Annie Betts grew up just blocks away from Bishop Michael Izen.
The same age, both the youngest in large Catholic families, they played together at a park near their homes in Fairmont. They attended the same Catholic grade school, public high school and adjoining colleges — St. John’s University in Collegeville and the College of St. Benedict in nearby St. Joseph.
“Our parents both shared the same wedding anniversary and were close friends,” Betts said. “Our lives intersected frequently in our neighborhood.”
Their lives still do. Bishop Izen, who assisted post-abortion outreach efforts in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis from 2010 to 2012, is a strong backer of Cradle of Hope in Roseville, which helps pregnant women in need. Betts, an attorney, is on the nonprofit organization’s board. The two were together again for Cradle of Hope’s Spring Life Gala April 15 at The St. Paul Hotel in St. Paul. Bishop Izen gave a special blessing at the gathering and shared dinner with Betts and her husband, Jeff, also a native of Fairmont.
“Bishop Izen is a champion for pro-life and the vulnerable,” said Betts, a member with her husband and their four children of Our Lady of Grace in Edina.
Betts, 56, is the youngest of eight siblings; Bishop Izen is the youngest of six. They celebrated first holy Communion and confirmation together; in high school they were in the marching band, Bishop Izen playing the drums and Betts playing the clarinet. They have been at each other’s milestone events, Betts said, including her wedding, his ordination as a priest, the funeral Masses of their parents, and Betts and her husband at Bishop Izen’s episcopal ordination.
Bishop Izen’s brother, Paul, married Betts’ college roommate, Theresa. Bishop Izen, Paul and Theresa had dinner at the Betts home the night before he learned of his appointment as auxiliary bishop, Betts said.
Growing up, Bishop Izen was an excellent student, smart, witty and “kind to everyone,” Betts said. “He has always had a gentle and peaceful spirit about him since I can remember — and thoughtful and reflective, too,” Betts said.
“Bishop Izen is a remarkable model of holiness with his love and devotion to Christ,” she said.
