Dear Parishioners,
Congratulations to Lyndsee Riley and Cody King who are united in marriage this weekend. May the Lord bless them with many happy years.
Welcome to all visitors to the Fall Festival at St. Anne's this weekend. We hope for beautiful weather, tasty food, fun games, hearty laughter, and lasting friendships!
Next week on October 11, the Church Universal begins the Year of Faith. It coincides with the 50th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II. It formally concludes on the Feast of Christ the King, November 24, 2013, which coincides with the official promulgation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It is a year for us to prepare our hearts again to receive the saving message of Jesus Christ, and to share that message with those around us. THis is the New Evangelization in a nut-shell. We live in a society that has largely heard the message of salvation, but do not allow the message to be inculcated in our actions. We see a reduction of our first freedoms from freedom of religion (to allow our faith to influence our actions in the public sphere) to a freedom of worship (what we do on behind the doors of our Churches). This Year of Faith is not a direct response to the crisis we are facing in our country, but certainly is a great antidote, isn't it!
Some have mentioned the ads of the "Say No" campaigns. While they certainly have a way of 'normalizing' this attack on traditional understanding of Marriage, I am deeply disturbed at the subtext that the definition of marriage can change, and unless we change it, we are hateful and bigoted. This is not the case. As Kathleen Kersten wrote in the Star Tribune to see the link) last week, marriage is limited already, and Bishop LeVoir mentioned in a private meeting of priests recently that all freedoms are limited - if it were not, it would result in anarchy.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Really? Don't limit freedom to marry?
Kathleen Kersten had a great opinion piece in the Star Tribune on Sunday, Sept. 23, entitled Really? Don't limit freedom to marry?. It is well worth the read!
Monday, September 24, 2012
"Voting Yes on the Marriage Amendment Starts This Week!"
Minnesota For Marriage Releases New Minnesota Marriage Minute Video: "Voting Yes on the Marriage Amendment Starts This Week!" episode 38.
If you think you might not be able to vote at the polls on election day, please request an absentee ballot right now. You can do so via the Secretary of State’s website. And remember, if you vote in the November election but leave the Marriage Amendment blank, it will actually be counted as a no vote.
If you think you might not be able to vote at the polls on election day, please request an absentee ballot right now. You can do so via the Secretary of State’s website. And remember, if you vote in the November election but leave the Marriage Amendment blank, it will actually be counted as a no vote.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Pastor's notes for September 23
Dear Parishioners,
I forgot to congratulate Marki Casey and Adam Goblirsch last weekend in the Bulletin on their marriage. Congratulations, and may you have a long life of marital bliss.
Congratulations to Kain Daniel Knott, son of Dan and Brianna, who will be baptized this weekend.
My deepest apologies to Jack Fischer on my unfortunate brain glitch last week, too. In my prayer that morning, I found myself thankful for having known Jack Price's mother, and that lead to being thankful for knowing a few other long-deceased parishioners, one of whom was Rosie Fischer, and so I had Jack in mind, too. In this case, knowing the families as well as I do got me in trouble.
This weekend, we are viewing the first of two videos on Marriage that the USCCB has produced, and we have been asked to show. While this has a timely element to it because of the marriage amendment on our ballot in November (more on that in a bit), it is really a timeless teaching. These next weeks, we should do everything we can, from reading the discussion of Marriage in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (¶1601-1666), to visiting the USCCB's marriage website http://www.foryourmarriage.com, to reviewing the information around the amendment in the state of Minnesota at http://www.minnesotaformarriage.com (they have great short videos discussing the issues around the amendment, which I have also linked on the blog at http://lotwafc.blogspot.com). Some have asked about the exact text of the item on the ballot. It is: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota?" Note that it is not about taking rights away from anyone, nor is it saying that others are bad people. It is merely about defining marriage as between one man and one woman, as it has been understood in every culture across all religious traditions until recently. We have been reminded that there is no violation of the political process for me as your pastor to state that the Church Teaching on this matter is clear that we must vote yes on this issue. Also, please note and spread the word, if you leave this item blank on your ballot, it will be counted as a "No" vote. We cannot sit on the fence with this issue - we must vote, and to remember that just like the HHS mandate, our religious liberties may be on the line with this issue, too.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
I forgot to congratulate Marki Casey and Adam Goblirsch last weekend in the Bulletin on their marriage. Congratulations, and may you have a long life of marital bliss.
Congratulations to Kain Daniel Knott, son of Dan and Brianna, who will be baptized this weekend.
My deepest apologies to Jack Fischer on my unfortunate brain glitch last week, too. In my prayer that morning, I found myself thankful for having known Jack Price's mother, and that lead to being thankful for knowing a few other long-deceased parishioners, one of whom was Rosie Fischer, and so I had Jack in mind, too. In this case, knowing the families as well as I do got me in trouble.
This weekend, we are viewing the first of two videos on Marriage that the USCCB has produced, and we have been asked to show. While this has a timely element to it because of the marriage amendment on our ballot in November (more on that in a bit), it is really a timeless teaching. These next weeks, we should do everything we can, from reading the discussion of Marriage in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (¶1601-1666), to visiting the USCCB's marriage website http://www.foryourmarriage.com, to reviewing the information around the amendment in the state of Minnesota at http://www.minnesotaformarriage.com (they have great short videos discussing the issues around the amendment, which I have also linked on the blog at http://lotwafc.blogspot.com). Some have asked about the exact text of the item on the ballot. It is: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota?" Note that it is not about taking rights away from anyone, nor is it saying that others are bad people. It is merely about defining marriage as between one man and one woman, as it has been understood in every culture across all religious traditions until recently. We have been reminded that there is no violation of the political process for me as your pastor to state that the Church Teaching on this matter is clear that we must vote yes on this issue. Also, please note and spread the word, if you leave this item blank on your ballot, it will be counted as a "No" vote. We cannot sit on the fence with this issue - we must vote, and to remember that just like the HHS mandate, our religious liberties may be on the line with this issue, too.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
“Are People Turning Against Marriage?"
Minnesota For Marriage Releases New Marriage Minute Video: “Are People Turning Against Marriage?" episode 37:
No. Despite President Obama’s evolving view on gay “marriage” as he plays the political field, the country’s view on marriage as between one man and one woman has not changed. Nor is it likely that President Obama’s renewed support for gay “marriage” will affect the passage of the Marriage Amendment in Minnesota this November. Voters have passed a marriage amendment in 31 out of 31 states including every state where President Obama recently opposed an amendment.
No. Despite President Obama’s evolving view on gay “marriage” as he plays the political field, the country’s view on marriage as between one man and one woman has not changed. Nor is it likely that President Obama’s renewed support for gay “marriage” will affect the passage of the Marriage Amendment in Minnesota this November. Voters have passed a marriage amendment in 31 out of 31 states including every state where President Obama recently opposed an amendment.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Pastor's Notes for September 16
Dear Parishioners,
Our sympathy to the family of Jack Price as well as Leona Pearson (Fr. Pearsons stepmother). May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
This weekend, we celebrate Catechetical Sunday. Thank you to all our catechists both in the Religious Education Program and the Catholic School. How important this role is, assisting parents in passing the faith to our children. To learn our faith is important, but more important is to worship - especially on Sundays to attend Mass - but to also pray as a family. As the director of vocations and as a member of Serra (the organization that prays for and supports vocations to the priesthood and Religious life), I hear the vocation stories of so many people, and am no longer amazed on how many credit the family prayer time and commitment to attending Mass as being influential in their discernment of God's will, but also in the lives of their brothers or sisters who are married! Faith begins in the family, is lived in the family, and is as strong as the family!
Two 'announcements' about the Religious Education programs: Sherry informs me, at this time, we are short 3 catechists at St. Anne's: Afternoon 5th grade, and evening 8th and 10th. Please prayerfully consider saying yes to this important service.
Second, we are at a crossroads regarding the elementary program at St. Mathias. Those who have served so well in the past have decided it is time to discontinue. Hopefully, by the time you are reading this, I will have contacted the families that this directly affects. It seems most prudent to discontinue the program at St. Mathias. I knew 5 years ago when the High school program was discontinued that the elementary program was a stop-gap, as fewer children were involved. I apologize for the late notice.
In Christ, Fr. Todd
Our sympathy to the family of Jack Price as well as Leona Pearson (Fr. Pearsons stepmother). May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
This weekend, we celebrate Catechetical Sunday. Thank you to all our catechists both in the Religious Education Program and the Catholic School. How important this role is, assisting parents in passing the faith to our children. To learn our faith is important, but more important is to worship - especially on Sundays to attend Mass - but to also pray as a family. As the director of vocations and as a member of Serra (the organization that prays for and supports vocations to the priesthood and Religious life), I hear the vocation stories of so many people, and am no longer amazed on how many credit the family prayer time and commitment to attending Mass as being influential in their discernment of God's will, but also in the lives of their brothers or sisters who are married! Faith begins in the family, is lived in the family, and is as strong as the family!
Two 'announcements' about the Religious Education programs: Sherry informs me, at this time, we are short 3 catechists at St. Anne's: Afternoon 5th grade, and evening 8th and 10th. Please prayerfully consider saying yes to this important service.
Second, we are at a crossroads regarding the elementary program at St. Mathias. Those who have served so well in the past have decided it is time to discontinue. Hopefully, by the time you are reading this, I will have contacted the families that this directly affects. It seems most prudent to discontinue the program at St. Mathias. I knew 5 years ago when the High school program was discontinued that the elementary program was a stop-gap, as fewer children were involved. I apologize for the late notice.
In Christ, Fr. Todd
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
“Will the Marriage Protection Amendment Be Damaging to the Minnesota Economy?"
New Marriage Minute Video Released: “Will the Marriage Protection Amendment Be Damaging to the Minnesota Economy?" episode 36:
Marriage Amendment opponents claim that the Amendment will damage the Minnesota economy because gays and lesbians will shun the state, making it difficult to recruit top talent. This is inaccurate. According to a CNBC study, the top ten states for doing business all prohibit gay marriage, and all of them are experiencing increasing gay populations.
Marriage Amendment opponents claim that the Amendment will damage the Minnesota economy because gays and lesbians will shun the state, making it difficult to recruit top talent. This is inaccurate. According to a CNBC study, the top ten states for doing business all prohibit gay marriage, and all of them are experiencing increasing gay populations.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Pastor's Notes for September 9
Our sympathy to Brent Imker and family on the death of his father, Floyd Imker. May he rest in peace.
Congratulations to Sr. John Mary Laudem Gloriae (Carly McKeown) who has taken final vows with the Sisters of Reparation of the sacred Heart of Jesus of Steubenville, OH.
Congratulations to Julie Rohlik and Christopher Washington who are married this weekend. Many happy years to you both.
I forgot to run a thank you to those that helped paint my window trim last week. Thank you Margaret and Craig, Nick, Kathy, Gina, John, and Bob! Like all projects, though, I found a little more repair work to do!
Next weekend is the Dinner and Raffle at Our Lady of Victory. I hope that many will come and enjoy a delicious meal and wonderful fellowship.
I shared at some of the Masses, but our Diocese has been truly blessed this new year. We have three new college seminarians, two new pre-Theologians, two returning Theologians, 2 college seminarians, and one seminarian on a leave, bringing our total to 10 seminarians. It has been a long time since we have had 5 new seminarians! We need more, though we are happy with the ones we have. Please continue to keep them in prayers, as well as others that the Lord is calling, that they would hear and respond to the Lord's invitation.
In Christ, Fr. Todd
Congratulations to Sr. John Mary Laudem Gloriae (Carly McKeown) who has taken final vows with the Sisters of Reparation of the sacred Heart of Jesus of Steubenville, OH.
Congratulations to Julie Rohlik and Christopher Washington who are married this weekend. Many happy years to you both.
I forgot to run a thank you to those that helped paint my window trim last week. Thank you Margaret and Craig, Nick, Kathy, Gina, John, and Bob! Like all projects, though, I found a little more repair work to do!
Next weekend is the Dinner and Raffle at Our Lady of Victory. I hope that many will come and enjoy a delicious meal and wonderful fellowship.
I shared at some of the Masses, but our Diocese has been truly blessed this new year. We have three new college seminarians, two new pre-Theologians, two returning Theologians, 2 college seminarians, and one seminarian on a leave, bringing our total to 10 seminarians. It has been a long time since we have had 5 new seminarians! We need more, though we are happy with the ones we have. Please continue to keep them in prayers, as well as others that the Lord is calling, that they would hear and respond to the Lord's invitation.
In Christ, Fr. Todd
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Abortion is Democrats' issue now - CNN.com
Abortion is Democrats' issue now - CNN.com.
I found this very interesting, knowing that it comes from CNN, not necessarily the least biased news source we have. It demonstrates that President Obama is the most pro-abortion president we have had, and that the Democrats have embraced it as a fundamental right (but remember religious freedom which is named as a fundamental right in the Amendments, is not one protected.)
I found this very interesting, knowing that it comes from CNN, not necessarily the least biased news source we have. It demonstrates that President Obama is the most pro-abortion president we have had, and that the Democrats have embraced it as a fundamental right (but remember religious freedom which is named as a fundamental right in the Amendments, is not one protected.)
Reviewing the Need for the Minnesota Marriage Protection Amendment
New Marriage Minute Video Released episode 35: “Reviewing the Need for the Minnesota Marriage Protection Amendment" | Minnesota for Marriage | MinnesotaForMarriage.com:
Marriage serves the very public purpose of caring for the next generation. Our definition of marriage as between one man and one woman is under attack by activist judges and legislators. The Marriage Protection Amendment ensures that voters remain in control of the definition of marriage in Minnesota and also protects our state from the very real and serious consequences of redefining marriage.
Marriage serves the very public purpose of caring for the next generation. Our definition of marriage as between one man and one woman is under attack by activist judges and legislators. The Marriage Protection Amendment ensures that voters remain in control of the definition of marriage in Minnesota and also protects our state from the very real and serious consequences of redefining marriage.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Pastor's Notes for September 2
Dear Parishioners,
Congratulations to Bentley Mathiowetz, son of Daniel and Melissa Mathiowetz, who is baptized this weekend.
Happy Labor Day weekend! I hope that you are able to take some time to rest from your labors. This holiday was first celebrated in 1882 as a way to thank workers whose contributions have made our country great. While a secular holiday, certainly the Church has much to say about labor. SHe rejoices in meaningful labor, just wages, and safe work environments. As such, the Church has always held the highest regard for those that work for justice in the work place. With unemployment rates being as high as they are, we who have employment, even if not ideal, should thank God. Consider, too, how our work and rest helps to promote the Kingdom of God.
School begins this week. After the silence of the Summer, it will be a welcome change to hear the school bustling! I hope that this year is one of great growth and learning.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Congratulations to Bentley Mathiowetz, son of Daniel and Melissa Mathiowetz, who is baptized this weekend.
Happy Labor Day weekend! I hope that you are able to take some time to rest from your labors. This holiday was first celebrated in 1882 as a way to thank workers whose contributions have made our country great. While a secular holiday, certainly the Church has much to say about labor. SHe rejoices in meaningful labor, just wages, and safe work environments. As such, the Church has always held the highest regard for those that work for justice in the work place. With unemployment rates being as high as they are, we who have employment, even if not ideal, should thank God. Consider, too, how our work and rest helps to promote the Kingdom of God.
School begins this week. After the silence of the Summer, it will be a welcome change to hear the school bustling! I hope that this year is one of great growth and learning.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
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