Parish profile – St. Joseph, Waite Park

Q: What is the most interesting facet of your church building?

A: Definitely the wooden support beams that cross the ceiling and give the coffered effect. They have a very striking presence in the body of the church as well as in the sacristy.

Q: What is the most popular event or tradition at your parish?

A: The social events, especially if food is involved, are important to our parishioners. From fundraiser bake sales and fish fries to funeral dinners, parishioners join in the preparation, celebration and cleanup.

Q: What is an interesting historical fact or anecdote about your parish?

A: St. Joseph Church is built on a rock, literally and figuratively. Its foundation sits on a granite ledge and it has withstood a tornado, financial difficulties and 100 years of change — and as a result, we are stronger for having met the challenges. We are a faith filled community.

 

 

 

Meet the Pastor

Father David Grundman grew up in Osakis. He was ordained May 31, 1997 (the first priest of our diocese to be ordained by Bishop John Kinney). He was associate pastor at St. Anthony Parish in St. Cloud; pastor of St. Stanislaus in Sobieski, Sacred Heart in Flensburg and St. James in Randall; St. Anne in Kimball and St. Wendelin in Luxemburg, along with serving as associate pastor at Opole area parishes and Elmdale area parishes. In December 2016 he began serving as pastor of St. Joseph in Waite Park and St. Michael in St. Cloud.

Q: What inspired you to become a priest?

A: I was looking for something more in life. I began seminary not knowing for sure if I was called to be a priest. What inspired me was my peers in the seminary along with all the professors, religious brothers and sisters and priests who were in love with the Catholic faith. I wanted what they had!

Q:  What do you enjoy most about your daily life as a priest?

A: The gift of being able to walk with others in their lives and to help them in many different ways. Also, the intimacy of celebrating daily Mass as well as being God’s vessel as people expose their soul in their encounter with God in the sacrament of reconciliation — it is most humbling and uplifting. And finally, knowing of my fraternal connection with my fellow brothers in the priesthood is a true joy and strength.

Q:  What was the theme of a favorite homily that you preached?

A: Easter resurrection with the call for each one of us to come down from our self-imposed crosses in life and to step out of our tombs. In having left ministry for a number of years, I know firsthand of God’s forgiveness and his merciful love to transform each and everyone’s story.