St. Joseph Catholic Church at 103 N. Mill St., Rushford, MN 55971 US - EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
Welcome to our news and information page. We post new articles and content weekly. You may want to bookmark or add this page to your favorites. If there are news items or bits of information that you think should appear on this web site for any of the parishes, please contact David (864-2257 or paradm@acegroup.cc)
MPK Celtic Christian Band is coming to
Rushford Grace Place on May 12th from
7-9pm at the Rushford-Peterson High
School. Mother’s Day Corsages will also be
available for sale at this time.
On Mother’s Day weekend May 12th & 13th you
can affirm that all human life has dignity
especially the poor, the marginalized, the
alienated, and the stranger. Support the Catholic
Charities Annual Appeal and help those in need,
regardless of their ability to pay. Last year
Catholic Charities served 4,400 people residing
in over 2,300 households. Every County of the
diocese was home to people helped by Catholic
Charities. The need is great. Please be
generous.
The Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian
of Rushford will be hosting a May-Day Party for
those who are 75 and over at the Community
Room of Good Shepherd Apartments on
Tuesday, May 1, at 1:30 pm. Refreshments will
be served and memories will be shared. Come
for an afternoon of fun. (This is a free event.)
“The 32nd Annual Geranium Sale, sponsored
by Mayo Clinic Health system - Franciscan
Healthcare Auxiliary, will be held May 2, 3, and
4, 2012 from 9AM - 6PM in the Franciscan
Healthcare garage at 11th & Ferry Streets. Plants
are also available at the Onalaska Clinic. All
proceeds benefit nursing scholarships.”
ATTENTION PARENTS OF STUDENTS INTERESTED
IN GOING TO “NCYC 2013”
Any students of high school age in 2013 are
eligible to attend NCYC so that means any student
going into 8th grade next fall will be old enough to
attend. We are going to be having a meeting on
Wednesday, April 11 at 7:30pm at Montini Hall in
Rushford. We will be discussing the trip and the
fund raising that is going to be necessary to attend
this trip. For the trip in 2011 the students raised all
the money necessary to attend except for the
initial $50 deposit and we would like to do that
again if possible so we need to start soon. If you
have any questions about the trip or this
meeting, please contact Karen Eich at 507-864-
7820 or email: kveich@acegroup.cc.
“The La Crosse Friends of Cameroon”
was
was
formed to raise support for the Cameroon
Healthcare Technology Project. With their
support, two sisters from Cameroon (Sister
Kathleen and Sister Virgilia) are receiving
training in computer applications and network
specialist operations at Western Technical
College. Upon their return to their native country
will establish technology linkages among 16
clinic sites. The project will also establish an
internet computer lab for the nursing program at
St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Cameroon. They will
use the equipment for computerized hospital
information systems, resulting in improved
efficiency and accuracy in patient tracking and
the management of patient information. Please
consider a tax deductible donation to this
important project. Checks could be made out to
“La Crosse Friends of Cameroon”, c/o Jeanne
Colsch, Box 181, Hokah, MN or made out to St.
Peter’s Parish, marked Cameroon in notation.
QUO VADIS DAY
Quo Vadis Days has allowed young men to spend time hearing the vocation stories of priests of the diocese, praying, and enjoying fun with their peers. This time has also allowed these young men to focus on the call of Jesus Christ to their vocation, while learning more about the priesthood and the life of a diocesan priest. The dates for Quo Vadis Days are set. This year’s session for young men entering 9-12th grades in the Fall of 2012 will be held June 12-15. We will focus on the vocation of priesthood and prayer, while including the usual recreational activities that have been a part of Quo Vadis Days from the beginning. All forms needed for registration are on the diocesan website:
Quo Vadis Days has allowed young men to spend time hearing the vocation stories of priests of the diocese, praying, and enjoying fun with their peers. This time has also allowed these young men to focus on the call of Jesus Christ to their vocation, while learning more about the priesthood and the life of a diocesan priest. The dates for Quo Vadis Days are set. This year’s session for young men entering 9-12th grades in the Fall of 2012 will be held June 12-15. We will focus on the vocation of priesthood and prayer, while including the usual recreational activities that have been a part of Quo Vadis Days from the beginning. All forms needed for registration are on the diocesan website:
http://www.dow.org/Departments/Vocations.aspx.
The deadline for registration is June 9.
VIRTUS
Virtus is a new program coming from the Diocese of Winona to replace Safe and Sacred. The purpose of Safe and Sacred was to educate volunteers about child abuse. Virtus replaces the old program with the hope that it will be even better at enlightening parishioners about child abuse and sexual abuse and what to do if either are suspected. Training will be offered on September 7th and September 11th at St. Mary's in Houston. Both sessions will begin at 6 PM and last no more than 3 hours. Anyone who is an employee of a parish or a volunteer who works with children under 18 years of age is expected to take this training. If there are any questions, please contact David or Father.
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
God gave us the greatest gift of love when He
sent His son to redeem us. He asks us to love
one another as He loves us. Take the time to
grow deeper in love with God, your spouse and
your family at a Worldwide Marriage Encounter
Weekend.
For information and/or registration,
contact: Jeff and Rondi Kodet at 507-644-3523
or jrek@redred.com or visit our website at
www.wwmeSection8.org.
ADOPTION
Adoption is a wonderful way to build a family.
If you are interested in learning more about
adoption call Catholic Charities at 1-800-222-
5859. As one adoptive parent said, “Adoption
has been a blessed event in our lives. We can’t
imagine loving anyone as much as our child. He
has been the joy of our lives and has allowed us
the opportunity of having a family. We are
extremely grateful to his birthmother for
bringing him into our world.” If you are
interested in adoption, call Catholic Charities at
1-800-222-5859.
Rochester - 287-2047
PROJECT RACHAEL
“Rachael mourns her children; she refuses to
be consoled because her children are no
more…” (Jeremiah 31:15)
If you or a loved one has had an abortion, you
may be feeling overwhelmed and burdened.
Whatever the pain, you are not alone and there is
hope. PROJECT RACHAEL can help. You will
be provided with sensitive, confidential
counseling to share your grief and receive
support and healing. Call Catholic Charities at
(507) 454-2270.
ADOPTION
Adoption is a great way to start or expand your family.Catholic Charities will be offering an opportunity for people to gain information about adoption through informational meetings. Additional information can be found at www.ccwinona.org A meeting will be held at the Winona Catholic Charities office 111 Market Street on Tuesday, June 28th at 5 p.m. Anyone interested in attending or who has questions should call 507-454-2270 ext 228. Meetings will be held at the Rochester Catholic Charities office 903 West Center Street on Wed. June 29th at 3:30 p.m. and Thursday June 30th at 5:30 p.m. anyone interested in attending or who has questions should call 507-287-2047 ext 32. Catholic Charities serves people of all denominations and faiths.
Upcoming meetings:
Generations of Faith planning committee will meet at St. Mary's in Houston on September 15th at 6:30. Tri-Parish Pastoral Council will meet on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 at St. Mary's.
Senior LinkAge Line can make your life
easier! Did you know Medicare has
extra help for drug premiums,
deductibles, & co-pays? Income Limit:
$1,361 mo. ($1,838 couple) Asset limit:
$12,640 ($25,260 couple) assets do not
include the home you live in or one car.
Call for information on other Medicare
Savings programs 1-800-333-243.
Healing Through Grief Groups:
A free and confidential Healing Through Grief Group Series is offered Mondays from 5:30PM to 6:30PM in the Rose Conference Room located on the second floor of the St. Francis Building (hospital). You are invited to attend any part of the series at any time. Each session includes an educational topic and a time to share with others also experiencing grief. Please call 608-785-0940, ext 22218 for additional information. One-on-one free and confidential support is also available from a Franciscan Skemp chaplain with specialized training in grief.
Winona Area Hospice Services
Winona Area Hospice Services provide care
and comfort for dying persons and support for
their families. The Hospice concept of care
focuses on quality of life, assisting with the
dying process by providing physical, emotional
and spiritual support and reducing suffering of
any kind. With the support of Hospice staff,
volunteers provide a variety of services to
patients and their families. They assist with
household tasks, give respite care for family
caregivers, or do errands. Most importantly,
volunteers establish a caring friendship with
patients and their family members. They gain
a stronger sense of meaning and purpose in
their own lives through service to Hospice
patience.
Our fall sessions will begin on Monday, October
4th and run each Monday through October
25th at Watkins Manor, 175 East 7th Street,
Winona, MN. The sessions will include a variety
of topics related to death and dying. Preregistration
required by Monday September 27.
There is no cost to participants. CEU’s will be
offered for those requesting.
RCIA
Are you or someone you know interested in joining the
Catholic Church? Or are you interested in being
baptized? Have you been baptized Catholic but never
received the Sacrament of Confirmation? Questions
about the Catholic Church, Church teachings and the
Catholic faith are discussed during the Inquiry phase of
the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). All are
welcome to attend these informative sessions. If you are
considering joining the Catholic Church or completing
your initiation process in the Catholic Church and would
like more information about the RCIA, please call or e
mail David or Barb Mensink (864-2183) or Lucille
Lempke (724-3919). Sessions will start early in October.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Are you or someone you know interested in joining the
Catholic Church? Or are you interested in being
baptized? Have you been baptized Catholic but never
received the Sacrament of Confirmation? Questions
about the Catholic Church, Church teachings and the
Catholic faith are discussed during the Inquiry phase of
the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). All are
welcome to attend these informative sessions. If you are
considering joining the Catholic Church or completing
your initiation process in the Catholic Church and would
like more information about the RCIA, please call or e
mail David or Barb Mensink (864-2183) or Lucille
Lempke (724-3919). Sessions will start early in October.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Catholic Charities provides a full range of
counseling services to help individuals,
couples and families deal with a variety of
concerns. We accept most insurances or
offer a sliding fee. Call Catholic Charities
at 454-2270.
**************counseling services to help individuals,
couples and families deal with a variety of
concerns. We accept most insurances or
offer a sliding fee. Call Catholic Charities
at 454-2270.
Diocese of Winona
Our Commitment to Maintaining a Safe Environment
Why does the Diocese of Winona have a Safe Environment Office?
The Safe Environment Office for the Diocese of Winona, established in 2002 promotes safe, healthy communities of faith, intervenes when there is misconduct and responds fairly and compassionately when people are hurting.
How do you ensure the mission is fulfilled?
Following the standards of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People under Articles 6, 12 and 13 from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) 2002, we have established goals to achieve clear and well-publicized standards of behaviors and boundaries (Article 6), maintain safe environment programs for all children and adults (Article 12), and evaluate the background of all lay employees, clergy and volunteers who have contact with children (Article 13). www.usccb.org
Have policies been effectively implemented and monitored?
Established behavioral and boundaries standards, learning opportunities and safety tips have been implemented in parishes and schools across the diocese since 1987. Following the written Charter in 2002, standards were reviewed, updated and continue to be evaluated annually.
What support systems are available to aid in keeping our children safe?
Our Victims Assistance Coordinator (VAC) works with those who have experienced abuse in their lives or have been impacted by abuse because of something that has happened to a family member or friend. This person serves as the main contact for complaints and offers advocacy and resources to those who are hurting. The coordinator can be reached at 507-454-4643 Ext. 223. The Diocese of Winona is committed to continuous improvement of programs and accountability standards in parishes and schools. Using feedback from participants, courses are updated and new material is written to offer learning about a variety of topics.
We affirm parish and school program leaders who have implemented additional measures to emphasize the importance of safety and the sacredness of all life. Annually, a variety of lyceums and community awareness opportunities are encouraged and advertised through parishes and schools.
Healing Masses have been offered for the abused during the year throughout the diocese. Prayers and processes are also posted on the website as a part of our ongoing outreach to those who struggle.
Has the Diocese of Winona had allegations of the abuse of a child since the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was implemented?
No. There have been no allegations of abuse of a minor in the Diocese of Winona since 1986.
How are the standards and expectations of the Charter publicized?
The Safe Environment Office oversees all programs through our Virtus program.
The diocesan newspaper, The Courier, and the website – www.dow.org also carry information, feature articles or ads on safe environment topics.
Does the Diocese of Winona require background checks for individuals who work with children?
Yes. All part-time and full-time employees complete a criminal background check for employment through the affiliated parish or school. Additionally, volunteers are to complete a background check if they work with children or teens at the parish or in a school setting. These background checks are completed at a cost to the parish and results are kept on file locally.
How many background checks have been done?
4,131 background checks have been completed. It is recommended that clergy, employees and volunteers are re-screened every five to seven years.
How does the Diocese of Winona Safe Environment Office remain accountable?
The diocese participates in the annual Safe Environment audit which is required by the USCCB. Since the inception of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Diocese of Winona has been in full compliance of all standards.
Safe environment contacts, made up of individual representatives from parishes and schools, provide local oversight for safe environment participation and compliance. These representatives maintain records and complete periodic reports which are submitted to the diocese.
Additionally, the Diocesan Review Board, made up of professionals in the fields of law enforcement, counseling, family therapy, legal counsel and the Church, meets quarterly and advises the bishop regarding policies, allegations and processes.