Parish profile – St. Lawrence, Rush Lake

The parish of St. Lawrence was founded in 1866 by a group of German settlers. St. Lawrence parish currently has a membership of 195 families and 439 members. The information below was compiled by the St. Lawrence parish staff.

rush-lake1Q: What is the most interesting facet of your church building?

A: St. Lawrence Church, with its high altars imported from Germany, has the honor of being the oldest Catholic Church in Otter Tail County. It is the only church in the Diocese of St. Cloud that has a permanent outdoor chapel, pictured below, where every Sunday during the summer months (weather permitting) Mass is celebrated under the trees.

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

A: For the past 30 years the most popular event is our annual outdoor Polka Mass Festival, which is held the first Sunday in August (Aug. 7, this year). A dinner of prime rib and chicken is served, and throughout the afternoon there are activities for the whole family to enjoy.

During the year we have many outreach and in-house ministry projects, with our annual Senior Dinner and Healing Mass being a well-loved tradition. It is a time that is dedicated to honoring all the senior citizens of our parish. The tables are decorated and the dinner is prepared by parishioners and served by the faith formation students. This tradition brings people of all ages together and is highlighted at our annual “Heavenly Hat Party” during which a video is shown celebrating all the memorable events of the past year.

rush-lake2Q: What is an interesting historical fact or anecdote about your church?

A: In 1866, a group of German settlers moved to the area and built the original church, “Our Lady of Miracles.” It was destroyed by fire in 1879 and the present church was built the following year. In 1888, it was renamed and dedicated as St. Lawrence Church. The only remnant of the original church is a partially melted church bell that was brought over from Germany with the first settlers. It had been buried in a cemetery until it was recovered in 1937; today it is displayed in front of St. Lawrence Church. In 1929 St. Lawrence Church was officially recognized by the Otter Tail County Historical Society as the site of the second permanent settlement in Otter Tail County. The sesquicentennial (150 years) anniversary will be celebrated this coming Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4, 2016.

 

Meet the pastor

Vincentian Father George Michael
Vincentian
Father George Michael

Vincentian Father George Michael was born in Kerala, (Diocese of Pala), India, and is a member of the Vincentian Congregation. He completed his novitiate and made his first profession to the Vincentian Congregation in 1988. In 1993 he made his final profession. He studied philosophy and theology at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary in Aluva, Kerala, and was ordained a priest Dec. 30, 1995. His higher studies were completed at the Catholic Institute of Paris and Marc Bloch University, Strasbourg, France. In 2004 Father Michael was appointed rector of the Vincentian Minor Seminary, where he served until he came to the Diocese of St. Cloud in 2008. In 2010 he was assigned to the parishes of Sacred Heart, Dent, and St. Lawrence, Rush Lake, where he continues as administrator today.

Q: What inspired you to become a priest?

A: I was inspired by the exemplary life of the priests in my home parish.

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

A: I enjoy celebrating all the sacraments, spending quiet time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, visiting with my parishioners, being involved in their daily lives and going out for breakfast after the weekday Masses.

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

A: One of my favorite homilies was on the importance of the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation before receiving holy Communion.

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Author: The Visitor

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

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