Rural lifestyle is perfect fit
by Marlo Benning
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| Father Maciej read a book in the preschool/kindergarten classroom at Christ the King School. He makes weekly visits to the classrooms besides seeing the students at mass two times per week. |
Since Father David Maciej moved to Browerville this past June he has easily fell right into step with his duties and the surroundings of our area.
He is the priest of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Clarissa and Christ the King Catholic Church of Browerville.
He served the past ten years for a parish in Rice and for one year at a country church in Mayhew Lake when it was added to the Rice parish before transferring here.
Typically, he said, the general rule for moving to a new location is about 12 years, but that exceptions can be made to that rule.
"I felt it was a good time to move," Father Maciej said.
He went where the St. Cloud Diocese had a need and that is how he ended up in our area.
"It has been a wonderful, warm welcome from both parishes," he said.
He grew up on a farm and said he feels right at home in this rural setting. He enjoys the slow pace and the laid back attitude of the people here.
"People take time more for people here than in the city," he noted.
"And I don't miss the Highway 10 traffic at all," he added with a chuckle.
This is his first time in his 27 years as a priest that he has been the main pastor in a church with a school that he is in charge of overseeing.
Once a week he visits the classrooms at Christ the King School which is located adjacent to the church and the rectory where he makes his home. At the school he does some teaching, singing and answers any questions that may arise.
"The kids are wonderful-They are delightful. And we have wonderful teachers and staff," he said.
The students and teachers attend Wednesday and Friday morning mass. The Friday homily is directed towards the children.
A larger portion of Father Maciej's duties are at Christ the King because it is the larger of the two churches. On the books, Christ the King has approximately 1200 to 1300 members and St. Joseph's has between 600 to 700.
Father Eugene Meemken, who is partially retired, preaches Monday mass at St. Joseph's, helps with penance services and with other various duties on occasion.
Currently, Father Maciej said that the congregation very recently realized their need of stewardship in the church-Not of the monetary aspect, but of the giving of their time and talent.
"I hope and pray that people can be committed to their parishes as much as possible," he said, "I guess every church wants that."
They are currently working with Deacon Mark Zenner to organize a committed core group to identify parishioners that would be willing to share their time and talents with others. It was apparent on Father Maciej's smiling face when he made a visit to a classroom, that he enjoys interacting with the students. And if you've ever attended mass at either of the church locations, you'll see that he is very comfortable leading the people in worship.
To show their appreciation for his service, the congregation is having a potluck dinner on Sunday, October 28 following the 10:15 mass at St. Joseph's in Clarissa. Members of both churches are invited to this celebration to honor him on World Priest Day.
marlo@inhnews.com