Local Parishes Lift up DOWR and their own Beautiful Spaces

The Diocese of Winona-Rochester's annual Catholic Ministries Appeal is the primary source of funding to help sustain and expand ministries in the parishes, Catholic schools, Newman Centers, Catholic Charities and programs, and departments of the diocesan church in the diocese. The Catholic parishioners in Lyle, Adams, Rose Creek and Johnsburg put their full effort behind this funding each year, to the benefit of the full diocese as well as their local churches. You see all funds donated beyond the parish’s goal is returned to that parish. Read on to see what these amazing communities have been able to do with the overage in the last year: 

There are many churches throughout the Winona-Rochester Diocese with rich historical backgrounds that date back as far as the mid-1800s. While many of these churches sustain most of their original art, architecture, and charm, we have a responsibility to perform regular maintenance on these buildings to continue to have these beautiful spaces in which we can worship our Lord.  

Fr. Jim Berning has shared the impact the Catholic Ministries Appeal has had on his parish cluster this year: 

• Founded in 1859, St. John the Baptist Church in Johnsburg, MN presently provides an opportunity to rent out its Hall for events. Thanks to parishioners exceeding the 2025 CMA goal, St. John’s was able to install new countertops and sinks.  

• St. Peter’s Church in Rose Creek, MN has welcomed parishioners under its roof to worship Christ for over 140 years. This year, the current church was able to feature a new roof and is now replenishing their building funds because they have surpassed their CMA goal. 

• Sacred Heart Church in Adams, MN, a church 139 years old, is utilizing their CMA funds to provide a fresh coat of paint to the interior of their church in the near future.  

• Built in 1965, Queen of Peace Church in Lyle, MN was able to make use of their CMA fund to install new windows in their hall and kitchen and replenish their building funds.  

“The parishioners in all of these parishes... love their parishes and schools and are supportive of the Catholic Ministries Appeal.” Fr. Jim Berning