News & Events

10 years of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the Church of St Paul

Thank you to our Good Lord and to the Adorers for the 10 years of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the Church of St. Paul! So many answered prayers, blessings, and graces were received through approximately 4,100 hours of Adoration during these 10 years. 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.

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!

Annual Candle Lighting Ceremony

All are invited to attend the 21st Annual Candle Lighting Ceremony at the historic Church of St. Rose on Sunday, December 17, at 2:00pm. Father Henry Doyle of Shattuck-St. Mary's in Faribault, MN will preside. Music provided by Brass Etc. Reception at the Palof residence. The church is located at 8778 County 11 Blvd., Kenyon, MN 55946. We look forward to celebrating with you at St. Rose of Lima. Visit www.friendsofstrose.org

Annual Candle Lighting Ceremony

All are invited to attend the 21st Annual Candle Lighting Ceremony at the historic Church of St. Rose on Sunday, December 17, at 2:00pm. Father Henry Doyle of Shattuck-St. Mary's in Faribault, MN will preside. Music provided by Brass Etc. Reception at the Palof residence. The church is located at 8778 County Hwy 11 Blvd., Kenyon 55946. We look forward to celebrating with you at St. Rose of Lima. Visit www.friendsofstrose.org

Archdiocesan Synod Update

As part of the Year I focus (Small Groups) discerned by Archbishop Hebda, the Synod Evangelization Teams for both of our parishes have been participating in a seven-week small group leader formation series led by Bishop Joseph Williams. This will conclude in mid-November, at which time there will be a planning/ practical training session in preparation for the launch of small groups in Lent 2024. If you would like to be a part of this process, are interested in learning more, or wish to join a small group when they form, please contact Father Kasel or Sara McNamara at the parish offices at 507-356-4280 or 507-732-5324. Please pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our local archdiocesan synod!

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!

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.

CONGRATULATIONS

John Paul & Anna Stroh on the baptism of their son Emerick Luke Stroh on October 3, 2023.
Timothy & Sarah Neau on the baptism of their son Benjamin Michael Neau on October 7, 2023.

Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA)

Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA): Formed in 1903 the
Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) is one of the oldest and
largest organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. CDA is a
national organization, with 63,000 dues-paying members in 1,150
courts (local chapters) in 45 states across the country and in Puerto
Rico, Mexico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, Kenya and Peru.
Members donate to charities, administer scholarship programs and
strive “to be helping hands where there is pain, poverty, sorrow or
sickness.
Our local CDA court, Court St. Mary Peter #1864 – Mazeppa-
Bellechester, is a vibrant and active court with members from several
local communities. We meet monthly on a Monday evening.
Our local Catholic Daughters act according to our motto "Unity and
Charity". Two annual local activities are collecting donations for
Habitat for Humanity and our Meal in a Bucket fundraiser, both using
proceeds to support local and national charities.
If you would like more information about joining Catholic Daughters,
please contact our membership chairperson, Beth Arendt at 507-272-
5829 or betharendt@hotmail.com. You can also contact our Regent,
Linda Kazmierczak at 612-759-6399 or linda_louinmn@hotmail.com.
We invite all women to learn more about our wonderful organization!Formed in 1903 the Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. CDA is a national organization, with 63,000 dues-paying members in 1,150 courts (local chapters) in 45 states across the coun-try and in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, Kenya and Peru. Members donate to charities, administer scholarship programs and strive “to be helping hands where there is pain, poverty, sorrow or sickness.”
Our local CDA court, Court St. Mary Peter #1864 – Mazeppa-Bellechester, is a vibrant and active court with members from several local communities. We meet monthly on a Monday evening. Our local Catholic Daughters act according to our motto "Unity and Charity". Two annual local activities are collecting donations for Habitat for Humanity and our Meal in a Bucket fundraiser, both using proceeds to support local and national charities.
If you would like more information about joining Catholic Daughters, please contact our membership chairperson, Beth Arendt at 507-272-5829 or betharendt@hotmail.com. You can also contact our Regent, Linda Kazmierczak at 612-759-6399 or linda_louinmn@hotmail.com. We invite all women to learn more about our wonderful organization!

Catholic Services Appeal 2023

For the Love of Christ Impels Us...to Believe in the Power of Giving
Your gift to the Catholic Services Appeal supports an array of ministries that include pro-life, seminarian support, Catholic education, services to those most in need and Synod evangelistic priorities in the building up of our local church. Please prayerfully consider making a gift that will impact the lives of so many people throughout the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis through your abundant generosity. To learn more about the Catholic Services Appeal please visit the CSAF website: csafspm.org.

Catholic Vacation Bible School 2023

Thank you to all who helped in the classrooms, with games, and providing or serving snacks during our 2023 Catholic Vacation Bible School! Thank you to all volunteers and everyone who helped in any way! May God reward you!

Check out FORMED this Advent!

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Chili Cook-off – Save the date

Sunday, January 28, 2024. You will again be able to taste the best Chili in our Parish! More details will follow soon.

Christmas Flowers

This year we will again be collecting Christmas Flower offerings for the purchase of poinsettias for the Christmas Season. You will find a Christmas Flower envelope in your packet. The suggested donation is $13. Please put your envelope in the collection basket by Sunday, Dec. 17. If you miss this deadline, please drop off donation at the Church office the following week. Any money collected over the cost of the Christmas flowers will be used for flowers in the sanctuary throughout the year. Thank you and God bless you!

Church of St. Michael Faith Formation

The next Faith Formation session will be on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at the Church of St. Michael, Pine Island.
Topic for January: The Virtue of Self-Control
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
At 7:30pm all students, parents and teachers gather in the Church for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction.
Our program is open for all of our parishioners to attend and it will benefit all ages! There will be separate presentations for adults & youth.

Church of St. Paul Faith Formation

The next Faith Formation session will be on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at the Church of St. Michael, Pine Island.
Topic for January: The Virtue of Self-Control
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
At 7:30pm all students, parents and teachers gather in the Church for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction.
Our program is open for all of our parishioners to attend and it will benefit all ages! There will be separate presentations for adults & youth.

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

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

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!

Higher Education Opportunities for Homeschoolers

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is considering offering Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) for juniors and seniors in high school on the Rochester campus for homeschooled students. The PSEO program would provide eligible students the chance to experience college-level courses while still in high school, and the courses will be offered through a hybrid model of both in-person and online learning.
In addition, St. Mary’s University is introducing a College Prep Seminar tailored specifically for homeschooling students, designed to equip students with the necessary tools and insights to navigate the transition from high school to college seamlessly, from study skills and navigating financial aid to time management.
Interest in these offerings is currently being gauged and your input would be greatly appreciated. A minimum number of students will need to be enrolled. If you have a junior or senior in your home-schooling community who might be interested in the PSEO courses or the College Prep Seminar, or if you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Molly Kroulik Bigelow - mbige-low@smumn.edu or Kim Doebbert - kdoebber@smumn.edu

Holiday Tea - Thank you

The St. Gianna Molla Guild and Fr. Kasel thanks all parishioners for their participation with our Holiday Tea. Your donations and time given are very much appreciated! It was a fun day for all - may God reward you!

Congratulations to the Holiday Tea Raffle winners:
Handmade Quilt: Paula Bruss
Sweet Basket: Peggy Jung
Coffee Lovers Basket: Betty Clemens
Nativity Piece: Brian & Katie Marks
Made in Minnesota Basket: Mary Amiot
St. James Hotel Gift Certificate: Tom Meyer

Holy Hour for Men

The next Holy Hour for Men will be on Sunday, December 10, at 6:30pm at the Church of St. Michael, Pine Island. Fr. Kasel will give a talk on: St. Joseph, the Holy Family and the Church. All men are invited!

Holy Hour for Women

The next Holy Hour for Women will be on Sunday, December 17, 6pm at Church of St. Michael, Pine Island. All women are invited!

Homeschool Co-op for Spring

The Church of St. Michael is offering an opportunity for children ages 3-14 to participate in a Homeschool Co-op on five (5) Fridays beginning April 21. Registration forms are available in the church entry, contact the Office at 507-356-4280 or stmichaeloffice@bevcomm.net. Fill out the registration form and give it to Fr. Kasel or turn it in to the church office.

Institute of Catholic Culture Lecture Series

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos: Sacred Music of Advent & Christmas
“The art of music [is] uniquely called to instill hope in the human spirit, so scarred and sometimes wounded by the earthly condition.” —Pope Benedict XVI

Join the ICC for a special Advent program on sacred music, designed to help you encounter the Lord through the beauty of the Church's rich musical heritage.
Details: Thursday, December 14, Pre-Class Discussion:7:30PM EST, Lecture: 8:00 PM EST
Instructor: Floriani -a men’s vocal ensemble.
Registration is required. https://instituteofcatholicculture.org/events/
rejoice-o-virgin-theotokos?

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!

KC Membership Meeting

The next St. Pio Knights of Columbus membership meeting will be Wednesday, December 13, at 7pm at the Church of St. Michael. All members are encouraged to attend!

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!

Natural Family Planning (NFP) Classes

Natural Family Planning (NFP) Classes teach couples the Church approved methods on how to achieve or postpone pregnancy while remaining in God’s Will for the gift of sexuality. For a complete list of classes offered throughout the Archdiocese, vis-it https://www. archspm.org/marriage/natural-family-planning-nfp/ or call 651-291-4489

Open Window Theatre

SAINT NICHOLAS: The Origin of Father Christmas returns to Open Window Theatre in Inver Grove Heights, MN, December 1- 31. This critically acclaimed Advent & Christmas play met with many sold-out shows and an extended run last December. This year, admission also includes a 4,000 square foot indoor walkthrough Christmas display! Make NICHOLAS part of your Advent and Christmas celebrations. Tickets & info are available at openwindowtheatre.org or at 612-615-1515.

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!

Pine Island Food Shelf

items requested for December: Your Choice!

Please pray

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Helen Leifeld (mother of Gene Leifeld, parishioner), who passed away November 14, 2023. “Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

Prayer Intentions to the Holy Lan

Amy and Pat Smith are blessed to be able to go on Pilgrimage to Jerusalem and to the Holy Land and would like to bring St. Michael’s Parishioner’s prayer intentions with them. They leave next Wednesday May 31 and will visit spiritual sites including Bethlehem, Nazareth, the River Jordan, Capernaum, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Holy Sepulchre. They would like to bring any special family intentions and St. Michael’s Parish intentions with them on pilgrimage. Simply email and let them know who or what you want them to pray for: Ltpsmith@gmail.com or you can send your prayer request using this form: https://instituteofcatholicculture.
net/form/2023-holy-land-pilgrimage-prayer-intentions/

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.

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. 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.

Thank you!

The Holiday Gift Team would like to thank the Church of St. Michael parishioners for their generous donations to the annual toy and gift drive. All donations go to Pine Island and Oronoco students.

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.

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!

Washington D.C. March for Life 2024

For the first time in recent memory, the Archdiocese is offering a pilgrimage to Washington D.C. for adults and families to attend the National March for Life as well as the trip for high school youth.
Though Roe vs. Wade was overturned in June 2022, abortion access is expanding in many states across the nation. It is a great tragedy that despite the victory in the supreme court, many politicians still support this grave evil. Through this trip we have the opportunity to stand in opposition on the national stage and tell everyone how sacred
life is from conception to natural death. Please contact Assistant Youth Ministry Coordinator Martin Gawarecki at gawareckim@archspm.org or 651.291.4506 to get on the contact list for March for Life information. The dates for the pilgrimage
are: January 16-21, 2024.

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 Event

All Youth, Grades 7-12, are invited for a prayer, food, and game night Wednesday, December 27, from 6:30- 8:30pm at the Church of St. Michael, Pine Island. Fr. Kasel will give a talk. All high school students and confirmation candidates are invited to this youth event. Please RSVP to our parish offices.