Saint Mary’s Catholic Parish in Beardsley will have its’ final mass on Saturday, June 15, beginning at 5:00 pm.  This mass will conclude over 135 years of ministry and sacraments.

The church building will be sold to the city of Beardsley, and will be used as a community center and city hall.  The public is invited to use the building for wedding receptions, graduation, birthday, and anniversary parties.  The kitchen will stay fully stocked with dishes, and cooking utensils.  The building will be sold as is, with all the current supplies and furnishes.  To reserve the building for an event, please contact the city council.

The stain glass windows will stay in the church.  At a later date, if the church is ever torn down, the windows will be removed, sold, and the profit from the windows will be given to Saint Mary’s cemetery Perpetual Care Fund account, for the upkeep of the cemetery.

The church bell will be removed and will be set in a steeple like structure in the cemetery later this summer.  The bell tower will be sealed to prevent damage from moisture and animals.

The community is invited to “A Celebration of Faith, celebrating 135 years of faith and sacraments” on June 15th, beginning with mass at 5:00 pm.  Following mass, the Beardsley Fire Department will be grilling hamburgers and hotdogs.  A festive meal with salads, desserts, and beverages will be served in the church basement until 7:00 pm.

Story courtesy of The Northern Star Newspaper, Clinton, MN

Work of Graceville Mercy Center  To Help Those in Need of Basics

The Work of Mercy Center has been established by a group of local volunteers to help individuals and families in need of basic household items. The Mercy Center is a ministry to serve Big Stone, Traverse, Lac qui Parle and Stevens counties, as well as the surrounding area. Father Brian Oestreich, Pastor of the local Catholic churches and church members developed the idea of The Work of Mercy Center. “Our mission is to have basic items available to individuals and families in need at no cost. Some of the items we try to have available include clothing, hygiene items, shoes, dishes, pots, pans, diapers, bedding and many others,” said Katie Jensen, church member. “Everyone is welcome at The Mercy Center”, Oestreich stated. “We offer special hospitality to our guests, to care for their basic human needs and to treat them as respected people of God”.

The Work of Mercy Center is located in the old school building of Holy Rosary Parish, 711 Studdart Ave, in Graceville.  Weekly hours are Tuesday nights from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday afternoons 1-3 p.m., or by private appointment. Please call Katie at 320-748-7259 to make an appointment. The location was chosen due to the availability of space needed to display all of the items donated by generous individuals.  This room and articles have no affiliation with any church or social service agencies and is open to anyone regardless of race or creed. It is a Christian based outlet serving anyone in need from the surrounding communities.

Information cards have been given and are displayed in area hospitals, clinics, law enforcement offices, businesses, and schools. When visiting The Mercy Center, you will find gently used and new clothing from infants to adults, dishes, pots and pans, bedding, bath towels, dish cloths, etc.  These items are all free for the taking (no hoops or hurdles.)  There is a simple registration to fill out but nothing else. If a larger piece of furniture is needed, the volunteers and Board of Directors will do their best to find the needed items. Donations of clean, usable, appropriate clothing and house hold items are always needed. Please call or deliver your donations during regular weekly hours. There is a need for personal hygiene items at this time.For more information about The Work of Mercy Center, please call Katie Jensen at 320-748-7259.