who we are
Welcome to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church and School!
Holy Name of Jesus Parish (HNOJ) is a dynamic parish that has been rooted in the Gospel and Catholic tradition since 1864. With a vibrant community of over 2,700 families, we are united in our mission to Know the heart of Christ, See the face of Christ and Be the hands of Christ. Our parish life is centered around the Eucharist, where we gather to worship, grow spiritually, and support one another on our faith journey.
Throughout our rich history, despite many transformations, Holy Name of Jesus has remained steadfast in its commitment to hospitality, inspired by St. Benedict’s call to “Welcome all as you would welcome Christ.” We strive to create a community where everyone is embraced, valued, and invited to participate in the life of the Church. Whether through uplifting liturgies, engaging ministries, or outreach programs, we aim to live the Gospel each day by being a place of love, compassion and service.
A Legacy
Rooted in Tradition
From its earliest days, Holy Name of Jesus has been shaped by the faith and dedication of a group of founding families whose devotion laid a strong spiritual foundation. Passed down through generations, their commitment to worship, service, and community continues to guide parish life today. What began as a close-knit faith community has grown into a vibrant parish, while remaining deeply rooted in the traditions, values, and sacramental life that have defined Holy Name of Jesus for generations.
Leadership at Holy Name of Jesus
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Leadership Opportunities
To live our mission—Know the Heart of Christ, See the Face of Christ, and Be the Hands of Christ—Holy Name of Jesus relies on the insight and participation of parishioners. Our leadership groups partner with the pastor and staff to plan for the future and ensure our resources are used well to support the parish mission.
Membership in these leadership bodies is open to registered parishioners age 18 and older. Members serve a three-year term, with one-third of each group rotating off every year. This allows new leaders to step in annually and help guide the life of the parish.
If you have questions about the selection process or want to learn more, please contact the parish office at 763-473-7901.
Nominate a Leader for a Commission
Parishioners are invited to nominate individuals who show commitment, leadership, and a desire to serve.
Parish Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council is the parish’s big-picture planning body. It advises the pastor on major policies, decisions, and parish priorities. The Council helps develop and implement the annual parish plan, ensuring that activities align with our mission, vision, and core values.
Membership: 13 total — six at-large members (executive team), six representatives from the commissions, and the pastor.
Parish Finance Council
The Finance Council works closely with the administrator on the parish budget and stewardship efforts. It ensures accurate financial reporting and supports the pastor in managing parish resources responsibly.
Ministry Commissions
Ministry Commissions guide planning and activities within specific ministry areas. Working with ministry directors, they evaluate programs, identify needs, and recommend improvements to ensure each ministry supports the parish mission and serves parishioners well.
Each commission includes at least six members, one of whom also serves on the Pastoral Council.
Stewardship Commission
The Stewardship Commission promotes stewardship as a way of life—recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. In collaboration with other commissions, they encourage parishioners to live out stewardship through prayer, participation, and generosity.
2024–2025 Council Members
- Fr. Tim Wratkowski, Pastor
- Ryan Williams, Chair
- Fr. Chris Yanta
- Bill Inhofer
- Betsy Atkinson
- David Biek
- Matt Boro
- Paul Go
- Kenneth Krepel
- Char Krepel
- Ben Jonas
- Susan Wineland
- Patrick Murry
- Pat Laughlin
Committees & Commissions
The Pastoral Council oversees the following:
- Stewardship Commission
- Faith Formation Commission
- Liturgy Commission
- Pastoral Care & Outreach Commission
- School Commission
- Finance Council
Mission Statement
The Pastoral Council serves as a consultative body representing the faith community of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Its role is to support the parish in living out its mission through vision, strategic planning, and a commitment to Gospel-centered values. The Council listens to the needs of the community and works to ensure that all are welcomed as Christ.
What Does the Pastoral Council Do?
The Council offers counsel to the Pastor on matters that shape the life and ministry of the parish. This consultative role reflects the shared responsibility of all the baptized to seek the good of the Church. Through prayer, discernment, and the collective wisdom of its members, the Council helps guide the parish toward its goals.
Source: Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis, Guidelines for Parish Pastoral Councils
How the Council Is Formed
The Pastoral Council includes:
- Six at-large parish members
- Seven representatives from Ministry Area Commissions
- The Pastor
The Council meets every other month on Saturday mornings.
The Pastoral Council
The Finance Council serves as a representative body for the entire parish, providing counsel to the pastor on the financial and temporal matters of the parish.
Working closely with the pastor and parish business administrator, the Council helps coordinate the parish’s budgeting process, including overseeing stewardship and fundraising efforts. It ensures that financial reporting is accurate and timely, both to the Archdiocese and to the parish community. Additionally, the Council is responsible for managing the parish’s treasury function.
As a consultative body, the Finance Council supports the pastor in fulfilling these responsibilities. While the Council does not have decision-making authority, its role is vital in the decision-making process – sharing information, listening, contributing to discussions and fostering consensus.
If you are interested in joining the Finance Council or learning more, please contact Janna, parish business administrator.