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St. Columbkille ... St. Wendel
Even before the Diocese of St. Cloud was formed, the Mission of St. Columbkille was organized. It was then an outpost of the Diocese of St. Paul. The location of this outpost was called Maples after the beautiful maple trees that surrounded the area. The name of Maples was used for the area until 1945.
The area was settled mainly by Irish and Scottish immigrants. It was in 1867, that these immigrants, realizing their need to have their faith nourished, sent two men to Abbot Rupert Seidenbusch OSB at St. Louis on the Lake (presently St. John’s Abbey) requesting the services of a priest. The first priest to come on a regular monthly basis was Father Augustine Burns, OSB. The Abbot sent an Irish priest to minister to the people of Maples.
A church was constructed in 1877 on land donated by Coleman and Sarah Bridgeman. The cost was $1500. The church was dedicated on Nov. 4, 1877 by Abbot Alexius Edelbrock. The Benedictine Fathers served St. Columbkille parish for 23 years. When the Diocese of St. Cloud was established, this mission parish came under the jurisdiction of the local bishop and diocesan priests.
The present church building is the result of several additions and rebuilding. While Fr. Peter Brenny was pastor (1911-1921) a 36 by 30 addition was made to the church and a small basement was dug for a hot air furnace. In 1927, the church was completely remodeled. New entrances with canopies were built in the front and the rear. The ceiling was vaulted and and arches built over the front and side altars. In 1934, the church was completely rebuilt and redecorated. It was raised 3 feet and a full basement put under it. Under Fr. John Kroll (1968 - 1980), the sanctuary was modernized with the altar facing the people.
Today the parish has approximately 220 households of very mixed nationalities. We are a church where everyone is welcome. We are a tapestry that was started in 1867 and is still in the process of being woven. This tapestry will be more beautiful if you are part of it. We invite you and your family to become members of our parish family.
COLUMBKILLE ORGANIZATIONS
Trustees:
Claude Opatz 363-8160
Stacy Pierskalla 363-8187
Pastoral Council:
Peter Skaj 251-7564
Faith Formation:
Bev Riesner 363-7879
Choir: Marie St. Marie 845-4845
Parish Secratary:
Carol Kuklok 252-9489
Prayer Line:
Esther Struzyk 251-4984
Kathy Wruck 363-8139
Christian Women’s Group:
Marilou Sommers 363-4895
Parish Life Committee:
Violet Ritzer 363-8102
St. Theresa Mission Group:
Irma Huls 363-1466
Funeral Group:Violet Ritzer 363-8102
Wendelette Homemaker Group:
Rose Ann Pflueger 363-7891
Donna Kierzek 363-8810
Cemetary Committree:
Bernard Frie 253-4213
Pastoral Associate/Parish Administrator
Deb Rudolph 746-2449
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
St. Wendel Sportsman’s Club:
John Meagher 363-7419
St. Wendel Athletic Club:
Kevin Huls 363-4741
(Sponsor of summer youth program and amateur baseball teams.)
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