St Olaf Downtown Catholic Church
Minneapolis MN
55402-2847
Who we are
St. Olaf Catholic Church’s mission is to serve as a living sign of Christ’s saving presence in the heart of the city. For your convenience, we offer the most unique and convenient environment, including...
• 17 Masses each week,
• Easy access in the middle of downtown — AND free parking,
• Connected to the skyway,
• Weekly televised Masses,
• Event space. PLUS…a welcoming spirit and so much more!
The Mission of St. Olaf Catholic Church
is to serve as a living sign of Christ’s saving presence in the heart of the city…
…by celebrating liturgy as the source and summit of our faith, and proving ongoing opportunity for participation in the sacramental life of the church.
…by providing an atmosphere of welcome, warmth, and beauty for assembly, reflection and prayer for all people.
…by drawing upon our Catholic heritage in creating and maintaining focused ministries founded upon justice and charity, reaching out into the broad range of St. Olaf worshippers and beyond.
…by joining with other Christian churches and other faith traditions in fostering the common good for growth of the Kingdom of God.
We embrace this mission in the name of the Father, with the Son, and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The St. Olaf Vision
Today, the Eucharist is celebrated 17 times a week, bringing people throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area together for praise and thanksgiving to our gracious God.
St. Olaf maintains a vibrant liturgical life while also serving as a beacon of hope and charity for those less fortunate. The parish is a center for spiritual enrichment and a center for the arts. Whether people come to pray, to seek consolation, to ask for help, or simply to rest, St. Olaf serves as a peaceful haven of God’s grace.
• 17 Masses each week,
• Easy access in the middle of downtown — AND free parking,
• Connected to the skyway,
• Weekly televised Masses,
• Event space. PLUS…a welcoming spirit and so much more!
The Mission of St. Olaf Catholic Church
is to serve as a living sign of Christ’s saving presence in the heart of the city…
We embrace this mission in the name of the Father, with the Son, and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The St. Olaf Vision
Today, the Eucharist is celebrated 17 times a week, bringing people throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area together for praise and thanksgiving to our gracious God.
St. Olaf maintains a vibrant liturgical life while also serving as a beacon of hope and charity for those less fortunate. The parish is a center for spiritual enrichment and a center for the arts. Whether people come to pray, to seek consolation, to ask for help, or simply to rest, St. Olaf serves as a peaceful haven of God’s grace.
Church Website
St Olaf Downtown Catholic Church on Social Media
St Olaf Downtown Catholic Church YouTube Video
Leadership
Leader Name:
Fr. Michael Krenik
Leader Position:
Pastor
Phone:
Leader Email:
Click here to contact Fr. Michael Krenik
Administration
Admin Name:
Vicki Klima
Admin Position:
Parish Director
Phone:
Admin Email:
Click here to contact Vicki Klima
St Olaf Downtown Catholic Church Mass Times
REGULAR LITURGY SCHEDULE:
Exceptions on holy days and national holidays are noted below.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Weekend Mass Times
Saturday Vigil - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday - 6:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Weekday Mass Times
Monday through Friday - 7:00 a.m., 12:00 noon
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Confession Times
Monday through Friday following the 7:00 a.m. Mass
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday following the 12:00 noon Mass
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Fridays - 12:30 p.m. in the chapel (following the 12:00 noon Mass in the church)
Adoration and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until 5:00 p.m.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
African Mass
Celebration of the Eucharist with African traditions of song, word, dance, and global languages are celebrated on the third Sunday of each month at 12:00 noon, prelude begins at 11:45 a.m.. For more information, call the parish office at 612-332-7471.
2018: September 16, October 21, November 18, December 16
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LITURGICAL SEASONS AND HOLY DAYS:
All Saints Day
(Holy Day of Obligation – All Masses in Main Church; no confessions)
Wednesday, October 31, 2018 5:15 p.m. Vigil (with music)
Thursday, November 1, 2018 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. (no music)
11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 4:00 p.m., 5:15 p.m. (with music)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
All Souls Day
Friday, November 2, 2018
7:00 a.m. Mass in chapel (no music)
12:00 Noon Mass of Remembrance (with music) Light lunch following
At this liturgy we remember in a special way our loved ones who have died in the past year, especially those whose funerals we celebrated at St. Olaf.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Holy Day of Obligation – All Masses in Main Church; no confessions)
Friday, December 7, 2018 5:15 p.m. Vigil (with music)
Saturday, December 8, 2018 12:00 noon (with music)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Advent Extended Confessions
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Nativity of the Lord
(Holy Day of Obligation – All Masses in Main Church; no confessions)
Christmas Eve Monday, December 24, 2018: 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. (with music)
(No 7:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. Masses.) Parish office will close at 12:00 Noon.
Christmas Day Tuesday, December 25, 2018: 6:00 a.m. (no music)
8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 4:00 p.m. (with music)
Parish office will be closed.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mary, Mother of God / New Year's Day
(Holy Day of Obligation – Mass in Main Church; no confessions)
Monday, December 31, 2018: 5:15 p.m. Vigil (with music)
Tuesday, January 1, 2019: 10:00 a.m. (with music)
(no 7:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. Masses)
Parish office will be closed
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ash Wednesday
(All Masses with Ashes in Main Church; no confessions)
Wednesday, March 6, 2019: 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. (no music)
11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 4:00 p.m., 5:15 p.m. (with music)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Lenten Extended Confessions
Tuesday, April 16, 2019 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Holy Thursday, April 18, 2019
Mass of the Lord’s Supper
12:00 Noon (with music); 5:15 p.m. (with music and foot washing)
(no 7:00 a.m. Mass; no confessions)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Good Friday, April 19, 2019
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion: 12:00 noon, 5:15 p.m. (both with music)
Stations of the Cross 3:00 p.m. (with music)
Individual Veneration of the Cross concludes each liturgy.
(no 7:00 a.m. Mass; no confessions)
Parish office will close at 12:00 noon)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Resurrection of the Lord
Holy Saturday April 20, 2019: Easter Vigil 7:00-9:00 p.m.
(no 12:00 Noon or 4:00 p.m. Masses; no confessions)
Easter Sunday April 21, 2019: 6:00 a.m. (no music)
8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 Noon and 4:00 p.m. (with music)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feast of St. Olaf, Masses
All weekend Masses July 27/28, 2019
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, Masses
(Holy Day of Obligation)
All Masses in Main Church; no confessions
Wednesday, August 14, 2019: 5:15 p.m. Vigil (with music)
Thursday, August 15, 2019: 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. (no music)
11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 4:00 p.m., 5:15 p.m. (with music)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, New Year’s Day
10:00 am Mass with music in the Main Church (no 7:00 a.m. or 12:00 noon Masses; no confessions)
Parish office will be closed.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mass with Anointing
The Sacrament of Anointing is meant for those dealing with the effects of aging or illness in body, mind, or spirit. It is especially recommended before surgery or if one’s condition has worsened since last being anointed. The next Mass with Anointing will be at:
12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 20, 2018.
“Come to me, all you who are burdened, and I will give you rest,” says the Lord.
It's been more than 5 years since the last mass times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm mass times.
Please contact the church to confirm Mass Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
Exceptions on holy days and national holidays are noted below.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Weekend Mass Times
Saturday Vigil - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday - 6:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Weekday Mass Times
Monday through Friday - 7:00 a.m., 12:00 noon
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Confession Times
Monday through Friday following the 7:00 a.m. Mass
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday following the 12:00 noon Mass
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Fridays - 12:30 p.m. in the chapel (following the 12:00 noon Mass in the church)
Adoration and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until 5:00 p.m.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
African Mass
Celebration of the Eucharist with African traditions of song, word, dance, and global languages are celebrated on the third Sunday of each month at 12:00 noon, prelude begins at 11:45 a.m.. For more information, call the parish office at 612-332-7471.
2018: September 16, October 21, November 18, December 16
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LITURGICAL SEASONS AND HOLY DAYS:
All Saints Day
(Holy Day of Obligation – All Masses in Main Church; no confessions)
Wednesday, October 31, 2018 5:15 p.m. Vigil (with music)
Thursday, November 1, 2018 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. (no music)
11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 4:00 p.m., 5:15 p.m. (with music)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
All Souls Day
Friday, November 2, 2018
7:00 a.m. Mass in chapel (no music)
12:00 Noon Mass of Remembrance (with music) Light lunch following
At this liturgy we remember in a special way our loved ones who have died in the past year, especially those whose funerals we celebrated at St. Olaf.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Holy Day of Obligation – All Masses in Main Church; no confessions)
Friday, December 7, 2018 5:15 p.m. Vigil (with music)
Saturday, December 8, 2018 12:00 noon (with music)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Advent Extended Confessions
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Nativity of the Lord
(Holy Day of Obligation – All Masses in Main Church; no confessions)
Christmas Eve Monday, December 24, 2018: 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. (with music)
(No 7:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. Masses.) Parish office will close at 12:00 Noon.
Christmas Day Tuesday, December 25, 2018: 6:00 a.m. (no music)
8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 4:00 p.m. (with music)
Parish office will be closed.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mary, Mother of God / New Year's Day
(Holy Day of Obligation – Mass in Main Church; no confessions)
Monday, December 31, 2018: 5:15 p.m. Vigil (with music)
Tuesday, January 1, 2019: 10:00 a.m. (with music)
(no 7:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. Masses)
Parish office will be closed
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ash Wednesday
(All Masses with Ashes in Main Church; no confessions)
Wednesday, March 6, 2019: 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. (no music)
11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 4:00 p.m., 5:15 p.m. (with music)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Lenten Extended Confessions
Tuesday, April 16, 2019 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Holy Thursday, April 18, 2019
Mass of the Lord’s Supper
12:00 Noon (with music); 5:15 p.m. (with music and foot washing)
(no 7:00 a.m. Mass; no confessions)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Good Friday, April 19, 2019
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion: 12:00 noon, 5:15 p.m. (both with music)
Stations of the Cross 3:00 p.m. (with music)
Individual Veneration of the Cross concludes each liturgy.
(no 7:00 a.m. Mass; no confessions)
Parish office will close at 12:00 noon)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Resurrection of the Lord
Holy Saturday April 20, 2019: Easter Vigil 7:00-9:00 p.m.
(no 12:00 Noon or 4:00 p.m. Masses; no confessions)
Easter Sunday April 21, 2019: 6:00 a.m. (no music)
8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 Noon and 4:00 p.m. (with music)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feast of St. Olaf, Masses
All weekend Masses July 27/28, 2019
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, Masses
(Holy Day of Obligation)
All Masses in Main Church; no confessions
Wednesday, August 14, 2019: 5:15 p.m. Vigil (with music)
Thursday, August 15, 2019: 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. (no music)
11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 4:00 p.m., 5:15 p.m. (with music)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, New Year’s Day
10:00 am Mass with music in the Main Church (no 7:00 a.m. or 12:00 noon Masses; no confessions)
Parish office will be closed.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mass with Anointing
The Sacrament of Anointing is meant for those dealing with the effects of aging or illness in body, mind, or spirit. It is especially recommended before surgery or if one’s condition has worsened since last being anointed. The next Mass with Anointing will be at:
12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 20, 2018.
“Come to me, all you who are burdened, and I will give you rest,” says the Lord.
It's been more than 5 years since the last mass times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm mass times.
Please contact the church to confirm Mass Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
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St Olaf Downtown Catholic Church History
The St. Olaf History
The corner of Second Avenue South and Eighth Street has long been a site for worship in downtown Minneapolis.
In 1876, just nine years after Minneapolis was incorporated as a city, the Universalist Society chose this corner to build their church. This choice, however, was thought by some to be too far out of town. Nevertheless, the Church of the Redeemer was built on this site and became the spiritual home to many of the city’s most distinguished citizens, including William Washburn, Charles Loring, Alonzo Rand and John Crosby.
Twelve years after the church was built, it was destroyed by fire. Construction of a new church began immediately and the second Church of the Redeemer was dedicated in 1889. It served as a spiritual home for the Universalist Society until 1941 when, because of dwindling membership, it was sold to the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis for $112,500. After extensive remodeling in both the upper and lower levels, it was dedicated as St. Olaf Catholic church on June 1, 1941. The name, St. Olaf, commemorating the eleventh century warrior-saint, was chosen because of the city’s large Scandinavian population.
The central location of St. Olaf, along with a schedule of sacramental ministry designed for the convenience of the downtown worker, visitor, and resident, brought the Catholic faith life within easy access to thousands of people.
Twelve years after St. Olaf was dedicated, history repeated itself: the church building was again destroyed by fire on February 18, 1953. Adding irony to tragedy, this occurred on Ash Wednesday. Plans for a new church began while the ashes of the old were still smoldering. The new and present St. Olaf was rebuilt and reopened on February 23, 1955, on Ash Wednesday, of course!
In architectural style, the new St. Olaf has little in common with the old. It was built in contemporary design, a bold move at the time but one that has been validated repeatedly, especially after the Second Vatican Council.
The mission of St. Olaf as a “living sign of Christ’s saving presence in the heart of the city” has evolved over time.
Since the early seventies, St. Olaf has served the poor of the area through an extensive social outreach program. In 1980, the lot adjacent to the church was purchased to provide room for building expansion and parking. The Chapel of Saints John and Paul was a major addition in 1980.
In 1990, a parish center was built which has allowed St. Olaf to become a leader in parish education, programming, and spiritual formation. In 1995, St. Olaf purchased the Exodus Hotel to our south, which is a transitional housing facility for residents who would otherwise be without a safe, clean place to stay. It is likely that St. Olaf is the only church in the nation that is connected to a major city’s skyway system, bringing us even more closely into the pulse of downtown Minneapolis.
In 1996, St. Olaf purchased the property on the corner of 9th Street and 2nd Avenue as an investment for the future. The parish created the “Assisi on 9th” park on the site as a haven of rest and beauty for those who work and live downtown.
In 2000, the sanctuary of the church underwent extensive renovation to enhance accessibility, improve lighting and sound, and establish a permanent location for our music ministry. A major addition to the sanctuary as part of this renovation was the new Lively-Fulcher pipe organ, installed in 2001 as St. Olaf celebrated its 60th anniversary. New liturgical furnishings were dedicated in 2001 and 2002.
Today, the Eucharist is celebrated 17 times a week, bringing people throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area together for praise and thanksgiving to our gracious God.
The corner of Second Avenue South and Eighth Street has long been a site for worship in downtown Minneapolis.
In 1876, just nine years after Minneapolis was incorporated as a city, the Universalist Society chose this corner to build their church. This choice, however, was thought by some to be too far out of town. Nevertheless, the Church of the Redeemer was built on this site and became the spiritual home to many of the city’s most distinguished citizens, including William Washburn, Charles Loring, Alonzo Rand and John Crosby.
Twelve years after the church was built, it was destroyed by fire. Construction of a new church began immediately and the second Church of the Redeemer was dedicated in 1889. It served as a spiritual home for the Universalist Society until 1941 when, because of dwindling membership, it was sold to the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis for $112,500. After extensive remodeling in both the upper and lower levels, it was dedicated as St. Olaf Catholic church on June 1, 1941. The name, St. Olaf, commemorating the eleventh century warrior-saint, was chosen because of the city’s large Scandinavian population.
Twelve years after St. Olaf was dedicated, history repeated itself: the church building was again destroyed by fire on February 18, 1953. Adding irony to tragedy, this occurred on Ash Wednesday. Plans for a new church began while the ashes of the old were still smoldering. The new and present St. Olaf was rebuilt and reopened on February 23, 1955, on Ash Wednesday, of course!
In architectural style, the new St. Olaf has little in common with the old. It was built in contemporary design, a bold move at the time but one that has been validated repeatedly, especially after the Second Vatican Council.
The mission of St. Olaf as a “living sign of Christ’s saving presence in the heart of the city” has evolved over time.
Since the early seventies, St. Olaf has served the poor of the area through an extensive social outreach program. In 1980, the lot adjacent to the church was purchased to provide room for building expansion and parking. The Chapel of Saints John and Paul was a major addition in 1980.
In 1996, St. Olaf purchased the property on the corner of 9th Street and 2nd Avenue as an investment for the future. The parish created the “Assisi on 9th” park on the site as a haven of rest and beauty for those who work and live downtown.
In 2000, the sanctuary of the church underwent extensive renovation to enhance accessibility, improve lighting and sound, and establish a permanent location for our music ministry. A major addition to the sanctuary as part of this renovation was the new Lively-Fulcher pipe organ, installed in 2001 as St. Olaf celebrated its 60th anniversary. New liturgical furnishings were dedicated in 2001 and 2002.
Thank You
The most important prayer in the world is just two words long: "Thank you"
St Olaf Downtown Catholic Church listing was last updated on the 9th of September, 2018
