• Follow Us
  • Search
  • Home
  • Officials
  • Español
  • Special Sections
  • Archives
The Central Minnesota Catholic
  • Around the Diocese
    Around the Diocese
    • Bishop Neary's Column
    • Obituaries
    • Officials
    March 4, 20264

    Hometown connection brings popular priest Father Mike Schmitz to St. Augusta

    March 3, 20264

    Photos: 29th diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference

    February 25, 20264

    Well-known podcaster Father Mike Schmitz speaks in St. Augusta

  • All Things New
    All Things New
    February 18, 20264

    GOOD IDEA: Why Catholics leave and what might bring them back

    February 11, 20264

    On Canon Law with Father Crane: Answering some FAQs regarding All Things New

    February 3, 20264

    Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future: Renewed by the Spirit

  • Our Church in the World
    Our Church in the World
    March 5, 20264

    USCCB president: Prayer, diplomacy needed in Middle East to avert ‘tragedy of immense proportions’

    March 4, 20264

    Vatican synod study group proposes creation of pontifical commission for new technologies

    March 4, 20264

    9 ‘perpetual pilgrims’ to travel patriotic East Coast route in 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

  • Through Another Lens
    Through Another Lens
    March 5, 20264

    Erlandson: Is our nation losing its soul?

    March 4, 20264

    The ‘winter flower’ and her shower of Olympic blessings

    February 26, 20264

    Cooper: Should I give up prayers of petition this Lent as my priest suggested in his homily?

  • Everyday Discipleship
    Everyday Discipleship
    • Our Faith in Action
    • On Canon Law with Father Crane
    • Our Faith Explained
    • In Light of Faith
    March 4, 20264

    Lenten Forgiveness Series: A season like never before

    March 4, 20264

    Expert: Violent 764 network a ‘growing problem’ targeting vulnerable kids online

    March 1, 20264

    Saint profile: St. Casimir of Poland

  • Arts & Culture
    Arts & Culture
    March 5, 20264

    Beloved Notre Dame coaching legend Lou Holtz remembered for ‘building men, not just players’

    March 4, 20264

    Vatican stamp depicts Ukrainian Catholic cathedral as witness to ‘the light of Christ’

    March 3, 20264

    Third episode of Lenten video series features easy Chickpea Hummus

March 4, 2026

Hometown connection brings popular priest Father Mike Schmitz to St. Augusta

March 3, 2026

Photos: 29th diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference

February 25, 2026

St. Cloud native ‘will travel for food’

February 25, 2026

Well-known podcaster Father Mike Schmitz speaks in St. Augusta

February 25, 2026

Photos: Catechumens gather for Rite of Election

Around the Diocese

Around the Diocese. Feature. March 4, 2026

Hometown connection brings popular priest Father Mike Schmitz to St. Augusta

Lauren Bravo returned to her roots, St. Mary Help of Christians in St. Augusta, to introduce Father Schmitz Feb. 23.

Around the Diocese. Feature. March 3, 2026

Photos: 29th diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference

Around the Diocese. Feature. February 25, 2026

Well-known podcaster Father Mike Schmitz speaks in St. Augusta

Around the Diocese. Feature. February 25, 2026

Photos: Catechumens gather for Rite of Election

Around the Diocese. February 19, 2026

Cathedral Ultimate Frisbee team encourages students across Central Minnesota to join

Around the Diocese. Feature. February 18, 2026

Photos: Ash Wednesday in Jacobs Prairie

All Things New

All Things New. February 18, 2026

GOOD IDEA: Why Catholics leave and what might bring them back

When Father Erik Lundgren and Kelli Kleinschnitz of the Holy Saints ACC launched a simple postcard campaign last October, they weren’t sure what to expect. The goal was straightforward: invite fallen-away or under-practicing Catholics to share their stories through an anonymous survey.

All Things New. On Canon Law with Father Crane. February 11, 2026 2

On Canon Law with Father Crane: Answering some FAQs regarding All Things New

All Things New. February 3, 2026 1

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future: Renewed by the Spirit

All Things New. January 22, 2026 2

Walking Together in Faith; Updates on All Things New

All Things New. January 22, 2026 1

All Things New: Where is grace today?

All Things New. January 15, 2026 1

Walking the journey: Invitation, accompaniment and discipleship 

Our Church in the World

Our Church in the World. March 5, 2026

USCCB president: Prayer, diplomacy needed in Middle East to avert ‘tragedy of immense proportions’

The leader of the U.S. Catholic bishops has echoed Pope Leo XIV’s call for de-escalation and dialogue in the Middle East, following the joint attacks on Iran launched Feb. 28 by the U.S. and Israel, which killed Iran’s longtime supreme leader, 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Our Church in the World. March 4, 2026

Vatican synod study group proposes creation of pontifical commission for new technologies

Our Church in the World. March 4, 2026

9 ‘perpetual pilgrims’ to travel patriotic East Coast route in 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

Our Church in the World. February 26, 2026

Empty school desks on Minnesota Capitol grounds signify children lost to gun violence

Our Church in the World. February 26, 2026

Bishops: Ukrainians ‘resist, trust, pray’ as Russia’s full-scale invasion turns 4

Our Church in the World. February 26, 2026

Sacramento Catholic school averts possible shooting at Mass, thanks to astute parent

Vatican News


Everyday Discipleship

Everyday Discipleship. March 4, 2026

Lenten Forgiveness Series: A season like never before

In the first of four in a series, Tom Delaney reflects on how Lent offers a fresh chance to release old burdens and rediscover the freedom that forgiveness brings.

Everyday Discipleship. March 4, 2026

Expert: Violent 764 network a ‘growing problem’ targeting vulnerable kids online

Everyday Discipleship. March 1, 2026

Saint profile: St. Casimir of Poland

Everyday Discipleship. February 26, 2026

Here are 12 new resources to encounter Christ this Lent 2026

Everyday Discipleship. February 26, 2026

New Knights of Columbus video series explores ‘dignity of work,’ how it ‘builds virtue’

Through Another Lens

Through Another Lens. Uncategorized. March 5, 2026

Erlandson: Is our nation losing its soul?

U.S. bishops are speaking up about the treatment of immigrants and the deportation strategy and tactics of the current administration, and their messaging has grown increasingly urgent and concerned.

Through Another Lens. March 4, 2026

The ‘winter flower’ and her shower of Olympic blessings

Through Another Lens. February 26, 2026

Cooper: Should I give up prayers of petition this Lent as my priest suggested in his homily?

Through Another Lens. February 25, 2026

From Creed to Cross: Confronting Pilate in our own hearts

Through Another Lens. February 18, 2026

Stuart Wolfe: Stepping up to Lent

CALENDAR EVENTS

Mar 8
8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Breakfast Buffet — St. Cloud, Holy Spirit Parish

Mar 9
6:00 am - 7:15 am

Walking in Her Sandals — Virtual

Mar 10
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Theology Day: Christian Hope—Collegeville, Emmaus Hall

Mar 13
11:30 am - 8:00 pm

Fish Fry — Rockville, Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish

Mar 13
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Fish Fry — St. Joseph, Sal’s Bar

View Calendar

Digital Edition

Digital Edition Archives

Web Article Archives

Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic podcast

centralmncatholic

Official magazine of the Diocese of Saint Cloud, Minnesota

Men from across the St. Cloud Diocese and beyond g Men from across the St. Cloud Diocese and beyond gathered Feb. 28 at Saint John’s University in Collegeville for the 29th Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference. This year’s theme, “Walking Together as Brothers: A call to authentic accompaniment,” reflected the event’s mission to foster spiritual growth and community. The conference, which included speakers, workshops, reconciliation and Mass, was hosted by the diocesan Office of Marriage and Family. #catholicmen #catholicfaith #catholicproudstcloud
During Lent, tune in to our YouTube channel, at th During Lent, tune in to our YouTube channel, at the link in our bio, for a weekly video featuring Benedictine Brother Aelred Senna, a monk of @saintjohnsabbey. He will share a new easy plant-based recipe each week. On the menu this week is Matar Paneer, green peas and fresh cheese in tomato gravy. Recipe provided in YouTube description. #lent #lentseason #meatlessmeals
Speaker, author and podcaster @fathermikeschmitz, Speaker, author and podcaster @fathermikeschmitz, widely known for his “Bible in a Year” and “Catechism in a Year” podcasts, spoke Feb. 23 at St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in St. Augusta, part of the Holy Saints ACC.  His talk, titled “Serenity. Courage. Wisdom: peacefully accepting change while on your path of faith,” touched on changes that the diocese is going through in the current pastoral planning process. “Future generations will look back and realize that there was a generation of people that were willing to make whatever change it took, whatever adjustment it took to be able to fulfill that great commission — to make disciples here in St. Augusta and St. Cloud, Waite Park and Sartell and this whole area, this whole region,” he said.
@bishoppatricknearycsc celebrated the Rite of Elec @bishoppatricknearycsc celebrated the Rite of Election Feb. 22 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud with catechumens from around the diocese. Catechumens are those who are preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation — baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist — at the Easter Vigil. The Rite of Election is celebrated during Lent as part of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. #OCIA #catholicfaith #catechumens #lent
During Lent, tune in to our YouTube channel for a During Lent, tune in to our YouTube channel for a weekly video featuring Benedictine Brother Aelred Senna, a monk of @saintjohnsabbey . He will share a new easy plant-based recipe each week. On the menu this week is Shakshuka – Eggs baked in a stew of tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Recipe in YouTube description. #lent #lentseason #meatlessmeals
Parishioners braved the winter weather on Ash Wedn Parishioners braved the winter weather on Ash Wednesday to fill St. James Church in Jacobs Prairie, part of the @christ_catholic (Centered on Christ Area Catholic Community). Father LeRoy Scheierl celebrated the early evening Mass. Ash Wednesday is a day of prayer and fasting and marks the first day of Lent.
@santjohnsprep expands global connections with new @santjohnsprep expands global connections with new exchange program.⁠
The Collegeville school recently welcomed three students from @centroescolardelago in Mexico while they welcomed two students from Prep. Read about the new semester-long program at the link in our bio! #catholicschools #catholiceducation
Every year, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal invites the Every year, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal invites the faithful of the Diocese of St. Cloud to join in a shared mission: forming compassionate leaders who serve those on the margins and help build a Church rooted in mercy, justice and hope. Read more about it at the link in our bio! #agentsofcompassion #HeartsofMercy
#catholicproudstcloud #catholiclife #catholicfaith #catholicproudstcloud #catholiclife #catholicfaith #catholicmedia #catholicmagazine
Sara Michaelson, diocesan superintendent of school Sara Michaelson, diocesan superintendent of schools, accompanied principals from the schools across our diocese (most of them) as they attended the amazing CSCOE (Catholic Schools Center of Excellence) conference in Minnetonka Feb. 5 and 6. #catholicschools #catholiceducation #catholicchurch
Catholics from around the diocese gathered at St. Catholics from around the diocese gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud Feb. 5 for a Holy Hour for peace with Bishop Neary. Read more about it at the link in our bio. #holyhour #adoration #peace #prayforpeace
Students, faculty and staff of the @catholic.commu Students, faculty and staff of the @catholic.community.schools gathered at @cathedralhighschoolsc Jan. 28 for a special Mass with @bishoppatricknearycsc to celebrate Catholic Schools Week. The annual celebration of Catholic education is being observed from Jan. 25 to 31 this year with the theme “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” #csw2026 #csw #catholicschools #catholicschoolsweek #catholiceducation
Follow on Instagram

Hablando de Fe: Un podcast católico de Minnesota

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture. March 5, 2026

Beloved Notre Dame coaching legend Lou Holtz remembered for ‘building men, not just players’

The mark Holtz left on the program, the university and especially the young men who played for him cannot be overstated.

Arts & Culture. March 4, 2026

Vatican stamp depicts Ukrainian Catholic cathedral as witness to ‘the light of Christ’

Arts & Culture. March 3, 2026

Third episode of Lenten video series features easy Chickpea Hummus

Arts & Culture. February 26, 2026

Historical novel pitches Christian compassion against ideologies of hatred

Arts & Culture. February 26, 2026

‘Chosen’ actor Jonathan Roumie honors 21 Christian martyrs at Museum of the Bible event

Español

Español. March 5, 2026

Presidente de la USCCB: Se necesita oración y diplomacia en Oriente Medio para evitar una ‘tragedia de proporciones inmensas’

El líder de los obispos católicos de Estados Unidos se ha hecho eco del llamamiento del Papa León XIV a la desescalada y al diálogo en Oriente Medio, tras los ataques conjuntos contra Irán lanzados el 28 de febrero por Estados Unidos e Israel, que causaron la muerte del líder supremo de Irán, el ayatolá Alí Jamenei, de 86 años.

Español. March 1, 2026

Historia de un santo: Santo Casimiro de Polonia

Español. February 26, 2026

40 Testimonios en 40 Días: Cómo los jóvenes católicos latinos están renovando la Iglesia en esta Cuaresma

Español. February 22, 2026

Historia de una Santa: Santa Inés Tsao Kueiying

Español. February 18, 2026

Guía rápida para el ayuno durante la Cuaresma

Español. February 18, 2026

‘Los niños no nacidos están muriendo’: Líderes provida cuestionan la detención de mujeres embarazadas por parte de ICE

The Central Minnesota Catholic Magazine

305 7th Avenue North
St. Cloud, MN 56303

Office hours: M-F
8:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Contact Us

(320) 251-3022

Kristi Anderson, Editor
Amber Walling, Staff Writer
Email Amber to submit a calendar event or call (320) 258-7630.
Anne Schluender, Database Assistant
Contact Anne if you need to update your address.
Dianne Towalski, Social Media Manager

Advertising Information

Pay your Advertising Bill
The Central Minnesota Catholic Magazine Ad Form

CALENDAR INFORMATION

Submission Deadlines

News Links

Diocese of Saint Cloud
USCCB News
Vatican News

Subscribe to The Central Minnesota Catholic newsletter!

Copyright © 2026 by The Central Minnesota Catholic.

Diocese of Saint Cloud.