2014 Memo Highlights Fraught Time in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

January 6, 2022 marked the twentieth anniversary of the Boston Globe’s groundbreaking story about the Archdiocese of Boston’s failure to protect children and attendant cover-up. While the scandal involving Catholic Church leadership and clergy abuse began in Boston, it quickly spread throughout the country like a wildfire resulting in numerous stories about failed leadership in … Continue reading 2014 Memo Highlights Fraught Time in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Rest in Peace Tom Johnson – The Call to Continue His Work

Last Saturday, on a beautiful June morning, family, friends and colleagues of Tom Johnson celebrated his remarkable life and important work at Our Lady of Lourdes in Minneapolis. Although attendance for Tom’s funeral was significantly limited due to COVID, Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan and Senator Klobuchar were all in attendance. After the funeral, which … Continue reading Rest in Peace Tom Johnson – The Call to Continue His Work

Attending to Spiritual Realities – Principles for a Healthier and Happier 2021

When looking at the state of our country and the struggles that abound, the fact that so many individuals and our society seek to journey apart from the light of God's grace and truth should not be minimized for its effect. Scripture often presents the two paths that are open before us - with God … Continue reading Attending to Spiritual Realities – Principles for a Healthier and Happier 2021

The Framers Prescient Fears Come to Fruition in this Season of Discontent

Last Wednesday as the U.S. Capitol was under siege in a violent attack, which left 5 dead, several injured, scores arrested and a country on the brink, I was in the midst of an Ignatian retreat. After my requisite and fruitful prayer periods on January 6th, I tuned into the evening news and was stunned … Continue reading The Framers Prescient Fears Come to Fruition in this Season of Discontent

Reflections on a Year as Liaison for Restorative Justice and Healing

July 1, 2020 marked the one-year anniversary of my appointment as Liaison for Restorative Justice and Healing in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. This date also marked 15 years that I have served as a pastor in the archdiocese. I see so many bridges between the work of restorative justice and the ministry … Continue reading Reflections on a Year as Liaison for Restorative Justice and Healing

Culture Change Regarding Racial Justice is Possible in Minnesota and Nationally

 DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT June 5, 2020 marked the fifth anniversary of the groundbreaking charges brought by the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office (RCAO) against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis (ASPM). In bringing criminal charges and a civil suit, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi stated that he was seeking a change of … Continue reading Culture Change Regarding Racial Justice is Possible in Minnesota and Nationally