The history of St. John the Apostle reaches back in time to the year 1961, when parishioners petitioned the Bishop of Bismarck to establish another parish in Minot. The original building has its roots dating back to July 25, 1961 when Bishop Hilary Hacker announced the fourth Catholic parish in Minot was to be formed and appointed Fr. Donald J. Becwar the first pastor.
Ground was broken on June 9, 1963, by Father Becwar, and the first services were held in the new church building at Midnight Mass, Christmas 1963. The church was originally designed with the intent of housing a grade school; however, due to the inability to secure the religious sisters as teachers, the school never became a reality.
Fr. Henry Schneider was appointed St. John’s second pastor and served for thirty-two years until his retirement in July, 2002.  At the time, Bishop Paul Zipfel appointed Fr. David Zimmer, St. John’s third pastor. Soon after his arrival, the parish council and Fr. Dave and other parishioners began to assess our needs and areas to be updated and improved and a renovation began to evolve. Discussions followed and plans were drafted.  A Renovation committee was formed. Bishop Zipfel granted his approval of the project to make the improvements to St John the Apostle. The project began and dust flew on February 7, 2003.
The majority of the work was completed by Easter, 2003. The final phase of the project was the construction of the "Children's Memorial Monument," which was dedicated on May 31, 2004 - Memorial Day.  That same year, with a commitment to “honoring those who serve” our parish began recognizing our veterans and active military members with an annual Mass and dinner on National Military Appreciation Day, held on the third Saturday of May each year.  A wall of honor, naming every person from our parish who has served our country was dedicated on May 16, 2009 and is proudly displayed in our new gathering space. 
In September of 2005, St. John the Apostle church began a new chapter in its parish history as staff members and the parish and finance councils unanimously voted to become a stewardship parish. St. John’s has evolved into a vibrant, active Church community.  However, our facility was so limited in space.
Our new bishop, David Kagan, in Bismarck, extended his encouragement to move forward with our expansion and approval for the project was given his blessing.  For the second time in our history, a ground breaking ceremony took place in August of 2013. 
The much-needed building project was completed in 2014, which added “St. Francis Parish Hall” eight classrooms, a grand kitchen, new sacristy and pastor’s office!

Stewardship has radically transformed the people of St. John the Apostle from a stiff, somber parish to one that is full of joy, energy, and promise. This journey of spirituality through stewardship began in March 2005. As a stewardship parish, the atmosphere at St. John's has noticeably changed. The attitude of parishioners has turned from solemn to hospitable. The list of parish ministries has grown significantly, and continues to do so.
 
On July 1, 2016, Father David Richter was appointed as St John the Apostle’s fourth pastor. 
 

Father Donald Becwar     1961 - 1970

Father Henry Schneider   1970 - 2002

Father David Zimmer        2002 - 2016

Father David Richter         2016 - Present

For an expanded History of St John the Apostle, click HERE