St. Paul

Parish History

St. Paul Catholic Church in Zumbrota traces its founding to 1900. As the Zumbrota News reported on May 4, 1900: 'after nearly half a century of existence, Zumbrota is to have a Catholic church.' Two lots were secured on South Main Street, and subscriptions for the building were received by Leo Schafer and M.H. Baskfield. The cornerstone was laid at Main and Eighth Streets that same year, making St. Paul the seventh Catholic church built in Goodhue County.

• Cornerstone laid in 1900 on South Main Street (Main & 8th)
• Seventh Catholic church built in Goodhue County
• Key founding laymen: Leo Schafer, M.H. Baskfield, F.G. Marvin
• Other founding members: James Norton (harness maker), Charles Rabel (butcher), Pat Lyons, Dr. Gerard, Moritz Schafer families
• First resident pastor arrived in 1939
• Current church dedicated in 1970, built in a modern style

Mission Statement

Church of St. Paul is a Christian community dedicated to spiritual growth and the sharing of the love of God. The parish is committed to living Christ-filled lives through the Word of God, prayer, education, service, ministry, and evangelism.

Clergy & Parish Staff

St. Paul is served by a pastor shared with its cluster parish, St. Michael in Pine Island, along with parish staff who keep both offices running.

• Fr. Randal Kasel — Pastor ([email protected])
• Sara McNamara — Parish Staff / Safe Environment Coordinator
• Josefina Meyer — Parish Staff
• St. Paul office: (507) 732-5324 — [email protected]
• St. Michael office (cluster): (507) 356-4280 — [email protected]

Cluster Partnership with St. Michael, Pine Island

St. Paul in Zumbrota is clustered with St. Michael Catholic Church in Pine Island. The two parishes share one pastor (Fr. Randal Kasel), shared parish staff, and combined faith-formation programs. St. Michael is located at 451 5th Street SW, Pine Island, MN 55963.

• St. Michael — Pine Island (451 5th St SW, Pine Island, MN 55963)
• St. Michael phone: (507) 356-4280
• Shared pastor: Fr. Randal Kasel
• Faith Formation classes are held at St. Michael in Pine Island

Faith Formation

Faith Formation is a shared program of St. Paul (Zumbrota) and St. Michael (Pine Island), serving children from Pre-K through 8th grade as well as Confirmation students and their parents. Sessions are held at St. Michael in Pine Island and include a shared meal, age-appropriate classes, and Adoration and Benediction for all students, parents, and teachers.

• Wednesday sessions at St. Michael, Pine Island
• 6:00–6:30 PM — Meal
• 6:35–7:25 PM — Children's Class / Parent & Adult Session
• 7:30–7:45 PM — Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction
• Stations of the Cross during Lent
• Open to all parishioners of any age

RCIA — Becoming Catholic

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which interested adults and older children are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life. The cluster's program runs from October to Easter, culminating with the Easter Vigil when candidates become full members of the Catholic Church.

• For adults wishing to be baptized
• Open to those baptized but never raised Catholic or never confirmed
• Communal process with liturgical rites at each stage
• Runs October through Easter

Sacraments

St. Paul celebrates the full sacramental life of the Catholic Church. Families and individuals are encouraged to contact the parish office for preparation classes and to schedule celebrations. Marriage requires at least six months of planning with Fr. Kasel, and the Anointing of the Sick is available for the seriously ill, those facing major surgery, and the infirm — especially when serious or near death.

• Baptism — contact the office to attend a class and/or set a date
• First Penance & First Eucharist — 2nd-grade Faith Formation
• Confirmation — 7th- and 8th-grade Faith Formation
• Marriage — contact the office at least 6 months in advance; call Fr. Kasel
• Anointing of the Sick — before 8:00 AM weekday Mass or by appointment; contact Fr. Kasel
• Confession — Sunday 8:25 AM (St. Paul), Saturday 4:00 PM (St. Michael), before weekday Mass, or by appointment
• Funerals — contact the parish office

Devotions & Parish Prayer Life

Devotional life at St. Paul centers on the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament, and the Rosary. The parish keeps a full day of Adoration every Tuesday and prays the Rosary before each Mass.

• Eucharistic Adoration — Tuesdays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Parish Rosary — Sundays at 8:20 AM before Mass
• Weekday Rosary — Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:10 AM before Mass
• Adoration & Benediction — Wednesday evenings during Faith Formation at St. Michael
• Stations of the Cross during Lent

Outreach & Parish Life

Beyond the parish walls, St. Paul joins Fr. Kasel and neighboring Catholic communities in prayerful outreach, particularly for the protection of the unborn, and gathers each year for its signature fundraiser.

• 40 Days for Life Campaign — group prayer vigil at Rochester Planned Parenthood (1212 7th St. NW, Rochester, MN)
• Annual St. Patrick's Ham Dinner & Silent Auction — signature parish fundraiser at St. Paul
• Safe Environment program — VIRTUS training, background checks, and Code of Conduct for all volunteers working with minors and vulnerable adults

Visiting & Contact

St. Paul warmly welcomes new parishioners and visitors. The parish office is located at 749 South Main Street, Zumbrota, MN 55992, and can be reached at (507) 732-5324 (fax 507-732-5347) or [email protected]. Office hours are Tuesday and Thursday 9 AM – noon and 1 PM – 5 PM; Friday 9 AM – noon; closed Wednesday.

• Address: 749 South Main Street, Zumbrota, MN 55992
• Phone: (507) 732-5324
• Email: [email protected]
• Office Hours: Tues & Thurs 9 AM – noon, 1 – 5 PM; Fri 9 AM – noon; closed Wed
• Cluster office (St. Michael): (507) 356-4280 — [email protected]