Man who found crosier in St. Paul scrapyard finds his way back to the Church

Jeff Helgeson returned to the Catholic Church after a 40 year absence, a journey sparked by his discovery of a golden bishop's crosier in a St. Paul scrapyard in March 2025. After Helgeson gave the staff to Archbishop Bernard Hebda that May, he began exploring the faith he had left following a case of clergy sexual abuse involving a friend.

Helgeson, 63, returned to the sacraments this year, first through confession and then by receiving Communion. He spent his time reading the Bible and praying the rosary. On Sept. 28, Helgeson attended Mass at Immaculate Conception in New Richmond, Wisconsin, his home parish, after his pastor, Father John Anderson, informed him that Archbishop Hebda was expected to preside.

Helgeson received Communion from Archbishop Hebda during the Mass, which he described as a full circle moment. The archbishop had previously encouraged Helgeson's return to the Church and sent him a handwritten Christmas card.