Join us in giving heartfelt thanks to our jubilarians, whose decades of faithful service have been a living witness to Christ’s love. Their perseverance, generosity and quiet daily sacrifices have shaped the faith of countless people across our diocese and beyond.
75 years
Father Harold Pavelis
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Father Pavelis was ordained on June 2, 1951, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. He served for a time as diocesan director of sacred music and professor of sacred music at Saint John’s Seminary. He also served at St. James Church in Randall and Ave Maria in Wheaton, among his assignments.
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65 years
Father Anthony Kroll
What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a farmer, a politician, a sociologist and mostly a park caretaker. I was so undecided. I wanted to marry a young woman who would be eternally jolly and have a few kids who would be immensely successful. Lots of sacrifice! I wanted to have a purpose. I ended up doing what seemed to me to be what most people cannot do. I went to the seminary and got ordained!
Favorite homily you ever preached in one word or phrase: A boy came to Mass with his hat on. That bugged me. I kept asking myself why doesn’t he take it off or why don’t those adults by him take it off? All of a sudden, the Holy Spirit told me, “Tony, you are more worried about what that boy has on his head than what you have in your heart.” All week long I wondered about that. I decided to do testimony on it on Sunday. The people loved that sermon. Twenty years later a woman thanked me for saving her money. She said she and her kids heard that sermon and never once after that did they ask for the latest fashion clothes.
A saint you’ve leaned on the most over the years: I really admire Sister Dianna Ortiz and Father John Kaiser. Both are saints for me and many others. They both gave their lives to Jesus who gave His life for us. I get strength from them. They had a big purpose in life.
Most memorable parish food you’ve ever been served: I loved the Venezuelan food, especially sancocho, which is a soup with big chunks of earcorn.
A book you always recommend: I recommend “All Saints” by Robert Ellsberg. And of course “Laudato Si” by Pope Francis.
A moment in ministry that still makes you smile: A bat flew over the people during my homily and, as the bat flew over lowly, the people bowed their heads like a field of wheat in the wind.
Your favorite place to pray: My favorite time to pray silently is when I listen to a suffering person.
One piece of advice for newly ordained priests: I’d tell young priests to listen to Pope Leo, who listens to all seven continents. I’d also tell them to “keep it simple so others can simply live.” … The best way to evangelize is by spending your time with the poor.
Most surprising thing about being a priest: When a priest gets an unexpected letter saying how much you meant to her/him when they were going through their tough time.
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60 Years
Father Robert Harren
As you mark this milestone, how do you reflect on the ways your priesthood has evolved over the years? What aspects of priestly ministry have remained most central to your identity as a priest? It has been a joy and a privilege to serve as a priest and to experience God’s presence among us in so many ways.
Looking back, what is one moment that stands out as particularly formative in your vocation? There have been many highlights over the years. One of my most memorable occasions was the Ordination Liturgy when my classmates and I were ordained to the priesthood. Throughout the liturgy I had a keen awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit with us who were being ordained and throughout the assembly of people gathered for the occasion. I have cherished and appreciated that awareness of God’s presence among God’s people throughout my life, especially while celebrating the eucharist and the other sacraments. I continue to be hopeful as we all join hands to spread the Gospel and to advance our mission to be the Heart of Mercy, the Voice of Hope and the Hands of Justice within our diocese and beyond.
What wisdom would you offer to younger priests or seminarians discerning their own path? As you look to the future, what hopes do you carry for the Church and for the people you have served? The words I would offer to young priests and seminarians I would offer to all youth. I encourage them to be brave, to pray often, to stand firm in faith and to act in love. Jesus is real! He hears you, he loves you and he waits for you to speak with him, just as you are. Thanks be to God and to all the people who have been a blessing to me.
60 Years
Father Timothy Wenzel
As you mark this milestone, how do you reflect on the ways your priesthood has evolved over the years? In regard to my pastoral ministry, I believe experience has been my best teacher. For example, as time went on, in my ministry to those who were sick, dying or grieving, I felt more knowledgeable and confident in my pastoral care. This is also true for preaching. Also in my years as a priest, it was necessary to be flexible and able to adjust to change. When I was in the seminary, the Mass was still in Latin. To prepare for this, I had six years of Latin. I was ordained in 1966 when there was already some English in the Mass. By 1972, all of the Mass was in English. However, I don’t regret learning Latin because it gave me a foundation in learning other languages, such as Spanish.
What aspects of priestly ministry have remained most central to your identity as a priest?
For me, the ministry of pastoral care has been most central to my identity as a priest.Being a pastor gave me the opportunity to be with people during the most important and challenging times of their lives, “in good times and in bad.” The ministry of bringing the healing love of Christ by administering the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick; to be with those who are dying to give them the Last Rites; and to be with the families during those times, to give them hope and loving support. The celebration and partaking of the Body and the Blood of Christ as Eucharist transforms the people into the Body of Christ as Church. I believe that preaching is a very essential aspect of priestly ministry. I don’t claim to be a great preacher, but I try to give a message that is clear and coherent and which touches and speaks to the lives of the people personally. Actually, the greatest compliment I ever received on my preaching came from a 4th grade girl who sent me a birthday card, and along with her birthday wishes, she exclaimed, “I love your homilies!” I wouldn’t mind hearing that more from adults, but there is some consolation in the saying, “Out of the mouth of children comes true wisdom.”
Looking back, what is one moment that stands out as particularly formative in your vocation? Besides the regular pastoral ministry in a parish, I had the privilege of ministering to Hispanic Migrant Workers in the 1970s in the western part of our diocese, near the Breckenridge and Kent area. I was very grateful for the assistance of religious sisters and lay people in this ministry. I provided Mass in Spanish, visited them in their homes and when needed, helped them to attain sufficient food, clothing and health care. I organized a school for their children and a Social Service Center to assist them. They were good faithful Catholic Christians and were very grateful and friendly to me and to all who reached out to help them. They were hard workers and contributed much to the farm economy. I am saddened today by those who criticize all migrants, immigrants and refugees, most of whom are good people seeking a better life. I take my cue from St. Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 25, when at the last judgement, Jesus will say, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Or, “I was a stranger and you did not welcome me.”
As you look to the future, what hopes do you carry for the Church and for the people you have served? As I look to the future, I believe there will be challenges, especially because of the shortage of priests. It is my hope and prayer that there will be more seminarians and priests in the future. I am optimistic about the future. We have a good Pope Leo XIV, and a good Bishop Patrick Neary. And we have good priests who will continue to offer good pastoral care. We are not alone in meeting these challenges. The Holy Spirit will guide us. Scripture supports my optimism: “Nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)
I have found much happiness and joy in serving as a priest for 60 years. I have experienced much love from God and God’s people. I can’t think of any other vocation which would bring me such happiness. It is my hope and prayer that even after 60 years, I can continue to serve in this wonderful vocation.
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50 Years
Father Timothy Baltes
Father Geno Doyle
Father Ralph Zimmerman
(Read more about these three jubilarians in this story.)
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40 Years
Father Leo Moenkedick
When you think about your 40 years of ministry, what moments stand out as especially joyful or grace‑filled? My ordination and first Mass are the first things that come to mind, also welcoming new members into the Church.
Is there a particular sacramental moment — a baptism, wedding, funeral, etc. — that has stayed with you over the years? My brother’s wedding. The first wedding I did shortly after ordination, I was so focused on making sure I got all the parts of the Mass right, that I almost forgot the vows! I had to go back and do the wedding vows after I was halfway through the preparation of the gifts.
What has surprised you most about priestly life? The deep fulfillment and satisfaction I get from serving the people of God. The incredible joy of celebrating the sacraments, especially the eucharist, with my parishioners.
After 40 years, what gives you the most hope for the future of the Church? Our youth. When I visit the classrooms in our school, I see a deep desire in the children to grow in their love of God.
What are you most grateful for as you celebrate this milestone? My health. Hopefully, the Lord will give me the health and energy to continue to serve our diocese for many more years.
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25 Years
Father Greg Paffel
Favorite homily you ever preached in one word or phrase: Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me!
A saint you’ve leaned on the most over the years: St. Joseph, St. Peter and St. Polycarp
Go‑to prayer in a tough moment: Lord, thank you for your faithfulness, in the midst of my unfaithfulness.
Most memorable parish food you’ve ever been served: St. Alexius Sausage Supper
A book you always recommend: The Bible and “Boundaries” by Henry Cloud
One thing priesthood has taught you about God: “God loves the hell out of you!” Literally. He forgives our sins, heals our wounds and transforms our minds so that we may find happiness on earth as well as complete happiness in heaven.
Favorite feast day to celebrate: Holy Thursday’s washing of the feet and St. Joseph the Worker (my birthday)
A moment in ministry that still makes you smile: Fred Messer faithfully returning to the Church after years of absence because I drove his son’s car in a demolition derby.
Your favorite place to pray: Mass at a homemade outdoor chapel in the woods of the Paffel Family “Old Place” near Spooner, Wisconsin.
One piece of advice for newly ordained priests: Stay close to Jesus and be open to the Holy Spirit!
Most surprising thing about being a priest: Jesus becomes present in my hands as I say, “This is my body” and “This is my blood.”
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Above photo: The Roman collar of a priest is seen in a file photo. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)