C HU R C H O F
Saint Mary
Fr. Marvin Enneking Shares His Vocation Story Hearing the Church Bells and Finding God in the Meadows
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hen he was a young boy, sitting near the meadow on the dairy farm watching the sunrise while bringing the cows home, Fr. Marvin Enneking remembers hearing the church bells ring. In those quiet moments, he felt God’s presence, assured that He was at work in the early morning hours. “I loved seeing nature at peace, the sun coming up, and hearing those church bells,” Fr. Marv says. “There was never a doubt in my mind about God or if there’s a God. That was never a question for me.” Fr. Marv was raised on his family’s 200-acre dairy farm in Spring Hill. Back then, in the 1950s, the church was the center of the community. Everyone attended Catholic Mass. Growing up alongside his five siblings, he attended Catholic school, and eventually an interest in the priesthood sparked in him. “Seventh grade, that was when I first thought about being a priest,” he says. Fr. Marv and his brother, Tom, had come across information about the Crosier order of priests in their diocesan newsletter for St. Cloud at the time. The two brothers talked about how “it would be cool to be a missionary,” as Fr. Marv recalls, and he planned to go to the high school seminary. While he was planning to go, however, he learned that the vocations director who had journeyed with him for some time in his discernment had left the priesthood. This caused young Marv to have doubts about his vocation, and MASS TIMES: he decided not to pursue seminarian studies. Saturday: 5:00 p.m. (English) Tom, who is now Fr. Tom Enneking, did attend the Sunday: 10:00 a.m. (English) & 12:30 p.m. (Spanish) junior college and is now the Master General for the Crosier DAILY MASS: order in Arizona. Fr. Marv pursued other studies in business Monday: 6:30 p.m. administration and went on to join the National Guard. Six Friday: 8:30 a.m. months into working in the administrative field, he learned his father was going to sell their family farm due to back Church of Saint Mary 755 Kraft Drive SE Melrose, MN 56352
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CHURCH OF
Saint Mary The Patron Saint of Priests: St. John Vianney
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he patron saint of priests, St. John Vianney, also known as the Holy Curé de Ars, was born in May 1786 in France to a family of farmers. He was ordained a priest in 1815 and became curate in Ecully. He was then sent to the remote French community of Ars in 1818 to be a parish priest. Upon his arrival, the priest immediately began praying and working for the conversion of his parishioners. Although he saw himself as unworthy of his mission as pastor, he allowed himself to be consumed by the love of God as he served the people. Fr. Vianney slowly helped to revive the community’s faith through both his prayers and the witness of his lifestyle. He gave powerful homilies on the mercy and love of God, and it is said that even staunch sinners were converted upon hearing him. In addition, he restored his church, formed an orphanage, “La Providence,” and cared for the poor. His reputation as a confessor grew rapidly, and pilgrims traveled from all over France to come to him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Firmly committed to the conversion of the people, he would spend up to 16 hours a day in the confessional. Many people look forward to retirement and taking it easy, doing the things they always wanted to do but never had the time. But John Vianney had no thoughts of retirement. As his fame spread, more hours were consumed in serving God’s people. Even the few hours he would allow himself for sleep were disturbed frequently by the devil. St. John Vianney remained firm in his faith and lived a life of devotion to God. Dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament, he spent much time in prayer and practiced much mortification. He lived on little food and sleep, while working without rest in unfailing humility, gentleness, patience, and cheerfulness, until he was well into his 70s. John Vianney died on August 4, 1859. Over 1,000 people attended his funeral, including the bishop and priests of the diocese, who already viewed his life as a model of priestly holiness. The Holy Curé of Ars was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1925. He is the patron of priests. Over 450,000 pilgrims travel to Ars every year in
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remembrance of his holy life. In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI, commemorating the 150th anniversary of St. John Vianney’s death, declared the Year for Priests. The Pope wrote a Letter to Clergy, encouraging all priests to look to the Curé of Ars as an example of dedication to one’s priestly calling. On Aug. 4, the Church celebrates the feast day of St. John Vianney.
A Letter From Our Pastor
Answering the Call to Vocations Dear Parishioners,
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esus, our Good Shepherd was crucified, but God raised Him from the dead. Our Good Shepherd knows each one of us personally and He calls us by our name. His gentle voice calls to us in the deepest part of our hearts and souls. He invites us to come to Him and to be close to Him. Christ calls us to share in His humble service of His people. Each one of us is called for some special service for our Lord. Each one of us has a unique calling, a unique vocation from Jesus. There are many ways in which we can serve the Lord and His people. Listen to God’s voice in your hearts and minds. What is Christ calling you to be and to do for Him? The Church and the world need the special witness of deacons and that of men and women consecrated to the religious life. The Church and the world need people to commit themselves to each other in holy matrimony. Married or single, we are all called to be a living sign of God’s loving presence in our world. This is our first and our most important vocation. The Church and the world also especially need more men for the unique call to be a priest. Our Risen Lord is always with us as our Good Shepherd, teaching us, feeding us, and uniting us with God and with each other. It is above all through the work of His priests that Jesus enables the continuing work of His visible Presence among us. The priest is the living sign and instrument of Jesus the Good Shepherd. Through the priest, and especially through His preaching of the Word and the celebration of the Sacraments, Jesus Himself touches our lives in our times of trouble or sorrow, our times of joy and celebration. In all of this, the priest must, of course, work closely with the whole Catholic community. But however much we involve everyone at the heart of the Church’s life and mission, the ministry of the priest is irreplaceable. No Christian community can really be the Church without a priest. If there is no priest, then something vital is missing, for the Mass, which is the summit and source of all we do and are as the Church, can no longer be at the center of our lives. Our diocese is blessed with a great body of dedicated priests. We need to ensure that when they retire their ministry
and service are taken on by other men dedicated to the same service. We need more men to hear God’s call and to respond with generosity and sacrificial love. Perhaps someone reading this today should be asking themselves the question: “Is Jesus calling me to be His priest? Am I willing to allow the Risen Lord to take my life and work through me to bring His love to His people?” I can assure you that there is no more fulfilling way to spend your life for to be a priest is to know the joy of sharing the Lord’s work as our Good Shepherd. None of us is worthy to be a priest. But God calls us all the same. All bishops and priests fail from time to time. We too need God’s forgiveness but, in our weakness, the Lord is our strength. If you think that God may be calling you to be a priest, have a word with your parish priest, contact our Diocesan Vocations Director, or write directly to me and I will pass your details on to him. This is a first step, with no commitment on your part or pressure from anyone else. In making sure that we continue to have priests for our Diocese in the future years, each of us has our part to play. First, we are asked to see such vocations as a blessing from God. So, if your son or brother or friend says that he is thinking of becoming a priest please encourage them! Second, please pray each day for more vocations to the priesthood in the Diocese, especially in times of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Offer the Holy Mass for this intention. Pray with the Mother of God as you offer a decade of the rosary each day for this intention. All of us are called to be a living sign of God’s loving Presence in the world. This is our vocation first and foremost. May all of us answer the call of the Good Shepherd with a generous and joyful “Yes!” In Christ,
Fr. Marvin Enneking Pastor
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CHURCH OF
Saint Mary MEET DEACON JORGE CARRILLO Following God’s Call to Serve the Church
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eacon Jorge Carrillo has been a parishioner here at St. Mary’s for 16 years. This year on June 11, he had the joyful honor of being ordained to the diaconate. “The ordination process was a very beautiful experience,” Deacon Jorge says. “I let myself be carried away by the Holy Spirit, and He helped me. It is something the five of us in formation together shared.” Deacon Jorge first started to feel the call to the diaconate when he began making a holy hour of adoration. The priest told him that he should simply spend the time in adoration listening to God. “That was when I learned that I could become a deacon,” Deacon Jorge says. “I realized that if I were a deacon, I could do many things for Christ and the Church. That was where God answered me and called me to the diaconate.” The diaconate formation was not always easy. Sometimes it took away from his family time and work. And, on Sundays when classes took place, they also had the responsibility of serving at Mass. Deacon Jorge and his wife, Lorena, have five children. So, the time commitment was a big deal for his family. However, the sacrifices to follow God’s call are always worth it. “I am excited to be able to share the love of God with others and that, with God, there is hope to help get you through difficulties in life,”
Deacon Jorge Carrillo has been a parishioner here at St. Mary for 16 years, and on June 11, he had the joyful honor of being ordained to the diaconate. Deacon Jorge says. “It is also exciting to be able to share my faith, and I am excited to participate more fully in the Liturgy of the Mass.” Deacon Jorge really enjoyed many of the classes that he took during the diaconate formation. Some of his favorites were Christian Morality, Christology, and the Sacraments. He was also surprised to learn about spiritual healing. “I thought that diaconate formation was going to be mostly focused on a tradition curriculum,” Deacon Jorge says. “But, I also got the chance to learn about spiritual healing.”
He is especially looking forward to one of his new roles, which will provide him with the opportunity to help parishioners prepare for the sacraments. Deacon Jorge knows that the promises he made when the bishop ordained him will always be a reminder of his new role in the Church. “I remember the promises I made when the bishop ordained me, and I know I have a strong prayer life with God,” Deacon Jorge says. “I always ask for His help, He does not leave me alone. Mary is also always present with her intercession.”
“I am excited to be able to share the love of God with others and that, with God, there is hope to help get you through difficulties in life. It is also exciting to be able to share my faith, and I am excited to participate more fully in the Liturgy of the Mass.” — Deacon Jorge Carrillo 4
Deacon Jesús Hernandez and Family Celebrate Diaconate Ordination
Ready to Serve Our St. Mary’s Faith Community
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esús Hernandez enjoyed one of the most exciting days of his life when he was ordained a deacon on Saturday, June 11. Five years of study, monthly inperson meetings at Saint John’s University and daily homework have finally culminated in ordination to the diaconate. Deacon Jesús was ordained with one other member of the St. Mary’s Hispanic community, Jorge Carrillo. Three other men from the diocese were also ordained — Mario Gonzalo Mancilla of St. Leonard in Pelican Rapids; Carlos Pesqueda Silva of St. Mary of Mount Carmel in Long Prairie; and Lorenzo Sanchez Rodriguez of Assumption in Morris. Deacon Jesús started studying for the diaconate to learn more about himself and Christ. “I wanted to learn what it means to be faithful to my religion,” he says. Deacon Jesús has lived in Melrose for about 21 years. He and his wife, Angelica, have five children aged 18 to almost 2. Raised Catholic in Michoacán, Mexico, Deacon Jesús is a manager at a dairy farm. “I want to help other people and use this calling as a way to better understand my faith,” he says. “I also want to help family relationships get better.” June 11 was a very special day not just for Deacon Jesús, but also for his entire family. His father, Manuel, was also there to celebrate. Manuel is very excited for Deacon Jesús and his new role. “I am very happy it’s done,” Deacon Jesús says. “I am happy I got to this point.” continued on page 6
“I am excited to serve in any way I can. I can’t wait to help other people and help the community. I want to use the strength I got from others to help me. I will pay that back to people now.” — Deacon Jesús Hernandez
Deacon Jesús Hernandez’s ordination
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CHURCH OF
Saint Mary
Deacon Jesús Hernandez
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In late June, Deacon Jesús attended a deacon retreat in North Dakota. He came back and did his first sermon on July 3. He will start a two-week rotation with homilies. Deacon Jesús most looks forward to celebrating the sacraments and helping with Faith Formation. “I am excited to serve in any way I can,” he says. “I can’t wait to help other people and help the community. I want to use the strength I got from others to help me. I will pay that back to people now.” Angelica is proud of her husband. She is happy that the schooling portion of his formation is completed, too, as she will likely have more time with her husband. “I am happy he made the decision to follow God in a closer way,” she says. Deacon Jesús is so thankful to have this opportunity to serve. He very much looks forward to serving the St. Mary’s faith community.
Deacon Jesús Hernandez with his family and the bishop on the day of his ordination to the diaconate
Fr. Marvin Enneking Shares His Vocation Story issues. Fr. Marv then decided to take it over. “I did that for about eight years,” he says. But the priesthood was still in the back of Fr. Marv’s mind. “Going to visit Tom and meeting other priests and brothers, that got me really thinking about priesthood again,” he says. Fr. Marv visited with a priest friend of his, telling him he felt he wanted to do something in the church, possibly become a deacon. The priest asked him if he’d considered the priesthood, but Fr. Marv thought he might’ve been too old to enter seminary, and he had a girlfriend at the time. Nonetheless, he felt he needed to consider the vocation. “I went to the seminary that fall, at St. Thomas,” he says. “We went for orientation and all the things they do for freshmen. By the time I got to Halloween, in October I didn’t think it was a good fit. I was in this urban setting — I missed the cows and the farming and the rural living.” He packed his bags up to leave, but the rector caught him on his way out and suggested he stay until at least Christmas.
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“By the time I got to Christmas, there was no way I’d ever leave,” Fr. Marv says. “My four years at St. Thomas were great years, then I went to St. John’s University for my Master of Divinity degree, that was another four years. I just loved seminary. I loved the studies and the professors, the more I could learn about the Catholic faith as well as other faiths and church history, along with some philosophy and theology. I always loved my seminary studies.” But one of the most challenging questions for me was in terms of my worthiness. In sharing this with my spiritual director I remember him saying, “If any of us who are ordained felt we needed to be worthy to be priests, there would be no priests because none of us are worthy. Jesus isn’t asking you to be perfect, Jesus is asking you to be faithful and follow Him.” Fr. Marv was ordained to the priesthood in June 1991, after a lifelong discernment. He has had assignments throughout the St. Cloud Diocese and has been with us here at St. Mary’s since 2011. Although he is two years from his priestly retirement, Fr. Marv intends to continue ministry in some capacity. “I love the priesthood,” he says. “I love the people and the Church.”
