We priests at St. Vincent’s are diocesan priests – as opposed to religious order priests. That means that we are ordained for this Archdiocese and take vows to our Archbishop. Religious order priests, on the other hand, take vows in communities, or orders, based on specific charisms based on the ideals of the order’s founder. These priests are subject to the authority of the order’s religious superior. 

I very much love being a diocesan priest. Still, it’s fun to consider in which religious order my spirit might feel most at home. I love the contemplative charism of the Carmelites. I am attracted to the simplicity of the Franciscans. I suspect, however, that I might fit in best with the Benedictines. The Rule of St. Benedict provides principles for ordering the monks’ routine as they pray and labor (ora et labora) throughout the day.

For example, St. Benedict’s rule offers his monks direction on how to pray differently in the summer – when the nights are shorter and according to the distinct rhythm of the season. For example, in the summer, Benedict emphasizes the importance of memorizing passages of Scripture – so the prayer can come easily to mind even outdoors or away from the monastery. 

Maybe I have given you some fodder for spiritual reflection. Which religious order charism appeals most to your spirit? Also, what changes can you make to your prayer routine this summer to make it more fruitful? I love summer. It’s the best time to reflect. 

Fr. Dennis Zehren
Pastor

A roofing project on our facilities begins on Monday, June 20th and is anticipated to last 3 weeks, pending weather. During this 3 week period, there may be some disruption in facility usage so we recommend you call the Parish Office before stopping in to make sure we are open and that the office is accessible. The Parish Office is scheduled to be closed on Monday, June 20th and Tuesday, June 21st due to construction work on the parish side. We appreciate your patience during this process. 

Many of the faithful would like to contribute to help our sisters and brothers in Ukraine. Because the situation is so fluid and to maximize the efficiency of the gift, the Archdiocese recommends that the faithful contribute through Catholic Relief Services. To hear more about the relief efforts underway, read the CRS Emergency Factsheet. 

The wait is over! Join Fr. Dennis Zehren and Jeff & Emily Cavins for a life-changing pilgrimage to the Holy Land, January 9-23, 2023 with optional post-tour to Jordan/Petra. Full itinerary and registration information can be found at jeffcavins.com/pilgrimage. Jeff and Emily have hosted an annual January pilgrimage for over 15 years and are delighted to have Fr. Zehren accompany them in 2023.

Includes: Daily Mass; On-site teachings by Jeff Cavins; Prayer time at Church of the Holy Sepulchre; Rosary on location; Fellowship; Outreach to Christians in Bethlehem; Archaeological discoveries; Escape from Minnesota winter!

Questions? Call Emily at 763-420-1074.

We have offered Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University 9-week course and found that participants have had great success in securing financial peace! Knowing that many of us have lives that make it difficult to attend in-house classes led to the desire to offer at no cost to Parish members the same tools through Ramsey+ for the rest of this year. So what exactly is Ramsey+? It is an all-access membership to give you the best money content and tools so you can win with money—for good! Click on the image below to activate your free membership.