sister who shared her “story” with them May 1, Sunday
during the meal. The Benedictines, Yankton, presented two videos to the at- 10:30 a.m. Confirmation Mass, St. Paul, Belle Fourche
tendees. (Courtesy photo) 4 p.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting, Blessed Sacrament, Rapid City
5 p.m. Confirmation Mass, Reception, Blessed Sacrament, Rapid City
May 4, Wednesday
5 p.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting, Sacred Heart, Pine Ridge
6 p.m. Confirmation Mass, Sacred Heart, Pine Ridge
May 6, Friday
11:15 a.m. Bishop’s First Friday Mass/Luncheon, Cathedral
May 7, Saturday
1:15-3:30 p.m. Veritatis SplendorInstitute, Terra Sancta
6 p.m. Mayfest Banquet Auction to benefit Rapid City Catholic Schools
May 8, Sunday
9 a.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting, St. Anthony, Buffalo
10 a.m. Confirmation Mass, St. Anthony, Buffalo
May 10, Tuesday
10 a.m -2 p.m. College of Consultors Meeting, Bishop’s Residence
5:30 p.m. Andrew Dinner for Deanery 1 (Vocations), Blessed Sacrament, Rapid City
May 11, Wednesday
WEST RIVER CATHOLIC
8 a.m. Diocesan Staff Mass/Breakfast, Terra Sancta
USPS 983-360
9:30 a.m. Department Head Meeting, Terra Sancta
Official newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rapid City, published monthly.
6 p.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting, Blessed Sacrament, Rapid City
The West River Catholicis owned and published by the Diocese of Rapid City
7 p.m. Confirmation Mass, Blessed Sacrament, Rapid City
606 Cathedral Drive Rapid City, SD 57701-5499 Phone: [phone]
May 14, Saturday
Publisher: Bishop Robert D. Gruss
Editor Laurie Hallstrom, [email protected] 9-11 a.m. Parish Finance/Administration Workshop, Terra Sancta Retreat Center
Assistant Editor Becky Berreth, [email protected] 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Terra Sancta Guild Parish Leadership Team Training, Terra Sancta
Circulation Roberta Bruhn, [email protected] Retreat Center
Advertising: Laurie Hallstrom, 343-3541 6 p.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting, St. Isaac Jogues, Rapid City
Subscription: $27, Foreign subscription: $60 per year. 7 p.m. Confirmation Mass, St. Isaac Jogues, Rapid City
Postmaster: Address all correspondence, including change of address, to: May 16, Monday
West River Catholic, PO Box 678, Rapid City, SD 57709-0678 6 p.m. Pre-Confirmation Meeting, Cathedral
7 p.m. Confirmation Mass, Cathedral
Periodical postage paid at
May 17, Tuesday
Rapid City, SD 57701
Benefactors: Day of Mercy for All Parishes
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Office of Home Missions, Catholic Extension
4 WRC News April 2016
Petition to open the cause for canonization
(Editor’s note: The grandchildren of Nicholas Black Elk presented Bishop Robert
Gruss with a petition to open the cause for canonization of Black Elk during Pastoral
Ministry Days. Below is a copy of the letter accompanying the signatures.)
Bishop Gruss,
Hehani waste’, Cante wasteya nape ciuzapelo. Good morning, I greet you
with a good heart and a warm handshake in the name of our Lord, Jesus
Christ.
My name is George Looks Twice, I am an enrolled member of the Oglala
Lakota Nation and a member of Our Lady of the Sioux Parish in Oglala, South
Dakota, where I was commissioned a Lay Minister for the Rapid City Diocese
in 2009. I am the eldest of three grandsons and two granddaughters of the
Oglala Holy Man, Chief, and Catechist Nicholas Black Elk.
It is with great honor and privilege to be present on this historical day with
my relatives, fellow tribal members, other native people, priests and lay min-
isters from across the diocese to present you with this petition. The petition
contains over 1600 signatures from people of goodwill across the United George Looks Twice, center, and the grandchildren of Nicholas Black Elk stand
States and Canada. The petition requests that the Diocese of Rapid City pro- before Bishop Robert Gruss and Deacon Marlon Leneaugh, director of Native
ceed as the petitioner to nominate Nicholas Black Elk, Sr. for the cause for Ministries, after presenting a petition requesting the diocese to nominate
canonization. Black Elk for the cause for canonization. (WRC photo)
Our grandfather, Nicholas, was born in 1866 into a lineage of great medicine
men; and atop Hinhan Kaga, “The Making of Owls” (Harney Peak) Tunkasila
(God) blessed him with a great vision, and his gifts were affirmed as he went
on to became a recognized healer and respected medicine man at a very
young age.
Curious about Christianity, he began to watch and study. In 1885, he learned
about Kateri Tekakwitha and signed the petition supporting the cause for her
canonization. In 1904, he met a Jesuit priest who invited him to study Christi-
anity at Holy Rosary Mission, near Pine Ridge, S.D. He did so, and on the feast
of St. Nicholas, December 6, he was baptized Nicholas William. Saint
Nicholas, appealed to him because he exhibited a model of Christian charity
that resonated with grandpa’s role as a traditional spiritual leader and his own
generosity in service to the Native People.
Believing that Wakantanka, the Great Spirit, called him to greater service,
he became a Christian and practiced his Lakota ways as well as the Catholic
religion. He was comfortable praying with his pipe and his rosary and partici-
pated in Mass and Lakota ceremonies on a regular basis.
In 1907 the Jesuits appointed him a catechist because of his love of Christ,
his enthusiasm and excellent memory for learning scripture and Church teach-
ings. Like St. Paul, he traveled widely to various reservations; preaching,
sharing stories and teaching the Catholic faith with his “Two Roads Model” of
catechism. He is attributed to having over 400 native people baptized, and
since then his books and model lifestyle have inspired countless others in their
spiritual journeys.
He died in 1950 having lived an exemplary life of being faithful to Tunkasila
and always wanting to serve the native people.
There are many who are waiting to share the joy of the day when Nicholas
Black Elk, Sr., will be counted among the company of saints by Holy Mother
Church.
We thank you bishop for this opportunity to make this presentation to you on
behalf of the Black Elk family, our grandfather Nicholas and all the people of
God who support this cause.
God Bless you!
Mitakuye Oyasin,
George Looks Twice, Virginia Black Elk (Iyotte), Nicholas (Patrick) Black Elk,
Copyright ©2015, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C.
Gerald Black Elk, Caroline Black Elk, Matthew Black Elk
All rights reserved. Photo credit: ©iStock, Lightstock
April 2016 News WRC 5
Ablaze: Essential elements of a lively faith
By Laurie Hallstrom and is one of Pope Francis’ Missionar- Richter, Pope Emeritus, Bene-
ies of Mercy. It is a ministry that calls dict XVI said, “‘the faithful
Hospitality is still an important part him to be a sign of the church’s caring expect only one thing from
of the diocesan stewardship plan, but for people and the Father’s readiness to priests — to be specialists in
another element is being introduced. pardon those who ask. In addition to his promoting the encounter be-
Bishop Robert Gruss opened Pastoral speaking engagement, the evening of tween man and God.’ When
Ministry Days, March 14-15, titled March 15 he heard confessions at the you think ‘heart experts’ think
“Ablaze,” by explaining the Diocese of Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Catholic priests — teaching a Pastoral Ministry Days opened with the Song of the
Rapid City is moving to the second lens Help, Rapid City. heart how to be in love, it Four Directions followed by Azilya Ritual or blessing
of our stewardship process — lively Msgr. Richter enumerated two converts one’s life. That is with sage. During the Divine Office, Deacon Ben Black
Bear, St. Francis, read the Gospel in Lakota. Next to
faith. The two-day gathering was held threats to lively faith today affecting the pastoral priority par ex-
the ambo is a framed icon of Nicholas Black Elk. A
at Terra Sancta Retreat Center, Rapid people sitting in the pews. “The greatest cellence.
petition was presented for Black Elk’s canonization.
City. threat to Christianity today is reducing “The most fruitful activity See page 4. (WRC photos by Becky Berreth)
Msgr. Thomas J. Richter, rector of it to being a good person and doing the of the human person is to re-
the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bis- right thing. The duty to do the right ceive God,” he said. “Pray
marck, N.D., was the keynote speaker. thing is pre-Christianity, it is basic like a pirate, the acronym is ARRR.
He has served on the National Confer- human nature. Second, a big challenge It stands for Acknowledge, Relate,
ence of Diocesan Vocation Directors is a sacramentalized person, but not an Receive, Respond. That is the dy-
evangelized person.” namic of the heart wanting to be
He described a person who close to another heart. It is honestly
practices the faith, but does and consistently acknowledging and
not have the joy or the love relating what is in my heart to God,
that Christianity is about. receiving comes from that.
When passing on the faith to “Most of the passion in my belly
Msgr. Thomas J. Richter, Bismarck, N.D.
the next generation rules are is wanting to teach people how to
was the keynote speaker at PMD.
not contagious or attractive. pray,” he said. He had copies of a
“Lively faith is about thou prayer direction handout, “If I want 1960s, 60 percent of families attended
claiming me, wounding my to spend time with Jesus in daily weekly church. It is down to 24 percent
heart in a way that I want to be prayer what would it look like?” now.
with this person,” he said ex- That handout, videos, audio files and In his parish, 35-40 percent of the
March 14, the annual blessing of holy oils, Chrism plaining the difference be- a list of recommended books are families go to weekly Mass. To im-
Mass, was held at the cathedral; here Bishop Robert tween the heart and head. available on the diocesan website, prove that figure, he said he has formed
Gruss breathes the Holy Spirit into the Oil of Chrism. According to Msgr. www.rapidcitydiocese.org, click on a hand picked group of eucharistically
Altar server Max Daniel is at left.
the “Ablaze” icon. awakened families called the St. An-
According to Msgr. Richter, drew group. They ask Jesus in prayer
CARA, the Center for Applied Re- who he wants them to bring back. Msgr.
search in the Apostolate, Catholic Richter hopes each family can bring
Mass attedance has dropped. In the one family back per year.
6 WRC News April 2016
‘How often do we miss those moments of encounter?’
By Laurie Hallstrom and international affairs and the ple in Denver. We don’t have this many poor could be very personal. “We had a
Those attending the annual Catholic Catholic Campaign for Human Devel- in Chicago.’ It’s not her fault. … They gentleman in Denver, very influential
Social Services fundraiser, Palm Sun- opment, the bishop’s anti-poverty pro- are excluded, invisible and isolated and businessman, who said each day he was
day Brunch, March 20, were asked to gram. there is no greater poverty than isola- going to seek out and have an en-
look at a global Reyes drew on Pope Francis’s warn- tion.” counter. I saw him eight months later
culture of exclu- ing about the dark side of globalization. Reyes said the pope said the solution and he said his life has completely
sion wherein the He described people who have lost a is a culture or inclusion or encuentro. changed. One of the things he does is
poor and home- sense of life’s meaning, lost a sense of “The Spanish word encuentro comes go down to the homeless shelter. He
less are left on belonging to any home or family, re- with a meaning of a real personal ex- knows them each by name, prays with
the margins, in- lentless violence, the inability to love, change — a recognition of a person’s them, they say the rosary together, he
visible, hungry forgive or understand, and a sense of humanity. Even when you have the helps them out.
and lonely. The abandonment and solitude. briefest encounter with someone it is “It’s worth noting that if you decide
keynote speaker “It even happens here in the U.S. In more meaningful.” to live a life of encounter it’s going to
was Jonathan J. Denver, when I took over Catholic According Reyes, Mother Teresa cost something, because love comes
Reyes, Ph.D., Charities, we started a program called said the healing starts at home with lov- with sacrifice and you don’t want to
executive direc- “Christ in the City” where college stu- ing your family. “How often do we miss walk in not knowing that.”
Jonathan J. Reyes tor of the Depart- dents come for a year or two. One of the those moments of encounter? They are In conclusion he said, “The basic
ment of Justice, things we did when they first (arrived all around us. We live in a world of iso- point of the virtue is that everyone is
Peace and Human Development of the in) the city was have a formerly home- lation and we have the opportunity to made for greatness, a great and mighty
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, less person show the students where the be the source of life and light. How do destiny, one so great we can’t even
Washington, D.C. homeless people sleep, eat, and live,” we heal the world we live in? We heal it imagine. The destiny is so high that we
He was formerly president and chief he said. “The story goes that one of vol- by being deliberate in saying that every can’t accomplish it ourselves. God has
executive officer of Catholic Charities unteers was a middle class person from exchange and every moment we have to make it possible. The vice that goes
and Community Services of the Arch- Chicago. When asked what they expe- can be a genuine encounter,” he said. with this virtue is acedia — spiritual or
diocese of Denver, 2009-2015. Now he rienced this young person said, ‘I had He continued his speech illustrating mental sloth. Sadness comes when we
oversees USCCB efforts in domestic no idea you had so many homeless peo- the call of discipleship. He spoke of a don’t pursue the greatness we were
wealthy donor who realized helping the made for.”
Thank you Knights of Columbus Councils 1489 and 8025
for assisting with parking during Pastoral Ministry Days
at Terra Sancta — especially when it was cold and windy
the second day.
— Dan Brechtel, Facilities Manager
April 2016 Events Schedule WRC 7
April 22, Friday sion. Using a lectioprayer format, this re- camp, grades 9-12 ends June 17. Grades 6- sDivine Mercy Chaplet: Sundays, 3
sRachel’s Vineyard:For those hurting treat day will help you to prayerfully ex- 8, June 14-17. $20 off if you register before p.m., Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual
due to an abortion. Held in Rapid City. press yourself. Held at St. Martin May 15. Registration deadline: May 25. Help. Followed by the patriotic rosary.
Ends April 24. )Carol Kling 605-374-5639 Monastery from 9:15 a.m.-3 p.m. )Sr. Registration forms can be found at )Ellen Robertson 605-718-9909.
or [email protected] the retreat. Therese Marie, 605-343-8011. www.gods-call.orgor at your parish. )Of- sFamily Rosary: Sundays, 7 p.m., St.
sArt Exhibit: The Benedictine Sisters May 11, Wednesday fice of Vocations 605-716-5214 x233 or Therese the Little Flower Church, Rapid
and friends will show their work from sTaizé: Experience the sacred through [email protected]. City. )Mark Biggs 605-343-2467.
noon-4 p.m. at St. Martin Monastery. Also song, silence and scripture. Held at 7 p.m. July 11, Monday sHope for New Life Jail Ministry:
on display April 23-24. in the Holy Cross Chapel, Terra Sancta. sTotus Tuus Boys: An opportunity to re- Third Monday, 7 p.m., Catholic Social
April 23, Saturday May 14, Saturday flect on God’s call with religious sisters and Services. )Tony Galles 605-348-2301 or
sNatural Family Planning: Seminar sCatholic Daughters Mother-Daugh- priest. Includes hiking, campfires, swim- Mary Sperlich 605-342-9343.
for engaged couples or anyone wanting to ter Brunch: Held 10 a.m., St. Therese ming, games, Mass, adoration, and more. sVocation Discernment Retreats:
learn more about natural family planning. Parish Hall, Rapid City. Join us for our an- Held at Terra Sancta. Leadership camp, )Sister Mary Wegher, OSB, 605-343-
To be held at St. Therese the Little Flower nual brunch along with entertainment and grades 9-12 ends July 15. Grades 6-8, 8011.
Church, Rapid City, from 9 a.m.-noon. Pre- door prizes. Menu: quiche, yogurt with July12-15. $20 off if you register before sSpiritual Direction: At St. Martin
registration required. Next seminar, May 14 fruit and granola, assorted sweet breads, May 15. Registration deadline: May 25. Monastery. )Sr. Margaret Hinker, OSB, Sr.
at Terra Sancta, Rapid City. )Amy at Fam- and beverages. Reservations are required; Registration forms can be found at Florence McManamen, OSB, or Sr. Edna
ily Life Ministries, 605-716-5214 x236 or see your bulletin for registration form. www.gods-call.orgor at your parish. )Of- Marie Stephenson, OSB, 605-343-8011.
[email protected]. Deadline to register is May 9. )Dorothy fice of Vocations 605-716-5214 x233 or sDivine Mercy Image:Would you like
April 29, Friday Kies 605-342-0147. [email protected]. to host a traveling Divine Mercy Image in
sWRC deadline for submissions. May 20, Friday July 29, Friday your home for up to 27 days to pray the Di-
Paper mailed Tuesday, May 17. sNiobrara Young Adult Retreat/ sHeart to Heart Weekend for the vine Chaplet/Novena? A rosary and infor-
)605-343-3541 or Canoe Trip:A weekend of camping, ca- Engaged: For engaged couples to deepen mation about the image are included.
[email protected] noeing, fellowship, and prayer. Limited their relationship with each other and God )Georgine 605-441-8140
[email protected] space — first come, first serve. Held at by exploring the Catholic Church’s vision sTutors VolunteersNeeded: Overcom-
April 30, Saturday Smith Falls campground. Ends May 22. of marriage. Attendance is required for cou- ing the language barrier ministry at Blessed
sAlzheimer’s/Dementia Information Applications at 8www.rapidcitydiocese ples doing marriage prep in the diocese. Sacrament Church, Rapid City, is looking
Day: For those who would like to know .org/youth-and-young-adult-ministry or Ends July 31. Register online at 8terra for volunteers interested in helping adults
more about caring for someone or if you )Randy Vette, 605-716-5214 x228. sancta.org. with English reading, writing, and speak-
need support, please attend any or all of the June 7, Tuesday Standing Events ing skills. Participants will be introduced to
workshop provided by healthcare profes- sSilent Retreat for Women: Silent sShattered Hearts … A Grandparents the Lauback Way to Reading with an em-
sionals. Opportunities for one-on-one vis- preached retreat with Father Tim Hoag. Be- Grief:For grandparents grieving the death phasis on English language learners.
its with local agencies that offer help and gins with daily Mass at 11 a.m. and ends of a grandchild. Meets the fourth Saturday )Christine Leichtnam 605-342-8598,
several professional care-giving agencies with lunch on Friday. Prices listed include from 9-10a.m. at the Rapid City Public 8cleicht@rap. midco.netor Maria Munoz
that will care for your loved one so that you lodging (strongly recommended you stay at Library, Room B (upstairs). )Lynn 341- 605-791-3430.
can attend. Free light lunch. Held at the the center), meals and director fees. Lodg- 7663 or March Anne 342-9220. sSpanish Bible Study: Reflect on the
Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, ing options: Monastic — twin bunk beds sCentering Prayer: Held Wednesdays Sunday readings, 3:45-4:45 p.m. Wednes-
Rapid City, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. — $220, family — two queens with private at 5 p.m. at Terra Sancta. Led by Sandi days at Blessed Sacrament Church, Rapid
8www.cathedraloplh.org for details and bath — $330. Register at 8terrasancta.org. Ohlen. Please use south patio entrance and City, room 107. Everyone is welcome. Re-
registration or )Judy Hasenohrl, 605-342- June 10, Friday join the group in the Solarium at Terra fleccionando en las lecturas del Domingo.
0507 if you have questions. sNPM Choir Festival: All music min- Sancta. Miercoles de 3:45-4:45 p.m. Todos estan
May 6, Friday isters are invited to participate in a week- sCor Jesu – Rapid City Catholic Bienvenidos. salon 107. )Maria Munoz
sBishop’s Luncheon:11:15 a.m. Mass, end of sacred music. Nelly and Clayton Young Adults:Meets in the large meeting 605-791-3430.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Southwick will be leading singers through room, Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual
Rapid City. Noon lunch in Cathedral Hall, a wide gamut of liturgical music culminat- Help for catechism Monday nights 7-8:30
talk by Bishop Robert Gruss. Lunch $6. ing in a concert Saturday, June 11. Held at p.m. Open to young adults ages 18-35.
Everyone welcome. the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual )Nathan Valle 850-361-6825 or Randy Holy Spirit
sWorld Apostolate of Fatima: First Help, Rapid City. Preregistration requested. Vette 605-641-3303. Novena
Friday Mass at 5:30 p.m. with prayers and $15 fee includes three meals and social. sOLPH Eucharistic Apostles of Divine May 6-14
devotions. First Saturday, May 7, begins )Jackie Schnittgrund 605-342-6132 or Mercy:NEW TIME. First Saturday, 9a.m.,
with prayers at 7:45 a.m. followed by 8 mail checks to Kathy Little, 14645 Country Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. http://www.spiritans.com/
a.m. Mass and exposition. Both in Our Road, Rapid City, SD 57701. )Pam Ekberg 605-719-9669. holy_spirit_novena.htm
Lady’s Chapel, Cathedral of Our Lady of June 13, Monday sPrayer and Lectio: Thursdays 6:30 Pray for the gifts
Perpetual Help. Dr. Kopriva 605-343-6202. sTotus Tuus Girls: An opportunity to p.m., St. Martin Monastery. )Sister
of the Holy Spirit.
May 7, Saturday reflect on God’s call with religious sisters Marmion Howe, OSB, 605-343-8011.
Transform your
sPrayerful Painting:Theme is “God’s and priest. Includes hiking, campfires, sPatriotic Rosary: Thursdays 6 p.m.,
life!
Creation.” You need not be an artist for God swimming, games, Mass, adoration, and Blessed Sacrament Church, Rapid City.
to speak to you through creative expres- more. Held at Terra Sancta. Leadership )Ellen Robertson 605-718-9909.
8 WRC Columns April 2016
It’s always fishing season
“For the clergy it is easier to be pas- (Mt 4:19). I know there are more fish- sacrament of confession and he said he
tors than to be fishermen — that is, it ing stories still out there, but to give you was. I really wanted to help him get to
is easier to nourish those who come to some hope and encouragement, I confession before Holy Week so he
the church through word and the sacra- thought it would be good to share with could enjoy that liturgy and also be
ments than it is to seek out those who you one of those stories: ready for Divine Mercy Sunday.
are far off in cultural environments that “I met my friend Brandon while “I called the Denver Cathedral
are very different. The parable of the working in the panhandle of Texas in Basilica office and asked if I could
lost sheep is reversed today: ninety- 2013. He was half my age, a hard schedule a general confession. The sec-
nine sheep have gone off and one worker and eager to learn. As our work- retary said she would see if there was a pretty happy. I assured him they had
remains in the sheepfold. The danger ing relationship grew, I learned that he priest who could accommodate me and definitely thrown a party in heaven that
for us is to spend all our time nourish- was raised Catholic but was no longer call me back. As I was driving through day.”
ing this one remaining sheep and not to practicing the faith. He was, at the time Wyoming on March 15, I had a lot of Wow! That’s what I call fishing!
have time — also because the scarcity of this meeting, anti-Catholic; what I anxiety about not finding a confessor This man drove all the way to Denver
of clergy — to seek out those who are mean is he would say negative things for Brandon. I said out loud with all my from the Black Hills to accompany
lost. The contribution of the laity in this about the Catholic faith and Christian- heart, ‘Please Jesus, send a confessor to someone to confession. What a gift of
situation seems providential.” ity in general, and did not attend church help me!’ extraordinary generosity and an exam-
—Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa of any kind. “That was all it took. About 30 ple of taking to heart Bishop Gruss’ in-
“Christ Yesterday and Today” “There were two of us on that job seconds later, my cell phone rang and I vitation to accompany others in their
who were active Catholics and we had an appointment with Fr. Ron for a journey to Christ.
In 2013 there was a television mini- would travel an hour to Amarillo on general confession at 1 p.m. on March This joy-filled Easter season is a
series titled “The Bible” that aired on Sundays to attend Mass at St. Mary 18 for Brandon. Tears of joy came great time to apply Jesus’ words about
the History Channel. One of my Cathedral, followed by a trip to a shoot- down my face. I called my friend and fishing for people. Who is the one
favorite scenes is when Jesus says to ing range and lunch. After a few weeks told him to meet me at the cathedral in person — just one — you could help
Peter, “Let’s go fishing.” As they were of talking to Brandon about shooting, Denver for their noon Mass “We went bring back to the church, to a deeper
in the boat conversing with one another he asked if he could come with; I told to lunch and he told me that it had been relationship with the Son of God? I
and fishing, Jesus sticks his hand into him we attend Mass before we go out 20 years since his last confession and look forward to hearing your fishing
the Sea of Galilee and begins to to the range. That was okay with him, that he thought his father and grandfa- story at 605-716-5214 x235 or email
summon the fish. That day Peter and even though he had not been to Mass ther, who are deceased, were probably [email protected].
the other disciples netted a miraculous for quite a long time.
catch of fish. “When that job was completed, Terra Sancta Retreat Center Highlights — May
I thought of this story last summer Brandon returned to his home in Den-
May 14: Cornerstone Rescue Mission Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
when I was competing in Bishop ver and we stayed in contact through
Nearly 300 volunteers make a difference each year for families, veterans and
Robert Gruss’ fishing tournament for email and an occasional phone call. I individuals fleeing homelessness and poverty, and are a vital part of the
seminarians. The fish were not biting was working in Colorado in August Cornerstone Rescue Mission’s success.
so I decided to stick my hand into Lake 2015 and Brandon and I ended up going May 19: Jesuit Day of Reflection
The Jesuits serve our diocese in many places — Our Lady of Lourdes
Oahe and start summoning the fish. to a Rockies game one weekday after-
Elementary School, Porcupine, one of the pioneer schools on the reservations
A fellow in the boat next to us yelled noon. We had a great day and before we
to incorporate Lakota studies as a vital part of the curriculum; Red Cloud Indian
out, “Hey, buddy, does that sort of thing parted company, he told me that he School, Pine Ridge, an education of the mind and heart in our Lakota,
really work?” wanted to go to confession but was Catholic, and Jesuit tradition, we offer skills for life; Saint Francis Mission,
Rosebud Indian Reservation, a ministry of the Jesuits among the 20,000 Lakota
I yelled back, “For those who have scared.
(Sioux); Sioux Spiritual Center, Howes, the heart of the Diocese of Rapid City’s
faith it does!” “He asked if I would help him get to
efforts to develop native clergy and leadership on the reservations; and
He smiled, but never stuck his hand confession. I said, ‘Sure!’ but I didn’t St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Rapid City.
in Lake Oahe to summon the fish. My know when this could happen because May 21-22: Marriage Matters
team won; his did not. the job I was working was ending that Sponsored by Catholic Social Services. See page 18.
http://catholicsocialservicesrapidcity.com/marriagematters/
After last month’s column, in which week and I knew I had no chance to do
Other events in May:Dakota Choral Union Spring Concert (May 1); Annual
I invited you to share your “fishing anything for him right then.
Tribunal Provincial Meeting (May 2-4); Clergy Convocation (May 23-26). Terra
stories,” I received several phone calls. “As Lent 2016 progressed, the prom- Sancta staff will also host several graduation parties, wedding showers, a family
Two calls in particular were about an- ise I made to my friend stayed on my reunion, and a wedding.
swering Jesus’ challenge, “Follow me, mind. I sent him a text a few weeks ago
June 7-10: Silent Retreat for Women with Fr. Tim Hoag.
and I will make you fish for people” to see if he was still interested in the
More information on-line at http://terrasancta.org/SilentRetreats
April 2016 Columns WRC 9
After the “G-word” has been spoken, killing continues
In the early church, witnesses to the
faith who had been persecuted and tor-
Holy Thursday
tured but not killed were known as
Pope Francis kisses the
“martyr-confessors.” It’s been one of
foot of a refugee during
the great privileges of my life to have
Holy Thursday Mass of
known such men and women: Czech the Lord's Supper at the
priests who spent years as slave labor- Center for Asylum Seek-
ers in uranium mines; Lithuanian ers in Castelnuovo di
priests and nuns condemned to Perm Porto, about 15 miles
Camp 36 in the Gulag; a Ukrainian north of Rome, March
24. The pope washed
Greek Catholic scholar who knew the tary Kerry’s statement was the mention
and kissed the feet of
bone-chilling bite of the Siberian winter of Christians as targets of genocide.
refugees, including Mus-
because of his fidelity to Christ and to That statement would not have hap-
lims, Hindus and Copts.
the Bishop of Rome. These modern pened without the relentless, persistent
(CNS photo/L'Osserva-
martyr-confessors are part of that “great work of human rights campaigner Nina
tore Romano)
cloud of witnesses” who form a living Shea, who has lobbied for redress for
link between the church here and now persecuted Christians in the Middle
and “the assembly of the first-born who East with a tenacity that deserves the
are enrolled in heaven” (Heb 12: 23). martyr-confessors I have met had a zone in which Christian lives were au- highest respect. It wouldn’t have hap-
I treasure the memory and the friend- story quite like that of Father Douglas tomatically forfeit. Today, Father Bazi pened without the leadership of Con-
ship of these great souls. All their sto- Bazi, of the Chaldean Catholic Diocese lives with his exiled people in the Kur- gressman Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska,
ries are remarkable; so was the of Erbil, whom I met three weeks ago. dish Autonomous Region of crumbling who introduced the House resolution
equanimity they exhibited as I got to Simply because he was a Christian Iraq. The ISIS assault on his people, he that passed on March 14 while Father
know them — the sense they conveyed, and a Catholic priest, Father Bazi had told me, was but the latest of eight dif- Bazi looked on from the House gallery.
quite naturally, that it was a privilege to his teeth knocked out, his nose ferent assaults on Chaldean Catholics And the Kerry statement wouldn’t have
suffer for the faith. Comparative marty- smashed, and his back broken with a over the last century, which have re- happened without the prod of a report,
rology is out of place in such a com- hammer. And that was before ISIS duced what was once a population of “Genocide against Christians in the
pany of heroes. Still, none of the turned large parts of Iraq into a killing three million to about 180,000. In the Middle East,” prepared by the Knights
brutal politics of a region where the of Columbus and the organization “In
withdrawal of American power has led Defense of Christians:” a remarkably
to seven demons worse than the first, detailed account of anti-Christian per-
Chaldean Catholics are especially at secution, destruction, and slaughter that
risk because, as Father Bazi put it, they was addressed to the Secretary of State
“can’t play the game the way the others and contained a legal brief arguing that
do” — they can’t indulge in revenge the “G-word” should be invoked and
killings because their faith forbids them the matter referred to the Criminal Di-
to do so. vision of the Justice Department and
Father Bazi was in Washington to the Security Council of the United Na-
bear witness for his people in the U.S. tions.
House of Representatives, which, a few Father Bazi was aware that merely
hours after we spoke, voted unani- saying the “G-word” would change
mously to declare that what ISIS is nothing on the ground for his people.
doing to Christians in Iraq is “geno- But he welcomed the congressional res-
cide.” Three days after that, Secretary olution and the administration’s action
of State John Kerry met a congression- because it called this ongoing atrocity
ally mandated deadline by actually by its proper name and would thus give
using the “G-word” — genocide — to his people hope that someone knew,
describe ISIS’s assault on Christians, and someone cared. That caring, I sug-
Yazidis, and Shiites in the areas of Iraq gest, should now extend to helping
and Syria under its control. The new Chaldean Catholics rebuild their com-
thing, and the welcome thing, in Secre- munities in the West.
10 WRC Columns April 2016
The triumph of goodness cannot be killed
The stone which rolled away from source of all being and life. This is what
the tomb of Jesus continues to roll is revealed in the resurrection of Jesus.
away from every sort of grave. Good- What the resurrection reveals is that the
ness cannot be held, captured, or put to ultimate source of all that is, of all being
death. It evades its pursuers, escapes and life, is gracious, good, and loving.
capture, slips away, hides out, even Moreover it also reveals that gracious-
leaves the churches sometimes, but ness, goodness, and love are the
forever rises, again and again, all over ultimate power inside reality. They will
the world. Such is the meaning of the have the final word and they will never body in a tomb and sealed it with a
resurrection. be captured, derailed, killed, or stone, but the stone rolled away. His
Goodness cannot be captured or ultimately ignored. They will break disciples abandoned him in his trials,
killed. We see this already in the earthly through, ceaselessly, forever. In the end, but they eventually returned more
life of Jesus. There are a number of too, as Imre Kertesz suggests, they are committed than ever. They persecuted
passages in the Gospels which give the more fascinating than evil. and killed his first disciples, but that
impression that Jesus was somehow And so we are in safe hands. No mat- only served to spread his message. The
highly elusive and difficult to capture. And it is this, the constant resurrec- ter how bad the news on a given day, no churches have been unfaithful some-
It seems that until Jesus consents to his tion of goodness, not that of viciousness matter how threatened our lives are on times, but God just slipped away from
own capture, nobody can lay a hand on and evil, which speaks the deepest truth a given day, no matter how intimidating those particular temple precincts. God
him. We see this played out a number about our world and our lives. The the neighborhood or global bully, no has been declared dead countless times,
of times: Early on in his ministry, when Jewish-Hungarian writer, Imre Kertesz, matter how unjust and cruel a situation, but yet a billion people just celebrated
his own townsfolk get upset with his who won the Nobel Prize for literature and no matter how omnipotent are Easter.
message and lead him to the brow of a in 2002, gives a poignant testimony of anger and hatred, love and goodness Goodness cannot be killed. Believe
hill to hurl him to his death, we are told this. He had as a young boy been in a will reappear and ultimately triumph. it!
that “he slipped through the crowd and Nazi death camp, but what he remem- Jesus taught that the source of all life Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser,
went away.” Later when the authorities bered most afterwards from this experi- and being is benign and loving. He theologian, teacher, and award-
try to arrest him we are told simply that ence was not the injustice, cruelty, and promised too that our end will be winning author, is President of the
“he slipped away.” And, in yet another death that he saw there, but rather some benign and loving. In the resurrection Oblate School of Theology in San
incident when he is in the temple area acts of goodness, kindness, and altru- of Jesus, God showed that God has the Antonio, TX. He can be contacted
and they try to arrest him, the text sim- ism he witnessed amidst that evil. After power to deliver on that promise. Good- through his website www.ronrol
ply says that he left the temple area and the war, it left him wanting to read the ness and love will triumph! The ending heiser.com. Now on Facebook
“no one laid a hand upon him because lives of saints rather than biographies of of our story, both that of our world and www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser
his hour had not yet come.” Why the war. The appearance of goodness fasci- that of our individual lives, is already
inability to take him captive? Was Jesus nated him. To his mind, evil is explica- written — and it is a happy ending! We
so physically adept and elusive that no ble, but goodness? Who can explain it? are already saved. Goodness is guaran- Prayer Intentions of
one could imprison him? What is its source? Why does it spring teed. Kindness will meet us. We only the Holy Father
These stories of his “slipping away” up over and over again all over the need to live in the face of that wonder- May
are highly symbolic. The lesson is not earth, and in every kind of situation? ful truth.
Universal: Respect for Women
that Jesus was physically deft and It springs up everywhere because They couldn’t arrest Jesus, until he
That in every country of the
elusive, but rather that the word of God, God’s goodness and power lie at the himself allowed it. They put his dead
world, women may be honored
the grace of God, the goodness of God,
and respected and that their
and power of God can never be
Monthly Message From Our Lady essential contribution to society
captured, held captive, or ultimately
On the 25th of each month, Our Lady appears to the Medjugorje may be highly esteemed.
killed. They are adept. They can never visionary Marija to give us her message to the world. Evangelization: Holy Rosary
be held captive, can never be killed, That families, communities, and
and even when seemingly they are “Dear children! Today I am carrying my love to you. God permitted me to love you groups may pray the Holy
killed, the stone that entombs them and, out of love, to call you to conversion. You, little children, are poor in love and Rosary for evangelization and
always eventually rolls back and you still have not comprehended that my Son Jesus, out of love, gave His life to save peace.
you and to give you eternal life. Therefore pray, little children, pray so that in prayer
releases them. Goodness continues to
you may comprehend God‘s love. Thank you for having responded to my
resurrect from every sort of grave. For more information, go to:
call.”3/25/16 APOSTLESHIPOFPRAYER.ORG