On the Vine

Rediscovering Our Apostolic Zeal: The Call to Be a Church on Mission

The Diocese of Superior's recently released "Maintenance to Mission Pastoral Plan" encourages parishes to shift from maintaining existing structures to actively living out the Church's mission of evangelization, reflecting the zeal of early missionaries. The plan's introduction and first pillar, "Church on Mission," emphasize the need for parishes to assess their activities through four guiding questions to ensure all efforts draw people into a deeper relationship with Christ.

Feast of Saint Patrick & Our Call to Mission

We will celebrate the Feast of Saint Patrick with a special Mass at 6:30 PM on Monday, March 17, while the 8:00 AM morning Mass is canceled to allow attendance at Father Dan Dahlberg’s funeral. Additionally, our Diocese has introduced the Maintenance to Mission Pastoral Plan, calling for a renewed missionary spirit to revitalize our parishes and faith community.

Journeying Together in Hope: Pope Francis’ Lenten Message 2025

Pope Francis’ 2025 Lenten message invites us to reflect on our journey of faith, emphasizing that we are all pilgrims called to conversion, solidarity, and hope. He urges us to walk together, supporting one another in love, and to embrace the promise of Christ’s resurrection as the foundation of our hope in this Jubilee Year.

By Father Dan Tracy

Deepening Our Worship: A New Closing Practice at Mass

Starting this Ash Wednesday, Saint Patrick Parish will implement a change to the conclusion of all Masses, replacing post-Mass applause with a communal recitation of Saint Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer to foster a more reflective and unified transition from worship to mission. This adjustment aligns with Church directives and parishioner feedback, aiming to deepen our Lenten renewal and strengthen our shared commitment to the sacred liturgy.

Catholic 101

The Sound of Lent: A Season of Musical Simplicity

During Lent, the liturgy undergoes a kind of "fasting," simplifying music and omitting the Gloria and Alleluia to create a more prayerful and reflective atmosphere. At Saint Patrick Church, we will emphasize a cappella singing, incorporate Gregorian chant, and limit instrumental use, allowing these changes to deepen our longing for the joyful celebration of Easter.

By Sari Althoff

Serving with Joy: Reflections from Our Guatemala Mission

A team of missionaries from Saint Patrick Parish recently returned from serving at our sister parish in Guatemala, providing medical care, celebrating sacraments, and strengthening relationships within the community. Please continue to pray for the second team currently on mission and for the ongoing work of our parish in supporting our brothers and sisters in San Jose del Tesoro.

By Father Dan Tracy

Mission to Guatemala: Healing and Faith in Action

A group from our parish traveled to our Sister Parish in Guatemala on February 6, joining doctors and Sister Jo, who founded the parish 27 years ago. With medical professionals providing care at the clinic and Father Dan celebrating First Holy Communion, the visit strengthened both spiritual and physical well-being in the community.

Mid-Year Financial Update: Revenue, Expenses, and Parish Giving Trends

Saint Patrick Parish’s financial update for the first half of the fiscal year shows that revenue from Adult Giving and School Tuition is strong, with total revenue at $2,003,070—$95,000 ahead of last year when adjusted for one-time government and capital campaign funds. While expenses have increased, primarily due to security upgrades and wage adjustments, they remain in line with the budget, and with continued generosity, the projected deficit should be lower than anticipated.

Announcements

Seeking Tech Support for Funeral Masses – Projection & Livestream

Saint Patrick Parish is looking for individuals to assist with projection and livestreaming for funeral Masses, a paid opportunity requiring about two hours on weekday mornings.

By Sari Althoff