Fr. Paul Nelson was born on May 24, 1935 in Rochester; the oldest of four boys. He grew up ten miles south of Rochester, and belonged to St. Bridget Church. He went to country schools through sixth grade and attended Lourdes in Rochester for grades seven through twelve. He attended St. Mary’s University in Winona, gaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. He then attended St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota before being ordained in 1961 by Bishop Edward A. Fitzgerald. Associate assignments included St. Augustine’s and St. Edwards in Austin; and St. John’s in Winona. Fr. Paul served as principal at several Catholic high schools—Winona Cotter, Mankato Loyola, and Austin Pacelli. He has been pastor at Queen of Angels in Austin, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, St. Joseph in Owatonna, and St. Augustine in Austin. When there is time, Fr. Paul enjoys reading, walking, music, and helping on the farm. “I am very happy to be an Parochial Vicar here at St. Pius X. I have had a wonderful and interesting priesthood for 42+ years.”