The Church of Saint Gerard Majella

The History of St. Gerard’s


The history of St. Gerard’s is full of rich tradition, and stories of dedication and commitment on the part of many people who have given so freely of their time to our parish. What follows is a brief account of how our parish started.
It all began in 1970, when a Redemptorist priest had a vision for a new parish, a parish that was truly Christ-centered, and made up of smaller Christ-centered communities, believers who nurture and support each other. The first pastor of our parish, Fr. Robert Oelerich, came from St. Alphonsus. He challenged the first parishioners to reach out to one another with love and acceptance, extending an invitation for involvement and participation, creating a sense of belonging. In reading about the history of St. Gerard, and the dream Fr. “O” had for this faith community, one is hard pressed to not feel the enthusiasm and dedication he had for a new kind of parish. He was known to quote Robert Kennedy, saying, “You see things as they are and ask ‘why?’, but I dream things that never were and I ask ‘why not?’
On January 23, 1970, the Church of St. Gerard was decreed by official document at the Archdiocesan Chancery Office. More importantly, on February 14, 1970, the first Mass was celebrated at Riverview United Methodist Church, Brooklyn Park, where space was rented for two years, until we could build our own church. Fr. Robert Oelerich served as the pastor, and Fr. Earnest Larsen was associate pastor.
In these early years of our Parish, there was a strong sense of community and togetherness. The people of St. Gerard shared a common vision of a faith-filled, Christ-centered parish, in which all were valued and treasured as a man or woman of God. Besides Mass at the Methodist Church, Fr. “O” would celebrate Home Masses, where parishioners in a common area would gather at someone’s home to celebrate Mass. What a wonderful way to develop a meaningful Christian community! Some children of the parish made their First Eucharist at these Home Masses, and also celebrated later with Faith Formation classes at the church.
The first Mass in the Church of St. Gerard was February 6, 1972. This first building is what we refer to now as St. Francis Hall. The first Mass began with an opening prayer service at Riverview United Methodist Church in union with that congregation. All then caravanned to the new church, toting candles, books, etc., to continue the celebration. Both choirs sang, and gifts were exchanged between the two faith communities. A truly ecumenical celebration!
From 1970-1990, the Redemptorists served the parish of St. Gerard, tirelessly giving their time and devotion to the people of the parish. In 1990, the Redemptorists were unable to continue serving St. Gerard. In June 1990, the Franciscan Friars, T.O.R., began to staff the parish.
Fr. Anthony Crisitelli became pastor, and Fr. Blase Romano was assistant pastor. Fr. Anthony served as pastor of St. Gerard from 1990 to 2002. During his leadership, we celebrated our first Mass in the current Worship Space on October 3, 1998. Fr. Anthony was loved by all, and it has been said that he was a fabulous cook, specializing in Italian cuisine, of course.
In 2002, Fr. Anthony moved into a different position for the Franciscans, and Fr. Giles Schinelli became our pastor, assisted by Fr. Terrence Smith. Fr. Giles is also a skilled Italian cook. It is been told that many of the Franciscans are accomplished cooks, and there is a fair amount of competitiveness amongst them! Interestingly enough, Fr. Giles was ordained on February 14, 1970, the same day that St. Gerard’s celebrated its first Mass. One of the many milestones during Fr. Giles’ years with us was the construction of the San Damiano Chapel. This chapel is now used for daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration.
As many of you know, Fr. Giles moved on from St. Gerard in June of 2010. Fr. Brad Baldwin had taken over as pastor, but he is far from a stranger to many of us. Fr. Brad was associate pastor with Fr. Anthony from 1993-2001. We are confident that he will be compassionate and effective leader for us all. He is joined by Fr. Ed Sabo, as associate pastor.

Some “Firsts” for St. Gerard’s:

1970 - Women’s Group (Altar Rosary Society) – first parish organization
1970 – February – community baptisms
1970 – May-First Communion
1970-71 – First Religious Education program
1971 – August – Corn Fest an Parish picnic
1971 – Summer – Parish Campout
1973 – May - Confirmation
1972 – February - First Mass in church building
1979 – Spirituality Week
1982 – March – Loaves and Fishes
1993 – Participation in Habitat for Humanity
1998 – October – Mass in the current Worship space
1999 – February – Mardi Gras Auction, now known as the St. Patrick’s Day Auction
2004 – Pumpkin Fest