“Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his store room both the new and the old” (Matthew 13:52). Recently, the “store room” of the Diocese has been producing new and old blessings in abundance.
The Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery celebrated 125 years since the foundation of their Monastery. As you might imagine, the Sisters celebrated with great jubilation! A Mass of Thanksgiving was offered at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel. Friends, family, and honored guests were treated to a lovely reception, heavy hors d’oeuvres (actually an abundance of delicious food throughout the Monastery), an open house, guided tours, and story-telling by the sisters. It was a day of thanksgiving.
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| Bishop Paul Sirba Fiat Voluntas Tua |
I expressed gratitude, on behalf of the Diocese, for the countless prayers and good works of the sisters over the years. May God bless you, Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, with great hope for your future!
Built Upon a Rock Fest was a new experience for us from the store room. God showered His blessings upon an evening of family fun, making new friends, enjoying the beauty of creation, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, and of course the gift of music! The organizers, Marie Mullin, David Walsh, Ben Foster, and Kevin Pilon, brought together the Aly Aleigha Band and The Thirsting for the first Catholic rock fest in Duluth. If the enthusiasm of the crowd is any indication of success, then we are on to a new opportunity for faith, fellowship, and rocking music in our Diocese.
A group of dedicated adorers cleaned and renovated the Holy Innocents adoration chapel at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Duluth. Please make a visit. Sign up for an hour of adoration.
I am excited about an upcoming opportunity for adults in our Diocese to grow in their faith. Using the “Symbolon” program, along with local facilitators, persons throughout our Diocese will have the opportunity to learn, grow, and pray with one another. As Catholic adults, we must never stop growing in relationship with our Lord, and this is a great way to foster that growth. I encourage all adults, and especially those responsible for teaching the faith, to make use of this opportunity.
Sessions begin in November and will be held in five location throughout the Diocese. Check out “Adult Faith Formation” on our diocesan website or call the Pastoral Center for more information, (218) 724-9111.
October is Respect Life Month. Take a few moments to reflect on how we can become better witnesses to life from conception to natural death. The Women’s Care Center is hosting its annual fundraiser Oct. 17. 40 Days for Life continues, in Duluth, with prayers to end abortion. And the Catholic Advocacy Network through the Minnesota Catholic Conference is looking for new advocates to join the network. Please check it out at www.mncatholic.org.
On Oct. 13th, Fatima devotions will highlight the 100th anniversary of the apparitions and round out the celebrations for the year. Please check with parishes in your area for opportunities to celebrate the anniversary. Our Diocesan Assembly on Oct. 14th will feature Joe Miller from the Magis Center. Our annual White Mass for health care professionals will be Sunday, Oct. 15. Our Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass and luncheon is at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary on Oct. 22. All are welcome to attend these events, both new and old.
We give thanks to God for Blessed Stanley Rother, who was beatified on Sept. 23. He is the newest Blessed in the United States and the first native born martyr. Blessed Stanley Rother, pray for us!
Bishop Paul Sirba is the ninth bishop of Duluth.
