Diocese of New Ulm - December 2005

In November of 2003, Bishop John C. Nienstedt approved the New Ulm Diocesan Plan for Parishes 2003-2008: Hope for Years to Come.

The Plan called for the formation of all diocesan parishes into Area Faith Communities.  When announcing the approval of the Plan, Bishop Nienstedt stated, “While we have tried to "cluster" parishes by leaving each parish community on its own and stretching the services of the clergy, we are now finding that this approach will simply no longer work. Instead, a new approach, outlined in this Plan, seeks to maximize our strengths through a collaborative adventure called an Area Faith Community.”

 

Now, two years later, more than half of the parishes in the Diocese of New Ulm are working on or have already completed the planning process to implement the Area Faith Community model. 

As foreseen by the Plan, the Church of St. Thomas in Jessenland is the Plan’s first oratory to be established. In fact, it is the first oratory in the history of the Diocese of New Ulm. The parish family celebrated their last regular Sunday Mass together on October 29, 2005.

What is an Oratory?

The classification of "oratory" is permitted under the Code of Canon Law (canon 1223) and allows for church properties to be integrated into the ministry of the area faith community. Oratory is an optional classification for small parishes as their membership and contributions continue to decline yet they have adequate financial means to maintain the church building. As an oratory, a weekly Sunday liturgy is no longer celebrated in the church building and parishioners will need to register in another parish. The church building will remain as a place of occasional worship and may be used for weddings, funerals, devotions, private and communal prayer, a weekday Mass, and feast days proper to the oratory. Other activities and programs may be conducted and financially supported as determined by the Area Faith Community in consultation with the diocese.

Church History:

Being the "first" is not new to the Church of St. Thomas. Established in 1855, it was the first parish to be established in what would become the Diocese of New Ulm and is one of the oldest in Minnesota. The present church building was constructed in 1870.  It was preceded by two earlier log structures. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. According to the Minnesota Historical Society, the Church of St. Thomas is known as the "mother church" for Irish Catholics in the area.  At its height of membership in 1880, there were 130 registered families. Over the years, membership at St. Thomas has dwindled to slightly more than 40 households. The parish was designated as a mission in 1990. In previous diocesan plans, the next step for St. Thomas would have been closure.

As an oratory,  St. Thomas will be funded principally through an annual festival. Most recently, a parish festival was conducted every two years. The event will begin as a "heritage festival," celebrating the relationships of those who have been members of St. Thomas over the years. Elements of Irish culture will be incorporated to reflect the strong ethnic heritage of the oratory. In future years, the festival will emphasize the Irish heritage of the Church of St. Thomas. Next year’s event is scheduled for June 11, 2006.  Bishop Nienstedt will preside at a festival Mass which will celebrate St. Thomas’ new status as an oratory.

Fr. Todd Petersen, the pastor of St. Joseph in Henderson who oversees the oratory, comments that "the members of the oratory ministry team are very enthusiastic."  He went on to say "sometimes they were so ambitious that it was difficult to keep them focused on a simple plan for the first year because they saw so many new possibilities."

"When we began to work on the change of status," observes Fr. Peterson, "the thought of becoming an oratory seemed like we were preparing for the death of the parish. It gradually became apparent though that new life was emerging. We are all quite surprised that becoming an oratory has been such a hope-filled experience."                

Ministry Plan:

The oratory ministry plan for the Church of St. Thomas in Jessenland was approved by Bishop Nienstedt. As an oratory or "chapel," St. Thomas will continue the missionary activity of the church but on a reduced basis from that of a parish. The plan will be implemented by an Oratory Ministry Team, comprised of former members of St. Thomas, and directed by the pastor of St. Joseph in Henderson.

 

As in the Mission of the church having four essential elements - Word, Worship, Service, and Stewardship - the Mission is the same for the diocese as well as the Area Faith Community and parish. Each of these four essential elements can be characterized by the ministries which flow from them:

Word

- Maintain existing and form new small groups as well as provide seasonal adult faith formation opportunities

- Conduct an annual youth rally and Mass

Worship

-  Prepare Eucharistic celebrations for special feasts and events

-  Provide opportunities for prayer and Eucharistic adoration

Service

- Serve as a location for several "drives" to help those in need

- Participate in the visitation of the   sick and elderly in the area

Stewardship

- Celebrate the Irish culture of the area through a St. Patrick Day celebration and an Irish Heritage Festival

- Conduct other smaller social events and fund-raisers