News

Order of Installation of a Pastor

*Article in the August 2024 HNOJ Newsletter

Order of Installation of a Pastor
By Fr. Wratkowski

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I have some news that will be a joyful occasion for our whole parish family. On Sunday, Aug. 11, at the 10:30 a.m. Mass, Archbishop Hebda will be coming to our parish to formally install me as the Pastor of Holy Name of Jesus! I am sure that we are excited to host the Archbishop for this special occasion, but you also may be wondering: “Fr. Wratkowski took over for Fr. Steve at his retirement last summer. Why is Fr. Wratkowski only being installed as the Pastor now? Was Fr. Steve secretly running the parish this past year?” 

Okay, that last part was said tongue in cheek. However, the question “why now?” is a valid one! The simple answer is that while I was leading the parish this past year, I was not doing so as a Pastor but as a Parochial Administrator. This is a canonical distinction with which not many people are familiar. To the everyday observer, there is not much of a difference. Like a Pastor, the Parochial Administrator has the responsibility to shepherd the people of God. He has an obligation to teach, sanctify and govern the members of the flock so that the divine life given to them in Baptism continues to grow unto eternal life. The Parochial Administrator is truly the spiritual father of the parish, just as the Pastor is supposed to embody the spiritual fatherhood that fosters divine life.

The main difference between the two is that the assignment as a Parochial Administrator is temporary whereas the assignment as a Pastor is an ecclesiastical office, which means that the function as the spiritual father bears the mark of stability. Thus, a Parochial Administrator could be moved at any time whereas the Pastor is given a stable term. In our Archdiocese, the term is six years. Thus, starting July 1, 2024, I have the stability of a six-year assignment here at Holy Name of Jesus, with the possibility that it could be renewed for another six-year term, if that was the wish of the Archbishop. I am very happy to have this stability because it is good for the parish. We can grow in relationship with each other and develop the trust that is so integral for ministry. 

Given all that has been said, we have reason to celebrate! When the Archbishop comes on Aug. 11, he will preside at Mass and the Order of Installation of a Pastor, which takes place after the Homily. Following the Mass, we will have a reception in the Good Samaritan Center. Everyone is invited to the Mass and the reception. 

Most of all, I ask for your prayers as I begin my official assignment as Pastor. You have been so good to me, and I am so grateful for that. Please continue to pray for me that I may be the good, holy and faithful Pastor the Lord wants me to be for you.

Welcome Fr. Chris Yanta, July 6-7

In lieu of Fr. Mike’s departure at the end of June for his new assignment at Saint Rita’s, the Archbishop has announced that Fr. Chris Yanta has been assigned to Holy Name of Jesus as Parochial Vicar starting July 1. 

Fr. Chris Yanta grew up at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake, MN. He is the third of seven children. He spent three years studying engineering at NDSU before entering seminary at St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul and then four years at St. Paul Seminary. Among other things, he likes to fish and play frisbee golf. 

We hope you can join us to welcome Fr. Yanta his first weekend at HNOJ July 6-7. We will have special hospitality after the Sunday morning Masses.

Why Is the Door Locked?

In recent weeks, you may have noticed some changes around Holy Name of Jesus aimed at enhancing our security measures. Some of these measures are invisible to most parishioners and maybe even staff. Others beg the question – Why?

Despite being located in a relatively safe neighborhood, Holy Name of Jesus faced a security incident several years ago when an attempted break-in occurred at our offices. In response, we installed cameras and upgraded certain locks, leading to fewer security incidents since then. However, with reports of crime in nearby areas, our leadership has taken proactive measures to further enhance the security of our facilities for the safety of our large parish family, especially during school hours and on Faith Formation nights when children are present.

Investing in Our Safety:

Controlled Access: Card readers have been installed at various entrances, allowing us to monitor and regulate who enters our facilities.
Automated Door Schedules: By implementing automated door schedules, a consistent level of security is maintained, even when personnel may not be readily available.
Video Intercom System: The newly installed video intercom system at the main entrance serves as an added security feature, enabling individuals to be verified before having access to our facilities. Should you find yourself arriving early on weekends to for a setup or running late to pick up your child during Faith Formation nights, we kindly ask that you utilize the intercom system located at Door 1. Rest assured; someone will be available to respond to your call until 9 p.m. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. 

These investments are just the beginning of HNOJ’s efforts to prioritize safety within the parish. As we continue to explore ways to enhance security, reduce risks and insurance premiums, we appreciate your help in maintaining a secure environment for all.

We understand that these changes may feel different from how things have always been done in the past. We value your feedback and encourage you to reach out to Janna Webskowski, Parish Administrator, or Jeff Ruchti, Facilities and Maintenance Manager, with any questions or concerns regarding our security measures. Together, we can work towards creating a safer and more secure environment for our entire parish community.

Communion Outreach

The Eucharist is at the core of our celebration each Mass. The sacramental signs become the Body and Blood of Jesus we receive.  At the Last Supper, sharing His Body and Blood with the disciples, Jesus said, "Do this in memory of Me" and so we do, through Holy Communion. The Eucharist not only brings us into communion with God, but with others as well.

For many, the bond of the Eucharist is felt and celebrated at Mass. But some members of the HNOJ community are not able to physically attend Mass. For this reason, HNOJ’s Communion Outreach team has dedicated volunteers who go out into the community to visit and bring the Eucharist to those who cannot get to Church due to their circumstances.

At Holy Name of Jesus it is our joy and honor to be able to provide this ministry through our Communion Outreach Team. If you or someone you know is homebound in our parish area and would like Communion brought to them, please contact the parish office at 763-745-3492.  This ministry will be led by Steve Hayes and Maureen Laird-Hayes.

Do you take photos while you're at HNOJ that ought to be shared? Send them to us!

We love seeing photos and video taken by parishioners. It gives us a unique perspective on what you experience. It's especially helpful to have more photos and videos to use in our marketing materials such as social media, publications, our website and more.

In particular, the Stewardship Commission would like images or short videos that show your ministry!

Please make sure that all submitted photos and videos that depict people have the person(s) permission to share with HNOJ, and that they understand that HNOJ may publish these photos and videos in upcoming marketing materials, on our website, social media channels or any other medium.

Email photos and videos to [email protected].  Please call Sarah Reid at 763-746-8194 with questions.

A few parishioners have received text or email messages from people pretending to be our pastor. These messages state pretty generically that he would like your help.  When a person responds, they receive a reply requesting donations in the form of gift cards. Please know that text messages are fake and should not be responded to. Fr. Wratkowski will never text or email you for gift cards.

In all cases, we have found that the contact information was "skimmed" from our website. This is a very common practice among spammers and is seen in businesses of all types. To help reduce the possibility of emails being copied from the website, icons with links to the email are used instead. This is not effective with phone numbers as a desktop would not be able to call out.

HNOJ takes security and the confidentiality of your data very seriously.  We have multiple systems in place to help keep us all as safe as possible. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Michelle Hudlow, Director of IT at [email protected] or 763-233-0250.