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
Our parish has upgraded to
the new myParish app!
We have some exciting news!
Our parish has upgraded to the NEW myParish, a brand-new app, and we would love for you to download it.
The new myParish app includes your daily Mass readings, a daily devotional called Inspiration Daily,
our parish bulletin right in the app, traditional Catholic prayers, our full parish calendar,
and direct messages from us — all in one place.
Here is what you need to do:
1. If you are viewing this on your phone, simply tap here to download myParish free.
2. Install the app, create an account, search for our parish, and favorite it.
That is it. We are excited for you to experience the new app. God bless.
Fr. Alan Wielinski
Important: the new app is called myParish. If you see myParish Classic, that is the old version —
please download myParish, NOT the Classic version.
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
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Dear Members of the Pelican Valley ACC,
As was announced last weekend at Mass, the name of our "new parish" (merging St. Leonard, St. Elizabeth, and Our Lady of Victory) is St. Leo. Thanks to all who participated in this naming process, including those who nominated names and voted, the ACC Council for their discussion and discernment, and Bishop Patrick who made the final selection of our new name and patron.
St. Leo the Great was pope from 400-461. His feast day is coming up on November 10. He is also a doctor of the Church. When his letter concerning the two natures of Christ was read at the Council of Chalcedon, the bishops famously cried, "Peter has spoken by Leo." He is credited with preserving the unity of the Church in difficult times, and protecting Rome through diplomatic persuasion (rather than brute force) with Attila the Hun. We see many of his qualities and great attributes reflected in our first American pope, Leo XIV.
We will wait for a special celebration of our new name and patron when the "decree" is formally issued by Bishop Patrick. Because of the planning process happening across the diocese, it may take some time.
THANKS to all who contributed to a successful celebration at St. Leonard's Beef Dinner on Wednesday.....both workers and diners!
This weekend we welcome Fr. Bob Kieffer at Our Lady of Victory. Next Sunday we will celebrate ALL SAINTS DAY! We will be joined by Father Moise Kisonia from the Crosier Monastery in Onamia. He will preside and preach at the OLV All Saints Masses.
Autumn blessings, Fr. Alan
Estimados miembros del ACC de Pelican Valley:
Como se anunció el fin de semana pasado durante la Misa, el nombre de nuestra "nueva parroquia" (que une a St. Leonard, St. Elizabeth y Our Lady of Victory) es St. Leo. Gracias a todos los que participaron en este proceso para elegir el nombre, incluyendo a quienes propusieron nombres y votaron, al Consejo ACC por su diálogo y discernimiento, y al obispo Patrick, quien hizo la selección final de nuestro nuevo nombre y santo patrono.
San León Magno fue papa del año 400 al 461. Su fiesta se acerca el 10 de noviembre. También es doctor de la Iglesia. Cuando se leyó su carta sobre las dos naturalezas de Cristo en el Concilio de Calcedonia, los obispos exclamaron famosamente: "Pedro ha hablado por medio de León". Se le atribuye haber preservado la unidad de la Iglesia en tiempos difíciles y haber protegido a Roma mediante la persuasión diplomática (en lugar de la fuerza bruta) ante Atila el Huno. Vemos muchas de sus cualidades y grandes virtudes reflejadas en nuestro primer papa estadounidense, León XIV.
Esperaremos para celebrar de manera especial nuestro nuevo nombre y santo patrono cuando el obispo Patrick emita formalmente el "decreto". Debido al proceso de planificación que se está llevando a cabo en toda la diócesis, esto podría tomar algún tiempo.
¡GRACIAS a todos los que contribuyeron al éxito de la cena de carne de res de St. Leonard el miércoles.....tanto a los trabajadores como a quienes asistieron a comer!
Este fin de semana recibiremos al P. Bob Kieffer en Our Lady of Victory. ¡El próximo domingo celebraremos el DÍA DE TODOS LOS SANTOS! Nos acompañará el padre Moise, del Monasterio Crosier en Onamia. Él presidirá y predicará en las Misas del Día de Todos los Santos en OLV.
Bendiciones de otoño, P. Alan
The Journey
Pelican Valley ACC Newsletter
August 2026 Edition
This issue of The Journey, the Pelican Valley Area Catholic Community newsletter, highlights faith, fellowship, and the many ways our parish communities continue to grow together. From caring for God’s creation and the Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to welcoming new ACC Council members and celebrating our youth, this issue offers stories of faith and community.
Inside, you’ll learn more about the meaning of the Sacred Heart consecration, meet new ACC Council members, and discover the many ways our parishioners are serving and strengthening our community. The issue also features ACC Youth Ministry, Vacation Bible School, the Steubenville retreat, and a welcome to new pastoral staff.
In this issue:
- Care for Creation
- Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- New ACC Council members
- Knights of Columbus Ministry Spotlight
- ACC Youth Ministry
- Vacation Bible School
- Steubenville retreat
- Welcome to our new Pastoral Assistant
- Upcoming ACC events and parish news
A wonderful look at the faith, service, and community happening throughout the Pelican Valley Area Catholic Community.
Edición de agosto de 2026
Esta edición de The Journey, el boletín de la Comunidad Católica del Área de Pelican Valley, destaca la fe, la fraternidad y las muchas maneras en que nuestras comunidades parroquiales continúan creciendo juntas. Desde el cuidado de la creación y la Consagración de los Estados Unidos al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, hasta la bienvenida a nuevos miembros del Consejo de ACC y la celebración de nuestros jóvenes, esta edición ofrece historias de fe y comunidad.
En esta edición, conozca más sobre el significado de la consagración al Sagrado Corazón, conozca a los nuevos miembros del Consejo de ACC y descubra las muchas maneras en que nuestros feligreses están sirviendo y fortaleciendo nuestra comunidad. También encontrará información sobre el Ministerio Juvenil de ACC, la Escuela Bíblica de Vacaciones, el retiro de Steubenville y la bienvenida a nuestro nuevo personal pastoral.
En esta edición:
- Cuidado de la Creación
- Consagración de los Estados Unidos al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús
- Nuevos miembros del Consejo de ACC
- Ministerio destacado: Caballeros de Colón
- Ministerio Juvenil de ACC
- Escuela Bíblica de Vacaciones
- Retiro de Steubenville
- Bienvenida a nuestra nueva Asistente Pastoral
- Próximos eventos de ACC y noticias parroquiales
Una hermosa mirada a la fe, el servicio y la comunidad que se viven en toda la Comunidad Católica del Área de Pelican Valley.
Highlight

St. Elizabeth
Turkey Bingo
Saturday, November 14
5:00 p.m.
Join us for Turkey Bingo on Saturday, November 14 at Brenny Hall in Elizabeth! Thanksgiving dinner and dessert will be served at 5:00 p.m., with bingo beginning at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the FF Food Shelf and St. Elizabeth Raffle. Come enjoy a delicious meal, fun bingo, and a great cause!

Bunco Evening of Fun
Sunday, November 15
6:30 p.m.
Join us Sunday, November 15, at 6:30 p.m. in Our Lady of Victory Fellowship Hall in Fergus Falls for an evening of Bunco fun!
Everyone is welcome.
Cost is $10 per person and includes soft drinks and snacks.
Sponsored by the Court St. Cabrini, Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

St. Elizabeth
Holiday Expo
Saturday, November 21
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join us for the St. Elizabeth Holiday Expo on Saturday, November 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.! Remember to bake something for the bake sale. If you would like to help with serving, please contact Bridget Wedll at 218-770-7133. Thank you for your support!
Important News & Updates
Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions or concerns.
Box of Joy: Final Shopping Reminder
October is the time to finish your Box of Joy shopping:
- Select an age and gender to shop for
- 2) Use the gift ideas list to do your shopping
- 3) Put all items in an assembled Box of Joy
- 4) Leave in the designated area of your church.
Cross Catholic Outreach asks for a $9 shipping donation. Your donation can be sent directly to Cross Catholic Outreach by doing an online donation from boxofjoy.org, by using the postage-paid mailer, or by giving a check to your local Box of Joy leader. If you cannot fill a Box of Joy, donations to support this mission are appreciated. Please make checks out to Cross Catholic Outreach. No cash please!
Your local leader:
- Kathy Nordick: 218-205-6509 (Fergus Falls OLV)
- Bonnie Jennen: 218-205-6730 (Pelican Rapids & Elizabeth)
Maryvale Retreat Opportunities
Take time away from the busyness of everyday life for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal at Maryvale Retreat Center. Two upcoming women’s retreat opportunities are available this November.
- Women’s Reading Retreat & Tea – November 13–14: Enjoy a mini-retreat featuring classic spiritual reading, discussion, fellowship, and delicious treats and tea.
- Women’s Silent Retreat – November 19–22: Spend four days and three nights in silence and prayer while discovering the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
For more information and registration details, visit maryvalend.org.
List of Services
-
Box of Joy: Final Shopping Reminder
October is the time to finish your Box of Joy shopping:
- Select an age and gender to shop for
- Use the gift ideas list to do your shopping
- Put all items in an assembled Box of Joy
- Leave in the designated area of your church.
Cross Catholic Outreach asks for a $9 shipping donation. Your donation can be sent directly to Cross Catholic Outreach by doing an online donation from boxofjoy.org, by using the postage-paid mailer, or by giving a check to your local Box of Joy leader. If you cannot fill a Box of Joy, donations to support this mission are appreciated. Please make checks out to Cross Catholic Outreach. No cash please!
Your local leader:
- Kathy Nordick: 218-205-6509 (Fergus Falls OLV)
- Bonnie Jennen: 218-205-6730 (Pelican Rapids & Elizabeth)
-
Retreat Opportunities at Maryvale
Take time away from the busyness of everyday life for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal at Maryvale Retreat Center. Two upcoming women’s retreat opportunities are available this November.
- Women’s Reading Retreat & Tea – November 13–14: Enjoy a mini-retreat featuring classic spiritual reading, discussion, fellowship, and delicious treats and tea.
- Women’s Silent Retreat – November 19–22: Spend four days and three nights in silence and prayer while discovering the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
For more information and registration details, visit maryvalend.org.
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Christian Mothers Meeting
We will meet on Sunday, November 1 in Brenny Hall.
-
St. Elizabeth Turkey Bingo & Thanksgiving Dinner
Join us for Turkey Bingo on Saturday, November 14!
Thanksgiving dinner and dessert will be served at 5:00 p.m., with bingo beginning at 6:30 p.m.
All proceeds will benefit the FF Food Shelf and St. Elizabeth Raffle. Come enjoy a delicious meal, fun bingo, and a great cause!
-
Help Provide Meals for Faith Formation Students
The Middle & High School Faith Formation team is looking for parents and parishioners to help provide a light meal for students before Wednesday evening classes.
Sign up for a day (or two), bring a meal, and share fellowship with our youth! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP.
Volunteers are also needed to help with small groups, teaching, leading the rosary, kitchen help, and more.
Contact Alli Neuleib at 218-770-6545 or Emily Jennen at 320-292-7939 to volunteer.
-
St. Elizabeth Holiday Expo
Join us for the St. Elizabeth Holiday Expo on Saturday, November 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.!
Remember to bake something for the bake sale.
If you would like to help with serving, please contact Bridget Wedll at 218-770-7133.
Thank you for your support!
-
Emergency Fund Donations Needed
OLV’s Emergency Fund has been depleted, and we need your help to continue assisting those in our community with essential needs.
To donate, use the green Special Collections envelope and check Emergency Fund, or write OLV Emergency Fund in the check memo.
Thank you for helping us continue this important ministry! Click here to donate online.
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Share the Warmth: Winter Coat Collection
The Social Concerns Committee will be having their annual Winter Coat Collection from October 10–November 8.
The Salvation Army requests only NEW jackets and winter gear (hats, mittens, boots, gloves, etc.) in all sizes, from children to adults.
Freshly cleaned and gently used items will also be accepted but will be donated to area thrift and donation sites.
For more information, please contact Mary Widiger at 218-770-2435.
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Pope Leo's October Prayer Intention: Mental Health
Please watch the following link as Pope Leo prays for his October special intention: Mental Health.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx0IiPoyRLY
If you would like a St. Dymphna prayer card like Pope Leo is using in his Bible, contact Deb Forstner at deb@ffolvchurch.org
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Mental Health Minute
5 EASY WAYS TO EASE ANXIETY
- NAME IT: Acknowledge your anxiety rather than pushing it away.
- CHECK THE FACTS: If no immediate threat, maybe a false alarm.
- GROUND YOURSELF: Find three things you can see, feel, and hear.
- MOVE AND BREATHE: Stretch, just move or try breathing exercises.
- RETURN TO YOUR DAY: Take one small productive step forward.
“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your eyes be straight before you.” Proverbs 4:25
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Family Rosary Across America
Join families across the nation in praying the Rosary together through Relevant Radio’s Family Rosary Across America.
This live, interactive Rosary is broadcast every evening at 7:00 PM CT and is a wonderful way to gather your family in prayer.
Learn more and pray along at: relevantradio.com/family-rosary-across-america
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
Abram Silbernagel, Chair
Rhonda Antrim-Petersen, Trustee
John Schmidt, Trustee
Dcn. Dean Pawlowski
Andrew Heinrich
ACC Council members
Dcn. Mario Mancilla
Dcn. Joe Hilber
Phil Stotesbury, Trustee
Maria Stokka, Trustee
Rosaneli Barrogan
Jose Escobar
Steve Maresh
Azucena Rojas
ACC Council members
Wanda Zimmerman, Secretary
Mike Rengel
Bill Riestenberg, Trustee
Catherine Wilde, Trustee
Walter Paler
Diane (Dini) Schauff










