Sts. Peter & Paul • Elrosa, MN - Parishes on the Prairie

History

Bishop Zardetti granted the establishment of the parish in 1889, but was located in the former village of Lake George, Minnesota. The first frame church was built there in 1891 and dedicated in 1892. Priests from Spring Hill and then Belgrade serviced the parish once a month during the early years.

Once the railroad arrived, coming through Elrosa and bypassing Lake George, the community of Sts. Peter and Paul decided to move everything to Elrosa. The present church building was a work in progress beginning in 1917 with the basement, and then finished and dedicated by Bishop Busch in 1926. The current rectory was completed at the same time, both under the direction of Father John Fuss. In 2019, the parish completed the church building addition of an elevator and covered carport entrance.

In 1952, the parish built the six-room parochial school which was staffed by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph. Since closing in 1972, the school building has been used as a catechetical center.

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

Our Patron Saints

St. Peter

As one of the original twelve apostles, St. Peter is best known as receiving and being restored in the mercy of Jesus, after denying that he knew Him. However, Peter (originally Simon) is the one whom Jesus chose to become the first Pope. Jesus said, “…you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the nether world shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:17b-19). St. Peter was martyred in Rome by being crucified upside-down.

The Feast Day for Sts. Peter & Paul is June 29. St. Peter is the patron saint of many things, including fishermen, longevity, popes, and Rome. Read more about Saint Peter.

St. Paul

St. Paul was originally named Saul and was a fervent Pharisee, persecuting Christians in the name of God and the Jewish faith. On his way to Damascus one day, God knocked him from his horse, blinded him, and told him to stop persecuting His children. Saul/Paul had an instant conversion! He had an excellent ability for teaching and preaching and spent the rest of his life traveling to many lands converting people to Christianity. Paul wrote many of our New Testament letters (epistles), and was eventually also martyred in Rome.

The Feast Day for Sts. Peter & Paul is June 29. St. Paul is the patron saint of writers, evangelists, missionaries, and much more. Read more about Saint Paul.

Annual Parish Events

Annual Breakfast

Held in November, all parishioners, including young and old are asked to be involved. This is a parish-wide, community-building event. All proceeds from the meal, bake sale, and quilt raffle contributes to parish life. Thank you all for the support you give by working and eating at this fantastic family event!