Local News
Joy, spirituality, vocal preparation emphasized at Music Ministry Retreat
When Francesca LaRosa was in high school, she was active in musical theatre but never given a part in any play. Instead, she was always sent to the pit, where her skills as a pianist were needed.
Keeping the mission of evangelization at the heart of our diocese
Over the past few years, Bishop James P. Powers has been speaking with growing urgency about the mission of evangelization. His message has been clear: we must “keep the main thing the main thing.”
Hundreds attend catechetical concert
The Northern Lakes Catholic Communities hosted the Doug and Dave show on Oct. 6.
Card contest finalists
Holy Rosary School, Medford, students are finalists in Bishop James P. Powers’ 2024 Christmas card contest. They are pictured with art and technology teacher Corinne Liske. (Submitted photo)
Rosary Coast to Coast
The Respect Life Committee at St. Patrick, Hudson, hosted the Rosary Coast to Coast event at the church Oct 6.
World News
Saints served generously, creatively, pope says at canonization Mass
Pope Francis called on the faithful to yearn to serve, not thirst for power, as he proclaimed 14 new saints, including Canada-born St. Marie-Léonie Paradis, founder of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family, and 11 martyrs.
Pope announces he will create 21 new cardinals in December
Pope Francis announced he would create 21 new cardinals Dec. 8, including a 99-year-old former nuncio and the 44-year-old Ukrainian bishop who heads his church's eparchy in Melbourne, Australia.
Columns
Gifford’s ‘Herod and Mary’ a study in contrast
A paranoid ruler feels so threatened by manipulative forces around him that he suspects his children are trying to overthrow him, leading him to torture and execute them. No, it’s not the plot of some new TV show. It’s a piece of history about King Herod, the man who ordered the murder of all boys under age 2 after hearing from the Magi that the king of the Jews was born in Bethlehem.
To create a culture of life, give abundantly
“I came so that they might have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) Jesus came to give us life. Have you ever stopped to ponder the effect of the Eucharist in your life, and the life it brings to each of us whether we are fed physically by the bread of life (Body of Christ) or sit in silence before the Eucharist?
Celebrating the Blessed Mother in October
October is a wonderful month to celebrate our Blessed Mother. Oct. 7 marks the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and Oct. 13 is the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, two amazing celebrations that bring the Mother of God into focus as the triumphant queen of heaven and earth.
Celebrating our new chancery chapel
One of the most satisfying moments in my two years as bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester was the dedication and consecration of the gorgeous chapel in our new chancery office.
Jesus is waiting for you in the chapel
St. Jeanne Jugan, foundress of my community of Little Sisters of the Poor, was a woman of few words. She left behind no letters or other writings but she did impart little bits of advice to the young Little Sisters among whom she spent her final years.
Olympians and champions of Ordinary Time
In recent days, the eyes of sports lovers have been turned toward Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
