History

For the English-speaking Catholics of Sauk Centre, a church was organized about 1883 and served by the clergyman stationed at St. Paul’s Church. Rev. William Lange was the first pastor. In 1886 the pastor was Rev. F. O’Reilly, who in 1888 was followed by Rev. D. J. Cogan, who died as pastor on January 16, 1889. Both these reverend gentlemen were residents at the church. For the next six years, the pastors of St. Paul’s were in charge.

The church is located at the corner of Ash and Seventh Street. It was renovated in 1891.

New roof tiles, window work, gutters, and landscaping were done in 2001. The Sanctuary floor was re-configured, and the church interior was painted. The bell tower was stabilized and restored with the Tower’s cross repaired, gilded and placed back atop the tower.

In 2004, an image of Our lady was painted in the Sanctuary area. At the bequest of Tom Kane, deceased parishioner, his friend and artist, Roger Reinardy, painted an updated version of an 18th-century Tiepolo painting of the Virgin Mary.



In 2009, the parish established a Mary Garden. Tucked humbly between the church and the rectory, it is a quiet place of beauty and contemplation. Parishioners tend the flowers, cut the grass, and maintain the statues and other garden structures. You are welcome to visit the garden anytime, day or night.