Father Clinton, a devoted pastor with an impressive 45-year tenure, retired in June 2019 after faithfully serving in various churches, including St. Peter in Mendota. Notably, he played a crucial role in overseeing the consolidation of multiple parishes, which resulted in the creation of the New Prague Area Catholic Community.

Father Clinton’s deep empathy for those who have undergone the trauma of abortion is evident, as he passionately strives to assist in their healing process. Over the years, he has provided invaluable one-on-one counseling, extending his support to both women and men. He has also been actively involved in Rachel’s Vineyard retreats.

In addition to his dedication to human healing, Father Clinton holds a profound passion for the restoration of the natural world. He has taken on the noble task of revitalizing the land on his family homestead, specifically focusing on reintroducing native prairie grasses and flowers. Through this endeavor, he warmly invites groups to witness the captivating beauty that has emerged, becoming a living embodiment of Pope Francis’ encyclical on environmental care, “Laudato Si.” Father Clinton’s multifaceted efforts leave a lasting impact both on individuals seeking healing and on his commitment to nurturing the environment.

Educated at UC Berkeley with a B.S. degree, Sandy further pursued her passion for medicine at the prestigious UCSF School of Medicine, earning her M.D. She completed her residency at the University of MN School of Medicine, where she conducted groundbreaking clinical double-blind medical research studies at the Minneapolis VAMC. Her contributions to the field are evident in the publication of her clinical research papers in reputable peer-reviewed medical journals.

However, it was attending a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat in 2019 that had the most profound impact on Sandy’s life. Experiencing the transforming love and mercy of God firsthand, she developed an unwavering passion for Rachel’s Vineyard and its mission. Since then, Sandy has served on several retreats, witnessing firsthand how others have also been touched by the mercy of God. 

In her personal life, Sandy is happily married and resides in the Hennepin County. She actively contributes to her parish as an engaged lector and sacristan. When she’s not busy with her volunteer work or church activities, Sandy finds joy in traveling, playing pickleball, cycling with others, and engaging in uplifting worship music.

Peter has been a lay ecclesial minister for the Catholic Church since 1986. For the last 31 years he has worked in various parishes for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. During this time he has been involved in youth faith formation, social justice ministries, emergency financial assistance, and parish administration. Peter has two adult children who live in the Twin Cities. He believes deeply in God’s redemptive love and is very pleased to be involved with Rachel’s Vinyard Minnesota.