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
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.
Read PostSaint 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.
Read PostReturning 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.
Read PostIn 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.
Read PostAs 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.
Read PostThis 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.
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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.
