A Cooperative Effort of Catholic Charities and
Catholic Education Ministries, Diocese of St. Cloud, Minnesota
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2007 Opening Doors Award Recipients |
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St. Joseph's Parish
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The Opening Doors Awards Recipients
remind us that everyone is made better
& stronger when we open
our hearts & our lives to the gifts of persons with
disabilities.
2000
Recipients
Homily from
celebration of Morris Award, June, 2000
>return
to Disabilities and Religious Education
Page>
S. Chrisann Mortensen, Catholic Education Ministries presenting the Opening
Doors Award to Fr. Gerald Dalseth and Geri Kasper on October 20, 2007
Saint Ann's Parish, for Accessibility, Advocacy, and Empowerment |
Nominators: Maria Miner (1999), Mary Ellen Koollodge (2000) |
Saint Ann's Parish in Wadena, Minnesota, was one of the first churches in the Diocese of Saint Cloud to install an elevator. The installation of parking spaces, press button entrance to the foyer, accessible bathrooms, a ramp with railings, lowered counter for serving persons in wheelchairs and children, and an enlarged reconciliation room to allow for persons in wheelchairs are just some of the other amenities that the parish offers to its parishioners. St. Ann's has influenced the broader community to improve accessibility, and has even influenced neighboring parishes. They have empowered their parishioners with disabilities to take leadership roles in Mass and parish life. |
S. Chrisann Mortensen, SSND Consultant for Persons with Ability Differences presented
Fr. Albert Holmes, pastor of St. Ann's Parish, Wadena with the Opening Doors Award and $500.00
on Sunday, November 21, 2004.
Christ Church Newman Center, for Accessibility, Advocacy, and Empowerment |
Nominator: All Are Welcome Committee - Newman Center |
Christ Church Newman Center recently completed a renovation that added many new features that increase the accessibility and inclusion in their worship space. Two of the major improvements include a newly accessible foyer and elevator to make the entire building accessible. Other improvements included more parking spaces, accessible bathrooms and sanctuary, and pew cuts for wheelchairs scattered through out the church, to allow choice of seating for persons in wheelchairs. Also, in the sanctuary, there are two lecterns, one at the "normal" level, and one at a lower level for persons in wheelchairs. Parishioners of the Newman Center with disabilities are encouraged to participate in leadership roles in the Liturgy as well as in parish life. |
Geri Kasper, for Personal Witness, Empowerment, Advocacy |
| Nominator: Lea Marie Block |
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Geri Kasper has been honored with the 2003 Opening Doors Award for her exemplary witness to her parish of a person with a disability who has responded to the call to share her gifts. Geri, a wheelchair user, serves as a catechist and lector at St. Joseph's. She empowers the youth by her witness to courage through overcoming the challenges of a sudden disability, to go beyond initial limitations . Lea Marie Block, in her nomination letter states, "From her wheelchair she proclaims to her friends that she is not disabled, but quite able and willing to do everything others do. " Geri is also an advocate for accessibility. She has made requests to the parish to make some adaptations so that she can get to places in the church to show and teach the parts of the altar and about the Mass to her relgious education students. There has been some rennovation done in the parish building to meet her needs. She is provided with a hand-held microphone making it easier for her to do the readings as a lector. The adaptations and rennovations benefit others in the parish as well as Geri. |
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Comments from the Judges Sr. Alice Imdieke, OSB: "Inclusion is not an abstract notion. It is to be carried outi n concrete, real places, with real people. As I read the description of Geri Kasper, I felt that St. Joseph's parish must be holy ground. In this simple letter, it was like God burst on the scene,and said to me, "I am embodied in Geri- crying to be seen." She is an embodied word, called to be my word to to a needy world." Rita Trettel: "Geri is an inspiration to all persons with disabilities. having a disability myself, she is an advocate showing others that all people with disabilities can participate in the Faith Community. People need to see that people with disabilities do have gifta and talents and can share them by ministering to others." Marlene Jennissen: "People with disabilities who see Geri participating in the Mass, a volunteer sixth grade teacher in religion, and promoting adaptations for the disabled can't help to be inspired, since she herself is disabled." Larry Sell: " Geri has certainly been active in her parish and no doubt provides a very good example to others of a person's ability to overcome disabilities." |
Sue Schlosser, for Inclusion and Empowerment, Advocacy |
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Nominator: Maryanne Mahowald, Daniel D. Riordan |
Sue Schlosser has been nominated for the Opening Doors Award for her many years of service as an advocate for greater inclusion. Sue, a mother of two sons with physical disabilities, inspires others to see facilities from a different viewpoint and to make changes. Due to Sue's influence the parish has constructed ramps and made rennovations for greater access. She is a tireless volunteer who gives a tremendous number of hours to her faith community. She volunteers as a special lecturer on disability awareness in the College of Education at St.Cloud State University. She speaks to future teachers to raise their awareness of persons with special needs and to help to change attitudes on inclusion and empowerment. Sue also works with the public school district to modify existing school buildings to better accomodate students and staff with mobility needs. She continues to challenge Catholic middle schools and high schools to make their facilities physically accessible. |
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Comments from the Judges Sr. Alice Imdieke, OSB: "As I read the report about Sue, I immediately thought of Deuteronomy 15: "The year of release is near...when you shall give to your neighbor freely and your heart shall not be grudging when you give...because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work. You shall open wide your hand to your brother and sister, to the needy and to the poor in the land." Sue is a person who "lives out" the need for inclusion/improwerment. She is informed, enlightened and "moving." Rita Trettel: "Sue is a strong advocate for all persons with disabilities. Not only does she promote awareness in her parish, but also in her community." Marlene Jennessen: "She inspires people by showing that families who have members that are physically disabled can lead normal lives of work, school and community. It says that she is a tireless advocate for persons with disabilities." Larry Sell: "It is clear that Sue has worked hard to adapt her own parish to become more handicapped accessible and so more inclusive for those with physical limitations but she also impacts the larger community with her presentations to classes about needs and capabilities of those who are disabled." |
Fr. Corwin Collins OSB, and the Church of Seven Dolors, for Access, Inclusion and Empowerment |
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Nominator: Sr. Alice Imdieke, OSB |
Fr. Corwin Collins, OSB and the parishioners of Seven Dolors in Albany have repeatedly indicated that they see persons with ability differences as a great gift to the parish. They have been honored with the 2002 Opening Doors Award for their efforts to build a spirit of inclusion as well as their progress in making the church physically accessible. Fr. Corwin Collins inspired the parishioners by bringing awareness to the need for greater access and inclusion of persons with disabilities as leader of the Growing Together in Faith building campaign. The parishioners broke ground for the new addition the first week of September, 2002. At the same time, rennovation of the present church builiding by adding an elevator got started. The new additon will include bathrooms meeting rooms, and dining facilities that are accessible. Other forms of physical accessiblity include: the location of the choir so persons with mobility impariments can easily be present to participate, portable microphones for everyone, a wheelchair, walker, cane accessible location for use, parking with disability designation, TDD service available. Beyond physical accessibilty, the Eucharistic ministers , religious education teachers and home visitors reach out to those with special needs and are provided training and support in their efforts by a well qualified staff person with many years experience in working with developmentally disabled youth and adults. Parishioners with disablities are encouraged to take active part in the Liturgy. |
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Comments from the Judges Marge Kalinowski: "The work done by Fr. Corwin in the "Growing Together in Faith Campaign" shows his deep interest in seeing that the people with disabilities in his parish feel at home. He was most supportive in getting this started. And what a wonderful response from the parishioners." Debra Luetmer: "I was pleased to see a wide range of special needs of others that were addressed in this parish. There is a lot to be said about seeing something that needs to be done or should be done and doing it." John Luetmer: "This group has done a lot of practical work and is on the verge of major rennovation to provide more accessability." |
Marlene Jennissen, Church of Our Lady of the Angels, for Inclusion and Empowerment, Advocacy |
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Nominator: Kathy Knoblach |
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Marlene Jennissen has been honored with the 2002 Opening Doors Award for her exemplary witness as a catechist and her efforts of inclusion and empowerment of youth and adults with developmental disabilities. Marlene reaches out to invite anyone who is developmentally disabled from the surrounding area as well as those from Our Lady of the Angels and St. Paul's to join her weekly religion class. For the past six years she has worked to make sure her students have a retreat at the end of the year. Marlene has a depth of kindness and understanding for each of her students. She remembers each one on their birthdays with a card and gift from her personal funds. Since 1982 she has helped organize special Masses for mentally chalelnged adults, preparing them to participate in lecturing, gift bearing, etc. She has gotten the hand bell choir from Camphill Village to participate at the parish Mass. These Masses help raise the awareness of the parishioners and instill within her students a better understanding of their own dignity and worth. Quite often Marlene prepares some of her students to join with members of the parish Youth Group to sing for the diocesan T.V. Mass. Marlene has a teaching degree, but even after her retirement is still volunteering. In all, Marlene has been serving in this capacity for almost 20 years. It is not only in the parish that she is active. Marlene is president of Western Stearns ARC (Association for RetardedCitizens). She organizes speical events, parties, and other activities. Through her position she continues being an advocate as she helps provide support for parents and their children. |
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Comments from the Judges Debra Luetmer: " Marelne Jennissen has ben able to integrate individuals with special needs into the life of the community. Marlene has proven to be a steadfast advocate for individuals with special needs not only in her community but in surrounding communities." Marge Kalinowski: " The work Marlene is doing is superb. she has put her whole heart and soul into her work as a catehist to special needs adults. It is very obvious that she is not only carfing for their spiritual needs, but also their social needs. Her inclusion of others outside the parishes is commendable." Paul Walsh: " Marlene seemed to affect the most people and covers the broadest area. She shows a great deal of commitment planning retreats, sprcial Masses, classes for special needs." |
Church of St. Augustine, St. Cloud for Access, Inclusion, & Empowerment |
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Nominator: Fr. Simon Bischof, OSB |
The Parishioners of the Church of St. Augustine, St. Cloud has been honored with the 2001 Opening Doors Award for their growing commitment to making the life of their parish accessible to persons with disabilities. Beyond ensuring the basic physical access to the buildings, the parishioners, particularly the parish nurses and the Lay Health Ministry Committee, have worked to support the dignity of persons in a holistic, sensitive, and integrated way. This sensitivity is witnessed making spaces physically accessible for persons with disabilities including the sanctuary for participation in liturgical ministries,through thoughtful choices in making pew cuts in various places in the congregation, discovering and addressing needs through a parish survey including making "pocket talkers" available for people with hearing impairments, making more handicap parking spaces available and designating one for van use, and making large print missalettes available. The parish is also active in outreach to people with handicaps and mental illness and are attentive to providing rides and personal connection in various ways. This integration of the needs of person with disabilities is anticipated in the future planning for administrative spaces that are also accessible. As Marina Bahmer, the Parish Council Chairperson, wrote in the nomination, "As you can tell, many groups and individuals contribute to meeting the needs of the disabled in our parish community so we on the Parish Pastoral Council believe the entire parish deserves this recognition." Comments from the Judges: Noella Fath: the actions of St. Augustine's parish illustrate that inclusion is, "a part of their routine," not a activity separate from the rest of the life of the parish. Paul Walsh: This nominee exemplifies a parish where multiple groups and facilities are available to multiple groups of people with various disabilities. "It's a big task to get this far," to do more than ensure basic physical access. Debra Luetmer: Transportation, parking, sound system, large-print missalettes, etc. addressed needs in a proactive manner. John Luetmer: There is, "strong evidence of outreach efforts," to provide access: parking, pews, doors, sound system, missalettes, wheelchairs, portable phone, capital campaign underway, encouragement of liturgical roles, availability of nursing staff/volunteers. |
Kacie Wander, Church of St. Louis, Paynesville for Inclusion & Empowerment |
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Nominator: Fr. Richard Leisen |
Kacie Wander has been honored with the 2001 Opening Doors Award for her efforts in making religious education accessible to a person with disabilities, for empowering this person to use her gifts, and for her inspirational witness to others. Kacie is a seventh-grade student who volunteers as a Religious Education classroom aide for a fourth-grader with autism (referred to in the nomination as "M"). She anticipates the needs of the catechist and helps this student without direction from the catechist. Kacie calmly and loving helps this student regain focus, redirect aggression and works with her one-on-one when necessary. Through her example, Kacie has been a great asset in teaching the catechists and the other children to work with and accept the student with disabilities. As Fr. Leisen wrote in the nomination, " I have never seen anyone else be so tender and caring. One can sense the love Kacie has for M. I have not seen any adult show as much compassion as this young girl has." This ability was also noticed by the local Girl Scout troop who asked Kacie to assist M in fitting into the troop. Comments from the Judges: Noella Fath: "In 7th grade it can be hard to be even a little different and to reach beyond yourself. It is extraordinary that Kacie is willing to standout [to] include someone else and do it so lovingly on her own initiative." Paul Walsh: Kacie is an example to her peers in ways that will hopefully inspire them to respond with love and care to those around them and to do what they can to make sure every person can be involved in the life of their communities. Debra Luetmer: "What an excellent example to her peers and community." John Luetmer: "What a beautiful witness! What Kacie is going for her friend is very challenging and it sounds like she is doing it in a gracious and loving manner. It is an inspiration to see someone doing this at such a young age." |
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Church of St. Hubert, Blue Grass |
St. Mary's School, Morris |
St. Mary's School, Morris for Inclusion & Empowerment |
Nominator: Fr. Alan Wielinski |
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Click to read Fr. Wielinski's homily from celebration of St. Mary's Award St. Mary's School in Morris has been honored with the Opening Doors Award for their commitment to making education in their Catholic school accessible for children with disabilities and for allowing this commitment to transform their attitudes and actions as a community. This openness has been witnessed in the three years that Brandon Raths, a child with Liesencephaly, a malformation of the brain that results in severe handicaps, has been included and empowered to grow as an active member of St. Mary's School. When first approached by Mark and Michelle Raths in 1997, St. Mary's School board along with their pastor Fr. Jerry Dalseth revisited the parish mission statement: "We at Assumption Catholic Parish are a family of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, who, guided by the Holy Spirit, are called to deepen our faith, reach our and spread the good new and serve those in need." In a unanimous decision the school and parish committed themselves to opening their doors to Brandon as well as other students with handicaps. As Jim Boyle, the principal, wrote, " Words cannot express how committed we, as a school and parish community, are to making the St. Mary's experience available to all students, especially the handicapped like Brandon." This commitment has included funding an additional aide to assist Brandon in his school day and on activities, finding meaningful ways for Brandon to participate in the life of the school as well as advocating for him with the public school district. As was written in the nomination, "Whenever the school has been approached by the members of the parish who maintain a posture of 'How can the school afford such an expense,' the school's answer has been, 'How can we afford not to.' This response followed by the school's on-going active support of Brandon's education is changing the way a lot of parishioners look at the whole situation." Through their actions and dedication to addressing challenges, St. Mary's School encourages parish members who have children with disabilities to consider their school as a viable school choice. Noella Fath, one of judges, commented that St. Mary's school and Assumption parish "see why inclusion should be done and gives other children a choice." All of judges remarked that while the school and parish give financial, spiritual and educational support, it is evident that Brandon also gives his spirit and presence to the whole community. Solidarity and mutuality are among the hallmarks of true transformation in Christ. |
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1999 Opening Doors Award |
1998-99 Third Grade Class of St. Mary's School, Breckenridge |
Noreen Olson, St. Andrew's Church, Elk River |
1998-99 Third Grade Class of St. Mary's School, Breckenridge
for Inclusion & Empowerment
Nominator: Fr. Leo Moenkedick, pastor
The third grade class of St. Mary's school in Breckenridge has
been nominated for the Opening Doors Award due to their involvement
in the life of one of their classmates, Kortny.
Kortny, who was born with spinal bifida which results in mobility impairments, joined the class in first grade despite the school not being fully accessible to someone who must use crutches. Her classmates became Kortny's support system both physically and socially. From learning about her disability and helping educate others about it to carrying books, school bag and crutches when they were too cumbersome for Kortny to creating special kickball rules so Kortny can play along the third graders have shown that, with the help of others, there is no limit to what a person with disabilities can do.
Kortny and her classmates have learned so much from each other about friendship, acceptance and what true Christianity is. They have been an example and inspiration to the entire school and parish. As one of the judges, Debra Luetmer, commented, "It is this kind of understanding that opens our hearts." John Luetmer, another judge, went on to say, "I would suspect that the Third Grade students are as much a recipient of the empowerment as Kortny is and that there are other key individuals that have 'opened the door.'"
The judging panel had much to say in support of Noreen Olson's nomination. Paul Walsh wrote that he saw this nomination standing out in its references to Noreen, "spending time talking and listening to disabled persons which is probably the only way you can be of help because each [person] is different!"John Luetmer went on to say, "Noreen has impacted the quality of the faith life of a large number of people by helping people make connections with each other thereby empowering not only those parishioners who need assistance but also those in a position to help." Marge Kalinowski further commented that Noreen, "is an inspiration to the entire community and shows that, through her actions and leadership, she sees Christ in everyone."
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Ed, Brenda, Amy and Joey
Martodam for Access and EmpowermentThe Martodam family's decision to provide handicap access for the outside worship area has enriched both themselves and their community and gave self respect to the differently-abled. As it was written in the nomination "The Martodam family provided an opportunity for the congregation to exercise its potential to be a healthy place and a community of healing. The community wants the message to be clear, 'You are welcome. We want you to be a home here. We cherish you and care about you.' The community has been influenced and is recognizing themselves as a place for growth and change."
As one judge, John Luetmer, commented, " This family obviously acted as an inspiration to the parish. They also provided a practical, long-term solution to barriers for a large group of people."
Three of the four recipients were available for a photo by Dianne Towalski of the Saint Cloud Visitor
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In the nomination Thomas was quoted as saying many times, "This is not about money; it is about including all people of our parish family in all parish events." Kim Rodacker, one of the judges, commented, "An elevator allows you [a wheelchair user] to be part of the congregation, to go to church and not only be part of the out-reach from the church." The sense of community at St. Mary's Church and our entire diocese has been greatly enhanced by Thomas Leiferman's devotion to his church and willingness to act on that devotion!
As Sr. Alice Imdieke wrote, "Gradually, these three women became enthusiastic about the vibrant active faith life of these wonderful people in the St. John's Mission Group. They have continued to taste a sense of dignity, inner strength, at-homeness, and freedom...They reciprocate by being witnesses of joyful simplicity." From attending Mission Suppers at a neighboring parish to sharing in the wake and funeral of one of the men who played cards at the mission group gatherings, this group, in the words of one of the judges, Fr. Dick McGuire, "tells the story of the Gospel - 'My life touches yours.'"
These interactions between people of differing abilities and gifts happen in many parishes throughout our diocese. In honoring these particular individuals and groups we celebrate those places where ministries are recognized in many different forms because of a movement of the heart that values the unique gift of each person and invites those gifts to be shared for the fullness of life of God's family.
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In the last five years entrances to the church, school and rectory were made accessible, handicapped accessible parking was created, bathrooms were made accessible and lower water fountains were installed. Space has been provide for persons using wheel chairs, and pews have been arranged for easy movement of wheel chairs. An elevator allows everyone access to the parish center. The results of these changes included improved participation of spoken and sung liturgical prayer and increased turnout for fellowship activities. The Church of St. Joseph through its changes has created an inclusive worshiping community attractive to people of all ages, as well as people with special needs.
These interactions between people of differing abilities and gifts happen in many parishes throughout our diocese. In honoring these particular individuals and groups we celebrate those places where ministries are recognized in many different forms because of a movement of the heart that values the unique gift of each person and invites those gifts to be shared for the fullness of life of God's family.
A Cooperative Effort of Catholic Charities and Catholic Education Ministries, Diocese of St. Cloud, Minnesota
last updated November 30,2006, BSJ/cem