About Pax Christi · Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Pax Christi Catholic Community is a large suburban Catholic parish in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, belonging to the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Today it serves more than 3,000 households — nearly 10,000 registered parishioners — supported by 19 full-time staff members and hundreds of volunteers serving in over 115 ministries and activities. The community worships at four weekend liturgies, gathers for daily Mass in its Thomas Merton Chapel, and offers Eucharistic Adoration in the Reservation Chapel. Its motto, 'All Are Welcome,' is lived out through vibrant faith formation, social-justice outreach, and a long tradition of Catholic hospitality in the southwestern Minneapolis suburbs.
- Established
- 1981
- Rector
- Fr. Hjalmar Blondal Gudjonsson (Parochial Administrator)
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Why belong here
Pax Christi welcomes Catholics and visitors of every background to celebrate the Eucharist at four weekend liturgies, daily Mass in the Thomas Merton Chapel, and quiet Eucharistic Adoration in the Reservation Chapel. With 115+ ministries and activities — from faith formation for preschoolers through high school Confirmation, to social-justice work in food, housing, immigration, and creation care — parishioners of every age and talent can find a place to serve. The parish's motto, 'All Are Welcome,' is paired with strong pastoral care, JustFaith small groups, and a thriving music and worship program, making it a true spiritual home for more than 3,000 households in Eden Prairie.
Mass times at Pax Christi
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM
Adoration times
- Saturday 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
- Eucharistic Adoration also available in the Reservation Chapel (non-perpetual)
Welcome & About Pax Christi
Pax Christi Catholic Community's stated purpose is to welcome all to joyfully experience God's love and mercy. Its mission: 'As a community of faith nourished by the Eucharist, we are committed in our discipleship with Christ to act for justice, be of generous service, and welcome all authentically to Pax Christi Catholic Community.' The parish's core values include advocating for the marginalized, building inclusive relationships, lifelong spiritual growth, putting God-given gifts into action, and co-leading the mission of the Church.
- Motto: 'All Are Welcome'
- Service area: Eden Prairie and West Bloomington
- Membership: 3,000+ households / ~10,000 parishioners
- Staff: 19 full-time, hundreds of volunteers
- 115+ ministries and activities
History of the Parish
Pax Christi was born from a grass-roots movement of Eden Prairie Catholic families in the late 1970s. After families organized a home-based religious-education program through St. Edward's in Bloomington, the Pauling and Buckman families petitioned the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese officially blessed the new parish in August 1980; the community celebrated its first Mass of Consecration on June 21, 1981, and moved into its current worship building on Pioneer Trail in May 1984.
- 1979: Parents begin home-based religious education under St. Edward's, Bloomington
- November 1979: Diana Pauling and Mary Beth Buckman petition the Archdiocese
- March 1980: Viability study presented
- August 1980: Archdiocese officially blesses the new parish
- June 21, 1981: Mass of Consecration at Radisson South Hotel, Bloomington
- May 1983: Groundbreaking on the Pioneer Trail church building
- May 1984: Church building completed (1,000+ households)
- June 20, 2004: Jubilate celebration (3,500 attendees)
- 2006: 25th Birthday year — 'Honor, Embrace, Celebrate'
- May 21, 2011: 30th anniversary Mass
- November 2022: Launch of 'A Year With The Saint'
Worship & Liturgy
The parish celebrates four weekend liturgies plus daily Mass. The 9:00 AM Sunday Mass and the Saturday 5:00 PM vigil Mass are livestreamed. Daily Mass (Monday–Friday at 8:30 AM) is celebrated in the intimate Thomas Merton Chapel, and the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass is ASL interpreted for the Deaf community. Music is led by the Director of Music and Worship, Laurie Youngers.
- Saturday 5:00 PM (English, livestreamed)
- Sunday 9:00 AM (English, livestreamed)
- Sunday 11:00 AM (English, ASL interpreted)
- Sunday 5:00 PM (English)
- Monday–Friday 8:30 AM daily Mass (English)
- Wednesday 6:00 PM Mass — first Wednesday when Faith Formation is in session
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Pax Christi runs a full Lifelong Faith Formation program with a Family Formation home-study option for families whose schedules make weekly parish attendance difficult. Parents serve as catechists in the home model, and the parish provides curriculum and support. The program is guided by a Director of Faith Formation and a Lifelong Faith Formation Council.
- Preschool formation
- Grade School formation
- Middle School formation
- High School formation
- Family Formation (home-based catechesis)
- Adult Formation
- Safe Environment / VIRTUS training
- Faith Formation Policies
- Catholic School Directory (referrals)
High School & Confirmation Preparation
High-school youth (grades 9–12) prepare for Confirmation through a two-year 'Missionary Discipleship' curriculum. Year 1 uses AlphaYouth and YDisciple (NET Ministries); Year 2 uses the Chosen Confirmation Program by Ascension. Candidates participate in small-group discussion, scripture, and prayer, and are asked to attend a retreat each year and serve on a Confirmation Ministry Team. Confirmation for the current cohort is scheduled for spring 2026 (date TBD). Flocknote is the primary communication channel.
- Year 1 (typically 9th grade): AlphaYouth + YDisciple
- Year 2 (10th grade+): Chosen by Ascension
- Annual retreat requirement
- Confirmation Ministry Team service requirement
- Small-group leader volunteer opportunities
Justice & Social Outreach Ministries
The Justice Ministry Council coordinates Pax Christi's social-justice work, with action teams on climate justice, housing, and immigration. Each spring the council distributes Justice Grants to local organizations making a difference in the community. Parishioners serve through the Eden Prairie Housing Coalition, On the Road to Jericho (immigrant welcome), and various food-security and creation-care ministries.
- Immigration Justice — On the Road to Jericho
- Food Justice — Giving Garden (formerly Crops for PROP), Loaves and Fishes, Meals on Wheels, YouthLink
- Housing Justice — Eden Prairie Housing Coalition
- Environmental Challenge / Care for Creation
- Racial Equity Committee
- Climate Justice Action Team
- JustFaith small groups (e.g. Sacred Land: Food and Farming)
- Walk for the Homeless
- Advocacy Committee
- Justice eNEWS (weekly email)
- Annual Justice Grants
Care & Support (Pastoral Care)
Pax Christi's Care and Support Council identifies areas of pastoral concern, finds and trains ministers, and connects parishioners with the resources they need. The ministry is rooted in baptismal call and aims to create a safe, nurturing community of prayer, service, and action.
- Companion ministers
- Pastoral care for homebound, sick, and bereaved
- Prayer shawl / quilters ministry
- Funeral and grief support
Community Life & Hospitality
The Hospitality and Community Outreach Council works to create a sense of belonging through active fellowship, connecting all parishioners to God and to one another. Community Life is led by a Director of Community Life and includes social events, newcomer outreach, and parish-wide gatherings.
- Hospitality and Community Outreach Council
- Welcoming new parishioners
- Parish social events and fellowship
Parish Leadership & Councils
Pax Christi is co-led by an extensive council structure. The Community Council and ministry councils meet monthly on 'Leadership Night' (third Tuesday of the month, starting at 6:30 PM; Community Council at 5:30 PM). Councils cover Liturgy, Music, Stewardship, Care and Support, Justice, Lifelong Learning and Formation, Leadership, and Communications.
- Community Council
- Justice Ministry Council (with Racial Equity and Environmental Challenge committees)
- Care and Support Council
- Lifelong Faith Formation Council
- Hospitality and Community Outreach Council
- Leadership Night — third Tuesday, 6:30 PM
Our Staff
Nineteen full-time staff members minister alongside hundreds of volunteers. Pastoral leadership is supported by a Parish Director and an Executive Assistant to the Pastor.
- Fr. Hjalmar Blondal Gudjonsson — Parochial Administrator
- Michelle Fox — Parish Director
- Sally Bergum — Executive Assistant to the Pastor
- Laurie Youngers — Director of Music and Worship
- Terri Hunt — Director of Faith Formation
- Renee Dignan — Elementary Youth Formation Minister
- Oona Myhre — Middle/High School Youth Formation Minister
- Joan Howe-Pullis — Director of Justice Ministries and Liturgical Coordinator
- Joan Miltenberger — Director of Care and Support
- Kerry Cronkhite — Care and Support Coordinator
- Scott Brazil — Director of Community Life
- Sue Fier — Parish Financial Manager
- Natalie Cooper — Communications Director
- Debbie Hemann — Administrative Services Manager & Safe Environment Coordinator
- Dan Kohler — Director of Building Services
- Al Schroeder (Deacon)
- Charles Bobertz (Deacon)
- Victor Susai (Deacon)
- Todd Nelson (Deacon)
- Jeanne Cannon — Administrative Support
- Steve Allen, Tom Schewe — Building Services
Visit Us
Pax Christi Catholic Community is located at 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347. The parish office can be reached at 952-941-3150. Mass-goers can get directions from the parish website. The community worships in the main church on the corner of Pioneer Trail and Homeward Hills, with daily Mass celebrated in the Thomas Merton Chapel and adoration held in the Reservation Chapel.
- 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
- Phone: 952-941-3150
- Website: https://paxchristi.com/
- Instagram: @paxchristiep
- Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Flocknote
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Tim Power1981–2004
Founding pastor; led the community through the 'Traveling Salvation Show' years and the construction of the current church on Pioneer Trail; retired June 2004.
- Fr. Doug Dandurand2003–2005
Joined Fr. Tim Power in a year-long transition in July 2003; installed as pastor October 25, 2003 and fully took over July 1, 2004.
- Fr. Patrick Kennedy2005–2012
Third pastor; celebrated his first Mass at Pax Christi June 12, 2005; resigned and relocated to Arizona in June 2012.
- Fr. William (Bill) Murtaugh2012–2018; 2022–2025
Fourth pastor; had previously served as associate pastor at Pax Christi (2006–2008 and again from July 2011); installed September 8, 2012. Returned as pastor and was reinstalled by Archbishop Hebda on December 4, 2022; retired July 30, 2025.
- Fr. J. Michael Byron2018–2022
Fifth pastor; installed by Archbishop Bernard Hebda on July 15, 2018; passed away May 20, 2022 at age 62 after a pilgrimage. Funeral Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Hebda on June 2, 2022.
- Fr. Hjalmar Blondal Gudjonsson2025–present
Welcome as Parochial Administrator on July 1, 2025.