On the Vine

Entering Advent with Hope and Gratitude

As we begin a new liturgical year, we give thanks for the many blessings our parish has experienced—from growing Mass attendance and Sacramental life to vibrant ministries and youth opportunities. As we look ahead, we invite all parishioners to support this mission through prayer, parish involvement, and generous year-end giving so that Saint Patrick Parish may continue to flourish.

Christ the King: Our Hope in Life and Death

As we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King and conclude our series on death and dying, we are reminded that Christ’s eternal kingship offers us hope as we face our own mortality and remember those who have gone before us. Father Dan reflects personally on his family’s legacy of faith and invites us to place our trust in Jesus, proclaiming Him as Lord in life and at the hour of our death.

By Father Dan Tracy

Deacon's Weekly Message

Grief and the Holidays

As we enter the holiday season, Deacon Gregg reminds us that for those experiencing fresh grief, what is often “the best of times” can also feel like “the worst of times.” He offers encouragement, practical ways to care for ourselves and others in grief, and the comforting reminder that through Christ, love endures and reunion awaits in eternity.

By Deacon Gregg Miller

Announcements

Arise: Homily Series on Death and Dying Resources

As we begin the Month of Remembrance and our new homily series Arise, we are invited to explore the Church’s teachings on death and dying, the comfort of our rituals, and the hope of eternal life found in Christ. Additional resources can be found here.

Arise: Finding Hope Amid Life and Death

As we begin the Month of Remembrance and our new homily series Arise, Father John reflects on his many experiences ministering to those facing death and grief—moments that, while deeply sorrowful, have also revealed profound grace and hope. Through this series, he and Father Dan invite all of us to explore the Church’s teachings on death and dying, the comfort of our rituals, and the hope of eternal life found in Christ.

Responding to God’s Invitation: Vocations in Our Midst

As we celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week, we give thanks for all those discerning God’s call to priesthood, diaconate, or consecrated life and pray for an increase in vocations within the Church. This week, our parish joyfully celebrates Brigitta Kaiser’s discernment and next steps toward joining the Salesian Sisters, as she invites us to accompany her with prayers and support on this journey of faith.

By Brigitta Kaiser

Arise: Finding Hope in the Face of Death

As we close October with gratitude for a vibrant month of parish life, we now turn our hearts toward November—a time to remember our beloved dead and reflect on the hope of resurrection. Beginning next weekend, we’ll honor those who have passed and launch Arise, a four-week preaching series on death and dying that invites us to embrace the promise of new life in Christ.

By Father Dan Tracy

Catholic High School in St. Croix County Initiative

An initiative is underway to explore the creation of a Catholic High School in St. Croix County, addressing the current gap in Catholic education beyond eighth grade within the Diocese of Superior. A volunteer committee representing local Catholic schools, with the Bishop’s support, is seeking community input through a short survey available from October 19 to November 1 and invites all to learn more and stay connected via the St. Croix Catholic High School website.

A Spirit-Filled Weekend and Grateful Hearts

This weekend we celebrated with great joy as our high school students were Confirmed and received the gift of the Holy Spirit, with Bishop Powers joining us for the special occasion. As we continue to care for our parish community, important maintenance projects are underway on the church exterior and roof, while we also give thanks for the hard work of volunteers and bid farewell to Antoinette Kaiser, who has faithfully served our parish for seven years.