Parish Name: The Catholic Community of St. Odilia
Location: Shoreview, Minnesota
Founded: 1960
Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis
Pastor: Father Phillip Rask
Number of Parishioners: 11,602 individuals in 3,150 registered households
Parish website: www.stodilia.org
What makes your parish different from other parishes?
It is still a growing parish, with more than 100 baptisms last year. The parish serves all ages from preschool to senior citizens. St. Therese Hospice is also on the grounds and there is a new cemetery and prayer garden. In addition to the excellent weekend Masses, one of which is in Spanish, there is an outstanding Music Ministry with more than 100 parishioners involved in a variety of ensembles and choirs. To carry out the mission of St. Odilia’s, there are nine ministry area councils: social justice, worship and community life, facilities, Hispanic leadership circle, stewardship, faith formation, finance, pastoral care, and the school advisory council. Representatives from each council meet as the Parish Leadership and Vision team for the parish.
What’s the most distinguishing characteristic of your church building?
It is a modern style church with a central altar around which parishioners can gather. Next to the area for sacramental services is the courtyard which is used for meetings, coffee after Masses, dinners, and many social activities for parishioners and their visitors. The building also houses a Catholic school for preschool children through eighth-grade students, and Faith Formation activities for all ages.
Who is your most interesting parishioner, and what makes him or her so interesting?
Although it is difficult to single out one outstanding individual, I would have to say that Jan A. Storms is one of those outstanding people in our parish. Through the years she has worked with young children, youth groups, adults, and senior citizens. Using her artistic skills, she creates icons for a number of churches, and this April she will give a talk to our Council of Catholic Women on the history and significance of icons.
What’s the most popular event, ministry, or holiday tradition at your parish?
Our Music Ministry is so inspiring and faith-filled. Many people are attracted to music in our liturgical services, as well as to special events such as the annual winter musical, the summer ice cream social celebration for the feast of St. Odilia, the Fall Festival, Gospel Masses, and Christmas events including Masses with many additional instrumentalists, as well as more singers. It is also a time to give to the community through a Sharing Tree which is an example of the type of giving that continues throughout the year.
If we asked parishioners what they love most about the parish, what would they say?
In addition to the Music Ministry mentioned above, most people would cite the fine sermons of our pastor, Father Phillip Rask, and our parochial vicar, Father James Peterson. They might also say that the inspiring events that draw 3,000 parishioners each week to St. Odilia’s are another thing they love about the parish.
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Main image: Photo courtesy of the Catholic Community of St. Odilia
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