Fruits of the Vine and the Church’s Economic Impact on Minnesota

The Catholic Church in Minnesota has long been a beacon of faith, service, and community. Beyond its spiritual and moral leadership, the Church is also an economic powerhouse, providing billions in services that uplift communities and reduce the burden on taxpayers. To better quantify this impact, the Minnesota Catholic Conference commissioned Fruits of the Vine: The Economic Impact of the Catholic Church in Minnesota. This report provides a first-of-its-kind look at how Catholic institutions contribute to the economic and social well-being of our state. 

Why Publish an Economic Impact Report? 

Often, discussions about the Catholic Church focus solely on her moral and theological positions. While these are at the crux of the Church’s mission, her presence extends far beyond Sunday Mass, because our faith compels us to serve all people—not just Catholics—in tangible ways that meet their daily needs. From healthcare and education to social services and charitable outreach, the Catholic Church operates as a vital support system for Minnesotans of all backgrounds. 

Fruits of the Vine compiles and analyzes the Church’s role as an essential public asset. While communities frequently offer incentives to attract industries that bring jobs and services, Catholic institutions, already generate billions in economic activity, without seeking subsidies, while providing crucial services that strengthen Minnesota’s social fabric. The purpose of publishing this report is to ensure that policymakers and the public recognize the Church’s contributions and understand the value of protecting religious organizations’ ability to serve in accordance with their mission. 

The Church’s $5.4 Billion Economic Footprint 

The findings in Fruits of the Vine are staggering, revealing that Catholic institutions in Minnesota generate an estimated $5.4 billion in economic benefits annually across multiple sectors. 

• In healthcare, Catholic hospitals and organizations contribute $3.27 billion in direct expenditures each year. 

• Catholic education provides an estimated $700 million in annual benefits for over 40,000 preK-12 students, and when higher education institutions are included, the total economic impact reaches $1.45 billion. 

• Social services and charitable efforts are equally significant. Parishes and Catholic organizations assist more than 100,000 Minnesotans monthly through food, clothing, and financial aid, while groups like the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Knights of Columbus contribute over 500,000 volunteer hours annually. 

• Catholic events, such as weddings, funerals, and festivals, attract over 900,000 attendees each year, generating a “magnet effect” worth $56 million, with the Cathedral of Saint Paul alone drawing 100,000 visitors. 

• Additionally, Catholic construction projects support local jobs and businesses, adding $57 million in direct economic benefits annually. 

A Call to Support the Church’s Mission 

The Catholic Church is a cornerstone of Minnesota’s economic and social well-being. Through education, healthcare, charity, and cultural events, the Church provides services that support over 1.2 million Minnesotans each year, alleviating financial strain on government programs and strengthening local economies. 

We hope this report sparks meaningful conversations among policymakers, business leaders, and citizens about the importance of preserving the Church’s ability to serve. Catholic institutions do not seek special privileges—only the freedom to continue their mission without unnecessary restrictions. As Minnesota faces pressing social and economic challenges, the Catholic Church stands ready to be part of the solution—just as it always has been. 

To read the full Fruits of the Vine report, visit www.mncatholic.org/fruitsofthevine.