St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church sits along Whiskey Road NW in Isanti, Minnesota, where it has served a growing community of Catholic families on the northern edge of the Twin Cities metro for about fifty years. The parish is one of three that together form the Isanti Area Catholic Community (IACC), a collaboration in the Diocese of Saint Cloud that also includes Christ the King in Cambridge and Sts Peter & Paul in Braham. Across the three locations, the parishes share a pastor, deacons, faith formation, music, and outreach, while keeping the rhythms of Mass and the sacraments rooted in their own local congregations.
Three Parishes United as an Area Catholic Community
The Isanti Area Catholic Community was formed in 2013 when Christ the King in Cambridge and Sts Peter & Paul in Braham came together under a single pastor, Fr. Donald Wagner. The following year, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Isanti joined, and the group took the name Isanti Area Catholic Community. Every parish in the Diocese of Saint Cloud belongs to an Area Catholic Community, and the IACC model is built around collaboration. By sharing resources, talents, and efforts, the three parishes aim to keep one another thriving rather than standing alone.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton has its own longer story. The parish recently marked its golden jubilee, celebrating fifty years as a parish community in Isanti. The milestone was observed at Mass with a light brunch following the celebration.
Sunday and Weekday Mass
Weekly Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is offered on Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. and on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. Doors are usually open thirty minutes before Mass begins, so newcomers can arrive early and introduce themselves to parishioners.
Across the wider Isanti Area Catholic Community, weekend Masses in English include a Saturday evening Mass at 4:00 p.m. at Christ the King in Cambridge and a Sunday 10:30 a.m. Mass at Christ the King, in addition to the Sunday 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Isanti. Christ the King also hosts a Tuesday evening Mass at 6:00 p.m. and a Friday morning Mass at 8:30 a.m.
The community's motto is "To live for the Glory of God and the salvation of souls." A short guide to the liturgy titled "Why go to Mass?" is offered for those unfamiliar with the Catholic celebration.
Reconciliation in Isanti
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered in the confessional at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton on Sunday mornings from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. and on Wednesday mornings from 8:00 to 8:20 a.m. Additional Reconciliation times across the community include Saturday 3:00 to 3:45 p.m., Tuesday 5:15 p.m., and Friday 9:00 a.m. at Christ the King, and Sunday 11:30 a.m. at Sts Peter & Paul. The parish encourages Catholics who have been away to come back to the sacrament, noting that God takes the initiative to restore those who approach.
The Seven Sacraments
Like every Catholic parish, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton celebrates the seven sacraments instituted by Christ, and each one is offered with personal preparation and accompaniment.
Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation. At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, baptisms typically take place during weekend Mass so that the wider faith community can share in the celebration. A baptismal preparation session is required for parents or guardians, ideally taken before the child is born. The class is led by Deacon Vince Charles. At least one godparent must be a confirmed Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church.
First Reconciliation is generally celebrated in second grade during the child's first year of sacramental preparation. The journey includes faith formation sessions, learning basic prayers, an understanding of sin and forgiveness, and a communal Reconciliation service.
First Eucharist is described as the source and summit of Catholic faith. Children typically prepare for both First Reconciliation and First Eucharist within the same year, with parents and catechists walking alongside them.
Confirmation is generally received in the fall of eleventh grade. Preparation includes faith formation classes, retreats, and service opportunities, with required participation by parents and sponsors. The Confirmation Mass is celebrated with the bishop.
Anointing of the Sick is offered to anyone facing serious illness, surgery, or the challenges of aging, and is not limited to those at the end of life. Fr. Peter is available to bring this sacrament to homes, hospitals, care centers, or to the church itself.
Marriage preparation at the Isanti Area Catholic Community includes six months of advance notice before the desired wedding date, participation in a recognized marriage preparation course, and a pre-nuptial interview with Fr. Peter or a parish representative. Marriage is understood as a lifelong covenant blessed by God that reflects Christ's love for the Church.
Holy Orders, the sacrament through which the mission of the apostles continues, is open to baptized Catholic men as bishops, priests, or deacons. Those discerning a vocation can contact the diocesan vocations director, Doug Liebsch.
Faith Formation for the Whole Family
The Faith and Family Formation program at the Isanti Area Catholic Community is built around parents and children learning the faith side by side. Parents are recognized as the primary teachers of the faith, and the program partners with families to nurture a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church. Parents and children engage with the same Scripture, teachings, and activities, and lessons are designed for all ages while still being adapted for family learning.
The program covers age-appropriate lessons leading children through the sacraments of initiation - Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation - and prepares them for First Communion, Reconciliation, and Confirmation. Registration takes place each spring, and the program is led by Tami Moore, who serves as Faith Formation coordinator for the community.
Adults seeking Baptism, First Communion, or Confirmation are invited into the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), coordinated by Marie Melland. Children not yet baptized who are ready to begin are welcomed into the Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC).
Music, Liturgy, and Eucharistic Adoration
The Music Ministry leads the congregation in song and sacred music during liturgies and special celebrations across the community. Kay Freund coordinates music at Christ the King and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, while Joni Nelson coordinates music at Sts Peter & Paul.
The ACC Liturgy Committee supports the planning and celebration of liturgies that inspire and unite the parish family. Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the Mercy Chapel, where parishioners are invited to spend time with Jesus in prayerful devotion. A printed adoration schedule is available.
Sharing Time and Talent Through Ministry
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the wider community offer a wide range of ministries that give parishioners ways to serve one another and grow in faith.
The Hospitality Committee, led by Brenda Taylor, creates a welcoming environment at parish events and gatherings. The Evangelization Committee focuses on sharing the Gospel and welcoming new members. The Stewardship Committee encourages the faithful to use their time, talent, and treasure in support of the Church's mission, with a Stewardship for Life newsletter published for parishioners.
The Social Concerns Committee, led by Cheryl Fike, promotes charitable outreach and service to those in need. The parish also supports the Lex/Pregnancy Resource Center and the Mora Crisis Pregnancy Center, providing life-affirming resources and outreach in the wider community. Natural Family Planning education follows Church teaching on fertility and family planning, led by Natalie Caza.
Baptism Preparation is led by Deacon Vince and Karen Charles. The ACC Pastoral Committee guides the overall pastoral direction of the community and includes Rich Bolen, Colette Bulera, Karen Chilsen, Ray Hoheisel, Julie Keys, Bonnie Miers, Eric Schoenecker, Steve Smith, and Charlie Zabinski.
Parishioners interested in any ministry are invited to contact the parish office or the ministry lead listed.
The Isanti Area Catholic Cemeteries
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton shares an Isanti Area Catholic Cemetery with Christ the King, located along Old Main Street South in Cambridge. A second cemetery at 1050 Southview Avenue in Braham serves Sts Peter & Paul. Each cemetery has a contact person for plot purchases, maintenance, marking, and rules. The parish works with several local funeral homes, including Strike Funeral Home, Carlson Lillemoen, and Hamilton Funeral Home, and with Braham Monument for headstones.
Pastors, Deacons, and Ministry Leaders
The community is served by Fr. Peter VanderWeyst as pastor. Two deacons assist: retired Deacon Gene Kramer and Deacon Vincent Charles. Tami Moore coordinates Faith Formation across the community. Kay Freund serves as Music Coordinator for Christ the King and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and Joni Nelson serves as Music Coordinator for Sts Peter & Paul.
The mailing address for all three parishes is 305 Fern Street N, Cambridge, MN 55008. The parish office can be reached at 763-689-1221, with extension 2 for administration and extension 5 for the business office.
Joining the Parish and Giving Online
New members can register through the parish office or by completing the New Member Registration form. Registration helps the parish support each family's spiritual needs, keep them updated about events, and connect them with others in the community. The community welcomes lifelong Catholics and those exploring the Catholic faith for the first time.
Online giving is available through Pushpay, with options for one-time or recurring donations. Online giving offers 24/7 account access, the ability to schedule recurring gifts, support of the parish even when a person cannot attend Mass, and credit card rewards. Donations can be adjusted or canceled at any time.
The Totus Tuus summer program is offered for young parishioners. Safe Environment training and background checks are required for all who work with children and youth, in keeping with the Diocese of Saint Cloud's policies.
A Place at the Table in Isanti
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is a Catholic parish of about fifty years, joined to two neighboring congregations in the Isanti Area Catholic Community. Whether a person is attending Sunday Mass, bringing a child for Baptism, preparing for Marriage, seeking Anointing in a time of illness, or simply exploring what Catholics believe, the parish is ready to walk alongside. Doors open thirty minutes before each Mass, and Fr. Peter, the deacons, and the parish staff welcome newcomers and long-time members alike.