This web site is a memorial to those individuals who were passionate about the reform of the
Roman Catholic liturgy as set forth in Sacrosanctum Concilium (the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy)
and who now, in eternal life, worship the God whom they served in this life.

Frank Winkels

Frank Winkels
Oct. 5, 1958 - Oct. 29, 1995


Francis Xavier “Frank” Winkels was involved with liturgical music and the other arts since childhood. A long-time resident of the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Frank was a gifted organist and respected liturgical musician. He was a composer and arranger, a concert organist, and worked with fiber, prints, and graphic arts. An exceptional organist, he was in demand as a musician, clinician, organ recitalist, music typographer, artist, teacher and consultant in liturgical matters. As an artist, he created inspiring and unique liturgical environments for worship.

Frank’s desire to implement the directives of Vatican II was his passion and the driving force in his ministry. He understood well and put into practice the directives of Vatican II, and always worked to get the assembly to sing through the involvement of many, many musicians, young and old alike, whom he influenced throughout his years of ministry. Frank was influenced by many friends in liturgy, including Fr. Godfrey Diekmann, OSB, Fr. Jan Michael Joncas, and Sr. Delores Dufner, OSB, to name a few.

Frank was an active member of National Association of Pastoral Musicians, the American Guild of Organists, and was a consulter on the worship board of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. A graduate of Saint John’s University in Collegeville, MN, he authored the “Ministry of the Sacristan” published by Liturgical Press, and in 1986 Harold Flammer Music published his book of organ accompaniments to well-known hymns.

At the age of 37, Frank died in 1995 from HIV/AIDS. At the time of his death, he was Director of Liturgy and Music at Immaculate Conception Parish in Columbia Heights, MN, where he had been serving the community since 1984. He is missed by his family and friends who found in him inspiration, humor, and a great zeal for life.