by Kristina Bloomsburg | Assistant Editor of New Earth
Will you give your desire for children to me? That was the question I heard Jesus asking me one morning at Sts. Anne and Joachim Church in Fargo. I was contemplating the posture of a statue of Jesus to the right of the sanctuary. Both hands are held out, waiting for me to place my hands in his.
The University of Mary in Bismarck, is redefining what Catholic higher education can look like in the 21st century. Following the resounding success of its Nursing Academy, the university is expanding its pioneering, tuition-free academy model with two new programs: the Accounting Academy and the Elementary Education Academy. All three academies are grounded in Catholic values, academic rigor, and career preparation—and they’re transforming lives. For students seeking a university where faith formation is integrated into rigorous academics and career preparation, these academies provide a unique and life-shaping opportunity.
Introduction to Christianity by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI, is remarkably accessible for such a profound theological work. Published in 1968, it offers a systematic exploration of Christian faith through the Apostles’ Creed, making it both a theological treatise and a guide for Christians navigating a secular world. Among its key themes, Ratzinger emphasizes the unity of Jesus’ self and mission, presenting Christianity as a call to unite one’s God-given mission with one’s identity.
by Adaire Reinpold | Homeschooling mother of four; parishioner of St. Rose, Hillsboro
Adaire Reinpold, a homeschooling mother of four; liturgy, sacred music, and chicken enthusiast, and parishioner of St. Rose, Hillsboro shares her story of faith.
by Lynette Noyszewska | Parish Life & Evangelization Coordinator at Cathedral of St. Mary
“I sense that the moment has come to commit all of the Church’s energies to a new evangelization and to the mission ad gentes. No believer in Christ, no institution of the Church can avoid this supreme duty: to proclaim Christ to all peoples” (Redemptoris Missio, 3).
by Mary Hanbury | Director of Catechesis for the Diocese of Fargo
Just across the street from the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome is an unusual sacred site for pilgrims that they access on their knees. Scala Santa, or Holy Stairs, is a set of 28 marble steps encased in wood for preservation. These are the stairs that led up to the Praetorium in which it is believed Jesus climbed before standing before Pontius Pilate.
Sister Joseph Marie of the Child Jesus, Incarnate Wisdom, O.Carm., Carmelite Nun from the Carmel of Mary Monastery, rural Wahpeton entered eternity Sept. 3 after a several month bout with cancer.
Knights of Columbus Council 4951’s first Rosary Ride was conducted on Aug. 16, 2016. Unbeknownst to the organizer Paul Murphy, a “rosary ride” has been done before. He came up with the idea when participating in other fundraiser/fun runs on his motorcycle. Little did he know that there had been a few other “rosary rides” in other states but none locally.
by David Tamisiea, JD, PhD | Executive director of the ND Catholic Conference
On the morning of Aug. 27, I attended Mass with my two youngest children at the Catholic Church where they attend school. You could sense among the parents, children, and teachers the excitement, nervousness, and anticipation associated with the first days of school. After Mass, I gave my kids a hug before they gathered their bookbags and headed to school. I left feeling happy and gratified for my children and their wonderful Catholic school.
On Sept. 7, Pope Leo XIV canonized two young men as saints of the Church. With this action, he recognized the holiness of St. Pier Giorgio Frasatti and St. Carlo Acutis, inscribing them in the long list of holy heroes of the faith who have gone before us.
by Father Steven Wirth, Pastor of St. Augustine, Fessenden; St. Boniface, Esmond; and St. William, Madd
This is a great question, one that strikes at the core of what it is to be Catholic. The Second Vatican Council called the Mass “the source and summit of the Christian life” (Lumen Gentium 11). Thus, for a non-Catholic to understand us, he or she will have to understand the Mass.
The Basilica of San Clemente is a minor basilica in Rome. It is dedicated to Pope Clement I who was the third pope and was believed to have been ordained by St. Peter himself. The unique aspect of this church is that it has three layers of structures that can be visited today.
The Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus in Manitoba and North Dakota held their 61st Mass for Peace at the International Peace Garden, located on the U.S./Canadian border between Manitoba and North Dakota, with the express purpose of celebrating and maintaining the peace between Canada and the U.S., and praying for world peace.
This summer, the Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen in Hankinson (Hankinson Franciscans) joyfully celebrated 20 years of “Mother Daughter Days,” welcoming about sixty mothers, grandmothers, and daughters total to St. Francis Convent during two sessions in June and July. This year’s theme was “Come, Follow Me.”