September 2024

Dear Parishioners of St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Isidore,

I hope this letter finds you well and that the final days of summer will be filled with joy and peace.  I am writing to inform you that after careful consideration and prayerful discernment, I have decided that the merger of St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Isidore will not go forward.

Instead, I have determined that it is best for both churches to remain separate entities within the Apple Valley Catholic Community. This decision was made in order to preserve the unique identities and traditions of each church, while still fostering unity and collaboration within the Apple Valley Catholic Community.

As such, both St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Isidore will continue to maintain their own finances.  Offertory received for St. Elizabeth of Hungary will remain with St. Elizabeth of Hungary.  Offertory received for St. Isidore will remain with St. Isidore.  The finances of each church will not be combined as in a traditional merger, but rather will remain separate as in past years. 

We will still operate as the Apple Valley Catholic Community of St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Isidre.  This means that we will continue to share staff, faith formation programs, events and Masses.     

I trust this decision will allow both churches to continue to thrive and serve the needs of their respective communities in the best way possible. I remain confident that by working together while still remaining separate churches, we will continue to strengthen our faith community within the Apple Valley Catholic community and continue to spread the love of Christ to all who seek it.

I thank you for your patience, understanding and support during this past year as I discerned what was best for both churches and the Apple Valley Catholic Community as a whole.  Please keep both St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Isidore in your prayers as we move forward together in faith and unity.

May God bless you abundantly in all that you do.

In Christ, 

Note from Father Jeff - Published in Bulletin July 16, 2023

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ: I hope you are enjoying your summer. The month of June was not that great, but it looks like summer weather has finally arrived. I have met with the Parish Finance Councils, Pastoral Council, and staff presenting to them a proposal to merger St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Isidore into one parish while still keep their respective names. Along with this I have presented a Mass schedule change as well. This meeting took place on Wednesday July 12, 2023. The proposal will be available for distribution to all parishioners after all Masses the weekend of July 22-23. Staff and ushers will help to hand these out. Although I will be away that weekend on my summer vacation, there will be a way for you to send along any feedback to me via a “merger” email. Details of this will be in the letter.

Wishing you a happy & healthy summer.

In Christ,
Fr. Jeff

Letter from Father Jeff - Distributed at Mass and in Bulletin July 22/23, 2023

Presentation from Father Jeff - Presented to combined Finance Councils July 12, 2023