Our Lady of Victory Parish
Welcome
We are delighted to welcome you to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, a community dedicated to the loving care and guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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
Visit Our Sister Parishes
To sign up for Ministry Scheduler Pro or check your schedule, click here.
Register with our Parish
New to the area or just visiting?
We would be thrilled to welcome you to our church community! Join us for a Mass to experience the warmth of our congregation and learn about our parish and activities. If interested, you can easily register through the link below. We look forward to getting to know you!

Pastoral Column
A Message From Father Alan
Dear Members of the Pelican Valley ACC,
As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Blessed Trinity we are inspired by the perfect love emanating from the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in their blessed communion of divine persons. In a world of increasing divisions, animosities and rivalries, what remains constant is God's love for us and the indwelling of the blessed Trinity in our hearts and souls. Therefore we also can be forces of love! And we need to be influential in the safeguarding of human dignity...even in the face of ever evolving technology and artificial intelligence (AI) as Pope Leo teaches and reflects upon in his first encyclical, "Magnifica humanitas".
The ACC Pastoral Council met recently and we thank Diane Aschnewitz and Judy Zenner for their years of service as they step off the council...Our Lady of Victory has two openings now on this council. (Please let us know of your interest!) Abram Silbernagel is the new Chair person, Wanda Zimmerman will remain secretary and St. Leonard (Welcome new member Azucena Rojas) will provide the vice-chair. The council decided that instead of naming a separate "transition committee" for the All Things New continued planning (as I mentioned in The Journey), this council will be involved in all aspects and guide the process moving us along as a new parish.
Stay tuned for further updates! WELCOME FATHER NILTON IMAN CHERO from Peru, visiting Father Lucho and our ACC this weekend!
Happy Feast, Fr. Alan
Estimados miembros del ACC de Pelican Valley:
Al celebrar la Solemnidad de la Santísima Trinidad, nos inspira el amor perfecto que emana del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo en su bendita comunión de personas divinas. En un mundo de crecientes divisiones, animosidades y rivalidades, lo que permanece constante es el amor de Dios por nosotros y la inhabitación de la Santísima Trinidad en nuestros corazones y almas. ¡Por lo tanto, nosotros también podemos ser fuerzas de amor! Y debemos ser influyentes en la salvaguarda de la dignidad humana... incluso ante la tecnología en constante evolución y la inteligencia artificial (IA), tal como enseña y reflexiona el Papa León en su primera encíclica, *Magnifica humanitas*.
El Consejo Pastoral de la ACC se reunió recientemente; agradecemos a Diane Aschnewitz y a Judy Zenner por sus años de servicio al dejar el consejo. La parroquia *Our Lady of Victory* tiene ahora dos vacantes en este consejo. (¡Por favor, háganos saber si tiene interés!). Abram Silbernagel es el nuevo presidente; Wanda Zimmerman continuará como secretaria, y la parroquia *St. Leonard* (¡damos la bienvenida a la nueva miembro Azucena Rojas!) aportará al vicepresidente. El consejo decidió que, en lugar de nombrar un "comité de transición" independiente para la planificación continua del proyecto *All Things New* (como mencioné en *The Journey*), este mismo consejo se involucrará en todos los aspectos y guiará el proceso para avanzar juntos como una nueva parroquia.
¡Manténganse atentos para más actualizaciones! ¡BIENVENIDO, PADRE NILTON IMAN CHERO, de Perú, quien visita al Padre Lucho y a nuestra ACC este fin de semana!
¡Feliz fiesta! — P. Alan
The Journey
Pelican Valley ACC Newsletter
June 2026 Edition
This issue of the Pelican Valley Area Catholic Community newsletter shares important updates and hopeful news as our parish family continues through the “All Things New” process in our diocese. Readers will learn about the formation of a new parish that brings together St. Elizabeth, St. Leonard, and Our Lady of Victory, along with what this means for our shared future while we continue operating in all three worship sites.
Inside, Fr. Alan reflects on this time of transition and collaboration, highlighting the work already happening across our communities in staffing, ministries, and pastoral life. The newsletter also introduces the upcoming ACC transition team that will help guide decisions around parish naming, governance, and the combining of finance and leadership structures, all while seeking wisdom and unity through prayer and the Holy Spirit.
In this issue:
- Update on the new parish formation within the diocese
- What the “All Things New” process means for our ACC community
- How collaboration is already taking shape across the three parishes
- Plans for an ACC transition team and future parish structure
- Fr. Alan’s pastoral message of encouragement and guidance for the months ahead
A timely and informative read for anyone wanting to understand where we are now—and where we are headed together as one community.
Edición de junio de 2026
Esta edición del boletín de la Comunidad Católica del Área Pelican Valley comparte actualizaciones importantes y noticias esperanzadoras mientras nuestra familia parroquial continúa con el proceso “All Things New” en nuestra diócesis. Los lectores conocerán la formación de una nueva parroquia que reúne a St. Elizabeth, St. Leonard y Our Lady of Victory, y lo que esto significa para nuestro futuro compartido mientras continuamos operando en los tres sitios de culto.
En su interior, el P. Alan reflexiona sobre este tiempo de transición y colaboración, destacando el trabajo que ya se está realizando en nuestras comunidades en cuanto a personal, ministerios y vida pastoral. El boletín también presenta al próximo equipo de transición de la ACC, que ayudará a guiar decisiones sobre el nombre de la parroquia, la gobernanza y la combinación de estructuras financieras y de liderazgo, todo mientras se busca sabiduría y unidad a través de la oración y el Espíritu Santo.
En esta edición:
- Actualización sobre la formación de la nueva parroquia en la diócesis
- Qué significa el proceso “All Things New” para nuestra comunidad ACC
- Cómo ya está tomando forma la colaboración entre las tres parroquias
- Planes para un equipo de transición de la ACC y la futura estructura parroquial
- Mensaje pastoral del P. Alan de ánimo y orientación para los próximos meses
Una lectura oportuna e informativa para quienes desean comprender dónde estamos ahora y hacia dónde nos dirigimos juntos como una sola comunidad.
Highlight

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

Rosary for Peace at St. Leonard
sunday, may 31
6:30 pm
Please join us at St. Leonard on Sunday, May 31, at 6:30 p.m. as we gather in prayer for peace through the Rosary. All are welcome to come together in faith and unity as we ask for Our Lady’s intercession for peace in our world, our communities, and our hearts.

St. Elizabeth Pork Out 2026
~ Save the Date ~
Sunday, August 23
after mass
Join us for our annual Pork Out!
Enjoy pork, bingo, and raffle drawings.
Raffle sign-up available in the church entrance.
All are welcome!
Important News & Updates
Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions or concerns.
List of Services
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Prayers for Father Bob
We continue to keep Father Bob Kieffer in our prayers as he recovers from a mild stroke. If you would like to send encouragement, his home address is:
509 12th Ave. E., Alexandria, MN 56308
You may also send him a text message at 320-241-1589.
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St. Otto's Cemetery Memorials
As we approach Memorial Day weekend, St. Otto’s Cemetery needs your financial help! The cemetery committee has identified several urgent needs:
- The cemetery will be purchasing a new lawnmower at a cost of $6,000. The high cost of gas will also increase mowing expenses.
- Three trees will need to be removed at an approximate cost of $2,000.
- The front gate needs repainting.
- The altar and crucifix need repairs.
If you would like to make a special memorial donation or would like more information about any of these needs, please contact Mark Graff or Father Alan. To donate, checks can be made payable to St. Otto’s Cemetery and sent to 207 N. Vine St., Fergus Falls, MN 56537, or dropped off at the church office at the same address.
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A Conversation on Faith and Mental Health
May as Mental Health Awareness Month frames a conversation with Father Alan Wielinski and Deb Forstner of the Pelican Valley ACC. They discuss why mental health ministry belongs in parish life, addressing stigma, normalizing conversation and integrating faith’s gifts of hope and community.
The team’s efforts include a suicide prevention remembrance and healing Mass, faith formation presentations on bullying, weekly “mental health minutes” in bulletins and emails, a Mental Health Novena, small-group learning using St. Dymphna’s Playbook, a community resources brochure and a talk by psychiatrist Dr. David Mach.
They encourage education, prayer intentions and using resources such as 988, reminding listeners they are not alone and help is available.
CLICK HERE to listen to the podcast.
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WANTED: Stephen Ministers!
We are encouraging you to search your hearts to see if God is inviting you into the beautiful ministry of Stephen Ministry. It is a wonderful way to serve as Jesus did, ministering to those who are struggling with life's difficulties.
Our training for new ministers begins on June 1, 2026.
For more information, contact Gail Welle at 218-739-3648, Jennifer Dummer at 218-770-1594, or Peggy Rezak at 218-731-5528.
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Baby Shower Thank You
Catholic Daughters Court St. Cabrini #1466 would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your generous donations to the baby shower we sponsored for our local Health Resources Center. We are so fortunate to have this pro-life facility in our community. We are also grateful to Erin Tysver and her staff for their life saving work.
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Support Kris' Crusade This Summer
Kris' Crusade 4 Kids is a summer food program to supply food for children in need in our church and community.
We supply bags of groceries every other week all summer, but we need your support.
Our summer fundraiser is at Service Food on May 22 and 23.
Some of the non‑perishable items will be on display to purchase. Thank you in advance.
If you prefer to give a cash donation to "Kris' Crusade 4 Kids", please drop it in the collection baskets.
If you have any questions, please call Char Zens at 218‑770‑9559.
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Volunteer Help Wanted: Fall Festival Edition
The following are positions open:
- Grand Raffle Co-chair (prizes, sales, distribution/ collection drawing)
- Dining Room Co-Chair (set/wait tables, seating)
Please contact Mary Widiger at (218) 770-2435 if you are interested in learning more about these opportunities.
Thank you to the many who have signed up already to chair and co-chair positions. You are appreciated!
— Mary Widiger
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Fall Festival Raffle Start-Up
The success of the OLV raffle depends on the generosity of our parish members.
For many years, parish members and local businesses have generously supported the raffle by donating cash gifts and goods for raffle prizes.
Please consider donating a raffle prize this year to make the 2026 raffle the most successful ever. No gift is too big or too small. Smaller donations may be combined to make single prizes. Donors’ names are listed on the raffle tickets unless there is a request to be anonymous.
If you would like to contribute a raffle prize this year, please call or text Myles Vosberg no later than May 22nd at 701-471-3381.
Thank you so much!
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Fall Festival Suggestions
Please be thinking ahead to the Fall Festival -
Are you a gardener? Perhaps you could plant an extra row of veggies, squash or melon to donate for the Country Store.
Do you woodwork or have a hobby? Perhaps you could make something this summer to put on the Silent Auction.
Be creative! We still have leadership positions available.
Please contact Mary Widiger for more information (218) 770-2435.
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Mental Health Minute
Loneliness and isolation can be common after a trauma or in grief, changing how the brain functions. Many times Isolation can push us further into our symptoms. According to “Make the Connection,” a resource of the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs, the following are options: address what’s causing us to want to be alone; reach out to friends and family and experience the effects of a positive mood; be part of a group that is sharing in the same feelings you have.
“Two are better than one: they get a good wage for their toil. If one falls, the other will help the fallen one. But woe to the solitary person! If that one should fall, there is no one to help.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
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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!

Inspired by Mary,
Nourished by Word and Sacrament,
Rejoicing in the Lord, and
Ignited by the Spirit
We are sent to love and serve, as we journey toward the Kingdom!





