Welcome to the Catholic Parishes of
St. Andrew and St. Mathias
We look forward to serving together
in the name of Christ.
Update on Fr. Gabriel Waweru
Recently, Fr. Gabriel Waweru has been addressing some issues related to a high level of stress and anxiety in his life. As is the case for many of us, there can be situations in our lives that cause us to feel overwhelmed, very stressed and as a result filled with a lot of anxiety. This is true for Fr. Gabriel as well. It seems when he is going through a significant transition in his life that these moments cause him to feel overwhelmed, stressed and very anxious. Fr. Gabriel knows that about himself and when he began to sense that his levels of anxiety were throwing off his physical and emotional balance, he proactively asked for help to manage his stress and anxiety. That’s what is happening at this time; he is resting in Duluth and getting the help that he needs.
Presently, Fr. Gabriel will begin an outpatient counseling program that will teach him skills on how to better manage stress and anxiety related to a time of transition in a way that is healthy. During the time that he is doing this program, he will continue to be in Duluth.
At the present time, there is no change in Fr. Gabriel’s assignment to St. Andrew and St. Mathias parishes. He is very much looking forward to coming as the pastor of these parish communities. In fact, his belongings already have been moved to the St. Andrew rectory. What is changing is the timetable for his arrival to begin his pastorate. At this time, it could be at least 3-4 weeks before Fr. Gabriel arrives in Brainerd. In the in-between time, fellow priests will cover the Mass schedule and funerals. Ann Scheinost will be the point person on the parish staff for any other items that may need to be addressed.
Because Fr. Gabriel needs to concentrate on his health, there should be no phone calls or visitations. The best thing to do is to keep Fr. Gabriel in your prayers. In his own words, "See you soon. In Christ is our hope."
LIVESTREAM OF MASS
Northland Family Programs is grateful to announce their sponsorship and support of a 12-women team in the upcoming 2021 RAGNAR relay. This all-woman team forms Women Run for Women (WR4W) – a movement and relay run fundraiser to spread awareness of the impact and importance of Fertility Awareness, women’s holistic health, and infertility/fertility education in the lives of ALL Women. WR4W is backed by NFP in order to raise the voice of women’s fertility and raise $30,000 in funds to continue the work of serving women and couples. Please consider donating to your favorite runner or mission at www.womenrunforwomen.com. For more information please contact Anna Crain at 218-590-3228.
Join us every Wednesday in August!
(All Saints Church)
We are blessed by your generosity!
Please consider supporting our Parishes through online giving.
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We have resumed our normal Mass schedule.
All the faithful remain dispensed from attending Mass for the foreseeable future and we will continue live-streaming Masses. In other words, no one is obligated to come to Mass.
End of Dispensation for Sunday Mass Attendance: July 1, 2021
Bishop Felton of Duluth and the other bishops of Minnesota have issued a letter explaining that July 1 Marks the End of the Dispensation for Sunday Mass attendance in Minnesota. Although the general dispensation will no longer be available, the Church has always recognized that certain circumstances can excuse a person from the requirement to observe the obligation. (Click here to view a copy of the statement.)
Persons are excused from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays or Holy Days if:
- You have reason to believe your health would be significantly compromised if you were to contract a communicable illness (i.e., you have underlying conditions or are in a high-risk category).
- You exhibit flu-like symptoms.
- You have good reason to think you might be asymptomatic of a contagious illness (e.g., you were in recent contact with someone who tested positive for a contagious illness such as COVID or influenza).
- You care for the sick, homebound, or infirmed.
- You are pregnant or you are 65 years of age or older (per the CDC’s recommendation for high-risk individuals).
- You cannot attend Mass through no fault of your own (e.g., no Mass is offered; you are infirm; or, while wanting to go, you are prevented for some reason you cannot control, such as your ride did not show up).
- You have significant fear or anxiety of becoming ill by being at Mass.
If situations 1 through 3 apply to you, a prudent concern for your neighbor should lead you to stay home. If you fall within situations 4-7, please exercise good judgment, consider the common good, and know you would not be held to the obligation of attending Mass. These categories will be reviewed in due course and revised as needed. Those within the categories enumerated above must still observe the Lord’s Day (as has been the case from March 2020 until now). More information can be found at the website backtomassmn.org.
Why is attending Mass in-person so important? The celebration of the Eucharist truly is the source and summit of our faith. Pope Francis, in his homily on the Feast of Corpus Christi in 2018, said, “Jesus prepares a place for us here below because the Eucharist is the beating heart of the Church. It gives her birth and rebirth; it gathers her together and gives her strength. But the Eucharist also prepares for us a place on high, in eternity, for it is the Bread of heaven.” Thank you for your understanding and for those who are just beginning to make your return to Mass, welcome home!
Office Hours
1108 Willow Street, Brainerd MN 56401
218-829-1340
Monday thru Friday 8:30 am- 1:30 pm
Mass Times
Tuesday at 5:30 pm
Wednesday at 8:00 am
Thursday at 8:00 am
Saturday at 4:30 pm
Sunday at 10:00 am
Traditional Latin Mass: 2nd Sundays at 12:00 pm
St. Mathias:
Friday at 8:30 am
Sunday at 8:00 am
Low Gluten Hosts (less than 20 ppm) are available. Please see an Usher before Mass.
Reconciliation Times
Tuesdays from 4:30-5:15 pm at St. Andrew's
Saturdays from 3:30-4:15 pm at St. Andrew's
First Sundays of the month from 7:30-8:00 am at St. Mathias
By appointment: 218-829-1340
Stations of the Cross
This beautiful prayer is presented by Father Daniel Weiske and Father Tony Wroblewski and features the stunning paintings of the Stations of the Cross which adorn the walls of St. Mathias Church. Click the image below to launch the video and pray.
Diocese of Duluth Safe Environment
Mobile App
We have our new Parish App available for you to download - click the image below
Apple 
Text parishapp1 to 555888
Android
Text parishapp2 to 555888
Bulletin Email
Prayer to St. Corona
Prayer to St. Corona in a Time of Epidemic
(Click the image to view and download the prayer)
Who is St. Corona? Click here to find out.
Staff
Fr. Gabriel Waweru, Pastor
Deacon Mike Koecheler
Deacon Keith Grow
Deacon Jerry Bock
Ann Scheinost, Business Manager and Liturgical Coordinator
Anne Pritschet, Music Director
Celeste Badger, Elementary Faith Formation
Dan Johnson, RCIA & High School Faith Formation
Britt Johnson, Middle School Faith Formation
Krissy Nelson, Secretary & Bulletin Editor
Mary Stoffel, Part-time Secretary
Tim Johnson, St. Andrew Custodian
Peggy Tautges, St. Mathias Custodian
Social Media Links
