On the Vine

Our Diocese, Our Mission

Fr. John reflects on the unique needs of parishes across the Diocese of Superior, especially as priests are stretched to cover Masses due to illness and vacations, while reminding us of the beauty and faithfulness found in smaller communities. He encourages parishioners to take part in the September 27 diocesan workshop at Saint Patrick to learn how to pray with others and embrace the Church’s call to move from “Maintenance” to “Mission.”

Annual Financial Snapshot: Where We Stand

Saint Patrick Parish closed FY26 with a $198,723 net income, significantly better than the budgeted deficit, thanks in large part to generous gifts, strong investment performance, and continued parish support that allowed us to complete important maintenance and improvement projects. Looking ahead, the parish has adopted a conservative FY27 budget while continuing to strengthen long-term financial planning, maintain our aging facilities, support a growing school, and steward parish resources wisely for the future.

Many Hands, One Community

The St. Croix Valley Catholic Young Adults recently brought their faith into action through service at the Carmelite Monastery and Saint Patrick Parish, where they helped with projects and planted two donated maple trees that will become part of our parish landscape. As a new school year begins, we also give thanks for the many people who prepared Saint Patrick School for its students and ask God’s blessing upon our students, teachers, and staff for a safe and fruitful year.

Explore, Learn, and Grow with FORMED

Saint Patrick Parish’s free FORMED subscription gives parishioners access to a vast library of Catholic movies, Bible studies, videos, audiobooks, lectures, and family content—all available on demand for kids, teens, adults, and families. With hundreds of parishioners already using FORMED, signing up is easy and offers a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Catholic faith and grow closer to Christ from wherever you are.

God’s Love for the One

The everyday experience of a parent going back into church to retrieve a child’s forgotten toy offers a simple picture of the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one who is lost. Just as a family cannot be fully at peace when one of its members is hurting or missing, God’s love relentlessly seeks each of us and calls us to care for those who are lost, hurting, or in need.

By Father Shaji Pazhukkathara

Trusting Christ Through Every Storm

This Sunday's readings remind us that God is always present, often revealing Himself not in dramatic moments but in quiet whispers and through His steady presence in the midst of life's storms. Like Elijah, Paul, and Peter, we are invited to listen for the Lord, trust Him even when we are afraid, and keep our eyes fixed on Christ, who is always with His Church.

The Adventure of Parish Life

Parish life is filled with opportunities to step outside our comfort zones, meet new people, and discover how God works through unexpected encounters. Whether through volunteering, joining a ministry, or participating in the sacraments, every invitation to become more involved is an opportunity to grow in faith and experience the adventure of Christian community.

Finding the Pearl of Great Price

Reflecting on his summers as a Totus Tuus missionary, our seminarian, Deacon Scott Pederson, shares how serving others became a powerful opportunity to put his formation into practice and discover God's grace at work amid the challenges of ministry. He invites us to pray for this summer's Totus Tuus missionaries as they continue seeking Christ, the "pearl of great price," while joyfully giving their summer in service to the Lord.

By Father Shaji Pazhukkathara

A Journey of Faith and Vocation

In this week's reflection, Fr. Shaji shares the story of his upbringing on a family farm in Kerala, India, where faith, family prayer, and devotion to Mary helped nurture his vocation to the priesthood. He reflects on the people and experiences that shaped his journey from a young boy in India to serving the faithful of the Diocese of Superior and now Saint Patrick Parish.