We Remember Bishop Paul Sirba
Bishop Paul David Sirba, Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Duluth, MN, beloved shepherd of the people of the Diocese of Duluth, dear son, brother, uncle and great-uncle died of apparent cardiac arrest at his home in Proctor, MN on Sunday morning, December 1, 2019, the First Sunday of Advent. Bishop Sirba was born in Minneapolis, MN on September 2, 1960, to Norbert and Helen Sirba. He attended Nativity of Mary Grade School in Bloomington, Academy of the Holy Angels in Richfield, and the College of St. Thomas and St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. Bishop Sirba received his Master of Divinity degree from St. Paul Seminary as well as a Masters in Arts from the Notre Dame Apostolic Catechetical Institute in Arlington, Virginia. Paul Sirba was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis on May 31, 1986 and served in the following parishes: St. Olaf, Minneapolis; St. John the Baptist, Savage; and Maternity of Mary, St. Paul. He also worked in the Spiritual Formation Department at St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul and was a Spiritual Director at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. He was appointed Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis on July 1, 2009, and was subsequently appointed by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, as the Ninth Bishop for the Diocese of Duluth. He was ordained Bishop of Duluth on the feast of St. John of the Cross, December 14, 2009.
While a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Sirba was a member of several committees including the Priority and Plans Committee, Administrative Committee, and the Catholic Home Missions Committee. Bishop Sirba was also an active member of the St. Paul Seminary Board of Directors and the Episcopal Advisory Board for the Institute on Religious Life. He also served as the state chaplain of the Knights of Columbus.
For the ten years of which Bishop Sirba was the shepherd of the Duluth Diocese, he was known to be an incredibly kind and compassionate pastor, a wise and thoughtful administrator, and a holy and virtuous man of prayer and deep faith. He was a beloved and dear member of the Sirba family, and was revered as a true spiritual father by the clergy, religious and faithful of the diocese. He will be greatly missed.
Bishop Sirba was preceded in death by his father, Norbert. He is survived by his mother Helen of St. Paul, brothers the Reverend Joseph Sirba of Hinckley, and John (SueAnn) of Bloomington, and a sister Catherine (Scott) of Canon Falls. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Duluth.
Visitation will be on Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary located at 2801 East Fourth Street in Duluth, MN, with the praying of the Rosary to take place at 6:00 p.m. and Vigil prayers at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the Cathedral on Friday, December 6, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Following the funeral Mass, burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Duluth. Requiescat in Pace. Arrangements by Williams-Lobermeier-Boettcher Funeral Home. 3208 W. 3rd St. Duluth, MN 55806. 218-624-1059.
Live Broadcast of Bishop Sirba's Funeral Mass
WDIO TV is going to Live-stream Bishop Sirba's funeral on their website, beginning at 11am on Friday morning.
Welcome
As a parish, we are committed to working together to make Jesus Christ known, loved and served in our families, throughout the Hibbing community and in the world. We are also committed to live as the Lord taught, drawing inspiration from the scriptures and strength from the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Our parish strives to nurture spiritual growth, share the gifts God has given us, and invite others into a relationship with Christ.
We are One Body, One Spirit in Christ.
Parish Life
Fall Festival 2019
Fall Festival 2019
Men's Coffee Social
Blessed Mother, pray for us!
Father Jeremy at Guardian Angels
Women's Easter Tea
Feast of Guardian Angels
Women's Easter Tea
Feast of Guardian Angels
Women's Easter Tea
Feast of Guardian Angels
Women's Easter Tea
Thank you, BeFrienders!
Packet Picnic 2019
Men's Retreat 2019
Bishop Picnic Side Lake Chapel
Packet Picnic
Bishop Picnic Side Lake Chapel
A Seminarian Blessing..
Bishop Picnic Side Lake Chapel
Staff Potluck 2019
Bishop Picnic Side Lake Chapel
Bishop Picnic Side Lake Chapel
Ash Wednesday Mass
Ash Wednesday Mass
Women's Summer Tea
Divine Mercy Sunday
Women's Summer Tea
33 Days to Merciful Love
Theology around the Fountain
Women's Summer Tea
Deanery Divine Mercy Sunday
33 Days to Merciful Love
Women's Summer Tea
Women's Summer Tea
Dale and Mary Ellen Nevalainen celebrate 50 years of marriage!
Fr. Beau's Farwell Reception
Totus Tuus Mass
Totus Tuus Parish Potluck
Hibbing Deanery Reparation for Sin
Bishop Visit
Bishop Visit
Baking with the Saints
Bishop Visit
Womens' Retreat
Womens' Retreat
Bishop blesses the Guardian Angels Residents
Bishop Visit
Bishop Visit
2019 Memorial Mass
Sanctuary Rail
Our beautiful Altar
Chrism Mass
Chrism Mass
Chrism Mass
Chrism Mass
Chrism Mass
Chrism Mass
Easter Vigil
Easter Vigil
Our beautiful Altar
Easter Vigil
Easter Vigil
Theology Around the Fountain
Theology Around the Fountain
2019 Parish Funspiel
Ash Wednesday Mass
2019 Parish Funspiel
Ash Wednesday Mass
Widow's of Prayer 1st Saturday Retreat
Fr, Gabriel blesses Fr. Beau at his last Mass at Blessed Sacrament
Confirmation Mass
Totus Tuus 2019
Confirmation Mass
Confirmation Mass
Palm Sunday Procession
Confirmation Mass
Palm Sunday
Confirmation Mass
Palm Sunday
Fr. Gabriel blesses the Confirmands before the Confirmation Mass
14th annual Corpus Christi Procession
Palm Sunday
Confirmation Prep
14th annual Corpus Christ Procession
Palm Sunday
14th annual Corpus Christi Procession
Palm Sunday
Parish Penance Service
First Communion Mass
Hosptial and Homebound Ministry meeting
Weekend of Engaged Couples
Weekend of Engaged Couples
Soup Supper
Our wonderful Grandparents!
Soup Supper
First Communion Retreat
The Cub Scouts participated in the Flag Ceremony at the Womens' gathering
First Communion Retreat
First Communion Retreat
40 Hours Devotion
Grandparents Day
Mass of the Presentation of the Lord
Mass of the Presentation of the Lord
Father Gabriel joins in a dodge ball game with 5th grade
Youth for Life
We welcome Fr. Sampson with a coffee social
Fr. Sampson prays with the Widow's of Prayer
First day of school blessing.
Father Gabriel blesses our School!
Blessing of our School!
First day of School Mass.
Widow's of Prayer new member promises.
Widow's of Prayer promises
Widow's of Prayer lifetime promise.
Widow's of Prayer following Promises
Annual Women's Summer Tea
BEAUTIFUL cake baked and decorated by Mary Wanhala
2018 Totus Tuus- God is GOOD!
Our Beautiful church!
Opening Prayer Fall Festival 2018
The Kitchen crew
Kids' games
Parishioners enjoying fellowship at lunch
Josh Milani playing beautifully!
Lunch and fellowship
The Knights working hard in the beverage booth
Susie and Jes
Small Raffles
Father Gabriel blesses the Fall Festival
Theology Around the Fountain
Blue Mass flag ceremony
Volunteers host an ice cream social for residents at Hill Crest ...
Bill and Norma Schleppegrell celebrated 70 years married on August 28th, 2018.
Pre-glow run set up
Blue Mass
Assumption School Golf outing
Assumption School Golf outing
Golf outing
Golf outing
Totus Tuus water fight
Thank you Hibbing Fire Department!
Totus Tuus water fight
Totus Tuus water fight
Totus Tuus water fight
Totus Tuus water fight
Totus Tuus water fight
Totus Tuus water fight
Theology around the Fountain..introduction
Assumption Catholic School class of 1964 reunion
The Saints go Marching in.. Totus Tuus
Our wonderful Totus Tuus team!
Fr. Gabriel leads in prayer before our meal..
2018 Parish Potluck..Totus Tuus
1964 graduating class of Assumption School
Assumption students celebrated First Holy Communion at the School Mass
Mass is celebrated at the Lee Center in Hibbing every 2nd ...
The 2018 Parish Funspiel was a success, with many families gathering ...
Palm Sunday
The Council of Catholic Women presented a check to the Parish ...
Lenten Stations of the Cross
Fr. Beau talking about Palm Sunday with our Kindergarteners
The Annual 6th grade Crosswalk
40 hour Deanery Lenten devotion
40 hour Deanery Lenten Devotion
Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Dinner.
The crowning of Blessed Mother Mary.
Engaged Weekend
Women of the Parish Easter Tea
Youth for Life had a successful bake sale, with proceeds given ...
Father Gabriel teaching our kids reverence before entering the Church.
Together for Life Father's Day Caramels
Father Gabriel celebrates 10 years of ordination. What a BLESSING.
Pierogi making with the 6th graders
Together for Life sells caramels
Fall Festival dodge ball with the sisters
Traditional water fight at Totus Tuus
Veteran's Day celebration with Assumption School
Parish Funspiel
Assumption School students raise funds for area life care centers.
Palm Sunday Preparations
Palm Sunday Preparations
Blessing of Palms at Blessed Sacrament
Palm Sunday Procession into the main Church
Parish Staff
- Father Gabriel Waweru, Pastor
- Father Jeremy Bock, Associate Pastor
- Jessica Koland, Parish Secretary
- Susie Marchetti, Business Manager
- Mary Wanhala, Outreach Ministries
- Daly Myers, Youth Minister
- Deacon Grant and Deb Toma, Family Faith Formation
- Jen Steinbrecher, Sunday School
- Sue Schwartz, Liturgy/Eucharistic Adoration Coordinator
- Lorri Frankson, Funeral Luncheon Coordinator
Publications
Sun, Dec 8th
Sun, Nov 24th
Blessed Sacrament 8am Mass
Beginning December 15th, the 8am Mass is at Blessed Sacrament Church. This Mass will be broadcast live each Sunday. The Mass will be re-broadcast each week as follows: Wednesday at noon and Thursday at 10am.
Immaculate Conception Church Closure
Immaculate Conception Church Closure:
Following our Parish analysis, the Town Hall Meetings (April 30th and June 4th) and the results from our parish survey, we announce:
Effective June 4th, 2019 our parish has begun the process and procedure for the closing of Immaculate Conception Church.
Thanks to Teri McKusky, Jim Dropp and Dennis Seguin for serving as a Taskforce Committee for the closure. This committee will ensure diocesan and civil procedures are followed. They will take any input or suggestions you may have.
We are all aware that this closure is spiritually and emotionally painful. During the process let us be sensitive to one another and support each other with prayer.
Closing Mass is proposed for Dec 8th, 2019 with the first 8am Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church celebrated on Dec 15th, 2019.
Please feel free to contact me or the committee regarding this significant change in our parish. I thank you everyone for your input and contribution to our process. I count on your prayers and assure you of my prayers. May the Immaculate Heart of Mary guide us in this process.
Fr. Gabriel
"Built by Living Stones with a Vision of Heaven" A History of Immaculate Conception Church
Prayer to St. Michael
Prayer to St. Michael St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
2018-2019 Fiscal Year-end Report
Please click here to view the fiscal year-end report: 2018-2019 Fiscal year-end Report to the Parish.
2019 Advent Penance Services
Christmas Fridge Edition
Grow closer to Christ this Advent! Please click here to view our Parish Christmas fridge edition: Christmas Fridge Edition.
Christmas Baskets
Non-perishable canned goods, cereals, baking supplies are needed for Thanksgiving food baskets. Please check expiration dates– no expired goods. Please place items in the wooden boxes at the Church main entrance or bring them to the Parish Office.
Family Faith Formation and Religious Ed Christmas Cookie Sale
Family Faith Formation and Religious Ed Cookie sale! Please help our Family Faith Formation and Religious Ed programming by purchasing a homemade Christmas Cookie platter ($15) or tin ($10). Order forms are located at the entrances of the Church. Orders will be taken until Dec. 15th, with pick up at the Parish Center the week of Dec. 18th- Dec. 22nd ( following 10am Mass).
Christmas Tea Time!
The Women’s Christmas tea will be on Wed., Dec. 11th at noon. There is no charge for the tea, however, please RSVP by Dec. 9th to the Parish Office. 262-5541 Enjoy fellowship and JOY!
2019 UCA
2019 UCA Assessment: $112,958.47
Collected as of 12-03-2019: $74,959.17
Need by 12-31-2019 $37,999.30
Religious Education
CYA Classes: CYA Class Night Dec. 4th; Dinner 5:30pm-6:25pm; class 6:30pm-8:00pm
Advent Family Rosary Fri., Dec. 6th 7:15am Blessed Sacrament Church
Sunday School Classes: Sunday School Classes Dec. 8th 8:45am-9:45am
We are collecting food for our Parish Christmas baskets. These baskets go to our parishioners in need for their Thanksgiving meal. Items we need: canned vegetables, cereal, candy, cookies, soup, flour, sugar, peanut butter, saltines, brownie and cake mix, spaghetti sauce and noodles, oatmeal, frosting, and cranberry sauce. We appreciate everyone’s generosity.
Respect Life Essay Contest
Announcing the 2019 Diocese of Duluth Respect Life Essay Contest The Office of Marriage, Family and Life in the Diocese of Duluth is holding their annual Respect Life Essay contest for middle and high school students. Information on registration dates and contest guidelines can be found at 2019 Respect Life Essay Contest.
Holiday Closures
The Parish Offices will be closed and there will be no Eucharistic Adoration: Dec. 24th, 25th, 31st and Jan. 1st. May God Bless your families this Christmas Season!
Save the Date! Women of Faith Conference
Save the Date! The 8th Annual Women’s Conference! Come join us in Duluth at the Marshall School on Sat., March 28th, 2020, for a faith-filled day with nationally acclaimed motivational speaker, television contributor, radio host and life activist Deby Schlapprizzi. She will help you unveil your God-given splendor and lead you on a journey of transformation. Detail on the Conference will be available in weeks ahead.
Save the Date! Men of Faith Conference
Save the Date! The Catholic Men’s Conference “Men of Faith: Men on Fire” is Sat., Feb. 29th from 9am-4pm at the Marshall School in Duluth. The speaker this year is Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, who will put on 4 powerful talks. Confession and Mass will be available. Early bird fee is $30 and registration is open! www.duluthcatholicmen.org.
Adoration
Take time to meet Christ...to know Him...to speak with Him...to adore Him. Come to him with humbled hearts. The Adoration Chapel is open: Monday from 8:30am-9pm; Tuesday and Wednesday evenings between 6pm and 9pm; Thursday from 8:30am through 8:00am Friday. We adore You and we praise You... because by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Monday, Tuesday, Friday - 7:30 am
Wednesday - 8:30 am
Thursday, Noon
Saturday, 11 am & 3 pm
Sunday 9:30 am
Prayer Chain
In need of special prayers? Please call: Nancy at 218-262-4401 or Carolyn at 218-263-4684.
Mass Times
+ SATURDAY:
Blessed Sacrament - 4:15 pm
+ SUNDAY:
Immaculate Conception - 8:00 am
Blessed Sacrament - 10:00 am
+ Memorial Day through Labor Day:
BlSac/Side Lake: 10 am
+ WEEKDAYS:
Blessed Sacrament - 8:00 am
(9 am Weds. during the school year)
+ MASS IN LATIN 1st SATURDAY(each month) and all Saturdays during Lent:
Immaculate Conception 8:00 am
Office Hours
*Friday.................8:30 am - 1:00 pm
*Beginning June 14th, the Office will close on Fridays until mid August.
Out of concern for the safety of our staff, if school is closed because of inclement weather, the parish office will also be closed.
2019 Mortgage Burning Celebration
FORMED
The Parish is excited to offer wonderful and free Catholic content for everyone in the family! Movies, books, studies, and much more is here and FREE for you as a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish. Please click the link and create a user name and password using the parish code. ENJOY!
Hymnal Memorials
In Nov. 2015, the Parish received new Missals from JourneySongs, which is a permanent, hard cover book that includes Sunday readings for all three liturgical cycles (A, B, & C), many beautiful prayers and reflections and Rites of the new Church. We are offering Hymnal Memorials. If you would like to dedicate a book “in memory of a loved one, or to honor someone you know”, please fill out the Hymnal Memorial form and return to the Parish Office. Forms can be found at the church entrances, or please stop by the Parish Office.
Recommended donation per book: $20
Bible Search
Events
Bankruptcy Letter from Bishop Paul Sirba
A letter from Duluth Bishop Paul Sirba, updating the faithful on the diocesan bankruptcy, was read in parishes across the diocese the weekend of May 4-5. The letter can be read here: Letter from Bishop Paul Sirba.