St. Michael was founded in 1853 and the present church was dedicated
by Bishop Thomas Grace in 1875. The first wedding was witnessed by
Bishop Joseph Crétin.
Founded as a territorial parish, its early members
were largely Irish. Blessed Solanus Casey lived
in Stillwater and was confirmed at St. Michael in
1883. Bing Crosby’s mother (Catherine Harrigan)
was baptized at St. Michael in 1873.
Today the priests serve both St. Michael and St. Mary (located one
block away) with a combined household number of 2,000 families.
Perpetual Eucharistic adoration began in 1995. The parish community
is dedicated to practicing the works of mercy operating two Catholic
Worker Houses for women and children, providing pastoral care for
nine nursing homes, prison ministry, and a sister parish in Tanzania.
St. Croix Catholic School is the oldest Catholic School in Minnesota
having been founded in 1856. It is shared by St. Michael, St. Mary and
St. Charles. The school is led by the Dominican Sisters of St Cecelia
from Nashville, Tennessee and lay staff. The pre-school through 8th
grade number 400 students.