FIVE TO RETIRE: Priests reflect on ministry, future

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
May 10, 2007

This July five priests will retire from full-time ministry, however, all plan to stay active in various ways.

The five priests to retire from full-time ministry include Father Jerome Cosgrove, Father Thomas Geelan, Father Dennis Sefcik, Father LeRoy Seuntjens and Father Verne Stapenhorst. Each possesses unique gifts and talents.

Father Jerome Cosgrove, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Estherville and St. Mary Parish in Armstrong, will retire from full-time ministry but will stay active in ministries. In ministry at the Carmelite Monastery he plans to celebrate Mass there regularly and will assist with faith formation programs at Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City.

Through the years Father Cosgrove pointed out that he liked serving in both the school and parish setting. He added, "They are all one."

"I would try to make the low times, high times - that comes with being a Christ's presence," he said.

Father Cosgrove said he always tried to do the best he could.

The priest mentioned that along with serving God's people, the priesthood offered a camaraderie among the brother priests in the diocese and he looks forward to continuing that.

Father Cosgrove plans to reside at Marian Hall in Sioux City.

Father Thomas Geelan mentioned that having served in many Catholic high schools, he really enjoyed working with youth.

"I worked in about six different high schools throughout the diocese during my 28 years of service as a teacher, principal and superintendent. I really enjoyed those young people," he said. "The teachers were wonderful, too. We had some great teachers. I really admire those people who were so God-centered."

Father Geelan, who was ordained on May 26, 1962, stressed the fact that he has no regrets at all in his decision to follow the priestly vocation.

"Being a priest and serving God's people is a wonderful opportunity - whether you serve in schools or in parishes. God's people are everywhere," he said.

Father Geelan, who is presently pastor at Immaculate Conception Church in Graettinger, mentioned that there are not many retired priests living in the Northeast Deanery. With that in mind, he plans to stay in that area - most likely move back to his hometown of Ruthven - so that he may help out priests in that area on the weekends.

"I am willing to go out and serve this area as much as I can," noted the priest.

Having the continued liturgical and pastoral contact with the people without the administrative duties is something he looks forward to. He has found that people are always so appreciative when priests are willing to celebrate Mass and hear confessions.

"I have had a very rich life as a priest," said Father Geelan. "It has been very positive and very good."

Father Dennis Sefcik, pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Rockwell City, pointed out that he enjoyed his ministry in both parishes and schools.

"I found it to be an interesting tour - having worked under five different bishops," said the priest who was ordained on June 5, 1965.

One of the most rewarding experiences of ministries came when a former parishioner asked the priest to help him prepare for death. He found that to be very meaningful and rewarding.

In retirement, Father Sefcik said he would be happy to help pastors out on the weekends. He also wants to spend time with his hobbies, one being tractor restoration. Father Sefcik plans to live near Pocahontas.

"This is a good time to step back and take a refreshing look at all that is happening," he said.

Father LeRoy Seuntjens, pastor at St. Mary Church in Hawarden, pointed out that he has felt blessed to have served mainly in parishes.

Along with ministry in parishes, Father Seuntjens has served in schools, worked with apostolic Christian Family Movement, Cursillo and most recently with the Hispanic ministry.

"The Hispanic ministry has been a challenge and it has really revitalized my ministry and my priesthood - here in Hawarden. It has been a gift of God," he stressed. "The things that you may find challenging or are fearful of are often a blessing in disguise."

In the blink of the eye, he mentioned that he could respond that the priesthood was the right choice for him. If given the option, he would make that same choice.

"I have enjoyed ministry. There are tremendous rewards - not only spiritual but psychological and all kinds of things," he said.

Ordained on Dec. 18, 1960, Father Seuntjens has found it fulfilling to share in people's lives at their high points and low points - from womb to tomb.

"In the nine years that I have been here, I have had some real human, family experiences with the Hispanic community in Hawarden," he said.

Upon retirement, Father Seuntjens plans to move to reside at Marian Hall in Sioux City. He will continue to serve as the spiritual director at Trinity Heights and will help with the Hispanic ministry at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City. Part of his ministry may also include a weekly Mass at the Carmelite Monastery.

While he is retiring, ministry is definitely part of his plans. At the same time, having no administrative responsibilities will allow him free time as well.

"God has been good to me. I have good health yet. Don't have the same level of energy, though," noted Father Seuntjens.

Father Verne Stapenhorst, pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Laurens, mentioned that it was a difficult decision to retire and move on from Sacred Heart which happened to be his one and only parish where he served as pastor.

"I became a pastor when I was 69 years old," he chuckled. "I enjoyed my three years at Laurens - offering the Mass and liturgy. I tried to make the liturgy a feast." Before this time he had served as a parish administrator or a temporary replacement pastor. He called his pastorate at Laurens his "last Alleluia."

The majority of his years in priestly ministry were in Catholic schools. After a few shorter stints at schools in Fort Dodge, Danbury and Algona, Father Stapenhorst taught at Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City for almost 30 years.

The priest combined his love of nature and photography to create inspirational slide presentations that he shared at school assemblies for such things as Homecoming and prom. That same love spilled over into his homeroom - #403 - as it was decorated with his photography, natural wonders and assorted collections. He was also known to incorporate music into his religion lessons.

Father Stapenhorst said he would never forget his "creative and wonderful students" at Heelan High School.

"Another highlight was working at the Grotto (of the Redemption in West Bend), helping with the tours and sharing the Good News in the world of crystals, petrifactions and the natural wonders of the world," he said.

The priest acknowledged that he is still discerning where to reside in retirement, but knows that he wants to stay as active as possible in ministry.

He wants to help out pastors on the weekends and hopes to teach a motivational class to various groups of the diocese - using his pictures and the state rock of Iowa - the geode. The class would be a combination of educational and spiritual. Like he taught his students, he wants to help people see "God in the small and unnoticed things in life."