Adapting To A New Priest

Tools

Father Shane Stevens at his first Mass in DeSmet.

By Kent Erdahl

Story Created: Jul 6, 2008 at 10:32 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 7, 2008 at 12:03 PM CST

It was a day of new beginnings at St. Thomas Catholic Church in DeSmet Sunday morning.

Multimedia

Watch The Video

Father Shane Stevens took over as priest after the congregation's former priest, Father Cathal Gallagher, was denied a green card and told he had to leave the country.

Father Gallagher, who led the parish for the last ten years, learned last week he can remain in the county as his case gets another look. But church leaders had already made the decision to bring in Father Stevens.

On Sunday parishioners and Father Stevens himself reflected on this tough transition.

"I think he tried to let us know that he would help us though this, the healing process," parishioner Cindy Albrecht said. "And we're just going to grow. We'll grow in friendship with, and right along with, him. He's got some awfully big shoes to fill."

"I am so thankful to be able to come in and be able to serve them as best I can," Father Stevens said.

User Agreement

View comments

The following comments do not necessarily represent the views of KSFY.com. Users have agreed to these terms and in doing so accept full responsibility for their comments. Moderation is limited.

View Oldest Comments First

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 11:29 AM De Smet Resident wrote ...

I would venture to say the frustration in this parish and community is not so much about getting a new priest, but about the way the Catholic Church handled (or rather didn't handle) this situation. And people wonder why the Catholic Church gets a bad rap.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 8:05 AM Huntimer Parish wrote ...

We at Huntimer would love to have Father Stevens back. He is a great person and friend and even better preist. He truly cares about the people. Give him a chance. We get a new priest every year or so. Get over having a new priest and be thankful you have someone like Father Stevens!!!!

Monday, Jul 7 at 7:13 PM Mary Powell wrote ...

The people of DeSmet, Iroquois and Arlington have been hurt . . . there's no doubt about it. However, if anyone can heal the hurt, it's Fr. Shane Stevens. He is a kind, gentle, and yes, a holy man. Please give him a chance! In time, you will discover, as the people of Cathedral discovered, what a wonderful priest Fr. Shane is. He is wise, far beyond his years. Pls be open Fr. Shane! We are going to miss him very much at Cathedral, but God has a plan for both Fr. Shane and for your parishes.TRUST

Monday, Jul 7 at 5:30 PM Patti Ward wrote ...

I feel bad for Father Stevens, he is going to try to heal a parish that has been hurt beyound fixing...the bishop has hurt 3 parishes by hurting their paster and freind, we don't treat our people like this and the bishop should be ashamed the way he treated father Gallagher. The best way to heal these people is to undo what he has done. The bishop should show a good example to his people and start healing by sending Fr.G back here where he belongs. I really don't know how the man can sleep.

Add a comment

Hide comments

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.