Father Ivan Tou, CSP, pastor of St. Lawrence Church and Newman Center in Minneapolis (left), and Bishop Lee Piche of the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis (right) accept the gifts of bread and wine from parishioners during the parish’s 125th anniversary. ENLARGE PHOTO | BEGIN SLIDESHOW

In 1887, the foundation for the Eiffel Tower was being laid, Queen Victoria of England was celebrating 50 years on the throne, and St. Lawrence Church and Newman Center in Minneapolis opened its doors.

Yes, the little white clapboard structure in Minneapolis that first welcomed opened its doors that November has now evolved into a legacy of faith that has spanned 125 years.

Hundreds of current and past parishioners, former elementary school students and friends of St. Lawrence Church and Newman Center filled the pews to almost capacity Nov. 3 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the faith community.

Bishop Lee Piche of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis (with arms extended) offers the final blessing at the 125th anniversary Mass at St. Lawrence Church and Newman Center in Minneapolis Nov. 3. ENLARGE PHOTO | ENTER SLIDESHOW

Bishop Lee Piche of the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis was on hand to celebrate the milestone liturgy, and noted that 125 years might seem “the blink of an eye” when more than 2,000 years of Christian history is considered, but, “It was here in this place, as the Gospel of Jesus Christ was proclaimed on this holy ground, that the people responded to that message with their hearts open to love. They said ‘Amen’ then, and now we say ‘Amen.’”

The Mass, which included music from the parish choir and children’s choir, was the culmination of a year of anniversary events that included everything from a winter ice skating party and parish mission led by Father James Diluzio, CSP.

Congregants fill the pews of St. Lawrence Church and Newman Center in Minneapolis for the 125th anniversary Mass on Nov. 3, 2012. ENLARGE PHOTO | ENTER SLIDESHOW

“Being people of God, we can’t help but be joyful and celebrate,” said St. Lawrence Pastor Father Ivan Tou, CSP.

Anna Pribribula said the 125th anniversary celebrations have revitalized the spirit of St. Lawrence.

“It has really been a community-building experience,” she said. “It is a renewal of who we are. The sense of family is huge here, and the people care about one another. I feel like God is alive and well here.”

The faith community of St. Lawrence had its beginnings in a white clapboard building that was dedicated on Nov. 27, 1887. The cornerstone of the current building was laid in 1921, and St. Lawrence School opened in September of that year. (The school closed in 1970.) The Paulists took over the pastoral care of the St. Lawrence in 1915 at the invitation of Archbishop John Ireland.

The children’s choir sings during the 125th anniversary Mass at St. Lawrence Church and Newman Center in Minneapolis Nov. 3, 2012. ENLARGE PHOTO | ENTER SLIDESHOW

Today, more than 75 percent of the 800 Sunday Mass attendees are made up of students from the University of Minnesota, students like Bob Benson.

Mr. Benson, a 22-year-old New Jersey native studying economics at the university said he stops by St. Lawrence four to five times a week for prayer.

“I like the sign outside that says, ‘Your home away from home,’ because that’s what it is,” he said.

Bishop Lee Piche of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis proclaims the Gospel during the 125th anniversary Mass at St. Lawrence Church and Newman Center in Minneapolis Nov. 3. ENLARGE PHOTO | ENTER SLIDESHOW

Of the student population, there are more men than women and more science and engineering majors rather than liberal arts, according to Father Tou.

“This is the opposite of what you usually see,” he said. The St. Lawrence peer ministry group and the small groups in dorms are two of the main campus ministry outreach programs.

As for the permanent parishioners, there is an active Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults program in addition to the Holy Name Men’s Group and the Catholic Women’s Group.

“Our parishioners are energetic and enthusiastic,” said Father Tou, noting the permanent parishioners have remained in the parish or moved away yet still call the St. Lawrence their spiritual home. More and more young families are also starting to appear on the scene.

Father Ivan Tou, CSP, pastor of St. Lawrence Church and Newman Center (left), offers the Eucharist to a congregant during the parish’s 125th anniversary Mass Nov. 3. ENLARGE PHOTO | ENTER SLIDESHOW

“Everyone is very welcoming and friendly,” Father Tou said. “When I announced we were planning the 125th anniversary celebration, I got a slew of volunteers.”

That convivial atmosphere at St. Lawrence can be seen after each Sunday Mass, with people mingling carrying coffee and donuts in the morning, or popcorn and lemonade during one of the evening Masses.

Over the next few years, Father Tou hopes to increase the ministry and outreach on the campus, more closely integrate the student and resident parishioners and help the students realize that faith isn’t just about Sunday morning.

In talking with some of the students, St. Lawrence is well on its way to achieving those goals.

“The Paulists are great and give me guidance,” said Mr. Benson. “[St. Lawrence has] given me a great opportunity to grow my faith.”

A photo collage honoring the 125 years of faith at St. Lawrence Church and Newman Center in Minneapolis. The main photo shows the original 1887 white clapboard church building. ENLARGE PHOTO | ENTER SLIDESHOW