For 20 years, the Rev. Joseph Steinbeisser has served rural Minnesota parishes with a devotion to sharing the word and celebrating the sacraments of the Roman Catholic church.

After spending time in big churches and small churches across western Minnesota, Steinbeisser has come east, crossing Minnesota Highway 4 to find a home at the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield.Father Joe Steinbeisser

“The wonderful welcome I’ve received not only from the church community but the community at large — (these are) very friendly citizens,” said Steinbeisser, who began his pastoral duties June 27 at St. Philip’s.

A native of Olivia, Minn., Steinbeisser, 50, chose to enter the priesthood at age 21. After working as a produce manager for a local grocer, Steinbeisser discovered the importance of serving others. Fueled by his family background and experience as a religious education teacher, Steinbeisser attended the University of St. Thomas and St. John’s Seminary. He was ordained June 7, 1986, at his home parish, Church of St. Aloysius, Olivia.

“I became a priest to serve the church, God’s people, and I try to do that as best I can,” he said.

The full story can be found in the Aug. 2 Independent Review print edition, or subscribe to our E-edition and receive the complete paper over the Internet.