On the Vine

Entering the Story of Salvation

As many people move away from mega churches in search of deeper engagement, the Church invites us during Holy Week into a rich, sensory, and participatory experience of the Paschal Mystery. Rather than simply observing, we are called to fully enter into Christ’s life, death, and resurrection through the liturgy, engaging our hearts, minds, and actions.

From Campus Ministry to Holy Week: What’s Happening Now

Saint Patrick Parish has assumed responsibility for the Newman Center at UW–River Falls, where Father John and Father Dan will serve students through expanded Mass times and vibrant campus ministry offerings. The week ahead also includes the Priest Assembly and Chrism Mass, Lenten Reconciliation, the final Fish Fry, and an invitation to prepare for Holy Week.

Catholic 101

Message From The Saints

St. Peter Chrysologus teaches that prayer, fasting, and mercy are inseparable pillars of the spiritual life, each giving strength and meaning to the others. True Lenten practice requires not only personal sacrifice, but a generous outpouring of mercy toward others, without which fasting and prayer bear no fruit.

Gratitude in Prayer

Reflecting on the quiet grace of early morning prayer, Father Dan highlights the importance of dedicating time each day to encounter God and allow prayer to shape our lives. As our parish celebrates its third annual Lenten Eucharistic Day, we are reminded that all devotional prayer flows from the Mass and leads us back to it, deepening our gratitude and faith.

By Father Dan Tracy

From Enemigo to Amigo: Lessons from Guatemala

Returning from our Sister Parish in Guatemala for the first time since 2020, Father John reflected on how even an “enemigo” can become an “amigo,” and witnessed the beautiful growth of the community, including a new dormitory named for Saint Clare. During a week focused on medical ministry—serving over 225 patients, providing medications and vitamins, celebrating Mass, hearing Confessions, and offering the Anointing of the Sick—we were reminded how faith, friendship, and compassionate care continue to strengthen our shared mission.

Vatican News

Fasting, Listening, and the Power of Words

In his 2026 Lenten message, Pope Leo XIV calls the faithful to place God back at the center of their lives through attentive listening to His Word, authentic conversion, and a renewed commitment to follow Christ. He emphasizes fasting not only from food but also from harmful speech, urging Christians to cultivate kindness, justice, and hope as they help build a civilization of love.

Corazón: A Heart for Peace and Justice

In the midst of increased immigration enforcement in our region, we stand united with our bishops in calling for justice, peace, and compassion, while reaffirming our commitment to serve and accompany our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters with the love and mercy of Christ. Rooted in faith and hope, we invite our parish community to pray for healing and to work toward meaningful dialogue and reform that upholds the dignity of every human person.

Parish Financial Update: Mid-Year Report

As part of our fourth mission goal to secure long-term financial stability, this mid-year report provides an update on parish finances, showing revenue ahead of budget and a projected modest surplus despite rising expenses. Thanks to continued generosity and careful stewardship, the parish remains financially sound while remaining attentive to future challenges such as utilities, insurance costs, and market fluctuations.

A Strong Foundation for Mission and Ministry

This week’s bulletin article continues our reflection on the parish Mission Goals, prayerfully discerned by parish leadership as a roadmap for the year ahead and beyond. Our fourth mission goal calls us to steward our financial resources and physical facilities with gratitude, accountability, and a long-term vision, recognizing our responsibility as one of the largest and most active parishes in the Diocese. Building on years of faithful stewardship and recent financial stability, we look ahead with confidence—seeking to support our staff, care for our buildings, and prepare responsibly for future generations to continue Christ’s mission.