Pictures: Diocese of St. Cloud
These pictures give just a glimpse of perspective on some of the beauty to be found in the people and places of St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Farm Fest 2005 
Every year, in Southwestern Minnesota, is a event that can only be called Farm Fest. Imagine, pickup trucks in grassy fields as far as the eye can see, the newest in farm tractors and equipment, animal displays, barns full of antique machines and wares, tents of folk, polka, and bluegrass music, food galore, and even a tractor with hayrack to give you a lift out to your truck.
Fishing
Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, a prominent locale for pulling out the ol fishin pole. Every summer it is customary to drop a line in the water to see what bites. With a lake or river around every bend of the road, there are plenty of opportunities to wet a line. My family loves to fish for northern pike, but most people I know enjoy bass and pan fishing (sunnies & crappies). One of the good things about being a priest in MN is that lots of people like to take their pastor out for a day in the sun. I can't argue with that.
Bluegrass Festival 2005
Gramma grab yer jug, the bluegrass band is gettin together tonight! The Minnesota Bluegrass Association holds a festival every summer, making it the largest bluegrass event in the midwest. Three days of camping, eating, and excellent music. Who would have thought they could play so fast?
Cow Milking Contests & County Fairs
One of my summer parish experiences included helping a family to bring their cows to the Stearns County Fair for showing. It must have looked pretty strange to see a priest and seminarian pitching hay, washing down the cows, and throwing bales. Even more impressive was watching the priest nearly win the cow milking contest. It pays to grow up on a farm.
Canoeing down the Sauk and Mississippi Rivers
A great way to connect with local youth is to get them in canoes for a trip down the river. In the summer of 2005, we took two separate groups down the Sauk and Mississippi Rivers, respectively. What a blast. A cooler full of Mr. Freeze's and a picnic on the shore.
Working with the youth, especially Vocation Camp
In August, the St. Cloud Diocese holds a camp for young men (middle & high school) to think about the possibility that God may be calling them to become priests. The four-day camp includes presentations, vocation stories by the seminarians, hiking, fishing, football, and a volleyball tournament. The young men are able to see how priests and seminarians enjoy praying, going to Mass, and spending time together. Already, the camp has helped a few men decide to join seminary, and hopefully the years ahead will bring even more.
And much more... 