http://www.dow.org RSS feeds for Diocese of Winona 60 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/130/A-STATEMENT-REGARDING-REDEFINITION-OF-MARRIAGE-IN-MINNESOTA-BY-MOST-REV-JOHN-M-QUINN.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=130 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=130&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/130/A-STATEMENT-REGARDING-REDEFINITION-OF-MARRIAGE-IN-MINNESOTA-BY-MOST-REV-JOHN-M-QUINN.aspx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            MEDIA CONTACT: Joel Hennessy, Director of Mission Advancement jhennessy@dow.org office 507.858.1249 cell 507.254.3948     A STATEMENT REGARDING REDEFINITION OF MARRIAGE IN MINNESOTA A Statement from Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of Winona   WINONA, MN – May 15, 2013 - The Governor of Minnesota, on May 14, 2013 signed into law legislation, that redefined the legal definition of marriage. It is very disappointing, that Minnesota law will now put the desires of adults ahead of the best interests of children, and ignore the importance of families that are founded on the marriage of one man and one woman, as the foundation of society. The Diocese of Winona remains grateful for the elected officials, who demonstrated great courage in defending marriage and voted against this legislation. In our parishes, Catholic schools and in all catechetical programs, every effort will be made to promote the true meaning of marriage. Marriage is the union of one man and one woman, and is a natural institution found in every culture throughout human history. It is also a gift from our Creator. To our brothers and sisters with same sex attraction, the Church extends its love and pastoral support and also to their families. God loves you, and you are invited to join us in a life of conversion and communion with Him. While there are many cultural challenges to living the Gospel and to embracing the life-giving teachings of the Church, the victory is already won for us in Jesus Christ. We live in hope, because “the Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” John 14:26.  Pentecost is the completion of the Easter celebration of the Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ, and the movement of the Church out into the world, to proclaim the Gospel to every land and culture. Jesus Christ breathed the Holy Spirit upon the Church to give His people courage to preach and teach the truth of the Gospel with love and compassion. Come, Holy Spirit, Come!    Sincerely in Christ,   Most Rev. John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona, Minnesota ### Joel Hennessy Wed, 15 May 2013 22:13:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:130 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/129/USCCB-SUBCOMMITTEE-CHAIR-CALLS-MINNESOTA-LAWMAKERS-POST-MOTHERS-DAY-MARRIAGE-REDEFINITION-HEIGHT-OF-IRONY.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=129 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=129&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/129/USCCB-SUBCOMMITTEE-CHAIR-CALLS-MINNESOTA-LAWMAKERS-POST-MOTHERS-DAY-MARRIAGE-REDEFINITION-HEIGHT-OF-IRONY.aspx                                                                                                                                         DATE:            May 14, 2013                                                                                                                                       FROM:           Sr. Mary Ann Walsh                                                                                                                                                               O: 202-541-3201                                                                                                                                                             M: 301-325-7935                                                                                                                                       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   USCCB SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIR CALLS MINNESOTA LAWMAKERS’ POST-MOTHER’S DAY MARRIAGE REDEFINITION ‘HEIGHT OF IRONY’   Men and women bring different gifts to parenting Redefining marriage in law serves no one’s good Truth of marriage not going away   WASHINGTON—“It is the height of irony that the Minnesota legislature decided, and the governor signed into law, the redefinition of marriage just after we celebrated the unique gifts of mothers and women on Mother’s Day,” said Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco. Archbishop Cordileone chairs the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage. He said further, “It is all the more so given the fact that in the last election Minnesotans were led to believe that there was no need to define marriage in the constitution, that nothing would change if the marriage amendment didn’t pass.”             “It also renders senseless the very idea of President Obama’s National Fatherhood Initiative, in that a bill now becomes law in Minnesota that effectively claims that a mother and a father together are superfluous and can be replaced by two men or two women,” he added.             Archbishop Cordileone noted that Minnesota is the third state in just over a week to redefine marriage in the law.             “There are many of us Americans, including many Minnesotans, who stand for the natural and true meaning of marriage. They know that men and women are important; their complementary difference matters, their union matters, and it matters to kids. Mothers and fathers are simply irreplaceable,” he said. “Instead of strengthening, the Minnesota legislature’s decision to redefine marriage weakens motherhood and fatherhood, and so strikes a blow to all children who deserve both a mother and father.”             “Some wish to believe that sexual relationships outside of the marital context of husband and wife are innocuous, choosing to ignore the fact that they are actually harmful to individuals and to society as a whole,” he added.             “We know that now is the time to redouble our prayers, efforts and witness. The truth of marriage is not going away,” Archbishop Cordileone said. “We know what it takes to work toward a culture of life even in the midst of laws that work against us. The same is true for rebuilding a culture of marriage. No matter what the horizon may bring, we will continue in charity and truth to stand for justice and for the most vulnerable among us.”             The Minnesota law highlights further implications of marriage redefinition in the law. For example, the law states that terms such as “husband,” “wife,” “mother,” and “father” that denote spousal and familial relationships in Minnesota law are to apply equally to persons in an opposite-sex or same-sex relationship. The law also states that “parentage presumptions based on civil marriage” will also apply, thus allowing for children to have two mothers or two fathers. --- Keywords: Minnesota, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, San Francisco, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, marriage, National Fatherhood Initiative, Mother’s Day # # # # # 13-093 Sec, DD,DioNewspaper,AP,RNS,Crux Joel Hennessy Wed, 15 May 2013 13:16:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:129 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/128/Media-Statement-MCC-Statement-on-House-Vote-to-Redefine-Marriage-in-Minnesota.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=128 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=128&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/128/Media-Statement-MCC-Statement-on-House-Vote-to-Redefine-Marriage-in-Minnesota.aspx Media Statement (MCC): Statement on House Vote to Redefine Marriage in Minnesota Bryan Rodriguez Fri, 10 May 2013 13:37:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:128 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/127/MAY-ISSUE-of-The-COURIER-is-ONLINE.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=127 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=127&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/127/MAY-ISSUE-of-The-COURIER-is-ONLINE.aspx   Click Here for the May Issue of The Courier, the official newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona, MN. Joel Hennessy Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:127 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/126/Open-Letter-to-Members-of-the-Minnesota-Senate-and-Minnesota-House-of-Representatives.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=126 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=126&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/126/Open-Letter-to-Members-of-the-Minnesota-Senate-and-Minnesota-House-of-Representatives.aspx   Bryan Rodriguez Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:09:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:126 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/123/APRIL-ISSUE-of-The-COURIER-is-ONLINE.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=123 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=123&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/123/APRIL-ISSUE-of-The-COURIER-is-ONLINE.aspx  Click to read the latest issue of The Courier! Joel Hennessy Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:123 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/122/SAINT-MARYS-HOSPITAL-TO-BECOME-MAYO-CLINIC-HOSPITAL.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=122 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=122&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/122/SAINT-MARYS-HOSPITAL-TO-BECOME-MAYO-CLINIC-HOSPITAL.aspx   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                 MEDIA CONTACT: Joel Hennessy, Director of Mission Advancement jhennessy@dow.org office 507.858.1249 cell 507.254.3948   A STATEMENT REGARDING THE MAYO CLINIC AND SAINT MARYS HOSPITAL   WINONA, MN — March 25, 2013 —Mayo Clinic announced this morning in a news release that Saint Marys Hospital will be fully integrated into the Mayo Clinic Hospital System and will no longer be designated as a Catholic health care institution. Saint Marys Hospital along with Methodist Hospital will transition to a single licensed hospital operating under the name Mayo Clinic Hospital – Rochester. This change will be effective January 1, 2014. The discontinuance of the Catholic identity of Saint Marys Hospital is a loss to the people of Rochester, the Diocese of Winona and to the wider community. A Catholic health care institution has the unique mission to continue the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, and to give public witness to the moral and ethical principles that flow from the foundational truth, that every person is made in the image and likeness of God. The Catholic Diocese of Winona is deeply grateful to Mayo Clinic for having sustained the Catholic identity of Saint Marys Hospital since 1986, when Mayo Clinic first began the integration of Saint Marys Hospital into its health care system. It is unfortunate that government regulations, accreditation requirements and reporting requirements influence a health care institution’s decision to no longer maintain a Catholic identity but it is a sad reality of our current times. In commenting on the announcement by Mayo Clinic about the change in the identity of Saint Marys Hospital, the Most Reverend John M. Quinn, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Winona, issued the following statements: “While Saint Marys will no longer be an official Catholic hospital, it is encouraging that Mayo Clinic will continue to observe the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare Services, will infuse Franciscan values into the care of patients, and uphold the legacy of the Sisters of Saint Francis who founded the hospital in 1889. Also, the religious art and symbols will remain throughout the hospital.” Mayo Clinic has communicated to Bishop Quinn that it has no plan or intention to relocate clinical services prohibited by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services to the Saint Marys Hospital Campus. In light of this and a signed Memorandum of Understanding among the Bishop of the Diocese of Winona, Mayo Clinic and the Academy of Our Lady of Lourdes (Sisters of Saint Francis), the chapel at Saint Marys Hospital will remain a Catholic chapel, with the Blessed Sacrament present and Mass offered daily. “Mayo Clinic has earned a worldwide reputation for excellence in patient care and medical research, and plans to honor the values that have characterized St. Mary’s Hospital for over 130 years,” stated Bishop Quinn, “I urge all Catholics and everyone to continue to pray for the doctors and staff of the Mayo Healthcare System; that God continue to bless the good work that they do to care for His people.”   ###   About the Diocese of Winona The Diocese of Winona encompasses 13,000 square miles of the southern 20 counties of Minnesota, serving a population of more than 131,000 Catholics. Currently, there are 114 parishes/missions, over 100 active and retired priests, 365 sisters, 21 religious brothers, 20 deacons and over 180 professional lay ministers. There are 29 Catholic Schools and a Catholic university for women and men, St. Mary’s University. Bishop John M. Quinn was installed as the Eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Winona on May 7, 2009, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona, the home parish of the diocesan bishop. For more information, visit the website: www.dow.org. Joel Hennessy Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:122 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/121/A-STATEMENT-REGARDING-POPE-FRANCIS.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=121 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=121&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/121/A-STATEMENT-REGARDING-POPE-FRANCIS.aspx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Joel Hennessy, Director of Mission Advancement jhennessy@dow.org office 507.858.1249 cell 507.254.3948 A STATEMENT REGARDING THE NEW POPE Most Rev. John M. Quinn comments on the election of Pope Francis WINONA, MN —March 13, 2013 —Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio has been elected the new pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinal Bergoglio has taken the name Francis. His Holiness, Pope Francis began his papacy immediately after his acceptance of the nomination from his brother Cardinals who he had been in conclave with since yesterday. The election of Pope Francis after only two days and five ballots is one of the shortest conclaves in history and emphasizes the unity and strength of the Church going forward. Pope Francis is from Buenos Aires, Argentina and he becomes the first non-European pope and the first Jesuit pope. “I am overwhelmed with joy - it is truly an exciting and historic moment for the Catholic Church,” stated Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of Winona, “His Holiness, Pope Francis is a deeply spiritual man and has great love for the poor. He will lead the Church with great zeal and humility.” A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated Friday, March 15, 12:10pm at the Cathedral of Sacred Heart in Winona, Minnesota. His Excellency, Most Rev. John M. Quinn will preside at the Mass. The Mass is open to everyone. Bishop Quinn also issued this statement. “I ask the faithful of the Diocese of Winona to pray for Pope Francis. I ask each parish to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving. I also appeal to those of other religious faiths to remember our new pope in prayer so that all of us can enjoy the blessings of our shared faith in God. We pray that the Holy Spirit, who gave us this pope, will guide him and the Church in this current time and for many years to come.” ### Joel Hennessy Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:57:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:121 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/117/Pope-Benedict-XVI-the-Papal-Transition--A-comprehensive-look-by-the-USCCB.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=117 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=117&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/117/Pope-Benedict-XVI-the-Papal-Transition--A-comprehensive-look-by-the-USCCB.aspx Pope Benedict XVI & the Papal Transition Follow this link to the USCCB website for a comprehensive look back at the papacy of Pope Benedict XVI along with a guide for the election of our new pope. Joel Hennessy Fri, 15 Feb 2013 21:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:117 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/115/A-STATEMENT-from-the-DIOCESE-OF-WINONA-and-BISHOP-JOHN-M-QUINN-REGARDING-THE-RESIGNATION-OF-POPE-BENEDICT-XVI.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=115 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=115&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/115/A-STATEMENT-from-the-DIOCESE-OF-WINONA-and-BISHOP-JOHN-M-QUINN-REGARDING-THE-RESIGNATION-OF-POPE-BENEDICT-XVI.aspx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            MEDIA CONTACT: Joel Hennessy, Director of Mission Advancement jhennessy@dow.org office 507.858.1249 cell 507.254.3948     A STATEMENT REGARDING THE RESIGNATION OF POPE BENEDICT XVI    WINONA, MN — February 11, 2013 — The Holy Father announced his resignation from the office of the Papacy.  Effective February 28th, he will resign from being the Pope; at which time, the See of St. Peter will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will be convoked.  Most Rev. John M. Quinn, bishop of the Diocese of Winona, states, "We are so grateful for the Holy Father's leadership and witness to the Gospel and love over the last eight years.  He showed immense courage at addressing current problems in the world and reaching out to re-invigorate the Church with the New Evangelization."    Pope Benedict XVI was 78 when he was elected Pope in 2005, and that did not stop him from reaching out to meet people all over the world. He visited the religiously threatened in many countries and his pastor's heart could be seen when he took time to privately meet and listen to the victims of sexual abuse by clerics when he visited the United States in 2008. He often reminded us of the eternal truths, especially highlighting the dignity of life and warned against relativism.  He sought to unify Catholics and reached out to schismatic groups in the hope of bringing them back in union with the Church.  He had a particular concern, too, for the world's poor and most vulnerable. The Holy Father cited his decline in strength and physical health as the reason for his resignation.  Pope Benedict XVI stated, "After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me." Bishop Quinn said, “We are saddened by his resignation; it is a loss for our Church as Pope Benedict is such a great Pontiff, a true blessing and gift to our Church.  Yet, we are hopeful for the future.  We trust that the Holy Spirit led the Pope to this decision and will guide the Cardinals to elect a new Pope to meet the current challenges of our Church and the world today.  Please join me in praying for Pope Benedict XVI and the Cardinals during this time of transition.” Please follow the link below to read Pope Benedict’s full message. http://en.radiovaticana.va/m_articolo.asp?c=663815 ### Joel Hennessy Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:58:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:115 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/113/SYNOD-OF-BISHOPS-FINAL-PROPOSITIONS-RELEASED.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=113 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=113&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/113/SYNOD-OF-BISHOPS-FINAL-PROPOSITIONS-RELEASED.aspx FINAL LIST OF PROPOSITIONS Introduction Proposition 1 : THE DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED TO THE HOLY FATHER In addition to the entire documentation on The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith related to this synod, submitted to the Holy Father for his consideration, namely, the Lineamenta, the Instrumentum laboris, the Relatio ante disceptationem, the Relatio post disceptationem, the presentations, both given in the synod hall and those in scriptis, the Message to the People of God, the Reports of the Small Groups and their discussions, the synod fathers have given a certain importance to the following propositions. The Synod Fathers also humbly request the Holy Father to consider the opportuneness of issuing a document on transmitting the Christian faith through a new evangelization. READ ENTIRE DOCUMENT Joel Hennessy Fri, 07 Dec 2012 19:53:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:113 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/112/Diocese-Once-Again-Compliant-with-Charter.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=112 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=112&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/112/Diocese-Once-Again-Compliant-with-Charter.aspx   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Joel Hennessy, Director of Mission Advancement jhennessy@dow.org office 507.858.1249 cell 507.254.3948     DIOCESE AGAIN COMPLIANT WITH CHARTER   Most Rev. John M. Quinn Is Pleased With The Results And With The Efforts Of Parishes and Schools   Winona, MN December 5, 2012— Bishop John M. Quinn is pleased to announce that the Diocese of Winona has been found in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. A full audit – including review of Diocesan and parish procedures – was conducted in October by StoneBridge Business Partners. “The conclusions reached as to the compliance of your Diocese are based upon our inquiry, observation and the review of specifically requested documentation furnished to StoneBridge Business Partners during the course of this audit,” StoneBridge Business Partners wrote in their letter to Bishop Quinn. The procedures in place include training and screening of adult volunteers and employees, as well as training for the children and young people of the Diocese, both in parish religious education programs and the Catholic schools. Peter Martin, Director of the Safe Environment Office, praises the parishes and schools for their continued dedication and commitment to training both youth and adults in Safe Environment practices. Bishop Quinn expresses his gratitude to all those who had contributed to the Diocese’s compliant status.   More information about the Diocese’s Safe Environment Program can be found at:http://www.dow.org/Departments/SafeEnvironmentProgram.aspx ### Joel Hennessy Wed, 05 Dec 2012 20:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:112 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/111/MN-CATHOLIC-CONFERENCE-STATEMENT-ON-THE-DEFEAT-OF-THE-MARRIAGE-PROTECTION-AMENDMENT.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=111 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=111&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/111/MN-CATHOLIC-CONFERENCE-STATEMENT-ON-THE-DEFEAT-OF-THE-MARRIAGE-PROTECTION-AMENDMENT.aspx Read the MN Catholic Conference Statement Joel Hennessy Wed, 07 Nov 2012 15:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:111 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/109/Winona-Area-Newman-Center-Launches-Appeal.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=109 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=109&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/109/Winona-Area-Newman-Center-Launches-Appeal.aspx WINONA, MN - October 26 - The St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Newman Center, located on the campus of Winona State University launched an appeal today to increase financial support for its growing ministry.  Tom Parlin, Director, stated "with the recent addition of a FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) missionary team, the Newman Center ministry has grown from about 100 student participants in 2010 to over 500 participants today!"  The Newman Center is funded in part by the Diocese of Winona as well as from private contributions.  Additional funding is being sought to retain the FOCUS missionary team, to upgrade Newman Center Facilities to accommodate the growing numbers, to provide financial assistance for leadership training, to strengthen and expand programming and to expand the ministry to the WSU Campus at the University Center in Rochester.  On online site has been established featuring a video and an easy online donation form.  Click on the link on the homepage or go to www.newmancenterdonate.com. Joel Hennessy Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:109 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/106/PAPAL-HONORS-CONFERRED-UPON-EIGHT-PRIESTS-OF-THE-DIOCESE.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=106 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=106&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/106/PAPAL-HONORS-CONFERRED-UPON-EIGHT-PRIESTS-OF-THE-DIOCESE.aspx SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 PAPAL HONORS CONFERRED UPON EIGHT PRIESTS OF THE DIOCESE   On September 9, 2012, during the Mass of Thanksgiving at which St. Stanislaus Kostka Church was elevated to a Minor Basilica, the Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of Winona, announced that His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI has conferred Papal Honors upon eight priests of the Diocese of Winona:   Reverend Monsignor Richard M. Colletti Vicar General; Chancellor; Rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Winona; Pastor, St. Casimir, Winona   Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Hargesheimer Dean of Winona Deanery; College of Consultors; Rector of St. Stanislaus Kostka Minor Basilica, Winona; Pastor, St. John Nepomucene, Winona   Reverend Monsignor James A. McCauley                 Emeritus Vicar for Senior Priests, Senior Priest   Reverend Monsignor Robert G. Meyer                 College of Consultors, Senior Priest   Reverend Monsignor Thomas E. Cook Moderator of the Curia, Director of Permanent Deaconate, Pastor of St. Agnes, Kellogg and St. Felix in Wabasha   Reverend Monsignor R. Paul Heiting Judicial Vicar; Vice Rector Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Winona; Chaplain for Federal Medical Center, in Rochester, Minnesota   Reverend Monsignor Thomas P. Melvin Rector, Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Winona and Vicar for Clergy   Reverend Monsignor Gerald C. Kosse                 Pastor of St. Leo, Pipestone; St. Joseph, Jasper; and St. Martin, Woodstock   Bishop Quinn, in making the announcement said, “When our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, conferred papal honors on eight of our priests, he is recognizing the faithfulness, dedication and generosity of all of our priests.”   At a date later in the fall, Vespers of Thanksgiving, with a small reception, will be scheduled to honor the newly appointed Monsignors of the Diocese of Winona.   #### Joel Hennessy Tue, 11 Sep 2012 21:42:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:106 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/101/News-Release-Minnesota-Catholic-Conference-calls-on-Congress-and-the-President-to-amend-the-Affordable-Care-Act.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=101 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=101&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/101/News-Release-Minnesota-Catholic-Conference-calls-on-Congress-and-the-President-to-amend-the-Affordable-Care-Act.aspx  News Release: Minnesota Catholic Conference calls on Congress and the President to amend the Affordable Care Act Cites need to protect human life from conception to natural death, the rights of conscience, and the dignity of immigrant workers and their families as reasons St. Paul, Minn. (June 28, 2012)—In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling today that the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) is constitutional, the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC), the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota, called on Congress and the President to amend the law to protect the unborn, the rights of conscience, and the healthcare needs of immigrant families.  “For nearly a century, the Catholic bishops of the United States have been and continue to be consistent advocates for comprehensive health care reform to ensure access to life-affirming health care for all, especially the poorest and the most vulnerable,” said Jason Adkins, MCC executive director. “The bishops, however, did not support final passage of the ACA for three main reasons. First, the ACA allows use of federal funds to pay for elective abortions and for plans that cover such abortions, contradicting longstanding federal policy. Second, the ACA fails to include necessary language to provide essential conscience protection, both within and beyond the abortion context. The HHS mandate to force religious and other employers to cover sterilization and contraception, including abortifacient drugs, illustrates this problem in a dramatic fashion. Third, the ACA fails to treat immigrant workers and their families fairly, leaving them worse off by not allowing them to purchase health coverage in the new exchanges created under the law, even if they use their own money. “All of these problems are cause for grave concern and need to be fixed,” Adkins stated. Neither the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) nor MCC participated in these cases and took no position on the specific questions presented to the Court. The bishops have not joined in efforts to repeal the law in its entirety, and do not do so today. “It is as true as ever that the nation needs affordable health care reform that ensures universal access to health care, protects human life and dignity, and respects the rights of conscience of all,” said Bishop John F. Kinney of St. Cloud, Minnesota. “We call on Congress and the President to reform the ACA immediately so that it will protect the most vulnerable among us, as well as the conscience rights of those organizations and individuals who wish to care for the sick or ensure others have access to healthcare coverage.” Adkins concluded: “We will continue to study the Court’s opinion to understand its full implications for healthcare reform and for religious liberty, but it is clear Congress and the President should take action now to end obvious problems with the law, such as the HHS mandate.” Ali Kremer Fri, 29 Jun 2012 18:37:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:101 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/100/BISHOPS-RENEW-PLEA-TO-CONGRESS-AND-ADMINISTRATION-TO-REPAIR-AFFORDABLE-CARE-ACT.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=100 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=100&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/100/BISHOPS-RENEW-PLEA-TO-CONGRESS-AND-ADMINISTRATION-TO-REPAIR-AFFORDABLE-CARE-ACT.aspx 0 0 2012-06-26T15:36:00Z 1 472 2692 Diocese of Winona 22 6 3158 14.0 96 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";}   BISHOPS RENEW PLEA TO CONGRESS AND ADMINISTRATION TO REPAIR AFFORDABLE CARE ACT June 28, 2012   Supreme Court decision does not address fundamental flaws in the law Legislation still needed to fix conscience, abortion funding, immigration problems   WASHINGTON—Today the United States Supreme Court issued a decision upholding as a tax the provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that requires individuals to purchase a health plan—the so-called “individual mandate.”             For nearly a century, the Catholic bishops of the United States have been and continue to be consistent advocates for comprehensive health care reform to ensure access to life-affirming health care for all, especially the poorest and the most vulnerable.  Although the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) did not participate in these cases and took no position on the specific questions presented to the Court, USCCB’s position on health care reform generally and on ACA particularly is a matter of public record.  The bishops ultimately opposed final passage of ACA for several reasons.             First, ACA allows use of federal funds to pay for elective abortions and for plans that cover such abortions, contradicting longstanding federal policy.  The risk we identified in this area has already materialized, particularly in the initial approval by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of “high risk” insurance pools that would have covered abortion.             Second, the Act fails to include necessary language to provide essential conscience protection, both within and beyond the abortion context.  We have provided extensive analyses of ACA’s defects with respect to both abortion and conscience.  The lack of statutory conscience protections applicable to ACA’s new mandates has been illustrated in dramatic fashion by HHS’s “preventive services” mandate, which forces religious and other employers to cover sterilization and contraception, including abortifacient drugs.             Third, ACA fails to treat immigrant workers and their families fairly.  ACA leaves them worse off by not allowing them to purchase health coverage in the new exchanges created under the law, even if they use their own money.  This undermines the Act’s stated goal of promoting access to basic life-affirming health care for everyone, especially for those most in need.             Following enactment of ACA, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has not joined in efforts to repeal the law in its entirety, and we do not do so today.  The decision of the Supreme Court neither diminishes the moral imperative to ensure decent health care for all, nor eliminates the need to correct the fundamental flaws described above.  We therefore continue to urge Congress to pass, and the Administration to sign, legislation to fix those flaws. --- Keywords: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Affordable Care Act, ACA, bishops, Supreme Court, conscience ##### Usnewswire, sec, dds, healthcare, congress, pol reporters, radio-religion Ali Kremer Thu, 28 Jun 2012 16:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:100 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/95/Workshop-for-Cemetery-Managers.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=95 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=95&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/95/Workshop-for-Cemetery-Managers.aspx Hosted by the Diocese of Winona Office of Catholic Cemeteries Please join us for a workshop designed for all who work in the administration, management or oversight of Catholic cemeteries in the Diocese of Winona. (Cemetery sextons, cemetery trustees, pastors and parish business administrators involved in cemetery management will benefit from this opportunity.)  The workshop will provide attendees with a thorough overview of the core principles needed in the day to day management of today’s cemetery within the Diocese. The workshop includes the following topics: Cemetery Management as a Ministry Policies and Procedures Accounting and Administration Resources for Cemetery Managers An Opportunity for Question and Answers The workshop will be held on April 23, 24 and 25, 2012 at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, St. Joseph Parish in Owatonna, and St. Adrian Parish in Adrian respectively. There is no fee for this workshop; however, registration is required.  Please click on the link below to view and print the registration form.  The registration form includes complete information regarding the workshop. Cemetery Workshop Registration Form (pdf) Questions and/or registrations can be directed to Mary Hamann in the Office of Catholic Cemeteries: 507-858-1244, mhamann@dow.org.  Dean Dalzell Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:95 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/94/Bishop-Quinn-featured-in-National-Catholic-Register-interviewstory.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=94 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=94&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/94/Bishop-Quinn-featured-in-National-Catholic-Register-interviewstory.aspx Bishop John Quinn of Winona, Minn., said this week of youth: "They're looking for the truth. One of them said to me, 'Bishop, just tell us the truth. Don't sugarcoat it. We want to know what the truth is.' And someone else said to me: 'You know, bishop, we've been told so many lies, throughout the culture and by other people. Just give us the truth.'” Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/minnesota-bishop-is-encouraged-by-young-peoples-quest-for-truth/#ixzz1p7A6zmgc  Follow this link to read the eintire story! Joel Hennessy Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:94 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/93/Pilgrimage-to-the-Shrine-of-Our-Lady-of-Good-Help-with-Bishop-Quinn.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=93 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=93&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/93/Pilgrimage-to-the-Shrine-of-Our-Lady-of-Good-Help-with-Bishop-Quinn.aspx Click the 'read more' link for more information Ali Kremer Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:93 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/89/Pope-Benedicts-Prayer-Intentions--January-2012.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=89 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=89&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/89/Pope-Benedicts-Prayer-Intentions--January-2012.aspx General Intention: Victims of Natural Disasters. That the victims of natural disasters may receive the spiritual and material comfort they need to rebuild their lives. Missionary Intention: Dedication to Peace. That the dedication of Christians to peace may bear witness to the name of Christ before all men and women of good will. To view all of Pope Benedict's prayer intentions for 2012 - visit: http://www.ewtn.com/faith/papalPrayer.htm Ali Kremer Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:89 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/88/January-Courier-is-online.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=88 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=88&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/88/January-Courier-is-online.aspx Click the "read more" link to view the January issue of the Courier: Ali Kremer Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:88 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/87/PRESS-RELEASE-WINONA-MN--Vatican-Names-Saint-Stanislaus-Kostka-Parish-a-Minor-Basilica.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=87 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=87&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/87/PRESS-RELEASE-WINONA-MN--Vatican-Names-Saint-Stanislaus-Kostka-Parish-a-Minor-Basilica.aspx WINONA, MN - St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish named Minor Basilica by the Vatican             Through the faculties granted by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has declared that Saint Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Winona, Minn., has assumed the status of “Minor Basilica,” emphasizing the special bond that the parish has with the Pope and with the whole Catholic Church.  This Decree was made on November 10, 2011 and announced to the congregation this past weekend. In May, His Excellency, Bishop John M. Quinn of the Diocese of Winona sent a petition to the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, an office of the Vatican, so that Saint Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Winona, might take on the status of “Minor Basilica.” In November, the Congregation replied in favor of the petition, conferring this title of Minor Basilica on the parish. The decree is intended to “strengthen the relation of this important church with the Chair of Peter and to make it an ideal center of special liturgical and pastoral ministry” in the diocese, Archbishop J. Augustine Di Noia, OP, the secretary to the Vatican congregation wrote to Bishop Quinn. One way the link is demonstrated is by celebrating feasts in a special way that are linked to the papal office, including the feast of the Chair of Peter, the feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul and the anniversary of the election of Pope Benedict XVI. The papal symbol of crossed keys may be exhibited on banners and furnishings and on the seal of the basilica and those who devoutly make a visit to the basilica on certain feast days may obtain a plenary indulgence.   ”Saint Stanislaus Kostka is now a member of a small number of churches in the United States to be recognized as a Minor Basilica, and only the second in Minnesota. The other being the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, which was the first U.S. church designated as a basilica in 1926.” stated Bishop Quinn. “It is a very significant and important occasion for not only the parish and the diocese, but the entire region.” The word basilica comes from the Greek term for “royal hall.” There are two kinds of basilicas: major basilicas, the six great Roman churches, and the minor basilicas, which are important churches in Rome and abroad which the Holy Father has honored with this title. A church designated as a minor basilica must be a center of active and pastoral liturgy with a vibrant Catholic community and may have unique historical, artistic or religious importance. In seeking the distinction, the parish must provide a detailed report with an album of photographs documenting the origin, history and religious activity of the church and its exterior and interior form, particularly regarding celebration of the sacraments.  Conferring the title of Minor Basilica is also a formal recognition of the beauty and dignity of the parish church. Father Thomas Hargesheimer, pastor of Saint Stanislaus Kostka, says that one of the reasons that the petition was sent was due the extraordinary architectural quality of the parish, as well as the significant Polish heritage that accompanies it. “We really wanted to recognize the Polish immigrants that settled in the Winona area. Their heritage has had such a large impact on the development of the region. We also want to honor this parish as a faith community that contributes to not only the religious aspects of the community, but also the secular side of society as well,” said Father Hargesheimer. This church was built and paid for by Polish immigrants and dedicated to God in honor of St. Stanislaus Kostka, a popular saint from Poland on Thanksgiving Day 1895. Now, along with The Polish Cultural Institute, more commonly known as The Polish Museum, Winona has truly become a destination and pilgrimage center for people of Polish heritage. Fr. Paul Breza, founder of the museum said “the news about St. Stans is very exciting - the church was built on “nickels and dimes” by the Polish immigrants during a time when wages were only around a dollar per day. This will be a great opportunity for people to learn more about the Polish heritage of Winona.” Fr. Hargesheimer said a Mass of elevation, with Bishop Quinn presiding, will take place in 2012 at a date to be announced. For more information, contact the Saint Stanislaus Parish office by calling (507)452-5430 or e-mailing ststans@hbci.com. Joel Hennessy Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:87 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/86/Pope-Benedicts-Prayer-Intentions--December-2011.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=86 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=86&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/86/Pope-Benedicts-Prayer-Intentions--December-2011.aspx General Intention: Peace among All Peoples. That all peoples may grow in harmony and peace through mutual understanding and respect. Missionary Intention: That children and young people may be messengers of the Gospel and that they may be respected and preserved from all violence and exploitation. To view all of Pope Benedict's prayer intentions for 2011 - visit: http://www.ewtn.com/faith/popeprayer.htm Ali Kremer Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:86 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/85/Rosary-Essay-Contest.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=75&ModuleID=396&ArticleID=85 http://www.dow.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=85&PortalID=0&TabID=75 http://www.dow.org/News/tabid/75/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/85/Rosary-Essay-Contest.aspx Rosary Essay Contest -- "Gazing on Christ Through the Rosary" The Diocese of Winona is pleased to announce a Rosary Essay Contest sponsored by the Offices of Catholic Education and Faith Formation. We strongly encourage all of your students in grades 4-12 to participate.    Rosary Flier – post in each room Rosary Essay Entry Form – make as needed Teacher Guide – make as needed Rubrics for grading the essays-- please note the Catholic Identity rubric Student Guide – make as needed Rosary Guides for students   On December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a Rosary will be prayed at 2:00 p.m. by every Catholic school in the Diocese of Winona. Please make arrangements with each of your school sites to decide the place to pray the Rosary in a school wide assembly. This is the official start of the contest.   Archbishop Fulton Sheen said,   The rosary is the book of the blind, where souls see and there enact the greatest drama of love the world has ever known; it is the book of the simple, which initiates them into mysteries and knowledge more satisfying than the education of other men; it is the book of the aged, whose eyes close upon the shadow of this world, and open on the substance of the next. The power of the rosary is beyond description.   Students and staff may focus the power of the Rosary on any intention they choose such as positive experiences in school, the health of a loved one who is sick, for other little children around the world or for world peace.   Thank you for your commitment and loyalty to our Catholic Schools Ali Kremer Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:85