Schedule
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Friday, August 8, 2025
Friday, August 8, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Picnic for Jesuits and Guests
Picnic for Jesuits and Guests
Saint Thomas More Catholic Church (Basement)
1079 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
Given that many will be arriving in the area on Friday, this evening is casual, with a simple picnic-style dinner and a prayer service. Come as you are without any worries about arriving late or early.
7:30 PM
Vigil Prayer Service
Vigil Prayer Service
Saint Thomas More Catholic Church
1079 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
The Vigil Prayer Service is an opportunity to pray for the vovindi (the men preparing to profess their vows), the evening before the Vow Mass. As many will be arriving to the Twin Cities on this day, it is understandable if people are unable to attend.
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Saturday, August 9, 2025
10:30 AM
Liturgy & Profession of Vows (aka the main event)
Liturgy & Profession of Vows (aka the main event)
Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church
1938 Stanford Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
Following Mass
Light Brunch/Lunch
Light Brunch/Lunch
Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church
1938 Stanford Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
3:30 - 7:00 PM
Reception - Whiskey Tour, Tasting, and Dinner
Reception - Whiskey Tour, Tasting, and Dinner
O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co
600 Malcolm Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
This is the main reception for the roughly 25 family and friends whom I have invited to come (we were limited to 15, but I went over!). This time will include a tour, tasting, cocktails, and dinner at the distillery. I hope to spend this time catching up, (re)connecting, and sharing this experience together. I plan to arrive around 3 PM for a pre-tour drink and check in, feel free to arrive early if you can/like. The brief tour and tasting will begin promptly at 4 PM.
Note: Please arrive by 4PM when the tour and tasting begins.
Starting at 7:00 PM
Evening Drinks and Appetizers with Family, Friends, and Jesuits
Evening Drinks and Appetizers with Family, Friends, and Jesuits
Patrick McGovern's Pub
225 7th St W, St. Paul, MN 55102
This is a casual evening to gather with the newly vowed Jesuits and their guests. There will be heavy appetizers and a cash bar. It’s a come when/if you can affair, so if you’d rather head to bed early or tour the city, feel welcome.
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Nothing is officially planned for Sunday, however, I would like to offer you some recommendations for the area.
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Nothing is officially planned for Sunday, however, I would like to offer you some recommendations for the area.
Sunday Mass
Sunday Mass
Saint Joan of Arc
4537 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
As stated in their mission, Saint Joan of Arc is a “progressive Catholic community”—a spirit reflected in their lively liturgies, which feature contemporary music from an impressive band and choir. The parish fosters an inclusive culture that welcomes people from all walks of life.
Last fall, I volunteered with their youth group and Sunday ministries. This vibrant and growing parish welcomes nearly 2,000 people each weekend and meets a unique need in our Church today.
Masses are at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. (Mass is located in the gym not the church.)
Saint Peter Claver
369 Oxford Street North, Saint Paul MN 55104
Founded in 1888, this historically African and African American parish is one of the Twin Cities’ hidden gems. I worked at the parish’s elementary school during my first semester of the novitiate and quickly fell in love with the community.
Drawing on rich cultural traditions from across the African diaspora, the liturgy here is vibrant and deeply moving. While not officially a Jesuit parish, the Archdiocese has invited Jesuits to serve here in recent years. If you happen to see Fr. Chris Collins or another Jesuit presider, be sure to say hello.
Masses are at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
Saint Thomas More
1079 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
If you're looking for a more standard parish setting with a Jesuit touch, Saint Thomas More is the only official Jesuit parish and school in the Twin Cities. The pastor, Fr. RJ, is a wonderful man whose homilies are honest and deeply personal.
I admit I’m biased—Fr. RJ lives at the novitiate with us, and I’ve been blessed to get to know him over the past two years.
Masses are at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
Food and Views Recommendations
Food and Views Recommendations
Matt's Bar
3500 Cedar Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55407
Matt’s, a dive on Cedar Avenue, is famed for the original Jucy Lucy, a cheese-stuffed burger. Established in 1954, it features a divey interior with pleather booths and a simple bar. Former President Obama dined here in 2014, adding to its legendary status. (CASH ONLY)
Cossetta
211 7th St W, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Founded in 1911 by Michael Cossetta, this St. Paul establishment offers a multi-story pizzeria, pasticceria, and restaurant. Enjoy trattoria-style pizza, lasagna, arancini, and a variety of desserts, including tiramisu and gelato, in a charming, Old World Italian setting.
Walker Art Center
725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis is a renowned multidisciplinary arts institution known for its contemporary visual and performing arts, film, and design programming. It features 65,000 sq ft of exhibition space, the McGuire Theater, Walker Cinema, and the adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden with the iconic "Spoonbridge and Cherry" sculpture.
Getting Around
Getting Around
$30 UBER VOUCHER CODE: RHWKPDZHQBB
Use this CODE: RHWKPDZHQBB in Uber anytime from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10 for a $30 Ride Voucher.
Dress Code
Dress Code
Friday, August 8
Picnic & Vow Vigil
Business Casual
Nothing fancy, as many will have spent the day traveling.
Saturday, August 9
Vow Mass
Business Casual to Business Formal
Think about what you might wear to a wedding.
Reception, Dinner & Drinks
Relax! Enjoy casual time with friends, new and old.
Ultimately, don't sweat the dress!
No Gifts! Your Presence is enough!
No Gifts! Your Presence is enough!
On August 9, I will be taking a vow of poverty. As such, any gifts would be given to my community to be shared in common.
If gift-giving is your love language, consider donating to a favorite cause or organization, volunteering at a shelter or social service agency, or spending time in prayer and meditation.
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