The second project is the Minnesota Marriage Amendment.
As we have seen throughout the country, states are working on marriage amendments
to promote, preserve
and protect the institution of marriage. The campaign in Minnesota will have
two major steps. Step one is to get the marriage amendment out of the Minnesota
Senate Committee. The proposed marriage amendment has passed the Minnesota
House of Representatives and has waited for similar passage in the Senate
for two years. Unfortunately, a few senators have kept the bill from a vote
on
the floor of the senate. In February, there will be a postcard campaign directed
at the Minnesota Senate to release the bill from committee so it could be
voted on during this congressional session. This would allow the amendment
to appear
on the 2006 ballot in November, so the populous of Minnesota can vote for
or against the amendment. If step one is successful, step two would be a voter
registration drive and an educational campaign to inform voters of the purpose
and need for such an amendment. This is slated for October. To keep up with
where the amendment is in the process, check our web-site for current details.
Another priority is Chastity Education. Currently we are putting together
age appropriate topics from 4th to 8th grade that encompasses our Church’s
teachings on sexuality and respect for life. After the guidelines are completed,
ideas for lesson plans, supplemental materials and resources will be developed
and gathered. Look to future newsletters for details. Also check our web-site
under parenting for useful tools and ideas on teaching your kids the beauty
of God’s gift of life.
Chris Codden, Director
GOD’S PLAN FOR HUMAN SEXUALITY
Fr. Bill Vouk’s column will assist in our understanding of God and
His plan for human sexuality. Fr. Bill completed a licentiate degree at the
John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Washington D.C.
and also obtained a licentiate degree in canon law at Catholic University
of America.
Last time:
Man is Capable of Communion with God
MAN IS CAPABLE OF COMMUNION WITH OTHER HUMAN PERSONS
by Father Bill Vouk
As we saw last time, man, made in the image and likeness of God, lives in
true and loving relationship with God in the act of worship.
It is not with God alone, however, that man is called to be in communion.
With God, man is in relationship with One greater than he. He is made for
this relationship, but is also realized as a person in relationship with
his equals, with creatures like himself. In the so-called first account of
creation (Genesis 1:1-2:4a), in which man stands as the apex of creation,
God refers to Himself as “us” and creates “them” in
His own image and likeness: He makes man in His own image, male and female,
intending them to be in communion with one another. In the “second” account
(Genesis 2:4b-25), in which man appears as the center of creation, God creates
the male first, but sees that it is not good for man to be alone. He is already
in relationship with God, in a communion which is expressed by him as worship.
(This is seen in his ability to obey God’s command about the trees
of the garden.) Nevertheless, man is alone before God, and before all other
creatures. In relation to God, man faces the infinite gap between creature
and Creator; in relation to other creatures, he faces the “less infinite” gap
between subject and object, for he alone is rational and free – only
he can decide about himself. This is why none of the animals which God presents
to him are suitable for relationship. Man’s loneliness is relieved
only by the presence of another human being, the woman whom God creates.
The Scriptures describe man’s recognition of this fact in his rejoicing, “This
at last is bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh!”
Next Time:
Communion Between Male & Female
Please join us
for the presentation of the
Humanae Vitae Award
to
Robert and Mary Joyce
at the
Humanae Vitae Award Reception
Saturday, January 28, 2006
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Diocesan Guest House
402 First Avenue South
Saint Cloud, MN
Please R.S.V.P. your attendance
by January 23rd
320-252-4721 or 800-624-9019
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Congratulations to all nominees
for the 2005 Humanae Vitae award.
Thank you for
your devotion to life
and service to the Church!
Other nominees were:
Dave & Kay Ek
Mary Peeters
Prayerful Planned Parenthood Group
Reverend Al Quade
Thank You!
To all who submitted nomination letters
for the Humanae Vitae Award. The letters were well written
and the nominees admirable. We hope you will submit another letter
in the
summer of 2006.
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Congratulations to
Robert & Mary Joyce
chosen to receive the
2005
Humanae Vitae Award! |
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The beauty of Catholic Church teaching can sometimes be difficult to
understand. This is especially true when the topic is the sacredness
of human life and sexuality. Numerous Popes have written encyclicals
to explain these teachings and assist our understanding. Humanae Vitae
(Of Human Life) was written by Pope Paul VI in 1968. This prophetic encyclical
brilliantly explains Church teaching regarding marital love and the transmission
of life.
Other persons, including many in the Diocese of Saint Cloud, have taught reverence
for life through writing, preaching, and personal witness. The Humanae Vitae
Award has been presented annually in our diocese since 1999, to a recipient who
has shown extraordinary courage in promoting the teachings of the Church regarding
human life and sexuality. For the year 2005, the Humanae Vitae Award will be
bestowed upon Robert and Mary Joyce.
The inspiring life-long work of Robert and Mary began even before Humanae Vitae
was released in 1968. During the summer previous to its publication, Mary wrote
a letter to Pope Paul VI suggesting that a change in Church teaching on contraception
would be like starting to tear a seamless robe, in which there would be no place
to stop.
Robert and Mary were co-founding board members of Minnesota Citizens Concerned
for Life (MCCL) in 1968, and in 1970 they co-authored the first pro-life paperback
in the United States, Let Us Be Born: The Inhumanity of Abortion.
Writing about philosophy, life issues, human sexuality, and natural family
planning is a particular talent of Robert and Mary. Their
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writings
have been voluminous, as both have published numerous books, articles,
and letters to news media. Currently, Mary has a book in preparation,
The Healing of America, which includes a discussion of the importance
of natural family planning.
Robert and Mary also devoted much time to teaching. Robert taught philosophy
at the following universities: De Paul University, Loyola University in Chicago,
University of Notre Dame and St. John's University. He regularly taught courses
on the philosophy of human sexuality and of natural family planning at Saint
John's University and the College of Saint Benedict. Mary taught philosophy,
psychology, sociology and English at various institutions including De Paul University,
Saint Louis University, Saint Cloud School of Nursing, and the College of Saint
Benedict. While teaching, both Robert and Mary were witnesses and mentors for
students in pro-life matters.
Over several decades, Robert and Mary have demonstrated their devotion to respect
life issues in various ways. They have been presenters at seminars, conferences,
and workshops. Together, they attend Mass daily and pray the Rosary. Frequent
Eucharistic Adoration and prayer at the local Planned Parenthood are also priorities.
Robert and Mary's constant witness to the sanctity of human life and deep commitment
to the teachings of the Catholic Church are inspirational. As stated in one
nomination letter, "Their lives are a beautiful model for the people of
our diocese; selfless and loving, peaceful and gentle, prayer-centered and
active."
Congratulations Robert and Mary!
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Thank You!
We extend our gratitude to NFP-Only Physicians Richard Cash, M.D.,
Doug Brew, M.D., and Marc Dvoracek, M.D., for their presentation "Natural
Family Planning is Good Medicine" at the
Theology of the Body Conference on October 21. We recognize the courage
and expertise of these Catholic physicians and appreciate the excellent
medical care
they provide.
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(Photo by Joseph Young - St. Cloud Visitor) |
From left: Mary Beth Bontjes, Hollie Kulzer, Tami Gewecke, Jenny Fischer
& Sheila Reineke |
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CONGRATULATIONS!
This past year four Natural Family Planning Instructors in the Diocese
of Saint Cloud completed the requirements for certification in the Billings
Ovulation Method of Natural Family Planning. In addition, these talented
women earned certification from the Diocesan
Development Program for Natural Family Planning, a program of the United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops.
Congratulations to:
Mary Beth Bontjes of Randall
Jenny Fischer of Saint Cloud
Tami Gewecke of Saint Cloud
Hollie Kulzer of Osakis
We are proud of these women for their achievements and grateful to them
and all 19 NFP Instructors for their service to the diocese.
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Natural Family Planning ~ Questions and Answers
Q. Can Natural Family Planning (NFP) really be used to postpone pregnancy
one month and achieve pregnancy the next?
A. Yes! This is what makes NFP a true method of family planning. The Billings
Ovulation Method (BOM) of NFP is based on the science of the woman’s
body, and allows her to identify times of infertility and fertility. Ongoing
scientific research has shown the BOM to be 99 percent effective in postponing/avoiding
pregnancy when couples are properly taught and the method is correctly applied.
[1,2,3,4] When NFP is used to achieve pregnancy, the woman can keep a daily
record of her signs and identify her fertility with accuracy. Often, this
knowledge is all some couples need to achieve pregnancy. There are guidelines
for couples to follow when they want to conceive, and these are especially
helpful if the couple has experienced infertility.
Q. What are the guidelines for achieving a pregnancy?
A. Follow the Early Day Rules of the Billings Ovulation Method. This allows
the woman to recognize the change from infertility to the pattern of mucus
and fertility. Then, the couple can postpone intercourse until a slippery
sensation is observed. The days of the slippery sensation and the next few
days are the most fertile. To conceive, intercourse should occur while slippery
mucus is obvious and for two days past the Peak.
Q. When do I use the plain yellow stamps?
A. Plain yellow stamps are used to mark an infertile discharge. They may
be used:
1. In the luteal phase, after the count of three following Peak, when a
woman observes a sensation or discharge other than dry. Because the woman
is past Peak and the ovum has disintegrated, the woman is infertile.
2. When the woman has a Basic Infertile Pattern (BIP) other than dry. The
BIP occurs prior to the woman's fertile phase. Some women may not experience
dryness, or they may have several weeks of a slight discharge that is the
same day after day. A Certified NFP Instructor assists in the identification
of a BIP other than dryness. Please call the Office of Marriage & Family
if you have questions: 320-252-4721 or 1-800-624-9019.
References
1. Indian Council of Medical Research Task Force on NFP. Contraception.
1996; 53: 69-74.
2. Jiangsu Family Health Institute. Chinese Medical Journal. 1998.
3. Weissmann MC, Foliaki L, et al. The Lancet. 1972; 300: 813-816.
4. World Health Organization. Fertility and Sterility. 1981; 36: 152, 591.
“THE LIST THAT SAVED MY
MARRIAGE”
Recently
I read an article, sent to me via email, “The List that
Saved My Marriage” written by Becky Zerbe, published in Christianity
Today, Fall 2005, about a frustrated wife who could no longer accept
her husband’s petty habits and was ready to leave. As I read
the story I thought about the early years of my marriage and pictured
myself
in her shoes. The following is a condensed version of this article. . . . With
a tear-stained, angry face, I walked into Mom’s kitchen. “Before
you leave Bill,” she said, “I have one task for you to
complete.” Mom took a sheet of paper and a pen then drew a vertical
line down the middle of the page. She told me to list in the left column
all the things Bill did  that made him impossible to live with. This
was going to be easy, my pen started immediately to scribble. He never
picked up his clothes, slept in church, belched at the dinner table,
never bought me presents, wouldn’t help with housework, he was
tight with money, he didn’t talk with me. The list went on and
on until I’d filled the page. I certainly had more than enough
evidence to prove that no woman would be able to live with this man.
Smugly I said, “Now I guess you’re going to ask me to list
all Bill’s good qualities on the right side?”
“
No,” she said. “I already know Bill’s good qualities.
I want you to write how you respond. What do you do?” I knew
mom wasn’t going to let me get by without completing her assignment.
So I had to start writing. I’d pout, cry, and get angry. I’d
be embarrassed to be with him, I’d act like a martyr, I’d
wish I had married someone else, I’d give him the silent treatment,
I’d feel I was too good for him. The list seemed endless. When
I finished mom picked up the paper and cut the paper down the vertical
line. Taking the left column she wadded it in her hand and tossed it
into the trash. Then she handed me the right column. “Becky,” she
said, “Take this list, spend today reflecting on these things
in your life. Pray about them.” When I sat on the couch with
the piece of paper, I couldn’t believe what I was facing. Without
the balancing catalogue of Bill’s annoying habits, the list looked
horrifying. I saw a record of petty behaviors, shameful practices and
destructive responses. I spent the next several hours asking God for
forgiveness. I requested strength, guidance
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and wisdom in the
changes I needed to make. I could
barely remember
the transgressions I’d written for Bill. There
was nothing immoral or horrible on that list. I’d honestly been
blessed with a good man–not
a perfect one, but a good one.
All couples begin marriage with high expectations of romance and believe
their relationship is ideal. Sooner or later they discover their spouse
is not perfect and other interests easily distract them from the relationship.
Each feel disillusioned, neglected, abandoned and ask themselves the
question, “If they really love me why won’t they change?” The
couples still feel committed to their spouse but have lost the pleasure
and excitement of belonging. Their unfulfilled needs now take center
stage.
Couples who evolve beyond this stage do so by making a conscious choice
to transform their attitudes and behaviors. They read relationship
articles and books, watch video programs, talk about it with other
married couples, attend enrichment seminars and some seek professional
counseling. When Roger and I realized we were in trouble I remember
feeling like a failure and was embarrassed to let anyone know our relationship
was strained. What would other people think if they saw me buying a
relationship book or attending a couple’s seminar? I don’t
feel that way any more. No couple is fully equipped to handle the struggles
and challenges of marriage alone. Reaching out is healthy and necessary.
The Office of Marriage and Family has numerous resources
for married couples. These resources include books, CD’s and
video series written by Dr. James Dobson, Gary Smalley, Gary Chapman,
Scott Stanley
and other highly acclaimed marriage professionals. We also have brochures
for World Wide Marriage Encounter & St.
Cloud National Marriage Encounter. Counseling services are available
through Caritas
Family Services by
calling (320)
656-1660.
Please contact our office for more information about how you can check
out any of our resources.
The Office of Marriage and Family will sponsor our annual Marriage
Enrichment Day on January 21, 2006 at St. Francis Parish in St. Francis
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mass & lunch is included. This year’s
topic is “The Five Love Languages.”
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God Bless all of you in your Marriage Ministry
Dorothy Kantor,
Marriage
Preparation Coordinator
RESPECT LIFE
 January 22 marks the thirty-third anniversary of Roe v. Wade. It is
a sad day as we mourn the loss of millions of innocent lives, but it
is also a day to be hopeful and recognize that all the hard work you
are doing is making a difference. More and more Americans are now identifying
themselves as pro-life and are working to protect the lives of the unborn
not only through words, but also through actions and prayers.
One great opportunity to get involved is the March for Life on January
22, the anniversary of the legalization of abortion. The event begins
at 2 p.m. on the Capitol grounds followed by a brief program at 2:30.
It is an up-lifting experience to see all the thousands of people standing
up for life!
It is also a great way to express our support to pro-life public officials,
to exercise our civil responsibilities, and to teach our children the
importance of voicing our concerns for life. [Note: The ecumenical
prayer service that usually takes place before the March
will be on Monday, January 23 at St. Paul’s
Cathedral at 10:30 a.m.]
In addition to the March
for Life, there are a hundred ways you can get involved, from |
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writing letters to implementing a Spiritual
Adoption Program to simply displaying pro-life magnets on your cars.
For more
information on these and many other pro-life activities, or to request
a speaker on pro-life issues, please contact us.
You can make a difference! A woman who recently participated in the
Spiritual Adoption Program had her prayers answered closer to home
than she ever foresaw. After several months of praying for her spiritually
adopted baby, she learned that her cousin was facing an unplanned pregnancy
and had seriously considered abortion. She was taken aback when she
learned her cousin later named her son Christopher—she had never
told her cousin she spiritually adopted a baby or the baby’s
name, but this was the same name she had chosen for her spiritually
adopted baby. Little did she know it was her cousin’s baby she
had been praying for all along! Her prayers were answered!
Thank you for all you are doing to protect the lives of the unborn.
See you at the State Capital on January 22!
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From the General Instruction of the Roman Missal:
‘In all dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January
23, when the 22nd falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day
of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through
acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee
of the right to life. The Mass “For Peace and Justice” (no. 21
from “Masses for Various Needs”) should be celebrated with violet
vestments as an appropriate liturgical observance for this day.’
The
Lullaby CD’s are here!! The Lullaby CD’s are here!!
In our last newsletter we announced that the CD was in production and will
be given to parents as they prepare for the baptism of their child. We are
excited
to announce that Life is a Miracle: Lullabies for You and Your Baby is available
for sale at our office! The CD contains five soothing lullabies sure to make
your child drop off to sleep lickity-split (perhaps mom & dad too!).
It would be a great gift for all who have had the joy of adding a precious
little one to their family.
We would like to acknowledge and thank Joan Elton - piano, and Jennifer
Wildeson - violin, two talented artists who also donated their time and talent
in the recording of the CD, but whose names were inadvertently omitted in
the last article. We apologize for the oversight!
The CD is available at our office for $5.00, with bulk discounts offered.
A postage fee will be added for mailed CD’s. Please contact our office
for more information, or to order.
Enjoy!
MOTHER & DAUGHTER BREAKFAST 2006
The Office of Marriage & Family is celebrating the 60th
anniversary of the first marriage course by featuring a
fashion show of wedding dresses from the 1950’s and
1960’s. The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) has taken on
the task of providing this entertainment. Proceeds will go the Diocesan Respect
Life Grant which funds monies to Crisis Pregnancy Centers in our Diocese.
Birthline and New
Beginnings are the two centers in St. Cloud who also receive
money from this grant.
If you were married during the years 1950-1969, and would like to model
your dress (or have someone else model it for you), please contact us as
soon as possible at 1-800-624-9019 Ext #320 or Eva Koep at 218-583-4294.
Our last fashion show in 1999 was a great success. Over 560 people attended
and resulted in some great intergenerational conversations among the participants.
How many people would not be here if you hadn’t gotten married that
day? Humorous stories will be shared. Local vocalists, Donny Codden and Anita
Fischer will sing. See you on Saturday, May 13, 2006.
Angie Loecken
Program Coordinator
THEY SAID WE'D NEVER MAKE IT
by Nicholas Gordon
They said we’d never make it,
But now we’ve come this far.
Today we celebrate our love
And honor who we are.
We had a hard beginning,
Adults before our time.
But growing up together made
Our deepest roots entwine.
You are my life, my love, my hope,
My friend, my world, my song,
The mirror of my unseen heart,
The place where I belong.
And as our one life passes,
Through love we live for two:
A cornucopia of joy
That we this day renew.
Couples celebrating 5, 25, 40 and 50 years of marriage are invited
to Honoring Marriage Day on
Saturday, May 6, 2006 at the Cathedral of St. Mary in St. Cloud.
Following the liturgy will be a cake and punch social.
Contact the Office of Marriage and Family 320-252-4721 or see link
above for more details.
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 Marriage Enrichment Day
The Five Love Languages
presented by
Patrick & Shelly Flynn
Saturday, January 21, 2006
St. Francis Parish
St. Francis, MN
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost $15
Mass & lunch included
Please register by sending in $15
by January 14, 2006 to:
Office of Marriage and Family
305 7th Ave North, Suite 100
St. Cloud, MN 56303
for more information call
320-252-4721 or 800-624-9019
omf@gw.stcdio.org
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The Ninth Annual Catholic
Men’s Conference will be held at St. John’s
University on Saturday, February 25th from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Men of Integrity:
Blessed Are the Pure of Heart
will feature Fr. Jack Spaulding as our keynote
speaker. Some of you may remember Fr. Jack as our second Catholic Men’s
Conference speaker. His dynamic style and direct approach to our Catholic
faith was so inspiring that we have asked him to join us again! Fr. Jack
is the Pastor at St. Timothy Parish, Mesa, AZ, co-founder of National
Life Teen and author of the following books: Hope for the Journey, Until He Comes
Again and Holy Boldness, the Spirituality of a Diocesan Priest. The Conference
will begin with one of Fr. Jack’s two presentations, followed by the
celebration of the Eucharist with Bishop John Kinney as presider. We will
then offer the first of three workshop sessions featuring a variety of outstanding
local speakers and presenters. Fr. Jack will speak
again in the afternoon and Bishop Kinney will conclude the day with his insights.
The sacrament of reconciliation will be available during the day. Cost, including
lunch and refreshments, is $25 per person prior to January 31 and $30 per
person after January 31. Group rates for five or more are available. For
more information, call (320) 252-4721.
February
3-5
April
31-May 2 Baxter
February
11-12