News & Events

2024 Holiday Community Collection

We will again be participating in the Zumbrota Holiday community collection for families in need. Suggested items are gift cards ($20 increments), paper products, hygiene products, winter gear, and laundry detergent. Reminder notes are available on the board in the vestibule. Return items to the office or the vestibule by December 10.
Thank you for your generosity in sharing God's gifts with those in need. May our gifts show God's love for them this Christmas. Please contact Maggie Eggerichs at 507-951-2316 with any questions.

2025 Catholic Services Appeal

The Catholic Services Appeal for 2025 is upon us, and while it’s not until next weekend that you will be asked to generously support the ministries of our Archdiocese, Archbishop Hebda has cho-sen to continue the theme of Giving is Faith in Action. It is such a great reminder of what the Lord has done and calls us to do. Your continued generosity to the Catholic Services Appeal and your faith in our ministries are proof that by offering the Lord what we can, He will provide what we need. The way the Lord gave of Himself for us is a great reminder that we are united as one Church that when we come together and support our ministries we can do so much good. Each of us has benefited from our ministries.

2025 World Day of the Sick Mass and Reception

2025 World Day of the Sick Mass and Reception: Saturday, February 8, at 10am at Our Lady of Grace, 5071 Eden Ave, Edina, MN 55436. All are invited to the annual World Day of the Sick Holy Mass and reception. This was established by Pope St. John Paul II to honor and uplift the sick - their caregivers and all healthcare workers are in-vited to participate. Sponsored by the Archdiocese, the Order of Malta and Curatio Apostolate for Catholic healthcare workers. Stay after Ho-ly Mass for individual blessings with Holy Water from Lourdes and a light reception with inspiring speaker Dr. Todd Flanders.

54th Annual St. Patrick’s Ham Dinner

**SAVE THE DATE!**

9 ways you can be guilty for the sins of others

“Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them...” (CCC 1868)
1. By counsel (to give advice, one's opinion or instructions.)
2. By command (to demand, to order, such as in the military.)
3. By consent (to give permission, to approve, to agree to.)
4. By provocation (to dare.)
5. By praise or flattery (to cheer, to applaud, to commend.)
6. By concealment (to hide the action, to cover-up.)
7. By partaking (to take part, to participate.)
8. By silence (by playing dumb, by remaining quiet.)
9. By defense of the ill done (to justify, to argue in favor.)
(Note: To participate in the sins of another person means that one is just as guilty of the sin as the one who committed the sin. For example, if you encourage someone to have an abortion, you are guilty of the sin of abortion.)

Activity packets for children at St. Paul

Dear Parents: There are activity packets and books for young children to use during Holy Mass in the Church entry. If helpful, you are welcome to use them.
Be sure to take the packet along home to display and enjoy!

Andrew Dinner

6-8 p.m., Archdiocesan Catholic Center, St. Paul
The Andrew Dinner is an opportunity for men, ages 16 - 50, who are interested in learning more about the priesthood. The dinner is hosted by Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Father Mark Pavlak, vocation director. The evening includes prayer, dinner and conversation with vocations testimonies on priesthood and religious life. It is typical for a pastor, deacon, religious or youth minister to accompany each discerning guest. Registration deadline is Friday, January 21. Find more information and registration at 10000vocations.org.

Are you growing in our Catholic Faith?

You can learn about our Catholic Faith online at any time through FORMED! You will have access to thousands of enriching Catholic movies, programs, audio, & books instantly on FORMED when you sign up through our parishes. There is no cost you! Just follow these easy steps: 1. Visit: signup.formed.org 2. Enter your parish zip code or name (St. Michael 55963 or St. Paul 55992) 3. Grow in our Catholic Faith!

Baskets or Items for the Ham Dinner Silent Auction

Calling all parishioners! We are looking for silent auction baskets and items for this fundraiser held during St. Patrick’s Ham Dinner. Any type of themed basket or items - including religious items, gift cards/certificates, homemade or purchased items will be appreciated! If you have any questions, contact Josefina or Sara in the parish office. Please drop off any items at the office. Thank you!

Birthright Trivia Night Fundraiser

A trivia night fundraiser benefiting Birthright of Rochester will be held on February 7, at Resurrection Catholic Church in Rochester. Registration and food begin at 6:00pm and trivia is at 7:00pm. Single ticket: $30/ Team of eight: $200. For more information and to register, go to: https://birthright trivianight.weebly.com. Registration deadline is January 31.

Book Study

Start a Eucharistic Revival in your own heart! Join a small group led by Karen Hodgman to go through the book 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory. The group meets after the Holy Mass on Sundays at the Church of St. Paul.

CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL PRAYER CHAIN

Do you have a prayer intention? Please contact Fr. Kasel or the parish office at 356-4280 or email stmichaeloffice@bevcomm.net.

CHURCH OF St. Michael FAITH FORMATION

The next Faith Formation session will be on Wednesday, February 5, at the Church of St. Michael, Pine Island. Topic for February: The Sacraments chap. 7 (PreK- Grade 3),
The Sacraments chap. 14-15 (Grades 4-6) & The Sacrament of Matrimony chap. 13 (Confirmation 1, 2, & Adults)
Below is the schedule:
6:00-6:30pm - Meal
6:35-7:25pm - Children Class/Parent & Adult Session
7:30-7:45pm - Church for Adoration
Our program is open for all of our parishioners to attend and it
will benefit all ages!

CHURCH OF St. Paul FAITH FORMATION

The next Faith Formation session will be on Wednesday, February 5, at the Church of St. Michael, Pine Island. Topic for February: The Sacraments chap. 7 (PreK- Grade 3),
The Sacraments chap. 14-15 (Grades 4-6) & The Sacrament of Matrimony chap. 13 (Confirmation 1, 2, & Adults)
Below is the schedule:
6:00-6:30pm - Meal
6:35-7:25pm - Children Class/Parent & Adult Session
7:30-7:45pm - Church for Adoration
Our program is open for all of our parishioners to attend and it
will benefit all ages!

Calling all bookworms!

Join the Catholic Authors Book Study. We rotate between spiritual books, literature, and writings of Doctors of the Church. In mid to late August, we will be starting: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales. Pick a translation that works for you. We meet every 2 - 3 weeks, usually on Tuesdays from 7 - 8:30 pm in Rochester. Join us! See https://archspm.groupvitals.com/groupfinder/profile/72459

Catholic Services Appeal 2023

Christ waits for you to join Him in His desert trial this Lent. The adventure is hard, and worth it. You can help others find the joy of the Gospel this Lent through your support of the Catholic Services Appeal. This appeal supports many ministries whose outreach is beyond the boundaries of individual parishes, such as prison ministry, Catholic Schools, campus and young adult ministry, Venezuelan mission, hospital chaplains, Catholic
Charities of St. Paul/Minneapolis, deaf ministry, and more.
Giving is Faith in Action. Give to the Catholic Services Appeal today.
GIVE ON-LINE TODAY:
https://www.archspm.org/catholic-services-appeal
“I ask you to prayerfully consider making a gift to the Catholic Services Appeal and sharing your blessings with those around you. Just as Christ’s love for us is unwavering, your generosity will demonstrate that our Giving is Faith in Action.” – Archbishop Bernard Hebda

Catholic Vacation Bible School 2024

Thank you to all who helped with teaching our Faith, teaching music, crafts and art, coordinating games, and providing or serving snacks during our 2024 Catholic Vacation Bible School! Thank you to all volunteers and everyone who helped in any way! May God reward you!

Church of St. Paul Fellowship

Dear fellow Parishioners at the Church of St. Paul: Our Fellowship after Sunday Holy Mass has gone very well, both in terms of numbers and spirit. In order to build on it, some information is needed. One Sunday per month is taken by the Knights of Columbus; one Sunday we are asking the Women’s Circles to cover. The remainder could be taken by a family(ies), a few friends, a couple, etc.
Some Sundays, the food is very elaborate, sometime it is simply donuts and coffee & milk. It is entirely up to the volunteers. Generally, about 40 people come down. However, because there are people whose diets exclude sweets or gluten, some protein would be good, such as cheese & crackers, protein bars, meat sticks, hard boiled eggs, etc. Fruit s always welcome. Also, a parishioner has volunteered to always have a gluten-free item in the freezer and another to make sure the kitchen is adequately stocked. The sign-up sheet will be posted in the back of the Church. Let us try to continue this good action in our parish. It has been a blessing for so many of us. Thank you and Thanks be to God!
From: Fr. Kasel and a few volunteers for Sunday Hospitality

Congratulations!

Nicholas & Ashley Nilssen on the baptism of their son Louis Laurence Nilssen on January 11, 2025.

Couple to Couple League

Couple to Couple League is dedicated to promote and teach fertility awareness (natural family planning) to married and engaged couples for over 50 years. Fertility Science Institute is a method-neutral outreach, going beyond Catholic couples and teaches fertility awareness to all faiths, single women, and even offers programs for families. They offer the following: Natural family Planning, Sympto-Thermal Method, Taught by couples to couples, Live On-line or Onside or Self Paced. For more info, visit: www.CCLI.org

FORMED!

Want to grow in our Catholic Faith? You can learn about our Catholic
Faith online at any time through FORMED! You will have access to thousands of enriching Catholic movies, programs, audio, & books instantly on FORMED when you sign up through our parishes. There is no cost for you! Just follow these easy steps:
1.Visit: signup.formed.org
2. Enter your parish zip code or name (St. Michael 55963 or St. Paul 55992) 3. Grow in our Catholic Faith!

Find Divine Favor in Repentance

Take care that you do not underrate the efficacy of repentance. Would you know the power of repentance? Would you understand this strong weapon of salvation and the might of confession? By confession Hezekiah routed a hundred and eighty-five thousand of the enemy (2 Kgs 19). That was important, but it was little compared to what shall be told. The same king’s repentance won the repeal of the sentence God had passed on him… Now if even Hezekiah could revoke God’s decree, shall not Jesus grant the remission of sins? Turn and lament, shut your door, and beg for pardon, that God may remove from you the scorching flames. For confession has the power to quench even fire; it can tame even lions…
I shall go to a different example of repentance. What think you of Nebuchadnezzar? Have you not heard from Scripture that he was bloodthirsty, fierce, with the disposition of a lion?... What punishment did he not deserve for slaying kings, for burning holy objects, for reducing people to captivity, for putting sacred vessels in the temples of idols? Did he not deserve ten thousand deaths? You have seen the enormity of his crimes… When therefore he acknowledged the Most High, and uttered words of thanksgiving to God, and repented of his past wickedness, and recognized his own weakness, in that hour God restored to him his royal dignity (cf. Dn 4). If God granted pardon and a kingdom to Nebuchadnezzar after such terrible crimes, when he had made confession, will He not grant you the remission of your sins if you repent, and the Kingdom of Heaven if you live worthily? God is merciful and quick to forgiveness, but slow to vengeance. Therefore, let no man despair of salvation. Peter, the chief and foremost of the Apostles, denied the Lord; but, moved to repentance, he wept bitterly. His weeping reveled his heartfelt repentance, and for that reason not only did he receive pardon for his denial, but retained his apostolic prerogative.
Therefore, brethren, having before you many examples of sinners who repented and were saved, be you also earnest in confessing to the Lord, that you may receive pardon for past sins, be made worthy of the Heavenly Gift, and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven with all the Saints. St. Cyril of Jerusalem (St. Cyril [+ 386], Bishop of Jerusalem, was best known for his unfailing orthodoxy in teaching the Catholic Faith.)

GET MORE INVOLVED: God Has Big Plans That Involve You!

Be a Prayer Partner: This movement is backed by the fervent intercession of thousands of Catholics across the country. When you become a Prayer Partner, you commit to spiritually supporting this movement in a variety of ways—both individual and corporate. Together, we continually call on heaven to send an even greater outpouring of grace upon our Church and open our hearts to what God is about to do. To learn more, visit
https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/prayer-partners.

Give the gift of an Hour of Adoration

Give the gift of an Hour of Adoration for someone. Cards are in the vestibule to send to the recipient.

Have you invited someone to become Catholic
recently?

If you know someone who would like to become Catholic, please contact Father Kasel at Church of St Michael 507-356-4280 or Church of St Paul 507-732-5324. Let us pray for those souls God is calling to join us in our Catholic Church!

Holy Hour for Men

The next Holy Hour for Men will be on Sunday, February 2, at 6:30pm at the Church of St. Michael, Pine Island. Fr. Kasel will speak on: Current Events in the Church. All men are invited!

Holy Hour for Women

The next Holy Hour for Women will be Sunday, January 26, at 6:00pm at the Church of St. Michael, Pine Island. I will give a talk on: The amazing intervention of Mary, Our Mother of Prompt Succor in the Battle of New Orleans! All women are invited!

Institute of Catholic Culture Lecture Series

Forgotten Christianity: The Once-Thriving Church of North Africa “I can only call myself what I am – a Christian woman.” - St. Perpetua, North African Martyr, AD203. Before becoming the Muslim region we know today, North Africa was a powerhouse of Christian martyrs, monks, nuns, bishops, theologians, and saints. In this talk, we will track their story from the first proclamation of the Gospel in Alexandria, through the pagan persecutions, to the triumph of Christianity, the Vandalic siege of St. Augustine’s home diocese, and finally to the Islamic conquest. Details: Thursdays, January 30 Pre-Class Discussion:7:45pm EST, Lecture: 8:00pm EST Instructor: John Pepino, Ph.D. Registration is required. https://instituteofcatholicculture.org/events/forgotten-christianity?

Institute of Catholic Culture Lecture Series

Man is the rational animal—our defining activity is reasoning. But how much attention do we pay to our ability to reason and to come to knowledge? This course aims to deepen our understanding of our capacity to reason and to sharpen it by examining in detail some key problems in our time. Students will discover how logic can help us solve them and see the truth that lies beyond. Last day to apply is Tuesday, April 9. An orientation session will be held on April 16, and classes will begin on April 23. Note: If you are unable to attend the live classes you can still register. Lecture recordings will be available following each class. Details: Tuesdays, April 23 - September 10, 2024 Pre-Class Discussion: 7:30 PM ET, Lecture: 8:00 PM ET Instructor. Timothy Kearns, Ph.D. Registration is required. Visit: Traditional Logic: A Practicum in Classical Reasoning (instituteofcatholicculture.org)

Invitation to the join the Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus offers a free online membership providing Information, Fellowship and Parish Service Opportunities. For online information: https://www.kofc.org/secure/en/join/jointhe- knights.html or see local parish Knights of Columbus members for specific information. Your talents are appreciated and needed!

Little Flowers Girls Club!

Mothers and Daughters are invited to join the Little Flowers Girls Club! Little Flowers is a national Catholic girls organization where girls ages 5-13 are taught how to live virtuous lives by emulating the lives of saints. We meet monthly on the second Thursday of the month at the Church of St. Michael in Pine Island. Girls have lessons, do crafts or learn hospitality skills, and have social time. If you think Little Flowers might be a fit for your daughter or for more information, please email authenticcatholicgirls@gmail.com
Little Flowers Girls Club - Growing Holier One Virtue at a Time!

Miles Christi Silent Retreat

Women are invited to a Miles Christi Silent Retreat, at the Franciscan Retreat Center on March 21-23, 2025 at Prior Lake, MN. Spend a peaceful weekend with our Lord in silence, contemplation, and prayer with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. For more retreat dates, locations and registration visit mileschris-ti.org/spiritual-exercises or call 248-596-9677

Natural Family Planning (NFP) Classes

Classes teach couples the Church approved methods on how to achieve or postpone pregnancy while embracing the beauty of God’s gift of sexuality. For a complete list of classes offered throughout the Archdiocese, visit https://www.archspm.org/marriage/natural-family-planning-nfp/ or call 651-291-4489.

Open Window Theatre in Inver Grove Heights presents FRASSATI

Don't miss the limited run of the hit 4-person drama that enjoyed a sold-out world premiere three years ago!
About FRASSATI: Pier Giorgio Frassati lived his life to the fullest at the turn of the 20th century in Turin, Italy. A young man who died at just 25 years of age, he was an avid outdoorsman, mountain climber, downhill skier, hiker, university student, devoted son and friend, and an unexpected saint. Born into a family of means and influence, Pier Giorgio gave his life in hidden service to the poor, the sick, and the suffering of Turin. Since his death, his remarkable story has spread like wildfire throughout the world, inspiring countless people from all walks of life. The canonization of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati— holding up his life as an example of the Gospel fully lived—has been scheduled for the summer of 2025. Open Window Theatre is bringing back the popular original drama in January in the hopes of developing a touring production that will travel throughout the U.S. later in the year. Your ticket purchase will help to raise vital funds to make that
happen! For more information and to buy tickets, go to: https://
owtheatre.org/plays/season-11/frassati/

Parents, are you ready for Tax Day?

The Minnesota Catholic Conference is excited to remind you about the New Minnesota Child Tax Credit. Getting money back to our Minnesota families through this tax credit was an integral goal achieved by the Catholic Conference’s Families First Project last year. The credit encourages and supports strong families by providing a tax break to eligible families.
It’s as simple as filing a tax return, claiming the tax credit benefits, and receiving cash back.
To ensure you don’t miss out, visit www.FamiliesFirstProject.com/CTC where you can learn more about the child tax credit and access additional resources. Tell every parent you know to file their taxes to receive this credit. Together we will support and strengthen the families in our community.

Parish Safety

Dear Parishioners: I am in the early stages of developing a parish committee dedicated to forming a Parish Emergency Action Response Plan for Inclement Weather (Tornadoes, Storms) , Emergencies (parishioner injury or health crisis, parking lot accidents), and Security Threats (demonstrations, protests, etc). I hope to identify parishioners for input and volunteers - especially those with First Responder/Emergency, Medical, and Security training/skills.
Until a final action plan is completed and made known to you, the immediate response in case of an Emergency Event would be as follows:
Do Not Panic - Remain Calm. Listen to instructions from Father, Ushers, and/or Designated Personnel to Shelter In Place - ”Duck and Cover” under pews protecting the vulnerable as best as possible allowing Visual and Mobile Access to Designated Personnel to Assess and Mitigate any sort of Emergency Event. Assist families and parishioners around you, if possible. Evacuation instructions would also be issued by responsible Personnel according to the circumstances of the Event. Thank you for your attention to this important topic and your assistance. To provide your input and/or volunteer status, contact or email Fr. Kasel or Pat Smith at ltpsmith@gmail.com -- A proactive parish is a safer parish!

Parish Small Groups

We are gearing up for small groups this fall! More information will be available next week.

Pine Island Food Shelf

January: Crackers (any kind, including gluten free products)

Rachel’s Vineyard

If you or someone you love is grieving the loss of a child to abortion, come and experience the healing mercy of Jesus Christ on our confidential weekend retreat. For more information, contact us at rachels@rvineyardmn.org, call or text 763.250.9313, or see rvineyardmn.org for the schedule of upcoming retreats.

Small Groups are now meeting in our Parishes

Encounter Jesus anew. Expand our parish community, and meet new people through small groups! Check out options online and sign up at: https://archspm.groupvitals.com/groupFinder

Southeast Deanery CCW Request

The Southeast Deanery serving the Council of Catholic Women (CCW) in each parish is hoping to revitalize the organization with your help. The Deanery needs each parish CCW or parish women’s groups to get involved. With your help, the Deanery will continue its mission to provide assistance to further the goals of each CCW with leadership, training, speakers, and more. We encourage all of you to think and pray about being part of the Deanery. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Pat Reinardy, (507)-263-3295 or Laurie Otte at (507)-663-0512.

St. James Coffee's Annual Fundraiser

Join us for St. James Coffee’s Brew Ha Ha, our highly anticipated annual fundraiser, on Friday, February 14, 2025 at the Empire Event Center at Best Western Apache.
Doors open at 4:30 PM - What’s Brewing at the Brew Ha Ha?
• Wine and Spirits Tasting: Sip and savor a variety of exquisite beverages while enjoying music that'll lift your spirits.
• Silent and Live Auction: Bid on unique items and experiences, adding a touch of excitement to the evening.
• Dinner and Program: Indulge in a delectable dinner while enjoying a program designed to entertain and enlighten. This year’s inspiring speaker, Susan Windley-Daoust.
We would love to have you join us for an evening of a whole latte of fun and fellowship as we raise funds to support the mission of St. James Coffee. Get your tickets now! Available at St. James Coffee or online at www.stjamescoffee.com.

St. Paul CCW

We are looking for volunteers to sign up for the monthly altar flowers. We are suggesting that two families or households sign up to be responsible for one month. If you are interested in donating money as a memorial to family members please contact or give donations at the parish office.

St. Paul CCW

St. Paul CCW will have their next meeting on Tuesday, February 11, with Holy Mass at 6 pm, followed by the meeting. All ladies are invited and needed. Please plan to attend.

Thank you Appalachian Mission Project

A big thank you for all who made the Appalachian Mission project a success. What a beautiful way to fulfill the charity the Lord asks of us, especially for the Christmas season.

Thank you from Community Connections for Christmas gift donations

“Dear Parishioners of the Church of St. Paul, Thank -you so much for your generous donations for our local Community Connections event. We served 44 families, twice as many as last year. We appreciate your partnership in serving our local families. The need is great and we are grateful for your support.

Thank you to the Decorating Committee of St. Michael

Thank you to all who helped beautify our Church during the Seasons of Advent and Christmas! Thank you to all who assisted with the Sacred Liturgies and the worship of our good Lord! Thank you to all who were generous with our parish in any way – God bless you! In Christ through Mary, Fr. Kasel

Thank you to the St. Paul Decorating Committee

Thank you to the St. Paul Decorating Committee for a job well
done in decorating the Church for Advent and Christmas! May
our good Lord reward you!

The Candlemas or the Presentation of the Lord

Sunday, February 2
“Now, Master, You may let Your servant go in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for Your people Israel.” Luke 2: 29-32
You are welcome to bring candles from home to be blessed at all the Holy Masses next weekend, Saturday and Sunday, February 1 and 2, at both of our parishes.

Vianney Visit

Men in high school or college (age 16-24) who do not have a college degree are invited to get a closer look at college seminary life with this Vianney Visit. There will be testimonies from current seminarians, spiritual conferences with SJV priests, prayer with the community, and a tour of the University of St. Thomas. There may also be the option to meet individually with priests on staff or the rector. Space is limited. Find more information and registration at sjvseminary.org/visit-the-seminary.

Volunteer at Zumbrota Food Shelf

VOLUNTEERS WANTED: Do you have a few spare hours each month to lend a hand at the Zumbrota Food Shelf? You could either stock shelves or serve clients. Multiple times and days are available. Your help in feeding the hungry would be greatly appreciated. Contact Jan Horsman: 507-732-7527

Volunteers Needed for Adoration – St. Paul

Can you spend an hour with Jesus? Adoration is held at St. Paul, Zumbrota on Tuesdays from 9am-5pm. We are looking for more adorers! Please contact the parish office at 507-732-5324 or stpauls@hcinet.net if you are interested in signing up to spend one hour a week with Our Lord.

Want to grow in our Catholic Faith?

You can learn about our Catholic Faith online at any time through FORMED! You will have access to thousands of enriching Catholic movies, programs, audio, & books instantly on FORMED when you sign up through our parishes. There is no cost for you! Just follow these easy steps:
1.Visit: signup.formed.org 2. Enter your parish zip code or name (St. Michael 55963 or St. Paul 55992) 3. Grow in our Catholic Faith!

Weekly Rosary

You are invited to join in praying the weekly Rosary with Zumbrota Care Center residents on Mondays at 1:30 pm. We meet in the South Day Room. If you have questions, call Barb Boraas at 507-732-5877.

Youth Group Bowling

We have planned a fun event for the youth (grades 7-12) on Fri-day, January 24, at 6:30-8:30pm, at Pine Island Pool & Pins/Trailhead Grill & Lanes (416 3rd Ave. NE, Pine Island, MN 55963).
There will be no expenses for the youth – bowling, pizza, pop and other food will be provided for the group.
Please RSVP to the parish office so we can plan for needed space at Pool and Pins/Trailhead Grill!
Also, all parents are welcome to stay for the event! According to Archdiocesan protocol, if a parent will not be present for the event, their youth will need to bring a signed permission/contact form to the event. It is needed in case a parent needs to be contacted. Please contact the parish office to obtain a copy of this form