Church's credibility found in showing mercy

VOLUME 44 NUMBER 9DIOCESE OF RAPID CITY,

SOUTH DAKOTA

Serving Catholics in Western South Dakota since May 1973

Diocesan Website: www.rapidcitydiocese.org

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Good News

By Cindy Wooden

VATICAN CITY (CNS) —Being ministers of God’smercy, church members over-come “prejudice and rigidity,”taking risks like Jesus did inorder to heal and to save, PopeFrancis said.

In Jesus’ day, lepers werecast out of the community “toavoid contamination: thehealthy needed to be pro-tected,” but Jesus, at his ownrisk, “goes up to the leper andhe restores him, he heals him,”Pope Francis said in a newbook-length interview onmercy.

“By welcoming a marginal-ized person whose body iswounded and by welcomingthe sinner whose soul iswounded, we put our credibil-ity as Christians on the line,”the pope told the Italian jour-nalist Andrea Tornielli in “TheName of God Is Mercy.”

The worldwide book releasewas Jan. 12.

In the interview, the popespoke about experiencing anoverwhelming sense of mercyduring confession when he was17 years old, provided moredetails about stories he has re-counted in homilies, explainedhis comment, “Who am I tojudge” about a homosexualperson seeking God, and dis-cussed the need he saw to in-

voke a jubilee Year of Mercy.He also talked about the re-

lationship of mercy and justiceand addressed criticism that hisfocus on mercy amounts to wa-tering down church doctrineand tolerating sin.

Tornielli asked Pope Franciswhy he so frequently and neg-atively mentions the “scholarsof the law” in his morninghomilies. The pope responded

that in the Gospels “they repre-sent the principal opposition toJesus: they challenge him inthe name of doctrine” and suchan attitude “is repeatedthroughout the long history ofthe church.”

Using the example of Jesus’close contact with lepers de-spite the Old Testament lawthat lepers be excluded fromthe community, Pope Francis

said it is obvious that the ex-clusion of lepers was meant tocontain disease, but it led to so-cial and emotional sufferingand, what is worse, to a sensethat lepers had committedsome sin which caused theirdisease. They were excludedfrom the community, but alsofrom a relationship with God.

This is the book jacket of the U.K. and Commonwealth edition of "The Name of God IsMercy," featuring an interview Pope Francis did with Italian journalist Andrea Tornielli. Thecover text was handwritten by the pope. (CNS photo/Bluebird)

Church’s credibility found in showing mercy

BOOK, CONTINUED ON 3

Columns2 WRC January 2016

Happy New Year to all of you. I hopethat you had a blessed Christmas sea-son with your families. As another year begins, I want to

take this opportunity to give an updateon the Diocesan Visioning Processwhich began last May. The purpose ofthis process is to help set a clearly de-fined course for ministry in the Dioceseof Rapid City for the next three to fiveyears. As you recall, I attended thirteen lis-

tening sessions across the diocese dur-ing the summer,listening to you as youshared what you believewe are doing well as adiocese that helps yougrow in your faith andrelationship with theLord, areas of focus you would recom-mend for the next few years, and thingswhich you would like to see accom-plished within the next two years formore effective ministry and pastoralcare throughout the diocese. The pur-pose of the listening sessions and re-ceiving your feedback was to givevoice to the Diocese of Rapid City andallow your voices to assist in shapingthe future of the church in westernSouth Dakota. At the conclusion of the listening

sessions, I created an Envisioning Teammade up of thirteen leaders from acrossthe diocese, both clergy and lay, whoseresponsibility is to work together to cre-ate a “Diocesan Priority Plan” that willlead us into the future with a clearly de-fined direction. To begin this lengthy,challenging, but invigorating processthe first meeting was held in late August2015 and the work continues today.With the assistance of Catholic Leader-ship Institute, the team began its workby considering the data collected fromthe listening sessions and looking attrends and demographics as a way toscan the environment to help determinewhat our priorities might be. Over the course of the past four to

five months, this leadership team hasprayerfully discerned a vision and pri-orities for the diocese for the next twoto three years. We have carefully de-fined our mission (why we exist as adiocese) that will serve as the founda-tion of the five-year vision (where weare going as a diocese). The Envision-ing Team has not only identified corevalues that will guide how we conductourselves as a diocese, but has carefullydiscerned three major priorities that willguide and direct our ministry over the

course of the next two years.There is still much work to be com-

pleted before the “Diocesan PriorityPlan” is shared with the whole diocese.It is a real work in progress as we de-termine specific goals for each of thethree priorities. It is my earnest hopethat the plan will be completed in thenext two months so that we can sharethe great fruits of the work of this team.When the Priority Plan is completed itwill then be communicated to everyonethrough many different means. A com-munication plan is currently inprogress. One would ask why we need to take

on such a process. Isn’t what we are al-ready doing enough? It is always goodto take time to reflect upon all the goodthings we are doing and all the thingswe should be doing. The last time aprocess similar was undertaken in thediocese was the Synod of 2002, com-pleted thirteen years ago. It is alwaysgood for any organization to look at it-self and what it is doing to determine ifthe priorities are in alignment with itsmission; to discern where it wants to bein five years and how it will get there. When we think about a vision for the

diocese, it must be aligned with the

mission of Christ and his church. Thedocument from the Second VaticanCouncil, The Church in the ModernWorld states: “The Church seeks but asolitary goal: to carry forward the workof Christ under the lead of the be-friending Spirit. And Christ entered theworld to give witness to the truth, torescue and not to sit in judgment, toserve and not to be served” (Gaudiumet Spes, The Church in the ModernWorld, paragraph 3).This Envisioning Team has spent

much time carefully dis-cerning and creating a vi-sion and priorities whichalign with the mission ofChrist particular to the Dio-cese of Rapid City. I amdeeply grateful for their ef-

forts and want to thank each of them fortheir diligence and great assistance inthis process. I am very excited aboutwhat has been done so far and look for-

Envisioning Team working to define upcoming priorities

January 19, Tuesday10 a.m Consultors, Bishop’s ResidenceJanuary 25, Monday5 p.m. Rapid City Catholic School System Board Meeting, Cathedral January 26, Tuesday6:30 p.m. Catholic Social Services Board Meeting, Rapid CityJanuary 28, ThursdayDay of Mercy in All Parishes January 30, Saturday10:30 a.m Sioux Spiritual Center Board Meeting, Chancery 2 p.m. Pie with the Bishop, winners of Stewardship Survey Drawing, Terra Sancta January 31 – February 5National Catholic Schools WeekJanuary 31, Sunday9 a.m. CT Pre-Confirmation Meeting, St. John, Fort Pierre10 a.m. CT Confirmation Mass, St. John, Fort PierreFebruary 1, Monday9 a.m. National Catholic Schools Week All School Mass, Cathedral 11 a.m. Presbyteral Council Meeting, Chancery 5 p.m. Men In Black Vocations Basketball, St. Thomas MoreFebruary 2, Tuesday8 a.m. Staff Mass/Breakfast, Terra Sancta9:30 a.m. Diocesan Staff Meeting, Terra Sancta

Bishop’s Calendar January 19-February 2, 2016Subject to change without notice

ward to the completion and implemen-tation of our priority plan. The hardwork that is being put into this plan willcreate a healthy, vibrant, diocese foryears to come with great intent onbuilding the Kingdom of God. It is my hope that more detailed in-

formation about the plan will be pro-vided in next month’s West RiverCatholic. But in the meantime, I wouldask for your prayers for the fruitfulnessof this important work. May this New Year 2016 bring you

many graces and blessings!

‘The hard work that is being put into this plan will create a healthy,

vibrant, diocese for years to come with greatintent on building the Kingdom of God.’

NewsJanuary 2016 WRC 3

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Publisher: Bishop Robert D. GrussEditor & Billing: Laurie Hallstrom, [email protected] Editor & Advertising Becky Berreth, [email protected] or 605-343-3541Circulation: DottieBorowski,[email protected]: $27, Foreign subscription:$60 per year.Postmaster: Address all correspondence, including change of address, to:

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Benefactors:United States Conference of Catholic Bishops — Office of Home Missions, Catholic Extension

WESTRIVER

CATHOLIC

In honor of theJubilee

Year of Mercy proclaimed byPope Francis the Diocese ofRapid City

will be holding a

Divine Mercy/Marian Conference

“Do Whatever He Tells You”—Jn 2:5

to be held atBlessed Sacrament Church

Rapid City on

Friday and Saturday, Apr. 15-16, 2016

featuring Fr. Chris Alar, director of theAssociation of Marian

Helpers in Stockbridge, MA.Everyone welcome!

For more information please contact Frank Birkholt at

[email protected] or Fr. Mark McCormick at [email protected]

The 2nd place winner in the “DesignBishop Gruss’ Christmas Card Contestwas incorrectly identified in the December WRC. The art work actuallybelonged to Grace Mutchler from OurLady of Mt. Carmel in Keystone, herparents are David and Peggy Mutchler,Keystone.

In literally reaching out to lepers, thepope said, Jesus “shows us a new hori-zon, the logic of a God who is love, aGod who desires the salvation of allmen.”

Jesus touched and healed the lepers,he continued. “He didn’t sit down at adesk and study the situation, he didn’tconsult the experts for pros and cons.What really mattered to him was reach-ing stranded people and saving them.”

Pope Francis said a similar attitudeby the church today “provokes angrymutterings from those who are onlyever used to having things fit into theirpreconceived notions and ritual purity.”

“Caring for outcasts and sinners doesnot mean letting the wolves attack theflock” or jumping into the darknesswith sinners, he said; it means beingaware of the reality of sin and sharingthe reality that God always is ready toforgive the sinner.

When the grace of God begins tohelp a person recognize his or her sinand need for forgiveness, the pope said,that person “needs to find an open door,not a closed one. He needs to find ac-ceptance, not judgment, prejudice orcondemnation. He needs to be helped,not pushed away or cast out.”

“Jesus sends forth his disciples notas holders of power or masters of alaw,” the pope said. “The Christianmessage is transmitted by embracingthose in difficulty, by embracing the

outcast, the marginalized and the sin-ner.”

Obviously, he said, the church can-not and does not pretend sin is unim-portant.

But “God forgives everyone, he of-fers new possibilities to everyone, heshowers his mercy on everyone whoasks for it,” Pope Francis said. “We arethe ones who do not know how to for-give.”

The pope told Tornielli he is con-vinced that God’s mercy is Jesus’ mostimportant message and that it is a mes-sage people today urgently need to hear.

“Humanity is wounded, deeplywounded,” he said. “Either it does notknow how to cure its wounds or it be-lieves that it’s not possible to curethem.”

To preach the Gospel, the churchmust counter an attitude that says there

are sins that cannot be healed or for-given, the pope said.

“The church does not exist to con-demn people but to bring about an en-counter with the visceral love of God’smercy,” he said.

Priests, especially in the confes-sional, must do all they can to commu-nicate God’s love and mercy. If theycannot offer absolution to someone, thepope said, they should at least offer ablessing. The fact that the person en-tered the confessional is a clear sign ofGod’s grace already at work.

“As a confessor, even when I havefound myself before a locked door,” hesaid, “I have always tried to find acrack, just a tiny opening, so that I canpry open that door and grant forgive-ness and mercy.”

As for his “Who am I to judge” re-mark to reporters in July 2013 whenasked about the church’s attitude to-ward homosexual persons, Pope Fran-cis said, “I was paraphrasing by heartthe Catechism of the Catholic Churchwhere it says that these people shouldbe treated with delicacy and not be mar-ginalized.”

Speaking to Tornielli, Pope Francismade no comment on homosexuality assuch, other than to insist that “peopleshould not be defined only by their sex-ual tendencies.”

“I prefer that homosexuals come toconfession, that they stay close to theLord, and that we all pray together,” hesaid. “You can advise them to pray,show goodwill, show them the way andaccompany them along it.”

BOOK, CONTINUED FROM 1______

News4 WRC January 2016

By Tim HendersonExecutive Director of the

Western South Dakota CatholicFoundation

The Board of Directors of the West-ern South Dakota Catholic Foundationheld their annual meeting on Decem-ber 10, 2015, at the Cathedral of ourLady of Perpetual Help, Rapid City.Bonnie Hilt, WSDCF Secretary andChair of the Distribution Committee,led a detailed discussion of the follow-ing grant requests which were ulti-mately approved by the Board. Thefoundation is pleased to award a com-bined total of $1,051,113 to the Dio-cese of Rapid City, Catholic SocialServices, Hope for New Life Jail Min-istries, and the Rapid City CatholicSchool System, all of Rapid City; RedCloud Indian School, Pine Ridge;Holy Cross Church, Timber Lake; St.Francis Mission, St. Francis; BlackHills State University Newman Cen-ter, Spearfish; and Our Lady of the

Black Hills Church, Piedmont. Donor Directed Distributions to-

taled an additional $565,613 and weremade to RapidCity CatholicSchools,Priests Retire-ment and AidAssociation,Catholic SocialServices,Diocesan Of-fice of Voca-tions, and theCathedral ofOLPH all ofRapid City;Cheyenne River Ministries, EagleButte; Casa Maria Priests RetirementHome, Piedmont; Sioux Spiritual Center, Howes; St. Anthony Church,Buffalo; Immaculate Heart of MaryChurch, Winner; and Presho Cemetery, Presho.A new slate of officers was pro-

Western S.D.Catholic Foundation has new officersposed and approved to serve duringcalendar year 2016. The new officersare: President, Msgr. Michael Woster,Spearfish; Vice-President, TonyBerendse, Rapid City; Treasurer, Harvey Krautschun, Spearfish; andSecretary, Bonnie Hilt, Rapid City.This new slate of officers means the

end of an era for outgoing WSDCFPresident, Dwight Sobczak, who hasbeen serving as president since 2001.The WSDCF endowment has pros-pered and shown steady growth underhis leadership, growing from a totalendowment of $3,839,584 to its cur-

Catholic Heritage Society 2016 Mass ScheduleMonthly Masses are offered each year across western South Dakota, for all living and deceased members of the Catholic Heritage Society. Please consider becoming a member by making a deferred gift to theWestern South Dakota Catholic Foundation. For more information contact Tim Henderson at WSDCF, PO Box 678, Rapid City, SD 57709,605-343-3541 or [email protected]. Feb. 13 — St. John the Evangelist, Ft. Pierre, 5:30 p.m., Fr. Ron GarryMar. 6 — St. Mary, Lemmon, 9 a.m., Fr. Tony GrossenburgApr. 9 — Our Lady of the Black Hills, Piedmont, 5 p.m., Fr. Steve BieglerMay 18 — Cathedral OLPH, Rapid City, 7 a.m., Fr. Michel MulloyJun. 5 — St. Patrick, Wall, 8 a.m., Fr. Tim HoagJul. 3 — St. Ambrose, Deadwood, 10 a.m., Fr. Leo HausmannAug. 7 — St. Anthony of Padua, Hot Springs, 10:30 a.m., Fr. Kerry PrendivilleSep. 10 — St. Martin of Tours, Murdo, 6 p.m., Fr. Gary OreshoskiOct. 8 — Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Martin, 6 p.m., Fr. Tyler DennisNov. 13 — St. Francis of Assisi, Sturgis, 9 a.m., Fr. Timothy CastorDec. 11 — Holy Rosary, Trail City, 8 a.m., Fr. Bryan Sorensen

rent total of$18,167,251. Incoming

President,Msgr. MichaelWoster, for-mally congrat-ulated andthankedSobczak forhis “amazing”term of serv-ice. Sobczak willremain involvedas a member of the board.

Msgr. Michael Woster

Dwight Sobczak

Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann, producer and host of a six-part series called“Creation,” speaks with Elizabeth, Adrian and Niall Stocking at their farm inZephyr, Ontario. Their story is featured in the Salt and Light Media produc-tion. “Creation” highlights stories from all over North America focused on

Catholic environmental principles,drawing attention to such issues aswaste management, species conser-vation, urban and local farming, contamination and wastewater treat-ment. The series is online or onDVDs. (CNS Photo/Courtesy Salt andLight Catholic Media Foundation)

“Creation” Series from Salt and Light


“Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy.” Pope Francis says that these wordssum up the mystery of the Christian faith. The season of Lent draws us all into themercy of God and encourages us to be the face of Christ through the mercy shownto others. Ash Wednesday sets us off on this journey of mercy, reminding us of ourcall to repentance and conversion, but also of God’s fidelity. Embarking upon thisjourney leads us to greater holiness and compassion for the least among us. YourLenten sacrifice extends Christ’s compassionate love and mercy to those in needacross western South Dakota. Please give generously to Catholic Social Servicesso that others may experience the “face of the Father’s mercy.”

bishop robert Grussdiocese of rapid City

By supporting Catholic Social Services, you are our true partners, standing nextto our counselors and other staff as we deliver services to thousands of indi-viduals, families and communities in western South Dakota. susan Meyer, Presidentboard of directorsCatholic social services

Pope Francis sent an address to Catholic Social Services Directors in the UnitedStates. In it he said, “you are the salt, leaven and light that provides a beaconof hope to those in need. you as Catholic Charities usA help to change thecourse of your communities, states, country and the world by your witnessto change that encounter with the Lord Jesus, who gives us abundant lifeand joy.” Your generous response to this collection helps us do this right here inthe Diocese of Rapid City. God bless you for once again hearing the cry of thepoor in our midst.

James T. Kinyonexecutive director Catholic social services

Your Lenten sacrifice touches those most in need, extending Christ’s compassion throughout all of western South Dakota.

43 years of dedicated service to families in western South Dakota.

Ash WednesdAy, FebruAry 10, 2016We are called to serve.

In modern life, with its conflicting shouts and cries and stormsand thunders, Christ is a clear, quiet presence … an ear that hears,

a hand that helps. When you support Catholic Social Servicesand its mission, you help become the ears and hands of Christ.

You extend your faith and your life to others in need.You are answering the Call to Serve.

The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe(Dec 12, 2015), patroness of the Americas, was celebrated with aMass and dinner at Blessed Sacra-ment Church, Rapid City. BishopRobert Gruss was the was the principal celebrant at the bilingualMass. Fathers Janusz Korban, BrianLane, Grant Gerlach, and Ed Witt,SJ, concelebrated. The celebrationrecalls the miraculous apparitionsof the brown-skinned Virgin Mary toSt. Juan Diego at Tepeyac, Mexico,in December 1531. She appeared toJuan Diego three times, and thelast time — December 12 — filledhis tilma (cloak) with roses. Whenhe emptied his cloak of the roses,he found that it bore her image. Inthe decades after Our Lady ofGuadalupe’s appearance, millionsof indigenous people converted tothe faith. (Top to bottom) BarbaraLinares leads the congregation inthe Psalm Sabastian Escalantelooks over his father Roy’s shoulder during the Mass. Children dressedas peasants and St. Juan Diegobring roses to place at the foot of a painting of Our Lady ofGuadalupe. Cathy Durkin pre-pares sandwiches for the receptionwhich was sponsored by the SocialJustice Commission. (WRC photosby Becky Berreth)

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

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Real Presence Radio Job OpenReal Presence Radio is seeking applicants for the Following Position:Rapid City Area Listener Relations Representative: Assist the Listener Relation Coordinator with spreading the word about Real Presence Radio. 40 hours per month and requires work 3-5 hours one weekend per month on average.Promote RPR in the local listening areal Manage local parish repsl Schedule and give talks at parishesl Gather gift certificates for Live Drivesl Attend events and manage an RPR boothl Help gather table hosts, volunteers, etc for banquets and live drivesl Other duties as assignedPosition open until filled

Send Applications to:Real Presence Radio

PO Box 13703Grand Forks, ND 58208

In Your PrayersBirthdays: February 14, Fr. Wayne Herpin, SJ; February 17, Fr. Gerald Scherer. Necrology: February 4, 1978, Leo Feuerbach; February 6, 1978, Charles Quinn; February 7, 1989,Patrick O’Dowd; February 10, 1893, Richard Maher, CSC; February 11, 1972, Philip Clark; February 11,1978, Aloysius Grady; February 13, 1905, John Toohey, CSC; February 13, 1994, Leo O’Doherty; Febru-ary 14, 1903, Aloysius Bosch, SJ; February 16, 1933, Henry Kelly; February 16, 1980, William Diskin;February 19, 1890, Charles Metzger, OP; February 19, 1983, WilliamBoat; February 21, 1880, Bernard Mackin; February 27, 1929, John Lynch.

Jubilee Year of MercyBishop Robert Gruss has opened the Holy Doors at the St. Charles Church, St. Francis, and the Cathedral of OurLady of Perpetual Help, Rapid City. Walking through theHoly Doors represents leaving behind past sins and enter-ing into a new way of living inspired by God's mercy andChrist's love. 1. St. Charles’ Holy Doors. 2. The weatherwas cold during the procession into St. Charles. 3. Deacon Ben Black Bear leads the St. Charles proces-sion with a drum. 4. Cathedral parishioners wait to passthrough the Holy Doors. 5. The Cathedral Holy Doors be-fore Mass. 6. Cathedral parishioners walking up the mainisle.People at both parishes processed in through theHoly Doors before filling the pews.

St. Charles photos byCaroline DeCory

Cathedral photos by Laurie Hallstrom

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December 13, 2015

December 20, 2015

Events ScheduleJanuary 2016 WRC 7

January 22, FridaysRoe v. Wade Memorial Observance:

Begins at 7 p.m., St. Therese the LittleFlower, Rapid City. Theme: “Mercy, For-giveness, Healing.” Sponsored by RapidCity Right to Life.

January 23, SaturdaysNPM Winter Meeting: Held at St.

Patrick Church, Lead. Begins with regis-tration at 9:30 a.m. Topics include smallgroup discussion on lessons learned fromLee Gwozdz, Mass settings, androunds/canons. )Kathy Little 605-484-7818 or [email protected].

January 25, Mondays“Heal Your Grief” Bereavement Sup-

port Group: Eight-week, non-denomina-tional support group for Christian adultsgrieving the loss of a loved one. Begins at7 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, RapidCity. )Janece Rieman 605-343-5547 orAmy 605-716-5214 x236.

February 4, ThursdaysThe Flame:Adoration, praise and wor-

ship, and inspiring Catholic stories. Held at7 p.m., Terra Sancta. Podcasts from pastevents can be found at 8www.TheFlameRC.com.

February 5, Friday sBishop’s Luncheon: 11:15 a.m. Mass,

Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help,Rapid City. Noon lunch in Cathedral Hall,talk by Fr. Michel Mulloy. Lunch $6.Everyone welcome.

sWorld Apostolate of Fatima: FirstFriday Mass at 5:30 p.m. with prayers anddevotions. First Saturday, February 6, be-gins with prayers at 7:45 a.m. followed by8 a.m. Mass and exposition. Both in OurLady’s Chapel, Cathedral of Our Lady ofPerpetual Help. )Dr. Kopriva 605-343-6202.

February 17, WednesdaysWomen’s Way of the Cross: Uses re-

flections by Sr. Marie Schwan, CSJ. Heldat 3:15 p.m. every Wednesday during Lentin the Cenacle (small chapel). )605-716-0925.

sTaizé: Experience the sacred throughsong, silence and scripture. Held at 7 p.m.in the Holy Cross Chapel, Terra Sancta

February 19, FridaysHeart to Heart Retreat Weekends for

the Engaged: For engaged couples todeepen their relationship with each otherand God by exploring the CatholicChurch’s vision of marriage. Attendance isrequired for couples doing marriage prep inthe diocese. Ends February 21. Register on-line at terrasancta.org. )Amy 605-716-5214 x236 or [email protected].

February 20, SaturdaysNatural Family Planning: Seminar

for engaged couples or anyone wanting tolearn more about natural family planning.To be held at St. Joseph Church, Spearfishfrom 9 a.m.-noon. Preregistration required.Next seminar, March 19 at Sacred Heart,Philip. )Amy at Family Life Ministries,605-716-5214 x236.

sPrayerful Painting Lent: You neednot be an artist for God to speak to you cre-atively. Using a Lectio format, this retreatday, using a Lenten theme, will help youprayerfully express yourself. Held from9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Martin Monastery.$20 includes lunch. )Sr. Therese Marie605-343-8011.

March 7, MondaysDiocesan Choir Rehearsals: Open to

all musicians who want to participate in thediocesan choir for the Chrism Mass. Re-hearsals at OLPH from 6-7:30 p.m. Groupalso practices March 10, 6-7:30 p.m. andMarch 13, 7-8 p.m. )Amber LeFaive 605-342-0507 or [email protected].

March 14-15, Monday-Tuesday

sPastoral Ministry Days: This year’stheme is “Ablaze” and will focus on LivelyFaith: Creating Communities of Prayer,Study, and Formation. Keynote speaker isMsgr. Thomas Richter, Diocese of Bis-marck. Early bird registration $60 beforeFebruary 15; $75 until March 14. Held atTerra Sancta Retreat Center. Register on-line www.PMD2016.com. 8Susan Thomp-son, [email protected] or SusanSafford [email protected].

March 14, MondaysChrism Mass: The annual blessing of

the holy oils for sacramental use in thecoming year. Held at Cathedral of OurLady of Perpetual Help, at 7 p.m. Recep-tion after Mass sponsored by the WSDCF.

April 15, FridaysDivine Mercy/Marian Conference:

Held at Blessed Sacrament Church and fea-

tures Fr. Chris Alar, director of the Associ-ation of Marian Helpers, Stockbridge, MA.Theme is “Do Whatever He Tells You.” Allare welcome. 8Frank Birkholt, [email protected] or 8Fr. Mark [email protected].

April 22, FridaysRachel’s Vineyard: For those hurting

due to an abortion. Held in Rapid City.Ends April 24. )Carol Kling 605-374-5639or [email protected] about the retreator 8www.rachelsvineyard.org for informa-tion about Rachel’s Vineyard.

Standing EventssShattered Hearts … A Grandparents

Grief: For grandparents grieving the deathof a grandchild. Meets the fourth Saturdayfrom 9-10 a.m. at the Rapid City Public Li-brary, Room B (upstairs). )Lynn 605-341-7663 or March Anne 605-342-9220.

sCentering Prayer: Held Wednesdaysat 5 p.m. at Terra Sancta. Led by SandiOhlen. Meets in the Solarium at TerraSancta.

sCor Jesu – Rapid City CatholicYoung Adults:Meets in the large meetingroom, Cathedral of Our Lady of PerpetualHelp for catechism Monday nights 7-8:30p.m. Open to young adults age 18-35.)Nathan Valle 850-361-6825 or RandyVette 605-641-3303.

sOLPH Eucharistic Apostles of Di-vine Mercy: First Saturday, 9 a.m., Cathe-dral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. )PamEkberg 605-719-9669.

sPrayer and Lectio: Thursdays 6:30p.m., St. Martin Monastery. )SisterMarmion Howe, OSB, 605-343-8011.

sPatriotic Rosary: Thursdays 6 p.m.,Blessed Sacrament Church, Rapid City.)Ellen Robertson 605-718-9909.

sDivine Mercy Chaplet: Sundays, 3p.m., Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual

Help. Followed by the patriotic rosary.)Ellen Robertson 605-718-9909.

sFamily Rosary: Sundays, 7 p.m., St.Therese the Little Flower Church, RapidCity. )Mark Biggs 605-343-2467.

sHope for New Life Jail Ministry:Third Monday, 7 p.m., Catholic SocialServices. )Tony Galles 605-348-2301 orMary Sperlich 605-342-9343.

sVocation Discernment Retreats:)Sister Mary Wegher, OSB, 605-343-8011.

sSpiritual Direction: At St. MartinMonastery. )Sr. Margaret Hinker, OSB, Sr.Florence McManamen, OSB, or Sr. EdnaMarie Stephenson, OSB, 605-343-8011.

sDivine Mercy Image:Would you liketo host a traveling Divine Mercy Image inyour home for up to 27 days to pray the Di-vine Chaplet/Novena? A rosary and infor-mation about the image are included.)Georgine 605-441-8140

sTutor Volunteers Needed: Overcom-ing the language barrier ministry at BlessedSacrament Church, Rapid City, is lookingfor volunteers interested in helping adultswith English reading, writing, and speak-ing skills. Participants will be introduced tothe Lauback Way to Reading with an em-phasis on English language learners.)Christine Leichtnam 605-342-8598,[email protected] or Maria Munoz605-791-3430.

sSpanish Bible Study: Reflect on theSunday readings, 3:45-4:45 p.m. Wednes-days at Blessed Sacrament Church, RapidCity, room 107. Everyone is welcome. Re-fleccionando en las lecturas del Domingo.Miercoles de 3:45-4:45 p.m. Todos estanBienvenidos. Salon 107. )Maria Munoz605-791-3430.

The Catholic Diocese of Rapid City is firmly committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for our children and young people. To report allegations of sexual abuse by church personnel, contact the Victim Assistancecoordinator, Barbara Scherr. To ensure confidentiality in her outreach to victims, shecan be contacted privately at 1-605-209-3418 (cell). Her phone has caller ID and messaging features. All information will be treated confidentially. Alleged victims areadvised of their right to report alleged abuse to civil authorities. In accordance with diocesan policy, all allegations of sexual misconduct involving

children or young people and priests, deacons, lay employees, or volunteers servingthe Diocese of Rapid City will be investigated.The diocesan sexual misconduct policy and the code of conduct are posted on the

diocesan website at www.rapidcitydiocese.org.

A Safe Environment for Children and Young People

January 29, FridaysWRC deadline for submissions.

Paper mailed Tuesday, February 16. )605-343-3541 or

[email protected] or [email protected]

The Terra Sancta Events Schedule can be found on page 21


This past June at the Stewardship Summit, Bishop Robert Gruss commissioned our first set of lay witnessspeakers. They were sent out this fall tothe parishes to give their testimony onhow they have experienced hospitality andhow they extended hospitality to others.Our lay witness speakers are scheduled tospeak or have spoken in 39 parishes. Theywere well received by parishioners andpastors alike. Here are some of the comments we have received in regards toour lay witness ministry program which ispart of our Stewardship Initiative.

“The witness talk about stewardshipwas excellent! She gave a very personaland wonderful witness at all the weekendMasses, both on Saturday and Sunday.”

“He is a good speaker, people enjoyed his message.”

“They did a clear, humorous andpointed message about the importance ofcontinuing to invite. I had several say theyenjoyed it.”

“Great talks! Lots of good feedback!Thank you for getting them to give

witness talks!”“They did an awesome job. They spoke

of prayer and the need to visit with Jesus,as well as the importance of visiting witheach other as we build stronger and morewelcoming communities.”

“He did an excellent job and his talkwas well received. Thank you for coor-dinating the details.”

“I had a great deal of positive feed-back. It seems the more a person does thisadventure, the easier it seems to become.”

“This has truly been a humble andrewarding time in my life.”

“I really enjoyed our time with theirchurch families.”Our plan is that every parish will

experience a lay witness speaker at leastthree times a year. This year we will continue to focus the witness talks on generous hospitality. By the end of nextyear, we plan to move into lively faith —prayer, study and formation. If you are interested in learning more

about the lay witness ministry program inour diocese, are interested in becoming a

lay witness speaker, or know someoneyou feel would be a good witness to others, please contact the Office of Stewardship at 605-716-5214, extension233, or Fr. Mark McCormick at [email protected].

Those who have been part of this newand exciting ministry come from parishesacross the diocese:Blessed Sacrament, Rapid City:

Julie BernardDave ElkjerTom HiltDenise Maher

Cathedral, Rapid City:Paula ClarkMaureen Yantes

St. Rose of Lima, Hill City:Clare Ten Eyck

St. Anthony, Hot Springs:Joyce Bussmus

St. Joseph, Spearfish:Carol AthowMary Anne HerrboldtJan Carlson

St. Paul, Belle Fourche:Carrie Donovan

Sacred Heart, Philip:Marianne Frein

St. Mary, Milesville:Nina Pekron

Our Lady of Victory, Kadoka:Janet VanderMay

St. Joseph, Gregory:Roxie ChocholousekAndy and Patty Clark

Sacred Heart, Burke:Mary Horn

St. Anthony, Fairfax:Tony Koenig

St. John, Ft. Pierre:Wade Pogany

Our Lady of the Rosary, Trail City:Bill and Lynn Hahne

St. Joseph, Faith:Josh LeeBrad and Mandy Lemmel

St. Mary, Isabel:LuAnn Lindskov

Holy Cross, Timber Lake:Ray and Jean Tehle

One last note: Our priests are going tojump into the mix as well by swappingparishes from time to time to speak about“A Catholic Way of Life” through thethree lenses of stewardship — hospitality,faith and discipleship. Look for one ofthem at your parish during the comingmonths.

Lay witness speakers begin sharing their faith with others

Lay witnesses were commissioned last June at the firstSummit held in the Diocese of Rapid City. (Back row)Andy Clark, Scott Smallwood, Dave Elkjer, Tony Koenig,Wade Pogany, Tom Hilt, Don Stukel, and Luann Lindskov. (Middle row) Clare Ten Eyck, Maureen Yantes, Nina

Pekron, Marianne Frein, Carrie Donovan, Cathy Smith andFr. Mark McCormick. (Front row) Bishop Robert Gruss,Joyce Bussmus, Denise Maher, Lynn Hahne, Janet VanderMay, the late Val Munsell and Carol Athow. (Photo by Michael McNeely)

ColumnsJanuary 2016 WRC 9

To redeploy a phrase from PresidentFord, our “long national nightmare” –in this case, the semi-permanent presi-dential campaign — will be over ineleven months, or at least suspended fora year or so. It’s not been an altogetheredifying show to date; one may hopethat, as the fields get winnowed down,a measure of the serious debate that be-fits a great republic might emerge. Witha view to encourag-ing that, here are twosuggestions for whatCatholics in Amer-ica might ponder be-fore November 8.(1) The most im-

portant numbers tokeep in mind be-tween now and Election Day are “78,”“80,” and “83.” Supreme Court JusticeStephen Breyer will be 78 by Novem-ber 8; Justices Antonin Scalia and An-thony Kennedy will be 80 by then, andJustice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will be 83.If the actuarial tables mean anything,those numbers suggest that the nextPresident of the United States is likely

to get two, perhaps three, and just pos-sibly four nominations to the Court. This demographic reality creates an

opportunity, unprecedented since thedisaster of Roe v. Wade, to make sig-nificant advances in rebuilding thestructure of legal protection for humanlife from conception until natural deathin the United States. It also creates thepossibility of reversing more than a

half-century’s ju-risprudential mal-practice in thematter of church-and-state andreaffirming thetruth about theFirst Amend-ment, which is

that “no establishment” serves the goalof “free exercise.” And it just mightmean getting the question of what“marriage” is, and who may “marry”whom, reconsidered as a matter of con-stitutional law, not public policy pref-erence. It will thus make a vast difference

who makes these nominations, and how

the Senate that will advise and consenton them is configured. For if realprogress on reaffirming the right to life,securing religious freedom, and de-fending marriage rightly understood ispossible under one scenario, it just aspossible that the alternative scenariowill produce a Court that deals poten-tially fatal hammer-blows to thesecauses for the foreseeable future. (2) When the new president gets his

or her first intelligence briefing in theOval Office on January 21, 2017, he orshe may wonder what demon possessedhim or her to want the job. For theworld is almost certainly going to bemore dangerous that day than at anypoint since the height of the Cold War,and perhaps as long ago as 1947. Thedismantling of the international securityarchitecture that has guided the NorthAtlantic democracies since 1949 hasproceeded apace for the past sevenyears; those responsible for that dis-mantling stubbornly refuse to considerthe evidence before their eyes and holdsteady to a lemming-like march towarddisaster; the new president will thusface a challenge unlike any since HarryTruman confronted the consequencesof the collapse of British power afterWorld War II.There are lots of reasons to think

America should be ashamed of itself if

it considers what taking a holiday fromhistory has done to the world since2009. The government has failed totake the measure of a newly aggressiveRussia that operates by stealth aggres-sion and lies before it gets down to thereal aggression; meanwhile, the UnitedStates sends military junk to a Ukrainethat is begging for help in buildingdemocracy and prosperity. The MiddleEast is a boiling cauldron of violence,murder, and ideological madness, in nosmall part because the United States de-cided that it had had enough of main-taining order there. Meanwhile, theState Department has gutted the notionof “religious freedom” in U.S. interna-tional human rights policy, preferring toemphasize the export of Americanlifestyle libertinism while threateningto withhold foreign aid if poor countriesdecide that they’d just as soon not imi-tate western decadence — whichseems to them (and not without reason)to have caused an awful lot of unhappi-ness.The campaign consultants will tell

candidates that, when it comes to whatwe might call presidential, it is, was,and always will be about the economy.Serious Catholics will know better. It’sabout our national character. It’s aboutbuilding on, not wasting, the victory offreedom in the Cold War. It’s about re-sponsibility.

George Weigel is a senior fellow ofthe Ethics and Public Policy Center inWashington, D.C. George Weigel’scolumn is distributed by the DenverCatholic Register, the official newspa-per of the Archdiocese of Denver.Phone: 303-715-3123.

Looking toward November 8, it’s about responsibility


Prayer Intentions of the Holy Father

For more information, go to:APOSTLESHIPOFPRAYER.ORG

Monthly Message From Our LadyOn the 25th of each month, OurLady appears to the Medjugorje visionary Marija to give us her

message to the world.“Dear children! Also today I amcarrying my Son Jesus to youand from this embrace I am

giving you His peace and a long-ing for Heaven. I am praying withyou for peace and am callingyou to be peace. I am blessingall of you with my motherly

blessing of peace. Thank you forhaving responded to my call.

12/25/15

The Belgian spiritual writer, BiekeVandekerckhove, comes by her wis-dom honestly. She didn’t learn whatshe shares from a book or even prima-rily from the good example of others.She learned what she shares throughthe crucible of a unique suffering,being hit at the tender age of nineteenwith a terminal disease that prom-ised not just an early death butalso a complete breakdown andhumiliation of her body enroute tothat death.

Her attempt to cope with hersituation drove her in many direc-tions, initially to anger and hope-lessness but eventually tomonasteries, to the wisdom ofmonasticism, and, under its direc-tion, into the deep well of silence,that desert that lurks so threaten-ingly inside each of us. Awayfrom all the noises of the world, in thesilence of her own soul, inside thechaos of her raging, restless insidesshe found the wisdom and strengthnot just to cope with her illness but toalso find a deeper meaning and joy inher life.

There are, as John Updike poeti-cally puts it, secrets that are hiddenfrom health, though, as Vandekerck-hove makes evident, they can be un-covered in silence. Howeveruncovering the secrets that silence hasto teach us is not easy. Silence, untilproperly befriended, is scary and theprocess of befriending it is the soul’sequivalent of crossing a hot desert.Our insides don’t easily become calm,restlessness doesn’t easily turn intosolitude, and the temptation to turn tothe outside world for consolationdoesn’t easily give way to the idea ofquiet. But there’s a peace and a mean-ing that can only be found inside thedesert of our own chaotic and raginginsides. The deep wells of consolationlie at the end of an inner journeythrough heat, thirst, and dead-endsthat must be pushed through with

dogged fidelity. And, as for any epicjourney, the task is not for the faint ofheart.

Here’s how Vandekerckhove de-scribes one aspect of the journey:“Inner noise can be quite exhausting.That’s probably why so many flee tothe seduction of exterior background

noises. They prefer to have the noisejust wash over them. But if you wantto grow spiritually, you have to stayinside of the room of your spiritualraging and persevere. You have tocontinue to sit silently and honestly inGod’s presence until the raging quietsdown and your heart gradually be-comes cleansed and quieted. Silenceforces us to take stock of our actualmanner of being human. And then wehit a wall, a dead point. No matterwhat we do, no matter what we try,something in us continues to feel lostand estranged, despite the myriadways of society to meet our humanneeds. Silence confronts us with anunbearable bottomlessness, and thereappears no way out. We have nochoice but to align ourselves with thereligious depth in us.”

There’s a profound truth: Silenceconfronts us with an unbearable bot-tomlessness and we have no choicebut to align ourselves with the reli-gious depth inside us. Sadly, for mostof us, we will learn this only by bitterconscription when we have to actuallyface our own death. In the abandon-

ment of dying, stripped of all optionsand outlets we will, despite struggleand bitterness, have to, in the words ofKarl Rahner, allow ourselves to sinkinto the incomprehensibility of God.Moreover, before this surrender ismade, our lives will always remainsomewhat unstable and confusing and

there will always be dark, innercorners of the soul that scare us.

But a journey into silence cantake us beyond our dark fears andshine healing light into our darkestcorners. But, as Vandekerckhoveand other spiritual writers pointout, that peace is usually foundonly after we have reached an im-passe, a “dead point” where theonly thing we can do is “to piercethe negative.”

In her book, “The Taste of Si-lence,” Vandekerckhove recounts

how an idealistic friend of hers sharedhis dream of going off by himself intosome desert to explore spirituality.Her prompt reaction was not much tohis liking: “A person is ready to go toany kind of desert. He’s willing to sitanywhere, as long as it’s not his owndesert.” How true. We forever hankerafter idealized deserts and avoid ourown.

The spiritual journey, the pilgrim-

age, the Camino, we most need tomake doesn’t require an airline ticket,though an experienced guide is rec-ommended. The most spiritually re-warding trip we can make is an innerpilgrimage, into the desert of our ownsilence.

As human beings we are constitu-tively social. This means, as the Bibleso bluntly puts it, that it is not goodfor the human person to be alone. Weare meant to be in community withothers. Heaven will be a communalexperience; but, on the road there,there’s a certain deep inner work thatcan only be done alone, in silence,away from the noise of the world.

Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, the-ologian, teacher, and award-winningauthor, is President of the OblateSchool of Theology in San Antonio,TX. He can be contacted through hiswebsite www.ronrolheiser.com. Nowon Facebook www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser

There are secrets that can only be uncovered in silence

‘...there’s a peace and a meaning thatcan only be found inside the desert ofour own chaotic and raging insides.’

FebruaryUniversal: Care for CreationThat we may take good care of creation — a gift freely given — cultivating and protecting it for future generations.Evangelization: AsiaThat opportunities may increase fordialogue and encounter betweenthe Christian faith and the peoplesof Asia.

Annual Diocesan AppealJanuary 2016 WRC 11

Diocese of Rapid City Annual Diocesan Appeal 2016

NAME

SPOUSE

PHONE #

STREET

CITY

STATE

PARISH

Total Pledge

Enclosed

Pledge Balance*

$

$

$

*Reminder statements are mailed quarterly.For a complete listing of diocesan ministries, see the appeal brochure.

PLEASE, NO GIFT IS TOO SMALL.Make check payable to:

Diocese of Rapid City Annual AppealMail to: P.O. Box 678, Rapid City, SD 57709-0678

If interested in an automatic bank payment or credit card payment, please contact your parish office for a pledge envelope or call Doris Bride, 605-343-3541.

PLEASE PRINT:

ZIP

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERFUL SUPPORT OF OUR DIOCESAN MINISTRIES

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,The Annual Diocesan Appeal for 2016 is well underway and

the spirit of Christ continues to shine through all the ministries ofdiocese. As you know, the theme for our 2016 diocesan appeal is “... above all let your love for one another be intense…” When our love becomes real and we are able to reach out toone another as Christ has to us, God’s kingdom becomes morefully alive.

Many of you have graciously responded by supporting thisyear’s annual appeal. I want to thank you for your kindness andgenerosity. I am deeply grateful for how you have expressed yourlove for God and your neighbor.

If you have not yet made your pledge, I invite you to join in the mission of the diocese by first taking the time to reflect upon themany blessings which the Lord has given you and your family. Then ask the Holy Spirit what the Lord is asking of you in light of supporting our Annual Diocesan Appeal. Your generous supporthelps fund the many ministries provided by the Diocese of RapidCity in service to the people of God in western South Dakota.

The Lord has blessed us all in so many ways. In this JubileeYear of Mercy, may you and your family experience the abundantlove and mercy that God desires to pour out upon us. With assurance of my prayers for you and your family, I remain,

Sincerely in the peace and joy of Christ,

Most Rev. Robert D. GrussBishop of Rapid City


December 7, 2015, at the Basilica ofthe National Shrine of the ImmaculateConception in Washington, D.C., GiaJulian, from St. Joseph Parish,Spearfish, was invested in the habit ofthe Servants of the Lord and the Virginof Matara. She received the name SisterMaria, Madonna dei Poveri or Mary,Mother of the Poor.

Her first encounter with a sister fromthe Servidoras (Servants) order hap-pened when she was in 6th grade at adiocesan Totus Tuus summer camp.“After that I always remembered the‘blue nuns’ but I didn’t know muchabout them or any other order until Istarted attending the winter vocationweekend retreats at Terra Sancta when

I was in high school,” she said.Their charism, “to prolong the Incar-

nation of Christ through the evange-lization of the culture,” didn’t quitemake sense to me at first, but I knewGod was calling me to be a missionary.I thought the idea of preserving and up-lifting the culture was a beautiful wayto do that. Once I understood the firstpart, bringing Christ to all, I couldn’tthink of a more fitting charism.”

Her family has been supportive. “Iknow it’s very hard for them to not beable to see me as much and sometimesthey feel they can’t do much for me, buttheir love and prayers do more than anygifts. My mom, Amy Julian, is mybiggest fan; her first concern was that I

not feel ‘pushed’ into this vocation byher love for the religious life,” said Sr.Poveri.

She is currently a novice which is atime to grow in her calling and the spiritof her particular institute. Her studiesand apostolic work are mainly intro-ductory.

“My apostolate was an oratory forgirls, kindergarten to eighth grade fortwo hours every Saturday. The oratoryis a place for children to pray and toplay, growing in their love for God,”she said.

She advises others thinking of a reli-gious vocation, “First, get a spiritual di-rector because it’s very important.Second, frequent the sacraments andgrow in your prayer life. Third, trust inGod, trust that his will be done. TrustHim to give you what you need whenyou need it, and listen to what he tellsyou. Be generous to what He asks ofyou,” she said.

BUILDINGOur Mission to the Missions

he Black and Indian Mission Collection exists to help diocesan communities to build the church and preach the Gospel of Jesusamong the African American, Native American, and Alaska Native people of God. T

Every year, it is the amazing generosity of Catholic faithful just like you who enable the Black and Indian Mission Office to support the following important priorities:

Enlivening Parish Life and Catechesis Empowering EnvangelizersHelping Educators Reach Kids Encouraging Vocations

l

l

Photos courtesy Sioux Spiritual Center, Howes

Year of Consecrated Life: Sister Maria, Madonna dei Poveri

Dec. 7, at the Basilica of the NationalShrine of the Immaculate Conception,Washington, D.C., Gia Julian receivedher habit and the name Sr. Maria,Madonna dei Poveri. Her parents are Joe and Amy Julian of Beulah, Wyo. (Courtesy photo)

News WRC 13January 2016

CSS BOARD OF DIRECTORSOFFICERS: President, Susan Meyer; Vice President, Susan Raposa;

Secretary, Lisa Kendrick Wesolick; Treasurer, Cassie Ward; Executive Director, Jim Kinyon DIRECTORS: Bishop Robert Gruss, Cassie Ward, Susan Meyer, Jon Kellar, Rick Soulek,

Lisa Kendrick Wesolick, David DiMaria, Susan Raposa , Dr. Steven Massopust, Brenda Wills, Deacon Marlon Leneaugh, Sherri Raforth, and Matt Stone

Serving people of all faiths in western South Dakota

Major Sponsorship Levels$2,000

Saint’s Circle$1,500

Sacred Circle$1,000

Holy Circle$500

Bishop’s CircleYes, I would like to help CSS fulfill its mission by sponsoring the annual Palm Sunday Brunch.

I have enclosed a check in the amount of: $ Please bill me: $

Amount to be charged: $ Signature:

Print name exactly as it appears on this card

Billing address City State Zip Phone (incl. area code)

Card expiration date

529 Kansas City Street l Rapid City, SD 57701 l (605) 348-6086 l toll free (800) 727-2401fax (605) 348-1050 l [email protected] l www.CatholicSocialServicesRapidCity.com (PayPal)

As a major sponsor, you will be recognized in the Palm Sunday event program, at the brunch, and in the CSS quarterly newsletter.

I cannot be a major sponsor at this time, but I have enclosed a check for $ to helpCatholic Social Services provide critical services.

Name: Address:

City, State, Zip:

Phone: E-mail:

Please join us in ourmission of serviceby sponsoring

the Palm SundayBrunch on

March 20, 2016,beginning at 12 Noon at the

Ramkota Convention Center

in Rapid City.Your sponsorship helps defraybrunch expenses, allowingCatholic Social Services

to direct all proceeds raised during the event to those in

need of CSS services

Dr. Jonathan J. ReyesExecutive Director ofthe Department of Justice, Peace andHuman Development of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops(USCCB)

o o

o

I will pay by credit card:___MC___VISA Acct #: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Number of complimentary tickets to the brunch: Adults: Children under 10:I have paid via PayPal online at www.catholicsocialservicesrapidcity.com — Palm Sunday Brunch

o

Keynote Speaker As a Major Sponsor ...You are cordially invited to attend a reception

Saturday evening, March 19, 2016

You will have the opportunity to meet Bishop Robert D. Gruss,

and Dr. Jonathan J. Reyes, our keynote speaker for the

Palm Sunday Brunch

Sponsorship Invitation

When You Sponsor ...... You Share In The Pope’s Holy Year Of Mercy!

Following a ReligiousVocationAnother member of the Diocese ofRapid City who was invested in herhabit, from the Servants of the Lordand the Virgin of Matara (Servidorasor Servants) Dec. 7, was Rachel Wilhelmi — now Sister Maria, ReginaFamiliae — Latin for Mary, Queen ofthe Family. She is from Our Lady ofthe Black Hills Parish, Piedmont, andher parents are Terry and SuzanneWilhelmi. The Mass took place at theBasilica of the National Shrine of theImmaculate Conception. The principal celebrant was Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. (Courtesy photo)

Diocese of Rapid CityVacancy Announcement

Applications are being accepted for the full time position of Receptionist for the Dio-cese of Rapid City beginning in early March. Open until filled.Function:Full responsibility for all aspects of the receptionist function in a positive and hos-pitable manner. The receptionist also processes incoming and outgoing mail, main-tains general office supply inventory and provides departmental support as needed. Qualifications: Practicing Catholic, excellent communication and public relations skills with the abil-ity to project a calm demeanor both in person and on the telephone, administrative,secretarial and computer skills, detail oriented, high degree of confidentiality and de-pendability, ability to multi-task. Application Processs:Interested individuals should send a resumé and letter by e-mail or postal mail listingthree professional references along with a completed application form that can bedownloaded from the diocesan website at: http://www.rapidcitydiocese.org/chancellor/employment/The Diocese of Rapid City offers a competitive salary and benefits package.Office of the Chancellor Diocese of Rapid City 606 Cathedral DriveRapid City SD 57701 or [email protected].

Jubilee14 WRC January 2016

Year ofMercyFebruary Saint of Mercy — St. John Vianney

Day of Mercy — in each parish

Thursday, February 25, 2016Speaker: Jeff Hurd

Topic: Spiritual Works of MercyTerra Sancta Retreat Center

Rapid City area presentations begin at 7 p.m.

Thursday, January 28, 2016Speaker: Jeanne Harper

Topic: Corporal Works of MercySt. Therese the Little Flower Church

PilgrimagesFebruary 27, 2016 — Cathedral

Topic: Reconciliation & ForgivenessSpeaker: Bishop Robert Gruss

Upc

om

ing

Ev

ents

Truly a model of mercy for us in this Year of Mercy,St. John Vianney gave his life to reveal and to ministerthe mercy of God to as many people as he could. Hegrew up in France during the French Revolution and sawmany priests and Catholics persecuted for their faith —forced into hiding and celebrating the sacra-ments in secret. John himself received hisfirst Holy Communion in a barn underthe cover of darkness. He witnessedpriests and laity who denied their faithin the face of this persecution, but healso saw many who remained faithfuland risked their lives to bring the faithto others. He saw those priests as heroeswho suffered and persevered. When he later became a priest, St. John’s

bishop sent him to the small town of Ars, tellinghim, “There is not much love of God in Ars. You willbring some love there.” Many people had fallen awayfrom the church because of the persecution. John invitedthem back and then made himself available to them atthe parish. Some say that God raised him up to forgivethe sins of the revolution. Spending at times 16 hours inthe confessional each day, he was truly a humble andgenerous man who lived his priesthood for others. Tosinners who approached the sacrament discouraged andfull of doubt about God’s forgiveness, he would say, “Thegood Lord knows everything. Even before you confess,he already knows that you will sin again and yet he for-

gives you. How great is the love of our God who evenstrives to voluntarily forget the future in order to forgiveus.” He also reminds us, “It is not the sinner who returnsto God begging forgiveness; rather, it is God himself whoruns after sinners causing them to return to him.”John found his identity in Jesus Christ, the great highpriest, and lived his priesthood preaching the word ofGod, ministering the sacraments, shepherding hispeople. People began to flock to Ars. He cared forthe poor, sometimes even giving away his own food,he started a school for the poor and an orphanagefor young girls, and he provided for unwanted chil-dren. During his ministry, the number of pilgrimswho came to Ars numbered as many as twentythousand each year.St. John Vianney had a deep devotion to Our Lady

and a great love for his bride, Christ’s bride, the church.He was a man of mercy, a minister of mercy accordingto the call of all priests, ashe often said, “Priesthoodis the love of the heart ofJesus,” and “A good shepherd, a pastor afterGod’s heart, is the greatest treasure the goodLord can grant to aparish, and one of themost precious gifts of divine mercy.”

Prayer to St. john VianneyI love you, O my God, and my only desire is to love you until the last breath of my life.

I love you, O my infinitely lovable God, and I would rather die loving you, than

live without loving you.

I love you, Lord and the only grace I ask is to love you eternally ...

My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love you, I want my heart to repeat it to you as often as I draw breath.

Columns WRC 15January 2016

Addiction can be extremely harmful,and in some cases, fatal for those indi-viduals ensnared by it. It can be seri-ously disruptive and damaging to thosearound them. Who is to blame when itcomes to addiction? Family and friendsmay think to themselves, “Why can’tJane just stop drinking?” Or, “Doesn’tJoe understand that his gambling ad-diction is bankrupting the family?” Or,“Can’t Bob see how his pornographyhabit is destroying his marriage and hisrelationships?” For those facing addic-tion, it seems they ought to be able torecognize their behavior as harmful,and turn away from it by a resolute de-cision. Family and friends, however,can face years of frustration when theysee their loved ones fall into a slow mo-tion “crash and burn,” spiraling down-wards as they remain unwilling orunable to step away from their addic-tion.

The individual caught in the web ofaddiction objectively falls prey to a lossof personal freedom. His will becomesweakened, and he becomes enslaved ina way that limits his ability to recognizethe right order of goods in his life. Byrepetitively choosing the addictive be-havior, it becomes ingrained, and theability to choose better, alternative be-haviors becomes enfeebled, if notseemingly impossible. For these rea-sons, there is almost always diminishedpersonal responsibility in situations ofaddiction. To be accountable for ouracts, we must freely choose those acts,but the internal pressure and downwardspiral of the addiction may have alreadyco-opted the individual’s ability to

At the heart of the tragedy of addiction

freely choose otherwise. Eventually thisbondage can appear to be permanent,and addicted individuals can imaginethemselves pathetic and hopeless tosuch a degree that they almost give up.In the words of a formerly-addictedindividual:

“I believe that I did not have a choiceto stop. ... It never became clear to methat I could live another way until amedical intervention from my physi-cian and friends took place. Willpowerplays a small role here, but it too cannotwork if one has a malfunctioning brain.I speak for myself here ... I could notstop. Period. Now, I have stopped. Notjust because of the intervention, but be-cause I have turned my life and my willover to the God of my understanding.That is something 12 step programshave taught me.”

This radical loss of freedom lies atthe heart of the tragedy of addiction.Because we are creatures of habit, thechoices we make, either for good or forevil, form us in one direction or theother, so we become individuals whoare either capable or incapable ofchoosing the good freely. Virtue is ahabit of good, while vice is a habit of

evil. Early choices leading down theroad towards addiction, freely made,can quickly snowball into vice, addic-tion and a loss of freedom. As one re-covered addict graphically describedit:

“My beef is with those who claimthat they never chose to become an ad-dict or never chose to hurt their fami-lies. ... While we likely didn’t intend toend up helpless, dysfunctional peoplewho (hurt) our loved ones, the choiceswe made put us at risk of ending up ina sorry state where we were capable ofdoing things we would have neverdreamed of. Unless you were raised onMars, we all deep down knew the riskof our choices, especially if you’re talk-ing about coke, crack, meth, or heroin,but we chose to roll the dice anyways.At a certain point, when I was startingto do coke almost every weekend, Iknew that it would be wise to stop, butI chose not to because I was having funand I told myself it will never happento me. By the end, I was going on solothree day benders with alcohol and co-caine, and I landed in treatment. ... Mypoint is that I made the choice to try thesubstance, the choice to begin to use thesubstance more regularly, and thechoice not to quit when I could have.”

While there may have been signifi-cant moral culpability at the beginning

of an individual’s descent into addic-tion, it is still critical for us to neverstigmatize, patronize or abandon thosewho are in the throes of addiction. Theymay feel they are defined entirely bytheir addiction, unlovable andwretched, rather than seeing that theyare, in fact, human beings who are pre-cious to God and those around them,and even now endowed with some tinyspace of remaining freedom. That tinyspace will become key to determiningwhether they ultimately choose the be-havioral changes needed to improvetheir situation and recover the humanfreedom that is rightfully theirs. Weshould support, encourage and lovethem in ways that will help lead themtoward those good choices and suc-cessful outcomes.

Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned hisdoctorate in neuroscience from Yale and didpost-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priestof the diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves asthe Director of Education at The NationalCatholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org.

Social Justice16 WRC January 2016

By Sue Jimmerson

The SJC Advocacy Committee em-ploys various tools to advocate for life-and-justice-affirming causes, policies,bills or laws — prayer, spoken/writtenwords, meeting/networking with legis-lators and other groups, and peacefulaction. Bob Cronin of Rapid City high-

lighted a fall SJC event — “a legisla-tive meeting with Catholic andChristian west river lawmakers to dis-cuss upcoming or potential legislation.”Committee members learned moreabout effecting change through the leg-islative process and discussed ways forlegislators to “protect the vulnerable in

The 2016 State Legislature is now in session. Probable bills/issues in-clude pro-life issues (informed consent on chemical abortion reversal; abor-tion facility inspection reports; strengthened fetal body parts ban; the Pain-capable Unborn Child Protection Act — abortion ban after 20-weeks; betterelder abuse protection; and abolishing the death penalty and social justice issues (human trafficking; student privacy in restrooms/locker rooms; educa-tion issues & S.D. Tax Credit Scholarships; protection for religious andmoral beliefs; Medicaid expansion, and more). The Sioux Falls Diocese’s Catholic Advocate Network (CAN) website at

www.sfcatholic.org/CAN (click State & Federal Government) will soon list2016 bills being monitored, bill action, and church teachings.

Find your legislator and follow bills at:http://legis.sd.gov/Legislative_Session/Default.aspx?Session=Ninety-First.

Contact legislators athttp://legis.sd.gov/Contact/LegislatorEmail.aspx?MemberID=844&Session=2016 or by phone message at House 605-773-3851 and Senate 605-773-3821.

Social Justice Commission committee advocating for life and justice

Help monitor bills and contact state legislators

‘We are better than the worst thing we have ever done’

By Deacon Denny Davis, South Dakotans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

The headline is a phrase used by Sr. Helen Prejean who has walked with deathrow inmates for many years. I believe she is right in that we as citizens of SouthDakota and as people of faith have a responsibility to begin to see our part in put-ting a human being to death through state sponsored executions. This is not to saythat the horrible crimes committed are not devastating to the victims’ families aswell as the fear and shock that reverberate through society. Obviously the person

committing murder deserves to have severe consequencesfor their behavior. Is not life in prison without parole aharsh enough consequence?Two years ago, Pope Francis said, “life in prison with-

out parole is a hidden death penalty.” He further said, “it isimpossible to imagine that states today cannot make use ofanother means than capital punishment to defend people’slives from an unjust aggressor.” (Oct. 23, 2014, meetingwith representatives of the International Association ofpenal Law)

We have two choices here in South Dakota with regard to the death penalty. Thefirst is revenge; kill a person who has killed. The second is healing and restora-tion of not only the victim’s family but the person who committed the crime aswell. When we act out of revenge, we lose the opportunity to restore our dignityas human beings and the ability to teach our children and grandchildren that thedeath penalty is wrong and by killing a human being, we all forfeit a piece or ourown humanity. On the other hand, when we help others to heal there is a healing that also takes

place in us. “Do unto others” is an ancient rule of life and aren’t we a people thatwant life?We are better than the death penalty here in South Dakota. Let’s stop this

horrible practice. All life is sacred. Are we the people who will “cast the firststone?” We really are better than the worst thing we have ever done.

our communities and to promote thesanctity of human life.” Earlier talks byDeacon Denny Davis, of SouthDakotans for Alternatives to the DeathPenalty, updated members and the en-tire commission on efforts to ban/re-place capital punishment in the state. InDecember, some members also at-tended an area legislative briefing tolearn about upcoming state legislationaffecting human life/dignity and socialjustice. Committee members will monitor

bills of interest in the current state Leg-islature and contact legislators to advo-cate, voice concerns, and shareexperiences or ideas. (See below for is-

sues and how you can help with this ef-fort). Throughout the year, their focuswill also be on national issues and net-working with USCCB and othergroups’ efforts. In the past, the committee has also

provided parishes with advocacyideas/projects and shared an awarenessof social justice themes at diocesanyouth rallies and fall SJC workshops.

Advocacy recommendations forlaity, consecrated, and clergy:Pray daily the beautiful USCCB

“Prayer for the Protection of ReligiousLiberty,” http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/prayer-resources.cfm.

Read the USCCB’s newly-revised“Forming Consciences for Faithful Cit-izenship,” http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/upload/forming-consciences-for-faithful-citi-zenship.pdf.

Of special interest are four moralprinciples of Catholic social teachingthat can help “provide a moral frame-work for decisions in public life” (#43)and issues related to each. These prin-ciples are (from #44-56): The Dignityof the Human Person; Subsidiarity(human affairs best handled at the levelclosest to those affected); The CommonGood; and Solidarity with our brothersand sisters “wherever they may be.”

Strengthening Family Ties WRC 17January 2016

By Sr. Florence McManamen, OSB

Since the feast of the Holy Familywas celebrated on December 27, andthere is much focus on the family, thetopic of the family seems timely. Indi-vidual and family prayer is very impor-tant.

A practice suggested by internationalretreat directors Fathers Matthew andDennis Linn of Colorado might be help-ful in many ways. In this practice theLinn brothers have the family gatherregularly for prayer. Prayer is “talkingto God” so each one’s words would beheld “sacred” by everyone even ifsomething might sound alarming espe-cially to mom or dad; it is conversationwith God and not with each other. The

Jonathan J. Reyes, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of CatholicCharities and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Denver since 2009,has been named Executive Director of the Department of Justice, Peace andHuman Development of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He will oversee USCCB efforts in domestic and international affairs and the CatholicCampaign for Human Development, the bishop’s anti-poverty program. He assumed his new position in December. Dr. Reyes will be the keynote speakerat the 2016 Palm Sunday Bunch, sponsored by Catholic Social Services. Thebrunch is scheduled for Sunday, March 20, beginning at noon at the RamkotaConvention Center in Rapid City. All seating is reserved; tickets are complimentary and can be secured by contacting CSS at 348-6086.

prayer would begin with each one nam-ing one or two things, profound or sim-ple, for which they are grateful that day.An attitude of gratefulness towards Godand one another is an important part ofone’s character and spiritual life.

After this round, each memberwould say, “If I had today to live overagain (or something similar) I would,not do or would do …” and then namesomething they would do better or notdo. This section needs to be handledcarefully. Sometimes an older childmight mention something that couldhave serious consequences, but correc-tions or questions should never be men-tioned during the time of conversationwith God. Perhaps later in the eveningor sometime, a parent might say, “I

heard you tell God about…, may I helpyou, or do you want to tell me more ordid you know …”

A family member should never beafraid of the consequences of what theymight say sincerely to God in prayer.There are many other ways to get in-formation, but what is said in prayermight help other family members bemore aware of a situation. Some of thethings that are said during this part offamily prayer are sinful but sin usuallyaffects other people too. If the sin is se-rious perhaps a general statement like,

“I will be careful of my relationshipwith other people” would be sufficient.

This practice might even help pre-pare for the gift of the regular receptionof the sacrament of reconciliation, andit usually helps the family members beappreciative of one another. The prayersession could end with mother or fatherleading prayer or members takingturns. St. Benedict advocates that vocalprayer should be short, but St. Benedictalso writes that we should “pray al-ways” that is, have an awareness of thepresence of God at all times.

Pray and Work Ora et Labora Pray and Work Ora et Labora Pray and Work Ora et Labora Pray and Work Ora et Labora Pray and Work Ora et Labora

Family prayer time can help children focus on doing better

Catholic Social Services brunch speakertakes on new national position

The staff of the West River Catholic

would like to thank Kuntz Upholstery for their decades of loyal

advertising. Best wishes on your retirement in April.


May the Lord bless you and keep you.May his face shine upon you,

and may he be gracious unto you.May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you

and give you peace this New Year.— Deacon Marlon Leneaugh, Office of Native Ministry

Happy New Year

Anna Berens...................................................................................12,000.00Margaret Biggs .................................................................................1,000.00Fr. D. Craig Cower............................................................................8,550.00Anonymous..........................................................................................633.26Dosch, Jerome and Pius ................................................................40,000.00Fr. Christopher Scadron ......................................................................380.00Emma Smith .....................................................................................1,000.00Hazel Smith ......................................................................................1,000.00Valades Family .................................................................................9,000.00Frank & Margaret Woster .................................................................2,531.00

PRAA Board Chair Fr. Kerry Prendiville For information on donating to PRAA Memorial Burse, contact

Finance Manager Suzanne Lambert, 343-3541.

PRAA Memorial BursesIncome from these donations is used to support retired priests.

Diocesan Seminarian Burses (as of 12/31/15)Income from these donations is used to support diocesan seminarian education.

Appreciation is extended to Sacred Heart Church, White River, for contributing to the Ambur Burse; Gerald and Mary Jean Bollinger for contributing to the Bollinger Burse; Roger Johnsen for contributing to the Costigan Burse; and an anonymous donor for contributing to the Scherer burse.

Lux, Peter & Gertrude . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,200.00McManus, Lyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .450.00McManus, Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150.00McNaboe, Fr. Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,000.00Meade, Fr. Cornelius . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,720.00Meyer, Dillen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500.00Miller, Donald and Kathleen . . . . . . . . . .500.00Morvay, Fr. Andrew . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33,000.00Muldoon, Fr. Ralph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,375.00Nemec, Ed & Elizabeth . . . . . . . . . . .50,000.00O’Connell, Msgr. William . . . . . . . . . .23,000.00O’Doherty, Fr. Leo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800.00O’Dowd, Fr. Patrick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,650.00Padula, Fr. Dominic . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12,571.20Plante, Fr. Richard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93,055.92Prendiville Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,735.00Rath, Deacon Vern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,317.00Reedy, Camille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .929.00Roach, Msgr. Michael . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,346.00Ruud, Donna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20.00St. Anthony-Hot Springs . . . . . . . . . . .3,547.72St. Francis of Assisi-Sturgis . . . . . . . . .9,922.55St. Joseph-Mud Butte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250.00St. Joseph-Scenic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,070.78St. Mary-Lemmon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,371.00St. Mary-Newell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500.00St. Paul-Belle Fourche . . . . . . . . . . . . . .750.00St. Therese-RC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,610.00Scherer, Fr. Gerald N. . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,090.00Schofield, Mary Ellen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .400.00Sonn, Lorraine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80.00Szalay, Fr. Eugene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,300.00Thompson, Msgr. Michael . . . . . . . .133,693.76Tunnissen, Fr. James . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,400.00Vannix, Dorothy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6,000.00Welsh, Bishop Lawrence . . . . . . . . . . .1,200.00Whiteside, Fr. Robert . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,600.00Zacher, Catherine & Eugene . . . . . . . .2,525.00Zelnik, Fr. Ron-Kadoka . . . . . . . . . . . . . .340.00Zelnik, Fr. Ron-Midland . . . . . . . . . . . . .790.00

Other funds Leo “Pete” Berens Memorial Fund . . .323,339.21Fr. Peter Kovarik Memorial Fund . . . .70,855.89

Ambur, Irene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,907.17Baskerville, Doreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,420.00Bell, John M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,000.00Berning, Fr. Francis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,105.00Bertrand, Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,200.00Blessed Virgin Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,517.00Bollinger, Gerald & Mary Jean-Lead . .35,536.19Bourassa, Margaret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150.00Budmayr, Minnie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,797.00Cahoy, Emil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500.00Callahan, Mabel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19,750.00Carr, Harry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .915.25Caswell, Margaret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30,000.00Costigan, Msgr. Michael . . . . . . . . . .31,836.67Cower, Fr. D. Craig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6,625.00Cower, Robert H. & Blanche A. . . . .17,625.00Cower, Rod H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,725.00Dauwen, Ray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500.00Davies, Dorothy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,000.00Decker, Maude Cower . . . . . . . . . . . .4,000.00Deisch, Fr. Raymond . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6,155.00DeMers, Ray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .300.00Dimmerling, Bishop Harold . . . . . . . .43,836.14Diskin, Fr. William . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,316.28Donahoe, Fr. James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .700.00Dosch, Pius and Jerome . . . . . . . . . .40,000.00Doyle, Msgr. Arthur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,375.00Drew, Msgr. Bernard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,488.00Dries, Theodore & Gretchen . . . . . . .12,369.56Dube, Msgr. Robert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .400.00Erhardt Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335,496.56Falzone, Mauriece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10,000.00Fencl, Fr. Leonard SJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500.00Feuerbach, Msgr. Leo . . . . . . . . . . . .80,289.53Garry, Russel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .950.00Gorman, Fr. Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,534.00Gravel, Ed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,650.00Groell, Fr. John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,000.00Healy, Msgr. Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,558.00Igoe, Fr. Patrick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,485.00Jones, Netta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,200.00Krebs, Ernest & Frank . . . . . . . . . . . .30,000.00Krebs, Lewis & Abbie . . . . . . . . . . . . .52,076.06LaCroix, Trude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,000.00

January 2016 WRC 19

Obituary20 WRC January 2016

Sister M. Helen Borszich passedaway on Friday, December 4, 2015, atMarian Residence at the age of 80. Sister Helen was born September 1,

1935, at Lakeview (Rosebud) to An-thony and Florence (Ferris) Borszichand was named, Arleen Elizabeth. On February 14, 1952, she went to

Marycrest Convent in Denver, Colo., toenter the Sisters of St. Francis ofPenance and Christian Charity. She pro-fessed as Sister Mary Helen on August15, 1952. She professed her PerpetualVows on August 15, 1957. Sister Helen received her B.A.

degree from Regis College in Denverin 1965. From 1954 to 1972 her teach-ing ministry took her to St. Francis Mis-sion in St Francis; St. Elizabeth’s inDenver, St. Mary’s in Scottsbluff andHoly Rosary Mission in Pine Ridge.Sister Helen also served as an adminis-trator at St. Francis Mission as well as

working in St. Charles Church in St.Francis. In 2004 she came

to Alliance as an administrator forMarian Residencewhere she hadresided since. She is survived by

her brother, Tom(Connie) Borszichof Valentine, Neb.,her sisters, Camilla(Roger) Maestas ofBloomfield, N.M., Bernadette (John)Usera of Sturgis, and sisters-in-law,Mary Borszich, Ruth Borszich andJackie Borszich along with numerousnieces and nephews. She was precededin death by her parents, her brothers,Harlan, Bob, Everett and JerryBorszich and her brother-in-law, AlKeller.

Funeral services were December 9at Marian Chapel with Father MatthewKeller and Father Roy Pasala officiat-

Sr. Helen Borszich, 80, from Rosebud

ing. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be

given to Marian Residence.

Sr. HelenBorszich

Birthright of Rapid City thanks the Hispanic

Community for their donation of babyclothes collected at the Our Lady ofGuadalupe Mass, December 12, at Blessed Sacrament Church,

Rapid City


Married Sweethearts

Mass & Dinner-Dance

Saturday, February 6, 2016Join us for this year’s event, “We Languish with Love.” 5:30 p.m. Mass and renewal of vows will be celebrated at the

Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rapid City Dinner-Dance will follow at

Best Western Ramkota, catered by Minervas, I-90 & Exit 59

Registration fee of $65 per couple includes the dinner and dance Reservations are required to be received by January 28.

Please consider sponsoring a couple who would like to attend, but cannot afford the fee. For more information, please contact

Amy at Family Life Ministries, 605-716-5214 x236 or [email protected].

French Muslim wages 'jihad' against extremistsPARIS (CNS) — Mohammed Chirani was pursuing a midlife career change in

the United Kingdom when news erupted out of his native France that Muslimextremists had attacked the Paris headquarters of a satirical magazine, CharlieHebdo, killing 12 people, including eight of the magazine’s staff. The newsgradually worsened over the next two days, as the extremists killed a police-woman, and then another four people inside a Paris kosher food market. ForChirani, the events were devastating; he felt he and other Muslims were being“held hostage” by a minority of fanatics, and that it was his duty to do some-thing about it. He prayed for guidance and headed back to France where, since

then, he has been engaged in a campaign toeradicate extremism. He calls his mission a“jihad,” playing on same word that someMuslim extremist groups use to describe theirviolent actions. “Mine is a jihad of testimony,of citizenship and spirituality,” explained Chirani, who lived from ages 9-19 in his par-ent’s native Algeria, where he learned Arabic,studied the Quran, and was a member of the Algerian Muslim Scouts. “The real meaning(of jihad) is effort, a spiritual and ethical ef-fort. For (extremists), jihad means only to killand harm,” Chirani told Catholic News Service recently.

Mohammed Chirani

Terra Sancta Retreat Center Events Schedule

Feb 1: Gideon International Rushmore Camp/Auxiliary Meeting

Feb 2: Chancery Staff Mass/Breakfast;All Staff Meeting; Young Life Leader Training

Feb 3: Centering PrayerFeb 4: STM Dinner for 2006 Championship Basketball Team; The Flame

Feb 5: VSI Student PresentationsFeb 6: VSI Workshops; OLBH Confirmation Retreat; Centering Prayer Workshop; Diaconate Review Board

Feb 7: Shiloh Free Lutheran WorshipService/Sunday School

Feb 9: Young Life Leader TrainingFeb 10: Centering Prayer; Shiloh Free Lutheran Ash Wednesday/Lenten Service

Feb 12 -14: Family EventFeb 12-15: BH Area TECFeb 16: Young Life Leader TrainingFeb 17: Women’s Way of the Cross; Centering Prayer; Shiloh Free Lutheran Lenten Service; Taizé

Feb 19-21: Heart to HeartFeb 20: BHADA; SJC Meeting; RCIA Rite of Elect Retreat

Feb 21: Shiloh Free Lutheran WorshipService/Sunday School

Feb 21-22: STM Junior Class RetreatFeb 23: Young Life Leader RetreatFeb 24: Women’s Way of the Cross; Centering Prayer; Shiloh Free Lutheran Lenten Service

Feb 25: Year of Mercy Day of MercyFeb 26-28: VSI Basic RetreatFeb 26-29: VSI Master Retreat; Silent Retreat

Feb 28: Shiloh Free Lutheran Worship Service/Sunday SchoolMar 2: Women’s Way of the Cross;Centering Prayer; Shiloh Free Lutheran Lenten Service

Mar 3: The FlameMar 4-6: Emmanuel Episcopal (Rapid City) Confirmation Retreat

Mar 5: VSI WorkshopsMar 6: Shiloh Free Lutheran Church Sunday School/Worship Service

Mar 7: Gideon International RushmoreCamp/Auxiliary Meeting

Mar 8: Chancery Staff Mass/Breakfast; Dept Head Meeting

Mar 9: Women’s Way of the Cross; Centering Prayer; Shiloh Free Lutheran Lenten Service; Taizé

Mar 11-12: Making Disciples Workshop (Our Lady of the Black Hills)

Mar 13: Shiloh Free Lutheran ChurchSunday School/Worship Service; CLMA Annual Meeting/Dinner

Mar 13-15: Pastoral Ministry Days Mar 16: Women’s Way of the Cross; Centering Prayer; Shiloh Free Lutheran Lenten Service

Mar 19: BHADA; RCIA Palm Sunday Retreat

Mar 20: Shiloh Free Lutheran ChurchSunday School/Worship Service

Mar 21-25: Christian Prayer LabyrinthMar 23: Women’s Way of the Cross; Centering Prayer

Mar 23-25: Shiloh Free Lutheran Holy Week Service

Mar 27: Shiloh Free Lutheran Easter Service

Mar 30: Centering PrayerMar 31: Life in the Spirit Seminar

22 WRC January 2016

by Becky Berreth

“We have the muscle, the brain, andthe wisdom to annihilate them,” saidveteran basketball player Father SteveBiegler. “We also have arranged to hearthe confessions of the refs after thegame – it is the year of mercy after all.”On February 1, the priests of the dio-

cese will take on a team of St. ThomasMore High School students in the 5thAnnual Men in Black basketball game.The evening begins with a dinner at 5p.m.’ followed at 5:45 p.m., by the St.Elizabeth Seton students vs. staff, St.Thomas More Middle School studentsvs. staff at 6:05 p.m., and the Men inBlack game with tip-off scheduled for6:30 p.m. This is the fifth year of theevent that was started to raise aware-ness to the priesthood. “I had heard about it through my

participation in the National Confer-ence of Diocesan Vocations Directors

(NCDVD),” explained Father BrianChristensen, Rome, former director ofvocations. “Other vocations directorsspoke about the event, it caught myimagination, and I thought we could dothe same in our diocese. It’s a great wayfor the people of the diocese to meetour priests and seminarians in a fun andentertaining environment.”Second year player from of the

Cathedral of Our Lady of PerpetualHelp, Father Jonathan Dillon, also seesthe game as an opportunity for prieststo get together and show the peoplethey are human. “We’re normal, flesh and blood. We

don’t sit in our offices all day pouringover ancient manuscripts,” he said. “Wehave fun and we are competitive —even to the point of cheating to win thegame.”“This is a fun way to see their priests

in a context other than ministry,”

agreed rookie player Father MarkHorn, of St. Joseph Parish,Spearfish.When asked who he thinks will

win the game, Father Hornadded, “I don’t play except towin.”After admitting to the priest’s

competitive streak, Father Dil-lon admits that chances of thepriests winning are good: “Weknow whose side God is on.”The team from St. Thomas

More High School could not be reachedfor comment. The game will be broadcast live on

Real Presence Radio, 89.9 FM, at 6:30p.m. on Feb 1.(Right) Trading cards will be handedout as part of the evening. Thosewith the cards will have the opportu-nity to have them signed by thepriests.

News

Here come the Men in Black


A Mouse’s TaleCast and crew pose for a group photo after performing “A Mouse’s Tale” at St. Therese the Little Flower Church, Rapid City, in December. The play is thestory of the birth of Jesus through the eyes of the stable animals and includes an audience sing along. Lori Ashley and David Carroll directed theplay. (Photo courtesy Rita Dupree)

Youth group hockey nightThe confirmation class from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help(above) and St. Therese the Little Flower Church, attended youth grouphockey night at a Rapid City Rush hockey game in November. (Courtesy photo)

(Left) Jeanne Davis and Sienna Merrills place backpacks in a suitcasefor kids in Uganda. The St. Mary’sAltar Society, Immaculate ConceptionChurch, Bonesteel, purchased thebackpacks and the youth of theparishes of Bonesteel and St. AnthonyParish, Fairfax, filled them with arosary, books, pens, notepads,crayons, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Father Godfrey Muwangaand a group from Gregory County,will deliver the backpacks to Fr. Vincent in Uganda for distribution inJanuary. (Below) The youth also puton an Advent program/Prayer Serv-ice, December 16. The CCD students portrayed the ChristmasStory, using prayer, song and scripture. (Courtesy photo)

Bonesteel/Fairfax youth events

Classifications used by the USCCB are: A-I, general patronage; A-II, adultsand adolescents; A-III, adults; L,

limited adult audiences, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling; O, morally

offensive. For more information, visithttp://www.catholicnews.com/

movies.htm.

Now PlayingY Aoung dults

January 201624 WRC

Classifications

The Revenant (Fox)A wilderness survival drama, directed and co-written by AlejandroInarritu, based on the life of HughGlass (Leonardo DiCaprio), an explorer and fur trader in the American West of the 1820s. On anexpedition up the Missouri River ledby a military captain (DomhnallGleeson), Glass is attacked by a grizzly bear. Lying near death, Glassis powerless to prevent the murderof his son by a fellow hunter (TomHardy), who abandons him in thewilderness. Glass refuses to succumb, crawls out of the grave,and embarks on a 200-mile odysseythrough vast uncharted lands toavenge his son's murder and bringthe killer to justice. As such, he becomes a “revenant,” or one returned from the dead. For adultswith stomachs strong enough to endure many squeamish moments,rewards await: a powerful film withfirst-rate performances, stunningcinematography, and timely messages about good versus evil,and of redemption versus revenge.Bloody violence and gore, severaldisturbing images, a sexual assault,frequent rough, crude, and profanelanguage. The Catholic News Serviceclassification is L — limited adult audience, films whose problematiccontent many adults would findtroubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R —restricted. Under 17 requires accom-panying parent or adult guardian.

Joy ............................A-IIIThe Forest....................A-IIIThe Hateful Eight...............L

Oprah Winfrey has joinedWeight Watchers, whichmeans she is not only a card-carrying, point-countingmember of the weight-lossclub, she is also a part owner.That’s how you do it whenyou’re Oprah: You go big oryou don’t bother.

For the 61-year-old billion-aire, news of her involvementin the company and her in-vestment of a 10 percent stakeyielded a big pay day: WeightWatchers’ stock doubled, net-ting Oprah about $45 millionin one day.

She reported her progressin the January issue of O: TheOprah Magazine, appearingon the cover in her moststripped-down look yet –barefoot in taupe spandex, apurple shawl and a nude lip. “Iwanted a plan for life, andhere it was in the form ofWeight Watchers,” Oprahwrote in her back-page col-umn. She’s lost 26 poundssince last August and gained apowerful sense of well-being.

What strikes me about her

slickly marketed invitation tojoin Weight Watchers is howtempting it is, how eagerlymany of us are waiting for anentry point into the futurewe’ve always imagined.We’re paralyzed by themounting gap between dream-ing and doing, wonderingwhat to do with 2016 in lightof our Catholic faith and ourpacked calendars.

Bert Hernandez recognizedhis chance to finally turnthings around when he spotteda random tweet one Mondaylast August. The 40-year-oldyouth minister from San An-tonio had already determinedthat getting on top of things,for him, would mean risingearly like Teddy Roosevelt.He wanted to exercise daily,clean his house and strengthenhis prayer life.

For several months Berthad been setting his alarm at 4a.m., with a success rate hecould count on one hand.Then came Leah Darrow’stweet inviting people to par-ticipate in the Heroic Minute

Challenge, a hashtagthe popular Catholicspeaker had bor-rowed from St. Jose-maría Escrivá, whowrote: “Conquer yourselfeach day from the very firstmoment, getting up on the dot,at a fixed time, without yield-ing a single minute to laziness.If, with God’s help, you con-quer yourself, you will be wellahead for the rest of the day.… The heroic minute: hereyou have a mortification thatstrengthens your will and doesno harm to your body.”

Bert saw Leah’s movementas a club he could be part of,informed by Catholicism anddriven by accountability, so hetweeted, “I accept the #Hero-icMinuteChallenge” and madehis pledge public. The nextday, at 4 a.m, he got out of bedand scurried to the kitchen,turning on the stove to makecoffee, then retreating to theden to begin morning prayer.He tweeted the evidence: ascreenshot of his Office ofReadings, his iPhone at a 98

percent charge, his body,much lower.

By 6:30 a.m., he’dprayed the Liturgy of theHours, run two miles andshowered.

The second morningwas easier, and his Twitterpicture showed the hymn

lyrics “morning has brokenlike the first morning.” Hewas doing it!

“My day always seemedbetter, starting that way,” Berttold me. “I definitely felt morepeace.” The added prayer timealso helped him discern a jobchange that has brought manyrewards.

The Heroic Minute Chal-lenge wasn’t easy for Leah ei-ther, but the 36-year-old momfrom St. Louis couldn’t aban-don others who had signed on,and she wanted to offer real-time “likes” of their early-morning evidence —snapshots of sunrises, Scrip-ture and coffee.

“The most important thingis getting my feet on thefloor,” Leah told me. “If I canmove my feet out from underthe covers and they can touchthe hard-wood floor, half thebattle’s done.”

The path to holiness, Leahsays, requires time manage-ment. “We need to think aboutthe time God has given us, andwe need to use it well.”

Christina Capecchi is afreelance writer from InverGrove Heights, Minn., and theeditor of SisterStory.org.

Christina Capecchi

TwentySomething

Tackling the new yearone heroic minute at a time

A “YouCat” nugget courtesy of the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry

Do not say ‘I am only a youth’ What is the liturgical year (the church year)?The liturgical year, or the church year, superimposes the myster-

ies of the life of Christ — from his incarnation to his second comingin glory — on the normal course of the year. The liturgical year be-gins with Advent, the time of waiting for the Lord, and has its firsthigh point in the Christmas season and its second, even greater cli-max in the celebration of the redemptive suffering, death, and res-urrection of Christ at Easter. The Easter season ends with the feastof Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit on the church. Theliturgical year is repeatedly interrupted by the feasts of Mary andthe saints, in which the church praises God’s grace, which has leadmankind to salvation (1168-1173, 1194-1195).

The January Srodowisko Ski Trip

has been cancelled.

Contact Randy Vette 605-716-5214 x228

for more information

Church's credibility found in showing mercy

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