Parish profile – Sts. Peter and Paul, Elrosa

The parish was founded in 1891 with 37 families. Sts. Peter and Paul currently has 183 families with a total of 443 members. The information below comes from Jeanne Illies, a parishioner who compiled the parish’s 100th anniversary book, and Kim Derichs, one of the parish’s secretaries.

Q: What is the most interesting facet of your church building?

A: Elrosa has three large bells, and the largest one is called the St. Donatus Bell. At the time it was installed, all the names of the parishioners and how much they donated were engraved on it. The sanctuary of the church is domed with the words, “I am with you all days.”

Our church has 13 stained glass windows with the words to the Nicene Creed in Latin. It begins in the northwest corner. Each window contains a few lines and above is the picture of it, beautifully done with very bright colors.

Q: What is the most popular ministry or event at your parish?

A: Our parish dinners and gatherings, especially the Ham and Egg Breakfast in November. It’s a great meal that is absolutely delicious.

Q: What is an interesting fact or anecdote about your parish?

A: We are fortunate that most of our students go to one school district which helps unite our three-parish cluster, which also includes St. Francis de Sales in Belgrade and St. Donatus in Brooten. We have recently joined our religious education programs into one. It’s working great — all the students know each other.

Meet the pastor

Father Peter Kirchner was born and raised on the north side of St. Cloud, two blocks from the St. Paul Parish and a half-mile from the St. Cloud Hospital. He is the youngest of six children. He was ordained into the priesthood on June 5, 1993.

From 1993 to 1996, he served as associate pastor at St. Mary Parish in Alexandria. He subsequently served as pastor at Verndale and Blue Grass until 2002; at Staples and Motley until 2008; at Glenwood and Villard until 2012; and for one year at Breckenridge and Kent. He was chaplain for the Poor Clares in Sauk Rapids from 2013 to 2015. Since 2015, Father Kirchner has served as pastor for the parishes in Belgrade, Brooten and Elrosa.

Q: What inspired you to become a priest?

A: For about five years it was in the back of my mind to enter the seminary. The Lord is the “hound of heaven” and I decided to apply to the seminary. In addition, I had the excellent example of two uncles who are priests — Fathers Harold Kost and Joseph Kirchner.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your daily life as a priest?

A: Celebrating Mass with the people. And I have a great love for the sacrament of reconciliation. In addition, I enjoy seeing parishioners at various events in the community.

Q: What was the theme of a favorite homily that you preached?

A: I enjoy preaching on the healing and forgiveness of God, especially in the sacrament of reconciliation.