St. Joseph's Family Camp

By KATIE NETZEL

On Sunday, August 18, more than a dozen families from around the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and beyond gathered at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch in Stewartville for a day of faith, fellowship and fun at the inaugural St. Joseph’s Family Camp. As the sun shone down on the daylong camp, participants chose from activities such as ziplining, swimming, fishing, wagon rides, and arts and crafts as well as a shared meal. The busy day of activities was bookended by Sunday Mass celebrated by camp chaplain Fr. Will Thompson, Vicar General for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, and an afternoon Marian rosary procession led by Mother Apostle of Joy and Sister Refugio of the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará.

The goal of St. Joseph’s Family Camp was to give families with a son or daughter affected by disability an opportunity to be supported in their Catholic faith while connecting in fellowship with other families and enjoying inclusive activities. This goal was certainly met if the smiles captured by volunteer photographer Matthew Brannon are any indication!

The camp was free for participants thanks to generous donations from the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota, Knights of Columbus, and Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. along with the Diocese of Winona-Rochester’s Office of Life, Marriage & Family and volunteers from around the diocese. Given the overwhelmingly positive response from families and volunteers, the hope is to make this an annual event. If you would like to know more about how you can support initiatives for families in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, please contact Peter Martin, Director of Life, Marriage & Family at pmartin@dowr.org.

Katie Netzel is a member of Pax Christi Parish in Rochester, and served as the camp coordinator for St. Joseph's Family Camp 2024.