“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know Himself— so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth and themselves.”
-St. John Paul II Preface to Fides et Ratio
Fides et Ratio Reflections
Sistine Madonna by Raphael, St. Sixtus II (left) & St. Barbara (right)
Today we remember St. Pope Sixtus II and Companions. Pope for nearly a year, the Emperor Valerian had him beheaded with four deacons for offering Mass in the catacombs on August 6, 258. We remember him on August 7 due to the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6.
St. Sixtus II is closely linked with the Deacon Martyr, St. Lawrence, who was put to death four days later on August 10, after presenting Rome’s poor as the “treasure” of the Church as commanded by the unamused prefect.
These early Roman martyrs demonstrate a steely, steadfast witness to the faith and Tertullian’s observation that “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”
In the Communion of Saints, let us invoke their prayers for fortitude, that we may be faithful witnesses to Christ. Sts. Sixtus II, St. Lawrence, and Companions: “Pray for us.”
It's About Time
Putt 4 A Purpose
St. John Paul II Catholic Schools crew with Bishop Folda
The 20th Annual “Putt 4A Purpose” Bishop’s Charity Golf Tournament was held Monday, August 3 at Rose Creek Golf Course in Fargo. Funds raised benefit education for seminarians as well as youth programs in the Diocese of Fargo.
While not a golfer, I always enjoy meeting and thanking the golfers who give. More than thirty teams of golfers participated in the charity event this year, so deep thanks to one and all.
Bishop Folda's Birthday
Tomorrow, August 8, is the birthday of Most Rev. John T. Folda, the 8th Bishop of the Diocese of Fargo.
The Nebraska native celebrated his 13th anniversary as Bishop earlier this summer on June 19. We are grateful for his leadership and witness, rooted in his love for the Lord and His Church.
Prayers and best wishes, Bishop Folda!
More Back to School Signs
As we approach the opening of the school year on Monday, August 24, daily signs of that inevitability are growing.
The mailroom is filled with packages of classroom supplies and resources, reams of paper have been delivered, principals are back in the office, more teachers are present and prepping, the smell of gym floor sealant permeates the air, fall activities have begun (soccer and football this week), and freshmen orientation and the new staff welcome will happen next week.
Thanks to all those who are working so hard to welcome our students to another year of Catholic education!
President’s Proverb
“Not for the world, for which men now travail
behind Taddeo or Hostiensis,
but through his love of the true manna, he
became, in a brief time, so great a teacher
that he began to oversee the vineyard
that withers when neglected by its keeper.”– Dante’s description of St. Dominic (Paradiso 12.82-87, Mandelbaum trans.)
Hagstrom’s Attempt at Humor (HAAH!)
Sunday Psalm Sampler
“Everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
-Luke 24:44b
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
- Lectionary Readings: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85:9-14
- Responsorial Refrain: “Lord, let us see Your kindness, and grant us Your salvation. (Ps 85:8)
- Chris Brunelle’s YouTube Recording: R&A Psalm 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026, Psalm 85
A post-exile Psalm (after 538 BC), Psalm 85 celebrates God’s kindness made visible in the return of the exiles and rebuilding of the Temple.
Verses 11-12 beautifully describe the union of heaven and earth in God’s merciful act of liberation and restoration: “Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.”
This vision, of course, is fulfilled in the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus, true God and true Man. He liberates us from sin and death and then restores us to abundant life.
This week may we be open to the graces of the Incarnation and Redemption as we sing, “Lord, let us see Your kindness, and grant us Your salvation.”
Our President
Mike Hagstrom
Mike Hagstrom was named President of St. John Paul II Catholic Schools and Director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Fargo on March 15, 2016, and officially assumed the role on July 1, 2016. In his application for the position, he described his leadership philosophy as one of stewardship, writing:
“My approach would be that of stewardship of the great gift of Catholic Schools. With the help of God’s grace and all our stakeholders, we can be good stewards together, ensuring that our schools not only survive, but thrive. They are designed for human flourishing, forming the whole person, each and every student made in God’s image and likeness, endowed with a transcendent dignity and destiny.”
Before stepping into diocesan leadership, Mike dedicated 31 years to Shanley High School, where he taught Religion and served in a variety of leadership roles. During his time there, he embodied the spirit of St. Bede’s words: “I have always found delight in learning, teaching, and writing.”
Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He and his wife, Shawn, are the proud parents of two Shanley graduates, Therese (’08) and Joseph (’16), and grandparents to James and Oliver.
