Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota

09/10/2026

September 9 • the Memorial of Saint Peter Claver

Today we honor Saint Peter Claver, the Jesuit missionary who spent more than forty years serving people arriving in Cartagena after being taken from their homelands and forced into slavery. He met each ship with food, water, medicine, and gentle care. He learned African languages to communicate with love. He offered comfort to the sick, advocated for humane treatment, and shared the Gospel with those who wished to hear it.

Peter called himself a “servant to those who were suffering,” and he lived that identity with heroic tenderness. His ministry brought dignity, hope, and the sacraments to tens of thousands of people who had endured unimaginable trauma.

Reflection: When you encounter someone who needs help, do not wonder why someone else has not stepped in. Consider instead that God may be placing a treasure in front of you: an opportunity to love as Christ loves.

09/07/2026

Today we pause to honor the dignity of work and the people whose labor strengthens our families, parishes, and communities.

Work is more than a task. It is a way we participate in God’s creation and care for one another.

The Catholic Foundation is grateful for all who serve with skill, generosity, and quiet dedication. May this day bring rest, gratitude, and renewed purpose.

09/05/2026

Saturday September 5 is International Day of Charity. A good reminder of what charity truly is. It is easy to think of charity as donating to a food shelf, but charity is much more than that.

The US Bishop's Council explained our Catholic Stewardship in their Pastoral Letter in 1993 that still rings true today: "A Christian steward is one who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord.”

Stewardship is part of our Catholic way of life. Everything we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us so we can use it faithfully, generously, and with purpose.
When we embrace stewardship, our parishes grow stronger, ministries flourish, and future generations inherit a vibrant Church.

Read our full article about stewardship as a way of Catholic life: https://catholicfsmn.org/news/stewardship-way-of-life

09/01/2026

September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, inviting us to reflect on the seven sorrows Mary carried and the deep compassion she offers the Church today. As we honor her this month, may her steadfast faith inspire us to trust God in our own trials and to accompany others with tenderness and hope.

“And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” — Luke 2:35

Mary’s sorrows remind us that suffering is never wasted when offered to Christ. Let us ask Our Lady to pray for our parishes, our families, and all who carry heavy burdens.

08/31/2026

August update from Agincourt Capital Management talks about the Silent Treatment of the new Federal Reserve.

08/29/2026

Don't miss your chance to register for our diocese's annual Catechist Conference on September 12. Tim and Heidi Indahl who will be presenting on the topic of The Discipleship Driven Difference.

The day will include three workshop sessions with various breakouts for those serving, children, youth, and/or families. There will also be a couple workshops devoted to classroom and small group leadership skills. The conference will end with an official commissioning of catechists.

Clergy & parish staff attend at no cost
Other formators are $80 for the day which includes food and materials.

Registration is requested by Sept 3 in order to plan for food but will be permitted up to the day of.

Get more details and register here: https://dowr.org/catcon

Diocese of Winona-Rochester

08/27/2026

The Immaculate Heart of Mary seminarians are answering Christ’s call and preparing for a lifetime of serving His Church.

This fall, they have the opportunity to participate in a historic pilgrimage surrounding the Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.

Along the way, they will experience prayer, fellowship, Holy Hours, and talks from Catholic leaders including Bishop Andrew Cozzens, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, and others.

This pilgrimage is more than a journey: it is an opportunity for prayer, formation, and growth in their vocation.

For the next two months, we invite you to walk with our seminarians by helping offset the cost of this pilgrimage.

Donations can be made by visiting catholicfsmn.org/donate/ihms-retreat or sent to us with IHM Retreat in the memo:

Catholic Foundation
PO Box 30098
Attn. IHMS Retreat
Winona, MN 55987

Pray with us for them. Support their vocation. Help form the priests of tomorrow.

08/26/2026

ICYMI: Don't miss our August newsletter

I hope you make the time in these late‑summer days to pause and enjoy the quiet moments God gives us. I’m sure trying my best as our three children prepare for back to school, but I know some of you are already back in session! Hang in there, moms & dads, with all of the forms, check-ups, and apps! As we move into fall, I’m grateful for the many ways each local parish continues to serve with faith and resilience.

Read more here...

I hope you make the time in these late‑summer days to pause and enjoy the quiet moments God gives us. I’m sure trying my best as our three children prepare for back to school, but I know some of you are already back in session! Hang in there, moms & dads, with all of the forms, check-ups, and ap...

08/24/2026

$1.29 Million granted to 86 organizations this past year. Wow.

Learn more about this and all of the other wonderful things the Foundation has been doing in our 2026 Annual Report.

https://catholicfsmn.org/about/2026-annual-report

08/22/2026

Today we celebrate the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, honoring Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Through her humility, faith, and complete trust in God’s will, Mary shows us the beauty of discipleship and the power of saying “yes” to the Lord.

As our loving Mother and Queen, Mary continues to lead us closer to Christ through her prayers and example. May we turn to her today with hearts full of trust, asking for her guidance, peace, and intercession in our lives.

Holy Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us.