Bp. Cozzens Celebrates Pontifical Mass for the Feast of the Assumption

On the 1st of July, 2013, the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter arrived at the Church of All Saints to assume the parochial care of one of the oldest parishes in North East Minneapolis. The Church of All Saints was originally established in 1919 to serve the expanding Polish community. Over the years however, the neighborhood community has changed, with many parishioners relocating to other parts of the Twin Cities. As a result, the community of All Saints dwindled, and the parish has been without a pastor for the last ten years.

With the arrival of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, the parish is rediscovering its Catholic identity as an Extraordinary Form parish and is blossoming in a new springtime of liturgical and pastoral renewal.

As the parish draws closer to its 100th anniversary, renovation work begun in January is now reaching its conclusion. To celebrate the installation of a new High Altar and the completion of a $350K remodeling of the church interior, Fr. Peter Bauknecht, FSSP, pastor of All Saints, invited the Most Reverend Andrew Cozzens, Auxiliary Bishop of Minneapolis, and Fr. John Berg, FSSP, Superior General of the Priestly Fraternity, to join over 500 members of the faithful in celebrating a Pontifical High Mass on the Feast of the Assumption. The occasion was the first time a Solemn High Mass had been offered on the new altar, which had originally come from another All Saints parish in northern Pennsylvania.

Bishop Cozzens, who previously celebrated the Traditional Mass in the Saint Paul Cathedral last October, reported that he was delighted to make his first visit to the parish, and to meet so many of the young families at the outdoor reception afterwards. Fr. Bauknecht expressed his delight with the occasion and his thanks to all those who have helped renovate and restore the traditions of the parish, particularly the members of the St. Martha’s and St. Joseph’s Guilds.

Speaking with Fr. Berg afterwards, Fr. Bauknecht laid out his plans for an improved homeschool co-op and advanced catechesis classes, beginning this Fall. The Pontifical Mass also provided an opportunity for the Fraternity’s new District Superior, Fr. Gerard Saguto, FSSP, to visit one of the newer parishes in North America, where he expressed his gratitude and support for Fr. Bauknecht during his homily at the 10:30 Sunday High Mass.

For more information of the Church of All Saints please see our Minnesota apostolate information here, or visit the parish website at www.fsspminneapolis.org. Many thanks to Tracy Dunne for images of the day.