...are effective. "We want our people to know that we have voluntarily and unanimously taken this step," said Bishop Victor Balke of Crookston. The announcement came Friday only hours before U.S. Catholic bishops approved a policy to protect...

...served in Park Rapids for 11 years and Middle River for three years. On Thursday, he offered his resignation to Bishop Victor Balke. It was accepted with regret, said Monsignor Roger Grundhaus. Recent concerns from some parishioners centered on...

...2004, at St. Philip's Catholic Church in Bemidji with Monsignor Michael Patnode presiding and concelebrants Bishop Victor Balke and priests of the diocese. Visitation will be one hour before the services on Friday at the St. Philip's Catholic...