I'm New

Thank you for joining us! Here is information on our Parish and also becoming a member!

FAQ:

My family is interested in joining St. Olaf Parish!! Is it a difficult process?

Congratulations! We'd be honored to walk with you through the process of joining our parish. It's really quite easy to become a member. Simply call our office at 715-832-2504 and our Secretary will help you with the process. We like to have parishioners come in for a visit so we can get to know you and know how best to serve you. Some families are simply looking for a place to go to Mass, for some they are also looking to have faith formation for their kids while others seek a more intentional journey in faith through spiritual direction. Wherever you fit on this spectrum, we'll be honored to assist you!

We are also working on an online registration that will be at the bottom of this page!

Okay Father, we have kids and they make noise. Are you okay with kids? Where do my children go during Mass?

Your children are always welcome! We do not have a special "place" for them to go. Church is for everyone! Father loves to hear children and know they are there. You are able to go in the gathering space and will still be able to hear service. If it helps your child, we have packs of color crayons and paper so the kids can make Father some Fridge Art. He always appreciates artwork from our young Parish Picassos!

I’m not Catholic, can I attend Mass?

First and foremost, welcome to Saint Olaf and the Catholic Church! We hope that your experience is positive and lifegiving. Despite what people may think, anyone can attend a Catholic Mass. We don't check for membership when people come to Church. Non-Catholics often attend a Catholic Mass for many reasons: Curiosity, you are married to a Catholic, you are visiting a friend who is Catholic or the Holy Spirit may be stirring your heart to become Catholic. Whatever the reason, you are welcome!

In regard to participating in Mass, don't worry if you don't know how everything moves and flows. In the pews, we have a book called "Worship Now." In the front of the book is a section that provides all the Mass parts and responses. Participate in as much of the Mass as you feel comfortable.

Often times, non-Catholics ask me if they can participate in Communion or receive the Eucharist. The Eucharist is one of the most intimate encounters we can have with Jesus' Real Presence. Catholics believe that the consecrated host contains Christ's Real Presence: Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Most other Christian denominations see Communion as a Mere Symbol or simply a reminder of the Last Supper that does not contain Jesus' Real Presence. Catholics and Orthodox see the Eucharist as a Real Symbol, meaning it contains the very thing it symbolizes.

Given the different understandings of what the Eucharist is, non-Catholics would not receive the Eucharist at Mass due to their tradition seeing the Eucharist as a Mere Symbol and not a Real Symbol. We still invite you to come forward to receive a blessing. You can do so by crossing your arms in front of your chest. This gesture tells us that you desire a blessing. Are you a non-Catholic, but believe Jesus is present in the Eucharist? Then perhaps its time to talk with our Priest about your beliefs and see if God is stirring your heart to not only receive Communion but be in communion with the Catholic Church. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to talk with our Priest about them. He'd be honored to walk with you with your questions.