THE GLOBE
PO BOX 5079 (51102)
1825 JACKSON ST.
SIOUX CITY, IA (51105)
712.255.2550
800.352.9035
WWW.CATHOLICGLOBE.ORG

Year for Priests: Reflecting on vocation, ministry

Name: Father Dennis W. Meinen

Birth date: 02/06/1951

Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa

Education: St. Michael Grade School (1958-1965), Bishop Heelan High School (1965-1969), and Briar Cliff College (1978-1982), all in Sioux City and Sacred Heart School of Theology (seminary) in Milwaukee (Hales Corners –1983-1986).

Ordination date: May 29, 1987

Current assignment: Chaplain, Holy Spirit Retirement Home in Sioux City

Hobbies/interests: Computer, I am also involved in the Diocesan Office of Ministry to Persons with Disabilities and serve at Mercy Medical Center doing night call occasionally. I write a column on disability for the Globe, our Catholic newspaper and I try to tell how people can overcome obstacles to their disability. I also volunteer on line at a site called All Experts.com where I answer questions on the Catholic faith from all over the country as well as other countries.

Describe your call to priesthood. My priestly foundation began and continued through the example of my parents, Catholic education, my music - I played the organ in church and at nursing homes - (even Holy Spirit Retirement Home!) for at least 15 years. After the service I worked for seven years (1973-1980) at A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co., a Plumbing, Heating and Industrial Mfg. Co. in Sioux City and Spencer, Iowa and ended up as a Sub-branch manager in Spencer. Then the Lord called me to the priesthood. One day after supper I was thinking about my industrial career and how great it was going. Yet, I didn’t feel that God created me for this purpose! I always looked forward to being in church and working with others on religious projects in college. I always felt close to the elderly and enjoyed making them smile through my music. Had I waited too long to accept the call and go to seminary? I thought, “Dennis, if you don’t do this, you’ll spend the rest of your life wondering what kind of priest you would have been!”

Was it a difficult decision to make? The Franciscan sisters helped me to see the value and spiritual benefit of Daily Mass and the Sacraments. I remember watching Frs. Arnold Huewe, Frank Conway, and Nicholas Ruba celebrating Mass and imagining myself doing that. I was ordained when I was 36 years old.

What do you enjoy most about being a priest? I enjoy most being a priest with my “21-year-gift” of Multiple Sclerosis. Like St. Paul I believe that in weakness power reaches perfection because we’re strong in the Lord.

Are there any particular devotions or prayers that are dear to your heart? The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, First Friday devotions and Adoration, The Divine Mercy Chaplet

Why do you find priesthood to be a worthy vocation? Because I can sacramentally nourish people and I can help prepare residents for Eternal Life! Just think, a wounded healer!

What would you say to a young man considering a vocation to the priesthood? Be not afraid.