“The whole concern of doctrine and its teaching must be directed to the love that never ends. Whether something is proposed for belief, for hope or for action, the love of our Lord must always be made accessible, so that anyone can see that all the works of perfect Christian virtue spring from love and have no other objective than to arrive at love.”

Pastoral Principle as stated by the Roman Catechism
from USCCB’s The Catechism of the Catholic Church

“Our humanity comes to its fullest bloom in giving. We become beautiful people when we give whatever we can give: a smile, a handshake, a kiss, an embrace, a word of love, a present, a part of our life...all of our life.”

Ministry of Care

Pastoral care at St. Mary of the Lake focuses on visiting parishioners who have become sick in the short term or, due to age or illness in the long term, are no longer able to come, worship, and pray with the Church community on a regular basis. Pastoral care brings the church community to them through supportive and practical ways such as visits offering fellowship, Scripture and sharing the Living Bread.

Because of the Right to Privacy laws, St. Mary of the Lake is not notified of parishioners who are hospitalized or have entered a health care facility. We must hear from the parishioner or family member to request a visit by a member of the pastoral care team. Please call the parish office at 763-545-1443, extension15 or email Theresemarie Johnson at [email protected].

Eucharistic Ministry to the Homebound

The celebration of the Eucharist is intimately connected to our identity as Roman Catholics. It truly makes us who we are. Sharing the Eucharist with those who are unable to attend Mass is a way to unite our parish family. Several parishioners have been trained to visit persons who are in need of a listening ear and an open heart. They are dedicated, compassionate people who are committed to this ministry of caring. They bring communion to those at home who are unable to attend Mass. There are two area nursing homes we visit weekly. If you are interested in ministering to the homebound and the care centers, please contact Theresemarie at 763-545-1443, extension 15.

Anointing of the Sick

Anointing of the sick is available for those whose health is threatened due to aging, injury or serious chronic illness--either physical or psychological. If you would like the priest to visit you, please call the parish office to request this sacrament at 763-545-1443.

Please refer to the submenu for more information on this repeatable sacrament.

Bulletin Prayer Column

The prayer column in the weekly church bulletin includes names of individuals or family members requesting prayer. For a name to appear in this column, only the individual or a family member may make the request. (Permission is required of the one named.)