Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
This weekend, you might have noticed something new at your parish. Maybe it was hanging in your church’s front entrance, or perhaps you noticed it in the parish hall while you were having coffee and donuts. Wherever it might be, I suspect that it will be hard to miss: It’s a large, blue poster marking the 175th anniversary of the Archdiocese and inviting you to be an Archdiocesan Jubilee Pilgrim.
The Archdiocese was erected by Pope Pius IX on July 19, 1850, formed from territory that had previously been under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Dubuque and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. In the midst of the Universal Church’s Jubilee Year, we hope to celebrate our 175th as well, beginning with a Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Paul on Saturday evening, July 19, 2025.
To whet our appetites for the anniversary celebration, we are beginning our Archdiocesan Passport Adventure this weekend. We wanted to begin this adventure while we were still involved in the implementation of our Year 2 pastoral letter focus: the Mass. When we introduced Year 2, you might remember that I encouraged all the faithful to visit a variety of local parishes, as a way of deepening our appreciation of the liturgy and celebrating the diverse gifts we’ve enjoyed in this archdiocese for 175 years. Now, on our Archdiocesan website, you can download and print a passport and truly take to the road this summer and fall.
Here's the challenge: Visit at least seven churches “new” to you between now and October and log them in your passport. Then join me or one of our auxiliary bishops on Sunday, October 12, at the Cathedral of Saint Paul. There will be an ice cream social after all morning Masses on that date, and we’ll have a special celebration for all who’ve participated in this Archdiocesan Passport Adventure.
There are many different ways to fill out your passport this summer. Since none of the Churches are “new” to me, I’m thinking of visiting seven of our “border” parishes -- have you ever been to Immaculate Conception in Marysburg, St. Luke in Clearwater, St. Michael in Pine Island, Sacred Heart in Rush City, St. Mary in Waverly, St. Patrick in Oak Grove, or St. Joseph in Taylors Falls? Perhaps you would rather visit seven of the parishes where Mass is celebrated in another language or find the parishes where the liturgy is celebrated in a different rite.
You may find out when different parishes are celebrating Mass by using the parish finder page on our website. Or look on each parish’s website to see if there’s an event coming up that you and your family and friends can attend.
As you make these mini pilgrimages across the archdiocese, this is a chance for all of us to be more unified as a local church. If you listened to Pope Leo’s homily yesterday, you would have heard that he’s hoping to unify our Church. We are one body, made up of many parts; our local church is comprised of many parishes making up one body.
The Archdiocesan Passport Adventure was born so that, in this Jubilee Year of Hope for our Universal Church and in our local 175th anniversary, we can have the opportunity to see different parishes, meet new people, and experience the liturgy in new ways. By coming to know parishes outside of our own, perhaps we will have the chance to collaborate better and to imagine new ways of spreading the Gospel to those around us.
I am so thankful for all our parish communities and the different charisms they bring to the body of Christ. I look forward to hearing how you experience the unity and diversity of our local church in the coming months.
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A Celebration of St. Philip Neri (May 28)
The aspiring Lowertown Oratory invites you to an evening of prayer, reflection, and celebration in the spirit of St. Philip Neri. A Holy Hour and celebration of Mass will precede a catered dinner, with featured speakers, testimonies and conversation to follow. This evening is a wonderful opportunity for community connection, spiritual enrichment and support for the Oratory.
Join the Minnesota Catholic Home Education Conference & Curriculum Fair, featuring Ken and Kerri Davison of Holy Heroes as keynote speakers. This event empowers parents as the primary educators of their children. Connect with fellow Catholic homeschoolers, explore outstanding curricula and gain the tools to educate with faith and confidence.
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Read the full story from The Catholic Spirit.
Read the full story from The Catholic Spirit.
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In the heart of the Vatican: Witnessing the new pope's election
What’s it like to witness a papal election from the heart of Rome? Fr. Colin Jones and seminarian Dominic Wolters share their firsthand experience of Habemus Papam—from the energy in the streets to the impact on their faith and formation. A unique, behind-the-scenes look at history unfolding—and how it shaped their call to serve the Church.
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Visit Practicing Catholic to listen on your favorite podcasting platform. Listen Friday at 9 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m., or Sunday at 2 p.m. on Relevant Radio 1330AM.
Regional/Deanery Cooperation (Young Adult Ministry)
Education for the Mass
In this video, Yen Fasano defines the Young Adult Ministry and how it might involve regional cooperation. Bishop Kenney names the ministries active within the archdiocese currently ministering to young adults and encourages creative methods for parishes to reach young people.
In this video, Yen Fasano outlines the proposition Education of the Mass and invites you to reflect on your experience of the Mass in the last year. Bishop Izen expands on the need to understand the Mass to a greater degree through the rich symbolism and rituals of our Church. He also walks through what efforts have been made in Year 2 of implementing Archbishop Hebda’s pastoral letter, which focused on the Mass.
In this Weekly Word and for several weeks to come, you will have the opportunity to learn about 12 Synod Propositions via a video series, which has also been shared with Synod Members. These propositions will be discerned and discussed at the Synod 2025: Be My Witnesses Assembly, which takes place Saturday, June 7 and culminates with the annual Pentecost Vigil Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Paul. All are invited to pray for Synod 2025, attend a Holy Hour the evening prior to the Be My Witnesses Assembly and attend the Pentecost Vigil Mass. Find more FAQs about Synod 2025 on the Archdiocesan website.
Sent forth by the Holy Spirit to make Jesus known and loved.
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May 19, 2025