I can't recommend this to those that value the true, Catholic, deposit of faith…read more I am blessed to normally attend an orthodox, fully catholic parish. But I was housesitting for my sister and this was the closest parish so I checked it out & was aghast. A few things stand out: -Misgendering God, who has revealed Himself as Father and Son. The "priest" kept calling him "she" -No regularly scheduled confession. They only offer confession twice a year - outside of that it's by appointment only. The funny thing is that activist/progressive "Catholics" like this usually point the finger at trads, labeling them "self-righteous." However, believing one only needs reconciliation twice a year tells us they're the ones that think themselves righteous. -No adoration listed on their website at all. If they were a Catholic parish that believed in the real presence, there would at least be SOME Eucharistic Adoration -Homilies focused more on politics than Christ Overall, this isn't a blessing to the archdiocese. I personally never understood the Novus Ordo shade some people throw bc I go to a reverent mass usually, but now I understand why we need a reform of the reform, at the bare minimum.

Some church communities might have fish frys during Lent or bake sales to raise money but at…read moreSt.Joans we do soup. The soup suppers at St.joan are one of the things I look forward to all year long. We will not miss one of the six Wednesday night dinners if possible. I really enjoy trying all of the home made creations that other families share with love. There is always a mix of old world traditional tomato and bean soups and often a mix of something new and sporty like quinoa squash or tofu noodle. In recent years grilled cheese has been added and there is always the staple bread, milk, juice and cookies. Its much more than soup. It's also sharing time with our great community and making new friends. There is also a great line up of after soup prayer services and sing alongs that I really enjoy if I can get away from the kids!

The Holy Spirit is very much alive and present in this place…read more Pastor Curtis simply ask you to follow him as he follow price

Everytime i visit here, it gives a family feel…read more Ambiance: This is a small, non-denominational church that provides outreach services. From the outside, it reminds me of an old tv repair shop with stain-glass windows and a small parking lot adjacent to the building. It stands on the corner of Chicago and 38th Street, two very busy and infamous intersections, that have their own stories to tell. The inside of the church is small; two level. When you walk into the double door, there's a small entryway and then a room of many chairs and a pulpit that takes up the majority of the west wall. It's a modest church, with a congregation that is warm, inviting and friendly. Your greeted by ushers and provided with a bulletin of what's going on within the church weekly and for the month and sheet to give any prayer requests that you may have. Service: You're coming for the message, but I suppose the combination factor are the people as well, who help make up the congregation or who visit. The Pastor, Curtis Farrar, preaches a message that has passion and heart and knowledge, but he has an approach that makes him relatable and real. He seems to really care if you have a relationship with God and wants to teach you how to. They have prayer on Monday at 7pm, Bible Study on Wed at 7pm, Friday night service at 7pm, Sunday services at 9 & 11am. I'll be back!

Do come and visit us if you are wondering about the Extraordinary Form. Feel free to bring your…read morekids: the parish is brimming with young families, and no one will look at you sideways if the toddler gets squirmy or the baby squawks. But if possible come for the 10:30 High Mass, because the music is reverent and beautiful, and it is a great introduction to the fullness of the old Roman rite. (It does run longer than a typical OF Mass, so plan for 75 - 90 minutes, depending on what Sunday you choose.) Our current priests are both excellent preachers and the homilies tend to stick closely to the readings, which you can find in English in the gray missal/hymnals in the pews. On your way in, look at the front of the bulletin to find out what Sunday it is. The gray missals have each Sunday's scriptures arranged by Sunday towards the front of the book, with the order of Mass in the center of it. We were looking for a warm parish community, and have definitely found it here, as well as reverence and seriousness about the faith. Unfortunately we have lost our parish center and so have nowhere to gather for fellowship after, but if you can brave the cold/heat, please stay after Mass out front and introduce yourself! We found people to be open (for Minnesotans!!) and friendly.

It is Ok. You need to be in a quiet place to worship. You need to stay one with your soul and hope…read morefor peace with your Father in heaven.

I appreciate the 4 pm Saturday Mass time. The half-circular seating provides a view of the altar…read morefrom any position. Fr. Jim and the parish could really use some help. They are asking and praying for assistance to shore up the budget. Any financial donations you can provide will be greatly appreciated. God Bless!

This is a nice, large church. It was easy to find stairways to go downstairs, but it was hard for…read moreme to find an elevator for my son who is in a wheelchair.

I am a christian. This church like every church has a lot of problems. But their leadership…read moreespecially in the women's leadership Is not only lacking but is abusive in nature. I'm saddened a church of this size has such poor leadership. I hope it works out for you. I did not find the authenticity, grace, kindness that is expected by Christ.

Without question, I would heartily recommend River Valley Church to anyone, regardless of faith…read morebackground - or lack thereof. "The mission of River Valley Church is to lead people to an authentic, life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ." My girlfriend and I visited their Saturday early evening service in Apple Valley (4:30 PM), and we were amazed at the strength of the Spirit in that church. This is not your typical church "experience", so walk in with a completely open mind. The building itself is a rather nondescript office building in Apple Valley (a 35-minute drive for me from Northeast, but it was WELL worth the distance). But once you walk in, you will immediately be impressed with the warmth, energy, and spirit in that place. The church culture is casual, so you can dress down as much as you like. Head pastor Rob Ketterling speaks with passion, conviction, and creativity. His message that Saturday afternoon (2/25/12) was one of the best I have EVER heard, and I have listened to many hundreds of sermons (from dozens of pastors) in my adult life. The music/worship is as good as any church I have ever attended. In fact, to get a feel for the music style, check out River Valley's 2011 album "You Are // I Am" on Spotify or iTunes. But here's the thing: the worship there is clearly not at all about the musicians on stage; it is solely meant to praise God. The congregation belts out the song lyrics unlike ANY church congregation I have ever heard before. These people are passionate about their faith in God, and their love for Jesus Christ. If you're looking for a place to be uplifted, loved, to learn and to be challenged, check out River Valley Church. They also have campuses in Minnetrista, Savage, and Faribault. Check out the website for the various service times. And all this is coming from a guy who is a member at a church on the other side of the Twin Cities (and I have no affiliation or connection with River Valley...so there's my disclaimer!).

If I could do 0 stars, I would…read more My grandmother passed away yesterday. She had been a parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary in St Paul, which merged with St Luke's and is now known as St Thomas More for close to 70 years. She attended mass every week, and even when times were incredibly tight, she gave an offering. When my family approached Father Weiss about having her funeral service there this week, we were abruptly refused. Father Weiss said they could just not accommodate us this week since some of the staff was unavailable. He was very rude and did not offer an alternative or even his sympathy. This is not how any grieving family should be treated, and especially not the family of a long time parishioner and dedicated catholic like my Gramma. We are simply disgusted.

Touring local churches this summer... Beautiful church, very warm staff, Mass was done very well…read more This is the only Jesuit run Catholic Church in the Twin Cities, as far as I know. Think of our current Pope, a Jesuit. Given they all have years and years of philosophical study, I would have liked to see that come through in the Homily more, but I'm nitpicking.

This church is absolutely amazing. We just stumbled across this church that we always drive by. We…read morehave been attending for the last 10 months and we've only missed a small handful of Sundays. With that being said, We have tattoos and piercings and we're younger. Usually members of other churchs are against that and we get not so great looks. That was NOT the case here. We were greeted by so many sweet people that welcomed us. The first time we went, we got to speak to the pastor, which was really cool. They also ask you to take a moment and talk to people who you haven't talked to before you leave, which is really awesome because it builds community and trust within the community. We have made so many friends and talked to so many people just by this simple gesture they ask of us at the end of the service. Fast forward to today, we have such a great relationship with a few of the elders that are speaking as they find their new lead pastor. I have talked multiple times to Kristen and Matt, and they are just the sweetest couple. This church has a great worship team that sings a ranfe.of well known songs to new ones. Many of the church members are very gifted in singing or musical capabilities that really draw the Holy Spirit out during worship. Today, our 5 month old son was dedicated and it was the most memorable time besides his birth. Everyone was so sweet and we're so excited that he was being dedicated. They do a beautiful ceremony, and i really liked how they involve the whole church to stand beside us and pray over our son and if we ever need anything, us as a member can call on the church for help. A special camera person was there to take pictures of us before the service which was super appreciated. They also have small groups, classes, mission trips, and other fun things to get you connected with Jesus and other members of the church and the community the church serves. And oppertunities to volunteer. For example, they have an option to donate food and then a member of the church brings it to the famiky in need or the family that is scared to leave due to ice. They have a nursing room with a TV broadcasting the message for nursing moms. They have a little room that is off of the main sanctuary with windows so you can still see the stage and if you child is being loud or has special needs, you can go in there and there is toys and comfy chairs. They even have a huge whole wing dedicated to the kids. They have a big slide the kids get to slide down to be welcomed into the kids side of the church, which is really fun and cool! I can't say enough good things about this church. Just come in and check it out for yourself! God is on the move in this church.

Got way closer to God through Edinbrook. Lead pastor Brent is the man; best guy to talk to. The…read moreyouth pastor, Tyler, is very nice; such an awesome man to hang around

Excited to check it out. Seemed solid. But after starting in a small group. There is no…read moreaccountability for leadership / members of staff. Nice to visit but I do not recommend getting too invested. One leader within the church was unable to handle conflict or have a mature discussion so she opted to ghost us and continued to hijack our small group and continued to meet. Go check out Emmanuel Christian Center!! Solid, solid, amazing church. No church is perfect but mature leadership and staff is a must.