Parish profile – St. Donatus, Brooten

Father Peter Kirchner, pastor of St. Donatus Parish, was profiled in the Oct. 23, 2015 issue of The Visitor with St. Francis de Sales Parish in Belgrade where he also serves as pastor. Additionally, he serves as pastor at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Elrosa.

Before the 1900s, a few Catholic families of Irish and German descent settled in and around Brooten. Having no church of their own, the majority attended Mass in the neighboring parishes of Padua and Belgrade. Because of the hardships, especially in winter, and the desire to attend Mass and the sacraments, the people of Brooten requested the resident priest of Padua to conduct services in Brooten. The first Masses were offered in the old schoolhouse and at times at the Will Nugent home.  

In early 1911, a committee was formed to solicit funds from the Catholics and all businessmen of Brooten for the building of a church. Certain parishioners borrowed money in order to build. The first church was built that year and on May 11, 1911, the articles of incorporation were signed and St. Donatus was first used as the parish name. (St. Donatus was a Roman soldier martyred for his faith in the early centuries of the church. Catholics pray to him for protection against storms and lightning.) Currently there are 82 households, totaling 235 parishioners.

Audrey Rademacher, parish secretary, answered the following questions about the parish.

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

A: Time and weather had left their marks on the frame church of 1911. Under the direction of Father Maurice Landwehr, the building of the present church, at a cost of $50,000, was undertaken in 1966. It is constructed chiefly of Rockville and Diamond Pink split-faced granite, modern architecture with natural wood. It is one-level worship, easily accessible, and remains one of the more attractive buildings in the town.

As people enter the church, they are drawn to a large crucifix with the tabernacle below signifying Jesus’ presence. Many have commented that the atmosphere is intimate and warm, making it easy to pray.

St. Donatus Parish interior.

Q: What are the most popular programs at your parish?

A: A fall fundraiser has been conducted since the early years of the church. Our turkey and ham dinner served with all the trimmings in September is well known for the best “threshers” dinner around.

Parishioners pray the rosary before every Mass and may linger long after Mass visiting. Eucharistic adoration is held every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Fellowship with coffee and goodies has been enjoyed every Wednesday after morning Mass by parishioners and clergy since the 1970s.

Our small parish ministers to over 400 migrant Hispanic workers yearly who come and live primarily in the farm labor camp in Brooten.

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

A: St. Donatus was the first parish in the diocese in the 1960s to celebrate a non-Latin Mass in English with Father Henry Fehrenbacher. It was also the last to celebrate Latin Masses in the 1970s with Father Landwehr.

In February 1955, Dorothy Day visited and attended a meeting here. On this minus-30-degree day, she was quoted as saying, “There is something tremendously invigorating about this weather.”

Author: The Visitor

The Visitor is the official newpaper for the Diocese of Saint Cloud.

Leave a Reply

*