Dear friends,
In the upcoming election on Nov. 5, there is another North Dakota ballot measure that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana in our state. Bishop Kagan and I have issued a statement encouraging the faithful of our dioceses to vote against this measure, and I invite you to review our statement and our reasons for this position. The use of marijuana is not harmless, as some have claimed.
In places where its recreational use has been legalized, like Colorado, the social and spiritual consequences have been severe. Increased drug use and levels of addiction, higher crime rates, family breakdown, mental illness – all of these have been documented where marijuana use is legalized. “Getting high” inherently diminishes our ability to think and choose rationally, and therefore diminishes our human dignity.
The use of such drugs, except for therapeutic purposes, is a grave offense against the moral law, and legalization even of marijuana will cause far greater harm to the people of our state than any imagined economic gain. Let us pray and work for the good health and well-being of everyone in North Dakota, and let us join together in voting against this measure.
God bless you,
- Bishop John T. Folda, Bishop of Fargo
National Vocations Awareness Week Is Coming!
“Vocation” means “call.” As Catholics, we believe God calls individuals to fulfill certain roles in the Church, both for their own holiness, and the good of the entire Body of Christ. This year, National Vocations Awareness week is November 3-9. This week is a week for all of us to call to mind our own vocation, and pray for those who are still discerning what God is calling them to in their life.
Living the Truth of Humanae Vitae with Joy
For our 2024 NFP Day, Peter and Theresa Martin (the translators of St. John Paul's Rule) will unpack St. John Paul II's insight into how Humanae Vitae provides a roadmap to flourishing in marriage and securing profound and lasting joy!
Cost for the day-long seminar is $40/individual or $70/couple, lunch is included.
Coming to theaters November 12!
Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story is the story of Servant of God Michelle Duppong, who bore witness to Christ through heroic suffering and a passion for inviting others to be transformed by His love. The film, directed by Danny Anderson, tells the story of Michelle’s beautiful and faith-filled life, especially during her diagnosis, treatment, and death.
In June 2022, Bishop David Kagan of Bismarck, North Dakota, announced the opening of the diocesan phase of investigation into Michelle’s life, which could lead to her beatification and canonization. On December 25, 2015, Duppong died of cancer at the age of 31.The Michelle Duppong Guild and FOCUS, where Michelle served for 6 years, are honored to make known to the world the importance of Michelle’s inspiring and heartening story.
The film is currently scheduled to be shown locally in Fargo, Devils Lake, Jamestown, Carrington, Minot, Bismarck, Grafton, and Aberdeen, SD November 12 only. There may yet be more local theaters showing it, but not officially yet. Stay tuned!
Campaign Updates
Catholic Voter's Guide
Election season is fast approaching. As a Catholic, it's important to cast your vote for the change you would like to see not only at the National level, but also at the local level. We ask that you prayerfully consider and research the options on the ballot this November.
The North Dakota Catholic Conference has prepared a "Catholic Voter's Guide' to help you discern you vote this November.
To be clear, The North Dakota Catholic Conference does not make voting recommendations on particular candidates or parties, but only on policy issues and referendums. They also guide voters on Catholic teachings to allow voters to make up their own minds on which candidate or issue to support.
"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love."
