St. Donatus • Brooten, MN - Parishes on the Prairie

History

The faith community of St. Donatus began as a mission church in 1908, under the service of Padua and then Paynesville pastors. A founding father of Brooten, Peter Pletschett, chose the patron saint for the Catholic faithful. Bishop Trobec gave permission to organize the small congregation as a parish in 1911. St. Donatus continued as a mission parish through the years, including under Belgrade from 1918 until 1927. Father Charles Haupt became its first resident pastor in 1927.

In the early years, parishioners met for Mass in the old school house in Brooten. They purchased a house in 1918 to use as their church, and the rectory was built in 1927 for their new priest. The present church building was constructed in 1966 under Father Maurice Landwehr.

For more detailed history of St. Donatus parish, please refer to the book “The Spirit in Central Minnesota” by Vincent A. Yzermans.

Our Patron Saint

Donatus lived in the 2nd century and was a soldier in the Roman Army. During a time when the weather was very hot and dry, and water was insufficient, many epidemics broke out. The pagan soldiers prayed and in vain made offerings to their gods for rain. So the emperor, who knew that Donatus and some of his friends were Christian, asked him to pray to the Christian God for the weather to change. Immediately the sky covered with clouds and a fine rain revived the soldiers and their horses. A great thunderstorm then overtook the enemy soldiers. Later, Donatus was executed because he refused to marry the emperor’s granddaughter, who was not a Christian.

St. Donatus feast day is August 7. He is the patron saint of lightning, storms, fire, and bakers. To read more about St. Donatus…

Annual Parish Event

Annual Fall Dinner

Held the 3rd Sunday in September, all parishioners including young and old are asked to be involved. This is a parish-wide, community-building event. It includes a raffle which in turn contributes to parish life. Thank you all for the support you give by working and eating at this wonderful family event!