Parish News

John O’Sullivan Takes Full-Time EFC Position
    Longtime Youth Director, John O’Sullivan, for STMA Catholic Youth Ministry has been hired to spread the blessing of Extreme Faith Camp (EFC) to parishes and youth across the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Associate Director Hollie Danis will step into the director role beginning December 1st.
    In late October, The Catholic Spirit broke the news that the nonprofit Minnesota Catholic Youth Partnership (MCYP) had purchased a 700-acre resort property near Trego, Wisconsin, to be the permanent home for EFC as well as other Catholic camp and retreat experiences. In early November, MCYP hired O’Sullivan to be its first-ever Parish Liaison, helping parishes across the Archdiocese implement EFC as part of their youth ministry programs.
    O’Sullivan started EFC more than 20 years ago. He plans to continue helping with STMA Catholic Youth Ministry on a part-time basis through the end of this school year.
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Message from John O’Sullivan
    I am writing to inform all the amazing families of St. Michael and St. Albert that I have accepted a new position with Trinity Woods Camp and Retreat Center beginning in December. It is truly with mixed emotions that I make this decision but after much prayer and discernment, I believe it is the right path for me at this time. 
    Trinity Woods Camp is becoming the permanent home of Extreme Faith Camp moving forward and will host retreats in the fall, winter, and spring. The position I have taken is Parish Liaison, which will allow me to continue to work with our parishes as well as all the parishes participating in Extreme Faith Camp. I will also be working with youth ministers and pastors from around the Archdiocese to assist them in joining the Extreme Faith Camp family. It is an amazing opportunity, and I am excited to enter this new ministry.
    I have been truly blessed to serve here for the past 18 years. I cannot encapsulate into words how much I loved working here. I cherish the many relationships I have made and look forward to continuing those as a parishioner. My wife and I truly love St. Michael and St. Albert and do not plan on moving from the community. To ensure a smooth transition, I have committed to our pastors and youth ministry team that I will remain available on a part-time basis through the end of this school year.
    At this time, I am not saying goodbye, but rather informing everyone that my position is changing. Please pray for STMA Catholic Youth Ministry that the Holy Spirit leads them in this transition. I look forward to sharing more about Trinity Woods Camp and Retreat Center and how it will not only be a blessing for our parishes but for the whole Archdiocese as well.
    Know of my continued love and prayers,
    Your Servant,
    John O’Sullivan

On behalf of St. Alberts, thank you John for your years of service to the youth ministry program within our community. We are grateful for the leadership you have provided and will continue to provide. May God bless you in this new adventure with EFC for youth within the Archdiocese.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Albert's for Jim Ripplinger on Wednesday, November 8 at 11:00am with the wake on Tuesday, November 7 from 4-8pm in the Church. A Prayer Service will be held at 7pm. Further visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral Mass on Wednesday beginning at 10:00am with a Family Rosary beginning at 9:30am. 
The complete obituary can be found HERE: 
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace. Amen

Funeral Arrangements for parishioner, Marijane Bistodeau, will be at held St. Andrews in Elk River on Saturday, November 4, 2023. Her complete obituary can be found HERE. 

The Master Plan Team presented the Master Plan Design Boards at the Parish Festival on Sunday, September 19, 2023 and following the weekend Masses on October 7/8, 2023.
They are available to view on our parish website, VIEW HERE.
The Master Plan Team requests your feedback. You may provide your feedback electronically, (electronic feedback has expired). Thank you!