Here at Holy Name of Jesus, we delve into a story that began long before this building stood. The story starts in 1856. Priests traveled to Medina to say Mass in residents’ homes. Medina borders Wayzata today.
Imagine those early days. Masses and Baptisms took place in humble homes. Years passed. Then, land was donated. Holy Name of Jesus Parish was incorporated in 1864. This marked a new chapter.
Our Benedictine heritage is strong. The Benedictine Order from St. Boniface Parish administered the parish. St. Boniface was staffed by priests from St. John’s Abbey near St. Cloud. St. John’s Abbey supplied priests for Holy Name of Jesus until June 2007. This connection spanned over a century.
In 1875, a frame church replaced the original log church. The log church became a school. Education was always a priority. Sadly, lightning struck the frame church. It burned down in 1911. A new church was built and dedicated in 1913. This is the old white church you see today. It has been rebuilt and restored.
Over time, the school also grew. It was rebuilt and renovated. In September 1919, Holy Name of Jesus School opened for the full school year. Fifty-two students were enrolled. This included eight elementary grades and one year of high school. Four nuns taught the students. Today, the school serves 373 students. They range from preschool through sixth grade.
Father Arnold Weber came to Holy Name of Jesus in 1972. He was a retreat master and marriage counselor. He was also a gifted public speaker. His sermons were a pleasure to hear. He left in 1973. He became administrator at Benilde St. Margaret High School. But he returned in 1980. He retained his position at Benilde-St. Margaret’s. In 1981, he became full-time pastor at Holy Name of Jesus.
Father Arnold was a blessing. He built community. He livened up the liturgies. He encouraged stewardship. He promoted unity in the parish.
The parish grew rapidly. In 1983, construction finished on a new gymnasium. A temporary Worship Center, library, and classroom wing were added. The church we worship in today was dedicated in 1987. The temporary Worship Center became the Good Samaritan Center.
In the early 2000s, parishioners joined Ministry Area Commissions. These commissions covered Liturgy, Stewardship, Social Justice, and more. Today, Stewardship and Social Justice are combined. They form the Parish Life Commission.
After over 150 years of Benedictine tradition, Holy Name of Jesus became an Archdiocesan parish in 2007. The Parish Mission was developed. It remains today. It focuses on knowing, seeing, and being the hands of Christ.
Today, our community has 2,500 households. That’s 9,800 parishioners. Despite many changes, we maintain St. Benedict’s philosophy. We welcome all as we would welcome Christ.
Holy Name of Jesus School has a rich history. It dates back to 1919. The original school was built in 1919. It was across the road from the church. It overlooked Holy Name Lake. In 2008, the school was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School. It was for delivering academic excellence. Today, Holy Name of Jesus School serves around 300 students.
Remember the journey of Holy Name of Jesus. From humble beginnings to a thriving community. It stands as a testament to faith and dedication.