News & Events

Save the dates!
St. Michael Homeschool Co-op for Spring, 2025

St. Michael Homeschool Co-op for Spring, 2025: 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: April 25 and May 2, 9, 16, and 23. More details will be available next week. Con-tact the Office at 507-356-4280 or stmichaeloffice@bevcomm.net.

2025 Catholic Services Appeal

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.

40 Days for Life Prayers to End Abortion

This prayer campaign is on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood at 1212 7th Street NW, Rochester. 40 Days for Life is a Christian organization that takes a peaceful, prayerful approach to this controversial issue to move hearts and minds. If you would be interested in making an appointment with God to pray for all involved in this issue, go to 40daysforlife.com/rochester to register and sign up. For more information contact Margaret Mulligan at 40daysforliferoch@gmail.com.
Please pray daily during this campaign for the end to abortion. Suggested prayers: https://www.usccb.org/prayers/pro-life-rosary-prayer-intentions

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!

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.

CHURCH OF St. Michael Confirmation/Youth Group Retreat

Confirmation/Youth Group Retreat! All confirmation candidates and youth, grades 7-12, are invited to a retreat on Wednesday, April 30, from 6:30-9:00pm at the Church of St. Michael, Pine Is-land. The evening will begin with a meal and include spiritual talks, adoration, and confession. Confirmation I and II students are required to attend (anyone with an unavoidable conflict—please contact the parish office as soon as possible). Please RSVP to our parish offices.

CHURCH OF St. Paul Confirmation/Youth Group Retreat

Confirmation/Youth Group Retreat! All confirmation candidates and youth, grades 7-12, are invited to a retreat on Wednesday, April 30, from 6:30-9:00pm at the Church of St. Michael, Pine Island. The evening will begin with a meal and include spiritual talks, adoration, and confession. Confirmation I and II students are required to attend (anyone with an unavoidable conflict—please contact the par-ish office as soon as possible). Please RSVP to our parish offices.

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 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 CCW Madonna Dinner

All Ladies of the Parish are invited to attend!
Church of St. Paul CCW Madonna Dinner on Tuesday, May 6, 2025
5:00pm Brief CCW meeting with installation of Officers
6:00pm Holy Mass with Fr. Kasel
6:30pm Lasagna Dinner
7:00pm Speaker: Deb McManimon of St. Paul Street Evangelization
"10 Great Ways to Share Your Faith"
7:15pm Dessert
Please RSVP to the Parish Office for the meal by April 29 by calling 732-5324 or emailing stpauls@hcinet.net.
Pray, dine, connect in friendship, and be inspired!

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

Confirmation/Youth Group Retreat!

All confirmation candidates and youth, grades 7-12, are invited to a retreat on Wednesday, April 30, from 6:30-9:00pm at the Church of St. Michael, Pine Island. The evening will begin with a meal and include spiritual talks, adoration, and confession. Confirmation I and II students are required to attend (anyone with an unavoidable conflict—please contact the parish office as soon as possible). Please RSVP to our parish offices

Congratulations!

Matthew & Sarah Keller on the baptism of their daughter Regina Marie Keller on March 29, 2025 at St. Michael.

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

Craft and Bake Sale!

Saturday, April 26, from 9:00am-2pm at the Pine Island Senior Citizen Center (109 3rd St. SW). There will also be cinnamon rolls and coffee; donations accepted.

Dear Friends of St. Paul

Thank you so much for your participation in the recent Catholic Daughters of America Diaper Drive for Christ Choice. We are just in awe of the generous outpouring of diapers, wipes and other baby items that you donated. Please know that you have blessed our families with some of their greatest needs.
May God richly bless all of you!
Sincerely, The Staff of First Choice Clinic

Divine Mercy Sunday

2:00-4:00pm at the Church of St. Michael, Pine Islan

Easter Flower Donations

Help to beautify our sanctuary and remember a loved one through a contribution for Easter Flowers! There is an envelope contribution packet for Easter flowers. The suggested donation is $13. Please consider making a donation and put it in the Sunday collection or return to the office by Sunday, April 13. Thank you!

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 and Social for Men

The next Holy Hour and Social for Men: Sunday, April 13, at 6:30pm at the Church of St. Michael. All men are invited!

Holy Land Appeal

Good Friday is the annual Holy Land collection. Please help support Catholics in the Holy Land, which also includes Damascus. Funds directly support efforts to maintain sacred shrines, parishes, faith formation programs, Catholic schools, and basic humanitarian aid. Thank you for your generous assistance to your brothers and sisters in the Holy Land. God bless you!

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)

Institute of Catholic Culture Lecture Series:
ABIDING IN GOD—A Study of the Epistles of St. John

Three rich, yet often overlooked, New Testament books are I, II, and III John. These “hidden” gems reveal fascinating insights about life in the early Church and impart apostolic wisdom on topics such as prayer, holiness, the sacraments, and the nature of love. Above all, they call us to place Christ at the center of our lives.
"So we know and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." -1 John 4:16
Details: Thursdays, May 8, 15, & 22, 2025
Pre-Class Discussion: 7:30pm EST Lecture: 8:00pm EST
Instructor: Scott Powell, Ph.D. Registration is required. Visit to register:
https://instituteofcatholicculture.org/events/abiding-in-god

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!

Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to Rome with Bishop Barron

Bishop Barron invites young adults (ages 18-39) to join him from July 28-August 4 in Rome, Italy, for the canonization of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and a special jubilee year pilgrimage. The cost is $3,599.00/person, double occupancy (airfare not included). To register and for more information, please visit https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/diocese-of-winona-rochester-jubilee-of-young-people-pilgrimage. A first deposit of $1,000 is needed by March 17. April 29 is the official final date to register (full balance is due). For questions, contact Zach Rawson in the Youth Ministry & Faith Formation Office, Diocese of Winona-Rochester

Kitui Living Water Program- Lent 2025

Give change... change lives
Here we are at another season of Lent! Water bottles are again available to support our brothers and sisters in Kitui, Kenya through the Partnership of Kitui program. The people in the vicinity of Kitui regularly experience rain and water shortages. This collection is a way for us to help them! Questions regarding the Kitui Partnership may be directed to the parish office. Thank you, ahead of time, for any contributions you are able to make!

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

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.

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!

Pine Island Food Shelf

items requested for April: Personal Hygiene; such as toothpaste, soap, lotion, and female hygiene products.

Please pray...

Please pray for the repose of the soul of David Hanson, (father of Ken Hason, parishioner), who passed away recently. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Quilting Bee Cause

Quilting Bee Cause will meet Tuesday, April 15, at 9:00am in the church hall. Come and join us. Everyone is welcome. Any questions call Bea Rauen 507-356- 4858.

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. Michael Homeschool Co-op for Spring

Save the dates! St. Michael Homeschool Co-op for Spring, 2025: 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: April 25 and May 2, 9, 16, and 23. More details will be available soon. Contact the Office at 507-356-4280 or stmichae-loffice@bevcomm.net.

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.

Stations of the Cross at the Church of St. Michael

STATIONS OF THE CROSS Each Friday of Lent at 7:30pm

Stations of the Cross at the Church of St. Paul

Stations of the Cross at the Church of St. Paul:
Each Tuesday of Lent at 5:30pm

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Another successful St. Patrick Ham Dinner is in the books. Whatever your role, we are very appreciative for all of your help. You are who made it a success! Please prayerfully consider stepping up as committee members for next year’s dinner. Truly a lot of the directions are written out and you just follow the lead of other years.
Thank you for your help this year!
Ham Dinner Committee: Father Kasel, Mary and Steve Kingsbury and Donna and Mark Huneke

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 from the Retirement Fund for Religious

“On behalf of our religious sisters and brothers and religious order priests, I thank you for your donation from the [Church of St. Michael $1,293 and Church of St. Paul $584] to the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your combined parish contribution will help enable many religious communities to meet their pressing retirement needs and also support newer religious communities with their retirement planning. Together the faithful of our Archdiocese have raised $ 430,635.54 for the annual campaign that kicked off in December 2024. What a beautiful testament to how much we love our consecrated religious! Please be assured of the prayerful gratitude of consecrated religious. With gratitude and prayer during these holy days of Lent.” Nicole Bettini, Delegate for Consecrated Life, RFR Coor.

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 Annual Archdiocesan Chrism Holy Mass

The Chrism Holy Mass will be Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 10:00am at the Cathedral of Saint Paul. The faithful of the Archdiocese
are invited to attend for the annual Archdiocesan Chrism Mass. During this Holy Mass, Archbishop Hebda will bless the Holy Oils that will be used throughout the Archdiocese. Also, during this Holy Mass all priests renew their priestly promises.

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.