In recent weeks, I have begun to have meetings with the Finance Councils / Pastoral Councils of each of the parishes that are now part of this cluster in Carroll county.  Again, people have been very gracious and welcoming.  It is good to meet with people who are so deeply and passionately invested in their respective parishes!  I will continue to have meetings with more parishes in the coming weeks.

Of course, the central question that everyone is asking is how will the Pastoral Planning Process unfold?  And when will it begin?  (There is a definite feeling that the parishes have been in “limbo” long enough.)  We have set up an initial meeting in early August between the team of priests and Dennis Cheesebrow, the person who will facilitate the meetings for the Ministry 2025 Pastoral Planning Process.  The purpose of this initial meeting is simply to outline the procedures that will be utilized, and to begin to formulate potential dates, times and places for the first steps in the process.  More information will be provided as it becomes available to us.  Please continue to pray for and with everyone who will be engaged in this process.

Peace.   Fr. Kevin
 
This week, we continue giving each priest on the team an opportunity to provide some background about himself.  This week is Fr. Mark Stoll:

I was raised on a farm near Hospers in Sioux County, the first of six children, and attended Spalding Catholic Schools [Hospers/Alton/Granville], Loras College [Dubuque], Saint Meinrad School of Theology [St. Meinrad, IN] and The Catholic University of America [Washington, DC]. I was ordained to the priesthood on 13 June 1992 and have served in parishes in Storm Lake, Fort Dodge, Neptune along with Merrill and Ellendale, Moville along with Kingsley, Onawa/Blencoe and Salix, and most recently served as pastor of St. Bernard-Bred, Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Mount Carmel, and St. John the Baptist-Arcadia [1 August 2016-27 June 2017].  I like to garden, look at the night sky [astronomy], sing, and give praise to God.  You may address me as ‘Fr. Mark.’  Please give me a little time to remember all of your names.  Mondays are my day off [unless there is a funeral or other special event].  I am glad to be here and look forward to join you on our journey of faith.  Thank you for your welcome and hospitality.