News in brief

Polish settlers presentation 

There will be a presentation on the Polish setters in Duluth and Gnesen at St. Joseph Church, 6110 Church Road, Gnesen, Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Paula Colwell, from the Polish Genealogical Society of Minnesota, will speak about emigration from Poland to Minnesota. Barb (Tarnowski) Oase, of Gnesen, will talk about the settlement of Gnesen and St. Joseph’s Church. Mark Dobosenski, from the Twin Ports Genealogical Society, will speak about St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, Sts. Peter and Paul, and the local cemeteries. Interesting articles, maps, and photos will be on display. You must pre-register and pay $15 to hold a spot, as seating is limited and a count is needed for the light lunch that will be provided. Contact Barb Oase at (218) 340-2498 for more information and to register. 

Jubilarians 

Sisters Lois Ann Glaudel, Mary Susan Dewitt, Annella Wagner, and Kathleen Hofer, with Sister Beverly Raway (Submitted photo)

Four Benedictine sisters celebrated their jubilees as vowed religious women in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel on Saturday, Aug. 17. Sister Annella Wagner celebrated 75 years, Sister Kathleen Hofer celebrated 70 years and Sister Mary Susan Dewitt and Sister Lois Ann Glaudel celebrated 60 years. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Daniel Felton; concelebrants were Father William Fider, Father Dennis Hoffman (a cousin of Sister Annella), and Father Corbin Eddy (monastic chaplain). 

Celebrating St. Francis of Assisi 

St. Francis of Assisi is one of the church’s most popular saints, showing God’s love through his powerful preaching, simple lifestyle, and selfless service to others. St. Francis sought to live the Gospel as perfectly as possible and conform himself to the mirror of perfection, Jesus Christ. Others were inspired by his example and flocked to join his movement, the Franciscans. The “poor little man” of Assisi continues to be beloved by Catholics and people of many faith traditions. Millions of people around the world — women and men, friars, sisters, priests, and lay people — still live today a radical gospel lifestyle inspired by Francis’ example of contemplation and action. Franciscans are at the forefront of efforts to serve the poor and marginalized, promote reconciliation and peace, and lead efforts to care for our common home through kinship with all creation. 

Francis met Sister Death, as he called her, in the evening of Oct. 3, 1226, in Assisi. Transitus, which comes from the Latin for “passage” or “crossing,” is the annual celebration by Franciscans throughout the world of the passing of St. Francis from this life to life with God. It is celebrated the night of October 3, the eve of his feast day. 

The local Duluth-Superior community of Franciscans, the Father Solanus Casey Fraternity, invites all Catholics, especially those with a Franciscan heart, to a Transitus prayer service and social Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. to be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Duluth Heights, 151 W. Linden St., Duluth. All are invited to join the celebration of St. Francis’ life, death and legacy for us today. For more information, contact Franz Hoefferle at (218) 341-0049. 

Seminar 

Judy Zelden
Our Lady of the Lakes Magnificat invites all men and women to meet Judy Zelden at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 210 Division St., Walker, on Friday, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 5, at 9 a.m. for a Life in the Spirit seminar. The Life in the Spirit seminar will teach you about the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and how to live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Zelden was born and grew up in New Orleans. She is the wife of Michael Zelden, mother of three sons, and grandmother of nine. She was on the original Central Service Team (CST) that founded Magnificat in 1981. In 1983, she and her family moved to Baton Rouge, La., for Mike’s job. In 1987, she received a master’s degree in secondary counseling and served as a guidance counselor for ten years. In 1991, she was able to rejoin the CST, serving as co-coordinator until 2008. She is the author of two Bible studies on women which received the imprimatur of the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 2014 and 2021. She continues to teach and minister throughout the Magnificat ministry. 

The cost for the seminar is $30, which includes both Friday and Saturday. To make your reservation, call Lorri at (218) 507-0953 by Oct. 2. 

Blessing of new church site 

Submitted photosOn July 26, Our Lady of the Lakes held a blessing of its new church property by Bishop Daniel Felton and formal groundbreaking for the rectory.