is the director of planning
for the Diocese of St. Cloud.
By Brenda Kresky
A new parish name is more than a label. It can be a grace-filled sign of hope, unity and renewed purpose as a community begins a new chapter together. When parishes merge, a new name can help people see that they are not simply holding on to the past but stepping forward in faith into a shared future shaped by prayer, mission and trust in God. It becomes a gentle reminder that this moment is not only about change, but also about renewal.
Naming a new parish can also bring fresh energy by giving people a shared identity. Rather than dwelling on what has changed or been left behind, a new name invites everyone to gather around a larger vision of who they are called to become together. The process itself can be a grace-filled experience when parishioners are invited to pray, reflect, and offer ideas. In that participation, hearts are drawn together, and a deeper sense of belonging begins to take root.
A new parish name can also inspire the community spiritually. Whether it comes from the name of a saint, a title of Mary, or another devotion, it becomes a source of prayer and identity for the whole parish family. It reminds parishioners that they are called not only to worship together, but also to serve, evangelize, and bear witness to Christ with renewed joy. Received with faith and openness, a new name can help nurture deeper unity, fresh energy, and a stronger sense of mission.
That spirit of renewal is already beginning to take shape in several newly formed parishes across the diocese.
There are clear guidelines for naming a parish. Bishop Neary has asked to receive three nominations for each new parish name. He will then pray over those names and choose one. Click the button to read the guidelines.
Parish Naming Guidelines
We have a few new parishes with new names (some of these are pending due to active petitions):
The Parish of the Transfiguration includes the churches of: Seven Dolors (Albany), St. Benedict (Avon), St. Anthony (St. Anthony), St. Martin (St. Martin), and St. Catherine- oratory (Farming)
The Parish of St. Joseph Pillar of Families includes the churches of St. Louis Bertrand (Foreston), St. Mary (Mora and Milaca), and St. Kathryn (Ogilvie)
The Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus includes the churches of: St. Olaf (Elbow Lake), St. Charles (Herman), and Our Lady of the Runestone (Kensington)
The Parish of the Holy Family includes the churches of: Sts. Peter and Paul (Braham), Christ the King (Cambridge), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Isanti)
To keep informed of the latest information, visit https://stcdio.org/all-things-new/.