News briefs for Sept. 5, 20194 min read

Theologian returns to diocese
The nun and theologian who led a breakout session at the 2018 Fall Conference will return to the Diocese of Superior Thursday, Sept. 12, to discuss evangelization, catechism and culture.

Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sr. Marie Kolbe Zamora is coming to Holy Family Catholic Church, Woodruff, from 6-8 p.m.

A native of Houston, Texas, she earned a doctorate in dogmatic theology from Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University and has served as the chair of the Department of Theology and Ministry at Silver Lake College of the Holy Family, Manitowoc.

Describing herself as a “theologian with a deeply catechetical heart,” she is committed to the theological and spiritual formation of adult Catholics.

During her presentation, Sr. Marie will discuss how times have changed since Vatican II, where Catholics are as a Church, and how to deepen faith.

She will also focus on what it will take to bring Catholics back to their faith and encourage young families and youths to remain active in their faith as missionary disciples.

All are welcome to attend, and catechists, ministry leaders, faith formation leaders and parish council members are encouraged to attend.

Two of Sr. Marie’s articles, on questioning faith and pastoral care of ‘nones,’ can be accessed on the USCCB website, http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/catechetical-sunday/enlisting-witnesses/index.cfm.

For information, call the parish office, 715-356-6284.

Former FOCUS missionary leads retreat
The Superior Diocesan Council of Catholic Women’s 2019 Fall Retreat is Saturday, Oct. 26, at St. Peter, Cameron.

Rice Lake resident Danielle Hendricks will be the presenter. Passionate about ministry and evangelization, the Massachusetts native worked for the Diocese of Syracuse, New York, before moving to the Diocese of Superior.

Hendricks graduated from St. Anselm’s in New Hampshire with a degree in theology and also worked for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students for five years, both on campuses and in the Mission Trip Department. She also served for a few years as assistant director for the Pregnancy Help Center of Rice Lake.

Hendricks has been married for six years to her husband, Aaron Hendricks, business manager for the Rice Lake cluster of parishes, and they have four children: Isaac, 5; Kolbe, 3, and twins Christopher and Catherine, 1.

Hendricks will talk about what it means to be a Catholic woman in the local church and community, and how to bring others to Christ through discipleship. A time for reconciliation will be provided, and Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Bala Policetty. The women of St. Peter’s Altar Society are hosting the day’s activities.

The retreat offers spiritual renewal for all women in the Diocese of Superior and provides the opportunity to connect with other Catholic women. The cost of registration is $20. Hospitality starts at 8:30 a.m., and the program begins at 9 a.m. Registration forms are online at the sdccw.me website or by emailing the SDCCW treasurer, Denise Anderson, at .

Prayer meeting in Park Falls
St Anthony’s in Park Falls had a Charismatic prayer meeting and taco feed at a parishioner’s lake cabin Aug. 21. The group enjoyed pontoon rides, a bonfire and fireworks, too. (Submitted photo)

Sentencing delayed for former priest
Sentencing in Sawyer County Circuit Court has been delayed for the former Diocese of Superior priest who sexually assaulted boys in the 1980s while serving in several parishes. Thomas Ericksen pleaded no contest to felony sexual assault charges and was scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 30, but the judge delayed the hearing. No new date has been set. A longer story on Ericksen’s history in the diocese will be published after he is sentenced.

Parenting webinar series begins
Diocese of Superior Catholic educator Jeffrey Arrowood has collaborated with Alice Heinzen, of the Diocese of La Crosse, to create new parenting webinars in the “Teaching the Way of Love” series. This year, the new webinars are on necessary conversations. Learn how to engage children in conversation and guide them toward the best in every situation during the five-part series. Topics include sexuality, pornography, gender issues, bullying and substance abuse. The first webinar is free with registration. The cost is $6 for individual sessions, $25 for all six sessions. To register, visit https://twl4parents.com/necessary-conversations-webinar.

Charismatic conference upcoming
The date of the Diocese of Superior’s next Charismatic Renewal Fall Conference has been set. The event is Nov. 2 at Nativity of Our Lord, Rhinelander. The speaker has not been announced. The conference is tentatively scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., followed by a 4:30 p.m. Mass.