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Rev. John C. Anderson
Immaculate Conception/St. Patrick Parishes
151 South Washington Avenue
New Richmond, WI 54017
(715) 246-4652
Welcome to Immaculate Conception and St. Patrick’s Parishes! We are parishes and a school that are located in New Richmond and Erin Prairie, Wisconsin. The area in which we live is in constant growth. I believe our parishes and school are as well. We are called to be open to conversion every day of our lives. That conversion can be different for each person. Our hope is that our parishes and school welcomes each person no matter where they are at on their faith. Many times as places grow we can lose track of each other. That is no different in a parish. It is not intentional but happens when there is constant movement. The goal of our parishes is to work together to overcome that. We accomplish that best when we gather together to celebrate the Mass. Out of that celebration flows the need and desire to grow in our faith together. We try and provide the opportunity to accomplish that in our Faith Formation for all ages, spiritual events, social activities and more. I pray you feel welcome in our parishes and join us in ways you might feel comfortable. It is said change is one of the only sure things in life. We face that positively when we do it together in the Lord! Yours in Christ, Fr. John Rev. John C. Anderson
Ministry Booklet
Click here to view the ministry booklet
OUR HERITAGE
The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin began in the late 1800s. At first,the parish was the faithful gathering to celebrate Mass. With the growth of the parish community came the need for a church and school. This became a place for us to celebrate our traditions, beliefs, Catholic education, and values that we hold dear. As we pledge to “Building for the Future”, we keep the faith and hope alive for all who prayed and believed before us.
Timeline
- 1872 Mass is celebrated in Washington Hall above Deneen’s General Store at 220 South Knowles Avenue in New Richmond.
- 1879 Site for church building chosen.1880 Parcel of land is obtained.
- 1883 Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin is incorporated.
- 1883 Unfinished church burns
- 1887 Church rebuilt.
- 1889 Christmas Mass is celebrated in new church.
- 1889 Start construction on new school.
- 1891 First St. Mary’s School opens.
- 1892 Second church destroyed by fire.
- 1893 Third church building completed
- 1894 First Graduating Class from St. Mary’s School
- 1896 First records of Altar Society
- 1899 Church withstands “The Cyclone”.
- 1928 Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth on the Lake from Superior join the school staff.
- 1950 Religious Education Program begins.
- 1951 Lay Carmelites begin.
- 1953 St. Mary’s School torn down and rebuilt.
- 1963 Conference of Christian Doctrine (CCD).
- 1965 Fourth and current church is built.
- 1966 Break ground for present church building.
- 1967 First Mass celebrated in current church building.
- 1970 Severe thunderstorm destroys rectory.
- 1971 Baptism is celebrated during Mass.
- 1977 Knights of Columbus and families remodel convent above St. Mary’s School.
- 1981 Church Mortgage burned.
- 1990 Renew Program implemented.
- 1998 Long Range Planning Committee formed.
- 2003 Dedication of Immaculate Conception Education Center which houses St. Mary’s School, and Parish and Diocesan activities.
- 2004 Pastor, Fr. James Brinkman, arrives.
- 2006 Parish launched Capital Campaign to reduce $1.3 million dollar debt on I.C. Education Center.
- 2009 New doors installed on Church south parking entrance replacing original doors damaged from weather and age.
- 2009 Stained glassed windows repaired to prevent damage from sagging.
- 2015 Our present pastor, Fr. John Anderson arrives.
The Articles of Incorporation were drawn up and signed for the “Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin” in the summer of 1883. Father Peter DeParadis purchased a parcel of land from Alexander Russelland transferred the property to the church on December 31, 1883, shortly after the unfinished church building and its contents burned to the ground.
Over the next years, another church building was built. Just as that was finished, plans for a school building were undertaken. St. Mary’s School opened its doors to students in 1891. The church was finished, the school was in operation, and the parish was free of debt.
Then on January 24, 1892, a fire starting in the church basement near the furnace left most of the building destroyed. The altar and some pews were among the items salvaged. Work began on a new church, and by Fall 1892 it was completed. This church building would serve Immaculate Conception Parish until 1965.
The church and school buildings would each be replaced one more time to bring the parish into the 21st Century. St. Mary’s School building as we know it today was completed in 1954. The old church could only hold about 500 people if crowded to the walls. It was razed in 1965, and services were held in the school gymnasium until the first Mass was celebrated in the new church on December 8, 1966. The dedication took place on June 11, 1967.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin has built four church buildings, two school buildings, and a cemetery. The challenge of the last several years that takes us into the new millennium is the lack of adequate space to house our programs and ministries. Our journey into the 21st Century, based on our faith and commitment to God, will pave the road for the ministriesas nurture as a parish.
Fr. Peter De Paradis (1879-1884)
Fr. E.M. Sturm (1884-1885)
Fr. Walter Fardy (1885-1894)
Rev. Fr. William Degnan, D.D. (1894-1902)
Fr. Michael E. Boyce (1902-1914)
Fr. Hugh Duffy (1914-1927)
Fr. Patrick O’Mahoney (1927-1956)
Fr. Austin Corrigan (1957-1970)
Fr. Vincent Walkowski (1970-1976)
Fr. James Horath (1976-1977)
Fr. Daniel Dahlberg (1977-1984)
Fr. Charles Murphy (1984-1996)
Fr. Allan Bradley (1996-2004)
Fr. James Brinkman (2004 to 2015)
Fr. John Anderson (2015 – present)
Pastoral Team:
Fr. John Anderson
Office: 715-246-4652, Ext.226
Rectory: 715-246-4652, Ext. 264
fj.anderson@ic-church.com
Deacon Michael Germain
Cell: 715-246-5303
Deacon Mel Riel
Cell: 715-796-2833
Office Personnel
Business and Development Manager:
Jessica Jackson - Office: 715-246-4652, Ext. 225
j.jackson@ic-church.com
Finance Manager:
Laura Shepard - Office: 715-246-4652, Ext. 224
l.shepard@ic-church.com
Secretary:
Rita Riley - Office:715-246-4652, Ext. 221
icchurch@ic-church.com
Office Assistant:
Sharon Casey - Office:715-246-4652, Ext. 222
s.casey@ic-church.com
Buildings & Grounds:
Chris Sobottka - Office: 715-246-4652, Ext. 223
csobottka@st-marysschool.com
Catholic Formation Team:
Interim Director of Catholic Formation:
Arlene Tenner
Office: 715-246-4652, Ext. 228
a.tenner@ic-church.com
Coordinator of Catholic Formation Grades PreK-5 and Sacramental Coordinator, Sunday School:
Kristin Dittman
Office: 715-246-4652, Ext. 260
k.dittman@ic-church.com
EDGE Coordinator:
Trevor Swanson
Office: 715-246-4652
t.swanson@ic-church.com
Youth Discipleship Assistant:
Karen LaBossiere
Office: 715-246-4652
k.labossiere@ic-church.com
St. Mary’s School Principal:
Jami Engelhart
School : 715-246-2469
principal@st-marysschool.com
St. Mary’s School Assistant Principal:
Laura Jo Jarchow
School : 715-246-2469
ljjarchow@st-marysschool.com
For Information About Sacraments:
Confirmation, Baptism Prep:
Arlene Tenner
Office: 715-246-4652, Ext. 228
a.tenner@ic-church.com
First Eucharist, First Reconciliation:
Kristin Dittman
Office: 715-246-4652, Ext. 260
k.dittman@ic-church.com
Marriage, Anointing of Sick, & Holy Orders:
Fr. John Anderson
Office: 715-246-4652, Ext. 226
fj.anderson@ic-church.com
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults:
Deacon Michael Germain
Office: 715-246-5961
rica.ic.newrichmond@gmail.com
DIOCESE OF SUPERIOR & DIOCESAN PROGRAMS
PARISHES
- St. Patrick’s Church of Erin Prairie
- St. Anne School and Parish — Somerset
- Church of St. Patrick — Hudson
- St. Joseph Church — Amery
- St.Bridget’s Parish
DISABILITIES AND ACCESSIBILITY
- Service Animals in Church
- USCCB – Pro-Life Activities – Disabilities
- National Organization on Disability
- Exceptional Catholic Minnesota
- National Catholic Partnership on Disability
IN RELATION TO CHURCH SEASONS
- Catholic Living – Tips for Living a Catholic Life
- Catholic Culture
- Advent Wreath Prayers and Scripture Readings
- Stations of the Cross
CATHOLIC FAITH RESOURCES
- Wisconsin Catholic Conference — Public Policy Voice of Wisconsin ‘s Bishops
- Catholic Living
- Catholic Culture – Living the Catholic Life
- CatholiCity — Free Catholic CDs
- History of Joseph the Carpenter
- HUMANAE VITAE: Encyclical of Pope Paul VI on the Regulation of Birth
CATHOLIC MEDIA
- EWTN — Eternal Word Television Network
- Relvant Radio — a Catholic radio station at 1330 AM located in the Twin Cities Area
- Ave Maria Radio
PLACES OF HELP
Volunteers needed to help with Greeting 15 minutes prior to mass. Contact Rush Hickethier at 715-246-4652 ext 225 for further information.
GUIDELINES
FOR
WEDDING PREPARATION
Immaculate Conception Church, New Richmond
St. Patrick Parish, Erin Prairie.
Congratulations on your engagement! Your wedding and marriage are important to you, your family, and your parish family – you are a witness to the enduring love of God.
We offer these parish guidelines to assist you in the preparation of your wedding at Immaculate Conception and St. Patrick. Many of your questions will be answered with this document, but an essential part of your preparation includes a meeting with the pastor followed by the Director of Music and Wedding Coordinator, whose goal is to help you plan a wedding that reflects your style. Your wedding is a joyful occasion, and a clear understanding of expectations and procedures at this time will help to prevent the stress of future misunderstandings.
THE TIME AND PLACE
You will initially meet with the pastor to discuss some important issues and to complete the necessary paperwork. If you are not a registered parishioner of Immaculate Conception or St. Patrick’s, you will need to provide a letter from your pastor granting permission to be married here. (This is for Catholics only.) Your wedding date cannot be reserved until you have personally contacted the pastor of Immaculate Conception and St. Patrick.
CLERGY
In order to enter a valid marriage, a baptized Catholic must proclaim his/her vows before a priest or deacon and two witnesses.
FEES
When considering the cost of the many details of your wedding celebration, please consider your gift to God as equally important. While the Sacrament of Marriage is priceless, the cost of maintaining the church is significant. Sacraments are never denied to anyone because of financial hardship—please speak with the pastor if that is your circumstance. The Director of Music is happy to provide the names of wedding musicians in the area, however, it is your responsibility to contact them and consult with them about their fees and terms of payment.
THE MARRIAGE RITE
The Church’s Rite of Marriage includes options which address particular pastoral situations; i.e. the marriage of two Catholics, or the marriage of a Catholic and a member of another Christian community. A wedding ceremony (liturgy) outside of Mass might be more comfortable and familiar to non-Catholic families and guests. However, if a decision is made to celebrate marriage within a Mass, the reception of Holy Communion would need to be explained. Outdoor weddings are permitted (Diocesan and Church Policy) with permission of the Bishop.
A WORSHIP AID
Some couples may wish to prepare a worship aid (program) for their guests. Programs may vary in detail but should include at least the order of service, the liturgical ministers, and names of the wedding party. Reference numbers for songs in the parish hymnals could also be included. Composers’ names should be included with the song titles. If music is printed in the program, necessary copyright permissions must be secured and included. A personal message from the couple can also be added if you choose. The Director of Music would be willing to help with this.
THE ROLE OF THE ASSEMBLY
Your family and friends have been invited to witness your commitment to each other and to pray with you and for you, and to offer love and support. Their involvement in this joyful liturgy is essential. The Church asks that all liturgical celebrations be planned in ways that involve the participation of everyone present. Therefore, hymns and acclamations that you choose would encourage this participation. While a soloist may perform a worthwhile role during parts of the liturgy, every member of the assembly has a vital role, by responding to prayers and singing hymns, the Responsorial Psalm, and Gospel Acclamation.
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
Flash photography is prohibited by guests during the service. It is a significant distraction in the celebration of the sacrament. (This notice should be included in your worship aid.) Professional photographers may consult with the presider to discuss when flash may be necessary for them. Videotaping is permitted, but the presider must be consulted in advance.
DECORATIONS
You may use, with permission, any decorations which the church has, at no extra cost. You are responsible for replacement if broken. Please consult with the wedding coordinator before you order flowers or other decorations. No decorations are allowed on top of the altar. Balloons are prohibited in the church. No nails, tacks, tape or adhesive of any kind may be used to attach decorations to the pews. Plastic holders which do not damage the finish of the pews are allowed, for hanging bows, etc., on the ends of pews. Please contact the wedding coordinator to know when the church will be available for you to set up your decorations. Rice, bird seed, etc. may not be used. Not only is it a liability risk for people who may slip and fall on it, but also an extra responsibility of clean-up.
REHEARSAL
Your rehearsal will be determined by you, the presider and the wedding coordinator. The rehearsal will begin promptly. The wedding party is asked to arrive on time. Bring your marriage license with you. Most of your decisions regarding the ceremony should be made prior to the rehearsal. If you ask family members or friends to serve as readers of scripture or intercessions during the ceremony, they ought to be present to rehearse their reading using the microphone. The use of alcohol is prohibited on all parish property, including the church, rest rooms, and parking lots. Out of respectful reverence for the church and the sacred nature of the wedding ceremony, alcohol consumption is strongly discouraged prior to the rehearsal or the wedding. Any individual who exhibits inappropriate behavior, at the presider’s discretion, may be prohibited from participation in the rehearsal and/or the wedding.
MUSIC
Music is a powerful and beautiful way to help express your love and your acknowledgement of the presence of God in your union. Mindful of the sacramental nature of marriage, there are guidelines regarding what music may or may not be used in a wedding ceremony. The music must be appropriate for use in church, in a liturgical setting. The suitability of texts sung at your wedding is an important consideration. Popular love songs often stress the couple only and exclude God and the Church community. While they may be desirable choices for your reception, they often overlook God’s ongoing role in Christian marriage. Songs which merely include or imply the name of God may not necessarily be appropriate. Suitable song texts will speak explicitly of the Christian dimension of love, or express trust in, thanksgiving to, or praise to God. Good wedding music also acknowledges the power of the prayer of the community.
No taped or pre-recorded music may be used during the service. You are financially responsible to provide legal copies of any music which must be obtained for your musicians. For the comfort level of both you and the musicians, who need adequate time for practice, it is best to select your music as far in advance as possible; all musical selections are subject to the approval of the Director of Music.
PROCESSIONAL MUSIC
While not absolutely necessary, there is a trend toward separate music for the attendants and for the bride. Keep in mind that within the course of any piece, the volume level could be increased appropriately to announce the entrance of the bride.
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
The Lectionary, a book which contains all the Scripture readings used at Mass, has a wonderful assortment of readings for wedding liturgies. They may be found in your planning book. Once you have made your selections, choosing a musical setting for the psalm and the gospel acclamation will be simple. Selected solos or hymns should also complement the reading.
THE RESPONSORIAL PSALM
The Responsorial Psalm immediately follows the First Reading. Since a psalm is a song, it is normally sung; this is a role that is filled by your soloist, or cantor. Your music minister may suggest various settings for the psalms. Please note: the psalm is from Scripture and may not be replaced by a “song”.
THE GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
This acclamation is always sung. The Director of Music may suggest various settings. The verse for the acclamation usually relates to the sacrament of marriage or selected readings.
THE RITE OF MARRIAGE
The Vows / The Declaration of Consent
The ministers of the sacrament are the bride and groom, and this reality is expressed as the vows are proclaimed. The options for the vows are also included in the book which you are given to help you to prepare.
THE UNITY CANDLE AND OTHER OPTIONS
Though it has been popular in many churches in the United States, the unity candle is a commercial product that is not part of the Catholic marriage rite. The real symbols of the sacrament are the bride and groom themselves. The candle is not required in the wedding ceremony—please discuss that option at the time of your consultation with the Director of Music.
THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
If your marriage takes place within Mass, the liturgy then continues with the Liturgy of the Eucharist. You may invite family or friends to bring forward the gifts of bread and wine. Instrumental music may be played or a hymn or solo can be sung. The time required for this rite is brief, so you might choose a piece of appropriate length.
Acclamations during the Eucharistic Prayer
The parish musician will know the settings with which the congregation is most familiar. Please rely on that experience.
NUPTIAL BLESSING
The Nuptial Blessing is recited after the Lord’s Prayer.
COMMUNION HYMN
While the congregation processes to Communion the hymn is sung by the Cantor or congregation. Some suggestions can come from the Parish Musician.
THE CONCLUDING RITE
The Concluding Rite includes a Greeting, Dismissal, and Recessional music.CONCLUSION
This booklet has been designed to make preparing your wedding liturgy an enjoyable and enriching experience. It has offered rationale for proper selections and brief liturgical explanations. Your presider, Director of Music, and wedding coordinator are happy to work closely with you to answer any questions and assist you in this process. May your wedding celebration give praise to God, sanctify your day, and be a wonderful beginning of a long and happy marriage.
Wedding Fees for Immaculate Conception and St. Patrick Parishes