Pelican Valley ACC
All are Welcome
Welcome
In 2019, the Diocese of St. Cloud combined the three parishes of Church of Our Lady of Victory, St. Leonard Parish and St. Elizabeth’s Parish into an Area Catholic Community. As the Body of Christ, we come together and are known as the “Pelican Valley Area Catholic Community”
YOU are invited – All are Welcome!! Pelican Valley Area Catholic Community’s faith family looks forward to dining regularly with you at the Lord’s table. The Venerable Fulton Sheen shares his wisdom: “He seeks us before we dream of seeking him; he knocks before we invite him in; he loves us before we respond.”
Our Pastor, Father Alan Wielinski, recognizes each of our parishes has its own identity; however, together we work for the common good of our ACC through our mission.
Meet Our Priests
Mass Schedule
Whether you are a newcomer, visitor, or long-time parishioner, we warmly welcome you to join us for Mass. Feel free to attend any of our Masses and be sure to greet us when you do!
Mass Times
Our Lady of Victory
Tuesday - 12:05 PM
Wednesday - (see bulletin)
Thursday - 9:00 AM
Friday - 9:00 AM
Saturday - 4:30 PM
Sunday - 8:30 AM / 10:30 AM
St. Leonard
Wednesday - 6:30 PM
Sunday - 10:30 AM
St. Elizabeth
Sunday - 8:30 AM
Office Hours
Our Lady of Victory
Monday - Thursday:
8:00 AM - Noon; 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - Noon
St. Leonard
Wednesday:
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
To sign up for Ministry Scheduler Pro or check your schedule, click here.
Join Our Community
We look forward to seeing you at the banquet of the Lord.
The Pelican Valley Area Catholic Community reaches out and is comprised of an ethnically diverse population, young and old, rich and poor…celebrating Eucharist, praying, witnessing, educating, and sharing our Catholic traditions and love for Jesus.

Pastoral Column
A Message From Father Alan
Dear Members of the Pelican Valley ACC,
Alleluia! We continue to celebrate Christ's Easter resurrection, punctuated this Sunday by Divine Mercy! Think of the mercy Jesus showed to his apostles who betrayed him. The Divine Mercy celebration originated with private revelations given to a Polish nun, Sister Faustina. The Polish pontiff, John Paul II began Divine Mercy Sunday and the theology and spirituality of MERCY has been emphasized and developed further with each successive pope: Pope Francis said succinctly "The name of God is Mercy"! Don't we all need to continue to grow in our own attitude of compassion and mercy for one another; that alone can decrease all the hatred, the grudges, the spirit of revenge and retribution, unforgiveness that seems to permeate, almost saturate our world today. Pope Leo's update/mercy contribution is his invitation to a prayer vigil for peace this Saturday. May we be united in prayers for mercy and peace.
I am also thankful for God's mercy personally as I begin about six weeks of radiation treatments for some microscopic cancer that my doctor detected some time ago, (post-prostatectomy). Thankfully we have an excellent cancer treatment center right here in Fergus Falls! And great doctors (including two from our parish!) and medical staff. The treatments will be five days a week amounting to about a twenty minute daily interruption...and hopefully nothing else!! It is expected to eliminate the cancer completely. Prayers for all people undergoing cancer treatment and in thanksgiving for the wonderful medical care available to us, alleluia!
Easter blessings, Father Alan
Estimados miembros del ACC de Pelican Valley:
¡Aleluya! Seguimos celebrando la resurrección pascual de Cristo, marcada este domingo por la Divina Misericordia. Pensemos en la misericordia que Jesús mostró a sus apóstoles, quienes lo traicionaron. La celebración de la Divina Misericordia tuvo su origen en revelaciones privadas concedidas a una monja polaca, la hermana Faustina. El pontífice polaco, Juan Pablo II, instituyó el Domingo de la Divina Misericordia, y la teología y espiritualidad de la MISERICORDIA han sido enfatizadas y desarrolladas aún más por cada papa sucesivo; el papa Francisco afirmó sucintamente: «¡El nombre de Dios es Misericordia!». ¿Acaso no necesitamos todos seguir creciendo en nuestra propia actitud de compasión y misericordia los unos con los otros? Solo esto puede disminuir todo el odio, los rencores, el espíritu de venganza y retribución, y la falta de perdón que parecen impregnar —casi saturar— nuestro mundo actual. La contribución de actualización y misericordia del padre Leo es su invitación a una vigilia de oración por la paz este sábado. Que permanezcamos unidos en oración por la misericordia y la paz.
Personalmente, también estoy agradecido por la misericordia de Dios al comenzar unas seis semanas de tratamientos de radiación para tratar un cáncer microscópico que mi médico detectó hace algún tiempo (tras una prostatectomía). ¡Afortunadamente, contamos con un excelente centro de tratamiento oncológico justo aquí en Fergus Falls! Y con grandes médicos (¡incluyendo a dos de nuestra parroquia!) y personal sanitario. Los tratamientos serán cinco días a la semana, lo que supondrá una interrupción diaria de unos veinte minutos... ¡y, con suerte, nada más! Se espera que eliminen el cáncer por completo. Oraciones por todas las personas que se encuentran bajo tratamiento oncológico y en acción de gracias por la maravillosa atención médica que tenemos a nuestro alcance.
¡Aleluya! Bendiciones pascuales, Padre Alan
The Journey
Pelican Valley ACC Newsletter
April 2026 Edition
In this Easter issue, our Pelican Valley Catholic Community celebrates powerful moments of faith, renewal, and community life. You’ll meet this year’s inspiring group of catechumens and candidates entering the Church, and read Father Alan’s joyful reflection on the growing movement of hearts returning to God.
This edition also brings stories that stir the soul—from a moving witness of prayer outside the Moorhead abortion center to a behind‑the‑scenes look at the humble men who make our Lenten Fish Fries possible. You’ll find updates on baptisms and new ACC families, a thoughtful reflection on feeding the hungry, and a beautiful teaching piece on the sacred meaning behind the three steps leading to the sanctuary.
Plus, enjoy snapshots of parish life, upcoming events, and a look back at fascinating pieces of local Catholic history. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, connection, or simply a smile, this month’s newsletter offers something meaningful for every reader.
Edición de Abril de 2026
En esta edición de Pascua, nuestra Comunidad Católica del Valle Pelican celebra momentos profundos de fe, renovación y vida comunitaria. Conocerás al inspirador grupo de catecúmenos y candidatos que ingresan a la Iglesia este año, y podrás leer la alegre reflexión del Padre Alan sobre el creciente movimiento de corazones que regresan a Dios.
También encontrarás historias que tocan el alma: desde un conmovedor testimonio de oración frente al centro de abortos en Moorhead, hasta una mirada detrás de escena a los hombres que, con humildad, hacen posible nuestras cenas de pescado durante la Cuaresma. Incluimos además actualizaciones sobre bautismos y nuevos miembros del ACC, una reflexión sobre alimentar al hambriento, y una hermosa enseñanza sobre el significado sagrado de los tres escalones que conducen al santuario.
Disfrutarás también de momentos de vida parroquial, próximos eventos y un vistazo a fascinantes fragmentos de la historia católica local. Ya sea que busques inspiración, conexión o simplemente una sonrisa, este boletín ofrece algo significativo para cada lector.
Highlight

Upcoming Events
To discover more upcoming events, please check our bulletin.

KC Pancake Breakfast
April 26
9:30 am-noon
Join us on Sunday, April 26, from 9:30 a.m. to Noon at OLV for a Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast. A free-will offering will be accepted. All are invited!

Pork Out 2026
August 23
after mass
Join us August 23, 2026, at St. Elizabeth for our annual Pork Out! Enjoy pork, bingo, and a raffle drawing. All are welcome. A sign-up sheet for raffle ticket prizes is available in the church entrance.
Important News & Updates
Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions or concerns.
List of Services
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St. Leonard receives Poss Donation
The estate of Laurence Poss recently provided St. Leonard Parish with a generous donation of $150,297.89. Laurence was born in Pelican Rapids, lived with his family on the shores of Lake Lizzie, and attended masses at St. Leonard. Laurence passed away at the age of 89 on April 14, 2024. While he lived in Great Falls, Montana throughout his adult life, Laurence had continued to stay in touch with family members who live in Otter Tail County.
For Laurence's obituary, click here.
The St. Leonard finance committee has elected to put the donation into a CD and use it as a reserve fund for future special parish needs.
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Christian Mothers Meeting
We will meet April 26 in Brenny Hall.
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Mental Health Minute
Many saints have lived lives marked by isolation and loneliness. One was Mohawk St. Kateri Tekakwitha who became Christian despite her family’s opposition and ridicule. She persevered, trusted, and stayed close to God in the midst of isolation.
When we feel lonely or isolated we too can turn to God, and we can set goals such as calling a friend once a week, texting to see how someone is doing and share a personal update, and going outside for a short walk or two, saying hi to people along the way.
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Sign up for our email newsletter
Not receiving our weekly Pelican Valley ACC email? Please contact Emily Schmidt at 218-736-2429, or email her at emilys@ffolvchurch.org. Our weekly email newsletter contains information about upcoming church events and happenings, so you don’t want to miss it! In your email, just tell us to put you on our email list!
Fergus Falls, MN
207 N. Vine St.,
Fergus Falls, MN, 56537
218-736-2429
contact@ffolvchurch.org
Weekend Masses:
Saturday 4:30 p.m.
Sunday 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Weekday Masses:
Tuesday 12:05 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m.
Friday 9 a.m.
Reconciliation:
Saturday 3:30 p.m.
Pelican Rapids, MN
36 1st Ave NE,
Pelican Rapids, MN, 56572
218-863-5161
stleonard@loretel.net
Weekend Masses:
Sunday 10:30 a.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. (Español)
Weekday Masses:
Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
Reconciliation:
By request
Elizabeth MN
706 W. Pleasant Ave.
Elizabeth, MN 56533
218-736-5230
carriewedll@yahoo.com
Weekend Masses:
Sunday 8:30 a.m.
Reconciliation:
By request
ACC Council members
Diane Aschnewitz, Chair
Rhonda Antrim-Petersen, Trustee
John Schmidt, Trustee
Dcn. Dean Pawlowski
Andrew Heinrich
Abram Silbernagel
Judy Zenner
ACC Council members
Dcn. Mario Mancilla
Dcn. Joe Hilber
Phil Stotesbury, Trustee
Maria Stokka, Trustee
Rosaneli Barrogan
Jose Escobar
Steve Maresh
ACC Council members
Wanda Zimmerman, Secretary
Mike Rengel
Bill Riestenberg, Trustee
Catherine Wilde, Trustee
Walter Paler
Diane (Dini) Schauff







