-
-
Leadership
-
Father Jim SecoraPriest Supervisor -
Deacon Stan Upahs.upahdbqarch.orgDeacon, Parish Administrator -
Father Peter Jiap.jiadbqarch.orgSacramental Priest -
Father Alan Dietzenbach (Español)Priest, Spanish Support -
Deacon Joe BehounekRetired Deacon -
Father Michael McAndrew (Español)Priest on Sabbatical
-
-
NoteThe Circle of Saints Cluster, including Tama, Chelsea, and Belle Plaine, is currently being pastorally supervised by Father Jim Secora (retired, Ames), and Sacramentalled served by Father Peter Jia until further notice.
Cluster and Parish needs will be supervised by Deacon Stan Upah as Parish Administrator.
Father Alan Dietzenbach (Marshalltown) will assist with Spanish Masses and the needs of our Hispanic community.
Updates are posted here: This Week page
-
-
-
update
DEC 1st - Leadership Appointments
On Monday, December 1st, Archbishop Zinkula (per Canon Law) appointed Father Jim Secora (retired, Ames) as the pastoral lead of our Cluster and Deacon Stan Upah to oversee daily operations in Fr Michael’s absence. The staff are coordinating and making plans for our Cluster during this time. Truly, we have felt the Holy Spirit at work, and we are confident that we are in His care.
Fr. Secora will join us for Masses and several neighboring priests have reached out to offer help. Fr. Alan Dietzenbach will assist with Spanish needs and Masses. While all daily Masses and Confessions are currently cancelled, we are actively working to provide opportunities for Confession and will continue to update you as those plans take shape. Adoration schedules at all locations will continue as normal. Please continue to seek the Sacraments as you are able.
We know this moment may feel confusing and sudden, and that this news may bring many emotions, especially in the midst of the Journey In Faith parish planning. Please know these events are completely unrelated, and speculation is unnecessary. This decision is simply for Fr. Michael’s well-being. Deacon Stan will be available for questions after Masses and in the Tama office. The hands and hearts of our Cluster are working together and we can have hope for our future and pray for the healing and health of Fr. Michael.
God bless you, and thank you for being a parishioner of St. Patrick, St. Michael, and St. Joseph. Please pray for our communities, for our priests, and for our liturgies, sacraments, and programs. Small rural communities are truly wonderful—and truly strong.
God bless,
Circle of Saints Staff
-
-
-
cluster update
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
-
-
-
considerHave You Considered the Priesthood?Frequently Asked Questions
God is calling forth His men. The priesthood is a journey of faith, brotherhood, and joy—rooted in prayer, Mass, and walking alongside a community of men striving to live for God.
Explore with confidence.
Start at DiocesanPriest.com to see the questions many men ask before taking the first step. It’s an approachable site with stories, guidance, and reflections to help discern if God is calling you.Learn from the Church.
Visit USCCB Vocations for official guidance on exploring your call.
Vocations for Men
Walk with a mentor.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore or already discerning seriously, it’s important to journey together. Let us connect you with a local Spiritual Director to help you prayerfully discern your path with wisdom, honesty, and encouragement.
-
-
-
