Jan 11th - Priest Appointment

We are happy to announce that Fr. Peter Jia (pronounced as “Cha”) will be serving as a Parochial Vicar for the Circle of Saints Cluster including St. Patrick in Tama, St. Michael in Belle Plaine, and St. Joseph in Chelsea beginning this weekend (January 10-11). 

Fr. Peter is 35 years old and was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Taiyuan in China in 2018.  He served as the Deputy Director of his Diocesean Office and was responsible for the security of church real estate and celebrating sacraments for local parishes.   In 2021 he moved to the United States and received a year of English as a Second Language instruction at Sacred Heart Seminary in Milwaukee.  He then attended a year of the Intensive English Language Institute at Divine Word Seminary in Epworth.

In 2021 Fr. Peter moved to Minnesota where he has just graduated with a Masters degree of Theological Studies in Liturgy from the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s.   Fr. Peter will spend the next year in the Archdiocese of Dubuque in parish ministry with an Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa to put into practice the new knowledge from his recent degree. 

Fr. Peter has one younger sister and one younger brother, along with two nephews, who all live in China.  He stays in contact with them frequently.  His mother passed away in 2009. Father’s hobbies include bowling (which he learned during his time in Iowa) and he enjoys listening to music.  

He looks forward to providing sacraments, working with the youth, and walking with the sick. He finds joy in seeing and serving the needs of others.

During his time at our Cluster Deacon Stan Upah (Pastoral Administrator) will take care of day to day administrative decisions.  Fr. Peter will focus primarily on providing sacramental support and pastoral care.  Fr. James Secora (Dean/Priest Supervisor) will provide any needed consultation to Deacon Stan Upah and Fr. Peter. 

Please welcome, Fr. Peter!

God bless,

Circle of Saints Staff