Caledonia Argus

St. Maryís welcomes Fr. Leif

Posted: 1/20/04

by Jane Palen
Managing Editor

Itís been over 25 years since Father Gregory Leif first set foot in Caledonia for his first assignment as a priest. He stayed just six months, a result of a ìdomino effectî in which a number of priests were moved because of a vacancy in another parish. Fr. Quinn stayed in Caledonia, and Fr. Leif was assigned to a different parish.

But despite his short time here, Father Leif always remembered Caledonia and the people of St. Johnís and St. Peterís, who would later merge to form St. Maryís.

Fr. Leif returned to Caledonia early this month, eager to renew old acquaintances and forge new relationships as St. Maryís new parish priest.

A native of Austin, Minnesota, Fr. Leif attended Austin Pacelli High School. After a year at Austin Community College, he attended St. Maryís University in Winona, then continued his divinity studies at St. Paulís Seminary and the University of St. Thomas. Prior to moving to Caledonia, Fr. Leif served Adams and Johnsburg (near Austin) for over nine years.

Through the years, Fr. Leif (pronounced ìlifeî) has kept in contact with some of the people he led in bible study in 1978. And although he remembers some of names and faces, ìEveryone is a full generation older than I remember,î he commented. And of course, there are many new names and faces to learn.

Fr. Leif applied to serve St. Maryís because he was interested in a rural parish, and wanted a parish with a school, which is a top priority for him. He has been a long-tome friend of Fr. Don Schmitz, who was St. Maryís parish priest for eight years, and through him kept up to date on the happenings within St. Maryís parish.

The first order of business for Fr. Leif will be to listen to the parishoners, and determine what the strengths and weaknesses are and then to set about building on the strengths. His first Sunday ìwent famously,í he reports, and people have been very kind and welcoming.

Fr. Leif said he hopes to be present at many community events and athletic contests to support the youth.

ìI hope to be present at the things they enjoy,î said Fr, Leif. He also noted that he plans to resume his running program soon.

One of the projects that Fr. Leif will be facing right away is the remodeling of the former convent into church offices. Fr. Leif, parish secretary Bernie Privet and Dr. Michaeline will have offices on the first floor of the building and the rectory will be private.

ìIt will be good to have all of us just down the hall from one another,î said Fr. Leif.

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