Parish Pastoral Council
The Parish Pastoral Council is the preeminent advisory body in the parish. All other councils, boards, and commissions report and are held accountable to this council. The Pastoral Council is the principle instrument through which the laity of the parish participate in the decision-making processes of the parish. It has a six-fold mission:
To be a sign of God’s Kingdom
To support the pastoral team
To study, reflect upon and pray about parish needs
To be a leader of mission
To be a reconciler
To coordinate and initiate activities and ministries
Contact
Any person who is a registered and confirmed member of St. Mary’s parish may be elected to the Council.
CURRENT COUNCIL:
Mike Sponsler, President
Dawn Houska, Vice President
Janet Schiltgen, Secretary
Jerry Kostreba
Meagan Bristow
Steve Russell
Mary Jane Reif
Tabatha Odens
Rita Winters
Parish Life Committee
The purpose of Parish Life is to promote hospitality through social events that welcome and include parishioners and build community so that we grow as a parish family.
Meeting Minutes
Contact
Verna Winter
(507) 329-0135
Finance Committee
This is a mandated committee of the parish. It meets monthly to assist the pastor and the parish administrator with the decisions that affect the financial stability of the parish. The committee is composed of the pastor, parish administrator, two trustees, one liaison person from the Pastoral Council, and six members who are appointed.
Contact
Mike Dolan
(320) 763-4705
Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee plans the music and written portions of the Masses and other celebrations at St. Mary's. All members of this committee are nominated by other members in their ministry area.
Meeting Minutes
Contact
Laurie Youngers
(320) 763-5781
Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee focuses on educating parishioners about stewardship as a way of life through its Annual Stewardship Renewal each fall. Other learning opportunities are also offered to parishioners to encourage their sharing of time, talent and treasure. This committee meets monthly.
Contact
Todd Wentworth
(320) 763-5781
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)
JPIC assists the parish in understanding Catholic Social Justice Teaching by supporting, organizing, and training parishioners around these areas:
Direct service (charity)
legislative advocacy
global solidarity awareness
community organizing
Contact
Lee Ann Sticha
612-750-0220
Sanctity of Life
The Sanctity of Life Committee is focused on the many aspects and concerns regarding the Sanctity of life. There are activities planned and information available for all ages and walks of life.
Contact
Bruce Becker
(320) 759-2003
Art & Environment
Volunteers who have a gift for artistic arrangements follow the Church guidelines in preparing the liturgical environment for the various church seasons.
Contact
Cemetery Committee
The Cemetery Committee meets periodically to plan, develop, operate, and maintain St. Mary’s Cemetery and mausoleums. St. Mary’s Parish pays for the upkeep of the cemetery through the sale of ground burial sites and the mausoleum and by cash donations.
Meeting Minutes
Contact
Leon Breun
(612) 720-7609
St. Mary's Board of Education
This board works with the school principal, as well as religious education staff, to oversee and advise the faith formation of students in Religious Education, St. Mary’s School and all pre-school, sacramental preparation and adult faith formation.