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I would like to offer my heartfelt gratitude as I step down this week from my role as pastor of Nativity of Our Lord after over 15 years together. It has been my great honor to help lead the parishioners and students of Nativity to follow Our Lord ever closer.

Last weekend, I announced at the Nativity of Our Lord Night to Shine Spring Gala (as well as at each of the Lord’s Day Masses) that Archbishop Hebda has named Fr. Rolf Tollefson as my successor as pastor of Nativity of Our Lord, effective July 1.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda has accepted my request to be granted the status of retired priest, effective July 1 of this year.

The historical reality of Jesus Christ Our Lord is particularly fitting to reflect upon as we celebrate the historic milestone of 100 years of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Fr. Patrick gives thanks for a year full of blessings, reflects on the 2nd Sunday of Advent, and invites parishioners to pledge their support for the new year.

It was my great honor and joy as pastor of this great, historic parish to help commemorate this grand jubilee on the 100th anniversary of Nativity of Our Lord at Mass with Archbishop Hebda and at the party afterwards under the big tent in the parking lot.

I wish to provide you with a brief update from our Nativity of Our Lord Facilities Committee regarding the ongoing internal restoration work of our beloved, almost 100-year-old parish church.

Congratulations to parishioner and now-Reverend Mr. John Rumpza and the now-Reverend Mr. Will Kratt, our teaching parish seminarian, for their ordinations to the Transitional Diaconate!

Eucharistic Ministers are no longer required to wear masks when distributing Communion. The priest celebrant will continue to wear a mask during Communion.

Lent is perhaps our greatest annual opportunity to make a concerted effort to turn back to the Lord. Whether we are walking closely with him or have strayed far away, all of us are invited to turn again from our sins and earthly attachments and seek him ever more fervently.

Fr. Patrick congratulates his brother priest Fr. Joseph Williams, for his appointment by Pope Francis to be a new bishop to assist Archbishop Bernard Hebda.

Nativity of Our Lord, celebrating 100 years in 2022, has proclaimed the historical event and theological reality of Christ's birth for a century, thanks be to God.

Our annual Stewardship Sunday is grounded firmly in a deep sense of gratitude. I invite you again to reflect on the abundant gifts that God has given us, remembering that the gifts that we have been given were meant to be shared.

Last week we sent home a letter to each of our registered parishioner households explaining our new Sunday Mass schedule. If you haven't received one yet, please let us know!

Tuesday and Friday 5pm Masses to return, with Confessions beforehand; Distancing requirements removed; Adoration to move to chapel, expand overnight Tuesday into Wednesday afternoon, pending commitments

We welcome the newly ordained Fr. William Duffert as our new parochial vicar, as we say goodbye to Fr. Nick Hagen, who will take over at St. Raphael's in Crystal.

Fr. Patrick details the transition to full capacity in the church and previews a Mass schedule change. He also welcomes our new Faith Formation Director, and congratulates the soon-to-be Fr. David Hottinger and 1st Communicants.

Fr. Patrick congratulates Mickey Nickelson on her new leadership role and the Brennans on 50 years of marriage (and parish membership!), and wishes Sandy Kane well on her new endeavor.

Today we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, raised from the dead by our gracious and provident Father.

Our Director of Faith Formation, Katie Schaitberger, has decided to step down from her position, as she has accepted another position in ministry elsewhere.