Local News

As transitional Deacon Nicholas Vance helped his father, Christopher Vance, 58, put on the deacon’s stole and dalmatic vestment during his father’s ordination to the permanent diaconate on Dec. 9 at the Cathedral of St. Paul, the junior Vance thought about how his father helped him get dressed when he was growing up.

Nearly 150 people gathered at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul Dec. 2 after the 5:15 p.m. vigil Mass. Some held babies, some held canes. Many raised their hands in worship as contemporary Christian music echoed through the cavernous Cathedral. Some clapped spontaneously. Others repeated the name of God out loud.

Ecuadorian immigrants are coming to the United States in record numbers, according to recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Many are finding their way to Minnesota as they seek shelter from increasing violence in their homeland and a government that seemingly has little power to stop it.

Catholic Charities Twin Cities’ 31st annual Giving Tree in Macy’s Court at Mall of America in Bloomington will have a special addition this year: therapy animals people can meet as they learn about the social services agency’s work and shop for someone in need this Christmas.

Over the last several years, one of the largest efforts in the history of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has been underway to listen and give voice to the faithful, said Jean Houghton, director of the Office of Mission Advancement.

Pouring his talents into faith-based projects has been a driving force for Jeromy Darling since his conversion to Catholicism five years ago. “I made a decision that my charisms were not to be used for anything other than the kingdom, and I could no longer be a cog in the machine for some capitalist company looking to make someone else rich,” said Darling, 42, a father of four and member of Holy Cross in Minneapolis.

Sharing memories with the congregation moments before his late uncle’s funeral Mass began, Jacob Spehar said Father Jeffrey Huard’s death seemed to come early at age 68, but “I also know he left nothing behind.”

During a Nov. 29 meeting at the Archdiocesan Catholic Center in St. Paul, Archbishop Bernard Hebda said trust in the Holy Spirit’s help will aid members of the new Blue Ribbon Commission on Parents as Primary Educators.