Seminarians expand sense of spirit

by Christian Breczinski

In the relentless pursuit of expanding our sense of the Spirit, Father Brian Oestreich, director of the New Ulm Diocesan Office of Vocations, turned to a surprising source within the geographical confines of the Diocese of New Ulm to present this year’s Christmas retreat. Friends at the Lower Sioux Agency agreed to give a brief introduction to Native American Spirituality which was to include a traditional "Sweat" and an informal question/answer session at the home of Renaldo Dodge the Medicine Man for areas including Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and Montana.

Participants included Tim Brown, a high school senior at New Ulm Cathedral; Joe Brisson, a college sophomore at St. John Vianney Seminary; Matt Wiering, a college sophomore at St. John Vianney Seminary; Paul Timmerman, a college junior at St. John Vianney Seminary; Jim Blahnik, a college junior at St. John Vianney Seminary; Tony Hesse, a fourth year Deacon at St. Paul Seminary; and Christian Breczinski, who is planning to join the Benedictine Monastary at St. John’s in Collegeville, MN.

At his home in Redwood Falls, Mr. Dodge explained some of the basics of Native American Spirituality as well as his vocation as a Medicine Man. He also recommended a book entitled The Pipe and Christ, by William Stolzman, which demonstrates some of the connections between Native American and Christian beliefs. While our meeting lasted little more than one hour, the group began to understand the profundity of Mr. Dodge’s knowledge of the Spirit and how it permeates every aspect of his life.

The group then proceeded to Sleepy Eye where they were to later meet Bishop Raymond A. Lucker for Mass and supper at the Divine Providence Community Home, with the Schoenstatt Sisters providing a warm welcome.