By Bailey Ziegler
On June 16, the Sartell community and the Diocese of St. Cloud lost a valued community member, colleague and friend with the passing of Tom Offerdahl after a long battle with cancer. Tom served St. Francis Xavier Parish in Sartell for many years as parish business administrator as well as other roles. Those who knew him describe him as dedicated, faithful, always willing to help and never short of a good story.
Tom was also an important member of the diocesan parish business administrator network, which is where I had the opportunity to get to know him. What began years ago as a small gathering of business administrators meeting to discuss their work has grown into a thriving group of more than 30 people who gather quarterly to network, collaborate and share the joys, hopes, challenges and concerns of ministry. Even while undergoing cancer treatments, I was so impressed that Tom continued to participate. He came not only to learn alongside his colleagues but also to share his knowledge and wisdom. As one colleague reflected, “Even though I didn’t work with him often, he was always there to answer a question and offer help.”
One great gift of the Catholic Church is the community that extends far beyond the walls of an individual parish. While each parish is a vibrant community of faith, we are united as one Church across the Diocese of St. Cloud and across the world. Through these connections we share resources, experiences and support that strengthen our ministry. For parish and ACC staff members, especially those serving in small staffs or individual ministry roles, these relationships are invaluable. Participants at the quarterly business administrator meetings frequently remark on how meaningful it is to gather with others who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of their work, of our work, serving together, often conquering really challenging topics. Tom was one who wasn’t afraid to push the boundaries, but always in service to the people he served.
As one colleague shared, “Tom was always forward thinking and committed to building a community, even in the challenges of community life and especially into All Things New. He was good at saying hard things for the love of the community and it was clear where he was grounded: his faith.”
Over the years, these gatherings have become much more than business meetings. Important conversations take place that benefit parishes across the diocese, but even more importantly, lasting friendships are formed and faith is shared. Tom embodied that spirit of community. In community and walking alongside others, we encounter difficult realities. We move through seasons of uncertainty, stressful change and grief. At our final meeting with Tom in May, he spoke openly about his declining health and upcoming retirement. Together, we spent time in prayer, giving thanks for his years of ministry and asking God to grant peace and comfort to him and his family. While such moments are never easy, they are a powerful reminder of what it means to be a community of faith.
Tom’s impact reached far beyond the parish he served so faithfully. Through the relationships he cultivated and the wisdom he shared, he influenced business administrators and parish leaders throughout the Diocese of St. Cloud. I will remember him most for his legacy of service, generosity and faith and those gifts will continue to be felt for years to come.
Tom was such a great friend to so many! It was because he truly cared about them and what was going on in their lives. He was always willing to help in any way he could – even if it was only moral support and a friendly smile. He will be greatly missed – but his legacy lives on in each of us – if we carry that same love forward! thank you Tom!