Fr. Patrick Retirement Gift

Father Patrick Hipwell has been the pastor here at Nativity for more than 15 years, and will be leaving us on June 30 for retirement to the Byrne Residence at the University of St. Thomas next door to the St. Paul Seminary. 
 
Fr. Patrick arrived at a time of national financial crisis that challenged parishioners’ ability to pay tuition and monthly stewardship contributions. He has diligently overseen many renovations, and he resolutely led us through a faith crisis here at Nativity and within our Archdiocese.

He calmly led our community through an unprecedented pandemic, festively helped commemorate the parish’s 100th birthday, oversaw a very successful capital campaign, and is leaving us without a penny of debt just as our beautiful, historic sanctuary is being restored to its original glory. 
 
Following the advice of recently retired priests, lay leaders here at Nativity have created a channel for parishioners to unite in establishing a Father Patrick Hipwell retirement fund. (Parishioners desiring to make more personalized gifts are still very welcome to do so.)

If you wish to make an electronic contribution to Fr. Hipwell’s retirement fund:
 
If you wish to make a contribution by check: Make the check payable to Nativity of Our Lord and be sure to note, "FR. HIPWELL GIFT" in the memo so your gift will be properly applied. Checks may be dropped in the collection plate or mailed to the parish office at 1900 Wellesley Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105.

Contributions will be collected through Thursday, June 1.
 
Thank you for your consideration and recognition of Fr. Hipwell’s contributions to our parish and our respective faith journeys. Please share this outreach with anyone you feel may not have seen it.

The combined gifts will be presented as one to Fr. Patrick at the Picnic on the Plaza event on Friday, June 2.

Sincerely,
Nativity Council of Catholic Women
Nativity Men's Club
Nativity of Our Lord Pastoral Council