Fr. John has served as the pastor of Saint Patrick Parish since 2012. He previously served parishes in Superior and Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Along with serving our parish, Fr. John serves as supervising pastor of twelve additional parishes in our Diocese. In this role and by serving on a variety of diocesan committees, he is strongly committed to helping the Church in Northern Wisconsin move to being missionary focused. He has always served at a parish with a Catholic School and continues to enjoy being a part of the life of our students and staff at Saint Patrick Catholic School. Leading discipleship groups of seventh grade and tenth grade boys helps him to stay young.
"Do not pray for easy lives, pray to be stronger people." - Blessed Father Solanus Casey
A new volunteer committee, with support from Bishop Powers, is exploring the possibility of establishing a Catholic High School in St. Croix County—an effort last attempted twenty years ago. This fall, the group will send out surveys, study recently founded Catholic schools, and begin discerning the desire, support, and vision for a local Catholic high school.
Read PostLeading funerals is always difficult, whether you know the person well or not, and this week I presided at the funeral of my longtime friend Mary, whose tragic death has left her family—and me—struggling to make sense of the loss. In moments like these, I’m reminded that sometimes the most important thing we can do for one another is simply to listen, trusting that God listens too.
Read PostThis heartfelt reflection from Father John, inspired by a decades-old prayer for children, calls us to remember and pray for the suffering children of Gaza and other places where hunger, danger, and despair are daily realities. He invites our parish community to join in prayer and contribute to Catholic Relief Services’ humanitarian efforts to provide food, shelter, and care for those in need.
Read PostWe are pleased to share our end-of-year financial summary, highlighting a strong fiscal performance with a $102,108 net income—exceeding our expectations thanks to generous giving, solid investment returns, and careful budgeting. While we face continued financial challenges, including rising payroll costs and necessary maintenance, we remain committed to responsible stewardship and transparent communication with our parish community.
Read PostThis week marked our first-ever burial of religious items at the cemetery—a reverent way to retire broken or unused blessed objects, with many rosaries, candles, books, and statues either buried or repurposed for our school, discipleship programs, or sister parish in Guatemala. Meanwhile, Totus Tuus is in full swing with confessions, enthusiastic youth, and strong participation from middle and high schoolers, all while we prepare to release our end-of-year financial report and assist neighboring parishes in need.
Read PostSaint Patrick Parish is seeking passionate, faithful individuals to help us grow in mission and service through staff openings — on our Youth & Family Discipleship Team, on our Custodial/Maintenance Staff, and in our Hispanic Ministry — so please prayerfully consider sharing your gifts with our parish family!
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Saint Patrick Parish's mission is to joyfully proclaim, share, and celebrate the love and mercy of Jesus Christ through Word, Sacraments, prayer, and ministry.
