Dave Hrbacek

Saint Paul

Staff Writer and Photographer at The Catholic Spirit

Catholic outdoorsman, writer and photographer

Articles

Epiphany church renovation features murals painted by school art teacher

2 weeks ago | thecatholicspirit.com | Dave Hrbacek

Pomeroy paused as he stood in the doorway to the nave (portion of the church containing the pews). It has only been a month since he and other parishioners could take in a remodeling project that stretches back 10 years. Soon after seeing the results, Pomeroy decided to start making weekday visits for prayer, alternating between the main church and the adoration chapel, which also has been updated in recent years. “I love it when it’s quiet and nobody else is in there,” he said of the main church.
Parents honor legacy of their son with annual memorial Mass

1 month ago | thecatholicspirit.com | Dave Hrbacek

The occasion was the 25th anniversary of the death of Charles Untz, son of Steve and Ellen, who died in a car accident at the age of 18. Though his life was cut short, he left a powerful impression on those around him. His strong faith touched many, and continues to inspire those who knew him, plus a growing number of people who have come to know about him through the annual Mass.
2nd annual St. Lawrence Newman Center Spring Wine Social hosted at Edina parish

1 month ago | thecatholicspirit.com | Josh McGovern |Dave Hrbacek

People in suits and dresses packed the school’s renovated gymnasium to hear from speakers Father Mike Schmitz, the director of youth and young adult ministry for the Diocese of Duluth, and Father Jake Anderson, the pastor of St. Lawrence and director of the Newman Center. Samuel Galvin and Maddie Mautino gave student testimonies.
Holy Thursday Chrism Mass to feature new clergy vestments

1 month ago | thecatholicspirit.com | Dave Hrbacek |Rebecca Omastiak |Josh McGovern

Deacon Larry Lawinger, director of the diaconate, came up with the idea in 2024 of getting matching vestments for all priests (chasubles) and deacons (dalmatics). After Archbishop Hebda approved, the diaconate office then provided funding and bought 732 vestments for the clergy of the archdiocese.
Registration opens for 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage events in 10 states

1 month ago | thecatholicspirit.com | Dave Hrbacek

The 2025 Drexel Route, which begins May 17 in Indianapolis and ends June 22 in Los Angeles, will include eight young adult “perpetual pilgrims” traveling with the Eucharist across 10 states and 20 dioceses, which will host opportunities for prayer, Mass and Eucharistic adoration, charitable works and community fellowship. Events are free to attend but require registration.
Catholic Spirit editor describes walking Camino de Santiago

1 month ago | thecatholicspirit.com | Dave Hrbacek

Joe Ruff, editor-in-chief of The Catholic Spirit, recently returned from walking 80 miles of the Camino de Santiago in Spain and Portugal with his brother, Paul, assistant director of human formation and director of counseling at The St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. After an invitation from Paul in December, the two decided to make this spiritual pilgrimage.
Drop — PG-13 (A-lll) - TheCatholicSpirit.com

1 month ago | thecatholicspirit.com | Dave Hrbacek

Meghann Fahy plays Chicago therapist Violet. A survivor of spousal abuse herself, as opening flashbacks show, Violet specializes in helping other women in similar situations. After an understandably long hiatus from the dating scene, Violet is ready to reclaim romance via a rendezvous with Henry (Brandon Sklenar), a professional photographer with whom she recently connected online. He’s arranged for dinner at a luxurious restaurant atop a skyscraper.
Supreme Court permits migrant deportations under wartime law, for now

1 month ago | thecatholicspirit.com | Dave Hrbacek

In March, President Donald Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act for the first time since World War II, granting himself broad authority under a wartime law to deport people allegedly associated with the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua, prompting both legal challenges and concern from Catholic immigration advocates.
Coon Rapids priest becomes National Guard chaplain

1 month ago | thecatholicspirit.com | Dave Hrbacek

With relatives serving in the military, it was a natural idea. But he put it on the shelf and focused on preparing for ordination and service as a priest for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Then, in December 2023, he had an encounter with a parishioner at Epiphany in Coon Rapids, where he now serves as a parochial vicar, that set the stage for a calling he made official April 5, when he was sworn in during a small ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul.
Riding the winds of change

1 month ago | thecatholicspirit.com | Dave Hrbacek

“Oh, you’re the people with the tree!” locals would say when they met John and Dia Boyle and determined which house was theirs. Sixty-something empty nesters, John and Dia are both Nativity of Our Lord parishioners. John is a professor of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, and Dia is a writer. She recently published a book titled “The Thoughtful Home.”The cottonwood had been part of that equation, one reason Dia loved her little home.