A Visit with Father Alan

Father Alan was born and raised on the west side of the Mississippi River in Little Falls, Minnesota. He is the second of six children. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes School for eight years and then studied at Crosier High School. Father Alan thought about the priesthood even as a little boy in grade school. He was often identified as the child in his class who would go on to become a priest. He was inspired by the whole Catholic experience. He said that he always had a good feeling about God and thought that he would like to help people know that God loves them and that they could have a relationship with God.

After high school Father Alan attended St. John’s University in Collegeville. He graduated in 1980 with a major in psychology and minor in philosophy. He graduated from the St. John’s School of Theology in 1984 and was ordained on June 2, 1984.

Father Alan served at Assumption Parish in Morris, Minnesota for nine years prior to his assignment here. He served at St. Leonard’s in Pelican Rapids and St. Elizabeth in St. Elizabeth before moving to Morris. He has also been at St. Anthony’s in Browns Valley, St. Francis Xavier in Sartell and at St. Mary’s Parish in Melrose.

Father Alan is very busy as he adjusts to St. Paul’s, St. Peter’s and the pace of the two parishes. When he has time he has a variety of interests that he pursues. Father Alan enjoys outdoor activities. He likes to bicycle and has done the MS Tram (300 miles!) with members of his family a couple of times. He also likes tennis, racquetball and running. He likes to read books about spirituality and biographies. Music has been an important part or Father Alan’s life as well. He worked as a choir director and organist during his seminary days. He plays the piano and organ. He listens to classical, light rock and Christian music. Father Alan has traveled extensively. Assumption Parish in Morris has a sister parish in Peru to which Father Alan has made several trips. Father Alan does speak Spanish. He has traveled to Venezuela, Mexico and Europe. In 2005 he had a four month sabbatical in Rome. While in Europe he traveled to Italy, Spain, Croatia and Germany.

Asked what he most enjoys about being a priest, Father Alan responded that he most enjoys preparing for and celebrating the Sacraments. He likes being with people at the significant moments in their lives. What does he like least about being a priest? - Long meetings. He appreciates that the Sts. Peter, Paul and Michael School Board meetings are usually less than an hour. Father Alan has a dry sense of humor and enjoys spending time with people. When things settle down a bit he would like to visit people in their homes.

When questioned about his initial impressions of St. Paul’s and St. Peter’s, Father Alan spoke of both as strong, faith communities. It is his hope that we will maintain this strength and vibrancy of community as we find new and creative ways to be church in North St. Cloud. Coming to St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s has been “such a nice experience.” Father Alan has found staff, leadership and parishioners welcoming, positive and helpful. He appreciates the high level of volunteerism on councils, committees and in the many other ministries of the Church. He hopes that everyone will continue to share their gifts to help the parish and one another. Father Alan asks that we continue to take pride in and stay committed to St. Paul’s in this time of transition.

Father Alan has scheduled office hours at St. Paul’s on Wednesdays and Fridays and at St. Peter’s on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He will preside over school Masses at St. Paul’s on Friday mornings and at St. Peter’s on Thursday mornings. Welcome Father Alan! We’re glad you’re here.