People often will ask a priest that if he could choose one assignment, what would that be? If you talk to most priests, however, they end up loving whatever assignment they are in. The reason for this is that as a priest you are walking most intimately with your parishioners towards God. As John says, “Nothing gives me greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4) I could sit down and make a pros and cons list of my new assignment, but I know that God will surprise me along the way especially filling me with joy as I see the faithful walking in the truth. 

I have had the unique opportunity of already living here for a few months, and have already been filled with that joy as I have slowly come to know some of the lay faithful here. I hope that I will be able to meet many more of you as we journey together on this path of holiness. It always fills me with joy to be able to celebrate Mass, hear confessions, and perform my priestly duties with you, but it always makes it much more special when I am able to know the people beyond just their face.

Some of you may only know me as that priest who has a beard and is always wearing sandals, but I hope you can come to know me a little better than that. I was raised in Brainerd along with my four siblings. We spent a good portion of my childhood living out in the country, so between that and Boy Scouts I grew a love for being outside. I try to get out whether it is to explore a new hike someone told me about, hunting, fishing, or just to sit outside and read a book. Having grown up with a large extended family, I enjoy getting together with others for meals, playing games, or just talking about if the Twins are going to turn it around anytime soon.  

Above all I love being a priest, and helping people on their path of holiness. I love to talk about the saints, what theological book I am reading, and hearing people talk about where they are in their faith life. I am very excited to be able to minister as a priest here at the Cathedral and Star of the Sea. Do not be afraid to introduce yourself to me.   I look forward to the opportunity to learn your name and get to know you better.  

I know that God will fill me with great joy in this new assignment, but as with any vocation there will be trials to overcome. I ask of your prayers as I start this new chapter of my life to be filled with that joy of God, and to be able to navigate those trials upcoming. Know of my prayers for you.   

In Jesus and Mary,

Fr. Charlie

The Parish Picnic for the Cathedral and St. Mary Star of the Sea will be held on Saturday, September 11  at the Holy Rosary School campus following Mass. Please note, Mass at the Cathedral will be celebrated at 4 PM this day. Stay tuned for more details regarding this wonderful and fun upcoming parish event! We will also be posting volunteer opportunities in August.

Now Hiring: Spread the word— exceptional educators needed! Stella Maris Academy is seeking a full time Pre-K teacher and a full time K-4 teacher.  Visit www.stellamaris.academy/employment to apply today!

East Duluth Catholic Faith Formation, a collaborative effort of the parishes in East Duluth, is accepting applications for the Director of Relational and Youth Ministry for 6th – 12th grade students. This is a part-time position with flexible hours. We are looking for someone who possesses a sincere and demonstrated ability to share their Catholic faith in the dynamic environment of a larger-scale middle and high school religious education program. The director is responsible for opportunities whereby faith can be sparked and nourished through retreat experiences and other opportunities for building relationships with our young people. Please see the full job description here. If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter, resume and references to lauren.mccracken@duluthcatholic.org.  

The Diocese of Duluth’s Office of Marriage, Family, and Life has now opened registration for our First Annual Catholic Family Camp at Big Sandy Camp and Retreat Center in McGregor, MN, on August 13-15. Family fun includes campfires, swimming, waterslide, volleyball, hiking, pontoon rides, laser tag, Mass, Adoration, and family prayer time. There is lodge space, RV, and tenting sites. Food is included and no dishes. For more information, go to  Marriage, Family and Life | Diocese of Duluth . A limited amount of financial support is available by a generous benefactor. Preference for allocation will be given to participants with larger families. So “Go for the Fun, Stay for the Faith!” Questions can be directed to betsy.kneepkens@duluthcatholic.org.

KofC.org/JoinUs Call Bob Spehar: 218-349-5051

The Diocese of Duluth's Pastoral Center is filling their building maintenance position. This role is casual, therefore one will be called upon as needs arise. The successful candidate will assist in maintaining and monitoring building operations, equipment, and grounds of the Diocese of Duluth. The goal is to maintain an efficient, safe, and effective environment for staff and visitors. Please contact Mary Rasch at mary.rasch@duluthcatholic.org for a job description and an application.

Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Cloquet has an immediate job opening for a  Parish and School Maintenance and Custodian Supervisor. This person will oversee the maintenance, cleaning, and equipment operation of the Queen of Peace buildings and grounds complex. Approx. 30 - 37 hours per week. A full job description can be found on the Queen of Peace website: qopparish.com. Contact the Parish Office at Queen of Peace Church at 218-879-6793 or qopoffice@gmail.com.

For the months of June and July, St. Vincent de Paul Immaculate Conception Conference meetings will be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at St. Mary Star of the Sea at 6 PM.  Email svdpduluthmn@gmail.com with questions or for more details.  You are invited to join us in this ministry of experiencing God in serving our neighbors living in poverty.