Announcements

Congratulations to Bishop Andrew Cozzens and Professor Robert Kennedy, who today were honored at The Saint Paul Seminary as Distinguished Alumni. Bishop Cozzens graduated from the seminary in 1997 and now serves as the Bishop of Crookston. Dr. Kennedy, a professor of Catholic studies at the University of St. Thomas, was the first layman to graduate from the seminary’s master’s program. 

On Monday, September 14, I celebrated the Holy Mass for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Hopkins, MN. Present were Chesterton Academy students, faculty and staff and parishioners of the parish. During the Mass, I had a private spiritual experience while praying the Eucharistic prayer over the bread and wine and I want to humbly share and clarify what I experienced all for God’s glory and praise. In doing so, I also want to correct any misinformation as the Mass recording is being shared online.   

We mark today the feast of the Triumph of the Cross. It’s always striking for me that we speak of the "triumph" or "exaltation" of the cross, knowing that our world has never seen such a tragic execution as the crucifixion of the sinless one, Jesus.

On Thursday of this week, the faithful of our archdiocese and friends from around the world will be recalling the tragic events that took place last year on Aug. 27, 2025.

I was thrilled to learn that Pope Leo XIV has given his assent to the election of Chorbishop Sharbel Maroun as Archbishop of Damascus of the Maronites in Syria by the Synod of Bishops of the Patriarchal Church of Antioch of the Maronites. Chorbishop Maroun has served as pastor of St. Maron Maronite parish in Minneapolis for more than 35 years and is beloved by not only his parishioners but also by the priests and faithful of our Archdiocese.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda has announced the following appointments in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

On Thursday of this week, the faithful of our archdiocese and friends from around the world will be recalling the tragic events that took place last year on Aug. 27, 2025.

St. Jacek, a thirteenth century Dominican friar from Poland whose feast is celebrated today, is the heavenly patron for weightlifters (he managed to carry a heavy statue of Our Lady out of a burning Church) and those in danger of drowning (he walked across a raging river). Perhaps better known in the United States by his Latinized named—St. Hyacinth—he is also the patron saint of pierogi, those savory or sweet filled dumplings that are so common throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

When I moved to Northern Michigan some years ago, I was told that I would experience two seasons: winter and construction. I’m realizing that the same could be said about Minnesota. 

Is there an individual from your parish who should be added to the 2026-2027 Consecrated Life Vocation Poster for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis?

At yesterday’s celebration at the Cathedral marking the end of our 175th Jubilee Year, I was privileged to lead the congregation in a prayer consecrating our Archdiocese to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda has announced the following appointments in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

2026 is a big election year in Minnesota. Faithful citizens must form their conscience with the right principles of Catholic social teaching to participate rightly in the public arena. But they also must inform themselves about the issues and where the candidates stand.

At yesterday’s celebration at the Cathedral marking the end of our 175th Jubilee Year, I was privileged to lead the congregation in a prayer consecrating our Archdiocese to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In a video message with Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Auxiliary Bishop Michael Izen posted today, Auxiliary Bishop Kevin Kenney announced that he had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer.

My body isn’t wired for these dog days of summer. I love the heat when I’m with my family at the beach, but layer me with vestments in a crowded Church and I quickly look wilted and distressed, even when there’s great air conditioning. If I had a dollar for every time someone offered me a handkerchief as they came out of Mass this past weekend, we would be able to suspend our Archdiocesan capital campaign.