Author: rkranz

Blessed Pier Giorgio: the man of the beatitudes

Blessed Pier Giorgio: the man of the beatitudes

Can we be saints?
Nov 02, 2021 by rkranz
By Renae Kranz Of the many holy people on the path to sainthood, few are as easy to relate to as Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Whether it was his good looks or his love of sports or his fun-loving spirit, both young and old can find connection points to him. But for Pier Giorgio, all his connection points were with Jesus, and he used them to serve the least of those in his midst—the poor, the sick, the forgotten. Pope Saint John Paul II called him “the man of the eight beatitudes” at his Beatification Mass for good reason. Pier Giorgio fused his faith and his daily life so seamlessly that it was easy for him to use his love of sports, art and politics to bring others to the…
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Christ the King: a social doctrine

Christ the King: a social doctrine

Headlines, November 2021
Nov 02, 2021 by rkranz
By Chris Motz The years 2020 and 2021 have been tumultuous. Some might even say I’m understating that a bit. Perhaps I am, but history can give helpful perspective. In particular, I propose that reflecting on the historical circumstances surrounding the establishment of a feast day we celebrate this month—the Solemnity of Christ the King—is of great value to Christians in 2021. About a hundred years ago, “the war to end all wars” (World War I) had just taken between 15 and 22 million lives. This was a catastrophic shock to the culture of Europe, the heart of the western Christian world at the time. At the same time, to the east in Orthodox Christian Russia, the October Revolution of 1917 led to the murder of the Romanov royal family…
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Christmas at the Cathedral returns for live performances

Christmas at the Cathedral returns for live performances

Headlines, November 2021
Nov 02, 2021 by rkranz
For 25 years, nationally acclaimed Christmas at the Cathedral has been sharing the joy of the Christmas season with the Diocese of Sioux Falls. This year’s live performance returns December 16-19 at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph. This year’s theme, “Be Born in Me,” is a first-hand account of God’s Incarnation into the human race. Through actress Apolonia Davalos, audiences will experience Mary’s perspective on the monumental moments of Jesus’ birth, and his miraculous life and mission on earth. From the annunciation to the resurrection, the meaning of Christmas will come alive through the inspiring musical compositions and arrangements of Music Director and Conductor Dan Goeller and our featured soloists, Nashville recording artists Shane O’Connell and Shelley Jennings, along with the Christmas at the Cathedral Orchestra and Choir. In addition…
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Lives of saints inspire youth to lives of holiness

Lives of saints inspire youth to lives of holiness

Next Generation Catholic, November 2021
Nov 02, 2021 by rkranz
By Matt Crosby [caption id="attachment_6168" align="alignright" width="300"] The frescos in Baptistery of Duomo or The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta by Giusto de Menabuoi (1375-1376).[/caption] In a world where young people may struggle to find meaning, it’s quick and easy for them to look up to someone who posts clever content on social media. However, taking the time to examine the lives of the saints offers deeper insight and connects us to lasting role models and a version of heroism that is not self-glorifying. And there is a saint for everyone. Saints aren’t boring Chris Uhler, campus minister and religion instructor at Roncalli Junior and Senior High Schools in Aberdeen, describes his campus ministry role as very focused on relationship building. He’s responsible for coordinating retreats for each class every…
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Vocations Q&A with Sister Carmella Luke

Vocations Q&A with Sister Carmella Luke

November 2021, Vocations
Nov 02, 2021 by rkranz
Sister Carmella Luke is a Benedictine Sister from Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton. She entered the monastery in August 1999. This month, we learn a bit more about this gifted and enthusiastic sister. [caption id="attachment_6165" align="alignright" width="169"] Sister Carmella Luke[/caption] Q. Tell us a bit about your family and where you grew up. A. I grew up on a farm near Marion, South Dakota. My dad, John, farmed and in my younger years drove the feed truck for the local elevator. He is now retired but still lives on the family farm. My mom was a farm wife, amazing seamstress, and babysat many kids. She passed away in 2014. I am the youngest of six children, two of which are deceased. I am the aunt to eight amazing nieces and…
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Follow the treasure map to grow in holiness

Follow the treasure map to grow in holiness

Guest column, November 2021
Nov 02, 2021 by rkranz
By Deacon Jonathan Echrich We human beings are creatures who love maps. I think Jesus liked maps, too, because he left us a map so we could find him. The map Jesus left us is like a treasure map. That map is called the Eight Beatitudes. (If you haven’t read the beatitudes lately, I encourage you to put this magazine down and read Matthew 5:1-12 before continuing.) We’ve used maps for thousands of years. The oldest known map, inscribed on a mammoth tusk, dates back to 25,000 B.C. If you’re over 40, you’ll remember those foldable paper road maps, impossible to refold, and then stuffed into the glove box between uses. It’s virtually impossible to take a canoe trip into the Boundary Waters without a proper map, or to fly…
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Do sinful leaders negate the truth of Church teaching?

Do sinful leaders negate the truth of Church teaching?

Does the Church have an answer?, November 2021
Nov 02, 2021 by rkranz
Question: How do I explain my acceptance of the Church’s teaching in light of the sinfulness of her leaders? Answer: Sadly, this question and ones like it are all too common today, given the abuse scandals that have come to light in recent decades. For many people, there is a real difficulty in belonging to the Catholic Church in light of the faults and imperfections—large or small—of her leaders. Whether this is a challenge for us personally or for someone we know, it’s important to respond to this difficulty, raised by both Catholics and others alike. Let’s begin by stating an obvious truth: the only sinless people who have ever existed are Jesus and his mother, Mary. This means everyone in the Church—the popes, the bishops, the priests, the religious…
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Blessed Pier Giorgio: the man of the beatitudes

Blessed Pier Giorgio: the man of the beatitudes

Missionary Discipleship, November 2021
Nov 02, 2021 by rkranz
By Renae Kranz Of the many holy people on the path to sainthood, few are as easy to relate to as Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Whether it was his good looks or his love of sports or his fun-loving spirit, both young and old can find connection points to him. But for Pier Giorgio, all his connection points were with Jesus, and he used them to serve the least of those in his midst—the poor, the sick, the forgotten. Pope Saint John Paul II called him “the man of the eight beatitudes” at his Beatification Mass for good reason. Pier Giorgio fused his faith and his daily life so seamlessly that it was easy for him to use his love of sports, art and politics to bring others to the…
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Memorial fund gives dignity to the most innocent

Memorial fund gives dignity to the most innocent

Headlines, October 2021
Oct 01, 2021 by rkranz
By Renae Kranz Babies are a precious gift from God to their families, but not all parents experience the joy of bringing their new little one home. Miscarriages, stillbirths and the loss of a newborn can leave parents and families stunned and unsure of the proper way to honor their child in death. In our diocese, there is help for parents looking for a way to honor and care for the child they’ve lost. One option is through the Angel Lee Cronin Memorial Fund. Deacon Bill Radio carries out the ministry of honoring these children through this fund, thanks to the original efforts of now-retired Deacon Harold Pardew and a mother who lost a child. She asked Deacon Pardew to help her set up a fund to help others who…
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